A collision occurred between the Paharika Express train and a truck at Bartakia in Mirsarai, Chattogram, on Sunday morning. Following the accident, rail communication between Dhaka and Chattogram has been suspended. The incident took place early in the day, disrupting one of the country’s busiest railway routes.

The report, published by Amar Desh Online, confirmed the disruption but did not provide details about casualties or the extent of the damage. The collision site, Bartakia, lies along a key section of the Dhaka-Chattogram railway line, which connects the capital with the major port city of Chattogram.

Further information regarding rescue operations, restoration of train services, or the cause of the collision was not immediately available at the time of reporting.

Default loans in Bangladesh’s banking sector rose sharply during January–March 2026, with 44 of 61 banks reporting increases totaling Tk 31,487 crore. According to Bangladesh Bank data, total non-performing loans reached Tk 588,704 crore by the end of March, representing 32.26% of total loans, up from 30.60% in December. Officials said the rise followed post-inspection adjustments and sluggish business conditions that hindered loan recovery.

Among six state-owned banks, four saw defaults increase, led by Janata Bank, where bad loans rose by Tk 2,458 crore to Tk 74,996 crore. Private banks were hit harder, with 34 of 43 institutions reporting higher defaults. IFIC Bank recorded the largest jump of Tk 4,683 crore, followed by Islami Bank and EXIM Bank. Specialized and foreign banks, including Bangladesh Krishi Bank and HSBC, also reported increases.

City Bank’s managing director attributed the trend to slower overall economic growth. The data indicate widespread stress in both public and private banking segments, despite regulatory efforts to curb defaults.

Three tankers of a freight train derailed near Safdarpur railway station in Kotchandpur upazila of Jhenaidah early Sunday morning, disrupting train services between Khulna and Rajshahi as well as other northern regions. The incident occurred around 6 a.m. when the Parbatipur-bound oil-carrying train from Khulna reached the Safdarpur area.

According to the Safdarpur station master, nine wheels of the train’s last three tankers went off the tracks, forcing authorities to suspend all train movements on the route. A rescue train has departed from Khulna to begin recovery operations once it arrives at the site.

Train services between Khulna and northern Bangladesh are expected to remain suspended until the derailment site is cleared and tracks are restored.

Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will make his first official foreign visit to Malaysia on June 21–22, 2026, at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The trip, followed by a visit to China from June 23–26, is being viewed as a reflection of the new government’s balanced geopolitical outlook. The main agenda for the Malaysia visit includes reopening the long-stalled labor market, expanding trade and investment, and enhancing cooperation in education.

Analysts see the choice of Malaysia as a strategic move to maintain diplomatic equilibrium amid regional competition between India and China. By selecting a neutral and friendly Muslim-majority nation as his first destination, Rahman’s government signals its focus on national economic interests and people’s welfare over geopolitical alignments. The visit also carries symbolic importance for strengthening ties with ASEAN and the Muslim world.

If successful, the visit could help revive Malaysia’s labor market for Bangladeshi workers, boosting remittance inflows and stabilizing Bangladesh’s economy. It may also advance ongoing negotiations for a free trade agreement aimed at expanding Bangladesh’s export access to Southeast Asian markets.

The second session of Bangladesh’s 13th Jatiya Sangsad begins today, Sunday, marking the first budget session of the current government. The session starts at 3 p.m., with the 2026–27 fiscal year budget scheduled for presentation on June 11. Opposition parties, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and the 11-party alliance, are preparing to raise key issues such as electricity and fuel price hikes, law and order, and controversial appointments in Islamic Bank during the session.

The 11-party alliance, led by Jamaat-e-Islami, is also resuming its divisional rallies after the Eid-ul-Azha holidays, demanding implementation of the July Charter and referendum verdict. The alliance has announced a series of rallies across major cities through July, alongside meetings with professionals to build public support. Several opposition parties have already held protests in Dhaka against recent energy price increases.

Government sources indicate that a 17-member special committee on constitutional amendment may be formed during this session. However, opposition parties have yet to submit their nominees, raising questions about the committee’s composition if formed without them.

