Cracks have appeared in several parts of the Valuka Model Mosque and Islamic Cultural Center in Mymensingh before its official inauguration, sparking anger and concern among local residents and worshippers. The mosque is part of a national project under the Ministry of Religious Affairs to build 560 model mosques and cultural centers across Bangladesh, with each costing around 15 to 17 crore taka depending on design and location. The Valuka mosque was built by contractor Rajib Chowdhury of Naima Rahman Construction.

On-site inspection revealed multiple cracks and raised questions about construction quality. Locals alleged that the contractor attempted to conceal the cracks through surface repairs before handover. The mosque’s verification committee, led by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Firoz Hossain, has not yet accepted the building. The Upazila Engineer reported finding several defects and said repairs were underway before a final report is submitted.

Officials from the Public Works Department stated that the contractor was instructed to fix the flaws and that handover will proceed only after the structure is verified as defect-free.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat has dismissed as false the allegations that valuables were stolen from 150 pieces of luggage belonging to returning Hajj pilgrims at Dhaka airport. Speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat’s PID conference room, he said an investigation found no evidence of theft or irregularities. The allegations had surfaced on social media, prompting immediate instructions from the Prime Minister to verify the claims.

Millat stated that CCTV footage showed no mishandling of luggage, and the entire offloading and distribution process was completed within an hour. He emphasized that the ministry called the press briefing to clarify misinformation spread online and to ensure factual reporting. The minister added that the aviation authority submitted a report and video evidence confirming that no theft occurred.

He further noted that over 78,000 pilgrims traveled smoothly this year, with no major issues reported. The government expressed satisfaction with the successful management of Hajj operations and apologized for any minor inconveniences faced by returning pilgrims.

The government of Bangladesh is considering exempting two categories of electricity consumers—lifeline (marginal) and first-step users—from the recently announced price increase. The Power Development Board (PDB) has already applied to the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) to keep electricity rates unchanged for these groups. BERC sources confirmed that a revised decision on this matter could be issued soon.

On Wednesday, BERC had announced a record hike in electricity prices across all consumer categories. The wholesale rate was raised by an average of 19.85 percent, transmission charges by 23.96 percent, and retail consumer rates by 16.68 percent. Under the new rates, lifeline users consuming 0–50 units were to pay Tk 5.32 per unit, while first-step users consuming 0–75 units were to pay Tk 6.18 per unit, effective from June.

If approved, the exemption would maintain previous rates for these two consumer groups, providing relief to lower-income households affected by the recent price adjustments.

BNP Secretary General and Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the party aims to move forward following the path shown by late President Ziaur Rahman. He made the remarks on Thursday at a discussion and newspaper exhibition titled “Ziaur Rahman’s Independent and Neutral Diplomacy in the Current Context,” organized by the Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB) at its auditorium to mark the 45th anniversary of Ziaur Rahman’s death. Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan presided over the event.

Mirza Fakhrul stated that Ziaur Rahman rebuilt the nation during a time of crisis by uniting political forces and promoting national unity. He emphasized that Ziaur Rahman wanted Bangladesh to be self-reliant and not dependent on any other country, which made him popular among ordinary citizens. Fakhrul added that current BNP leadership under Tarique Rahman reflects Ziaur Rahman’s ideals.

Speakers including economist Dr. Mushtaq Khan and journalist Abu Rushd discussed Ziaur Rahman’s political philosophy, foreign policy, and contributions to state-building during the event.

An article published on June 4, 2026, highlights the life and scholarship of historian Abdul Karim, who reshaped the understanding of medieval Bengal. Rejecting royal chronicles as the sole focus of history, Karim explored the lived experiences of people, the evolution of language, and the transformation of Bengal’s society during the Muslim rule. His research drew from inscriptions, manuscripts, and travel accounts to reveal a vibrant, complex medieval Bengal rather than a dark or foreign-dominated era.

Karim’s balanced approach challenged two dominant narratives—one portraying the medieval period as an age of conquest and another as pure glory. He emphasized coexistence, cultural fusion, and the local character of Bengal’s development. His works, including studies on national, regional, social, and literary history, as well as numismatics and translations, have become essential references for researchers and students.

