Chief Prosecutor Md. Aminul Islam of the International Crimes Tribunal has identified retired Major General Ziaul Ahsan as responsible for the abduction of BNP leader Ilias Ali during the Awami League government. He made the statement on Sunday at a press briefing held at his office, asserting that evidence and investigation findings confirmed Ahsan’s involvement in the disappearance.

Earlier, the International Crimes Tribunal-1 had accepted charges against Ziaul Ahsan in a case involving enforced disappearances and the killing of over a hundred people. The charges include three specific murder incidents in Gazipur and Barguna’s Patharghata area, as well as staged gunfights in the Sundarbans under the guise of anti-bandit operations.

In the same case, former army officer Imrul Kayes testified before a two-member judicial panel led by Justice Md. Shafiul Alam Mahmood, describing the abduction of Ilias Ali. The testimony was recorded by the tribunal as part of the ongoing proceedings.

Sylhet’s Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Md. Sarwar Alam has been suddenly withdrawn from his post and attached to the Ministry of Public Administration as a deputy secretary. The decision was issued on Sunday through an order signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Jeti Pru, confirming his removal from the Sylhet DC position. The order did not specify the reason for the withdrawal or name his replacement. Sarwar Alam stated that he has been asked to join the ministry on Monday.

After taking charge in Sylhet, Sarwar Alam initially received praise for his administrative activities. However, he recently faced criticism following administrative actions aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in the income and expenditure of the Hazrat Shahjalal (R.) shrine. It is believed that this controversy may have influenced the decision to transfer him.

Earlier, Sarwar Alam had sealed the shrine’s donation cauldron and installed a donation box under district administration supervision, with Ansar guards and CCTV cameras deployed for monitoring.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir announced that the government is enhancing an online one-stop service system to streamline licensing and approval processes for investors. Speaking at a meeting with a delegation from the Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI) in Dhaka, he said the initiative aims to eliminate the need for investors to visit multiple offices. The minister noted that while physical inspections for industrial or factory establishments cannot always be completed within 15 days due to safety and environmental checks, provisional licenses will be introduced to prevent delays in investment activities.

He explained that sector-specific licensing procedures are being developed, as requirements differ across industries such as power generation and textiles. The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) will coordinate inspection schedules among relevant agencies to ensure a single, integrated inspection process. Muktadir also highlighted the government’s interest in promoting electric and hybrid vehicles to reduce fuel dependency and enhance transport sustainability.

JBCCI representatives emphasized the importance of simplifying licensing, expanding trade, and adopting sustainable technologies. The minister reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to creating a transparent and efficient business environment for Japanese investors.

Water levels in the Teesta River continue to rise due to hill runoff from India, causing concern among residents along the riverbanks in Lalmonirhat. Farmers in the Aditmari area said that whenever floods occur in India, large volumes of water are released through the Gajoldoba Barrage into Bangladesh, creating anxiety for thousands of people living in the Teesta basin.

Local farmers expressed frustration over unfulfilled promises regarding the Teesta Master Plan, saying that despite assurances before elections, implementation has not progressed. Officials from the Water Development Board (WDB) reported that water levels at the Dalia Barrage point were flowing 15 centimeters below the danger mark at noon on Sunday, though fluctuations continue.

According to WDB engineers, 44 gates of the barrage have been opened to control water flow, and the situation is being closely monitored. Authorities warned that within the next 72 hours, the Teesta’s water level could rise above the danger mark, potentially causing short-term flooding in low-lying areas near the river.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman left Dhaka on Sunday afternoon for Kuala Lumpur, beginning his first official state visit to Malaysia. The flight departed around 3 p.m., confirmed by his additional press secretary Atikur Rahman Rumman. His delegation includes his spouse Dr. Zubaida Rahman, several cabinet members, advisers, senior government officials, and personal staff. Local Government Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, among others, saw him off at the airport. The visit is taking place at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

According to Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, the two-day Malaysia trip will be followed by a four-day visit to China starting June 22. During the Malaysia visit, Bangladesh will request Kuala Lumpur to recruit more Bangladeshi workers. The foreign secretary noted that Malaysia is reviewing its foreign labor recruitment process but expressed optimism that Bangladesh will receive priority once the review concludes.

The foreign secretary also highlighted Malaysia’s early recognition of Bangladesh and its strong support on the Rohingya issue. Dhaka aims to leverage this relationship as it seeks ASEAN dialogue partner status.

