The Government of Bangladesh has signed a $404 million loan and grant agreement with the World Bank to support the country’s Health, Nutrition and Population Sector Development Program. The signing took place on June 10, 2026, at the Economic Relations Division (ERD) in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka. ERD Secretary Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiqui signed on behalf of Bangladesh, while Jean Pesme, Division Director of the World Bank’s Dhaka office, signed for the organization.

Under the agreement, the World Bank will provide 284.70 million Special Drawing Rights, equivalent to about $379 million, as a loan, and an additional $25 million grant from the Global Financing Facility. The funds will finance two projects under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2029. The first project, implemented by the Directorate General of Health Services, aims to improve the quality, accessibility, and sustainability of health and nutrition services, particularly in Chattogram and Sylhet divisions. The second project, led by the Directorate General of Family Planning, will focus on climate-resilient reproductive health and population services.

The World Bank loan carries a 30-year repayment term, including a five-year grace period, with an annual interest rate of 1.25% and a 0.75% service charge. The commitment fee of 0.50% on undisbursed funds has been waived for the current fiscal year and beyond.

Bangladesh’s per capita income rose to 3,020 US dollars in the 2025–26 fiscal year, according to provisional GDP data released by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) on June 10, 2026. The figure, equivalent to 368,873 taka at an exchange rate of 122.15 per dollar, marks an increase of 251 dollars from the previous year’s 2,769 dollars. The data show a consistent annual rise in income over recent years.

The BBS report also stated that the country’s gross domestic product expanded by 45 billion dollars to reach 501 billion dollars, or 61.2 trillion taka, compared with 456 billion dollars in 2024–25. Economic growth for 2025–26 was provisionally estimated at 4.14 percent, up from 3.49 percent in the prior year, though investment and savings showed a downward trend.

Sectoral data indicated continued positive performance in agriculture, which grew by 2.78 percent compared with 2.42 percent in the previous fiscal year, reflecting a modest improvement in the sector’s contribution to overall growth.

A Chittagong Metropolitan Magistrate Court has ordered the Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH) authorities and police to dismantle an alleged ambulance syndicate following attacks on National Committee to Protect Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources, Power and Ports (NCP) activists who protested against inflated ambulance fares. The court also directed that a case be filed against those responsible and a report submitted within seven days.

The order, issued by Magistrate Monirul Hasan Sarkar, included six directives such as ensuring access for all ambulances, displaying fare charts, stopping extortion, and setting up a police outpost and complaint booth. The Additional Deputy Police Commissioner (North) was instructed to investigate the incident using two videos and identify attackers, extortionists, and fake ambulance drivers. CMCH authorities stated that fare determination is the responsibility of the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, noting that only five ambulances are government-owned while the rest are private.

The court’s directive followed public criticism after the Chattogram City Corporation mayor raised ambulance fares by 30 percent amid allegations that the move legitimized the syndicate without investigating the attacks.

Saudi Arabia has highly praised Bangladesh for its exceptional efficiency and discipline in managing this year’s Hajj operations. Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah described the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Bangladesh as a model of success during a bilateral meeting with Bangladesh’s Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain (Kaykobad) at the Pilgrims Experience Program Center in Riyadh. He also extended gratitude to Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tareq Rahman through the minister.

During the meeting, the Saudi minister commended the orderly conduct of Bangladeshi pilgrims and expressed hope for continued cooperation to further improve Hajj management. He also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s initiatives to modernize and simplify the 2027 Hajj process. In response, Minister Kaykobad thanked the Saudi government for its revolutionary improvements in Hajj management and praised the use of modern technology, crowd control, and safety measures that created a worship-friendly environment.

Officials from both countries attended the meeting, and observers noted that Saudi Arabia’s formal recognition is expected to enhance Bangladesh’s international image in Hajj management.

Celebrated filmmaker Steven Spielberg’s latest movie, 'Disclosure Day', is set for a global release on June 12, including screenings at Star Cineplex in Bangladesh. The film marks Spielberg’s return to the genre that blends mystery, technology, and the unknown, themes that have defined some of his most acclaimed works.

While the full plot remains undisclosed, the story reportedly revolves around extraterrestrial beings, their arrival on Earth, and a massive government conspiracy to conceal the truth. The cast includes Emily Blunt as a weather reporter who experiences mysterious contact with aliens, Josh O’Connor as a man holding proof of interworld communication, and Colin Firth as a powerful official determined to keep the secret hidden. The screenplay is written by David Koepp, who previously collaborated with Spielberg on 'Jurassic Park'.

