Morocco defeated Scotland 1–0 in a Group C match held in Boston early Saturday, June 20, 2026. The decisive moment came just 70 seconds after kickoff when Ismail Saibari scored from a Brahim Diaz assist, marking one of the fastest goals of the tournament. Despite creating several more chances, Morocco could not extend their lead, but their solid defense prevented Scotland from finding an equalizer. Morocco dominated possession with 59 percent and took 12 shots, two of which were on target. Scotland managed 39 percent possession and six attempts, none on target. Saibari’s goal also set a new record, making him the second African player after Mohamed Salah to score in his first two World Cup matches. With this victory, Morocco moved to the top of Group C with four points from two matches, followed by Scotland with three. Brazil and Haiti occupy third and fourth places respectively. Morocco will face Haiti next, while Scotland will play Brazil in their final group-stage matches.

Leaders of the National Labor Power, the labor wing of the National Citizens Party (NCP), have criticized the proposed 2026–2027 national budget as failing to meet the expectations of working people and being contrary to public interest. Speaking at a national seminar titled “Workers’ Expectations and Achievements in the 2026–2027 National Budget” held at the National Press Club on Friday, they said the allocation for the labor and employment sector has been reduced compared to the previous fiscal year, which they described as inconsistent with the development and welfare needs of the country’s large labor force. Speakers noted that key issues such as workers’ healthcare, safe housing, education, pension systems, and unemployment support have long been neglected, and the budget lacks a clear plan to revive closed industries or restore employment. They urged the government to consult labor organizations before finalizing future budgets to ensure inclusion of worker-focused measures. The seminar also presented specific demands, including establishing a national fund for skill and technological development, introducing a rationing system for low-income workers, building specialized hospitals and affordable housing in industrial areas, expanding social security and pension schemes, and ensuring fair minimum wage adjustments aligned with inflation.

Host nation United States advanced to the World Cup knockout stage after defeating Australia 2–0 in their second group match. Despite missing star forward Christian Pulisic due to injury, the team maintained strong form to secure two consecutive victories and a perfect six points, ensuring direct qualification to the round of 32. The match began favorably for the hosts when Australia’s Cameron Burgess scored an own goal in the 11th minute following pressure from Folarin Balogun’s attack down the left wing. Near the end of the first half, 21-year-old Alex Freeman doubled the lead, heading in a rebound from a set-piece after Sergiño Dest’s shot was blocked. The goal was confirmed as valid after a video review, marking Freeman’s first World Cup goal. With this result, the United States joined Mexico as the second host nation to win its opening two matches and secure early progression, underlining the dominance of the tournament’s co-hosts.

Iran has accused French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot of hypocrisy following his recent comments about the situation in Iran. The accusation was made by Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei in a post on social media platform X, where he criticized Barrot for remaining silent when Iranian cities were bombed and civilians were killed, and even alleged that Barrot was complicit in those events. Baghaei’s remarks came in response to a video statement by Barrot, in which the French minister said that the Iranian people had been defeated in war and were caught between repression and bombings. The Iranian spokesperson argued that Barrot’s sudden concern for human rights appeared only when it served France’s political interests, accusing him of selective morality. The exchange highlights growing diplomatic tension between Tehran and Paris, as both sides publicly challenge each other’s positions on human rights and regional conflicts.

Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon MP declared a strict stance against nepotism in the education sector during the orientation ceremony for first-year undergraduate students of Jahangirnagar University’s 2025–26 academic session. The event took place on Friday, June 19, at the Zahir Raihan Auditorium seminar room on the university campus. In his address as chief guest, the minister emphasized that there would be no room for favoritism or political influence in academic appointments, asserting that merit should guide advancement in education. He criticized previous administrations for allowing politically affiliated individuals to secure teaching positions easily and pledged that such practices would no longer be tolerated. He urged students to remember their parents’ aspirations and to focus on developing knowledge, values, leadership, and humanity. The minister encouraged students to cultivate patriotism, ethics, and responsibility, highlighting merit, honesty, and hard work as the foundation of success. The event was attended by university officials including the vice-chancellor, pro-vice-chancellors, and treasurer.

