Prime Minister Tarique Rahman chaired a meeting on the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project at the Cabinet Division in the Prime Minister’s Office at Bangladesh Secretariat on Sunday. The meeting reviewed the progress, implementation process, and potential benefits of the BRT route stretching from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Joydebpur in Gazipur.

Experts at the meeting shared their opinions on various aspects of the project, including design, station management, passenger services, operational structure, and overall efficiency. The discussion focused on ensuring effective implementation and improving service quality for commuters.

The meeting was attended by Road Transport and Bridges and Railways and Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam, State Minister for Road Transport and Railways Habibur Rashid Habib, senior officials from relevant ministries, and teachers from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET).

The Bangladesh Parliament witnessed heated exchanges on Sunday after Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed delivered two statements under Rule 300, one of which concerned the arrest of expelled Islami Chhatra Shibir central leader Zisan Mia Pradhan. Zisan was arrested by police on charges of rape and forced abortion. Opposition Deputy Leader Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher questioned the minister’s decision to make two statements and to raise a sub judice matter in Parliament, demanding that the remarks be expunged. The session turned noisy as both government and opposition members stood up and shouted, prompting Deputy Speaker Kaiser Kamal to intervene and promise a review of the issue.

The Home Minister detailed that Zisan had developed a relationship with a woman through Facebook, allegedly raped her multiple times under false promises of marriage, and later forced her to terminate her pregnancy. He said some social media users had misrepresented Zisan’s disappearance to blame the government, prompting him to clarify the facts in Parliament. Taher accused the minister of using the issue to target a political group and questioned why neither the accused nor the victim was accessible to the media.

Deputy Speaker Kamal urged all members to act responsibly and said the matter would be examined to determine if parliamentary norms were breached before moving on to the supplementary budget discussion for fiscal year 2025–26.

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) regional team has successfully completed its mission in Bangladesh to review the Climate Resilient Infrastructure Mainstreaming (CRIM) project and the Climate Resilient Local Infrastructure Center (CReLIC) implemented by the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED). The mission took place from June 6 to 12, 2026, and included meetings with representatives from various ministries, departments, and agencies of the Government of Bangladesh. The team also held discussions with the Satkhira district administration and visited project sites.

Led by GCF Regional Manager Ms. Diane Jegam and Climate Investment Principal Dr. Bapon Fakhruddin, the delegation discussed climate finance, investment opportunities, new project development, pipeline expansion, and future cooperation. During field visits on June 9 and 10, the team observed climate adaptation activities, livelihood improvement initiatives, and disaster-resilient infrastructure in coastal areas.

Officials noted that the CRIM project is playing a vital role in improving living standards and enhancing disaster resilience in climate-vulnerable coastal regions. The GCF mission is expected to support the expansion of future climate finance and development cooperation.

Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan told Parliament that the government is considering establishing permanent centers for public examinations across Bangladesh. Responding to a question from Naogaon-4 MP Ikramul Bari Tipu, he said a feasibility study proposal is under approval to assess the possibility of setting up separate or permanent exam centers. Once the study is completed, decisions will be made based on student numbers, geography, infrastructure, land availability, and financial capacity.

During the same session chaired by Deputy Speaker Kaiser Kamal, the minister also discussed ongoing initiatives to build new residential halls in public universities to ease accommodation shortages. He noted that student union elections have been held in several universities and that the government continues to provide guidance for remaining institutions. Additionally, he mentioned that the government is actively considering funding to settle pending retirement benefit applications for MPO-listed teachers and staff.

The minister further stated that the government is committed to maintaining a peaceful academic environment and coordinating with law enforcement to prevent campus unrest.

Former Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner and ex-Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed was arrested in Dubai on June 12, 2026, with assistance from Interpol, according to Bangladesh’s Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed. Speaking in parliament under Rule 300, the minister said Benazir was detained by UAE police following an Interpol red notice issued on April 11, 2025. He is accused of planning and executing the 2013 Shapla Chattar operation against Hefazat-e-Islam demonstrators under direct orders from then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The minister detailed that Benazir faces multiple cases under the Penal Code, Anti-Corruption Act, Money Laundering Prevention Act, and Passport Order of 1973. Other senior officials, including then RAB and BGB commanders, were also involved in the operation and later received promotions or awards. The UAE authorities have informed Bangladesh that an official extradition request must be submitted within 30 days of the arrest.

Preparations for Benazir’s extradition are underway, with the Anti-Corruption Commission and relevant ministries coordinating documentation. The Home Minister described the arrest as a historic success for Bangladesh Police and a step toward ending impunity and strengthening the rule of law.

