An HSC examinee, Khadija Akter Ripa, was reportedly abducted in broad daylight on May 31 in Lakshmipur’s Raipur area. Despite 12 days having passed and formal complaints lodged against six individuals—including Shah Alam and his son Saiful Islam—police have yet to detain anyone. However, OC Nizam Uddin Bhuiyan claims that the girl willingly eloped with her boyfriend, and the two have since married, rejecting the family’s abduction allegations.

Northern Ireland’s town of Ballymena has witnessed two consecutive days of violent protests following allegations of sexual assault against a teenage girl. Masked demonstrators attacked police, set fire to homes and vehicles, and threw petrol bombs. Over 30 officers have been injured amid the unrest. Authorities are investigating possible hate crimes linked to the attacks, with several arrests made. The violence also spread to nearby towns, highlighting ongoing tensions despite the 1998 peace agreement.

Authorities have heightened health surveillance at the Bhomra immigration checkpoint in Satkhira to curb the spread of COVID-19. All travelers to and from India are being subjected to medical checks, with their details recorded. OC Tufan Dulal Mandal noted that while the volume of travelers is lower due to suspended tourist visas, about 300 passport holders still cross the border daily. A dedicated medical team is working on-site as per health department directives.

Police have arrested three men in connection with the mugging of a Chinese citizen in Chattogram. The arrested individuals—Mohammad Hridoy, Raju Majumder, and Ferdous—allegedly threatened the victim with a knife and stole his mobile phone along with 35,000 taka. The incident took place on June 9 at the main gate of the BEPZA residential area when the victim, Zheng King Zhin, an official at New Era Fashion BD, was shopping.

Around 200 meters of the embankment protecting the Padma Bridge project area has collapsed into the Padma River, endangering at least 600 families in four nearby villages. Thirteen homes and two shops have already been relocated. The Water Development Board attributed the erosion to rising river water levels and strong currents. A similar breach was first observed last November, with renewed erosion reported last Saturday, leaving residents in panic. Repair works are currently underway.

The army seized 40 tractors in Natore's Bakshoar area while they were illegally transporting soil from approximately 40 bighas of agricultural land being excavated to create ponds. The soil was being taken to brick kilns via regional and national highways. The army handed over the tractors to the traffic police, who filed cases against the owners under the Road Transport Act for using unauthorized vehicles on highways. The district administration confirmed that no permission was granted for digging ponds on fertile land.

Human rights activists in India have expressed serious concern over the deportation of Bengali Muslims to Bangladesh after branding them as 'foreigners.' According to a Reuters report, Assam authorities have deported 303 people since May. Many of those expelled were declared 'foreigners' by local tribunals, despite being long-time residents of Assam, with family ties and property in the state. The Chief Minister of Assam has warned that deportations will intensify in the coming months.

The age-old “Dholon” system in mango trading—where farmers lost out due to extra, unpaid weight—has been abolished in Rajshahi, Natore, Naogaon, and Chapainawabganj. Following a divisional meeting, a new commission-based system was introduced, allowing wholesalers to charge Tk 1.50 per kilogram. The change aims to ensure fair pricing and reduce market disorder. While some farmers remain frustrated, most agreed to the compromise. The decision came after repeated clashes among growers, traders, and officials over outdated practices.

Journalists Farzana Rupa and Shakil Ahmed have been released on parole from Kashimpur Jail following the death of Rupa’s mother. Jail Superintendent Mosha Kawalin Nahar confirmed that the two former Ekattor TV senior staff members were granted parole at around 6 PM. After completing formalities, they will be brought back to the prison, she added.

A 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck Taiwan’s east coast near Hualien City on Wednesday evening, according to the US Geological Survey. The quake occurred about 31 kilometers deep and 71 kilometers south of Hualien. No casualties or damage have been reported so far, local fire officials said. Residents described strong shaking, stronger than previous tremors. This comes months after a deadly 7.4 magnitude earthquake in April 2024 caused significant destruction and killed at least 17 people in the region.

Chattogram Port is facing growing congestion as over 100 cargo vessels remain stuck due to delays in cargo clearance during the extended Eid-ul-Azha holidays. Importers' reluctance and the inactivity of key service agencies have slowed operations. Despite efforts by port authorities, delivery volumes remain below normal. Over 40,000 TEUs are currently piled up in port yards, raising demurrage costs and extending vessel turnaround times. Officials expect partial normalization by mid-next week, warning of economic risks if the situation persists.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has announced that Turkey will manufacture and export 48 KAAN fighter jets to Indonesia as part of a newly signed defense agreement between the two nations. Erdoğan added that Indonesia’s own technological expertise will be integrated into the production of the fifth-generation KAAN jets, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries. “This deal reflects the progress and success of our national defense industry. It will benefit both Turkey and Indonesia,” he stated.

Preparations are underway to release the SSC and equivalent exam results within 60 days of the exam conclusion, according to Professor Dr. Khandokar Ehsanul Kabir, Chairman of the Dhaka Education Board. The exams ended on May 13, with over 1.9 million candidates awaiting results. Despite eager anticipation, delays in answer script evaluation have slowed the process. The official date will be proposed to the Ministry of Education for approval, aiming for results publication by July 13.

Employee organizations protesting against the ‘Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance 2025’ remain firm in their demand for its complete withdrawal. While they acknowledged the government’s decision to form an advisory committee as a positive step, the organizations declared that the matter has already been settled and there will be no further negotiations. They have announced that protests will continue after the Eid holidays. Meanwhile, the Anti-Discrimination Employees Unity Forum has also declared plans to stage sit-ins at the Secretariat after Eid to press for their four-point demands.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has stated that the nation has decided to temporarily suspend Awami League’s political activities in the interest of national security and political stability. Speaking during a discussion, Yunus declared that Bangladesh is on track to hold its most transparent and fair election in 17 years. He accused the Awami League of involvement in killings, disappearances, and financial crimes, questioning whether it should even be considered a political party. He claimed that the chapter of the Awami League’s rule ended on August 5 with Sheikh Hasina’s departure from the country. “Until the trials are completed, Awami League’s activities will remain suspended,” he asserted.