Turkey and Paraguay, both defeated in their opening matches of the World Cup, will face each other today in San Francisco at 9 a.m. Bangladesh time. Turkey lost 2–0 to Australia, while Paraguay suffered a 4–1 defeat to host nation the United States. Both teams share the same goal of securing their first victory, as the result will be vital for advancing to the next round. Turkey entered the tournament as a potential dark horse but failed to score despite taking 30 shots in their first match. The team, coached by Vincenzo Montella, had been in strong form before the World Cup, winning seven and drawing one of their previous eight matches. This is Turkey’s first World Cup appearance since finishing third in 2022, but their return has not gone as planned. Paraguay, led by coach Gustavo Alfaro, conceded three goals in the first half against the United States and could not recover despite improving after the break. The two nations have met only once before, in a 1995 friendly that ended goalless.

Two individuals, including Feni District Tantidal joint convener Md. Mamun, were arrested during an anti-drug operation in Feni on Friday, June 19. The operation, led by Sub-Inspector Ishtiaq Hossain of the Department of Narcotics Control, took place near the Five Star Hotel in the Daudpul area. Mamun, aged 61, and his associate Md. Abul Hossain, aged 46, were detained with 450 yaba pills. Authorities also seized a motorcycle and two mobile phones during the raid. According to Assistant Director Mohammad Abdul Hamid of the Department of Narcotics Control, the yaba pills were recovered from Mamun during a search. Following the arrest, Sub-Inspector Ishtiaq Hossain filed a case at Feni Model Police Station. Mamun is the son of Abul Hashem from Darbarpur Union in Phulgazi, while Abul Hossain is from Jagannath Dighi Union in Chauddagram. Feni District Tantidal convener Sarwar Jahan Shrabon stated that Mamun had submitted his nomination form for the joint convener post, which remains pending.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup match between Canada and Qatar in Vancouver was expected to be remembered for Canada’s historic 6-0 victory. However, the post-match confrontation between players from both sides drew more attention. Immediately after the final whistle, heated arguments escalated into physical shoving, forcing teammates and officials to intervene to restore order. Tensions had been building throughout the Group B match due to Qatar’s aggressive tackles. The situation worsened when Canadian midfielder Ismaël Koné suffered a serious leg injury from a dangerous challenge by Qatar’s Assim Madibo, who was shown a straight red card. Earlier, Qatar’s Homam Ahmed had also been sent off for a harsh challenge on Tajon Buchanan, leaving Qatar with nine players. Coaches Jesse Marsch of Canada and Julen Lopetegui of Qatar were also seen arguing on the sidelines over the incidents. Despite the controversies, Canada dominated the match, with Jonathan David scoring a hat-trick to secure a commanding 6-0 win. The post-match altercation has since become one of the most talked-about moments of the tournament.

Iran’s national football team is preparing to lodge a formal complaint with FIFA over travel and logistical restrictions imposed during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. According to a spokesperson for the Iran Football Federation, the team had submitted its full preparation plan well before the tournament began, yet continues to face repeated limitations affecting its training schedule and logistics. The federation claims these restrictions are disrupting the technical staff’s ability to execute their plans effectively. Iran had sought permission to travel from its base camp in Tijuana, Mexico, to Los Angeles two days before its group-stage match against Belgium, but the request was reportedly denied. The team also expressed concern over post-match visa and stay policies, as U.S. authorities required Iran to leave the country immediately after each match. Players were forced to return to Mexico within hours of their first game, raising criticism over inadequate rest time. Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House FIFA Taskforce, stated that Iran had been informed earlier about the “match day minus one” policy, allowing entry one day before and departure on the same day of the match.

A groom named Jafar Munshi, a Dubai expatriate from Lakharn Anandabazar village in Tongibari upazila of Munshiganj, died in a motorcycle accident on his wedding day. His sister Khadija also lost her life in the same crash. The accident occurred on June 15 when Jafar was traveling to Munshiganj Sadar with his sister, sister-in-law Farzana Akter, and a young child to shop for the wedding. Their motorcycle collided with an autorickshaw in the Madinabazar area, leaving all four seriously injured. Khadija, aged 15, died on June 16 at a hospital in Shyamoli, Dhaka, while Jafar, who had been on life support, passed away on June 19 at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Jafar had returned to Bangladesh about a year earlier after working in Dubai and had planned to return there following his marriage. His cousin Jamal Munshi said all four victims suffered broken legs and multiple injuries. The burial is scheduled for Saturday. The incident has cast deep sorrow over the family and community, ending what was meant to be a day of celebration in tragedy.

