Farmers in Murshidabad district of West Bengal have strongly opposed the state government’s plan to acquire over 500 acres of farmland for the Border Security Force (BSF). The initiative, announced by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to build fencing along a 27-kilometer stretch of the India-Bangladesh border, triggered major protests on May 31 when BSF personnel attempted to mark around 15,000 bighas of land. Farmers blocked roads and clashed with police and BSF officers until authorities verbally assured them that their land would not be seized. The Association for Protection of Democratic Rights (APDR) investigated the situation and submitted a report to the district administration, calling the land acquisition illegal and unconstitutional under state law. The group alleged that the government was using the pretext of border security to construct detention centers and intimidate farmers by labeling them as “Bangladeshis.” APDR demanded an end to forced deportations and the closure of detention centers in Murshidabad. APDR leaders warned that if their demands were not met, they would mobilize a larger public movement to protect farmers’ livelihoods and oppose the land acquisition plan.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited West Bengal for the first time since the Bharatiya Janata Party came to power. During a two-day trip beginning Saturday, he attended the West Bengal Day event on June 20, where he discussed issues including partition, the India-Bangladesh border, and illegal infiltration. Modi stated that there had once been a conspiracy to attach West Bengal to Pakistan, alleging that the Congress party had given up resisting it, while Shyama Prasad Mukherjee had stood firm. He said the people of Bengal have not forgotten the riots and bloodshed in Kolkata and Noakhali, and announced that a large statue would be built in Mukherjee’s honor. Modi also claimed that infiltration occurred under Congress, Left, and Trinamool governments, but that work has now begun to complete the barbed-wire fencing along the border. West Bengal Chief Minister Shuvendu Adhikari also spoke at the event, asserting that a government fulfilling Mukherjee’s vision is now in power and will advance development in cooperation with the central government.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have ordered a halt to military operations in Lebanon, according to Israeli Channel 12 as reported by Dawn. The directive suspends offensive actions in southern Lebanon but does not include any withdrawal of Israeli troops from occupied areas. The decision was reportedly made in coordination with the United States, though no details were provided on when the order takes effect or which operations it covers. Earlier, Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in response to Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon. Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya central command said the move was a temporary suspension of maritime traffic, describing it as the “first phase of response” to violations of a ceasefire agreement. Iranian authorities warned of stronger measures if the aggression continues. According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, Israeli attacks since March 2 have killed at least 4,057 people and injured more than 12,121, underscoring the severe humanitarian toll of the ongoing conflict.

The Border Security Force (BSF) of India took back 20 people, including women and children, from the zero line of the Chowka border in Shibganj upazila of Chapainawabganj on Saturday afternoon. The return followed a flag meeting between the border forces of Bangladesh and India. The incident was confirmed by Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury, commander of the 59 Mahananda Battalion of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). According to BGB and local sources, the BSF attempted to push in the group of 20 people through the Chowka border area on Friday night. A BGB patrol team reached the spot and obstructed the attempt, leading the group to remain at the zero line. Two rounds of company commander-level meetings were later held between the two sides, after which the BSF took the individuals back into Indian territory. BGB officials stated that the situation along the border is now normal. To prevent further push-in attempts, BGB has strengthened patrols and surveillance in the area.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has assured full cooperation to investors interested in reviving closed and loss-making state-owned factories. Speaking at a roadshow for domestic and foreign investors at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon on Saturday, he urged business leaders to move forward with confidence, promising all possible assistance from the government. The event was jointly organized by the Ministry of Industries, the Ministry of Textiles and Jute, and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA). Rahman emphasized that the government’s main responsibility is to remove obstacles and create pathways to overcome challenges, but acknowledged that this cannot be achieved by the government alone. He called for collective effort, noting that gradual and planned action can solve existing problems. During the three-hour discussion, detailed information on 44 factories was presented, including their locations, infrastructure, investment incentives, and expansion potential. Business representatives participated in an open discussion, raising around 50 questions that were addressed by relevant authorities. Senior ministers, advisers, and top officials attended the event, along with representatives from major Bangladeshi industrial groups and several Japanese corporations and organizations.

