Global oil prices declined following reports that the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon had strengthened. Investors interpreted the development as a sign of renewed diplomatic momentum toward resolving the broader conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

As of 12:15 a.m. GMT on Wednesday, Brent crude futures dropped by 67 cents, or 0.69 percent, to trade at 97.14 dollars per barrel. Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures fell by 62 cents, or 0.65 percent, to 95.40 dollars per barrel. The decline reflected market optimism about reduced geopolitical risks in the Middle East.

The ceasefire understanding was reached after talks in Washington mediated by the United States. Both Israel and Lebanon agreed to implement the truce, though they emphasized that Hezbollah must completely halt its attacks for the agreement to hold.

Bangladesh’s leather industry is undergoing a major downturn despite strong global demand. The sector has been hit by poor management, lack of environmental compliance, and absence of international certification such as the Leather Working Group (LWG) standard, which has discouraged major global brands from purchasing Bangladeshi leather. Production and exports have fallen sharply, forcing local businesses to rely on imported leather. Large companies like Bata and Apex have reduced direct leather purchases, while many entrepreneurs cannot export despite having government-allotted plots.

The crisis deepened after tanneries were relocated from Hazaribagh to Savar in 2017, where the central effluent treatment plant (CETP) remains only partially functional. Business leaders and officials acknowledge that mismanagement, substandard equipment, and corruption have crippled the CETP, driving away European and Korean buyers. Export earnings reached USD 1.145 billion in 2024–25, far below the sector’s potential in the USD 440 billion global market.

Industry associations urge urgent modernization of the CETP, enforcement of environmental standards, and acquisition of LWG certification. They also call for action against misuse of government plots and for joint public-private investment to restore competitiveness.

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has announced a record electricity price hike of nearly 20 percent at the consumer level, effective from June 2026 and payable in July. Wholesale rates will rise by 19.85 percent, while retail prices for middle-income households in the fourth usage tier will increase by 19.95 percent. The average increase for low-tension users is 18.21 percent. BERC Chairman Jalal Ahmed announced the decision at a press conference, stating that the adjustment was made after reviewing current conditions. The government will still provide Tk 41,000 crore in subsidies to the power sector.

The decision follows public hearings held on May 19 and 20, where consumer groups strongly opposed the proposal. Despite earlier assurances from the energy minister that prices would not rise for two years, the commission approved the increase within four working days of the hearings. Consumers fear the hike will severely affect nearly 49.8 million users, raising living costs and impacting small industries, businesses, and households.

The new rates also affect irrigation, religious institutions, and battery charging, with higher peak-hour tariffs. Critics argue that corruption and inefficiency in the power sector, rather than subsidies, are driving the need for such increases.

A global survey by the human resources and workforce management AI platform UKG has warned that the upcoming football World Cup, starting on June 11, could cause a productivity loss of about $170 billion worldwide. The study found that employers across multiple countries are concerned about keeping employees focused and present during the tournament. The projected loss equals roughly 20.8 trillion Bangladeshi taka. The United States is expected to face the highest loss at around $117 billion, followed by Germany with an estimated $13.4 billion.

According to the survey, 37 percent of employees plan to adjust their work schedules to match match timings, while 27 percent admitted they might arrive late, leave early, or skip work entirely. About 14 percent said they would secretly stream matches or highlights at their desks, and 11 percent planned to work under the influence after watching late-night games. Even managers are not exempt, with 42 percent planning to take leave and 45 percent intending to modify their work hours.

The UKG study covered eight major countries—Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Mexico, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States—based on responses from around 8,000 employees.

A widespread heatwave has gripped Bangladesh, with mild to moderate intensity recorded across 48 districts on Wednesday. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department reported that the highest temperature was 38.5°C in Dinajpur, while Dhaka reached 36.8°C. Reduced rainfall and increased humidity have intensified the discomfort, disrupting daily life nationwide. The heatwave, which began earlier this month, has expanded from 41 districts the previous day.

Meteorologist Shahinul Islam stated that the current heatwave may continue for a few more days, with scattered rainfall likely from June 5 or 6 and increased precipitation expected around June 8 or 9, which could ease the heat. The department also forecast that June and July will see higher-than-normal temperatures and below-average rainfall, with two to three mild to moderate heatwaves likely during the month.

