Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir announced that the government is enhancing an online one-stop service system to streamline licensing and approval processes for investors. Speaking at a meeting with a delegation from the Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI) in Dhaka, he said the initiative aims to eliminate the need for investors to visit multiple offices. The minister noted that while physical inspections for industrial or factory establishments cannot always be completed within 15 days due to safety and environmental checks, provisional licenses will be introduced to prevent delays in investment activities. He explained that sector-specific licensing procedures are being developed, as requirements differ across industries such as power generation and textiles. The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) will coordinate inspection schedules among relevant agencies to ensure a single, integrated inspection process. Muktadir also highlighted the government’s interest in promoting electric and hybrid vehicles to reduce fuel dependency and enhance transport sustainability. JBCCI representatives emphasized the importance of simplifying licensing, expanding trade, and adopting sustainable technologies. The minister reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to creating a transparent and efficient business environment for Japanese investors.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the International Yoga Day celebration held on Kolkata’s historic Red Road on Sunday, June 21, 2026. Thousands attended the event, which featured a large stage and extensive preparations in the surrounding area. West Bengal Governor C. V. Ananda Bose and opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari were also present. Adhikari thanked the Prime Minister for promoting yoga in the state, while Modi described yoga as a symbol of holistic development, mental peace, and social unity. Modi emphasized that regular yoga practice supports physical health, reduces stress and anxiety, and fosters balance in life. He noted that yoga transcends age and builds connection and harmony among people. Similar programs were organized across West Bengal, including at Malda’s Satya Chowdhury Stadium and the riverside near Dakshineswar Kali Temple. The event sparked controversy as critics questioned why Red Road was closed for the yoga celebration when permission for Eid prayers at the same venue had previously been denied. Some social and political voices called for consistent policies and equal access for all public events.

More than a thousand Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since a ceasefire agreement took effect last October, according to local observers. The latest airstrike, which killed an entire family and a journalist, has renewed doubts about the ceasefire’s effectiveness and raised questions about civilian safety. Analysts cited in the report argue that Israel views the ceasefire primarily as a mechanism to prevent attacks on its soldiers, while maintaining the right to carry out strikes when deemed necessary. Despite the agreement being in place for about nine months, civilian casualties continue to rise, with multiple members of the same families increasingly among the victims. The absence of clear explanations from the Israeli military regarding these attacks has deepened public concern in Gaza. Observers warn that the ongoing civilian deaths highlight a failure to ensure protection for noncombatants and cast doubt on the practical enforcement of the ceasefire.

Iran has announced that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon will be the main topic of discussion in its upcoming meeting with the United States. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei said in a video message published by the state news agency IRNA that the Zionist regime in Lebanon continues to violate its commitments, and this issue will receive primary attention in the talks, according to Al Jazeera. Baghaei added that the meeting will also address the release of Iran’s frozen or restricted assets and the issuance of necessary licenses for the country’s oil sales. The talks are scheduled to take place in Switzerland and are expected to cover regional security conditions, economic sanctions, and key aspects of Iran–U.S. relations. The discussions are viewed as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to manage tensions and explore possible areas of cooperation between Tehran and Washington.

Water levels in the Teesta River continue to rise due to hill runoff from India, causing concern among residents along the riverbanks in Lalmonirhat. Farmers in the Aditmari area said that whenever floods occur in India, large volumes of water are released through the Gajoldoba Barrage into Bangladesh, creating anxiety for thousands of people living in the Teesta basin. Local farmers expressed frustration over unfulfilled promises regarding the Teesta Master Plan, saying that despite assurances before elections, implementation has not progressed. Officials from the Water Development Board (WDB) reported that water levels at the Dalia Barrage point were flowing 15 centimeters below the danger mark at noon on Sunday, though fluctuations continue. According to WDB engineers, 44 gates of the barrage have been opened to control water flow, and the situation is being closely monitored. Authorities warned that within the next 72 hours, the Teesta’s water level could rise above the danger mark, potentially causing short-term flooding in low-lying areas near the river.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman left Dhaka on Sunday afternoon for Kuala Lumpur, beginning his first official state visit to Malaysia. The flight departed around 3 p.m., confirmed by his additional press secretary Atikur Rahman Rumman. His delegation includes his spouse Dr. Zubaida Rahman, several cabinet members, advisers, senior government officials, and personal staff. Local Government Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, among others, saw him off at the airport. The visit is taking place at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. According to Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, the two-day Malaysia trip will be followed by a four-day visit to China starting June 22. During the Malaysia visit, Bangladesh will request Kuala Lumpur to recruit more Bangladeshi workers. The foreign secretary noted that Malaysia is reviewing its foreign labor recruitment process but expressed optimism that Bangladesh will receive priority once the review concludes. The foreign secretary also highlighted Malaysia’s early recognition of Bangladesh and its strong support on the Rohingya issue. Dhaka aims to leverage this relationship as it seeks ASEAN dialogue partner status.

