A court has directed prison authorities to take the necessary steps to solemnize the marriage between singer Mainul Ahsan Noble and the woman who had earlier filed a rape case against him, based on mutual consent. The bride is a former student of Eden Mohila College. Noble's lawyer stated in court that the case was a result of misunderstandings, and both parties now wish to marry, prompting the court to grant approval.

In a recent meeting, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus instructed officials to ensure uninterrupted river water flow during development project planning. “We must give utmost importance to preserving our river systems. Bangladesh is a deltaic country, and under no circumstances should our water flows be hindered,” he stated.

During the meeting, the Asian Development Bank’s Bangladesh Country Director, Ho Yun Jong, along with a team from the Economic Relations Division (ERD), presented the detailed framework, strategy, and implementation plan for the ‘Teknaf to Tetulia Integrated Economic Corridor Development’ project.

The Chief Adviser added, “Our vision is to create an investment hub in this region. The project must be designed to connect neighboring countries like Nepal and Bhutan as well.”

Chattogram, June 18 — Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain has issued a stern warning against the ongoing "ambulance business" at Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH), vowing tough action to dismantle the illegal syndicate profiting from patients' distress.

“We will not tolerate the commercialization of emergency ambulance services at CMCH,” said the mayor. “When a patient passes away, some ward boys call specific ambulances in exchange for commissions. This is a form of exploitation involving fourth-class staff, influential individuals, and even political figures.”

Dr. Shahadat emphasized the need for a coordinated multi-agency task force to break up the powerful network operating within and around the hospital. He called for an urgent joint meeting involving hospital authorities, law enforcement, and the city administration.

The mayor also addressed irregularities involving local pharmacies near the hospital, alleging that several of them are charging patients inflated prices for medicines, ignoring government price regulations.

“The Chattogram City Corporation will take strict action against any pharmacy found violating pricing rules,” he added.

Dhaka, June 18 — Ishraq Hossain, elected as the mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation, will not be sworn into office as the legal window for administering the oath has expired, according to government officials.

Local Government Division Advisor Asif Mahmud explained, “The final date for administering the oath was May 26. Although a file was initiated, we sought legal advice from the Law Ministry regarding the matter, which is still under judicial consideration.”

Following consultation with the Attorney General and other legal experts, the ministry was advised that due to the case being sub judice (under judicial review), there is no scope to proceed with the swearing-in.

Asif Mahmud added that the official gazette term of the Dhaka South City Corporation expired on June 1, further ruling out the possibility of any oath-taking at this stage.

The Public Service Commission (PSC) has released the results of the 45th BCS written examination, with 6,558 candidates provisionally passing. The exam took place from January 23 to January 31 last year across eight divisional cities, including Dhaka. The full results and related information are available on the PSC website. The commission has also reserved the right to make corrections if needed for justified reasons.

Dhaka, June 18 — Australia has announced a $2 million grant to directly support the Bangladesh Election Commission’s Ballot Project, aimed at strengthening electoral processes in the country. The announcement was made during a formal agreement signing ceremony on Tuesday.

Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Susan Grace Ryley, expressed her country's commitment, stating, “We are pleased to contribute $2 million directly to support the Ballot Project. We are proud to be part of this important initiative during a crucial time for Bangladesh.”

The project, managed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), will receive a total of $18.53 million in funding from various donors. The initiative includes 16 key components focusing on capacity building, public awareness, training, and strengthening the institutional framework.

Senior Secretary of the Election Commission Secretariat, Akhtar Ahmed, highlighted the importance of international support in enhancing the electoral process. UNDP Resident Representative in Bangladesh, Stefan Liller, also expressed hope that more development partners will join in supporting the project’s implementation.

A Dhaka court has granted a three-day remand for five suspects involved in a daring daylight robbery in Mirpur. On May 27, a money exchange trader, Zahidur Rahman, was shot and robbed of Tk 2.2 million behind the Fire Service Station in Mirpur-10. The accused—Mostafizur Rahman, Saikat Hossain, Md. Sohag Hasan, Jalil Molla, and Palash Ahmed—were presented in court by Detective Branch officials, who sought a 10-day remand. The court approved three days after a hearing.

Deputy Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov issued a stark warning to the United States, stating that even considering military assistance to Israel could severely destabilize the already volatile situation in the region.

Ryabkov revealed that Moscow is currently maintaining diplomatic communication with both Iran and Israel in an effort to contain the crisis. Separately, the head of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, Sergey Naryshkin, described the situation as "critically unstable," noting that even a minor provocation could trigger full-scale war.

Reports also suggest that former U.S. President Donald Trump and his political allies are actively discussing potential strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in support of Israel.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that Iran has the right to defend itself against what he described as “Israeli state terrorism and thuggery.”

Calling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a “war criminal” and the “greatest threat to regional security,” Erdoğan compared his actions in Gaza to those of Adolf Hitler. “Netanyahu’s crimes in Gaza surpass even the horrors of the Nazis,” the Turkish leader declared.

Nobel Peace Laureate Malala Yousafzai criticized the United States for not using its immense global influence to stop the mass killings in Gaza.

“It’s deeply disappointing that the U.S. hasn’t acted effectively to save lives, restore peace, or stabilize the region,” she said. Malala urged stronger U.S. action to push for a ceasefire and facilitate humanitarian aid.

“I have spoken out about Gaza since 2014—claims of silence are false,” she emphasized.

Nurul Islam, Co-Chairman of the Bangladesh Secretariat Employees Unity Forum, has demanded a 50% dearness allowance. He warned that protests would continue at the Secretariat if the ‘Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance 2025’ is not repealed.

“We’ve prepared for rallies across all eight divisions,” he stated. “The government’s so-called dialogues have betrayed our trust. Bureaucrats complicit in authoritarianism must be held accountable.”

Currently, the government plans to provide a 15% allowance for grades 1–9 and 20% for grades 10–20 employees.

Hilsa prices in Chandpur fell by Tk 700 per kg after news spread of a letter sent by the district commissioner to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, urging regulation. The DC highlighted price manipulation by dishonest traders, making hilsa unaffordable. He stressed the need for national price control since hilsa is caught in multiple districts. Traders reacted defensively, citing high costs and limited supply. With increased fish arrival, prices dipped to Tk 2,200–2,300 per kg from Tk 2,700–2,800.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has described Israel’s strikes on Iran as a “dirty act,” but one that serves global interests by deterring Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. “The Iranian regime has brought death and destruction worldwide through attacks and by supporting groups like Hezbollah and Hamas,” Merz stated. He expressed deep respect for Israel’s bold actions, adding, “The alternative would have been months or years of enduring terror, possibly with Iran becoming a nuclear power.”

A gas pipeline leak caused a powerful explosion at a two-story house in Ashulia on Wednesday morning, leaving six people injured. The incident occurred at the home of Jewel Ahmed in the Badhir Par area. The injured include Jahanara (40), Jewel (24), Shanto (21), Hawa Akter (23), Zahurul Islam (26), and Nasir (38). While Nasir left after receiving initial treatment, the others are hospitalized, with two reported in critical condition.

Pakistan has expressed serious concerns over the escalating Iran-Israel conflict. Experts point to the country’s complex relationship with Tehran, rising security concerns in Balochistan, and fears of Israeli air force influence reaching the Pakistani border. Despite a missile exchange with Iran earlier in January 2024, both nations have since moved to mend ties. Pakistan has strongly condemned Israel’s attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities and assassinations of its generals and scientists, calling for international intervention.