A consultation meeting was held at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) to develop a national framework for launching international-standard dual degree programs between universities in Bangladesh and the United States. The event took place on Saturday at the university’s International Guest House conference room, jointly organized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and BAU. The session focused on expanding academic partnerships and aligning higher education with global standards.

Fulbright Specialist and higher education policy expert Dr. Grace Mukupa served as the keynote speaker. She is currently working with the UGC to design a practical framework for international dual degrees for both public and private universities in Bangladesh. Dr. Mukupa emphasized that the initiative aims to create a sustainable and globally recognized model based on Bangladesh’s existing policies and institutional realities, rather than adopting any foreign model directly.

BAU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A. K. Fazlul Hoque Bhuiyan stated that aligning higher education with international standards is essential. He noted that joint partnerships and dual degree programs with U.S. universities would expand opportunities for Bangladeshi students in education, research, and skill development.

Detectives in Rangpur have arrested six individuals accused of involvement in leaking and manipulating question papers for various government recruitment and educational institution exams. The arrests were made following a raid at a house in the Dhap area based on secret intelligence, according to Deputy Police Commissioner Sanatan Chakraborty. Among those detained is a former primary school teacher from Dinajpur.

Police recovered 15 stamps, eight signed blank cheques, three national identity cards, four original educational certificates, and five smartphones from the location. During initial questioning, the suspects reportedly admitted to participating in exam fraud and forgery. Authorities are in the process of filing a case against them.

Investigators stated that one detainee had previously been arrested for fraud, while another joined the group after failing to secure employment despite holding a postgraduate degree. Police are examining the seized mobile phones to identify additional individuals linked to the network, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Residents of Dhalchar in Hatiya upazila, Noakhali, organized a human chain protest on Saturday morning at Sukhchar Union to demand action against local land grabbers and armed groups. The event drew participation from over a thousand men and women, including local figures such as Ismail Hossain, Miraj Uddin, Altaf Sardar, and others.

Speakers at the protest accused individuals named Sohel, Jahir, Parvez, and Yusuf of leading a gang responsible for extortion, illegal land occupation, and destruction of forest resources. They urged authorities to arrest the accused and ensure exemplary punishment. According to participants, the group’s activities have created widespread fear and disrupted daily life in the area.

Residents expressed their desire to live freely and safely, emphasizing their right to a peaceful environment free from extortion and land grabbing. They called for immediate government intervention to restore security and protect their livelihoods.

Education Minister Ehchanul Haque Milon emphasized the need to expand the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to develop Bangladesh’s textile sector. Speaking on Saturday at the Fourth International Conference on Textile Science and Engineering at the Bangladesh University of Textiles campus in Tejgaon, Dhaka, he described the textile industry as one of the country’s most vital sectors and noted that Bangladesh ranks second globally in garment exports.

The minister said Bangladesh aims to lead the global textile industry through increased research and innovative ideas beyond traditional practices. He highlighted the inclusion of textile studies in private universities and stressed the importance of modern laboratories to help students compete internationally. Milon also underscored the need to strengthen green textile and recycling initiatives.

The event was chaired by Bangladesh University of Textiles Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Julhas Uddin, with University Grants Commission Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed attending as special guest. Earlier, the minister inaugurated the 2026 tree plantation program at the university as part of a nationwide initiative to plant 250 million trees over five years.

A mobile court in Feni fined a fish trader Tk 40,000 for selling prawns injected with jelly to increase their weight. The operation, led by Feni Sadar Upazila Executive Officer and Executive Magistrate Sultana Nasrin Kanta, took place on Saturday at the municipal fish market. Authorities seized around 80 kilograms of adulterated giant freshwater prawns from the trader operating under the name 'Bangladesh Fishing'. The seized prawns were immediately destroyed by burial.

According to officials, dishonest traders had been injecting harmful jelly into prawns to fraudulently increase their weight and alter grading. The fine was imposed under Section 31 of the Fish and Fish Products (Inspection and Quality Control) Act, 2020. After the operation, magistrates and fisheries officers addressed traders and buyers, warning them about the health risks and fraudulent practices associated with jelly-injected prawns.

Officials confirmed that similar drives against food adulteration and consumer deception will continue in the public interest.

