The government has withdrawn its plan to make music, dance and drama compulsory subjects in primary education. Following this decision, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish suspended its previously announced protest marches. The party’s secretary general, Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmad, confirmed that the initiative did not receive cabinet approval and that the government has stepped back from implementing it.

In a statement, the party said that imposing any education policy conflicting with Islamic values, family ideals, and public beliefs would harm national unity, social stability, and the education system. It urged the government to act cautiously in the future and respect religious and cultural values. The party also expressed concern that certain groups within the administration repeatedly propose measures inconsistent with the nation’s religious and social sentiments.

Earlier, on June 10, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj had announced plans to include music, drama, dance, and fine arts in the curriculum from 2027, aiming to create new employment opportunities for trained teachers and artists.

Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan told Parliament that Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) prevented 36 push-in attempts by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) following the West Bengal state election. He said that since August 5, 2024, a total of 2,369 people were pushed in by BSF, of whom 2,175 were handed to local police, 11 returned to BSF, and 183 were pushed back. The statement came during a parliamentary question session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.

In response to other questions, the minister described BSF’s killing of unarmed Bangladeshi citizens as a clear human rights violation and said the issue was raised strongly in BGB–BSF director general–level meetings. He added that no formal agreement exists for compensation from India, though Bangladesh continues to oppose the use of lethal weapons at the border and presses for accountability.

The minister also outlined ongoing measures to strengthen border security, including fencing initiatives along sensitive areas and enhanced patrols to curb smuggling, drug trafficking, and cross-border crimes.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of the National Citizens Party (NCP) for the southern region and a member of parliament, declared that his political struggle will continue until equal dignity and rights are established for all citizens. He pledged not to accept any personal privileges or participate in VIP culture until state services and facilities are equally guaranteed for ordinary people.

According to a press release from the NCP UK Alliance, Abdullah made the commitment during a reception held on Sunday at Maida Banqueting Hall in London’s Whitechapel area, organized in honor of his UK visit. He paid tribute to the contributions of expatriate Bangladeshis during the July uprising and called for unity among citizens, intellectuals, youth, and pro-democracy forces at home and abroad to build a new Bangladesh.

The event concluded peacefully despite attempts by fugitive Awami League activists to disrupt it, thanks to the efforts of NCP UK Alliance volunteers and local law enforcement. Expatriate Bangladeshis, July fighters, NCP leaders, and community figures from various UK cities attended the program.

Popular Bangladeshi singer Asif Akbar has called for recognizing entertainment as the country's sixth basic need, citing a severe shortage of recreational opportunities. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, he emphasized that entertainment is vital for mental development, especially for children, and that its absence fosters violence, jealousy, and frustration. He argued that sports and cultural activities are the most effective ways to nurture creativity and emotional well-being.

Asif also highlighted the cultural vision of late President Ziaur Rahman, recalling his meetings with musicians in 1979–80 that helped shape the country's band music scene. He noted that Zia had removed import duties on Western instruments, which contributed to the 1990s band music boom. Asif praised the current government for fully withdrawing a previously imposed 5% duty in the 2026–27 budget, saying it would strengthen the foundation of Bangladeshi music amid the rise of AI-generated music.

He further urged the government to launch a nationwide cultural revolution, stressing that entertainment is a fundamental right for children and essential for building a healthy, prosperous nation.

Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman informed the National Parliament that the government is planning to construct another barrage on the Teesta River to conserve water during the dry season. He said that technical and financial aspects of the project are currently under examination at various stages. The announcement came on Wednesday in response to a question from NCP Member of Parliament Akhtar Hossain during a parliamentary session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.

The Prime Minister added that a feasibility study for a sustainable and integrated development plan centered on the Teesta River has already been completed. The study report proposes the Teesta Master Plan, which includes 110 kilometers of riverbank protection, 110 kilometers of river dredging, 224 kilometers of flood control embankments with roads, construction and repair of 67 groynes or spurs, and recovery and development of 170 square kilometers of land.

The plan aims to ensure sustainable river management and enhance water resource utilization in the Teesta basin, though implementation details and timelines have not yet been disclosed.

Police in Netrokona arrested fifteen individuals for allegedly organizing a gambling event under the guise of a bullfight. The arrests took place early Wednesday morning in the Kandulia Kalibari area of Sadar upazila. Officers seized 243,670 taka in cash, a pickup van, and a bull used in the fight during the operation.