The combination of high humidity and frequent power outages has worsened public suffering, as people across the country struggle with oppressive heat and limited relief from rain.

A meeting on the Dhaka-Narayanganj-Demra (DND) embankment was held on Wednesday at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Secretariat, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. According to Deputy Press Secretary Md. Sujauddoulla, the discussion focused on the long-standing waterlogging problems in the DND area and possible solutions.

After the meeting, Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee stated that although a project launched in 2016 and completed in 2024 aimed to address the issue, residents have yet to experience significant benefits. He added that the completed project will be handed over to the city corporation within two weeks.

Anee further mentioned that new plans are being developed to improve the drainage system, including upgrading 30 kilometers of drainage infrastructure. He expressed optimism that under city corporation management and with collective efforts, the desired results will be achieved. Several ministers and officials, including the LGRD State Minister and the RAJUK Chairman, attended the meeting.

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has announced another increase in electricity prices, prompting strong criticism from Khelafat Majlis. According to a statement issued by the party’s Amir Maulana Abdul Basit Azad and Secretary General Dr. Ahmad Abdul Kader, BERC raised wholesale electricity rates by 19.85 percent and retail rates by 15 to 19.94 percent. The transmission charge was also increased by 23.96 percent.

Khelafat Majlis said the new price hike would make public life more difficult and lead to another round of commodity price increases. The party accused the government of shifting the burden of corruption, mismanagement, poor planning, and waste within the power sector onto ordinary consumers. It strongly protested the decision and demanded an immediate reduction in electricity and fuel prices, as well as measures to bring essential goods within consumers’ purchasing power.

The statement reflects growing political opposition to recent energy price adjustments and calls for urgent government action to ease public hardship.

Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) reported that the metro rail transported an average of 151,877 passengers per day between May 25 and May 31, excluding Eid day. The company released this information in a statement on Wednesday, noting that 140 scheduled trips were operated daily during the period.

To manage the increased passenger demand around Eid, DMTCL kept 10 additional trains on standby for possible deployment. The metro rail played a significant role in facilitating travel for people leaving Dhaka for their hometowns before Eid and returning to their workplaces afterward.

According to DMTCL, officials and employees worked during public holidays to maintain operations. Cleaning activities were also carried out at metro stations and surrounding areas. The company expressed gratitude to passengers and stakeholders for their cooperation in ensuring smooth, safe, and uninterrupted metro services during the Eid holidays.

Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh, has strongly criticized the government’s decision to raise electricity prices again ahead of the national budget. In a statement to the media on Wednesday, he said ordinary citizens should not be punished for theft, corruption, waste, and mismanagement in the power sector. He warned that the new price hike would worsen the suffering of low-income people already struggling with rising living costs.

Haque described the government’s move as arbitrary and accused the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) of failing to justify the increase at both wholesale and consumer levels. He argued that reducing corruption and inefficiency in the energy and power sectors would eliminate the need for such hikes. He also criticized BERC’s public hearings as a mere formality to legitimize government decisions.

He demanded the immediate withdrawal of the price hike decision and called for amendments to BERC’s existing law so that it can recommend price reductions. Haque further urged the government to include adequate allocations and a comprehensive plan for the energy and power sectors in the upcoming national budget.

Actor Shirthaj Zebin has gained audience attention for her performance as Sumaiya in the Eid drama 'Maya Pakhi', written and directed by Zakaria Shaukhine. The drama portrays the dark side of corporate life through the rivalry between two women, Sumaiya and Maya, competing for their boss’s attention. Despite Sumaiya’s negative traits, Zebin’s portrayal has been widely discussed and appreciated by viewers.

Zebin stated that she is drawn to challenging roles that capture audience interest. She previously debuted under Shaukhine’s direction and has since worked with him on other projects. In 'Maya Pakhi', she expressed gratitude for the audience’s response, noting that the story reflects the hidden struggles within corporate environments. The drama also stars Shahed Sharif Khan, Apurba, and Niha in key roles.

Recently, Zebin completed her BBA from North South University. On her birthday, she chose to spend the day with children at an orphanage in Bashundhara, Dhaka, personally covering the expenses of the meal.