David Sacks, technology adviser to US President Donald Trump, described the recent memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran as an extraordinary success. Speaking on the 'All-In Podcast' on Saturday, he argued that diplomacy offers a more effective path than escalating military conflict. Sacks dismissed calls for a ground invasion of Iran as unrealistic, citing the country's vast geography and estimating that such an operation could require around one million troops. He warned that any military campaign of this scale would amount to a suicidal mission and urged that the agreement be given a chance to succeed. Referring to exiled Iranian opposition leader Reza Pahlavi, Sacks questioned whether those advocating regime change in Iran were personally ready to take up arms. He added that if Pahlavi wished to form a force with his supporters in Beverly Hills, he could attempt it. Sacks emphasized the importance of pursuing diplomatic solutions and cautioned against the United States becoming entangled in another prolonged and costly war like those in Iraq and Afghanistan.

At least six Israeli soldiers have been killed and more than twenty injured in attacks carried out by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon since Thursday, according to Israel’s Army Radio. Reports from Israel’s state broadcaster confirmed that one of the dead was a senior military officer. The incidents mark a sharp escalation in violence along the Lebanon-Israel border. The Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that since the current conflict began on March 2 this year, a total of 36 Israeli soldiers have been killed along the Lebanese border. Continued clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah have heightened tensions in the region, raising concerns about further instability. The ongoing hostilities underscore the fragility of the border situation, with both sides engaged in repeated exchanges of fire that have intensified over recent days.

Continuous rainfall and hill runoff from India’s Meghalaya have caused a rapid rise in river water levels across Sunamganj district. Several low-lying areas have already been inundated, with reports of roads and markets going underwater. The Anwarpur–Sunamganj road in Tahirpur is submerged, and water has entered parts of Sadar, Dowarabazar, Tahirpur, and Bishwambharpur upazilas. The Khasiamara River has overflowed into nearby localities, affecting villages along the haor regions. According to the Water Development Board, water levels in the Surma, Boula, Jadukata, and Rakti rivers have risen significantly, with the Surma River increasing by 64 centimeters in 24 hours. Although still 60 centimeters below the danger level, officials warned that continued heavy rain over the next two days could push it to or above that threshold. Executive Engineer Mamun Hawlader stated that if rainfall persists for 48 hours, flooding in low-lying areas is likely. The district administration has taken precautionary measures, advising residents near rivers and haors to stay alert and prepare essential documents, dry food, and emergency supplies in advance.

The Institute for Planning and Development (IPD) has warned that the government’s plan to relocate Dhaka’s four inter-district bus terminals—Sayedabad, Mohakhali, Gabtoli, and Fulbaria—to the city’s outskirts could increase public suffering and safety risks. The government intends to move the terminals to Kanchpur, Hemayetpur, Tongi, and Keraniganj to ease traffic congestion in the capital. According to IPD, shifting the terminals without ensuring adequate public transport connections and effective planning will not solve Dhaka’s traffic problems. Instead, it could raise travel costs, extend commuting times, and heighten security concerns, especially for women, children, and the elderly. The organization noted that the proposed sites are 15–20 kilometers from central Dhaka and lack reliable, affordable transport links. IPD urged the government to cancel the relocation plan, improve management around existing terminals, and develop new depots in extended urban areas. It also recommended introducing quality feeder services, implementing the bus route rationalization project, and ensuring passenger safety through integrated terminal management.

