A banned rally by leaders and activists of the Awami League and its affiliated organizations took place in Sylhet on Tuesday morning, despite restrictions on their activities. The event occurred in front of the Power Development Board (PDB) office on Nawab Road in the Sheikhghat area. Around 40 to 50 participants reportedly joined the rally, identified as followers of fugitive district Awami League general secretary and former district council chairman Nasir Khan. Police later detained four individuals in connection with the incident.

Sylhet Metropolitan Police’s Additional Deputy Commissioner (Media) Manjurul Alam confirmed the arrests, naming the detainees as Ibrahim Mostafa Mahi, Saniad Ahmed, Redwan Ahmed Rabbi, and Ashraful Ahmed Shafi. Witnesses said the group briefly gathered in front of the PDB office, chanting slogans before moving forward. A video circulating on Facebook showed the rally passing by a police vehicle while continuing slogans. The detained individuals have been sent to court, according to police.

Authorities have not provided further details on possible charges or future actions regarding the banned political activities in the area.

Police in Sreemangal, Moulvibazar, detained a young man on Tuesday evening for allegedly chanting 'Joy Bangla' near the venue prepared for BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s upcoming event. The incident occurred around 6 p.m. at the mini stadium adjacent to Victoria High School field. The detainee, identified as Sohel Rana, 30, is a resident of Matiganj area and son of the late Fayzur Rahman.

According to local sources, preparations were underway for Tarique Rahman’s visit scheduled for Wednesday. During the preparations, Sohel Rana suddenly began chanting the slogan, which led to tension among those present and resulted in him being beaten by locals. Police arrived promptly, brought the situation under control, and took the injured man to the police station.

Sub-inspector Harun of Sreemangal Police Station said the youth appeared to be under the influence of drugs. Attempts to reach the officer-in-charge for further comment were unsuccessful. Tarique Rahman is expected to visit Sreemangal to attend a family card distribution program, for which extensive preparations are ongoing.

An assistant town sub-inspector named Nurul Islam was killed after being hit by a truck while on duty on the Jamuna Bridge West Link Highway in Sirajganj Sadar upazila. The incident occurred around 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16, near the Saidabad Railway Station area. Police have detained the truck driver, Habibur Rahman, in connection with the accident.

According to police sources, Nurul Islam was performing his duty beside the highway when a Dhaka-bound truck, moving recklessly in the wrong lane while overtaking, ran him over. He died on the spot. Officer-in-Charge Amirul Islam of Jamuna Bridge West Police Station confirmed the death and said legal proceedings are underway. The body of the deceased officer will be handed over to his family after a post-mortem examination.

Authorities have initiated legal action against the detained driver, and the investigation process is ongoing.

Afroza Abbas, president of the Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal, has been appointed as the new chairperson of the National Women’s Organization. The appointment was announced through a notification issued on Tuesday by the Contract and Foreign Recruitment Branch of the Ministry of Public Administration. The appointment was made under sections 8(1) and 8(2) of the National Women’s Organization Act, 1991, and will take effect from the date she assumes office.

According to the notification, Afroza Abbas will serve a two-year term as chairperson. However, the government retains the authority to terminate her appointment at any time before the end of the term if deemed necessary. She may also resign from the position by submitting a signed letter to the government. The appointment will be honorary, meaning she will not receive any remuneration for her service.

The notice further clarifies that the appointment follows the legal framework governing the organization’s leadership structure.

The Bangladesh Air Force will conduct aerial seedball dispersal using helicopters as part of the Tree Plantation Program 2026. The initiative, announced by the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) on Tuesday, aims to plant seeds across various regions of the country. The program follows the nationwide ‘25 Crore Trees in 5 Years’ campaign inaugurated by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on June 13.

According to ISPR, the Air Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan, inaugurated the program by planting saplings at the Air Force Headquarters in Dhaka Cantonment. The Air Force will plant fruit-bearing, forest, and medicinal trees under this initiative. The aerial seedball dispersal will target coastal and remote hilly areas, including parts of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, to promote reforestation and environmental balance.

ISPR noted that similar aerial seedball operations had been carried out previously in remote coastal regions, demonstrating the Air Force’s continued commitment to national afforestation efforts.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday called for a change in the nation’s culture of revenge, urging citizens to focus on contributing positively to the country. Speaking at a meeting with journalists covering the BNP beat at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center, he said success should follow a mindset of working for the nation rather than retaliation. He emphasized that the government seeks to ensure media freedom and welcomes constructive criticism.

