During Monday’s general discussion on the proposed 2026–27 national budget in Bangladesh’s parliament, several lawmakers raised concerns over drug trafficking, terrorism, and lingering authoritarian influence. NCP MP Abdullah Al Amin questioned whether the country’s drug crisis was being fueled by external forces, urging the Home Minister to clarify the promised post-Eid joint anti-drug operation. NCP MP Nusrat Tabassum said that despite the fall of dictatorship after the July uprising, its violent influence and threats persist.

BNP MP Reza Ahmed demanded strong action against armed groups operating in the Padma river char areas across Kushtia, Natore, and Rajshahi, citing murders linked to land and sand disputes. He also called for more police vehicles to control rampant drug smuggling along border areas. Other MPs discussed issues including port management policy, the disappearance of historical figures from textbooks, expatriate harassment, and worsening power shortages.

Jamaat-e-Islami MP Mahbubur Rahman Belal criticized the budget as unrealistic and warned that ignoring the results of a recent referendum could destabilize the country if reforms are not implemented soon.

Sylhet city Jamaat-e-Islami leaders have demanded the cancellation of the withdrawal order of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Sarwar Alam, calling for his reinstatement. The demand was made by central working committee member and Sylhet city Ameer Muhammad Fakhrul Islam during a city Jamaat meeting on Monday. He alleged that the current BNP-led government, which came to power through the July uprising, is operating in an authoritarian manner and removed the popular DC to clear the way for unethical activities.

According to Fakhrul Islam, DC Sarwar had earned public admiration through initiatives such as anti-drug drives, welfare funds for imams and muezzins, housing plans for expatriates, and restoring order on city footpaths. He also mentioned that Sarwar sealed three donation pots at the Shahjalal shrine and installed official donation boxes to ensure financial transparency, which allegedly led to his removal. The decision has reportedly sparked public anger and street protests in Sylhet.

Jamaat leaders warned that such actions could discourage honest officials and harm public trust. They urged the government to reverse the decision and restore Sarwar Alam to his position.

A two-day cultural program organized by the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy concluded on June 22, marking World Music Day. The event featured colorful performances by renowned Bangladeshi artists, including solo and group renditions of Nazrul songs and folk music. The academy arranged processions, discussions, and concerts on June 21 and 22 to celebrate the occasion.

At the closing ceremony, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Adviser to the Prime Minister on political and cultural affairs, said that music has historically played a powerful role in movements for freedom, democracy, and rights. He cited examples from Bangladesh’s past, including the 1952 language movement, the 1969 mass uprising, and the 1971 Liberation War, emphasizing music’s enduring influence in social and political struggles.

The event was attended by Mymensingh Zila Parishad Administrator Emran Saleh Prince as special guest and JASAS Member Secretary Zakir Hossain Rokon as honored guest. Cultural Affairs Secretary Kaniz Mowla presided over the ceremony, which concluded with performances by several bands and invited artists from various embassies.

The United States has announced a conditional plan to release Iran’s frozen assets, requiring that a major portion of the funds be used to buy American soybeans, corn, and wheat. The plan was revealed by US Vice President JD Vance after a high-level meeting between US and Iranian officials at Switzerland’s Bürgenstock Resort. According to Vance, the initiative aims to ensure that the released funds support humanitarian and public welfare purposes rather than terrorism financing.

Vance said the US and Qatar are jointly developing a special monitoring mechanism to oversee how Iran uses the released funds, with both Washington and Doha sharing control over approvals. He added that Jared Kushner is working with Qatar on a joint proposal to implement the plan, which would strengthen Iran’s food security while boosting US agricultural exports. Vance described the initiative as a “classic Trump deal” that could benefit both nations.

The US vice president also stated that Washington has been consulting with regional allies, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Lebanon. While Gulf countries view the move as a step toward regional stability, Israeli officials remain concerned about any concessions to Iran.

Private University Chhatra Dal organized a protest march in Dhaka on Monday afternoon, denouncing what it described as the Awami League’s and its affiliates’ attempts to destabilize law and order through provocative activities and threats to the administration. The march began at Prime Asia University on Kamal Ataturk Avenue in Banani and concluded at Gulshan-2 Circle, with participation from leaders and activists representing around 45 to 50 private universities in the capital.

The protest was led by the organization’s president, Md. Abu Horaira, accompanied by general secretary M. Rajibul Islam Talukder (Bindu) and senior vice president Risalat Islam Sajib. In a brief rally following the march, Horaira urged students to remain united against any conspiracies or anti-state activities, emphasizing the historical role of private university students in national crises. Talukder stated that the student body would continue to stand for democracy, rule of law, and citizens’ rights, calling on members to cooperate with authorities in maintaining peace and vigilance on campuses.