According to police, the group had arranged the bullfight beside the Netrokona-Mohanganj road, where gambling activities were taking place. The raid was conducted around 4:30 a.m., leading to the detention of all fifteen suspects and the confiscation of the gambling materials. A case has been filed at the Netrokona Model Police Station.

District police spokesperson Additional Superintendent of Police (Special Branch) Hafizur Rahman confirmed the arrests and stated that the detainees have been sent to court for legal proceedings.

Police in Godagari upazila of Rajshahi arrested a man named Suman Sardar on Wednesday for allegedly making derogatory comments about Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) on Facebook. He was detained from his in-laws’ home in the Premtali area under Matikata Union following a written complaint filed at the Godagari Model Police Station.

According to police and local sources, around 10 to 15 residents of Mandail village under Rishikul Union verbally complained at the Kakonhat Investigation Center on Tuesday night that Suman Sardar had posted offensive remarks from his personal Facebook account. Police advised them to submit a written complaint the next day, which led to the arrest operation.

Godagari Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Atikur Rahman stated that the accused was arrested after receiving the complaint and that the matter is under serious investigation. Legal action will be taken if the allegations are proven true.

Police in Dhaka have re-arrested Golam Azam, a 45-year-old expelled BNP leader and owner of Rikab International Tours and Travels, who had previously escaped custody while leading a prayer. The arrest took place on Wednesday morning, June 17, in the Nandipara area of Madartek, following a technology-assisted operation by Paltan police.

According to Paltan Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mostafa Kamal, a warrant had been issued against Golam Azam by a Chandpur court under the Overseas Employment and Migration Act, 2013. When police attempted to execute the warrant on June 15 at his office in Purana Paltan, he requested to lead the Asr prayer and fled during the second rakah. Police later tracked him down with the help of intelligence units.

Authorities stated that Golam Azam has long been involved in manpower export and faces multiple human trafficking-related cases. Although he presents himself as an influential BNP figure, police said he was expelled from the party long ago and holds no official position. Investigations are ongoing to determine further legal action.

Investigators of the International Crimes Tribunal questioned journalists Farzana Rupa and Mozammel Babu at a safe home in connection with the 2013 Shapla Chattar massacre case involving Hefazat-e-Islam’s rally in Dhaka. During interrogation, both stated that their reporting had been done under higher authority’s instructions and denied any personal responsibility. The questioning took place earlier this week, according to tribunal sources.

Officials showed them video footage of press conferences by ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from around August 5, 2024, which Mozammel Babu claimed were created using artificial intelligence. The tribunal had granted permission for their interrogation on June 7 following a prosecution request and set August 10 for submission of the investigation report.

Nine accused are currently in custody, including former ministers and senior police officials, while several others, including Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir, remain fugitives. The prosecution stated that 58 people were killed in the May 5, 2013 incidents across four locations, with 32 deaths in Dhaka alone.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch (DB) and Jatrabari Police arrested Shishir Munna, 28, the administrator of Facebook pages of former land minister Narayan Chandra Chanda and former MP Anupam Shahjahan Joy. He was detained in Motijheel around 2:30 a.m. on June 16 on charges of fraud, forgery, and embezzlement. According to DB sources, Munna and his associates took Tk 11.27 lakh from a businessman by promising investment opportunities in a government project in Qatar, later providing fake visas and airline tickets.

Investigators said Munna had worked as a social media campaigner and content creator for the two former Awami League leaders. He allegedly used their names to deceive people with false promises of overseas employment and business investment, collecting large sums of money. DB sources added that Munna went to Qatar after August 5, 2024, returned to Bangladesh in April 2025, and resumed fraudulent activities. A pending arrest warrant from South Keraniganj Police Station also exists against him.

Police are continuing investigations into Munna’s network and financial dealings related to the alleged scams.

The Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal has suspended Md. Maidul Islam Bappy, senior vice president of its Begum Rokeya University (BRU) unit, following allegations that he abused his wife for dowry and money for drugs. The decision was announced on Tuesday through a press release signed by the organization’s office secretary, Md. Jahangir Alam. The statement said the suspension was made under the central committee’s directive for violating organizational discipline, and further organizational action is under process.

