Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam stated that removing soil near the pillars of the Padma Bridge poses no risk to the structure. He said he personally inquired about the matter and consulted with army engineers and experts involved in the bridge project. Based on their assessment, the soil removal is necessary to maintain the river’s natural flow, navigability, environmental balance, and water movement, as outlined in the feasibility study. The minister made these remarks on Thursday at a dialogue organized by the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) at the Secretariat media center.

During the same event, Sheikh Robiul Alam also announced plans to form companies comprising bus owners for each route in Dhaka’s public transport system. He explained that the current system, where multiple private owners operate separately on the same route, creates unhealthy competition and disorder. The new approach aims to bring discipline by ensuring that buses operate under unified management and follow designated terminals and stops.

Expatriate Welfare Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury stated that remittances sent by Bangladeshi expatriates are significantly enriching the national economy. He said these funds are fueling large-scale investments across the country, leading to the establishment of new industries and service institutions that are helping reduce unemployment. The minister emphasized the need for collective efforts to channel expatriate investments more effectively toward national development. He made these remarks on Thursday morning while inaugurating the newly established ‘Sylhet Holy Day Home’ at Khasdabir Point in Sylhet city.

Chowdhury added that expatriate investments not only strengthen the national economy but also create local employment opportunities. He noted that the government is sincerely working to ensure the safety of expatriates and to create an investment-friendly environment for them. The event was presided over by UK-based community leader and CEO of Sylhet Holy Day Home, Shah Munim, who highlighted Sylhet’s tourism potential and called for greater engagement of expatriates and the younger generation in travel and investment.

Several community leaders, business representatives, and journalists attended the inauguration ceremony.

Mohammad Zahid Hossain, Executive Director of Bangladesh Bank and representative in charge of Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC’s board, held a meeting with the bank’s officers and employees on Wednesday at Islami Bank Tower. Senior executives attended in person, while staff from across the country joined virtually. The session was chaired by Acting Managing Director Md. Altaf Hossain, with additional remarks from senior management members.

In his address, Hossain described Islami Bank as a systemically important institution in Bangladesh’s financial system, deeply linked to trade, remittances, and entrepreneurship. He acknowledged the challenges the bank has faced in recent years but emphasized that its core strength remains intact. He said that with proper leadership, guidance, and collective effort, the bank’s former reputation could be restored.

Hossain added that Bangladesh Bank has taken timely decisions to ensure financial stability and that Islami Bank’s operations will continue under full professionalism, transparency, and accountability. He noted that the process of forming a strong and credible board will be completed in due course.

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md. Anisul Huq criticized the opposition for protesting over Islami Bank while remaining silent when 234 billion taka was allegedly laundered abroad to create 'Begumpara'. Speaking in the national parliament on Thursday, he said the opposition did not demand the return of that money but is now marching over the bank issue.

He noted that the opposition leader had called for returning Islami Bank to its previous shareholders, but according to company law, those shareholders belong to a specific group whose ownership was certified by the High Court. The minister said the government has no objection to discussions on the matter but urged the opposition to understand the issue before protesting.

Anisul Huq added that the proposed budget emphasizes controlling inflation, expanding tax benefits, strengthening social safety programs, and ensuring good governance. It also aims to restore discipline in the banking sector, protect public deposits, and uphold the rule of law as part of building a transparent and accountable economy.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed ordered the removal of remarks about Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish leader Maulana Mamunul Haque from the official record of the National Parliament. The decision came after both ruling and opposition members requested that the comments made by BNP MP Khondaker Abu Ashfaq during the 2026–27 budget discussion be expunged. The Speaker stated that there was no need for such personal matters to appear in the parliamentary proceedings and noted that Mamunul Haque had not yet clarified his position.

During the session, Abu Ashfaq had referred to a past incident involving Mamunul Haque and questioned issues related to “mut’a marriage.” The Speaker cautioned against raising irrelevant or personal topics, emphasizing that it was inappropriate to discuss allegations about individuals not present to respond. Opposition Deputy Leader Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher and Chief Whip Nurul Islam also supported the removal of the remarks, calling them unparliamentary.

The Speaker reiterated that Parliament should avoid discussing the private lives of political figures and confirmed that the remarks would be expunged from the record.

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md. Anisul Huq described the proposed Tk 9.38 trillion national budget for fiscal year 2026–27 as ambitious and visionary, asserting it will take Bangladesh to new heights and pave the way for a self-reliant nation. He made the remarks during the general discussion on the proposed budget in the National Parliament on Thursday.