Participants reaffirmed their commitment to stability, democratic values, and a peaceful academic environment across universities.

A young student named Nuzhat from Rangpur Cantonment Public School and College died after jumping from the rooftop of Hotel North View in Rangpur city’s Payra Chattar area on Monday afternoon. Police said she arrived at the hotel around 4:50 p.m. and spent nearly an hour on the rooftop before jumping at 5:42 p.m. Her body was later sent to Rangpur Medical College Hospital for autopsy.

Deputy Police Commissioner (DB) Sanatan Chakraborty confirmed that CCTV footage of the incident had been collected and that police contacted her family after analyzing her mobile phone. Nuzhat, daughter of Nazrul Islam from Khalifa Para, was scheduled to sit for her Higher Secondary Certificate examination this year.

A video of the incident circulated on social media, showing the girl sitting on the rooftop before leaning backward over the railing. Locals questioned how access to the rooftop of such a prominent hotel was left open, raising concerns about hotel safety measures.

A four-year-old girl named Jannat drowned in a pit filled with rainwater near her home in Bausi Union of Barhatta upazila, Netrokona. The incident occurred around 4 p.m. on Monday in Purba Moati village. According to local and family sources, Jannat had been playing in the yard when she accidentally fell into the water-filled pit beside the house. Family members later found her unconscious and took her to a local doctor, who declared her dead upon arrival.

Barhatta Police Station Officer-in-Charge Champak Dam confirmed the death and said the body was handed over to the family after legal procedures. Upazila Executive Officer Selina Akter expressed deep condolences to the bereaved family, describing the incident as heartbreaking. The death has cast a shadow of grief over the entire Purba Moati village.

Local authorities have acknowledged the tragedy and extended sympathy to the affected family, though no further official measures were mentioned in the report.

Said Uddin Ahmad Hanzala, Member of Parliament for Madaripur-1 (Shibchar), expressed strong dissatisfaction in the National Parliament over the acute electricity shortage in his constituency. Speaking during the general discussion on the proposed national budget for fiscal year 2026–27, he said that frequent load-shedding has led to public anger, with residents blaming local representatives. Hanzala warned that if the crisis is not resolved quickly, it will become difficult for elected officials to maintain their credibility.

He criticized the absence of the power minister in parliament, saying it prevented lawmakers from conveying the real situation on the ground. Hanzala urged the government, through the Speaker, to take immediate and permanent measures to end the electricity crisis. He also condemned the removal of historical figures such as Haji Shariatullah, Shahjalal, Shah Paran, and Titumir from textbooks, arguing that their stories once inspired patriotism among youth.

Additionally, Hanzala highlighted the harassment faced by expatriate workers at airports and issues with passports and national ID cards. He called on relevant ministries to act swiftly to address these problems.

Renowned Bangladeshi artist and pioneer of puppet art Mustafa Monowar has been undergoing treatment in the ICU for several days due to pneumonia-related complications. Following reports of his illness, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs extended financial assistance to support his medical care. On Monday morning, Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury and State Minister Ali Nawaz Mahmud Khayyam visited Monowar at Square Hospital in Dhaka, spending time with his family and handing over a financial aid cheque.

According to the ministry, the government remains committed to standing beside those who have made significant contributions to the nation’s art and culture during times of crisis. The ministry also expressed wishes for the artist’s speedy recovery.

Monowar’s wife, Mary Monowar, earlier told the media that his condition had worsened, leading to his hospital admission. The artist had previously been critically ill in 2024 but recovered before this recent relapse caused by pneumonia.

A voluntary organization has planted 1,500 saplings along rural roads in Munshiganj to provide shade and relief for residents suffering from the summer heat. The tree-planting program, held on Monday morning under the theme 'Green Afforestation, Shaded Pathway Creation,' was organized by Bikrampur Manab Seba Foundation. The initiative, funded by the organization itself, covered two unpaved roads in Charbeherpara of Shiloi Union in Munshiganj Sadar and Kaikkati area of Dighirpar Union in Tongibari.

According to the report, the roads pass through croplands with little vegetation, forcing villagers to travel under intense sunlight. Member Salauddin Molla said the goal was to make these routes more comfortable by creating shaded pathways. General Secretary Biplob Hasan added that since 2018, the foundation has planted about 10,000 saplings along nine roads under its 'Chhayapath' program and monitors the plants for three to four months after planting.

