Bangladesh and China are expected to sign between 15 and 17 bilateral agreements during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s upcoming visit to China, according to Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam. The accords may include 13 memorandums of understanding, two agreements, one action plan, and one protocol. Discussions on the Teesta project are also scheduled during the visit. The announcement came at a press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ahead of the Prime Minister’s visits to Malaysia and China.

The Prime Minister will depart for Kuala Lumpur on Sunday at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and will travel to China on Monday at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang. This will be his first foreign trip since the government took office in February. The delegation will be limited to 27–28 members. The visit is viewed as a key diplomatic initiative to strengthen economic partnerships, attract foreign investment, and enhance regional connectivity.

During the China leg, the Prime Minister will attend the 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions (Summer Davos Forum) in Dalian and meet Chinese leaders, including Premier Li Qiang and President Xi Jinping.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and adviser Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has expressed concern over possible provocations linked to the Prime Minister’s upcoming foreign trip. Speaking on Saturday at a discussion titled “Bangladesh ICT Industry 2030: Challenges, Opportunities and Strategic Reforms,” organized by the Nationalist ICT Forum at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, he said he sensed vague indications of attempts to create unrest in the country during the visit.

Rizvi stated that the current government, elected after a long struggle, carries the term “nationalist” in its name, symbolizing independence, sovereignty, and democracy. He emphasized that the government would not take actions that could weaken national sovereignty and must move forward while facing conspiracies. He added that the Prime Minister’s foreign visits aim to strengthen Bangladesh’s international relations and economic growth based on a strong foreign policy.

He also mentioned that the government has announced a new policy focusing on the software and IT sector, including initiatives such as “One Citizen, One ID” and “One Digital, One Wallet,” designed to integrate the state system within an ICT framework.

A serious allegation has been raised in Rangpur’s Mahiganj area against several local leaders of the BNP, Jubo Dal, and Chhatra Dal for allegedly abducting a driver and forcibly seizing a land deed worth Tk 1.8 million. The victim, Alal Hossain, filed a written complaint with Mahiganj Police Station, claiming he was threatened with death and false criminal charges unless he handed over the deed. The incident has sparked outrage and fear in the local community.

According to the complaint, the dispute began after Alal paid Tk 1.8 million to buy land from a man named Ful Mia, who later demanded an additional Tk 1 million. When Alal refused, local BNP-linked figures allegedly intervened and coerced him into accepting only Tk 6 million after threats and confinement. Several accused leaders denied involvement, while local BNP officials confirmed the authenticity of the complaint.

Police said the case is being investigated with priority, and legal action will follow based on findings. Alal and his family remain in fear and have sought protection from higher authorities.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has announced that Bangladesh has sent an extradition request to the United Arab Emirates to bring back former Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed, who was detained in Dubai. The request, accompanied by case documents, was sent through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the UAE’s Ministry of Interior under the ‘NCB Abu Dhabi’. The minister expressed hope that the UAE government would complete the necessary procedures soon and return Benazir to Bangladesh.

Speaking at the Secretariat after presenting awards to police officers for their contributions to law and order, Salahuddin Ahmed said that Interpol had informed Bangladesh via email on June 12 about Benazir’s arrest. He added that all required documents were prepared and sent within three days of receiving the notice.

The minister also commented on the improved performance of the police under the current elected government and mentioned that law and order had strengthened, citing a recent quick response to a robbery case in Mohammadpur.

Rajshahi University has been ranked as the top university in Bangladesh in the 2026–27 US News Best Global University ranking. The university scored 45.5 out of 100, placing 612th globally and 176th in Asia. The ranking, published on June 16 on the US News website, shows that Dhaka University has fallen behind this year.

Compared to last year, Rajshahi University improved significantly, moving up from a global rank of 638th and an Asian rank of 342nd, with a previous score of 41.3. Dhaka University ranked second in Bangladesh with a score of 44.2, placing 673rd globally and 203rd in Asia, marking a decline from last year’s 604th global position. North South University, Daffodil International University, Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh Agricultural University, BUET, and Chittagong University also appeared in the ranking.

The US News Best Global University ranking covers 2,250 universities across 105 countries, based on 13 indicators measuring academic research performance and global reputation. Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Oxford, and Cambridge secured the top five global positions this year.

