An Israeli soldier, Sergeant First Class (Reserve) Noam Shemesh, was killed in southern Gaza during clashes, bringing the total Israeli military death toll in the Gaza ground offensive to 430, according to The Times of Israel. Shemesh, a squad commander in the Shimshon Battalion of the Kfir Brigade, was killed by an RPG attack in Khan Yunis. Another soldier was injured in the same incident. Among the total casualties are also two police officers and three civilian contractors from the Defense Ministry. The conflict began after Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people. The IDF confirmed that 53 hostages remain in Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel has shifted its military focus to Iran’s nuclear facilities following recent Iranian missile strikes.

Israel’s economy is under increasing strain as it grapples with simultaneous conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, and now direct confrontation with Iran. Defense spending has surged by 65% in 2024, reaching $46.5 billion, with 8.8% of GDP allocated to military expenses. Labor shortages are rising due to mass military deployments and revoked Palestinian work permits. Taxes have also increased to cover growing costs. While key sectors like technology remain stable, signs of stress are emerging. Experts warn that if the conflicts continue, Israel’s economic stability could falter despite current investor confidence.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has imposed a ban on all public gatherings, rallies, demonstrations, processions, and protest events in the areas surrounding the NBR and BIDA offices, starting Sunday morning. According to an official notification, the restriction will be effective from 6:00 AM on Sunday and will remain in place until further notice. The restricted zone covers the stretch from Shishu Mela to the Agargaon Road area, under Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station. The DMP stated that this measure has been taken under Section 29 of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Ordinance to maintain public order and safety.

Bangladesh is preparing to cancel India’s proposed 117-kilometer-long high-capacity power corridor project, citing concerns over grid security, environmental risks, and national interests. Despite India's eagerness to begin construction this year and complete the project by 2028, Dhaka has decided to reconsider its involvement. Under the proposal, a 765kV transmission line would run from Borang Nagar in India's Meghalaya state through Parbatipur in Bangladesh, eventually reaching Katihar in Bihar. In return, India has offered to supply Bangladesh with an additional 1,000 megawatts of electricity. While the Hasina administration initially moved forward with the plan, many engineers within Bangladesh’s Power Division raised objections, warning of potential threats to national security and risks of large-scale blackouts. Now, with growing resistance and critical assessments, the government has opted to review the project with the possibility of scrapping it altogether.

Army personnel have arrested Limon Ali, a senior joint convener of the BNP’s youth wing in Chuadanga, for possession of foreign firearms. In a joint operation by police and army early Saturday morning, a 9mm foreign pistol, magazine, ammunition, five mobile phones, four locally-made machetes, a Chinese knife, and a large cleaver were seized from his residence. Limon was handed over to Chuadanga Sadar Police Station around 5:30 AM after being charged under the Arms Act. BNP leader Azizur Rahman commented that some individuals within the party, colluding with Awami League, are tarnishing the party’s image and called for their expulsion.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has stated that, despite the Election Commission’s independence, holding national elections would be impossible without government cooperation. He confirmed that the Election Commission maintains ongoing communication with the government and that discussions will occur at the appropriate time. The CEC emphasized that the government’s active participation is essential for conducting elections and noted that the commission has an operational roadmap in place, subject to change if necessary.

The Pakistani government has formally nominated former US President Donald Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, citing his “decisive diplomatic intervention” during recent tensions between Pakistan and India. Islamabad claimed that Trump’s efforts likely prevented a full-scale war that could have endangered millions of lives. The statement praised Trump’s role as a genuine advocate for peace and his commitment to resolving conflicts through dialogue.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed grave concern over increasing global conflict risks, warning of the potential for a world war. “All crises must be resolved peacefully,” he emphasized. Putin criticized NATO for repeatedly ignoring Russia’s security concerns, calling it another form of Western colonialism. He also revealed that the US has promised to ensure the safety of Russian personnel at Iran’s Bushehr nuclear facility. Commenting on Israeli threats to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader, Putin added, “I hope it’s only rhetoric.”

Five hospitals in Iran have been damaged by recent Israeli strikes, according to Pir Hossein Kolivand, head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society. He noted that while the hospitals were not direct targets, the blasts shattered windows, and many patients experienced breathing difficulties due to smoke. Kolivand confirmed that these incidents would be brought before international courts, citing violations of international humanitarian law, which prohibits attacks on medical facilities during armed conflicts. Earlier, Israel had accused Iran of targeting civilian infrastructure after Soroka Hospital in Israel was hit by Iranian strikes.

US President Donald Trump stated on Friday that there is no reason for Israel to halt its strikes on Iran, adding, “Israel is winning decisively. I want to give them a timeframe—two weeks at most. I want to see if Iran regains its senses.” Earlier, on Thursday, Trump said he would assess the situation for two weeks before deciding on further military action against Iran.

During his UK visit, Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus responded to BBC’s question about whether barring Awami League contradicts his commitment to inclusive elections. Quoting the UN Resident Coordinator, Yunus said, “Inclusive means the participation of all people, not specific political parties. As long as people can vote, it’s inclusive.” He clarified that the Awami League has not been banned but temporarily suspended from political activities, with their election participation subject to the Election Commission’s decision. He criticized attempts to compare Sheikh Hasina’s situation to the interim government, calling it ‘shameful.’ Yunus also dismissed proposals to integrate the Rohingya population into Bangladesh, deeming it impractical.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has confirmed that five of its members were killed in an Israeli airstrike on Saturday in Khorramabad, Iran. The strike destroyed several key facilities in the city. Among those killed was the second-in-command of the IRGC’s drone unit, who had been continuing drone operations against Israel following the death of his superior. Israel’s military stated that fighter jets specifically targeted IRGC commanders, killing one identified as Amin Pour Jodkhi. Separately, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced that Quds Force commander Saeed Izhadi was killed in an Israeli strike on an apartment in Qom.

This year’s Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations are scheduled to start on June 26. The education boards have completed all necessary preparations. The Ministry of Education clarified that if any region faces a natural disaster, exams will be suspended only for that particular board, while exams in other regions will continue as scheduled. Salah Uddin, principal of Azimpur Government Girls School and College, urged teachers to remain vigilant against rumors, especially those related to leaked question papers, and called for strict action by the education boards.

At least 82 Palestinians have been killed in the past 24 hours during Israeli air and ground assaults in Gaza, many of them while attempting to collect food and humanitarian aid. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, 34 of the victims were targeted directly while receiving aid, including women and children. The attacks reportedly occurred near distribution centers operated by humanitarian foundations supported by the US and Israel. UNICEF spokesperson James Elder warned that only 40% of Gaza’s water supply is currently functional, raising the risk of dehydration-related deaths among children.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Israeli military installations early Saturday. Several strikes reportedly bypassed Israel’s air defenses and directly hit central Tel Aviv, causing explosions and fires. Iranian sources confirmed that 10 ballistic missiles were fired, of which Israel intercepted only five. In response, Israel has begun deploying its new “Lightning” air defense system to counter Iranian drones.