The allegations surfaced on Monday when Bappy’s wife accused him of physical and mental abuse, dowry demands, and death threats. She reportedly submitted written complaints to the university administration and central Chhatra Dal leaders, claiming repeated demands for money since their marriage and threats when she refused. The issue sparked widespread discussion on the university campus.

Following the public allegations, the central Chhatra Dal took the matter into consideration and decided to suspend Bappy’s organizational position pending further investigation.

Police in Bagatipara upazila of Natore district arrested a suspected drug dealer named Babu Pramanik, aged 35, during a special anti-narcotics operation. The arrest took place late Tuesday night in the Bilpara area of Dayarampur Union. Law enforcement officials reported recovering 50 small packets of heroin, with an estimated market value of about 12,000 taka.

According to the Officer-in-Charge of Bagatipara Model Police Station, Md. Abdul Hannan, a case has been filed against the accused under the Narcotics Control Act. Following legal procedures, the suspect was presented before the court on Wednesday afternoon. The police confirmed the authenticity of the incident and stated that the operation was part of their ongoing anti-drug drive in the area.

The report highlights continued law enforcement efforts in Natore to curb illegal drug trade through targeted operations and legal action against offenders.

Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister said rice prices and supply remain stable following an inspection of wholesale and retail markets in Dhaka. Speaking at the ministry after visiting Badamtoli and Nayabazar markets on Wednesday, he noted that government stocks of rice and wheat are satisfactory. The visit was prompted by a newspaper report suggesting rising rice prices, but the minister found no significant change. Some traders reported a minor post-Eid increase of one to one and a half taka per kilogram, which he said does not indicate a major price hike.

The minister added that a few mill owners had attempted to raise prices by 100 taka per sack, but the market did not accept the increase and prices later fell. He explained that small variations of one to two taka are normal due to differences in rice quality and harvest timing. He also said supplies of essential goods, including edible oil, remain stable and are being monitored daily.

Food State Minister Md. Abdul Bari stated that the government currently holds about two million tons of food grains, exceeding emergency reserve requirements, ensuring no supply shortage or crisis in the rice market.

Iran’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Dr. Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi, paid a courtesy call on Dr. Shafiqur Rahman MP, the Leader of the Opposition and Amir of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, on Wednesday morning at the Opposition Leader’s office in the National Parliament complex. The meeting was attended by senior Iranian embassy officials, including the First Counsellor, Cultural Counsellor, and Media Officer. Discussions covered the historical and friendly relations between Bangladesh and Iran, as well as cooperation in trade, investment, education, culture, and healthcare.

During the meeting, the ambassador congratulated Jamaat-e-Islami on its success in the 13th National Election and praised the party’s constructive and intellectual contributions. Dr. Rahman expressed condolences for Iranian citizens killed in a recent war and appreciated Iran’s role in facilitating a peace agreement. Both sides expressed optimism about strengthening bilateral ties and regional cooperation.

The two parties also discussed forming a parliamentary friendship group, launching direct Dhaka–Tehran flights, and promoting medical tourism. Dr. Rahman proposed establishing a world-class Iranian hospital in Bangladesh, while the ambassador reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to expanding mutual cooperation in development and public engagement.

A Dhaka court has ordered the start of the trial against Syed Sohanur Rahman Siam, son of retired Public Service Commission driver Syed Abed Ali, in a corruption case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) over allegations of amassing wealth beyond known income sources. The order was issued on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, by Dhaka Divisional Special Judge Begum Shamima Afroz after a hearing. The court also set July 9 as the date for recording witness testimony. Siam was produced before the court from prison, and his defense did not seek exemption during the charge hearing.

According to the ACC, separate cases were filed on January 5 of the previous year against Abed Ali, his wife Shahreen Akter Shilpi, and their son Siam. The cases allege suspicious transactions totaling over Tk 41 crore across multiple bank accounts. Specifically, Siam is accused of acquiring Tk 3.3 crore in assets beyond known income sources under Section 27(1) of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2004. He was arrested following the submission of the charge sheet in this case.

Abed Ali and his wife also face separate charges involving Tk 3.72 crore and Tk 1.26 crore respectively in unexplained wealth, according to the ACC case documents.