Thousands of Afghan women are turning to entrepreneurship as one of the few remaining paths to independence under Taliban rule. Despite restrictions on education, employment, and public participation, the government has allowed women to run businesses under specific conditions to mitigate economic collapse and international isolation. According to the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, more than 10,000 women now hold business licenses, a tenfold increase in five years, while another 120,000 operate small ventures without licenses.

Many women who once aspired to be lawyers, engineers, or teachers have shifted to carpet weaving, cosmetics production, or vocational training. UNDP data show that only 7 percent of Afghan women were employed as of 2024. Entrepreneurs like Nasira Azizi in Mazar-i-Sharif, Rokiya Rezayi in Herat, and beekeeper Ghoncha Karimi have built small enterprises despite social and administrative barriers.

Officials claim to support women’s vocational training, but critics argue that government initiatives remain limited. For many Afghan women, business ownership has become a last refuge for dignity, income, and survival amid ongoing restrictions.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) reported collecting over Tk 3.6 trillion in revenue during the first eleven months of the current fiscal year, from July 2025 to May 2026. Despite achieving a record collection, the NBR fell short of its revised target by Tk 810 billion, according to an official statement released on Sunday night. In the first 20 days of June, an additional Tk 293.11 billion was collected, bringing the total to Tk 3.899 trillion, surpassing last year’s total revenue of Tk 3.708 trillion.

The NBR expects that with another Tk 250 billion collected in the final ten days of June, total revenue for the fiscal year could reach Tk 4.15 trillion, the highest in the country’s history. This would still be Tk 880 billion below the revised target but Tk 431.57 billion higher than the previous fiscal year. The NBR reported over 10 percent growth in revenue collection, with customs up 7.08 percent, VAT up 10.05 percent, and income tax up 12.54 percent.

To accelerate revenue collection, the NBR has formed three task forces for income tax, VAT, and customs divisions to expedite legal processes, recover evaded taxes, and strengthen audit and monitoring activities.

Swiss banks have long been regarded as reliable institutions for safeguarding wealth, attracting wealthy individuals, business leaders, and influential figures worldwide. Their reputation stems from strict confidentiality rules established under the 1934 Swiss Banking Law, which restricts disclosure of client information. Switzerland’s political neutrality, economic stability, and advanced financial infrastructure further enhance its appeal as a secure destination for asset management.

Former head of the Association of Swiss Private Bankers, Michel de Robert, compared bankers’ duty of confidentiality to that of doctors or lawyers, emphasizing that unauthorized disclosure of client data constitutes a legal violation. Although Swiss banks were once believed to allow anonymous accounts, current regulations require full identity verification and adherence to strict Know Your Customer (KYC) policies. The Swiss Bankers Association confirms that even numbered accounts are traceable to verified clients.

In recent decades, international pressure over tax evasion and money laundering allegations has led Switzerland to share financial data with global authorities in specific cases. These reforms have increased transparency while maintaining the country’s status as a leading global banking hub.

Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee has announced that Bangladesh is reviewing existing treaties and agreements related to transboundary water sharing. Speaking in the National Parliament on Sunday, he said the government is committed to securing the country’s fair share of water from international rivers and has included this issue in its election manifesto. The review aims to strengthen the Joint Rivers Commission and promote integrated management with India, Nepal, Bhutan, and China.

The minister acknowledged that upstream infrastructure in neighboring countries has reduced water flow into Bangladesh during the dry season. He also cited natural and climate change factors as contributing to declining water availability. In response to parliamentary questions, he detailed ongoing and planned projects, including excavation or re-excavation of 366 kilometers of canals by June under a 180-day program and a five-year plan to excavate or re-excavate 9,046 kilometers of waterways nationwide.

Anee further emphasized the importance of the Padma Barrage Project for national interests, water resource management, agriculture, fisheries, environment, and regional economic development, noting that it has been approved after thorough evaluation.

A section of the Teesta embankment near Mahipur Bridge in Gangachara, Rangpur, began collapsing after India opened the gates of the Gajoldoba barrage, causing the river’s water level to approach the danger mark. Between Saturday afternoon and Sunday noon, about 50 meters of the embankment were washed away, creating a hole over 70 meters deep. Local residents warned that without urgent protective measures, the second Teesta Bridge and the Rangpur–Lalmonirhat regional road could face severe damage.

Around 30,000 to 35,000 people use the Mahipur Teesta road bridge daily, and the sudden erosion has caused widespread fear among locals. Over a thousand families in three villages of Lakshmitari Union are now at direct risk of isolation due to potential road disconnection. Lakshmitari Union Parishad Chairman Abdullah Al Hadi blamed previous negligence by the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) for the worsening situation, saying earlier bamboo piling works had failed.