Spielberg’s recent projects, such as 'The Fabelmans' and 'West Side Story', explored personal and musical narratives, but 'Disclosure Day' signals his return to large-scale science fiction storytelling.

Bangladesh’s State Minister for Primary and Mass Education, Boby Hajjaj, announced that four new subjects—music, drama, dance, and fine arts—will be added to the primary school curriculum. Starting in 2027, a new textbook titled ‘Art and Culture’ will be introduced for fourth-grade students, and by 2028, these subjects will be fully integrated into the national primary education curriculum. The announcement was made during a ministry meeting attended by university faculty members and senior officials.

According to the ministry, the initiative aligns with the government’s educational philosophy of developing students as global citizens equipped with essential life and career skills. The inclusion of arts and culture is expected to play a key role in students’ holistic development. The expansion of arts and sports-based education will also create a significant demand for specialized teachers and trainers.

The ministry estimates that around 50,000 to 60,000 new jobs could be generated in the next five years. Discussions are underway to align university curricula with teacher training programs to prepare graduates for teaching roles in primary schools.

Two men were caught red-handed by locals while attempting to steal an electric transformer in Jorarganj area of Mirsharai upazila, Chattogram, on the night of June 9. The suspects were handed over to Jorarganj police, who later confirmed their arrest and recovered one stolen transformer from them.

Police sources said the area had been facing repeated transformer thefts, causing concern among residents. In response, police increased surveillance and urged locals to remain alert. The arrested individuals were identified as Mehedi Hasan alias Akash, 21, from Uttar Hajishorai, and Md. Sayed Sheikh, 22, originally from Pirojpur but currently living in Madhyam Sonapahar, Jorarganj.

Preliminary investigation suggests the theft was part of an organized gang involving seven to eight members. Police have launched operations to identify and arrest the remaining suspects. Jorarganj Police Officer-in-Charge Abdul Halim stated that strict legal action is being taken against those involved in such organized crimes.

Bangladesh cricketers Mushfiqur Rahim and Taijul Islam have been shortlisted for the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Player of the Month award for May 2026. The ICC announced the nominees on Wednesday evening, naming the two Bangladesh players alongside Nepal’s all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee in the men’s category.

Mushfiqur earned his nomination after an outstanding performance in Bangladesh’s historic 2–0 Test series win over Pakistan. He scored 253 runs at an average of 63.25, including a match-winning 137 in the second Test, and was named Player of the Series. Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam also played a decisive role, taking 13 wickets at an average of 19.61 across the two matches, including six wickets in the second innings of the final Test.

Dipendra Singh Airee was nominated for his all-round performance in the ICC Cricket World Cup League-2 matches in Kirtipur, where he scored 249 runs at an average of 49.80 and took eight wickets. In the women’s category, England’s Lauren Bell, Pakistan’s Gull Feroza, and New Zealand’s Maddy Green were nominated.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has announced a partial five-member committee for its Bogura Metropolitan unit. The announcement was made through a press release signed by the party’s Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday. According to the release, Advocate Hamidul Haque Chowdhury (Hiru) has been appointed president, Md. Moshior Rahman Shamim senior vice-president, Md. Moniruzzaman Moni general secretary, Md. Mahmudul Hasan Tuhin joint general secretary, and Md. Sulaiman Ali organizational secretary.

The press release stated that the partial committee has been approved and that a full committee will be announced soon. The formation marks a step in reorganizing the party’s local leadership structure in Bogura Metropolitan area.

The BNP indicated that the complete committee will be declared shortly, signaling ongoing internal organizational activities within the party’s regional units.

Bangladesh’s Information and Broadcasting Minister, Zahir Uddin Swapan, emphasized the need to strengthen technological cooperation, information exchange, and content sharing in the digital era. He also highlighted the importance of international collaboration to combat misinformation and disinformation. The minister made these remarks at the opening ceremony of the 5th China Media Group (CMG) conference held in Chongqing, China, known as the country’s artificial intelligence hub.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the conference’s theme this year is the use of artificial intelligence in media. Around 300 representatives from various countries, international organizations, and media outlets are participating in the event, where AI-based media initiatives are being showcased. Swapan underscored the importance of responsible journalism and effective information management for development, peace, and public welfare, and called for increased training, skill exchange, and joint ventures between media institutions of both countries.

