Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi stated that Iranian officials and footballers are working together to protect the nation’s honor and dignity. He shared a social media post juxtaposing images of schoolgirls killed in a US-Israeli attack with a photo from the Football World Cup, emphasizing that every action by Iranians—from the football field to diplomatic talks and the battlefield—is part of a broader struggle to defend national pride. Aragchi’s post came as mediators welcomed progress in US-Iran talks in Switzerland and as Iran drew its World Cup match against Belgium. The statement linked the country’s diplomatic and sporting efforts to a unified national cause. Earlier, on February 28, a missile strike hit the Shajareh Tayyebah Girls School in Minab on the first day of the Iran-US war, killing about 160 people, mostly schoolgirls and teachers, according to the report.

Bangladesh is signaling a return to an independent and self-respecting foreign policy under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s Delhi-centered approach. Rahman’s first overseas visits to Malaysia and China mark efforts to strengthen ties with key Asian partners. The interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus had earlier revived a sense of national dignity in foreign affairs after the political upheaval that ended Hasina’s rule. Malaysia, a major labor market and influential Muslim nation, was chosen as Rahman’s first destination, reflecting both economic and diplomatic priorities. His subsequent trip to China aims to deepen cooperation in defense, river management, and infrastructure. The foreign secretary confirmed that two agreements, thirteen memoranda of understanding, and one action plan will be discussed, with emphasis on Chinese support for the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project. Bangladesh seeks to enhance defense modernization and strategic balance through long-term collaboration with China, including potential joint production and technology transfer. The government maintains that these partnerships will prioritize national sovereignty and economic interests without aligning with any geopolitical bloc.

A witness before Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has alleged that dismissed army officer Major General Ziaul Ahsan was directly involved in the disappearance of BNP central leader M Ilias Ali. The testimony came from Imrul Kayes, a former army member who once served as Ziaul’s bodyguard, during a hearing on crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the Awami League government. Ziaul, who was brought to the tribunal under heavy police guard, was accused of leading abduction, torture, and murder operations while serving as head of RAB intelligence and later as director general of the National Telecommunication Monitoring Center. Imrul’s detailed statement described multiple incidents between 2011 and 2012, including the alleged abduction of Ilias Ali near Mohakhali, disposal of bodies along rail tracks and rivers, and staged operations in the Sundarbans. He claimed Ziaul ordered killings by gunfire and lethal injections, estimating 150 to 200 deaths during his 15 months of service under him. Imrul said he testified out of conscience and appealed for justice so that no soldier faces similar moral conflict. The tribunal continues to hear evidence in the case involving enforced disappearances, torture, and killings attributed to Ziaul and his associates.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that significant progress has been made toward ending the Lebanon war. In a social media post responding to a joint statement by Pakistan and Qatar, Araghchi credited their tireless mediation efforts for achieving this breakthrough. He stated that sanctions on oil and petrochemical exports have been lifted, blockades removed, and some of Iran’s frozen assets released. Additionally, a major reconstruction and development plan for the country has been launched. Araghchi emphasized that the first test of this process will be the conflict avoidance cell. The announcement, reported by Al Jazeera, highlights growing diplomatic engagement in the region involving Iran, Pakistan, and Qatar, aiming to stabilize Lebanon and ease regional tensions.

Argentina will face Austria tonight at AT&T Stadium in Arlington in their second Group J match of the World Cup. The match, scheduled for Monday at 11 p.m. Bangladesh time, carries significance beyond three points. Lionel Messi, who scored a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3–0 win over Algeria, is now level with Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals. One more goal would make him the tournament’s all-time top scorer and could also secure Argentina’s place in the knockout stage. Messi’s performance against Algeria marked his 200th international appearance and reaffirmed his influence at age 38. Argentina enters the match with seven consecutive World Cup victories, displaying confidence and champion-like composure. Austria, led by coach Ralf Rangnick, approaches the game after a 3–1 win over Jordan and aims for its first knockout qualification since 1982. Captain David Alaba acknowledged Argentina’s collective strength beyond Messi. Assistant coach Pablo Aimar cautioned that Austria’s physicality and pressing style could pose challenges. Tactical battles are expected, with Argentina focusing on ball control and creative play through Messi, while Austria will rely on high pressing and quick transitions.