Police in Delhi have uncovered an inter-state network involved in buying and selling newborn babies for large sums of money. The operation was centered around Hira Multispeciality Hospital in Begumpur, Rohini, where traffickers allegedly kept infants until they were sold to childless couples using forged documents. The investigation began after a local resident reported suspicious activity involving a woman frequently seen with different newborns. Acting on this tip, police conducted a sting operation and arrested a woman named Jyoti, also known as Kamlesh, during a baby handover on June 5. Following her arrest, police detained several accomplices and recovered about 300,000 rupees. Five infants under one month old were rescued. Authorities allege that the hospital’s owner, Dr. Viveki, played a key role in coordinating the sales. The network reportedly sourced babies from poor families in Rajasthan and other regions, selling girls for 300,000–400,000 rupees and boys for up to 800,000 rupees. Additional arrests were made in Gujarat, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh. Police are now working to locate the infants’ biological families and determine whether the children were sold voluntarily or abducted. Legal action is being considered against both sellers and buyers.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has confirmed that the ancient 'Major Oak' tree in England’s Sherwood Forest, famously associated with the legend of Robin Hood, has died. The oak, estimated to be around 1,200 years old, had a trunk circumference of about 36 feet and was a major tourist attraction. Experts noticed its declining health over recent years, and the absence of new leaves this spring confirmed its death. RSPB’s Sherwood Forest senior site manager Holly Drake described the loss as heartbreaking for those who cared for the tree and for visitors worldwide. The exact cause of death remains uncertain, though experts cited poor soil quality, root decay, and long-term use of metal supports as possible factors. Climate change, heatwaves, and droughts may also have contributed to its decline. Although no longer alive, the Major Oak will remain standing as a symbol of natural heritage and a habitat for wildlife. RSPB noted that new saplings grown from its acorns and branches have been planted globally to preserve its legacy.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will depart Dhaka on Sunday for an official visit to Malaysia at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. His flight, operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, is scheduled to leave for Kuala Lumpur in the afternoon. Following the Malaysia leg, Rahman will travel directly to China at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang. Foreign Minister Asad Alam Siam announced at a press briefing that this will be Rahman’s first foreign trip since his government took office in February. During the China visit, Bangladesh and China are expected to sign 15 to 17 bilateral instruments, including 13 memorandums of understanding, two agreements, one action plan, and one protocol. Discussions will also cover the long-anticipated Teesta project. The prime minister’s delegation will include around 27 to 28 members. The visits are described as part of a broader diplomatic initiative to strengthen Bangladesh’s economic partnerships, attract foreign investment, and enhance regional connectivity. Rahman will also attend the 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, or Summer Davos Forum, in Dalian from June 23 to 25 before returning home on Friday night.

The United Arab Emirates has significantly reduced the approval time for tourist visas to make travel easier for visitors. According to the report, 30- and 60-day single-entry tourist visas are now being issued within a maximum of 48 hours after submission of required documents. Alongside the faster visa process, the UAE has announced special summer discounts at hotels, entertainment venues, and popular attractions across Dubai. Travel industry representatives noted that the combination of quick visa approvals and seasonal discounts is expected to attract more tourists this summer. Many hotels are offering rooms starting from 139 dirhams, roughly 4,645 Bangladeshi taka, with well-known brands such as Rove Hotels providing limited-time offers. Popular activities like desert safaris, jet skiing, and buggy rides are also being offered at reduced prices, with some operators giving up to 50 percent discounts for advance bookings. Applicants can apply for visas online through Emirates’ website by submitting a valid passport, recent photo, hotel booking proof, and confirmed flight ticket. Most applications are processed within 48 hours, though some may be approved even faster in special cases.

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has condemned comments made by Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who posted on X that “all of Lebanon must burn” following the killing of four Israeli soldiers in a Hezbollah attack. Cooper described the remarks as “horrendous and abhorrent” in her own post on Friday. Ben-Gvir’s statement also rejected a peace agreement between the United States and Iran, declaring that Israel “is not subordinate to the United States” and calling for Lebanon to be “obliterated.” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded by saying the comments were not a random outburst but a public declaration by a senior Israeli official, calling Israel a “threat to all of humanity.” Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz separately stated that 200,000 displaced residents of southern Lebanon would not be allowed to return, while Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich urged to “open the gates of hell” in Lebanon. According to Lebanese authorities, Israel’s offensive against Hezbollah, which began on March 2, 2026, has displaced more than 1.2 million people and killed over 1,200 in Lebanon.