Police have arrested Sohel Mridha, 35, the owner of the black bull 'Kalo Manik' once gifted to former BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia. He was detained on Sunday afternoon from Mahishkata Bazar in Amragachia Union, Mirzaganj upazila. Police confirmed that he faces two cases—one under the Penal Code for assault and another under the Pornography Act. He was sent to jail through the court the same day.

Family members claim that Sohel is a victim of conspiracy linked to a neighborhood dispute. According to Sohel, the conflict began on January 10 when his elderly mother, Rina Begum, was allegedly assaulted by her son Rubel and daughter Mahinur Begum. The altercation escalated into a fight between the two sides, after which Mahinur filed a case against Sohel and others.

Sohel gained attention earlier for raising and gifting 'Kalo Manik', a 1,800-kg black bull, to Khaleda Zia in June 2023. The animal was later returned and sold before Eid-ul-Azha 2026, drawing renewed public interest.

State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku emphasized that ensuring national food security is a top priority for the government. Speaking as chief guest at a workshop in Dhaka on Sunday, he called for a collective effort to prevent the irrational use of antibiotics in humans and animals. The event was organized by the Department of Livestock Services with support from the Antimicrobial Resistance Multi-Partner Trust Fund (AMR MPTF) project.

Tuku warned that unnecessary antibiotic use weakens human immunity and poses serious public health risks, while misuse in the livestock sector causes long-term harm. He noted that many small-scale farmers use antibiotics without understanding their adverse effects, making awareness a major challenge. The minister urged veterinarians to discourage antibiotic use without professional advice and directed district and upazila livestock officials to strengthen monitoring and awareness programs.

The workshop, chaired by the Director General of the Department of Livestock Services, featured senior officials from the ministry, WHO, WOAH, and FAO, along with experts discussing antimicrobial stewardship, One Health, and responsible antibiotic use.

Journalist leaders issued a stern warning to the management of the Daily Janakantha during a sit-in protest held on Tuesday in front of the newspaper’s office in Dhaka. The protest was organized by the Janakantha Journalists, Officers, and Employees Unity Council in response to mass layoffs, show-cause notices, alleged harassment, and the closure of the newspaper’s office. Speakers demanded the immediate withdrawal of termination and show-cause letters, payment of overdue salaries and benefits, and reopening of the office.

Dhaka Union of Journalists acting general secretary Didarul Alam accused Janakantha of continuing to act in favor of authoritarian forces and taking illegal decisions against patriotic journalists and employees. Dhaka Reporters Unity president Abu Saleh Akon alleged that Janakantha had a history of controversial activities and that many journalists had suffered mentally and physically due to its management’s actions. Other speakers claimed that individuals close to the ruling Awami League and Indian influence were still active in the newspaper’s management.

The participants warned that if their demands were not met, they would declare the head of human resources unwanted, besiege the office, and launch a larger movement.

A special team of RAB-11 recovered a lethal concealed firearm known as a 'pen gun' and an empty shell during an operation in the Noyamati Bhabi Bazar area of Fatullah, Narayanganj. The raid was conducted around 1 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2026, based on secret intelligence. Several individuals present at a local drug-use spot fled upon noticing law enforcement, after which the RAB team searched the area and found the weapon hidden in nearby bushes.

According to RAB sources, the recovered evidence has been handed over to Fatullah Model Police Station for further legal action. The operation was part of RAB-11’s ongoing campaign against illegal arms and narcotics in the region.

RAB officials stated that similar operations will continue in the future to curb terrorism, drug abuse, and the circulation of illegal weapons.

Bangladesh’s Parliament postponed a scheduled discussion on the border push-in issue, prompting strong dissatisfaction from Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker Mir Ahmad Bin Kasem. The proposal, accepted earlier for Sunday’s session under Rule 147, aimed to address alleged illegal push-ins and border killings by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) and related actions by the West Bengal government. Kasem questioned the justification for delaying what he described as a matter of national importance concerning citizens’ safety and sovereignty.

According to parliamentary sources, Kasem had received official notice that his proposal was accepted and forwarded to the Home and Foreign Ministries. However, he was later informed that the discussion was postponed due to unavoidable reasons. Deputy Speaker Kaiser Kamal clarified that the postponement was temporary, citing time constraints during the ongoing budget session, and expressed hope that the discussion would take place later.

The proposal sought effective diplomatic and state measures to stop the alleged push-in trend and protect Bangladesh’s sovereignty and human rights along the border.

