The International Crimes Tribunal-1 begins the trial today of Awami League Presidium member Kamrul Islam and Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon for alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July Revolution. The tribunal, chaired by Justice Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, issued the order on Wednesday. The trial was originally scheduled to start on June 9 but was rescheduled following a prosecution request. Charges were formally framed on April 30.

According to the prosecution, Kamrul and Menon face three charges, including allegations that they conspired to use lethal weapons and impose curfews against unarmed students and civilians while holding senior positions in the Awami League government and the 14-party alliance. The prosecution claims these actions led to the killing of unarmed protesters in areas such as Badda in Dhaka.

The tribunal’s proceedings mark a significant step in addressing alleged crimes linked to the July Revolution, with hearings expected to continue under the current judicial panel.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived in Sylhet on Wednesday morning as part of his first visit to Moulvibazar since assuming office. He traveled from Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on a US-Bangla Airlines flight and landed at Sylhet Osmani International Airport around 10:15 a.m.

Special security measures were implemented in and around the airport to ensure safety during the Prime Minister’s arrival. Members of law enforcement agencies and various administrative bodies were seen on high alert to manage the situation and maintain order.

The visit marks the beginning of Tarique Rahman’s official engagements in Moulvibazar, though details of his schedule or meetings were not disclosed in the report.

Bangladesh enters the three-match T20 series against Australia with renewed confidence after winning the ODI series. The first T20 match begins today at 2 p.m. at the Birshreshtha Flight Lieutenant Sipahi Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram. Bangladesh and Australia have faced each other in 11 T20 matches so far, with Australia winning seven and Bangladesh four. The last time they met in 2021, Bangladesh claimed a 4–1 series victory at home.

Australia is missing several key players, including Travis Head, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Glenn Maxwell, and Cameron Green, with Mitchell Marsh leading a younger squad. Bangladesh’s pace attack, featuring Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana, and Shoriful Islam, remains a major threat. However, Bangladesh captain Liton Das’s participation in the opening match is uncertain due to fitness concerns, while Parvez Hossain Emon is also unwell. Soumya Sarkar has been added to the squad as cover.

Liton Das said the team’s confidence from the ODI series win is a major boost, but emphasized the need to perform well on the day to secure the T20 series.

Dhaka University has formed a five-member investigation committee to examine allegations of plagiarism against Dr. Md. Ridwanul Haque, a professor at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA). The committee, established on Tuesday by Vice-Chancellor Professor A. B. M. Obaidul Islam, has been instructed to submit its report within 30 working days. Members include the deans of the Law and Science faculties, the university proctor, the principal of Dhaka Medical College, and a representative nominated by the accused professor.

According to university sources, the allegations date back to 2018, when two of Dr. Haque’s research papers submitted for promotion were found to be nearly identical. The issue resurfaced after the teachers’ group “Sada Dal” submitted a memorandum last year urging a full investigation. The current administration acted following recommendations from the Business Faculty dean and the university’s legal adviser.

The report notes that Dr. Haque has faced previous allegations involving political ties, administrative privileges, and unauthorized foreign travel. Discussions are ongoing about his possible appointment to key national positions, prompting discontent among some faculty members. The university administration stated that further action will depend on the committee’s findings.

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has ordered the High Court to dispose of the rule concerning BNP candidate Sarwar Alamgir’s candidacy for the Chattogram-2 constituency within two weeks. Until the rule is resolved, the gazette notification and oath-taking related to his election victory will remain suspended. The order was issued on Tuesday by a five-member bench led by the Chief Justice.

Sarwar Alamgir’s nomination had initially been rejected by the Election Commission over allegations of loan default. He later filed a writ petition with the High Court, which allowed him to contest the 13th parliamentary election and granted him the BNP’s electoral symbol. Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Muhammad Nurul Amin appealed against that decision, citing the same loan default allegation.

Following the appeal, the Appellate Division had earlier ruled that if Alamgir were declared elected, the result and related procedures would remain suspended until the appeal’s final disposal. The latest order maintains that suspension until the High Court completes its hearing on the rule.