The Association of Private Universities of Bangladesh has expressed deep concern over the government's decision to retain the existing 10 percent income tax on private universities in the national budget. In a statement signed by the association’s director Belal Ahmed, the organization called on the government to reconsider the tax policy in the interest of students and the higher education sector. According to the statement, the association had earlier presented the rationale for withdrawing the tax to the Ministry of Education, the University Grants Commission, the National Board of Revenue, and other policymakers, but no positive response was received. It noted that private universities already pay significant amounts in VAT and other taxes for infrastructure, technology, laboratories, and educational services. The additional 10 percent income tax, the association warned, would hinder institutional development and indirectly increase the cost of higher education for students. The association emphasized that private universities operate as non-profit entities under existing law, and imposing income tax raises a policy question internationally. It urged authorities to view investment in education as a long-term investment in human resource development rather than an expense.

Prime Minister’s Adviser and Spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office, Mahdi Amin, announced that more than 65,000 schools participated in this year’s Primary School Gold Cup tournament. He made the statement on Saturday at the Army Stadium in Dhaka after the final match of the event. According to him, the tournament saw participation from 1.1 million boys and 1.1 million girls, totaling 2.2 million students, with over 123,000 matches played across the country. Mahdi Amin described the tournament as possibly the largest football event of its kind in the world. He emphasized that under the Prime Minister’s leadership, the initiative reflects a vision for an education system that encourages both intellectual and moral development. He highlighted the importance of nurturing good citizenship, family values, and creativity through education, sports, and cultural activities. He further stated that the government will continue to support all participants, ensuring opportunities for every child to express their hidden talents. The adviser congratulated both winners and participants, calling them the future builders of a prosperous Bangladesh.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has drawn renewed international attention as talks on easing economic sanctions between the United States and Iran gain momentum. Reports indicate that despite years of Western restrictions, the IRGC has maintained a strong presence across key sectors of Iran’s economy, including energy, construction, ports, shipping, telecommunications, and infrastructure development. According to a report by The Times of Israel, any potential agreement between Washington and Tehran could boost foreign investment and oil exports in Iran. However, much of this economic activity is expected to flow through existing domestic networks where the IRGC holds significant influence. Analysts suggest that IRGC-linked companies could become essential partners for foreign investors due to Iran’s joint-venture business structure. Experts warn that while sanctions relief could expand IRGC-affiliated business networks, Western companies may face legal and diplomatic risks because several countries classify the IRGC as a banned or terrorist organization. The potential deal could therefore reshape both Iran’s political relations and its internal economic power balance.

Road Transport Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam announced that direct train operations on the Pabna-Dhaka route will begin in August. He made the statement on Saturday evening at a meeting with government officials and local dignitaries at the Pabna Circuit House. The minister said locomotives for the route are ready, and new coaches are expected to arrive in July. Once the coaches are received, the direct service will start on a priority basis. He added that two new train routes are planned to launch in August, starting with the Dhaka-Pabna service followed by the Dhaka-Khulna route. The minister also emphasized restoring discipline in the transport sector through coordinated efforts involving owners, workers, and all stakeholders, prioritizing public interest over any specific group. Regarding the relocation of the Kazirhat ferry terminal, Robiul Alam stated that preliminary work has begun, including completion of the feasibility study and development project proposal. The government is committed to implementing the project promptly, considering its public importance and long-standing local demand.

Barishal Metropolitan Police conducted a special operation over the past 24 hours, resulting in the arrest of 77 individuals across the city. The information was confirmed through a press release from the BMP Media Cell. Separate operational teams from four police stations and the Detective Branch carried out the drives in different areas of Barishal. According to police data, the arrests include 13 individuals with outstanding warrants, 57 in regular cases, six under the Barishal Metropolitan Ordinance, and one under other laws. The operation aimed to maintain law and order and suppress criminal activities within the city. Barishal Kotwali Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Al Mamun Ul Islam stated that such operations will continue to ensure public safety and control crime in the metropolitan area.