During his UK visit, Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus responded to BBC’s question about whether barring Awami League contradicts his commitment to inclusive elections. Quoting the UN Resident Coordinator, Yunus said, “Inclusive means the participation of all people, not specific political parties. As long as people can vote, it’s inclusive.” He clarified that the Awami League has not been banned but temporarily suspended from political activities, with their election participation subject to the Election Commission’s decision. He criticized attempts to compare Sheikh Hasina’s situation to the interim government, calling it ‘shameful.’ Yunus also dismissed proposals to integrate the Rohingya population into Bangladesh, deeming it impractical.

This year’s Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations are scheduled to start on June 26. The education boards have completed all necessary preparations. The Ministry of Education clarified that if any region faces a natural disaster, exams will be suspended only for that particular board, while exams in other regions will continue as scheduled. Salah Uddin, principal of Azimpur Government Girls School and College, urged teachers to remain vigilant against rumors, especially those related to leaked question papers, and called for strict action by the education boards.

Mosquito control activities in Dhaka South have stalled for over a month due to administrative deadlock at Nagar Bhaban, raising concerns of a worsening dengue outbreak. Residents in areas like Jurain report no visible mosquito spraying, while many workers remain inactive or absent. Experts warn that disruption during this pre-monsoon peak period may lead to a record rise in cases by August–September. They urge the government to urgently resume control operations to avoid a major public health crisis.

Nineteen people lost their lives in multiple road accidents across eight districts in Bangladesh between Thursday midnight and Friday night. Mymensingh recorded the highest fatalities with nine deaths in two separate crashes involving buses, an ambulance, and other vehicles. Other districts including Natore, Lalmonirhat, Gazipur, Manikganj, Bagerhat, Sirajganj, and Naogaon also witnessed deadly collisions causing deaths and injuries. Authorities are investigating and have begun legal procedures while the injured receive medical treatment in various hospitals.

Continuous rain over two days has caused severe flooding in the yards and warehouses of Benapole Land Port, disrupting cargo unloading and transport. Temporary gate closures have been enforced to manage the situation. Officials blame improper drainage due to railway expansion without culverts. Despite handling 2.2-2.4 million tons of imports annually and generating substantial government revenue, poor infrastructure and planning lead to recurring monsoon problems. Authorities are working on urgent solutions to restore normal port operations.

Question papers for the upcoming HSC exams were found outside a trunk stored in custody at Dhamoirhat Police Station in Naogaon. The trunk, kept in a detention cell, was found unlocked with papers scattered. CCTV footage revealed a murder suspect broke the seal and tampered with the papers. Two police officers were withdrawn for negligence. Authorities have formed two separate probe committees. It remains unclear whether the papers were leaked. A Rajshahi Education Board team will investigate the site further.

The Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) has developed and released three new rice varieties—BRRI dhan112, BRRI dhan113, and BRRI dhan114. These varieties are tolerant to salinity, resistant to blast disease, and highly productive. BRRI dhan112 suits coastal saline areas; BRRI dhan113 is a Boro season alternative to BRRI dhan29; and BRRI dhan114 resists blast disease effectively. With these additions, BRRI has now developed 121 rice varieties. Experts say the new varieties promise profitability, sustainability, and adaptability to changing environmental conditions.

European diplomats have urged the United States to intervene and stop Israeli airstrikes in Iran, appealing for reduced violence and dialogue. When asked if he would pressure Israel to heed these calls, U.S. President Donald Trump replied, “Israel is winning right now and doing very well. It’s hard to tell the winning side what to do in this situation.” His response indicates reluctance to intervene against ongoing Israeli attacks in Iran, implying no immediate U.S. interference is forthcoming.

Dhaka continues to struggle with hazardous air quality, ranking 7th among the world’s 125 most polluted cities, according to Swiss-based air quality monitoring organization IQAir.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) score for Dhaka currently stands at 122, which falls into the category deemed “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” Topping the list today is Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, with an AQI of 147, followed by Batam, Indonesia (139), and Delhi, India (139).

IQAir reports that prolonged exposure to such air conditions poses serious health risks, particularly to children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory issues.

An unidentified man was found unconscious on a street in the Konapara area of Demra, Dhaka, after allegedly falling victim to a criminal group known as the “knockout gang.” Police rescued the man and took him to the emergency unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

Demra Police Sub-Inspector Abdul Majid stated that despite questioning locals, they were unable to identify the victim. Authorities suspect the man was drugged and robbed. Legal proceedings are underway, and more details are expected once the man regains consciousness.

In a day-long operation on Thursday, police arrested 18 individuals involved in various criminal activities in Dhaka’s Mohammadpur area. According to DMP Assistant Commissioner AKM Mehedi Hasan, the arrests include:

4 suspects preparing for robbery

4 individuals with outstanding warrants

7 involved in drug-related cases

1 murder suspect

2 accused in other DMP cases

All suspects have been presented before the court. In a separate operation in Shyampur, police arrested two female drug traffickers with 2,556 yaba tablets in their possession.

Palestine Action has launched an attack on a Royal Air Force (RAF) base located in the Midlands region of the United Kingdom, protesting the UK’s support of Israeli actions in Gaza.

The group reported that two of its members entered the RAF base in Brize Norton, where they spray-painted the engines of a military aircraft named Voyager and damaged them using metal rods.

Palestine Action accused the UK government of publicly criticizing Israel while continuing to send military cargo. The organization claimed that the UK is actively involved by flying surveillance drones over Gaza’s skies and supplying fuel to American and Israeli warplanes.

“Britain is not just a bystander but an active participant in the genocide in Gaza and war crimes across the Middle East,” the group stated.

Yasmin Ansari, the youngest female member of the U.S. Congress and a Democrat of Iranian descent, has expressed grave concern over how former President Donald Trump is handling the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.

“I am extremely worried about the way President Trump is managing the Israel-Iran crisis,” Ansari stated. “We have a president who changes his stance every day. No one trusts his words.”

Referring to the U.S. involvement in the Iraq War, she emphasized that America has no positive or “successful” history in the region and warned against further intervention. Ansari also clarified that not all Iranians support the ruling regime. “Millions of Iranians oppose the Islamic Republic. They should not be the ones paying the price in bombings,” she said.

The congresswoman urged Trump to prioritize a diplomatic resolution to avoid unnecessary loss of American lives.

On Friday, a 5.1 magnitude earthquake shook several provinces across Iran. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake's epicenter was located near the city of Qom. Tremors were felt in the capital Tehran and other parts of the country. So far, no casualties or significant damage have been reported.

This seismic event comes amid escalating tensions and ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel.

After a year-long absence due to armed conflict and intimidation by the Kuki Chin National Front, seven members of the Bom community have returned to Thandui Para village in Bandarban’s Thanchi Upazila. Assisted by the Bangladesh Army’s 16 East Bengal Regiment under the 69 Infantry Brigade, the families received food, financial aid, and medical support. The military continues to prioritize security and rehabilitation efforts to restore the village and support displaced residents in returning safely to their homes.