Bangladesh recorded three more deaths from COVID-19 and 19 new cases in the past 24 hours, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The deaths occurred between 8 a.m. Sunday and 8 a.m. Monday. So far this year, the virus has claimed 19 lives—eight men and eleven women. Regionally, seven deaths occurred in Dhaka, nine in Chattogram, and three in Khulna.

The Israeli military has urged civilians in Tehran to stay away from military targets, including weapons manufacturing centers, military headquarters, and security institutions. In a Persian-language statement, Israel announced it will continue attacks on these targets in the coming days. The warning emphasizes the importance of civilians maintaining a safe distance to avoid harm, as the conflict intensifies within the Iranian capital. This announcement highlights escalating tensions and ongoing military operations in the region.

Rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have sparked concerns that Iran may resume a ‘Tanker War’ following U.S. airstrikes on key nuclear sites. The strait, a crucial route for global oil and gas, is seeing increased Iranian military activity, though no final decision to close it has been made. Analysts warn a blockade could trigger a global energy crisis and hurt Iran’s economy. The situation remains volatile as Iran weighs its options amid Western pressure and the threat of economic consequences.

Qatar has temporarily closed its airspace, prompting both the United States and the United Kingdom to advise their citizens in the country to remain indoors. The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the decision as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of its citizens, residents, and tourists. While specific reasons behind the closure have not been disclosed, the move is seen as part of heightened security protocols. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and further updates are expected from official sources.

Former U.S. envoy to Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, has accused Pakistan's military of engaging in a prolonged “double game” with the United States. In a post following a rare White House meeting between former President Donald Trump and Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir on June 18, Khalilzad claimed that while Pakistan accepted American assistance during the war in Afghanistan, it simultaneously harbored individuals responsible for killing U.S. personnel. He further asserted that Pakistan supported both the U.S. and Al-Qaeda during the post-9/11 war on terror and continues to detain Dr. Shakil Afridi, the physician who helped locate Osama bin Laden.

Following a U.S. strike on Iran, global shipping is in turmoil as traffic through the vital Strait of Hormuz sharply declines. Major shipping firms from Japan and Germany are delaying or rerouting vessels to avoid risk. Iran is reportedly considering closing the strait, backed by its parliament. This chokepoint carries about 20% of the world’s oil and LNG. Rising insurance costs and supply delays are fueling instability in global markets. The U.S. has urged China to pressure Iran to keep the strait open.

Following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, global concern has intensified over 400kg of 60% enriched uranium that Iran allegedly relocated before the attacks. Satellite and intelligence data suggest the material was hidden to preserve Iran’s nuclear capability. Despite temporary disruption, experts warn Iran still possesses the knowledge and means to revive its program. Officials in Tehran assert they will not be dictated to and vow to continue nuclear activities, raising fears of renewed nuclear weapon ambitions in the region.

Renowned Pakistani Islamic scholar Mufti Taqi Usmani has condemned the recent U.S. military strike on Iran, labeling it not only "reprehensible" but also a "clear violation of previous commitments." Referring indirectly to former U.S. President Donald Trump, he wrote, “Can someone who threatens to turn another country into hell ever be worthy of a peace prize?” Notably, Pakistan recently issued a statement recommending Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, prompting significant backlash across various sectors.

In reaction to discussions about shutting down Iran’s Strait of Hormuz, U.S. President Donald Trump urged: “Everyone, keep oil prices down. I’m watching closely!” He warned that such actions would play into the hands of enemies and urged against it. However, Trump did not specify whom his call was directed at. In a subsequent post, he instructed the U.S. Energy Department to “Drill, baby, drill!!! And I mean it right now!!!” The talks of closing the strategic waterway gained momentum after Iran’s parliament approved the proposal, leading to increased instability in the global oil market.

The Israeli Air Force has launched an airstrike on Evin Prison in Tehran, Iran, a facility known for holding political prisoners and dual nationals. The extent of casualties or damage remains unclear. The strike follows Iran’s missile and drone attacks on Israel, which came in response to a U.S. strike on an Iranian nuclear site. Israel has also targeted IRGC headquarters, Palestine Square, and the Basij forces in Tehran. The Israeli Defense Ministry vowed to punish Iran’s regime with full force for its attack on Israeli territory.

The Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Ajit Singh, met with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman to discuss the upcoming elections and ongoing reforms. They talked about electoral policies, including Jamaat’s demand for a proportional representation system and the need for fundamental changes to ensure balanced power and prevent autocracy. The Canadian official pledged to monitor the election closely, engage with the government and Election Commission, and support efforts to create a level playing field and a fair voting environment with international cooperation.

During a court hearing regarding allegations of election misconduct, former Chief Election Commissioner Nurul Huda admitted that it was not possible to fully monitor remote voting areas from Dhaka. In response, the judge rebuked him, stating, “You cannot make such statements under oath.” When asked if those responsible for vote rigging were held accountable, Huda claimed the Commission had no role once elections concluded and legal intervention was necessary. The judge further questioned his inaction over threats made during the election period by former IGP Benazir Ahmed, which Huda said he was unaware of.

The court has ordered the freezing of 21 bank accounts belonging to former Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud and his wife Nurun Fatema, along with one jeep vehicle, following allegations of acquiring wealth beyond known income and money laundering. The Anti-Corruption Commission filed the case, accusing Hasan Mahmud of abusing power during his tenure, with suspicious transactions worth billions of Taka. His wife is also accused of illegal wealth accumulation and abnormal bank transactions. The move aims to prevent asset transfer and ensure a fair investigation.

An Iranian missile strike on southern Israel has caused power outages affecting nearly 8,000 residents, according to Israel’s Energy Minister Eli Cohen. Authorities had anticipated possible damage and aimed to restore electricity within hours. The Israel Electric Corporation confirmed damage to strategic infrastructure and dispatched teams to repair and monitor security risks. The missile attacks also triggered warning sirens across major cities, disrupting an emergency parliamentary session as officials took shelter amid fears of widespread destruction.

Three oil tankers have altered course away from the strategic Strait of Hormuz and anchored near the United Arab Emirates’ coast, according to marine traffic data. Among them are the Mary C and Red Ruby, both chemical and crude carriers. Bloomberg reported that this diversion may signal the beginning of a shift to alternate shipping routes due to heightened regional tensions. There are growing concerns that Iran could retaliate by closing the vital oil transit chokepoint.