Japanese football fans, long admired for cleaning stadiums after matches, have come under criticism at home this week. Photos of male supporters tidying up after a World Cup game sparked debate on social media, where many Japanese women accused them of double standards. They argued that men who clean public spaces often leave domestic chores to their wives.

A viral post on X showed a man picking up trash in a stadium beside another image of him relaxing at home while his wife washed dishes. The post urged Japanese men to contribute more to household work, citing OECD data showing women spend over three hours daily on unpaid chores—five times more than men. Government surveys indicate the gap is even wider among couples with young children.

While some users criticized the behavior as performative, others defended the fans, saying their actions promote cleanliness and inspire supporters from other countries, including Portugal, to follow suit.

Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Ekushey Padak-winning poet Al Mujahidi. In a Facebook post on Friday afternoon titled “Responding to the call of the Almighty, poet Al Mujahidi departs,” he announced that the poet, born on January 1, 1943, had passed away earlier that day.

Dr. Rahman noted that Al Mujahidi served for more than three decades as the literary editor of the daily Ittefaq and actively participated in the Liberation War of 1971. He highlighted the poet’s significant contributions to various branches of literature, including poetry, fiction, essays, criticism, and children’s literature. He described Mujahidi as a poet of faith and values whose creative works would remain memorable in Bengali literature.

Offering prayers for the deceased, Dr. Rahman asked for divine forgiveness and eternal peace for the poet, and strength for his family, colleagues, and admirers to bear the loss with patience.

The Bangladesh Association of Journalists (BAJ) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Ekushey Padak-winning journalist, poet, researcher, and freedom fighter Al Mujahidi. He passed away on Friday afternoon at the age of 83 while undergoing treatment at United Hospital in Dhaka. The condolence statement, signed by BAJ’s publicity and publication secretary Mahmudul Hasan, was issued by president M Abdullah and general secretary Ahmad Matiur Rahman.

In their statement, BAJ leaders described Al Mujahidi as one of the leading literary voices of the 1960s and a shining figure in journalism. They said his death marked an irreparable loss for the country’s literary and media sectors. Mujahidi served for decades as the literary editor of the daily Ittefaq, where he played a vital role in nurturing new generations of writers and journalists.

The BAJ leaders also noted that Mujahidi was a valiant freedom fighter and received the Ekushey Padak in 2003 for his outstanding contributions to journalism and literature. They prayed for the salvation of his soul and extended condolences to his bereaved family.

Ekushey Padak-winning poet Al Mujahidi, a leading figure in Bangla literature, passed away on Friday at 1:40 p.m. while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Dhaka. He was 83. According to family sources, he had been suffering from multiple health complications for nearly two years, including heart and kidney problems. He was admitted to United Hospital on April 23, later discharged, and then readmitted to Crescent Hospital and again to United Hospital as his condition worsened. He was placed on life support on June 16 and died following cardiac arrest.

Born on June 19, 1943, in Tangail, Al Mujahidi served as the literary editor of the daily Ittefaq for over three decades. He published more than 20 poetry collections and over 50 books, including novels, short stories, and children’s literature. His daughter Mariama said burial is likely to take place at Mirpur Martyred Intellectuals’ Graveyard on Saturday.

Relatives, admirers, and political figures expressed grief over his death, including opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, who posted condolences on social media.

The National Press Club premises in Dhaka turned festive as a fruit festival and patriotic music event were held on Friday. The celebration featured an exhibition and tasting of 42 varieties of local fruits, including mangoes, pineapples, guavas, lychees, and jackfruits. The event was inaugurated with the performance of the club’s theme song, “Press Club Amader Second Home.” Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan formally opened the festival, which was attended by club members and their families.

The opening ceremony was presided over by club president Hasan Hafiz, with a welcome address from general secretary Aiyub Bhuiyan and coordination by management committee member Kader Gani Chowdhury. Singers Tamanna Haque, Shahriar Rafat, Mini Alauddin, and Babu performed patriotic songs throughout the morning and afternoon. Several management committee members and senior club members were also present with their families.

The event highlighted the diversity of Bangladesh’s local fruits and fostered a sense of community among journalists and their families through cultural celebration.

The Louvre Museum, the world’s most visited art institution, is struggling to secure funds for urgent infrastructure and facility repairs. During a recent Senate hearing, its new director, Christophe Leribault, acknowledged the museum’s deteriorating condition and financial distress. The crisis follows a daring theft of royal jewelry worth about 100 million dollars, which exposed internal weaknesses and led to the resignation of the previous director.