Authorities in Companiganj upazila of Sylhet have temporarily closed the Sadapathor tourist center following continuous rainfall and mountain runoff from India. The decision was confirmed on Sunday by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Robin Mia. The closure comes after floodwaters submerged nearby shops, creating hazardous conditions across the area. According to the local administration, the move was taken to ensure the safety of visitors amid the deteriorating weather. Officials stated that tourists are being advised to avoid the site until conditions improve. Once the water flow decreases and the weather stabilizes, the tourist center will reopen. The administration emphasized that the closure is a precautionary measure to prevent accidents during the current adverse weather. The site will be reopened to visitors as soon as the situation returns to normal.

Iran has resumed loading crude oil from its main export hub, Kharg Island, after a pause of about six weeks. The activity restarted following the withdrawal of a US naval blockade. According to available information, three large oil tankers, each capable of carrying up to two million barrels, are currently anchored at the Sea Island terminal. Satellite images show two of the ships docked while the third is approaching. European Union satellite data indicated that until Friday, the jetties at the terminal had remained empty, with few large vessels seen since May. Analysts suggest that after a temporary understanding with the United States reduced tensions, Iran quickly reactivated its oil export operations and supply network. Additional reports note that some tankers near Chabahar port have transported around 20 million barrels of oil. Despite ongoing security uncertainties that have led many international ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, Iran is gradually reintroducing vessels into the Persian Gulf. Analysts believe that with at least 20 more ships waiting east of the Gulf, Iran’s oil exports may increase further in the coming days.

Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has arrived in Switzerland to participate as a mediator in upcoming high-level discussions between Iran and the United States. The talks, held under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding framework, are taking place at the Burgenstock resort. Munir is expected to play a significant role in facilitating the technical dialogue between the two nations. The meeting is viewed as an important step in advancing ongoing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran. However, no official details have been released regarding the agenda or potential outcomes of the discussions. US Vice President JD Vance also arrived in Switzerland earlier, with his spokesperson confirming the visit to Reuters. Vance told reporters that he hopes for progress on nuclear issues and a ceasefire in Lebanon, noting signs of reduced tension in the region. He emphasized the need for continued monitoring to ensure stability and security for both Israel and Lebanon.

Bangladesh Navy Chief Admiral M Nazmul Hassan stated that the Navy continues to work for the protection of maritime boundaries, extraction of marine resources, national security, disaster relief, and enhancing the country's image internationally. He made the remarks on Sunday morning at the Bangladesh Naval Academy in Chattogram while addressing the ‘Summer President Parade’ of Midshipman and Direct Entry Officer Batch 2026. The Navy Chief inspected the parade, received the salute, and distributed medals among outstanding trainees. Midshipman Md Intisar Islam Inan received the Sword of Honour, Midshipman Sadman Sakib Panth received the Navy Chief’s Gold Medal, Acting Sub-Lieutenant Md Abid Shahriar Anu received the Bir Sreshtho Shaheed Ruhul Amin Gold Medal, and Palestinian Army Midshipman Zahid Salah received the BNA International Gold Medal. Admiral Hassan said the Navy is advancing domestic shipbuilding under the government’s ‘Made in Bangladesh’ defense policy, constructing vessels and acquiring modern platforms from friendly nations. A total of 61 new officers, including five women and two foreign officers, were commissioned through the event, joining the Navy’s mission to safeguard national interests and maritime security.

A Spanish court has ordered Begoña Gómez, wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, to stand trial in a corruption case and imposed a travel ban preventing her from leaving the country. The decision follows a two-year investigation into allegations of embezzlement, influence peddling, business corruption, and misuse of funds. Judge Juan Carlos Peinado instructed Gómez to surrender her passport and appear in court twice a month until the trial begins before a jury. Gómez, 55, has denied all charges. The case originated from a complaint filed by the far-right-linked group Manos Limpias (Clean Hands). Prime Minister Sánchez has repeatedly dismissed the case as baseless and politically motivated, accusing opponents and parts of the judiciary of targeting his family. Following the court order, the Socialist Party posted on social media that Gómez has been subjected to judicial and political persecution for two years. The ruling comes amid several ongoing corruption investigations involving Sánchez’s relatives and former allies, posing potential risks to his government’s stability.