A junior student at Islamic University has alleged that Badhan Biswas Sparsh, joint member secretary of the university’s Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, threatened him with expulsion from the dormitory following a Facebook comment. The incident reportedly began after Sparsh criticized an Argentina Fan Unity committee on social media, calling it a rehabilitation group for student leaders. In response, student Sajib Hasan commented critically, prompting Sparsh to call him and allegedly use abusive language and issue threats.

According to Sajib, Sparsh demanded proof of the comment and warned of consequences if it was not provided by the evening. Sajib claimed that Sparsh threatened to have him removed from the hall and questioned his departmental connections. Attempts to reach Sparsh for comment were unsuccessful, as his phone was later found switched off. The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement’s convener also could not be reached for remarks.

Proctor Professor Dr. Shahinuzzaman confirmed that Sajib had submitted both verbal and written complaints. The proctorial body will discuss the matter before deciding on further action.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis chief Maulana Mamunul Haque has publicly addressed the long-debated 'Room 501' incident at Narayanganj’s Royal Resort. In a detailed Facebook post published on Saturday, he described the April 3, 2021 event as a case of 'state-sponsored mob terrorism' led by police and local activists. Haque said he was staying with his wife Jannat Ara when law enforcement and media personnel forcibly entered their room and broadcast live footage. He claimed both he and his wife confirmed their marital relationship during questioning.

Haque’s post elaborated on his marriage to Jannat Ara, her previous divorce, and his decision to keep the marriage private due to social and legal complications. He accused the then Sheikh Hasina government and intelligence agencies of harassment, character assassination, and spreading false propaganda about a temporary marriage. He asserted that their marriage was legitimate under Islamic law and that he faced political persecution for refusing to cooperate with state agencies.

He concluded by declaring the '501 incident' a failed conspiracy against him and vowed to treat it as a symbol of victory over political oppression.

Two Union Parishad chairmen from Tazumuddin upazila in Bhola were arrested by the Detective Branch (DB) police in Dhaka on charges related to sabotage. The detainees are A K M Shahidullah Kiran, organizational secretary of Tazumuddin Upazila Awami League and chairman of Chandpur Union Parishad, and Mehedi Hasan Mishu Hawlader, president of the upazila’s Jubo League and chairman of Sonapur Union Parishad. They were detained late Friday night, June 19, from the Dhaka launch terminal area by the DB police’s Uttara zonal team.

According to a source from the upazila Awami League, both men were returning from a rally in Dhaka organized in support of the Awami League when they were arrested. However, Tazumuddin Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mizanur Rahman stated that the station had no official information about the arrests but confirmed that both individuals were accused in a case filed at the station and were currently on bail.

The report did not specify the details of the sabotage allegations or the next legal steps following the arrests.

A primary school head teacher named Shatabdi Chakma, aged 50, died after being electrocuted in Rangamati’s Naniarchar upazila on Saturday morning. The incident occurred around 9 a.m. in the Samaj Kalyan area of Ghilachhari Union when she was on her way to work. While waiting for a CNG-run autorickshaw, she attempted to pick jam fruit using a green bamboo stick, which accidentally touched a high-voltage electric wire. She collapsed on the spot and was later declared dead at Rangamati General Hospital.

According to hospital officials, Shatabdi Chakma was brought in dead with minor burn marks on her hand. Police confirmed the incident and stated that her body would be handed over to her family after completing legal procedures. The deceased was the head teacher of Ramharipara Government Primary School and a resident of Sukhineelganj area under Rangamati municipality.

Her sudden death has cast a shadow of grief over her family, colleagues, students, and local residents.

The bodies of two expatriate workers from Madarganj upazila in Jamalpur, who were killed in a road accident in Iraq, returned to Bangladesh 26 days after their deaths. The remains of Bazlur Rashid, 38, and Monohar Ali, 36, arrived at their respective homes on Saturday afternoon, where relatives and locals gathered in mourning. After funeral prayers, both were buried in their family graveyards.

According to family members, the two men died on May 25 in Iraq’s Kurdistan province when a speeding private car struck them as they were crossing a road after work. They had been working at a confectionery shop without valid documents or residence permits. Their bodies were flown to Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on a Bangladesh Biman flight before being transported to their villages.

Madarganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Suman Chowdhury expressed condolences to the bereaved families and assured administrative support. The incident has left both families devastated, with relatives describing financial hardship and emotional distress following the deaths.

An armed robbery attack in Araihazar upazila of Narayanganj left six people, including Sakib Hasan Khan, Assistant Commissioner (Land) of Muradnagar upazila in Cumilla, injured early Friday night. The incident occurred around 1 a.m. in the Dhandi and Rainadi-Atadi areas of Haizadi Union. According to police and local sources, the official was on leave and sitting by the roadside with friends during a power outage when 10 to 12 armed robbers attacked them.

The assailants reportedly used sharp weapons, injuring Sakib Hasan Khan, Mukul (38), Rajib (32), Rubel (36), Faruk (32), and Mukul’s wife Dalia (33). Locals rushed to the scene after hearing screams, prompting the robbers to flee. The injured were first taken to Araihazar Upazila Health Complex and later transferred to Dhaka for advanced treatment.

About an hour later, the same gang allegedly raided a nearby house in Rainadi-Atadi area, looting 270,000 taka in cash and about 14 bhori of gold ornaments. Araihazar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Sabjel Hossain said police visited the site and would take legal action upon receiving a written complaint.

Police in Taraganj upazila of Rangpur recovered the body of a nine-year-old girl named Sanjida on Saturday morning, a day after she went missing. The body was found in a jute field beside the Dalia canal near her home in Bhimpur Karani Para village under Alampur Union. The discovery has cast a shadow of grief over the local community.

According to family and local sources, Sanjida had been playing with other children near her home on Friday afternoon when she went missing. Despite overnight searches by relatives and villagers, she could not be found. Locals discovered her body the next morning and informed the family and police.

Taraganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Ruhul Amin stated that the body was sent for autopsy and that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of death.

Bangladesh has lost one of its brightest sports figures with the passing of Abdus Sadeq, the country’s first national hockey captain and a celebrated football and hockey star. He died on the morning of June 20, 2026, at Continental Hospital in Gulshan, Dhaka, after a long battle with cancer. He was 78 and is survived by his wife, two sons, one daughter, and numerous admirers. His first funeral prayer will be held after Asr prayers in Bashundhara Residential Area, followed by a second one at Banani DOHS field the next morning.

Sadeq was a pioneering figure in Bangladesh’s post-independence sports history. He captained the first national hockey team and also led the Abahani football team in 1972. During the 1970s and 1980s, he excelled in both football and hockey, notably leading the national hockey team in the 1978 Asian Games. In recognition of his achievements, he received the National Sports Award in 1996 and later contributed as a sports organizer.

State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque expressed deep sorrow, describing Sadeq as a guardian-like figure whose legacy will remain cherished in Bangladesh’s sporting history.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) stopped an attempt by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) to push 20 people into Bangladesh through the Chouka border area of Shibganj upazila in Chapainawabganj. The incident occurred on Friday night, and the individuals are currently positioned on the zero line within Indian territory.

Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury, commanding officer of BGB Battalion 59, confirmed the development on Saturday morning. He stated that the BGB patrol team’s prompt action successfully prevented the push-in attempt. Further details about the individuals and the incident are expected to be released later.

The report indicates that the situation remains under observation, with the 20 people still at the zero line pending further clarification from authorities.

An audio clip circulating on social media allegedly contains a conversation about shooting Chattogram-15 (Lohagara-Satkania) MP Shahjahan Chowdhury in the leg. Despite the spread of the recording, the lawmaker said on Saturday evening that he is not taking the threat seriously. He described the remarks as a joke made by individuals angered by his efforts to stop illegal sand extraction in the area.

In the audio, a voice is heard questioning why the MP would visit Lohagara and suggesting he should be shot in the leg if he does. Another voice is claimed to belong to Shahjahan’s personal assistant, Arman Uddin. The MP stated that he knows Arman personally and that both have opposed illegal sand mining, which may have provoked resentment among certain groups.

Following the audio’s release, local political circles expressed concern, and some social media users called for a full investigation. Local sources noted that disputes over sand extraction in Lohagara’s canals and streams have long caused tension, and the leaked conversation has reignited public debate.