The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that a senior Hezbollah commander was killed in a drone strike in southern Lebanon on Wednesday night. The attack targeted Yassin Izz al-Din, head of Hezbollah’s rocket artillery unit in the Litani River sector, in the town of Barish. The IDF said he was responsible for numerous rocket attacks on northern Israel and was actively working to rebuild Hezbollah’s artillery operations.

Israeli Health Minister Uriel Buso has declared that Iran crossed a "red line" by launching a missile that damaged the roof of Soroka Hospital in Be'er Sheva, southern Israel. Buso told Army Radio that targeting a major civilian hospital constitutes a war crime by Iran’s regime. Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reported additional Israeli airstrikes on aid distribution centers in Gaza, resulting in over a hundred casualties.

Shariful Islam, an accused in a murder case under Khilgaon Police Station, escaped from the Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court premises on Thursday. According to police sources, he managed to unlock his handcuffs and fled while being transferred from the jail cell to the courtroom. ADC Main Uddin of the DMP Prosecution Division said legal action is underway, and the Kotwali Police Station has been alerted to recapture the fugitive. Further charges are being prepared.

The QS World University Rankings for 2026, published by UK-based higher education analytics firm Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), includes over 1,500 top institutions worldwide. Dhaka University ranks 584th, making it the highest-ranked university in Bangladesh. Other Bangladeshi universities on the list include North South University (951–1000), BUET (just above 750), and Daffodil International University (1001–1200). Institutions such as BRAC University, Islamic University of Technology, Jahangirnagar University, and Rajshahi University share similar positions in the broader rankings.

Adviser to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Jahangir Alam, has urged the public to consume locally grown fruits to conserve foreign exchange. Speaking at the opening of the three-day National Fruit Fair held at the Krishibid Institution in Dhaka, he stated that similar fairs will be organized in all 64 districts to promote native fruits. “We are already exporting a significant amount of local produce such as mangoes, jackfruit, and guavas,” he said. “We’ve recently begun exporting mangoes to China. Increasing exports will benefit our farmers directly.”

Former President Donald Trump has acknowledged division among his supporters regarding potential U.S. military action against Iran. “Some of my people may be a little unhappy, while others are very happy,” he said. He claimed that his support has never been stronger: “My supporters love me more now than even during the landslide victory. And even people outside the MAGA base are happy with what's happening—though they can hardly believe it themselves.”

Dr. Md. Rezaul Karim, an officer at the Ministry of Law, has clarified that no official decision has been made regarding the formation of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. He criticized media outlets for publishing selective quotes from the law advisor. “The advisor mentioned that discussions would be held with political leaders, student representatives, and experts before considering such a step,” Rezaul added. He further stated that a commission might be considered only after the prosecution of the July uprising massacre and public repentance by leaders of the fallen regime.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that, despite internal political complications, the Iranian people are uniting around their leadership. When asked about threats against Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Putin declined to comment specifically but noted growing national solidarity in Iran. He added that Israel’s initial aim was to destroy Iran’s nuclear program, not to cause regime change. “Israel has failed to strike Iran’s underground uranium enrichment sites—they remain intact. It's time for all sides to pursue compromise,” Putin said.

Government employees demanding the repeal of the civil service ordinance have given the administration a 48-hour deadline. If their demands are not met, they plan to launch a blockade at the Ministry of Finance starting Sunday. On Thursday around 11:30 AM, the protestors gathered in front of Building No. 4 at the Secretariat, chanting slogans and staging a sit-in protest.

Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel has labeled Iran’s missile strike on Soroka Hospital in Be’er Sheva as “deliberate” and a “crime.” Writing on X, she stressed that the facility is not a military target but the main medical center for the entire Negev region. Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reported that Israeli forces also struck aid distribution centers in Gaza, resulting in over a hundred casualties, further intensifying global criticism.

In the interest of judicial transparency, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has appointed senior Supreme Court lawyer A.Y. Mashiuzzaman as amicus curiae in a contempt of court case against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The hearing, originally scheduled for June 3, includes co-defendant Md. Shakil Alam, also known as Shakil Akand Bulbul of Gobindaganj, Gaibandha. The tribunal emphasized the importance of maintaining impartiality in the judicial process.

The Nationalist Citizens’ Party (NCP) has issued a stern warning against those spreading defamatory, sexually harassing, and false propaganda against its joint convener, Dr. Tajnuva Jabin. In an official statement, the NCP said such attacks are not isolated incidents but part of a pattern targeting female leaders of the party. “These smear campaigns violate the spirit of the July uprising and its values,” the statement read. The NCP vowed legal action against all online and offline actors involved in continued abuse and defamation.

Veteran actress and BNP leader Rina Khan has accused the government of persecuting her family due to her political affiliation. Speaking at the BNP central office, she said, “My son left for Germany in 2009, and yet there’s now a case and arrest warrant against him—simply because I am a BNP activist.” She claimed her younger son was also harassed and that she herself couldn't stay at home due to constant police pressure. Rina Khan, a vice president of the Jatiyatabadi cultural wing JASAS, expressed gratitude to party leaders, including Salahuddin Ahmed, for their support.

Dr. Shamsul Alam, former State Minister for Planning, was arrested early Thursday morning from the Mohammadpur area of Dhaka. DB Joint Commissioner Nasirul Islam confirmed the arrest, stating that Alam is currently being held at the Minto Road DB office and will be presented in court later today. Appointed under the technocrat quota in July 2021, Dr. Alam had previously served as a member of the General Economics Division of the Planning Commission and was a recipient of the prestigious Ekushey Padak in economics.

The possibility of a U.S. military strike on Iran has sparked division within former President Donald Trump's support base—particularly among his core "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) followers. Many are voicing strong opposition to involving the United States in another Middle Eastern conflict. Prominent Trump ally and former White House strategist Steve Bannon warned, “We can't do this again. We don’t want another Iraq.” Influential MAGA voice Tucker Carlson also criticized any move toward military escalation. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene echoed these sentiments, saying, “Those who want to drag the U.S. into a war between Israel and Iran are not true MAGA. We're tired of endless foreign wars.”