Two Bangladeshis have tragically died in a boat accident at Kawartha Lake, Toronto, Canada, on Sunday afternoon local time. The victims have been identified as former BGMEA Senior Vice President Abdullah Hil Rakib and his friend, Captain Saifuz Zaman Guddu, a Boeing 787 pilot for Biman Bangladesh Airlines. The incident occurred when their boat capsized during a joint family outing on the lake.

On Eid-ul-Azha morning, a sacrificial buffalo owned by Md. Nazim Uddin of Khagrachari crossed into India after running away. The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), coordinating with the Indian BSF, launched a joint effort to recover the buffalo. After several attempts, the animal returned to Bangladesh and was safely handed back to its owner. Md. Nazim expressed gratitude for BGB’s support, highlighting the act as a meaningful gesture respecting religious sentiments. The buffalo was sacrificed on Eid day.

Chinese scientists have developed a breakthrough technology to generate electricity on Mars using its atmosphere. The newly invented "Mars Battery" uses carbon dioxide from the Martian air to produce and store energy, eliminating the need for Earth-based fuel transport. Tested under simulated Mars conditions, the battery functions effectively even at sub-zero temperatures. This innovation could support long-term research missions and future human settlements on the Red Planet, marking a major advancement in space exploration and showcasing China's growing technological capabilities.

A young man named Jalil Mia slipped and fell into the water at the rubber dam on the Sonai River in Bohra Union, Madhabpur, Habiganj, while taking a selfie. Despite rescue efforts by the Madhabpur Fire Service, he remains missing due to strong river currents. The search was suspended at night and will resume Monday. Authorities described the incident as tragic and urged caution near water bodies during festive occasions.

A sudden flood in Sirajganj’s Chalanbil region has submerged large areas of low-lying land, drowning newly planted IRRI-Boro paddy fields. Seasonal laborers had just left before Eid, leaving farmers struggling to harvest. Rising water levels have made manual and machine harvesting nearly impossible. Authorities report about 90% of harvesting was complete, but continuous rainfall and upstream surges worsened flooding. Farmers are resorting to waist-deep wading and sharing harvest profits with laborers to save crops amid ongoing rain and flood threats.

From Monday, mango wholesalers in Rajshahi division will begin charging a Tk 3 per kg commission from both buyers and sellers. The decision was announced at a meeting of the Rajshahi Divisional Mango Wholesalers and Traders Association in Rohanpur, Chapainawabganj. Wholesalers demanded a review of an earlier administrative directive that barred commission collection. They warned that if obstructed, all mango trade at wholesale markets will be suspended. Representatives from major mango markets including Shibganj, Kansat, Bholahat, and Sapahar attended the meeting.

In the first 11 months of the 2024-25 fiscal year, Bangladesh received $27.5 billion in remittances. Dhaka district led with $9.26 billion, while Lalmonirhat received the lowest at $24.1 million. The Dhaka division accounted for nearly half of the total remittances, followed by Chittagong and Sylhet. Other low-income districts include Rangamati and Bandarban. Since the interim government took charge, remittance inflows have remained strong, helping maintain stable foreign currency reserves.

Comilla City Corporation failed to remove sacrificial animal waste within the announced 12-hour deadline after Eid-ul-Adha, leaving streets polluted with garbage and causing discomfort for residents. Despite proper waste collection by citizens, cleaning staff did not clear the waste on time, leading to foul odors and attracting stray animals. Officials claim timely cleanup but admit some new waste caused delays. Residents demand accountability and urgent action to improve waste management and city cleanliness.

Three Bangladeshi women were trafficked to Mumbai with the false promise of hospital jobs but were forced into immoral activities. Police arrested one suspect, Manasar Ahmed Sheikh, and are searching for three others involved. The women were rescued and sent to a shelter. They crossed the border illegally last month, with traffickers bribing officials to facilitate their entry. Authorities are investigating if more women were trafficked by the group and coerced into prostitution.

Farida Khandaker, wife of former army chief and Bir Uttam recipient AVM (Retd) AK Khandaker, passed away at 12:15 PM on Sunday at Dhaka’s Combined Military Hospital (CMH). She was 82. Admitted the previous day, she had been suffering from multiple health conditions, including pneumonia, breast cancer, diabetes, and hypertension. Her funeral prayer will be held on Wednesday after Asr prayers at BAF BSR Shaheen Mosque, and she will be buried at the BAF Shaheen Cemetery in Tejgaon. Prayers are requested for the departed soul.

A tragic head-on collision between a passenger bus and a CNG auto rickshaw occurred on Motlob-Pennai Road in Chandpur, resulting in two deaths and six injuries, including a child. The accident happened near Bardia Bridge in Motlob South Upazila on June 8. The deceased include the auto rickshaw driver Abu Bakar Siddique and passenger Tapan Chowdhury. Several injured are receiving treatment locally, while one seriously hurt passenger has been transferred to Dhaka for advanced care. Authorities have seized both vehicles involved.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched investigations against 10 former top military officers, including ex-Army Chief Aziz Ahmed and former Air Force Chief Sheikh Abdul Hannan, over allegations of abuse of power, bribery, illegal wealth accumulation, and money laundering. Several bank accounts and assets have been frozen, and travel bans imposed. Investigations are ongoing with ACC officials collecting evidence and conducting interrogations. The probe has sparked nationwide attention amid the government’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption.

COVID-19 cases, including a new Omicron variant, are increasing in India, prompting Bangladeshi health authorities to tighten screenings at all entry points. At Benapole immigration, passengers arriving from India are being checked for symptoms to prevent virus spread. Passengers reported no testing in India before travel. Health officials have instructed isolation for symptomatic individuals and emphasized strict health measures during Eid train travel. Authorities urge vigilance to stop the new variant from entering Bangladesh.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX faced a third failure with its Starship test flight on May 27, despite reaching orbit for the first time. The spacecraft lost control and broke apart during re-entry. While the mission outperformed previous attempts, key issues like payload door malfunction and loss of orientation remain. Experts warn more setbacks may follow but note progress. SpaceX views failure as a learning step and remains committed to its Mars and Moon goals. NASA plans to use Starship for its Artemis lunar mission.

A pedestrian named Didarul Alam, 45, was killed after being hit by a speeding Shahib Paribahan bus while crossing the road in the Madam Bibir Hat area of Bhatiari Union, Sitakunda. The accident occurred around 12:45 PM on Sunday on the Chattogram-bound lane. Didarul was a resident of Madhyam Azam Nagar in Mirsarai upazila. According to police, he died on the spot. The bus and its driver have been taken into custody, and legal action is underway, said the Baro Awlia Highway Police Station OC.