Gangachara Upazila Executive Officer Jesmin Akter said the site had been inspected and LGED was informed for necessary action.

Bangladesh has formally begun work on its first integrated National Civil Aviation Master Plan (CAMP), marking a major step in long-term aviation sector planning. The initiative was launched on Sunday at a workshop titled “Civil Aviation Master Planning Overview” held at Hotel Intercontinental in Dhaka. Organized by the ICAO Gold-certified Civil Aviation Academy under the supervision of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) and with technical support from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the event was inaugurated by Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam (Rita).

According to the workshop, the proposed master plan will outline development goals, priorities, and strategic directions for the next 20 to 30 years or more. It will cover airport infrastructure upgrades, modernization of air navigation services, airline expansion, human resource development, safety improvements, and environmental sustainability. Minister Afroza Khanam said the government aims to make Bangladesh a leading aviation hub in South and Southeast Asia by 2034 under its “Bangladesh First” election manifesto.

Officials stated that the plan is expected to be finalized within the next one to one and a half years, with the workshop’s guidance contributing to sustainable aviation growth, trade, tourism, and economic progress.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir announced that the government is enhancing an online one-stop service system to streamline licensing and approval processes for investors. Speaking at a meeting with a delegation from the Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI) in Dhaka, he said the initiative aims to eliminate the need for investors to visit multiple offices. The minister noted that while physical inspections for industrial or factory establishments cannot always be completed within 15 days due to safety and environmental checks, provisional licenses will be introduced to prevent delays in investment activities.

He explained that sector-specific licensing procedures are being developed, as requirements differ across industries such as power generation and textiles. The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) will coordinate inspection schedules among relevant agencies to ensure a single, integrated inspection process. Muktadir also highlighted the government’s interest in promoting electric and hybrid vehicles to reduce fuel dependency and enhance transport sustainability.

JBCCI representatives emphasized the importance of simplifying licensing, expanding trade, and adopting sustainable technologies. The minister reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to creating a transparent and efficient business environment for Japanese investors.

Water levels in the Teesta River continue to rise due to hill runoff from India, causing concern among residents along the riverbanks in Lalmonirhat. Farmers in the Aditmari area said that whenever floods occur in India, large volumes of water are released through the Gajoldoba Barrage into Bangladesh, creating anxiety for thousands of people living in the Teesta basin.

Local farmers expressed frustration over unfulfilled promises regarding the Teesta Master Plan, saying that despite assurances before elections, implementation has not progressed. Officials from the Water Development Board (WDB) reported that water levels at the Dalia Barrage point were flowing 15 centimeters below the danger mark at noon on Sunday, though fluctuations continue.

According to WDB engineers, 44 gates of the barrage have been opened to control water flow, and the situation is being closely monitored. Authorities warned that within the next 72 hours, the Teesta’s water level could rise above the danger mark, potentially causing short-term flooding in low-lying areas near the river.

Continuous rainfall and hill runoff from India’s Meghalaya have caused a rapid rise in river water levels across Sunamganj district. Several low-lying areas have already been inundated, with reports of roads and markets going underwater. The Anwarpur–Sunamganj road in Tahirpur is submerged, and water has entered parts of Sadar, Dowarabazar, Tahirpur, and Bishwambharpur upazilas. The Khasiamara River has overflowed into nearby localities, affecting villages along the haor regions.

According to the Water Development Board, water levels in the Surma, Boula, Jadukata, and Rakti rivers have risen significantly, with the Surma River increasing by 64 centimeters in 24 hours. Although still 60 centimeters below the danger level, officials warned that continued heavy rain over the next two days could push it to or above that threshold. Executive Engineer Mamun Hawlader stated that if rainfall persists for 48 hours, flooding in low-lying areas is likely.

The district administration has taken precautionary measures, advising residents near rivers and haors to stay alert and prepare essential documents, dry food, and emergency supplies in advance.

The Institute for Planning and Development (IPD) has warned that the government’s plan to relocate Dhaka’s four inter-district bus terminals—Sayedabad, Mohakhali, Gabtoli, and Fulbaria—to the city’s outskirts could increase public suffering and safety risks. The government intends to move the terminals to Kanchpur, Hemayetpur, Tongi, and Keraniganj to ease traffic congestion in the capital.

According to IPD, shifting the terminals without ensuring adequate public transport connections and effective planning will not solve Dhaka’s traffic problems. Instead, it could raise travel costs, extend commuting times, and heighten security concerns, especially for women, children, and the elderly. The organization noted that the proposed sites are 15–20 kilometers from central Dhaka and lack reliable, affordable transport links.