Leribault, an art historian specializing in eighteenth-century art, took charge in February after the October theft incident. He stated that the museum’s equipment and infrastructure have reached the end of their functional life, and pressing building issues are accumulating. Located on the banks of the Seine in central Paris, the Louvre attracts around nine million visitors annually and houses Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa.”

The museum is also facing revenue losses from repeated strikes, a ticket fraud case involving about 10 million euros, water leakage, and maintenance complications, deepening its financial and operational challenges.

Tales of July began its journey on July 31, 2024, with the publication of a literary anthology. Initially conceived as a single publication, the initiative has since expanded into a multifaceted platform dedicated to research, archiving, publishing, and memory preservation related to the July Revolution. To date, it has published seven books exploring various aspects of the revolution, including personal stories, experiences, and historical narratives.

At the 2026 Amar Ekushey Book Fair, the platform released two major works: “Julaiyer Phool,” a 600-page volume chronicling the lives of 111 child martyrs, and a commemorative book on martyr Osman Hadi. Previous publications include collections of poems and memorial issues dedicated to other martyrs. Tales of July is run by a 13-member governing body led by founder and executive head poet Israfil Akand Rudra and executive director Tahsin Ahmed, with all members being university students.

The organization maintains contact with injured individuals and families of martyrs, documenting their memories and experiences. It also collaborates with researchers and institutions to collect and analyze data on the July uprising, aiming to keep history alive through continuous study and documentation.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen praised Rajshahi’s traditional Kalai Roti during a visit to the well-known “Ruman Kalai House” in the city’s New Market area on Tuesday afternoon. After tasting the dish, he expressed his delight, calling it “wonderful.” The ambassador observed the preparation process with interest, took photos and selfies, and watched the making of other local dishes including eggplant mash and goose meat.

Following the cooking demonstrations, Christensen and his wife sat down to enjoy Kalai Roti with goose meat. Speaking to journalists afterward, he said the taste of the roti, goose meat, and eggplant mash was excellent. His visit drew a large crowd of curious locals eager to catch a glimpse of the ambassador enjoying the traditional food.

The visit took place under tight police security, with members of the ambassador’s entourage accompanying him throughout the event.

France’s renowned world literature dictionary, Dictionnaire Mondial de la Littérature, published by the Larousse group, has included Bangladesh’s national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam as a significant Bengali literary figure. The entry highlights Nazrul’s birth in Churulia in 1899 and death in Dhaka in 1977, describing him as the “Poet Rebel” known for his lyrical works infused with patriotism, social awareness, and humanistic inspiration. His notable works ‘Agnibeena’ (1922) and ‘Bhanger Gaan’ are cited as examples.

According to Kazi Nazrul Islam Center adviser and researcher Khorshed Alam Patwary in Paris, the inclusion marks an important recognition of Bengali literature and culture in a long-established European literary encyclopedia. Center president and poet Sohel Ahmed added that Nazrul’s writings continue to inspire younger generations against injustice and inequality, and their organization is working to further introduce him to the French community.

Larousse’s Dictionnaire Mondial de la Littérature is known for its extensive coverage of global literature, authors, and literary movements.

Dhaka University organized a ceremony on Sunday at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building premises to celebrate Russian Language Day and the 227th birth anniversary of Alexander Pushkin, regarded as the father of modern Russian literature. The event was attended by Professor Dr. Abdus Salam, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) of Dhaka University, as chief guest, and Alexandra A. Khelovnoy, First Secretary of the Russian Embassy and Director of the Russian House in Dhaka, as special guest.

In his remarks, Professor Salam highlighted Pushkin’s global recognition and the enduring humanistic and cultural values in his works. He said the celebration honors both a great literary figure and the richness of the Russian language, which fosters understanding and cooperation among nations. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to promoting international education and cultural exchange.

Special guest Alexandra Khelovnoy emphasized that the Russian language opens access to global knowledge in science, literature, and technology, creating new opportunities for Bangladeshi students in higher education and research through Russian government scholarships.

An inscription bearing the name of Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab has been discovered in Saudi Arabia. The country’s Heritage Commission announced that the finding was made during an archaeological survey in the Medina province. The discovery was part of a broader exploration that uncovered a total of 1,774 archaeological artifacts.