Chuadanga district experienced a sudden return of a moderate heatwave on June 3, 2026, with the temperature reaching 38 degrees Celsius and humidity at 47 percent. The heatwave followed a week of relatively lower temperatures after rainfall had eased conditions since May 18. On June 1 and 2, the district recorded temperatures of 37.8 and 36.5 degrees Celsius respectively.

According to the acting officer of Chuadanga’s first-class weather observatory, the temperature was recorded at 38 degrees Celsius at 3 p.m. on June 3. The official noted that a moderate heatwave is currently sweeping across the district and that the temperature may drop by one degree the following day.

Field observations showed that the intense sunlight caused difficulties for school students, day laborers, and rickshaw pullers working outdoors under the scorching heat.

The government has withdrawn the additional monthly charge on prepaid electricity meters, according to an announcement shared by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) media cell on Wednesday. The BNP stated on its official Facebook page that the decision was part of the party’s first 100 days in government, aimed at reducing public hardship and ensuring financial relief for ordinary citizens.

Earlier, on March 29, the Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, had announced that the monthly rent or meter charge for prepaid electricity meters would be withdrawn. Previously, consumers were paying a monthly demand charge of 42 taka per kilowatt and a single-phase meter rent of 40 taka, along with an additional 5 percent VAT. These charges had caused widespread dissatisfaction among users.

The withdrawal of the extra charges is expected to provide immediate financial relief to electricity consumers who had long expressed frustration over the additional costs associated with prepaid meters.

A two-day film screening event is set to begin in Cox’s Bazar, organized by the Cox’s Bazar Film Society. The announcement was made at a press conference held at Shaheed Daulat Maidan on Wednesday. The screenings will take place on June 5 and 6 at Shaheed Subhash Hall of Cox’s Bazar Public Library, running from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. each day, with a total of six films scheduled.

The first day will feature Mezbauer Rahman Suman’s ‘Hawa’, Shahin Dil-Riaz’s ‘Rakib Khan: The Projectionist’, and Mohammad Towkir Islam’s ‘Delupi’. The second day will include Dhrubo Hasan’s ‘Fatima’, Fazle Rabbi’s short film ‘Tadatma Onneshon: The Eternal Journey’, and Tanim Noor’s ‘Bonolota Express’. Tickets are priced at 100 taka per day, with a 50 taka concession for students. Registration will be available both online and at the venue.

According to the organizers, all films will include English subtitles to make them accessible to both local and international audiences. The Film Society hopes the event, titled ‘Cox’s Bazar Talkies’, will foster a culture of regular film screenings and creative engagement in the region.

Authorities have removed the crocodile from the pond of Khan Jahan Ali (R.) Shrine in Bagerhat following a fatal incident. On Wednesday afternoon, the animal was taken to the Khulna Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. Earlier in the day, forest department and administrative officials were present at the site, and the crocodile was captured around noon using bait before being transported to Khulna.

The decision to relocate the crocodile came after a child was killed in an attack three days earlier. An emergency meeting held Tuesday night at the district administration office determined that the animal should be removed for public safety. Local residents expressed relief after the removal, saying they had been afraid to approach the pond.

Wildlife expert Azad Kabir confirmed that the female crocodile, weighing about 600 kilograms, was safely rescued and will undergo examination at the rescue center before further decisions are made. The Upazila Nirbahi Officer stated that future steps regarding the crocodile will be decided after discussions.

A crocodile from Khan Jahan Ali (R.) Dighi in Bagerhat was removed on Wednesday afternoon and taken to the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Khulna. The operation began in the morning with forest and administrative officials present at the site. The crocodile was captured around noon using food as bait and then transported to Khulna by the Forest Department.

The decision to remove the animal followed the death of a child three days earlier in an attack by the same crocodile. An emergency meeting held Tuesday night at the district administration office approved the relocation. Local residents expressed relief after the removal, saying they had been fearful of the crocodile.

Wildlife expert Azad Kabir confirmed the rescued female crocodile weighs about 600 kilograms and will undergo examination at the Khulna center before further decisions are made. Bagerhat Sadar Upazila Executive Officer Atia Khatun said the removal was carried out for public safety, and future steps will be determined after discussions.