Bangladesh has started preparing the necessary documents to bring back former Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed, who was arrested in Dubai. A formal letter has been sent to Interpol by the National Central Bureau (NCB) of Bangladesh, marking the first official notification regarding the case. The letter stated that legal procedures are being followed to return him within the stipulated time, and that preparations for extradition are underway.

According to police headquarters, Bangladesh aims to complete the process before the deadline. Although there is no prisoner exchange treaty with the United Arab Emirates, officials said repatriation could still be possible based on bilateral relations, though legal complexities may arise. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), police headquarters, and the Ministry of Home Affairs have begun coordinated efforts to facilitate the process.

The ACC confirmed that it has initiated the required procedures under the extradition framework and handed over case documents, court orders, and related materials to the NCB. These will be sent through diplomatic channels via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the UAE as part of Bangladesh’s effort to bring Benazir Ahmed back.

After the dissolution of Islami Bank’s chairman and entire board, the bank’s operations have begun returning to normal. Customer anxiety and cash withdrawal pressure have eased, while fixed deposit accounts are being reopened. ATM booths and online banking services, previously inactive, are now operational again. On Tuesday, deposits exceeded withdrawals by 964 crore taka, though electronic transfers kept the bank’s net position negative by about 450 crore taka.

Bank officials reported that pending electronic fund transfers and real-time settlements are being cleared, contributing to some remaining pressure. However, overall liquidity conditions are improving. About 502 customers have reopened their fixed deposit accounts, adding 45 crore taka in new deposits. The bank announced that customers who prematurely encashed deposits between June 1 and 15 may reactivate accounts within seven working days with previous benefits intact.

Senior management stated that ATM and online services are functioning, and full normalization may take another week. The interim board, led by Bangladesh Bank’s executive director Mohammad Zahir Hossain, is working to form a new five-member board to restore stability and depositor confidence.

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has postponed until September 1 the hearing of an appeal seeking suspension of the High Court verdict that directed the establishment of an independent and separate secretariat for the Supreme Court within three months. The order was issued on Tuesday by a five-member bench led by Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury after the state sought additional time.

Attorney General Barrister Md Ruhul Quddus Kajol represented the state, while senior lawyers Mohammad Shishir Monir and Ahsanul Karim appeared for the petitioners and appellants respectively. Lawyer Karishma Jahan represented Badiul Alam Majumdar. The case had earlier been listed for hearing before a full and regular bench of the Appellate Division.

The High Court had delivered its verdict on September 2, 2025, declaring Article 116 of the Constitution contradictory and void, and ordering the formation of an independent Supreme Court Secretariat. Before that, the Supreme Court Secretariat (Repeal) Act was enacted on April 10, and Badiul Alam Majumdar appealed to maintain the previous administrative status until the appeal’s resolution.

A shop employee named Shawon was allegedly beaten to death with a hammer by his employer’s son in Rangpur on Tuesday night. The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. at Khamar Mor area of the city. Locals detained the suspect, identified as Mizanur Rahman Monu, son of shop owner Amir Hossain, and handed him over to police.

According to police and local sources, the altercation began when Shawon and Mizan argued over spitting near the dishwashing area of the shop. As Shawon was leaving, Mizan reportedly struck him on the head with a hammer, causing severe injuries. Shawon died on the way to the hospital. His body was later sent to the morgue of Rangpur Medical College Hospital.

Police confirmed that the suspect is in custody and an investigation is underway into the fatal assault.

Police in Ishwardi, Pabna recovered the bullet-riddled body of Shahabul Pramanik, aged 42, from the Padma River on Tuesday morning. Locals discovered the body inside a fishing boat at the Raiter Char area and informed police, who later sent it to the morgue. The incident marks the second recovery of a gunshot victim from the river within a week, spreading fear among residents.

According to police and local sources, around 2:00 a.m. to 2:30 a.m., five to six unidentified men arrived on motorcycles and opened fire near the riverbank. Shahabul, who was in a shallow-engine fishing boat with another man, Rabiul Islam, was fatally shot in the right shoulder and chest. Rabiul was injured but escaped by jumping into the river. Police have taken him in for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation.

Naval police officials said frequent shootings and clashes occur in the Padma River area over control of sand extraction zones. Despite increased patrols, criminals continue their activities using various tactics.