IPD urged the government to cancel the relocation plan, improve management around existing terminals, and develop new depots in extended urban areas. It also recommended introducing quality feeder services, implementing the bus route rationalization project, and ensuring passenger safety through integrated terminal management.

Authorities in Companiganj upazila of Sylhet have temporarily closed the Sadapathor tourist center following continuous rainfall and mountain runoff from India. The decision was confirmed on Sunday by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Robin Mia. The closure comes after floodwaters submerged nearby shops, creating hazardous conditions across the area.

According to the local administration, the move was taken to ensure the safety of visitors amid the deteriorating weather. Officials stated that tourists are being advised to avoid the site until conditions improve. Once the water flow decreases and the weather stabilizes, the tourist center will reopen.

The administration emphasized that the closure is a precautionary measure to prevent accidents during the current adverse weather. The site will be reopened to visitors as soon as the situation returns to normal.

Iran has resumed loading crude oil from its main export hub, Kharg Island, after a pause of about six weeks. The activity restarted following the withdrawal of a US naval blockade. According to available information, three large oil tankers, each capable of carrying up to two million barrels, are currently anchored at the Sea Island terminal. Satellite images show two of the ships docked while the third is approaching.

European Union satellite data indicated that until Friday, the jetties at the terminal had remained empty, with few large vessels seen since May. Analysts suggest that after a temporary understanding with the United States reduced tensions, Iran quickly reactivated its oil export operations and supply network. Additional reports note that some tankers near Chabahar port have transported around 20 million barrels of oil.

Despite ongoing security uncertainties that have led many international ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, Iran is gradually reintroducing vessels into the Persian Gulf. Analysts believe that with at least 20 more ships waiting east of the Gulf, Iran’s oil exports may increase further in the coming days.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said Bangladesh will need two years to recover from its fragile economic situation. He stated that the government aims to reduce reliance on borrowing and is exploring alternative financial strategies. The minister made these remarks on Sunday afternoon while speaking to journalists.

He explained that the government is reviewing various aspects to make the national budget more accurate and emphasized the importance of bringing more citizens under the tax net, even with small contributions. Chowdhury noted that the current administration inherited a heavy debt burden from the previous government, which he described as fascist, and that the 2026–27 fiscal budget is not yet perfect. However, he assured that efforts are ongoing to stabilize the economy within two years.

The minister also mentioned that many of the 1,300 projects initiated by the previous government were canceled due to inefficiency or lack of utility. He added that borrowing from local banks at 11–13 percent interest is unsustainable for the private sector and burdensome for the government, which plans to move away from such borrowing.

On June 15, Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tarek Rahman directed that four major bus terminals in Dhaka—Fulbaria-Gulistan, Gabtoli, Mohakhali, and Sayedabad-Jatrabari—be relocated outside the capital to ease chronic traffic congestion. The government says the move aims to bring all terminals and counters under a unified structure. Urban planners and transport experts have welcomed the decision but identified seven key challenges that could hinder its success.

The challenges include coordination among implementing agencies, infrastructural readiness, passenger connectivity from new terminals to the city, potential traffic shifts to city outskirts, slow progress in bus route rationalization, resistance from transport unions, and ensuring passenger safety. Experts warn that without proper feasibility studies, land acquisition, and modern facilities, the relocation could remain a political promise rather than a practical solution. They also caution that moving terminals without improving route management and intercity transport systems may simply transfer congestion elsewhere.

Specialists emphasize that transparent project execution, stakeholder cooperation, and passenger-oriented planning are essential for the initiative to reduce Dhaka’s severe traffic problems effectively.

France has imposed partial restrictions on alcohol consumption as a precautionary measure during a severe heatwave sweeping across much of Europe. Following an emergency meeting, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced that drinking alcohol would be banned at public and open-air events, including the annual 'Fête de la Musique' festival, in 35 of the country's 96 departments under red alert. Temperatures in southwestern France, Paris, and Burgundy are expected to reach 39 to 40 degrees Celsius, with some areas possibly hitting 41 degrees. Paris authorities have ordered parks to remain open around the clock.

Germany has issued heat warnings across most regions, where temperatures are nearing 38 degrees Celsius, and its weather agency has cautioned about possible thunderstorms due to high heat and humidity. In Italy, temperatures are forecast to reach 36 to 37 degrees Celsius, affecting daily life and tourism, while Spain’s football federation has closed a fan zone in Madrid due to extreme heat.

Scientists cited in the report warn that climate change is making European heatwaves more frequent and intense, posing growing health and economic risks.