Iran earned a crucial point after holding Belgium to a 0-0 draw in their Group G match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Los Angeles Stadium. Despite Belgium entering the match as clear favorites, Iran’s disciplined defense and swift counterattacks kept the European side under pressure throughout the game. A first-half goal by Iranian forward Mehdi Taremi was disallowed for a narrow offside following a VAR review. The match turned in the 70th minute when a Belgian defender received a second yellow card for a foul, reducing his team to ten men. Iran increased their attacking intensity in the final stages but were repeatedly denied by Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, whose key saves preserved the draw. Neither side managed to break the deadlock by the final whistle. With two points from two matches, Iran climbed to the top of Group G on goal advantage, while Belgium slipped to second. The result strengthened Iran’s position in the race for the knockout stage.

Talks between the United States and Iran held in Switzerland concluded in what mediators described as a positive and constructive atmosphere. Pakistan and Qatar, acting as mediators, announced in a joint statement that the discussions achieved encouraging progress, including agreement on a framework for future technical negotiations. The parties also decided to form a high-level committee to oversee political aspects of the mediation process, with lead negotiators reporting regularly to this body. The committee will guide working groups on nuclear and sanctions issues and supervise implementation of the memorandum of understanding. It also agreed on a roadmap to reach a final agreement within 60 days, paving the way for immediate technical discussions. A communication line has been established to prevent misunderstandings and ensure safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, the US and Iran agreed to create a conflict-avoidance cell with Lebanon to ensure compliance with the ceasefire there. Iranian representative Baghaei said progress was made on oil export licensing and the release of frozen assets. Mediators confirmed that technical talks would continue at Switzerland’s Burgenstock resort throughout the week.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, has reached a remarkable milestone by recording 100 goals in only 33 matches. This marks the fastest century of goals in 68 years since the 1958 Sweden World Cup. The milestone goal came from Dutch forward Cody Gakpo during the Netherlands’ 5–1 victory over Sweden. The current tournament’s goal average stands at 3.09 per match, significantly higher than the 2.69 average in the previous Qatar World Cup. Analysts attribute this goal surge to several factors, including the unpredictable flight of the new official ball ‘Trihonda,’ player fatigue due to North America’s intense heat, and tactical hydration breaks that allow coaches to adjust strategies mid-match. The expansion to 48 teams has also led to more lopsided results, such as Germany’s 7–1 win over Curaçao and Canada’s 6–0 victory over Qatar. If the current scoring pace continues, the 2026 World Cup could become the first in football history to surpass 300 total goals.

During the tenth minute of the first half in the Japan vs Tunisia match, Japanese defender Takehiro Tomiyasu’s powerful shot appeared to cross the goal line after deflecting off a Tunisian player. However, goal-line technology confirmed that the ball had not fully crossed the line, missing by just one millimeter, leading to the goal being disallowed. The incident prompted widespread discussion among viewers who found the decision confusing. According to football’s laws, a goal is valid only when the entire ball crosses the goal line. Analysts and former players noted that goal-line technology and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system provide more precise judgments than the human eye, even when television angles suggest otherwise. Experts emphasized that while such decisions may stir emotional debate, the technology ensures fairness by measuring the ball’s position with millimeter accuracy. The event, though not affecting Japan’s eventual 4–0 victory, reignited attention on the precision of football’s modern technologies and their role in maintaining rule integrity.

The banned Awami League is reportedly trying to reorganize in Rajshahi ahead of its 77th founding anniversary on June 23, 2026. Local sources said some leaders and supporters have begun restoring old networks and holding small meetings to discuss future programs. Videos of masked processions demanding the release of detained leaders and pledging continued political activity have circulated on social media, prompting renewed debate and concern in the city. Law enforcement agencies have been placed on alert, with the police headquarters instructing all metropolitan commissioners and range DIGs to monitor possible rallies or flag-raising events. Rajshahi Metropolitan Police officials said they are prepared to act against any law violations. Opposition parties including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizens Party warned they would resist any attempt by the banned group to resume political activities. Political analysts and local residents expressed concern that the anniversary could heighten tensions in Rajshahi. Authorities and political groups have been urged to act responsibly to prevent unrest and maintain public order.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed that American forces are maintaining their presence across the Middle East by air, land, and sea. A recently released CENTCOM photograph shows two fighter jets conducting what the command described as a routine patrol in the region. The update underscores continued US military activity in the area. Earlier, CENTCOM had released additional images showing US personnel operating aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln stationed in the Arabian Sea. These visuals highlight the sustained deployment of American forces across key strategic locations in the Middle East. The report, citing Al Jazeera, indicates that the US military remains on alert throughout the region, though no further operational details or specific reasons for the heightened vigilance were disclosed.