The minister said the budget was prepared in line with the government’s long-term development plans, emphasizing that it reflects sustained efforts to ensure national progress and public welfare. He noted that the budget prioritizes the interests of the poor, middle class, marginalized communities, entrepreneurs, and job-seeking youth. Key allocations include continued subsidies for agriculture, expansion of family card programs, and additional Tk 6,000 crore for technical and madrasa education.

He added that the budget focuses on inflation control, tax benefits, social safety expansion, and good governance. It also aims to restore discipline in the banking sector, ensure deposit security, and curb money laundering, marking a step toward a transparent and accountable economy.

Bangladesh’s Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told parliament that the government has initiated plans to build barbed-wire fences along the Myanmar border and is considering similar measures at sensitive points along the India border. The move aims to curb border killings, illegal crossings, and transnational crimes. The minister said the Border Guard Bangladesh is implementing coordinated actions to strengthen national security and reduce border crimes to zero.

Experts cited in the report explained that international law does not prohibit sovereign states from constructing border structures for security or migration control, though bilateral agreements may set specific conditions. The 1974 India-Bangladesh treaty restricts defense installations within 150 yards of the zero line. Professor Shahab Enam Khan said fencing is within Bangladesh’s rights and justified by national security concerns, while former ambassador Munshi Faiz viewed it as a sign of mutual distrust.

Observers emphasized that technological surveillance using drones and artificial intelligence could be more effective and less controversial than physical barriers. The government has already approved major border road projects and begun installing smart surveillance systems in sensitive areas.

The Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs has cancelled the appointments of two assistant public prosecutors (APPs) from the Comilla District and Sessions Judge Court. The decision, announced through a circular issued on June 18, 2026, stated that Advocate Md. Monir Hossain Patwari and Advocate Saidul Islam have been relieved of their duties with immediate effect. The order, signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Md. Faruk Hossain, nullified their appointments made on October 29, 2024.

According to the ministry’s notice, copies of the order were sent to the district magistrate, district and sessions judge, public prosecutor, and other relevant offices, with instructions to publish it on the ministry’s website. The two lawyers had recently appeared in court premises expressing support for Shibir leader Zisan, who was produced before the Comilla court earlier in the week and later sent to jail.

One of the dismissed APPs stated that they had not formally signed as Zisan’s lawyers but only made statements to the media in his favor. The Comilla public prosecutor confirmed receiving the dismissal letters via WhatsApp but said he had no further details.

Four Bangladeshi nationals, including two children, were handed over to their family after being pushed into Bangladesh territory by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) at the Roumari border in Kurigram. The handover took place on Thursday morning, confirmed Roumari Police Station Officer-in-Charge Kawsar Ali. The individuals were identified as Belal Hossain, his wife Sumi Akter, and their two daughters, Faima and Fatema Akter.

According to local sources, a flag meeting between the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and BSF was held late Wednesday night, after which the four were handed over to the police on humanitarian grounds. The police later verified their identities and returned them to Belal Hossain’s mother the same night. However, five other people reportedly remained stranded in the no-man’s land amid adverse weather conditions.

Earlier, on June 14, BSF personnel from Assam’s South Salmara Mankachar district had attempted to push six Bangladeshi citizens into Bangladesh, but BGB and locals prevented the entry, leaving nine people stuck in total along the border area.

Students of Khulna University staged a protest on June 18, 2026, demanding strict punishment for Professor Dr. Md. Rezaul Islam of the Agrotechnology Discipline, who faces allegations of sexual harassment. The demonstration, held at Hadi Chattar under the banner of general students of the discipline, included participants from various departments. Protesters chanted slogans calling for the professor’s permanent dismissal and later burned his effigy.

Student leaders stated that previous incidents of misconduct had ended with temporary suspensions, which they do not want repeated. They emphasized that student safety must not be compromised and warned of tougher actions if the accused is not permanently expelled. The allegations surfaced after a student accused the professor of sending indecent messages on social media, with several others later sharing similar experiences.

The university’s Sexual Harassment Prevention Cell has launched an investigation, and the administration has relieved the accused of his role as head of the discipline. Dr. Rezaul Islam denied the allegations, claiming his phone was lost earlier and his social media account may have been misused.