Bangladesh Bank has increased interest rates to control inflation, leading to a slowdown in private investment as businesses avoid borrowing at higher costs. Following the removal of the interest rate cap, deposits have surged in financially strong banks, while weaker banks struggle with liquidity shortages. As of March, excess liquidity in the banking sector reached Tk 3.78 trillion, up 58.31 percent from a year earlier.

Bank officials said the fall of the Awami League government exposed the financial health of banks, prompting depositors to move funds to stronger institutions. This shift has created a liquidity imbalance, with some banks holding idle funds while others face shortages. The overall liquidity stood at Tk 7.02 trillion in March, exceeding the required Tk 3.16 trillion.

To utilize idle funds, Bangladesh Bank announced a Tk 610 billion stimulus package, including Tk 410 billion from banks’ own funds and Tk 190 billion from refinancing. The package targets industrial, SME, agricultural, and export diversification sectors, aiming to create over 1.6 million jobs with loans offered at 7 percent interest, significantly below prevailing market rates.

Police in Siddhirganj, Narayanganj, arrested five activists of the Awami League and Jubo League during a special operation conducted from late Friday night to Saturday, June 6. The arrests followed a rally reportedly organized by members of the banned Jubo League on the Shimrail-Demra road earlier on Friday afternoon.

According to police, the detainees are Jibon (34), Md. Alam (30), Md. Sohel (44), Ainal Mia (45), and Jahangir Alam Bidyut (35). Among them, Jibon is a worker of Ward No. 7 Jubo League, Ainal Mia is the joint general secretary of Ward No. 8 Jubo League, and Jahangir Alam Bidyut is a member of the same ward unit. Md. Alam and Md. Sohel are identified as active Awami League workers. Police stated that the arrested individuals face multiple cases, including those related to anti-discrimination movements.

Siddhirganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Emdadul Haque said the operation was launched after gathering information about the rally, and the detainees have been sent to court.

A violent clash broke out in Noakhali Sadar upazila on Saturday evening between activists of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) and supporters of the Awami League and its affiliated groups. The incident occurred in West Shullukia village of Kaladarap Union, where a JCD motorcycle was set on fire and at least six people, including a city labor leader named Hridoy, were injured. Law enforcement personnel were deployed in large numbers following the confrontation.

According to police and local sources, the conflict followed a banned Chhatra League rally held the previous day in Noannoi Union. In response, the JCD organized a protest led by district president NBS Russell, while Islami Chhatra Shibir also held a separate demonstration. Tensions escalated when JCD activists, returning from their program, encountered supporters of Kaladarap Union chairman Shahadat Hossain Selim near his residence. A dispute broke out, and an announcement over a mosque loudspeaker alleging an attack on the chairman prompted Awami League supporters to gather, leading to stone-throwing and arson.

Police and Rapid Action Battalion members were present at the scene, and authorities said further details would be provided later.

A tile worker named Rafiqul Islam died after being struck by lightning while cutting grass in a field in Ullapara upazila of Sirajganj district on Saturday afternoon. The incident occurred in the Charimuri area of Koyra Union. Rafiqul, son of Dulal Hossain from Charimuri village, was collecting grass for his cattle when sudden rain and lightning struck, killing him on the spot.

Family members said Rafiqul was the only earning member of the household, and his sudden death has left the family in deep grief. Local police confirmed visiting the scene after receiving information about the incident.

The report highlights the vulnerability of rural workers to lightning strikes during seasonal weather changes in the region.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard arrested three suspected robbers with a locally made single-barrel gun, three rounds of live cartridges, and 800,000 taka in cash during a raid in the Meghna River area near Jonota Bazar in Ramgati upazila of Lakshmipur. The operation took place on the night of June 5, 2026, based on secret intelligence, according to Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon.

The detainees were identified as Md. Azim Bepari, also known as Azim Dakat (32), Md. Bashir (40), and Rabbi (16). Azim is from Bhuiyar Hat in Subarnachar upazila, while the other two are residents of Ramgati. Authorities said Azim had previously been arrested in 2022 with weapons and faces multiple cases in different police stations. The seized items and detainees were handed over to Ramgati Police Station for legal action.

Ramgati Police Officer-in-Charge Liton Dewan stated that police and the Coast Guard are working jointly to maintain law and order. Cases under robbery and arms laws have been filed, and the suspects have been sent to court.