Continuous rainfall and hill runoff from India’s Meghalaya have caused a rapid rise in river water levels across Sunamganj district. Several low-lying areas have already been inundated, with reports of roads and markets going underwater. The Anwarpur–Sunamganj road in Tahirpur is submerged, and water has entered parts of Sadar, Dowarabazar, Tahirpur, and Bishwambharpur upazilas. The Khasiamara River has overflowed into nearby localities, affecting villages along the haor regions.

According to the Water Development Board, water levels in the Surma, Boula, Jadukata, and Rakti rivers have risen significantly, with the Surma River increasing by 64 centimeters in 24 hours. Although still 60 centimeters below the danger level, officials warned that continued heavy rain over the next two days could push it to or above that threshold. Executive Engineer Mamun Hawlader stated that if rainfall persists for 48 hours, flooding in low-lying areas is likely.

The district administration has taken precautionary measures, advising residents near rivers and haors to stay alert and prepare essential documents, dry food, and emergency supplies in advance.

The Institute for Planning and Development (IPD) has warned that the government’s plan to relocate Dhaka’s four inter-district bus terminals—Sayedabad, Mohakhali, Gabtoli, and Fulbaria—to the city’s outskirts could increase public suffering and safety risks. The government intends to move the terminals to Kanchpur, Hemayetpur, Tongi, and Keraniganj to ease traffic congestion in the capital.

According to IPD, shifting the terminals without ensuring adequate public transport connections and effective planning will not solve Dhaka’s traffic problems. Instead, it could raise travel costs, extend commuting times, and heighten security concerns, especially for women, children, and the elderly. The organization noted that the proposed sites are 15–20 kilometers from central Dhaka and lack reliable, affordable transport links.

IPD urged the government to cancel the relocation plan, improve management around existing terminals, and develop new depots in extended urban areas. It also recommended introducing quality feeder services, implementing the bus route rationalization project, and ensuring passenger safety through integrated terminal management.

Authorities in Companiganj upazila of Sylhet have temporarily closed the Sadapathor tourist center following continuous rainfall and mountain runoff from India. The decision was confirmed on Sunday by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Robin Mia. The closure comes after floodwaters submerged nearby shops, creating hazardous conditions across the area.

According to the local administration, the move was taken to ensure the safety of visitors amid the deteriorating weather. Officials stated that tourists are being advised to avoid the site until conditions improve. Once the water flow decreases and the weather stabilizes, the tourist center will reopen.

The administration emphasized that the closure is a precautionary measure to prevent accidents during the current adverse weather. The site will be reopened to visitors as soon as the situation returns to normal.

Bangladesh Navy Chief Admiral M Nazmul Hassan stated that the Navy continues to work for the protection of maritime boundaries, extraction of marine resources, national security, disaster relief, and enhancing the country's image internationally. He made the remarks on Sunday morning at the Bangladesh Naval Academy in Chattogram while addressing the ‘Summer President Parade’ of Midshipman and Direct Entry Officer Batch 2026. The Navy Chief inspected the parade, received the salute, and distributed medals among outstanding trainees.

Midshipman Md Intisar Islam Inan received the Sword of Honour, Midshipman Sadman Sakib Panth received the Navy Chief’s Gold Medal, Acting Sub-Lieutenant Md Abid Shahriar Anu received the Bir Sreshtho Shaheed Ruhul Amin Gold Medal, and Palestinian Army Midshipman Zahid Salah received the BNA International Gold Medal. Admiral Hassan said the Navy is advancing domestic shipbuilding under the government’s ‘Made in Bangladesh’ defense policy, constructing vessels and acquiring modern platforms from friendly nations.

A total of 61 new officers, including five women and two foreign officers, were commissioned through the event, joining the Navy’s mission to safeguard national interests and maritime security.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said Bangladesh will need two years to recover from its fragile economic situation. He stated that the government aims to reduce reliance on borrowing and is exploring alternative financial strategies. The minister made these remarks on Sunday afternoon while speaking to journalists.

He explained that the government is reviewing various aspects to make the national budget more accurate and emphasized the importance of bringing more citizens under the tax net, even with small contributions. Chowdhury noted that the current administration inherited a heavy debt burden from the previous government, which he described as fascist, and that the 2026–27 fiscal budget is not yet perfect. However, he assured that efforts are ongoing to stabilize the economy within two years.

