Iran’s annual inflation rate has soared to nearly 89 percent, marking the highest level since the end of World War II. The sharp rise is attributed to the ongoing war with the United States and Israel, compounded by international sanctions and a steep depreciation of the Iranian rial. According to Iran’s Statistical Center, inflation reached 88.6 percent in June, driven by severe economic disruptions linked to the conflict.

The report notes that food prices have more than doubled compared to the same period last year. Bread and grains rose by 138.8 percent, eggs and dairy products by 151.9 percent, and red meat and poultry by 178.2 percent. The rapid price increases have drastically reduced purchasing power, making basic goods unaffordable for many citizens.

The war has also caused widespread job losses, with millions forced out of work. A US naval blockade and restrictions on oil exports have further strained Iran’s economy, putting additional pressure on the national currency.

Bangladesh’s rapid urbanization, once seen as a sign of progress, is now creating complex social, economic, and environmental challenges, according to Professor Md. Mujibur Rahman. He identifies unplanned internal migration from rural to urban areas as a key driver of this crisis, placing severe pressure on city infrastructure. Housing, transport, education, water supply, sanitation, and healthcare systems are all under strain, with Dhaka facing severe traffic congestion and rising environmental risks such as waterlogging and groundwater depletion.

The article explains that rural economic decline, lack of local employment, natural disasters, and climate change are pushing people toward cities. However, inadequate urban planning and poor coordination among development agencies have worsened the situation. The author argues that internal migration itself is not the problem but its unregulated nature.

To address the crisis, he calls for stronger rural development, decentralized industrial and educational opportunities, improved public transport, and long-term urban planning. Without such measures, he warns, Bangladesh’s cities risk becoming increasingly uninhabitable.

A severe heatwave scorched Europe on Saturday, stretching from Scandinavia to the Alps and causing at least 12 deaths. Temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius in several regions, breaking long-standing records in Germany, Denmark, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland. Authorities issued extreme heat warnings across Germany and neighboring countries as the heat moved eastward. France, Italy, and the United Kingdom also recorded unprecedented highs earlier in the week.

Scientists said such an intense heatwave would have been nearly impossible without human-induced climate change, which has made extreme nighttime temperatures far more likely. Governments across Europe took emergency measures: France restricted alcohol sales and postponed outdoor events, while Italy declared red alerts in 18 cities. Nuclear power plants in Hungary and Switzerland reduced or halted operations due to overheated river water. Rail operators in Germany and other countries reduced services and allowed free cancellations to prevent infrastructure damage.

Meteorologists forecast that the extreme heat will ease later in the week, with thunderstorms expected by Sunday. The phenomenon, known as an “omega block,” has trapped hot air over Europe, pushing seasonal averages far above normal and straining public health and essential services.

The International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) and Physics Without Frontiers (PWF) have jointly announced the second edition of the ICTP-PWF: Physics for Bangladesh Online Summer Internship 2026. The fully online program will run from July 20 to October 20, offering Bangladeshi students hands-on research experience in theoretical physics and mathematics under the mentorship of international researchers.

The initiative aims to bridge the gap in research opportunities and global mentorship for Bangladeshi students, helping them prepare for advanced studies and international research careers. Participants will engage in short-term projects designed to move beyond textbook learning and explore modern research methods and trends.

Undergraduate and postgraduate students from any recognized university or higher education institution in Bangladesh are eligible to apply by June 30 through an online form. The internship includes four main research tracks, with the high-energy physics track covering advanced topics such as quantum field theory, string theory, conformal field theory, and algebraic combinatorics.

Bangladesh Bank has discontinued the CAMELS rating system used to assess banks’ financial health and introduced a new Composite Risk Rating (CRR) framework effective from January 2026. The CRR system is part of the central bank’s Risk-Based Supervision structure and aims to evaluate banks’ overall risk and management capacity. The decision was confirmed by internal sources of Bangladesh Bank.

Previously, CAMELS ratings were based on six indicators—capital adequacy, asset quality, management, earnings, liquidity, and market sensitivity—and were kept confidential. Officials noted that the CAMELS system was backward-looking, relying on past financial data, and failed to detect emerging risks. The new CRR approach is forward-looking, assessing both current conditions and potential future vulnerabilities.

