Bangladesh’s Science and Technology Secretary Md. Anwar Hossain said that the country’s greatest opportunity for advancement lies in effectively utilizing technology. Speaking as the chief guest at the opening of a two-day seminar titled “Evaluation of Research Progress and Acquired Knowledge of Science and Technology Fellowship Trust Fellows” at the National Science and Technology Complex in Agargaon, Dhaka, he emphasized the need to harness the nation’s intellectual and innovative capacity.

The secretary noted that while many countries possess wealth and resources, they often lack the necessary human capital. In contrast, Bangladesh has a young population, with about 65 percent under the youth category, which he described as a major strength. He stressed that this demographic advantage must be used productively to drive national development.

Hossain also remarked that artificial intelligence cannot solve all problems, as it can only suggest but not make decisions. He expressed confidence that Bangladesh’s young scientists will achieve significant success in the future.

Education Minister Ehchanul Haque Milon emphasized the need to expand the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to develop Bangladesh’s textile sector. Speaking on Saturday at the Fourth International Conference on Textile Science and Engineering at the Bangladesh University of Textiles campus in Tejgaon, Dhaka, he described the textile industry as one of the country’s most vital sectors and noted that Bangladesh ranks second globally in garment exports.

The minister said Bangladesh aims to lead the global textile industry through increased research and innovative ideas beyond traditional practices. He highlighted the inclusion of textile studies in private universities and stressed the importance of modern laboratories to help students compete internationally. Milon also underscored the need to strengthen green textile and recycling initiatives.

The event was chaired by Bangladesh University of Textiles Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Julhas Uddin, with University Grants Commission Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed attending as special guest. Earlier, the minister inaugurated the 2026 tree plantation program at the university as part of a nationwide initiative to plant 250 million trees over five years.

The United Arab Emirates has announced a complete ban on social media use for children under the age of 15. The UAE Cabinet issued a directive setting 15 as the minimum age for accessing social media platforms. The decision follows growing concerns over children’s exposure to inappropriate content, unsafe interactions, data collection, and excessive use of digital platforms.

According to the government, all social media companies operating in the country, including Meta, TikTok, and X, must comply with the new regulation. Platforms are required to use advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and digital identity verification to confirm users’ real ages. Declaring age manually will no longer be accepted.

All accounts belonging to users under 15 must be immediately closed, and any attempt to bypass the rule will face strict action. Advertising based on children’s data or behavioral profiling is also prohibited. Platforms have been given up to 12 months to fully adapt to the new requirements.

Popular actor Ziaul Faruq Apurba is returning to OTT nearly two years after his last release, 'Golam Mamun'. He stars as investigative journalist Zahid in the upcoming web series 'Headline', directed by Saleh Sobhan Anim. The series will premiere on the streaming platform Hoichoi on June 25, with its trailer already generating excitement for its intense portrayal of journalism and truth-seeking.

According to the source, the story explores the struggles of uncovering truth while balancing family ties, personal conflicts, and moral dilemmas. Apurba expressed enthusiasm for portraying a layered character that evolves through emotional and realistic challenges. He said the story’s pace, mystery, and contemporary relevance made the project irresistible, promising viewers both entertainment and reflection.

The series also marks the OTT return of Lux star Afsan Ara Bindu after three years. Featuring a star-studded cast including Yash Rohan, Sarika Sabrin, and others, 'Headline' is expected to spark new excitement among OTT audiences with its blend of journalism and crime drama.

The United States military used Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence technology ‘Grok’ to conduct strikes on more than 2,000 Iranian targets within four days, according to a written testimony by Cameron Stanley, head of Digital and Artificial Intelligence at the Pentagon. The disclosure came during a civil case in the Northern District Court of Mississippi, where the Trump administration intervened in an environmental lawsuit filed against Musk’s company xAI.

Stanley stated that the US government deployed a ‘Grok Gov Model’ based on xAI’s commercial version, integrated into the Pentagon’s Maven Smart Systems (MSS) for target identification, intelligence gathering, and military readiness. The testimony did not specify the exact dates of use, leaving unclear whether the AI was linked to a February 28 strike that killed 156 civilians, including 120 schoolchildren. Iran’s Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans reported about 3,500 civilian deaths since the joint US-Israeli offensive began.

The lawsuit, filed by the NAACP on April 26, accuses xAI of violating environmental laws by operating 27 methane gas turbines in Southaven, Mississippi, to power the ‘Colossus 2’ data center. The Pentagon and the US Department of Justice opposed the case, citing national security risks if the data center’s operations were disrupted.