The article notes that in today’s polarized debates over history, revisiting Karim’s work is crucial. His method of truth-seeking over partisanship continues to inspire new generations to view Bangladesh’s past through its own soil and people.

Bangladeshi-origin American musician and DJ Sanjoy has been selected to perform at the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2026. He is also featured on the tournament’s official album, marking a proud moment for Bangladesh. Sanjoy shared the news on his social media, describing it as the realization of a long-cherished dream. Raised in San Jose, United States, he said he spent countless hours practicing music while growing up between two cultures.

Sanjoy expressed pride in being part of the official World Cup album, saying one of his songs will be included in the soundtrack of the world’s biggest sporting event. He described the achievement as incredible and viewed it not only as a personal success but also as an inspiration for young dreamers. The song, titled “Sir Sir,” features Bollywood star Nora Fatehi and French artist Vezedric.

With this inclusion, Bangladesh’s name will be represented on the global stage of football and music through Sanjoy’s contribution.

Education Minister Dr. Ehsanul Haque Milan announced that the government is implementing multiple initiatives to make children’s education more enjoyable. Speaking on Thursday at the inauguration of the National Primary School Gold Cup Football Tournament 2026 in Mirpur, Dhaka, he said every primary school in the country will provide mid-day meals within this year to prevent malnutrition among students. He also stated that within two months, all schoolchildren will receive uniforms.

The minister emphasized that the Prime Minister envisions a joyful education system where children learn through play and creativity. To support this, sports are being integrated into the curriculum to encourage physical activity and enthusiasm among students. He highlighted that over 65,000 institutions are participating in the tournament, which he described as a record-setting event.

Dr. Milan added that under the fifth primary education plan, no school will remain without a building, mid-day meal, or student uniform. He expressed hope that these measures will help build the future Bangladesh envisioned by the Prime Minister.

Police in Dhaka’s Mirpur area recovered the decomposed body of 75-year-old Nurjahan Begum from a filthy apartment on Sunday. The flat, filled with garbage and fungus, belonged to her daughter, a schoolteacher who lived with her. Officers said the daughter’s speech appeared incoherent, raising questions about her mental health. Nurjahan’s other children include a joint secretary and a university teacher. The body was later handed over to her son after autopsy.

Images and videos of the unhygienic room went viral on social media, prompting widespread anger and calls for punishment of the children for alleged neglect. A High Court petition has been filed seeking an investigation into possible human rights violations. State Minister for Public Administration Md Abdul Bari said the joint secretary son has been removed from his post pending inquiry.

The incident has renewed discussion about Bangladesh’s 2013 Parents Maintenance Act, which mandates that capable children must provide food, shelter, medical care, and companionship to their parents or face fines or imprisonment.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman will visit Russia from June 7 to 9 for a three-day official trip, according to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry. The visit follows his election as President of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, which will begin on September 8. He will serve a one-year term in that position.

The Russian statement welcomed Rahman’s stated priorities of promoting the interests of the global South and East, accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, improving the effectiveness of the General Assembly, and strengthening the UN’s role as a central coordinating body in global affairs. Moscow expressed its commitment to constructive and productive cooperation with the newly elected president.

The visit is expected to reinforce diplomatic engagement between Bangladesh and Russia, particularly in the context of Rahman’s upcoming leadership role at the United Nations.

Bangladesh’s State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock, Sultan Salauddin Tuku, announced that a total of 9,367,418 animals were sacrificed across the country during Eid-ul-Azha. The data, presented at a press briefing at the ministry’s conference room on Thursday, showed that Dhaka division recorded the highest number of sacrifices, followed by Rajshahi and Chattogram. Compared to last year, the number of sacrificial animals increased by 231,418.

According to the ministry’s preliminary statistics, the total included 4,864,158 cattle and buffalo, 4,502,233 goats and sheep, and 1,027 other animals. The national demand for sacrificial animals this year was 10,106,334, while availability stood at 12,333,840, leaving a surplus of 2,966,422 animals. The minister stated that Bangladesh is now self-sufficient in livestock production and that the government aims to export surplus animals and meat after meeting domestic demand.