According to internal documents, the change was made to eliminate duplication and improve supervisory efficiency. Bangladesh Bank has reorganized its internal structure, forming 17 new supervision departments. The shift aligns with international practices in countries such as India, Pakistan, Malaysia, and Singapore. Analysts believe the success of the CRR will depend on the central bank’s commitment to impartial enforcement.

Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday, causing widespread devastation and leaving at least 1,430 people dead and 3,238 injured. According to the latest update from the country’s National Assembly president, around 68,900 people remain missing. The quakes, the strongest in more than a century, reduced numerous buildings to rubble across several regions.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimated that about 6.76 million people may have been affected nationwide, including roughly 2 million in the capital, Caracas. Preliminary satellite analysis indicated that 31.5 percent of buildings in the coastal city of Catia La Mar were damaged. IOM Director General Amy Pope emphasized that the first hours and days after such a disaster are critical for shaping the response.

IOM has expanded its relief operations, distributing pre-positioned emergency supplies in Caracas and working with the Venezuelan government and partners to provide shelter, essential goods, and protection. The agency warned that internal displacement is likely to rise sharply as thousands seek safety after losing their homes.

During Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s recent visit to China, a memorandum of understanding was signed to enable the export of jackfruit from Bangladesh to China. The agreement is part of 17 MoUs covering areas such as infrastructure, disaster management, and the digital economy. Officials said the deal marks a formal step toward approving jackfruit exports, reflecting China’s continued interest since it began importing raw mangoes from Bangladesh in May 2025.

Experts noted that Bangladesh, despite being a major jackfruit producer, has a minimal share in the global market. China, the world’s largest jackfruit importer, currently sources most of its supply from Vietnam and Thailand. Economists believe access to the Chinese market could boost Bangladesh’s agricultural exports and create new opportunities for processed jackfruit products. However, challenges remain in maintaining product quality, processing, and packaging standards.

Agricultural economists emphasized that government investment and technical collaboration with China could help overcome logistical and preservation challenges. They also cautioned that local demand and nutritional needs should be balanced alongside export ambitions.

A severe heatwave in France has caused 109 deaths within 24 hours in Paris, according to local media reports on Saturday. Emergency medical services recorded the deaths on Friday while responding to calls from homes and public places. Typically, only about seven deaths are reported during the same period in previous years. The figure excludes hospital deaths linked to extreme heat. During the same 24-hour period, emergency services received around 3,400 calls, including 30 cardiac emergencies and one case of hyperthermia with a body temperature of 43.7 degrees Celsius.

Authorities also reported that a man drowned while swimming unsupervised in the Saint-Martin Canal in Paris. France’s sports minister said that since the start of the heatwave, 55 people have drowned nationwide, 65 percent of them in unauthorized swimming areas. Emergency call volumes in Paris and nearby regions rose by 80 percent over the past week, while hospital admissions increased by 36 percent compared to normal days.

Although temperatures have begun to drop slightly, health services remain under pressure. Meteo-France maintained red alerts in 35 regions and orange alerts for thunderstorms in 34 others, with possible easing by Sunday evening.

Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, raising the death toll to 1,430, according to National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez. He announced the figures in a televised address on Saturday, citing that 3,238 people were injured and 3,142 displaced as a result of the twin quakes. The report was carried by Anadolu Agency.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) stated that the quakes occurred just 39 seconds apart last Wednesday, measuring magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5. The 7.5-magnitude quake originated 23 kilometers southeast of Yumare in Yaracuy state, while the 7.2-magnitude quake struck 23.9 kilometers northeast of San Felipe, also in Yaracuy.

Authorities are continuing to assess the scale of the disaster as rescue and relief operations proceed in the affected regions.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said that if Bangladesh joins the China-Myanmar corridor, Bangladeshi goods could reach China within 24 hours, significantly accelerating bilateral trade and boosting investment. He made the remarks on Saturday while speaking to journalists after attending the Sylhet Lawyers Association’s reception for new members.

The minister explained that China has already granted duty-free access to all Bangladeshi products, and the government is now focusing on attracting more Chinese investment as a key strategy to expand exports. He mentioned that the cabinet recently approved the establishment of an 800-acre Chinese industrial park in Chattogram. Referring to the Prime Minister’s recent visit to China, he expressed optimism that substantial Chinese investment would soon flow into Bangladesh, helping to reduce the trade deficit.