The minister also mentioned that many of the 1,300 projects initiated by the previous government were canceled due to inefficiency or lack of utility. He added that borrowing from local banks at 11–13 percent interest is unsustainable for the private sector and burdensome for the government, which plans to move away from such borrowing.

On June 15, Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tarek Rahman directed that four major bus terminals in Dhaka—Fulbaria-Gulistan, Gabtoli, Mohakhali, and Sayedabad-Jatrabari—be relocated outside the capital to ease chronic traffic congestion. The government says the move aims to bring all terminals and counters under a unified structure. Urban planners and transport experts have welcomed the decision but identified seven key challenges that could hinder its success.

The challenges include coordination among implementing agencies, infrastructural readiness, passenger connectivity from new terminals to the city, potential traffic shifts to city outskirts, slow progress in bus route rationalization, resistance from transport unions, and ensuring passenger safety. Experts warn that without proper feasibility studies, land acquisition, and modern facilities, the relocation could remain a political promise rather than a practical solution. They also caution that moving terminals without improving route management and intercity transport systems may simply transfer congestion elsewhere.

Specialists emphasize that transparent project execution, stakeholder cooperation, and passenger-oriented planning are essential for the initiative to reduce Dhaka’s severe traffic problems effectively.

In Satkhira’s coastal upazilas, traditional rural games such as ha-du-du, gollachut, kanamachi, spinning tops, and kite flying are rapidly disappearing. Once a hallmark of village afternoons, these activities have been replaced by the lure of smartphones, television, YouTube, Facebook, and online games. The fields that once echoed with children’s laughter now remain silent as most spend their free time on screens.

According to recent research cited in the report, about 85.8% of Bangladeshi children under five experience excessive screen time, harming their physical health, social skills, and mental development. Elderly residents recall how these games once fostered friendship, patience, and teamwork, while parents and teachers now express concern over children’s growing isolation from outdoor play.

Educationists and community members emphasize that unregulated screen dependence poses a new challenge to children’s natural growth. They suggest reviving traditional games through school-based sports festivals, local competitions, and fairground events to reconnect the younger generation with Bangladesh’s cultural heritage.

The government has imposed a one-month ban on fishing during the breeding season in Kishoreganj’s haor region, covering Austagram, Itna, and Mithamain upazilas from May 28 to June 26, 2026. The Department of Fisheries has launched limited awareness campaigns through banners, posters, and loudspeaker announcements to enforce the restriction. However, the absence of alternative livelihoods or government food assistance has left thousands of fishermen and their families in severe hardship.

According to official data, 33,190 fishermen are registered in the area, but local sources estimate the real number to be 45,000 to 50,000 families, including seasonal workers. Many depend solely on daily fish sales for survival. The sudden ban has disrupted their income, children’s education, and access to healthcare. The situation is worsened by recent crop losses in the single-harvest haor region, leaving both farmers and fishermen in crisis.

Local fishermen and officials have urged the government to provide food aid or financial incentives, arguing that without such support, enforcing the ban will be nearly impossible.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam announced that the direct flight between Dhaka and New York will not begin before 2028. She explained that it will take at least five years for new Boeing aircraft to join the Biman Bangladesh Airlines fleet. In the meantime, the government plans to lease aircraft from Airbus to maintain operations. She made these remarks while speaking to journalists after inaugurating a workshop on the National Civil Aviation Master Plan at a hotel in Dhaka on Sunday.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat added that Prime Minister Tareq Rahman is scheduled to inaugurate the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on December 16. He expressed hope that the Japanese contractor will complete the construction before the inauguration date.

The workshop was organized to formulate the country’s first integrated National Civil Aviation Master Plan, with participation from senior officials of the Civil Aviation Ministry, CAAB, the armed forces, and other relevant agencies.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in several regions over the next two days due to the active southwest monsoon. According to a bulletin signed by meteorologist A K M Nazmul Haque on Sunday, June 21, rainfall between 44 and 88 millimeters, and in some places exceeding 88 millimeters, is likely in parts of Rangpur, Mymensingh, and Sylhet divisions within 48 hours from 9 a.m.

The department also issued a weather warning for inland river ports, stating that until 6 p.m. today, temporary gusty or squally winds at speeds of 45 to 60 kilometers per hour may blow over Mymensingh, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Chattogram, and Sylhet districts, accompanied by rain or thundershowers. River ports in these areas have been instructed to hoist cautionary signal number 1.

The forecast indicates continued monsoon activity across northern and northeastern Bangladesh, prompting authorities to alert local ports and residents to possible weather disruptions.