He credited timely government policies, farmers’ dedication, and private investment for achieving self-sufficiency in the livestock sector, which he said contributes to strengthening the rural economy and sustainable development.

A newly constructed ten-storey dormitory at Rajshahi University, named 'Bijoy 71 Hall', has developed cracks on its walls and pillars even before its official inauguration. The Tk 74 crore project was supposed to open in December last year but remains unfinished, with incomplete gas, water, and electricity connections. Students relocated there from older, quake-damaged halls have expressed fear and frustration as plaster continues to fall off despite repairs.

The hall, built by Majid Sons Construction Limited, the same firm previously criticized for irregularities in other projects, began construction in September 2021. Its completion deadline was extended multiple times, and two workers reportedly died from electrocution during the project. The hall includes facilities such as a mosque, auditorium, gym, and library for about 1,100 students.

University engineers have attributed the cracks to temperature effects and assured that they are repairable. However, student leaders have demanded a formal investigation, alleging negligence and corruption in the construction process. The university administration has pledged to review the matter and ensure safety before opening the facility.

Police recovered the body of a raw materials trader about 30 hours after he went missing in Sreepur upazila of Gazipur. The body of the victim, identified as 27-year-old Nayeem from Baranal village under Boromi Union, was found on Thursday in the Shekherghat area. Nayeem was known for trading raw materials at Boromi market every Wednesday and also managed a fish farm near his home.

According to his father, Jamal Uddin, Nayeem left home around 11:45 p.m. on Tuesday to check his fish project with a torchlight but did not return. Family members tried to reach him several times by phone; the first call was disconnected, and later the phone was found switched off. Despite extensive searching the next morning, he remained missing until police discovered his body.

Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Shahinur Alam of Sreepur Police Station said the body was sent to Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital morgue for autopsy, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of death.

UNDP Bangladesh’s Resident Representative, Stefan Liller, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday, June 4, 2026. The meeting took place in the Cabinet Division at the Bangladesh Secretariat in Dhaka. The information was confirmed to journalists by the Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary, Zahidul Islam Rony.

The courtesy meeting reflected ongoing engagement between the Government of Bangladesh and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The report did not include details of the discussion or any specific agenda items addressed during the meeting.

No further information was provided regarding outcomes or future cooperation plans between the Prime Minister’s Office and UNDP Bangladesh.

A push-in attempt by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) involving 28 people at the Bangabari border in Gomostapur upazila of Chapainawabganj was thwarted by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) early Wednesday night. The incident occurred around 3 a.m. when BSF personnel from the Ashrafpur camp of the 12th Battalion reportedly tried to push the group from Indian territory into Bangladesh. BGB members intervened promptly, preventing their entry.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Ariful Islam Masum, commanding officer of BGB’s 16th Battalion, the group consisted of 12 men, 10 women, and 6 children. Following the failed attempt, the individuals remained stranded on the zero line of the border. BGB has been urging them to return to Indian territory and warned that a push-back will be attempted if they do not comply.

BGB has strengthened patrols and surveillance along the border, while reports indicate that BSF has also increased manpower at its nearby outposts.

Thirty people were injured in a violent clash on Thursday morning in Bishnupur village of Shailkupa upazila, Jhenaidah. The confrontation erupted over a long-standing rivalry between groups led by Tashir Biswas and Chairman Matiar regarding local dominance. According to local sources, more than three hundred people from both sides attacked each other with traditional weapons, leaving around thirty injured. The wounded were taken to Jhenaidah Sadar Hospital and Shailkupa Upazila Health Complex for treatment.

Dr. Mostafizur Rahman, the residential medical officer at Jhenaidah Sadar Hospital, confirmed that the seriously injured were admitted to the hospital while others received primary treatment. Shailkupa Police Station Officer-in-Charge Humayun Kabir Molla verified the incident and stated that the situation was now under control. Additional police forces have been deployed, and surveillance has been increased in key areas of Bishnupur village to prevent further unrest.

Authorities are maintaining heightened security in the area to ensure peace following the large-scale clash.