A video showing Pirzada Said Uddin Ahmad Hanjala, Member of Parliament for Madaripur-1, behaving angrily during a local arbitration meeting in Shibchar upazila has gone viral on social media. The one-minute clip shows him slamming a table and scolding attendees, sparking widespread discussion and criticism in social and political circles.

According to local sources, the incident occurred in Dattapara area during a meeting involving BNP activist Tara Mia. Witnesses said the situation became heated when both sides argued, prompting the MP to lose his temper. Tara Mia claimed the MP tried to deliver a one-sided verdict without allowing others to speak, while Hanjala said he only raised his voice to control the situation and that the dispute was resolved peacefully.

The video’s circulation has triggered broad debate in the area, with differing accounts from participants leading to public questions about the conduct and fairness of the arbitration process.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will undertake his first bilateral visit to China from June 22 to 26, following an official trip to Malaysia. The visit includes participation in the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Dalian on June 23, followed by high-level meetings in Beijing with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and senior Communist Party officials. Over ten memoranda of understanding and three agreements are expected to be signed, covering education, human resource development, agriculture, trade, investment, artificial intelligence, media, communication, and development cooperation.

Officials from Bangladesh’s foreign ministry describe the visit as politically and strategically significant, marking a new foundation for Dhaka–Beijing relations. The two sides are expected to announce a joint declaration, the first since 2005, and formalize cooperation between the Communist Party of China and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Discussions may include Bangladesh’s support for China’s position on Taiwan, participation in the Global Development Initiative, and potential membership in RCEP, BRICS, and the SCO.

Analysts view the trip as a calculated move amid regional tensions and as an opportunity for Bangladesh to secure economic and strategic support from China while balancing broader geopolitical interests.

The suspension of the Feni District Jubo Dal Committee has been withdrawn. The announcement was made on Friday through a notice signed by Minhazul Islam Bhuiyan, Assistant Office Secretary of the Central Jubo Dal. The decision reverses the earlier suspension order issued on May 4, 2026, and reinstates the committee’s activities. The directive was implemented under the authority of Central President Abdul Monayem Munna and General Secretary Mohammad Nurul Islam Nayon.

According to the notice, the earlier suspension had been imposed as a disciplinary measure. The committee was penalized after one of its ward-level general secretaries was found to be an accused in a case related to an attack on the motorcade of former Prime Minister and late BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. Allegations of internal disorder also contributed to the earlier action.

The withdrawal of the suspension restores the Feni District Jubo Dal’s organizational functions under central supervision, signaling a return to regular political activities in the district.

The number of HIV-positive patients has increased in Rajshahi, with 139 cases identified so far, of which 92 are homosexual men, accounting for 66.18 percent of total infections. Data from Rajshahi Medical College Hospital show that between 2019 and March 2026, 12,852 people were tested, and 115 were found HIV-positive. Most patients are men aged 25 to 50, and a few are returnees from abroad. The Civil Surgeon’s Office confirmed 34 additional cases, all homosexual, bringing the total to 139.

According to the Rajshahi Divisional Health Directorate, there are about 794 HIV patients across eight districts, with the highest number in Sirajganj. Experts have expressed concern that rising homosexuality and unprotected sexual activity could lead to a wider epidemic. Religious scholars and health professionals have called for moral education, awareness, and stronger government action to prevent further spread.

Patients also face treatment difficulties, as many still travel to Bogura for antiretroviral therapy despite a new center opening in Rajshahi. Health officials stress that personal awareness and safe practices are essential to control the infection rate.

Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam announced that discussions on free trade will take place during Prime Minister Tarek Rahman's upcoming visit to Malaysia. He said there is also a possibility of signing a cultural cooperation agreement. The announcement came during a press briefing on Saturday morning.

According to the foreign secretary, the delegation will include the foreign minister, information minister, and a total of 27 members. Dhaka expects to sign two agreements and 13 memorandums of understanding during the visit. The trip will also focus on facilitating the entry of more Bangladeshi workers into Malaysia’s labor market, though final decisions depend on Malaysia’s internal review process.

This will be Prime Minister Rahman’s first foreign trip since taking office after winning the February election. The visit is scheduled for June 21–22, followed by travel to Beijing on June 23 and a return to Dhaka on June 26.