National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam has strongly criticized recent remarks by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed regarding border killings, calling them offensive and insulting. In a statement sent to the media on June 6, he said the minister’s comments about killings by Indian forces at the border were shameful for the nation. Nahid Islam demanded that the minister immediately withdraw his statement.

He noted that three days had passed without any clarification or withdrawal from Salahuddin Ahmed, nor any condemnation from the government, implying that the minister’s position might reflect the government’s official stance. According to Nahid Islam, the home minister attempted to narrow the definition of “border killing” by arguing that deaths occurring outside the zero line should not be considered as such. Nahid Islam countered that international law, including the Geneva Conventions and UN human rights principles, strictly prohibits unlawful or excessive use of lethal force against civilians.

He further recalled that a similar controversy arose in 2020 when then–foreign minister A.K. Abdul Momen made comparable remarks, which also drew criticism. Nahid Islam warned that such conciliatory positions toward India raise serious concerns and urged immediate retraction of the statement.

Dhaka-12 Member of Parliament Saiful Alam Khan Milon stated that the Islamic Bank was established by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, while accusing the current Awami League government of widespread corruption in the banking sector. Speaking at an Eid reunion event in Tejgaon Industrial Area Colony Market on Saturday night, he said the government had failed to ensure good governance and that a public uprising had occurred due to economic mismanagement and exploitation.

Milon recalled the sacrifices of those killed and injured in the July uprising, saying their contributions would never be forgotten. He also demanded full independence for the judiciary. The MP alleged that a person with corruption allegations and a record of family loan defaults had been appointed chairman of Islamic Bank, and that many of the bank’s ATMs were currently short of cash, causing customer hardship.

He assured that Jamaat-e-Islami would continue to stand by the people regardless of government cooperation.

Social Welfare Minister Professor Dr. A Z M Zahid Hossain announced a zero-tolerance policy against violence against women and child marriage. He made the statement on Saturday at a seminar held at the Police Convention Hall in Eskaton, Dhaka, where he served as the chief guest. The minister said the government is working for the development of marginalized communities and emphasized education, caregiving, and language training programs.

During the event, Rotary Club of Gulshan Avenue donated an advanced scientific blood storage refrigerator and other medical supplies to DDC Sandhani. The minister said the initiative would strengthen safe blood storage and supply systems across the country, benefiting patients with thalassemia, dengue, and those requiring emergency surgery. He also highlighted the role of journalists and media in raising public awareness.

Hossain added that the government is partnering with private organizations and volunteers to improve the health sector. He welcomed Rotary’s humanitarian initiative and called for collective efforts to eliminate social injustices, drug addiction, gambling, and violence against women and children.

Md. Tariqul Islam Tarik, Central Joint General Secretary of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, announced his intention to remain dedicated to politics rather than seeking employment. In an emotional Facebook post on Saturday, he addressed the party’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, expressing sentiments he could not convey in person.

Tarik wrote that despite facing political adversity, legal cases, and fear of arrest, he continued his studies and achieved top results in both honors and master’s programs. He stated that although he could have pursued a teaching career, his commitment to helping others and loyalty to Chhatra Dal motivated him to stay in politics. He also mentioned enduring physical and mental abuse, including carrying bullet and splinter marks on his body.

Highlighting his efforts to support students from diverse backgrounds and promote a positive image of the organization, Tarik said working with senior party leadership was a major achievement. He affirmed his readiness to serve the party with honesty and dedication and pledged lifelong allegiance if given the opportunity.

Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni announced that the national budget will be presented in Parliament on June 11 and the supplementary budget will be passed on June 15. He shared the schedule with reporters after a parliamentary party meeting on Saturday evening. Budget discussions will begin on June 16, with sessions expected to run both morning and afternoon. The budget must be passed by June 30 and sent to the President for approval, with the official gazette to be published before midnight.

Moni said the government began its term with a deficit of 30 lakh crore taka but maintained stability through sincerity and by avoiding corruption. The meeting also reviewed progress across ministries and the government’s first 120 days of activity. The Prime Minister directed the introduction of a practical education system and a mid-day meal program in schools.

Addressing law and order, Moni stated that extortion and drug activities will not be tolerated, and strict action will be taken against offenders. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to curb gambling and other crimes and noted that a committee is being considered to update the constitution to meet public needs.