BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman is scheduled to meet Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus during the latter’s official visit to the United Kingdom. The meeting will take place on June 13 at the hotel where Dr. Yunus is staying. While the meeting is primarily a courtesy call, discussions may include elections, reforms, and the July genocide trial. This interaction comes amid recent tensions between BNP and the government, with hopes of improving relations through this dialogue.

Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin has assured that leather traders are receiving fair prices for sacrificial animal hides this Eid. He stated that the government has generously distributed 750,000 maunds of salt nationwide to help preserve the hides. Addressing allegations about rotten leather, he cautioned against spreading misinformation, noting that leather is inherently a perishable commodity. He further mentioned that the government has disbursed Tk 2.2 billion in incentives for tannery owners and temporarily lifted the ban on direct leather exports for three months. These steps, he said, will strengthen Bangladesh’s reputation in the global leather market.

BNP leader Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaykobad has claimed that no one has faced greater persecution under fascist rule than Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman. Speaking at a public gathering, Kaykobad highlighted their sacrifices for Bangladesh and democracy, reminding supporters to continually pray for former President Ziaur Rahman, who established multi-party democracy in the country. He urged party activists to intensify campaign efforts and seek votes for BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol to secure a majority in the next election, adding, “I don’t want to be your leader, I want to stand by you as a brother.”

Mobu Dakat, a fugitive accused in 29 criminal cases, was arrested by police in Kishoreganj, Nilphamari, with 900 yaba pills in his possession. He was caught near his home while allegedly selling drugs. Mobu, known as a drug kingpin and notorious robber, has multiple cases pending in various police stations, along with several arrest warrants. Acting on a tip-off, police launched a raid and apprehended him. Authorities are now processing legal steps to send him to jail under the drug control laws.

As thousands flock to Cox’s Bazar during the Eid-ul-Azha holidays, six bodies have been recovered from various points along the beach and nearby coastal areas in the past 24 hours. Among the victims were Shahinur Rahman (60) and his son Sifat (20) from Rajshahi, who drowned while swimming at Simon Beach Point. Despite rescue efforts by Sea Safe Lifeguards, both were pronounced dead en route to the hospital. Authorities recovered four additional bodies from different parts of the beach during the same period.

Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, has left Dhaka for a four-day official visit to the United Kingdom. According to Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, Yunus and his delegation departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on an Emirates flight Monday at 7:30 PM. During the visit, Yunus is scheduled to meet King Charles III at Buckingham Palace, where he will receive the prestigious ‘King Charles Harmony Award’ from the British monarch.

Sarjis Alam, a leader of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has announced that the party’s application for registration with the Election Commission will be completed by June 15. Alam said that the NCP has already established organizational committees in 100 upazilas across 22 districts, meeting the prerequisites for registration. He emphasized that the party is prioritizing its organizational strength from the capital down to the grassroots, which will also naturally prepare them for participation in the upcoming national elections.

A tragic gas cylinder explosion in Singair, Manikganj, killed 18-year-old Suborna Akter on Monday morning while she and others were preparing gas to inflate balloons. The incident also left her husband, Arif, and a neighbor, Josna Akter (33), injured. The blast occurred around 9 AM at Hasan Mia’s house due to overheating. Suborna’s left leg was severed in the explosion, and she was pronounced dead after being rushed to the hospital.

Advisor Asif Mahmud has said that the Home Ministry will decide on any action regarding former President Abdul Hamid. "I am aware that there is a case against him," he noted during a project inspection in his native Muradnagar. Mahmud stated that he was visiting the area to listen to people's demands and expectations, as his busy schedule rarely permits such visits. He added that not only Comilla but also regions like North Bengal, Bogura, and Feni have been historically neglected, and the government is now focusing on their development. Ongoing infrastructure projects in Muradnagar are part of that broader effort.

Bangladesh’s Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued a fresh warning following a surge in new COVID-19 sub-variants, including Omicron LF.7, XFG, JN-1, and NB 1.8.1, in neighboring countries like India. The advisory instructed authorities to strengthen screening and surveillance at all land, sea, and airports with dedicated International Health Regulation (IHR-2005) desks. Temperature checks must be conducted using non-contact thermometers and thermal scanners. Hospitals have been advised to stock adequate supplies of masks, gloves, and protective gear for healthcare workers. Citizens have been urged to avoid traveling to India or other affected countries unless absolutely necessary, strictly adhere to health guidelines, and seek medical attention if symptoms appear.

Following Bangladesh Railway, the Dhaka Metro Rail authorities have also urged passengers to wear masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Earlier, the Ministry of Railways issued a notification citing the rising infection rate in the country and recommended wearing masks in crowded areas as advised by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Notably, after a long pause, Bangladesh recently reported a COVID-19-related death last Thursday, with health officials warning of an upward trend in infection rates.

Mango trading at Chapainawabganj’s second-largest market, located at Rahanpur Railway Station, has come to a standstill as farmers protested the wholesalers’ decision to impose new commission fees. Hundreds of mango-laden vans are now stranded along both sides of the Rahanpur-Bholahat regional road, causing significant traffic congestion. On Sunday, wholesalers reportedly held a meeting to enforce the commission policy, triggering the boycott by mango growers. The local administration has stated that efforts are underway to resolve the issue through discussions with both parties.

Tarek Mahmud Utsab, a 23-year-old student at a private university in Dhaka, died in a motorcycle accident while returning from a post-Eid trip with friends. The accident occurred on Sunday evening near the Nengtichhora Bridge in Taraganj, Rangpur, when a minibus hit his motorcycle as they attempted to overtake a van. Utsab died on the spot, while his friend Zakir Hossain was injured. The group of six had planned to visit tourist spots in Dinajpur and Nilphamari during the Eid holiday.

Two people were killed and six others injured, including a child, in a head-on collision between a passenger bus and a CNG-run auto rickshaw on Sunday in Chandpur’s Matlob South upazila. The deceased were identified as the rickshaw driver and a passenger. Several injured are receiving treatment at Chandpur General Hospital, while one has been referred to Dhaka. Eyewitnesses reported that all rickshaw passengers were seriously injured. Police have seized both vehicles, and an investigation is underway.

Sheikh Kabir Hossain, uncle of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has left Bangladesh for Singapore amid serious allegations of money laundering, abuse of power, and holding top positions in 23 institutions despite physical incapacity. He reportedly used political influence to benefit himself and others. His positions included roles in insurance companies, universities, and government-linked entities. Following the fall of the Awami League government, he resigned from most posts. Authorities confirmed his departure but declined to comment on any travel restrictions.