The prime minister recalled that June 16 marks Bangladesh’s Press Black Day, commemorating the 1975 closure of all newspapers except four under the then BAKSAL government. He credited former president Ziaur Rahman for restoring multiparty democracy and lifting restrictions on the press. Seeking cooperation from journalists, he said the government alone cannot achieve progress without their support.

Highlighting challenges facing youth, he identified drug abuse as a major concern and urged alternative solutions beyond enforcement. He underscored the importance of sports, culture, and science fairs to channel young people’s energy positively and called for stronger moral and social education to counter moral decline.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has sent necessary documents to the Ministry of Home Affairs to facilitate the repatriation of former Bangladesh Police Inspector General Benazir Ahmed, who was arrested by Dubai Police on June 12. The ACC’s Deputy Director and Public Relations Officer Akhtarul Islam confirmed the development on Tuesday, stating that the documents were prepared with assistance from two officials of the Police Headquarters’ National Central Bureau. The papers were forwarded to the Home Ministry and were expected to be sent to the United Arab Emirates government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the same day.

Following Benazir Ahmed’s arrest, the ACC initiated the process to bring him back to Bangladesh. He faces six cases involving allegations of illegal wealth accumulation, money laundering, and passport forgery. A charge sheet has already been submitted in one case related to unexplained wealth. The ACC compiled evidence and legal documents into a formal request to support the extradition process.

Government sources indicated that although Bangladesh has 30 days to send an official extradition request, authorities acted swiftly to expedite the process without waiting for the full period.

A court in Netrokona on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, ordered Jamaat leader Nazrul Islam, aged 36, to be sent to jail in connection with an extortion case. Nazrul, son of Naib Uddin from Kaira village and general secretary of Ward 9 of Bangla Union Jamaat, appeared before the Netrokona Sadar Amli Court, where the judge issued the order. The case was filed by businessman Md. Rubel Rana, 39, who alleged that Nazrul and others had been demanding Tk 20 lakh from him for a long time.

According to the complaint, on July 7, 2025, Rubel Rana was intercepted on Azhar Road by a group led by Nazrul Islam, who allegedly took him to Moktarpara field and demanded the money. When he refused, he was threatened with death, and Tk 20,000 was taken from his pocket. The next day, Nazrul allegedly threatened Rubel’s manager over the phone. CCTV footage reportedly captured parts of the incident. Rubel runs a sand, stone, and coal business named Messrs Sandhi Traders in Netrokona.

The case also names four other accused, including A. Hekim from the same area. The court’s order was confirmed by the plaintiff’s lawyer, Saiful Islam Pradip.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen praised Rajshahi’s traditional Kalai Roti during a visit to the well-known “Ruman Kalai House” in the city’s New Market area on Tuesday afternoon. After tasting the dish, he expressed his delight, calling it “wonderful.” The ambassador observed the preparation process with interest, took photos and selfies, and watched the making of other local dishes including eggplant mash and goose meat.

Following the cooking demonstrations, Christensen and his wife sat down to enjoy Kalai Roti with goose meat. Speaking to journalists afterward, he said the taste of the roti, goose meat, and eggplant mash was excellent. His visit drew a large crowd of curious locals eager to catch a glimpse of the ambassador enjoying the traditional food.

The visit took place under tight police security, with members of the ambassador’s entourage accompanying him throughout the event.

The International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh will go on a vacation for the first time since its establishment about fifteen years ago. The break will run from July 1 to July 20, following an amendment to the tribunal’s procedural law. Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam confirmed that the tribunal will remain closed during this period, with only routine administrative work continuing.

According to the Ministry of Law, the amendment to the International Crimes Tribunal’s procedural rules was made on May 17. A new section, 59(A), was added to introduce the concept of vacation. The section specifies that the tribunal and its registry will observe two annual recesses—from July 1 to July 20 and from December 17 to December 31. During these periods, at least one member or the chairman will continue essential functions.