Popular Bangladeshi singer Asif Akbar has called for recognizing entertainment as the country's sixth basic need, citing a severe shortage of recreational opportunities. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, he emphasized that entertainment is vital for mental development, especially for children, and that its absence fosters violence, jealousy, and frustration. He argued that sports and cultural activities are the most effective ways to nurture creativity and emotional well-being.

Asif also highlighted the cultural vision of late President Ziaur Rahman, recalling his meetings with musicians in 1979–80 that helped shape the country's band music scene. He noted that Zia had removed import duties on Western instruments, which contributed to the 1990s band music boom. Asif praised the current government for fully withdrawing a previously imposed 5% duty in the 2026–27 budget, saying it would strengthen the foundation of Bangladeshi music amid the rise of AI-generated music.

He further urged the government to launch a nationwide cultural revolution, stressing that entertainment is a fundamental right for children and essential for building a healthy, prosperous nation.

French President Emmanuel Macron is concluding the G7 summit with a dinner at the Palace of Versailles alongside U.S. President Donald Trump. The three-day summit in Evian, France, brought together leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. On Wednesday, discussions will focus on artificial intelligence and security risks arising from social media, marking the final day’s central theme.

AI industry leaders Sam Altman of OpenAI, Dario Amodei of Anthropic, and Arthur Mensch of Mistral AI SAS are scheduled to join the leaders for lunch. Several European members of the G7 have advocated stronger online safety measures, a stance that has reportedly caused friction with the United States. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a ban on social media use for those under 16, and France is considering similar steps.

The summit also addressed Iran and Ukraine, with efforts to reach a joint statement on Middle East and European security issues. Macron’s dinner invitation to Trump at Versailles is described as a diplomatic gesture rather than a formal gala.

Bangladeshi actor Mosharraf Karim reportedly faced an unpleasant situation in Kolkata while visiting with his wife, actress Robena Reza Jui. The incident gained attention on social media on Tuesday morning and was later covered by news outlets. Reports claimed that some individuals allegedly linked to the Awami League attempted to harass the actor outside his hotel on Sunday night, shouting abusive words before he quickly left the area.

However, Mosharraf Karim later told a media outlet that the situation was exaggerated online and that nothing significant had occurred. He urged people not to believe rumors spread on social media, saying the incident did not contain enough substance to be considered newsworthy. The general secretary of the Actors’ Association, Rashed Mamun Apu, said he had no information about the matter.

According to the report, Mosharraf Karim and his wife are currently in Kolkata for personal leisure, not for professional work, and are expected to return to Dhaka within a few days.

Chattogram City Corporation has initiated a special project using artificial intelligence technology to reduce traffic congestion and restore order on city roads. Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain announced that a Development Project Proposal worth Tk 217.33 crore has been prepared for the AI-based smart traffic system. Additionally, a separate Tk 445 crore project has been undertaken for a safe city and solar power initiative. The AI cameras will be installed across 56 traffic zones and intersections in the city.

According to city officials, the project is part of a broader plan to transform Chattogram into a 'Clean, Green, Healthy, Safe and Smart City.' The system will include automated smart signals and traffic flow monitoring cameras capable of detecting vehicles that violate traffic laws or red signals. It will also feature advanced number plate recognition technology. Senior officials and consultants discussed the technical and administrative aspects of the project in a recent meeting.

Once implemented, the AI-based system is expected to enhance traffic discipline and improve overall urban safety in Chattogram.

The political satire film 'The University of Chankharpul' was released last Friday and received an enthusiastic response from audiences on its opening day. Screenings at Star Cineplex in Bashundhara City and Lion Cinemas in Keraniganj saw notable attendance from university students as well as viewers from diverse backgrounds. After the afternoon show, the director, executive producer, and cast interacted directly with the audience, who praised the film’s bold political message, cinematic style, and portrayal of contemporary realities.

Viewers highlighted how the film captured campus life, hall culture, power politics, and the fading dreams of youth through humor and satire, while realistically exposing the darker sides of political leadership. Directed by Akash Haque and produced by Md. Hafizuddin Munna, the film is inspired by Rono Anwar’s short story 'Jhora Patar Dukh Bilash'. It has already won the FIPRESCI Award at the Dhaka International Film Festival and the Hiralal Sen Medal and Best Screenplay Award at the Amar Bhashar Film Festival.