A Jamaat-e-Islami leader named Asadul Islam, aged 24, was killed in Kalukhali of Rajbari, where his hands and feet were tied before his body was burned. Member of Parliament Nurunnisa Siddika expressed deep concern over what she described as a severe deterioration in the country's law and order situation, citing this killing as evidence. She stated that the government has failed to ensure the safety of people's lives and property anywhere in the country.

The Jamaat-e-Islami women's division condemned the killing and called for justice for the victim’s impoverished family. The group urged the government to provide assistance to ensure a fair investigation and trial. They also offered prayers and support for the bereaved family, seeking divine help for them.

The statement reflects growing concern within opposition circles about public safety and the government’s ability to maintain order, as highlighted by this violent incident in Rajbari.

Jagannath University has formed an investigation committee to examine possible corruption, irregularities, misconduct, or abuse of power in the recruitment of teachers, officers, and employees during the Awami League government from 2009 to 2024. The decision was announced in a circular signed by Acting Registrar Professor Dr. Sheikh Gias Uddin on Tuesday.

According to the circular, the university’s 111th Syndicate meeting appointed retired Senior District and Sessions Judge Md. Saifullah Biswas to lead the investigation. He began his work on Tuesday and is expected to submit a report to the university authorities within three months after reviewing all relevant information and documents. The investigation will be conducted from a designated office on the third floor of the administrative building.

Deputy Registrar Mohammad Monirul Islam has been assigned to provide full administrative support for the investigation, and all university offices, departments, and institutes have been instructed to cooperate in supplying necessary records and information.

Authorities in Chatkhil, Noakhali, have demolished a luxury drug den that was illegally built on government land and operated under air conditioning and CCTV surveillance. The eviction drive took place on Tuesday afternoon in Bhimpur village’s Bede settlement, led by Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mizanur Rahman. The structure, constructed on land owned by the Roads and Highways Department, was completely demolished using bulldozers.

Local residents said that a woman named Bobita Akter Sumaiya had long been running a drug and immoral activity hub disguised behind ordinary huts. The operation followed media reports highlighting the site’s negative impact on the community, including frequent visits by outsiders and the deterioration of the social environment. Police had earlier raided the location on Sunday, seizing CCTV equipment, an air conditioner remote, and drug-related materials, though the main accused escaped.

Officials confirmed that the eviction was part of a broader effort to reclaim public land and curb illegal activities. Residents have demanded the arrest and exemplary punishment of those involved.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) project in Anwara, Chattogram, with an estimated cost of Tk 41.89 billion. The approval came on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, during a meeting chaired by the Prime Minister. The project, pending for nearly a decade, is expected to generate around 100,000 direct and indirect jobs and attract about USD 500 million in foreign investment, particularly in textiles, pharmaceuticals, and light engineering sectors.

According to the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), the project will be developed on approximately 800 acres of land under a government-to-government arrangement between Bangladesh and China. Infrastructure construction is scheduled to begin in January 2027 and conclude by December 2031. Of the total cost, Tk 17.22 billion will come from domestic sources and Tk 24.67 billion from foreign loans. The China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) has been nominated as the developer, replacing the earlier proposed China Harbour Engineering Company.

The zone’s location near the Karnaphuli Tunnel, Chattogram Port, and Shah Amanat International Airport is expected to enhance its logistical advantages and regional economic impact.

A written complaint has been filed against Maidul Islam Bappi, senior vice-president of the Begum Rokeya University (BRU) unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s student wing, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal. His wife, Umme Jebin, accused him of physical and mental abuse, misappropriation of her earnings, and death threats allegedly linked to his drug addiction. The complaint was submitted on June 15 to both the central president of Chhatra Dal, Rakibul Islam Rakib, and the university registrar.

According to the complaint, the couple married on March 26, and Jebin claimed Bappi married her to avoid earlier fraud allegations. She alleged that he regularly assaulted her for drug money, seized her income and belongings, and pressured her for dowry. She also claimed to have been confined and threatened with death if she disclosed the abuse.

Bappi denied all allegations, calling them false and motivated. The university registrar stated that formal investigation would follow if the complaint was officially lodged, while the Chhatra Dal president confirmed that an inquiry had been initiated and organizational action would be taken if the accusations proved true.