At the same event, Muktadir emphasized the vital role of lawyers in upholding the rule of law, justice, and social order, and called for building a modern training system to enhance professional skills within the Sylhet District Lawyers Association.

Beximco Pharmaceuticals has resumed trading of its Global Depository Receipts (GDRs) on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) from June 26, following the withdrawal of a trading suspension. The Dhaka Stock Exchange Brokers’ Association (DBA) confirmed the development on June 27. The company had faced a suspension since January 2 due to delays in publishing audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, and subsequent reports.

According to the source, the suspension stemmed from a dispute over the company’s board composition after the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) was restructured under the interim government formed following political changes in 2024. The reconstituted BSEC appointed nine independent directors to Beximco Pharma’s board, a move the company challenged in court. This deadlock delayed financial approvals, triggering the LSE suspension.

After investor appeals and coordination among BSEC, DBA, and company management, Beximco Pharma held a special board meeting on June 23 to approve pending financial statements. The LSE then lifted the suspension, a move the DBA said would strengthen Bangladesh’s international market reputation and investor confidence.

A strong earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale struck Afghanistan on Saturday evening, shaking parts of northern India and Pakistan as well. According to India’s National Center for Seismology, the quake occurred at 7:04 p.m. local time, with its epicenter located about 215 kilometers below the surface. No immediate reports of casualties or major damage were received from Afghanistan, though the tremors caused panic in several northern Indian regions, prompting residents to move outdoors for safety.

Experts noted that Afghanistan lies in a high-risk seismic zone, particularly in the Hindu Kush region, which is known for frequent earthquakes. The Red Cross has identified the country’s position at the junction of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates as a key reason for recurring seismic activity. Additionally, major fault lines running through provinces such as Herat make the region prone to moderate to strong earthquakes.

Authorities are monitoring the situation, though no official damage assessments or emergency declarations had been reported at the time of publication.

Opposition lawmaker Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan from Sirajganj-4 has described Bangladesh’s proposed 2026–27 national budget as anti-poor and not people-friendly. Speaking in parliament on Saturday, he said the budget increases the cost of living through higher prices of essentials and added taxes on daily goods. He cited price hikes in LPG, diesel, kerosene, and petrol, arguing that the poor are disproportionately burdened. The session was chaired by Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal.

Khan criticized the government’s economic targets, saying the projected 6.5 percent GDP growth and 7.5 percent inflation goals are unrealistic given current inflation above 9 percent. He noted that only about 48 percent of the Annual Development Programme had been implemented in eleven months, warning that last-minute spending could fuel corruption. He also highlighted rising non-performing loans, now totaling about Tk 5.88 trillion, and warned of growing foreign debt repayment pressures.

The MP further alleged deterioration in law and order, citing killings and drug abuse, and called for reforms, anti-corruption measures, and fair treatment of officials. He demanded budget allocations for Qawmi madrasa students, religious leaders, and victims of political violence.

Iran has announced the resumption of cargo clearance from the United Arab Emirates following a temporary halt caused by recent regional tensions. According to Iran’s state news agency IRNA, shipments from Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port to Iran have started receiving clearance again after disruptions triggered by a drone attack on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz and subsequent U.S. airstrikes.

An Iranian trade official stated that many Iranian containers had been stranded at Jebel Ali Port due to instability and emergency conditions in the region. With conditions now somewhat stabilized, the port has begun releasing the containers for shipment to Iran, though full normalization of trade is expected to take more time.

Jebel Ali Port is considered a key economic hub for Iranian goods transit in the Middle East. The resumption of cargo clearance is viewed as a significant step toward reviving trade activity that had been severely affected by regional conflicts and Western sanctions on Iran.

A 65-year-old man named Zainal Abedin was killed in a wild elephant attack in Bakshiganj upazila of Jamalpur district. The incident occurred in the Somnathpara area of the Garo hills under Dhanua Kamalpur Union. According to local sources, Zainal left home on Friday morning to collect firewood but did not return by evening. After a night of searching, his body was found the next morning in a forested area of Somnathpara.

Local authorities reported that the elephants had crossed the border from India before the attack. Acting Union Chairman Golap Jamal confirmed that the death resulted from the elephant attack, while Bakshiganj Police Officer-in-Charge Mokbul Hossain said police were sent to the scene and legal steps would follow after speaking with the victim’s family.

The incident highlights ongoing risks faced by residents living near the forested border areas where wild elephants frequently move across from India.