The filmmakers plan to organize special screenings at around 50 universities with support from film clubs to make the film accessible to students at low cost.

Freelance model Samreen Ayub from Indian-administered Kashmir discovered a fake video on Instagram that used her real photos from university life to spread false claims about her morality. The clip, created with artificial intelligence, accused her of selling her body to Hindu men and labeled her brother as a pimp. Researchers describe her case as part of a growing pattern where AI tools are used to produce sexualized and defamatory content targeting Muslim women across India.

A Washington DC-based Center for the Study of Organized Hate analyzed 1,326 AI-generated images and videos from 297 public social media accounts between May 2023 and May 2025, finding that sexualized depictions of Muslim women received the most engagement. Experts say generative AI enables hate narratives to be visualized cheaply and convincingly. Mumbai’s Rati Foundation’s online safety helpline, Meri Trustline, has recorded rising incidents of such abuse, noting that even non-public figures are being harmed by synthetic sexual content.

Researchers link this phenomenon to the politicization of sexuality and communal narratives, citing earlier “Sulli Deals” and “Bulli Bai” cases. Legal experts warn that India’s current laws struggle to address AI-generated content, leaving victims like Samreen without effective recourse.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is being described by experts as the most technology-driven tournament in football history. Advanced systems including artificial intelligence, sensors, high-speed cameras, and real-time data are transforming match officiating, analysis, and fan experience. Every player movement and ball interaction is digitally tracked, reducing human error and enabling faster, more accurate decisions.

A key innovation is the Advanced Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT), which uses 16 cameras to monitor players’ positions and track 29 body points per player. The official match ball contains a sensor transmitting data 500 times per second, helping referees analyze offside, handball, and disputed moments. Players’ 3D digital models are also used in VAR analysis and replays, giving spectators clearer insights into critical decisions.

AI plays a central role by processing vast data from cameras and sensors to assist decision-making and enhance broadcasts with automated statistics and advanced graphics. While some critics fear technology may reduce football’s emotional spontaneity, most experts believe it ensures greater fairness, transparency, and precision in the game.

Bangladesh has launched the 700 MHz spectrum band, a move expected to strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure. The announcement came during an event in Dhaka organized by mobile operator Grameenphone to mark the activation of the new spectrum. Prime Minister’s ICT Affairs Adviser Rehan Asif Asad said the initiative will expand quality network coverage across urban and rural areas, enhance digital inclusion, and accelerate economic growth by improving access to essential services.

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Chairman Md. Emdadul Bari stated that the use of the 700 MHz spectrum will reinforce the telecommunications sector and help ensure equal access to digital services for all citizens. Grameenphone CEO Yasir Azman noted that the new spectrum will increase 4G network capacity, deliver faster data speeds with lower latency, and prepare the network for future technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Officials expressed optimism that the deployment of the 700 MHz band will accelerate Bangladesh’s digital transformation and improve mobile internet quality nationwide.

U.S. President Donald Trump shared an AI-generated military-themed image on his social media platform Truth Social on Saturday. The artwork depicted him standing on the deck of a naval vessel as 'Commander in Chief,' observing a dramatic maritime scene through binoculars. The background featured a fleet of American warships moving through rough seas and fighter jets streaking across the sky, with U.S. flags and a golden sunset enhancing the dramatic tone. The image was captioned, 'You are losing direction.'

Trump posted the image amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. He has announced that a peace agreement with Iran will be signed on Sunday. The timing of the post, alongside the symbolic military imagery, drew attention to the administration’s messaging during a sensitive diplomatic moment.

The source report, citing Gulf News, did not include further details on public or official reactions to the post or the upcoming peace deal.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Fakir Mahbub Anam, emphasized that programming, artificial intelligence (AI), and innovative technologies are essential forces for national development in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He made the remarks on Saturday at the closing and award ceremony of the National High School Programming Competition held at the National Science and Technology Complex in Agargaon, Dhaka.

The minister said the world has entered the age of AI, creating global opportunities for talented individuals. To remain competitive, he urged young people to prepare themselves with modern technological and scientific knowledge. He added that technology-skilled youth will build a prosperous Bangladesh and that developing human resources in AI, programming, and innovation is vital. The competition, organized by the ICT Division and implemented by the Bangladesh Computer Council, registered 17,839 students across five categories, with 832 finalists reaching the national round.

Acting ICT Secretary Md. Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan stated that young people will lead the country’s technology-driven future, and the government is implementing initiatives to nurture their creativity and innovation.