Khulna Metropolitan Police Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) Rashidul Islam Khan was stand-released on Saturday after a video of his remarks at a public meeting went viral on social media. During the meeting at Mahirbari Khalpar in Khulna’s Labanchara area, he warned of public punishment for any police officer who leaked crime-related information provided by citizens. Following the incident, a police headquarters circular signed by Additional DIG (Personnel Management) Raihan Uddin Khan instructed Rashidul to report to Dhaka by Sunday. The Bangladesh Police Association issued a statement expressing concern that such comments had caused resentment among police members. It emphasized that all officers should maintain professionalism, restraint, and institutional values in public statements to uphold the force’s dignity and discipline. Rashidul later told reporters he was on his way to Dhaka, expressing regret that his words had hurt colleagues and explaining that his comments were made spontaneously in response to public frustration. The incident sparked debate on social media, with some citizens supporting Rashidul’s stance against alleged police misconduct in Khulna and others emphasizing the need for professionalism within the force.

A recently renovated road in Kaliganj municipality of Jhenaidah has collapsed again, rendering it unsafe for public use. The one-kilometer block road, built at a cost of nearly one crore taka from the front of the Kaliganj food warehouse to the hospital, was reconstructed under a World Bank-funded project. Residents report that the road, repaired with concrete blocks, began to deteriorate within months of completion. According to local accounts, irregularities and substandard materials were used during the renovation. The contractor, Hannan-Mithu Enterprise of Jhenaidah, reportedly carried out the work between August 2023 and February 2024. Locals allege that a student leader with business ties to the Kaliganj mayor influenced the project and used low-quality materials. Despite repeated complaints, the contractor’s team ignored public concerns. The road had previously collapsed during heavy rains in February 2025 and is now deteriorating again. Residents fear that the ongoing monsoon will worsen the damage, posing serious risks for those traveling to the hospital and nearby educational institutions.

A key road in the Damudya bus stand area of Shariatpur became unusable, causing severe hardship for residents. Jamaat-e-Islami leader Atikur Rahman Kabir led an initiative to repair the damaged section after local appeals. The road, connecting Damudya bus stand to Damudya port, had developed numerous potholes and large craters over the past six months, worsened by heavy rainfall. Local residents said neither public representatives nor the upazila administration took notice of the problem. The collapse of the road made it impassable for vehicles, forcing passengers to cross the damaged section on foot. Responding to community requests, Atikur Rahman Kabir, the Jamaat-e-Islami amir of Damudya municipality, visited the site with a team and decided to repair it. The repair work was completed last Friday night with funding from Jamaat-e-Islami, restoring the road to a usable condition. According to Kabir, the effort was part of the party’s ongoing welfare activities and was carried out through voluntary labor.

Bangladesh’s Flood Forecasting and Warning Center has warned that four northern districts—Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, and Rangpur—may face flooding within the next 72 hours due to continuous rainfall and water inflow from India. Rising water levels in the Teesta, Dharla, and Dudhkumar rivers could cross danger marks, temporarily inundating low-lying areas. The center’s Sunday forecast noted that river levels in Rangpur Division have been rising and may continue to do so over the next three days. The report added that while most major rivers remain below danger levels, several points in the Teesta, Surma, Kushiyara, and Someshwari rivers are flowing near warning levels. Heavy to very heavy rainfall has been recorded in parts of Chattogram, Rangpur, and Sylhet divisions, as well as in India’s Meghalaya, West Bengal, and Arunachal regions. Local Water Development Board officials in Kurigram confirmed gradual river level increases and warned of short-term flooding in lowlands. In Sunamganj, continuous rain and upstream water have already flooded several areas, disrupting transport and damaging homes. Authorities have temporarily closed the Sadapathar tourist site in Sylhet’s Companiganj for safety until weather conditions improve.