Russia and Ukraine are preparing for their biggest prisoner exchange yet, with 1,200 captives from each side set to be released between June 7 and 9. Russian advisor Vladimir Medinsky stated this could be the largest swap since the war began. Peace talks in Istanbul continue, with Russia proposing a two-phase peace plan and Ukraine insisting on an immediate ceasefire before leadership-level meetings. Russia also plans to return 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers' bodies and retrieve its own, signaling a shift toward long-term peace.

Muhammad Fawzul Kabir Khan, advisor to the Ministries of Road Transport and Railways, confirmed that fuel prices have been reduced, and charging extra bus fare during Eid travel will not be tolerated. After inspecting Saidabad Bus Terminal, he emphasized that authorities are monitoring irregularities and will take strict action against offenders. A recent case of overcharging was addressed with refunds and fines. The government cut diesel prices by 2 taka and petrol and octane by 3 taka per liter for June to ease travel costs.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) urges the government to draft and publish the "July Charter" before declaring the next election date. NCP Convenor Nahid Islam said the charter symbolizes both policy reform and moral obligation to those who sacrificed during the July Movement. In a meeting with the Chinese Ambassador, he emphasized electoral reform, judicial independence, and inclusive participation. The NCP also demands a neutral Election Commission and phased elections to ensure transparency and accountability across all levels of governance.

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has embarked on a sea journey to Gaza aboard the aid ship Madeline, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. The vessel carries essential supplies for civilians amid a humanitarian crisis worsened by Israel’s ongoing blockade and military assault. Israel has warned it will stop the ship. Greta is joined by 12 peace activists, including actor Liam Cunningham. The mission is a non-violent protest against Israel’s blockade. Participants report being tracked by drones and urge international support.

The National Eidgah in Dhaka is ready to host the main Eid-ul-Azha congregation at 7:30 AM on Saturday, accommodating up to 35,000 worshippers. Mufti Mohammad Abdul Malek will lead the prayer. If the weather is unfavorable, the main prayer will shift to Baitul Mukarram Mosque at 8:00 AM. The area is equipped with top-tier drainage, security, and facilities including separate zones for women, medical services, and VIP sections. Eight temporary cattle markets have also been set up for Eid sacrifices.

The newly formed Cumilla South District Chhatra Dal committee has been suspended just 20 days after its announcement, following protests from leaders who were denied posts. The central leadership cited the ongoing agitation as the reason for the suspension. The partial committee, formed on May 15, faced immediate backlash that escalated into violence. Protesters blocked roads, broke into the local BNP office, and set it on fire, damaging vital documents and office equipment.

President Donald Trump has barred new international students from enrolling at Harvard University for the next six months through an executive order, which the university slammed as an unlawful, retaliatory act. Harvard accused the administration of violating its constitutional rights and pledged to protect international students. The move follows a series of punitive actions by the Trump administration, including funding cuts and political accusations. Trump also imposed travel bans on citizens from 12 countries and partial restrictions on seven more.

With just two days left before Eid-ul-Adha, cattle markets in Laxmipur’s Raipur are seeing heavy footfall. Buyers are mostly interested in small and medium-sized cows, leaving large cow traders worried about low prices. Some have yet to sell a single animal. Prices range from Tk 70,000 to Tk 2.5 lakh depending on size. Authorities report nearly 20,000 sacrificial animals are ready, with veterinary teams deployed for safety. Police remain vigilant to prevent extortion and counterfeit currency.

The United States has vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, despite support from 14 other members. As Israeli airstrikes continue, nearly 100 Palestinians were killed in the last 24 hours, and famine worsens amid aid blockades. China condemned the US for shielding Israel, while the UN urged the opening of all crossings for aid delivery. UNICEF and other agencies report horrifying scenes of starvation, especially among children.

A BBC report on Palestinian deaths near a U.S.-backed Israeli aid center in Gaza drew criticism from the White House, which accused the broadcaster of echoing Hamas claims. The BBC strongly defended its reporting, stating no article was removed and that it cited all sources transparently. The controversy reflects growing tensions over media narratives in Gaza, where recent Israeli strikes have killed nearly 100 people. Meanwhile, the U.S. vetoed a UN ceasefire proposal, further jeopardizing humanitarian aid efforts in the war-torn region.

Two people were killed and 16 others injured in two separate road accidents in Natore on Thursday morning. One accident occurred on the Natore-Bogura highway when a BRTC bus lost control and fell into a roadside ditch while avoiding a covered van, killing one passenger. The other incident involved a collision between a truck and a covered van in Gunaihati, Baraigram, leaving the van driver dead and the helper injured. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has seized 13 years of income tax records belonging to Tulip Siddiq in Bangladesh, along with documents related to a flat registered in her name at Janata Housing Society on Ring Road, Shyamoli. ACC Director General Akhter Hossain confirmed the seizure, stating that investigators are authorized to confiscate any tax records necessary for an inquiry. Sources indicate that Tulip Siddiq has not submitted any income tax returns in Bangladesh since the 2018-19 fiscal year.

In response to the issuance of the Government Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, the interim government has formed a committee to formulate well-considered recommendations regarding the ordinance and related protests. The move aims to assess the evolving situation and engage in dialogue with protesting organizations. The Cabinet Division announced on Wednesday that the committee will be led by legal adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul. Other members include Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan, adviser to the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Sheikh Abdur Rashid. The committee is tasked with holding discussions with protest leaders and submitting recommendations promptly.

In a heart-wrenching incident, six teenage girls drowned while bathing in the Yamuna River in the Sikandra area of Agra, Uttar Pradesh. According to reports, the girls had gone to the river to rest after working in nearby fields. Eyewitnesses said they were initially playing and filming videos near the bank but eventually drifted into deeper waters and were swept away by strong currents. Four girls died on the spot, while two others succumbed during treatment.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam revealed that the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), particularly its intelligence wing, was the main actor behind incidents of enforced disappearances. “Those involved will be tried on Bangladeshi soil,” he stated. According to the Disappearance Commission, 1,837 complaints have been received, of which 1,350 have been verified. The Chief Adviser has proposed establishing a horror museum section in the Ganabhaban’s upcoming special museum to highlight such disturbing cases.