The amendment also allows tribunal officials and staff to perform duties on a rotational basis during the recess. The chairman or registrar will assign responsibilities, and tribunal members will be entitled to equivalent leave at other times of the year.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard has seized approximately 130,000 yaba tablets valued at around Tk 6.5 crore during a special operation in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar. The operation took place early Tuesday near Alikhali area under Hnila Union, based on secret intelligence. One suspected drug dealer was detained during the raid, according to a press release issued by Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon.

The seized yaba tablets were recovered from a residential house suspected of being used for drug trafficking. The Coast Guard stated that legal proceedings are underway against the detained individual and regarding the confiscated narcotics. The operation was conducted by the Teknaf station team as part of ongoing efforts to curb drug smuggling in the region.

Authorities have not yet disclosed further details about the suspect or the broader network involved, but the Coast Guard indicated that follow-up legal actions are in process.

Football enthusiasts in Sunamganj organized a motorcycle rally on Tuesday afternoon to express their support for Argentina’s national football team amid global World Cup excitement. The procession began at the city’s Heritage Museum, with participants waving Argentine flags and wearing team jerseys as they paraded through key streets.

The rally featured fans blowing whistles, beating drums, and chanting slogans in favor of Argentina. People of all ages, from children to the elderly, joined the long procession carrying banners and festoons. The event created a festive atmosphere across the city, with participants singing, taking photos, and celebrating their shared passion for the team.

Supporters described their deep emotional connection to Argentina’s football legacy, recalling memories tied to the team’s past successes. Many expressed hope that Argentina would achieve victory in the upcoming World Cup, pledging to enjoy the tournament together as a community of fans.

Bangladeshi actor Mosharraf Karim reportedly faced an unpleasant situation in Kolkata while visiting with his wife, actress Robena Reza Jui. The incident gained attention on social media on Tuesday morning and was later covered by news outlets. Reports claimed that some individuals allegedly linked to the Awami League attempted to harass the actor outside his hotel on Sunday night, shouting abusive words before he quickly left the area.

However, Mosharraf Karim later told a media outlet that the situation was exaggerated online and that nothing significant had occurred. He urged people not to believe rumors spread on social media, saying the incident did not contain enough substance to be considered newsworthy. The general secretary of the Actors’ Association, Rashed Mamun Apu, said he had no information about the matter.

According to the report, Mosharraf Karim and his wife are currently in Kolkata for personal leisure, not for professional work, and are expected to return to Dhaka within a few days.

Justice and Democracy Party (JDP) convener Naeem Ahmad stated that if Sheikh Mujibur Rahman were alive, Bangladesh would still have only four newspapers, all edited by him. He made the remarks on Tuesday at a discussion held at Madhur Canteen to mark Newspaper Black Day. Ahmad argued that Mujib would not have allowed media outlets such as Jamuna Television, Amar Desh, or Prothom Alo to operate and linked the closure of several media houses to divine justice.

He further said that even after the mass uprising, media freedom had not flourished, alleging that many outlets had become rehabilitation and protection centers for the Awami League. Ahmad warned that some of these “media leagues” were now trying to portray the BNP as fascist and urged vigilance. He lamented that only four newspapers—Dainik Bangla, Bangladesh Observer, Ittefaq, and Bangladesh Times—had been allowed during Mujib’s era, calling them mouthpieces of BAKSAL.

Speakers at the event, including JDP and National Student Forum representatives, called for building a free, truthful, and people-centered media and condemned attacks on outlets such as Prothom Alo and Amar Desh.

A Dhaka court has ordered the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to investigate the alleged negligence-related death of Dr. Nafisa Tabassum Dhipra, a female physician from Dhanmondi. The case was filed by her relative, Md. Mashiur Rahman Shah, accusing four individuals including her husband, father-in-law, mother-in-law, and a magazine editor. Metropolitan Magistrate Jewel Rana issued the order on June 16, 2026, after recording the complainant’s statement.

According to the case details, Dhipra, who married her classmate Dr. Rahmat Rashid, faced continuous physical and mental abuse from her in-laws due to her less affluent background. The complaint alleges that despite being doctors, the accused neglected her medical care and obstructed her professional progress. It also claims she was confined without food for three days before collapsing in front of her mother on June 4.

The complaint further states that the accused delayed taking her to a hospital, leading to her death en route to BIRDEM Hospital. It alleges that they used influence to avoid an autopsy and quickly buried her, describing the death as a planned murder rather than a natural one.