Mohammad Selim Uddin, Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami Dhaka North and mayoral candidate for Dhaka North City Corporation, inaugurated a humanitarian initiative titled 'Humanity Box' at the raw market of Uttara Sector 11 on Thursday. The program was launched under the initiative of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Uttara West Thana to support underprivileged and helpless people.

After the inauguration, Selim Uddin walked through the market, meeting shopkeepers and customers. He urged everyone to contribute essential goods, clothing, or financial assistance to the 'Humanity Box' according to their ability, encouraging collective support for disadvantaged members of society. His appeal reportedly drew a strong response from those present at the market.

The event was attended by several local leaders, including Mokbul Ahmed, Kamrul Hasan, Salahuddin Bhuiyan, Mahfuzur Rahman, Firoz Alam, Tariq Hasan, and Motaleb Hossain, representing different local and organizational positions.

A Dhaka court has ordered the imprisonment of former Somoy Television managing director Ahmed Zobaer after rejecting his bail plea in a fraud case. The order was issued on Thursday by Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman following a hearing. Three other accused—Ahmed Rafid Kader Rivu, Sheikh Mahmud Yasin, and Sani Chowdhury—were granted bail. The case involves allegations of fraud, breach of trust, and document forgery against six individuals, including Zobaer, his wife Shamima Sultana Chowdhury, and their daughter Saraf Nawar Joyita.

According to the case details, the court had earlier issued summons on May 10, directing the accused to appear by June 17. When they failed to do so, arrest warrants were issued. During the surrender hearing, defense lawyer Farhad Hossain argued that the case was false and motivated by a dispute over ownership and management of Somoy Media Limited. The defense maintained that there was no evidence of fraud or embezzlement and assured full cooperation with the investigation.

Following the hearing, the court denied Zobaer’s bail but allowed bail for the other three defendants who appeared before it.

Comilla district detective police recovered 160,000 yaba tablets worth about Tk 48 million from a covered van on Thursday. The drugs were hidden under salt sacks and in the upper roof section of the vehicle. The operation was conducted based on secret intelligence, and the seizure was confirmed by Superintendent of Police Anisuzzaman at a press conference held at the Comilla District Police Office.

According to the police, the raid was part of an ongoing anti-narcotics drive. Initially, the van appeared to be carrying regular goods, but a detailed search revealed the concealed yaba consignment. Law enforcement officials said drug traffickers are constantly adopting new methods to evade detection, but intelligence surveillance and technology are helping authorities identify and apprehend them.

The superintendent emphasized that Comilla district police maintain a zero-tolerance policy against narcotics and will continue strict action against those involved in drug trafficking and trade. A drive is underway to arrest five suspects linked to the incident.

Three fishermen were killed by a lightning strike on Thursday afternoon in the Juri River of Fenchuganj upazila, Sylhet. The victims were identified as Sabbir Mia, 40, Hamid Ali, 45, and Kabil Mia, 44, all from Kamalpur village in Rajnagar upazila of Moulvibazar district. According to local sources, it had been raining since morning, and two of the fishermen died instantly at the scene around 1:30 p.m. after the lightning strike.

Police were informed by nearby fishermen, and officers later confirmed recovery of two bodies. However, the body of Kabil Mia remained missing. Fenchuganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Abu Zafar Mahfuzul Kabir said a fire service team was conducting a search operation, but heavy rain and strong currents were hindering the rescue efforts. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Azizunnahar stated that she had just received the news and was coordinating with the district administration to take necessary measures.

Rescue operations were continuing as of the latest update, with authorities facing challenges due to adverse weather conditions.

Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Imran Haider, paid a courtesy call on the Leader of the Opposition and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman at his office in the National Parliament complex on Thursday morning. The meeting was also attended by Kamran Dangal, Political Counsellor of the Pakistan High Commission.

During the discussion, the High Commissioner expressed Pakistan’s desire to advance bilateral relations with Bangladesh through a forward-looking approach. He noted that ties between the two countries have recently improved, with increased trade and multiple visits by both military and civilian officials. He also mentioned that a delegation of Bangladeshi academics had recently visited Pakistan and appreciated its education system.

Haider further informed that Pakistan plans to offer scholarships to 500 Bangladeshi students over the next five years, with 74 already studying there. He proposed forming a parliamentary group to enhance inter-parliamentary cooperation. The opposition leader thanked Pakistan for its historical role in facilitating a peace agreement between the United States and Iran.