Several members of the organization, including Jasim Molla, Jubayer Shikder, Rakib Hasan, Manik Sheikh, and Selim Ahmed Fahim, participated in the event.

France confirmed their place in the last 32 of the World Cup after defeating Iraq 3–0, led by two goals from captain Kylian Mbappé. The match, delayed by over two hours due to lightning concerns, saw France dominate from the start. Mbappé opened the scoring in the 14th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error and a pass from Michael Olise. The goal marked his 15th in World Cup history, equaling Brazil’s Ronaldo.

In the second half, Mbappé doubled the lead in the 54th minute after a mistake by Iraq’s goalkeeper Basil, assisted by Ousmane Dembélé. Dembélé later sealed the victory in the 66th minute with a powerful shot from Olise’s pass. Mbappé, playing his 100th international match, narrowly missed a hat-trick when his late attempt went over the bar.

With this win, France, coached by Didier Deschamps, secured back-to-back victories in Group I and advanced early to the knockout stage.

Democratic members of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee have sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s approach to Iran, accusing him of lifting sanctions before achieving progress on key negotiation issues, including Tehran’s nuclear program. In a post on social media platform X, the lawmakers said the administration’s actions contradict its previous statements about the conditions for any deal with Iran.

The Democrats noted that Trump administration officials had repeatedly stated that sanctions relief would only follow resolutions on Iran’s nuclear activities and its support for armed proxy groups. However, they argued that none of these issues have been resolved, yet Iran has received broad sanctions relief it had long sought. The criticism came after the US Treasury Department suspended sanctions on Iran’s oil and energy exports until August 21, allowing Tehran to sell oil in US dollars for the first time in decades.

The development marks a significant shift in US policy toward Iran, raising questions about the administration’s consistency and strategy in dealing with Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

Cristiano Ronaldo faced widespread criticism after a lackluster performance in Portugal’s opening World Cup match against DR Congo. The Portuguese captain missed several easy chances and left the field without shaking hands with opponents, drawing ridicule from fans. However, former England striker Michael Owen and Portugal defender Ruben Dias have publicly backed Ronaldo amid the backlash.

In an article published in the Daily Mail, Owen expressed full support for Ronaldo, comparing the situation to Lionel Messi’s recent hat-trick. He stated that Ronaldo’s failure to score does not warrant criticism and predicted that the forward could silence critics with a hat-trick in the next match against Uzbekistan. Ruben Dias also dismissed any doubts within the Portugal camp, praising Ronaldo’s mental strength and confidence in his ability to bounce back.

Portugal’s next match against Uzbekistan will test whether Ronaldo can overcome the criticism and return to form, a moment eagerly awaited by football fans.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has condemned the alleged killing of a farmer in Bhangura, Pabna, reportedly beaten to death by a BNP leader. In a statement issued to the media on Monday, the party’s Assistant Secretary General and Secretary of the Publicity and Media Department, Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, denounced the incident and demanded the immediate arrest and trial of the accused.

According to the statement, the victim, 50-year-old Jamil Hossain from Harina village in Rajshahi’s Bagha upazila, had gone to Pabna for work and was allegedly tortured to death on June 20. Jamaat claimed the killing violated fundamental human rights and reflected a breakdown of the rule of law, accusing ruling party-linked criminals of acting with impunity.

The party urged law enforcement to arrest the fugitive BNP leader, Yusuf Ali, son of Abdul Quddus Mondol of Charbhangura village, and called on the government to provide financial and overall support to the victim’s family. Jamaat also expressed condolences and prayed for the deceased.

Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 in a crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 match, with both goals scored by captain Lionel Messi. The match, which began at 11 p.m. on Monday, was screened live on a large screen at Rangpur Town Hall field, organized by Rangpur City Corporation and the Argentina Fans Club. Thousands of supporters in sky-blue and white jerseys filled the venue well before kickoff, waving flags and blowing whistles as they cheered for their team.

Messi missed an early penalty but later scored in the 38th minute and again near the end of the match, sealing Argentina’s victory. Fans in Rangpur erupted in joy, celebrating the win with chants and songs. Local fan leaders expressed pride in Messi’s performance and optimism about Argentina’s chances in the tournament. Even rival supporters acknowledged Messi’s brilliance, praising his decisive goals. Similar scenes of excitement were reported at Begum Rokeya University, where crowds gathered to watch the match.

The celebrations underscored Rangpur’s strong football culture and the passionate following for Argentina among local fans.