Participants expressed hope that the conference would open new opportunities for global media cooperation, technology-driven information management, and cultural exchange. The minister is expected to return to Bangladesh tonight after attending the event.

Women and Children Affairs Minister Abu Zafar Md. Zahid Hossain told the national parliament that the government has initiated steps to set up One Stop Crisis Centers (OCCs) in all government medical college hospitals across Bangladesh. He made the announcement while responding to a parliamentary notice on violence against women and children, chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed. The centers aim to provide integrated medical, legal, psychological, and rehabilitation support to victims of abuse.

The minister said OCCs were first launched in eight medical colleges and later expanded to six more, bringing the total to 15 centers currently in operation. Each center is staffed with 22 personnel, including doctors, nurses, police officers, a clinical psychologist, and legal officers. So far, 81,928 victims have received services, including those affected by physical and sexual violence and burn injuries. There are also 95 One Stop Crisis Cells operating in districts and upazilas.

The government plans to gradually expand these centers to all 64 districts and every upazila. A Quick Response Team has also been introduced to assist victims promptly and ensure legal action against perpetrators.

Residents of Khairbona area in Rajshahi city formed a human chain on Wednesday afternoon demanding the arrest and exemplary punishment of a Swechchhasebak Dal leader and several others accused of attacking the house of local resident Haji Md. Anarul Bhandari. The demonstration took place on the Khairbona footpath near Sahebbazar Road.

According to the complaint, on the night of May 31, a group led by Shakil Ahmed Ali, convener of the Boalia Thana East unit of Swechchhasebak Dal, allegedly attacked Bhandari’s house, vandalized property, and looted valuables. Bhandari claimed that his younger brother Sanarul was seriously injured in the assault and later admitted to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. He also alleged that the accused had long been involved in drug dealing, extortion, and land grabbing in the area.

Boalia Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Robiul Islam said police were conducting operations to arrest the accused and would bring them to justice soon. Attempts to reach Shakil Ahmed Ali for comment were unsuccessful.

Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Professor Dr. A Z M Zahid Hossain stated that the government aims to make persons with disabilities self-reliant and integrate them into mainstream society through education, skill development, and rehabilitation. He made the remarks on Wednesday after visiting the National Foundation for the Development of the Disabled in Dhaka.

The minister said the foundation operates colleges and separate schools for children with hearing, visual, and neurodevelopmental disabilities, with residential facilities for both men and women. He emphasized that the government is working to expand such institutions beyond Dhaka to ensure inclusive education and services nationwide. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, he added, the government is committed to building a humane Bangladesh by empowering marginalized communities.

According to the minister, there are about 14 to 16 million persons with disabilities in the country, and 103 centers are currently providing services at district and upazila levels. The goal is to extend disability services to every upazila, offering therapies and training to help transform this population into a productive national resource.

Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker Rokeya Begum has called for justice for all unresolved murder cases, including the Pilkhana massacre, the Sagar-Runi killings, and the deaths of Osman Hadi and July. She made the demand in the Bangladesh Parliament on Wednesday, urging authorities to accelerate the judicial process for these cases. Rokeya Begum is the mother of Jabir Ibrahim, a child who was killed during a student protest.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, addressing a separate event at the Parliament Secretariat’s oath room, stated that the national budget represents not only the state’s income and expenditure but also the people’s aspirations, development priorities, and future economic direction. He inaugurated the Budget Helpdesk 2026, which aims to provide research-based data and information to assist lawmakers in their parliamentary duties.

Jabir Ibrahim, known as the July martyr, was a young boy who lost his life during an anti-discrimination student movement in July-August 2024, shot by police in front of his family.

BNP Member of Parliament Abdul Moin Khan has been appointed as the chair of the parliamentary standing committee on the Ministry of Planning. The committee was formed on Wednesday in the National Parliament. Other members include State Minister for Planning Junaid Saki, Ruhul Quddus Talukder Dulu, Kazi Rafiqul Islam, Mainul Islam Khan, Fakhrul Islam, Shawkatul Islam, Farida Yasmin, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Saiful Alam, and Rashedul Islam.

The proposal to form the committee was placed by Chief Whip Nurul Islam on behalf of Leader of the House Tareq Rahman, and it was later passed by voice vote. The formation marks a new parliamentary arrangement concerning oversight of the Planning Ministry’s activities.

The development reflects the ongoing structuring of parliamentary committees following the latest session, ensuring representation from multiple political parties within the legislative oversight framework.