Four people, including a father and son, died in Tangail’s Madhupur area on Saturday morning while trying to rescue a baby goat that had fallen into an abandoned well. The incident occurred around 8 a.m. in Telki, near the Tangail-Mymensingh regional highway. Fire service personnel later recovered the bodies from the well. The deceased were identified as Bablu Hadima, 40, his son Neymar Mrong, 12, their relative Gabriel, 40, and neighbor Ratan Nokrek, 27.

According to the local fire service and residents, the goat belonging to Bablu Hadima fell into a disused well near a mosque in Telki Bazaar. Neymar first entered the well to retrieve it but did not respond after some time. Bablu, Gabriel, and Ratan followed one after another, but none returned. Locals alerted the fire service and police, who found the well lacked oxygen. Firefighters recovered the bodies after a rescue operation.

Police confirmed that legal procedures were underway after receiving the bodies from the fire service.

Water levels in the Teesta River have risen sharply after India opened all gates of the Gajoldoba Barrage, causing concern in Lalmonirhat’s Hatibandha area. As of 6 a.m. Saturday, June 20, 2026, the river at the Dalia point of the Teesta Barrage was flowing just five centimeters below the danger level. Authorities warned that the river could cross the danger mark at any time, potentially triggering severe flooding in nearby low-lying areas.

According to the Water Development Board and local residents, heavy rainfall in India over recent days has increased upstream flow, pushing more water into Bangladesh. Although water levels had briefly decreased earlier in the week, they began rising again on Saturday morning. The Teesta River runs through five upazilas of Lalmonirhat, meaning even a small rise can inundate riverside areas across the district.

Officials have urged residents in low-lying regions to remain alert as continuous monitoring of the situation is underway. The Water Development Board has kept 44 barrage gates open to manage the flow.

Kishoreganj-2 Member of Parliament Jalal Uddin described drugs as a grave curse for society, family, and the state, emphasizing that drugs are forbidden in the Quran and equally prohibited for BNP leaders and activists. He made these remarks on Friday night at an anti-drug awareness meeting held at Mugdia Bazar in Masua Union of Katiadi upazila.

The MP announced that new legislation is being prepared in parliament to strengthen control over drugs and gambling. The proposed law would include a minimum two-year prison sentence for drug-related offenses and discussions are underway to deny bail until verdicts are delivered. He also suggested identifying drug users and traders through dope tests and bringing them under legal action, stressing that no political party should tolerate involvement in drug activities.

Jalal Uddin called for a collective effort by political parties, public representatives, administration, and citizens to build a drug-free society. He urged parents to be more attentive to their children and warned that drugs destroy families, increase crime, and ruin youth futures.

Bangladesh banned plastic bags in 2002 to curb urban flooding and pollution, but two decades later the ban remains largely ineffective. Despite the law, plastic production and use continue across the country due to weak enforcement, lack of affordable alternatives, and the dominance of plastic in daily life. The problem becomes most visible during the monsoon when clogged drains cause severe waterlogging in cities like Dhaka.

The article explains that plastic manufacturing has become a major industry because it is cheap and widely available, making eco-friendly alternatives less competitive. Local producers and entrepreneurs face challenges such as limited raw materials, higher costs, and insufficient market support. The persistence of plastic use reflects both economic and behavioral barriers.

The author calls for stronger international cooperation, binding global agreements to reduce plastic production, and financial and technological support for developing countries. The piece concludes that combating plastic pollution requires collective action from governments and individuals alike, emphasizing that sustainable change depends on both policy and personal behavior.

The article reports that incidents of forced cross-border expulsions, known as 'push-in', have resurfaced along vulnerable stretches of the India-Bangladesh border. According to the report, groups of men, women, and children are allegedly coerced at night to cross into Bangladesh, often left stranded in the no-man’s land without food or water when denied entry. The practice, described as state-managed human trafficking, violates international border management norms and bilateral agreements.

The report argues that such actions reflect India’s continued use of coercive diplomacy toward Bangladesh, aimed at exerting pressure during bilateral negotiations. It notes that these operations had largely subsided under Sheikh Hasina’s government, which maintained close alignment with New Delhi. However, following Hasina’s fall and the formation of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s new government, border tensions have reportedly intensified as India seeks to re-engage with Dhaka.

The commentary concludes that India’s persistence with outdated strategies like 'push-in' undermines its regional image and risks alienating a new generation of Bangladeshis seeking equitable relations with their larger neighbor.