According to the Heritage Commission, the survey teams documented 173 previously unknown archaeological sites. Among the discoveries were 1,259 inscriptions, including 461 Islamic inscriptions, 34 written in the Thamudic language, 11 stone structures, three palaces and archaeological buildings, two caravan route milestones, and four wells. The newly found inscription featuring Caliph Umar’s name is considered one of the significant findings from the survey.

The commission noted that Umar ibn al-Khattab ruled the Islamic empire from 634 to 644 CE. The discovery adds to the growing record of early Islamic-era artifacts in the region, highlighting Medina’s historical importance in Islamic civilization.

The Ministry of Cultural Affairs has announced a series of programs to celebrate 'Nazrul Year' from May 25, 2026, to May 25, 2027, following the Prime Minister’s declaration. Cultural Affairs Minister Nitae Roy Chowdhury shared the details at a press conference in Dhaka, stating that the initiative aims to highlight the literary and philosophical contributions of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. The ministry will form a national committee, design a logo and posters, issue commemorative stamps, and organize events across all 64 districts and 74 special upazilas from June 18 to 20, 2026.

The announcement follows Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s declaration during the poet’s 127th birth anniversary celebration in Trishal, Mymensingh, on May 23, 2026. The ministry has allocated funds from the current fiscal year’s budget to support these events. In addition to cultural programs, the ministry plans to promote research on Nazrul’s works and collaborate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to spread his creations internationally.

The year-long celebration seeks to engage the new generation with Nazrul’s life, literature, and ideals, ensuring his legacy reaches both national and global audiences.

A set of poems by Imrul Hasan titled 'Amar Desh' has been published, featuring works that explore themes of rural life, memory, and personal reflection. The poems, including 'Tileser Bari,' 'Siratul Mustaqim,' 'Happiness,' 'Onnojibon,' and 'Beily Roader Brishti,' were featured under the literature section on June 13, 2026.

In these poems, Hasan writes about returning to the countryside, the contrast between rural and urban perspectives, and the search for simplicity. His verses evoke imagery of rain, nostalgia for the 1990s, and the longing for a peaceful existence. The poet’s tone blends introspection with subtle social observation, reflecting on modern life and emotional distance.

The publication highlights Hasan’s continued engagement with themes of belonging and time, offering readers a contemplative look at everyday experiences and the emotional landscapes of contemporary Bangladesh.

Prominent Islamic scholar and preacher Dr. Mizanur Rahman Azhari has described so-called 'Hilla marriages'—arranged solely to make a woman permissible again for her former husband—as a major sin and a misuse of Islamic law. In a post on his verified Facebook page on Thursday, he urged Muslims to avoid such practices. He also shared a hadith from Sunan Ibn Majah, which condemns both the man who performs such a marriage and the one for whom it is arranged.

Azhari emphasized that every provision of Sharia is divinely ordained to ensure justice and human welfare across all times and societies. He stated that manipulating or circumventing these divine laws cannot be the act of a practicing Muslim. He clarified that normal marriages are permissible, but prearranged or staged marriages intended to make a woman lawful again for her previous husband are strictly forbidden.

He further explained that if a woman, after a lawful divorce, remarries naturally and that marriage ends for genuine reasons, she may remarry her former husband after completing the required waiting period.

A group of young volunteers from Tangail has expanded their humanitarian initiative, the Youth Foundation, to 32 districts across Bangladesh. Founded by social worker Muid Hasan in 2016, the organization evolved from earlier efforts such as the ‘Children’s Foundation’ and the ‘Swapnopuri’ school, both launched in 2011 to support underprivileged children. The foundation now provides medical assistance, rescue operations, and burial services for unclaimed individuals, while also supporting elderly people through food, treatment, and care programs.

The foundation’s hallmark projects include ‘10 Taka Hotel,’ ‘10 Taka Iftar,’ and ‘10 Taka Book,’ designed to preserve dignity while offering affordable essentials. It also promotes self-reliance by providing sewing machines, livestock, and small business capital to disadvantaged people. Over 700 individuals have been directly supported, and around 8,000 unemployed youths trained online. Environmental initiatives include planting 5,000 trees and promoting campaigns like ‘Plastic for Trees’ and ‘One Person, One Tree.’

Future plans include training 8,000 more youths, expanding reforestation drives, and continuing low-cost social welfare programs nationwide.