In Kapasia upazila of Gazipur, financial assistance was distributed among poor and distressed residents from the discretionary fund of the local Member of Parliament. The event took place on Sunday morning at the Kapasia Upazila Parishad auditorium, where 134 individuals from different unions received a total of Tk 183,500. The ceremony was presided over by Assistant Commissioner (Land) Md Nahidul Haque, with Gazipur-4 MP Principal Salahuddin Ayubi attending as the chief guest.

Special guests included Maulana Shefaul Haque, Naib-e-Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Gazipur District, Maulana Farhad Hossain Molla, Ameer of Kapasia Upazila Jamaat, and Maulana Shamsul Alam, a member of the Gazipur District Majlish-e-Shura, along with local dignitaries and media representatives. In his remarks, MP Ayubi emphasized moral responsibility toward the poor and the importance of social harmony and cooperation in building a humane and welfare-oriented Kapasia.

Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the government’s support and called for the continuation of such humanitarian initiatives. Local officials, political leaders, and community members attended the event.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita issued a stern warning to the Deputy Commissioner (DC) and Superintendent of Police (SP) of Manikganj, urging them to value their positions and fulfill the people's expectations. She cautioned that those who fail to do so would not be retained in their posts. The minister made these remarks on Sunday afternoon while addressing the district law and order committee meeting at the Manikganj Deputy Commissioner's office.

Rita expressed frustration over the lack of effective solutions to various problems in Manikganj and instructed all government officials to work harder for the welfare of local residents. She emphasized that, due to her busy schedule, she could not stay in the district for long and therefore expected officials to act on her behalf to serve the people. She reminded them of their oath to work for citizens.

During the meeting, the minister directed officials to take effective measures to resolve water supply issues, eliminate waterlogging, improve roads, and combat drug abuse in the district.

Two worshippers were injured in a shooting during Fajr prayer at the West Kashipur Power Plant Jame Mosque in Daulatpur, Khulna, early Sunday morning. The attack occurred around 5:30 a.m. when two assailants arrived on a motorcycle and opened fire inside the mosque, targeting mosque committee secretary Lokman Hakim, 45. Another worshipper, Alam Mondol, 55, was also hit by bullets. Both victims were later transferred to Dhaka for advanced treatment due to their critical conditions.

According to police and local sources, the gunmen entered the mosque during prayer, with one wearing a helmet and the other dressed in religious attire. Police suspect the attack may have been motivated by a previous dispute. Lokman Hakim was known to be involved in the oil business in Khulna’s Khalishpur area. Multiple police teams are working to identify and arrest the attackers.

Khulna Metropolitan Police confirmed that an investigation has begun, and officers have visited the scene. The incident has caused fear and concern among local residents.

A 14-year-old boy named Faisal Ahmed was killed by lightning in Valuka, Mymensingh, on Sunday afternoon, June 14, 2026. Faisal, the son of Nizam Uddin from Bishnupur village in Muktagacha upazila, lived with his father in Valuka Municipality’s Ward No. 7. His father worked in the scrap business, and Faisal drove a rickshaw. After returning home from work and handing over his earnings, he went to play in a nearby field, where the lightning strike occurred.

Local sources reported that Faisal collapsed on the ground after being struck. A woman passing by noticed the incident and called for help. Nearby residents rushed to the scene and took him to Valuka Government Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. The Valuka Model Police Station’s officer-in-charge, Zahidul Islam, confirmed that the family had informed the police and arrangements were being made to take the body to their home village in Bishnupur, Muktagacha.

The incident highlights the recurring risk of lightning strikes during the monsoon season in rural Bangladesh.

Dhaka University organized a ceremony on Sunday at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building premises to celebrate Russian Language Day and the 227th birth anniversary of Alexander Pushkin, regarded as the father of modern Russian literature. The event was attended by Professor Dr. Abdus Salam, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) of Dhaka University, as chief guest, and Alexandra A. Khelovnoy, First Secretary of the Russian Embassy and Director of the Russian House in Dhaka, as special guest.

In his remarks, Professor Salam highlighted Pushkin’s global recognition and the enduring humanistic and cultural values in his works. He said the celebration honors both a great literary figure and the richness of the Russian language, which fosters understanding and cooperation among nations. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to promoting international education and cultural exchange.

Special guest Alexandra Khelovnoy emphasized that the Russian language opens access to global knowledge in science, literature, and technology, creating new opportunities for Bangladeshi students in higher education and research through Russian government scholarships.