Rezanur Islam, acting editor of the newspaper Dainik Agragatra Protidin, was arrested by Bogura Detective Branch police on Thursday night, June 18, from the Board Bazar area of Gazipur’s Gacha upazila. He was sent to Bogura jail on Friday, June 19, following a court order, confirmed by Bogura Additional Superintendent of Police (Media) Ataur Rahman. The arrest followed a defamation case filed on June 15 by Tanvir Alam Rimon, treasurer of the Bogura Press Club and northern correspondent of The New Nation, against six people including the paper’s editor and publisher. The case alleged that the accused published false and misleading information about Mir Shahe Alam, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, and Member of Parliament for Bogura-2 (Shibganj), damaging his personal and political reputation. The court directed Bogura Sadar police to record the case under the Cyber Security Act 2026. Detective Branch officer SI Rahmatullah Manik is leading the investigation, and police said operations to arrest the remaining accused are ongoing.

Police in Rajshahi have arrested three students of Rajshahi Nursing College for allegedly beating a man to death on suspicion of theft. The incident occurred on Thursday evening in front of Charu Mamar Canteen near Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, causing widespread commotion in the area. The victim, Rakibul Hasan Rocky, aged 32, was a resident of Hetemkha Karigorpara in the city. According to police and local sources, several students detained Rakibul on suspicion of theft and assaulted him with a stamp, inflicting severe injuries on his arms, legs, and back. He was taken to the emergency department of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital around 8:30 p.m., where doctors declared him dead. Police from Rajpara Station arrived at the scene and began an investigation. The victim’s sister later filed a murder case against unidentified persons. As part of the investigation, police arrested three nursing students—Atik, Soyeb, and Fahim—on Friday morning. Rajpara Police Station’s officer-in-charge Abul Kalam Azad said further involvement of others is being examined, and Rajshahi Metropolitan Police will later provide official updates.

The Prime Minister has directed the renaming of the newly formed ‘Simanto’ and ‘Digonto’ unions in Mokamtola upazila of Bogura. District Commissioner Taufiqur Rahman confirmed the instruction, according to information released by the BNP media cell on Friday. The district administration has begun the necessary process to implement the directive, including organizing new public hearings to select names that reflect local opinion, history, and geography. According to district sources, once the new names are finalized, administrative and legal procedures will be completed before publication in the official gazette. Earlier, on June 11, the Bogura district administration restructured the administrative framework of five unions in Shibganj and eight in the newly formed Mokamtola upazila, creating four new unions including Simanto, Digonto, Swarnogram, and Mirbari. The naming of these unions sparked controversy, with locals alleging that the names were derived from the family members of State Minister for Local Government Mir Shah Alam. The issue was also discussed in the national parliament, though the minister claimed the names were chosen through public hearings. Administrators have already been appointed to the new unions under the Union Parishad Act, 2009.

Three journalists and two RAKSU leaders were allegedly assaulted at Rajshahi University on Thursday evening while filming a suspected ragging incident in front of the Rabindra Bhaban. The victims claimed the attack occurred in the presence of the university proctor and the head of the Marketing Department. The assaulted individuals include journalists from The Daily Campus, Dhaka Post, and Dainik Manabkantha, along with two RAKSU leaders. The accused are several students from different academic sessions of the Marketing Department. According to eyewitnesses, junior students had complained to journalists that seniors were forcing them to stand in lines under the guise of a “meet-up.” When the journalists recorded the scene, senior students became angry, denied the ragging allegations, and demanded deletion of the video. The situation escalated into verbal abuse and physical assault as more journalists and RAKSU leaders arrived. The proctor later intervened and transported some victims to safety. University authorities, including the proctor and assistant proctor, condemned the incident as a serious breach of discipline and promised an investigation and punishment for those involved.

France’s national meteorological agency, Météo-France, has placed 53 administrative areas under a heatwave alert starting Friday afternoon. The advisory covers a wide region stretching from the southwest to the northeast of the country. On Thursday, 26 areas were under an orange alert, and an additional 27 areas were added a day later. According to Météo-France, this is the second heatwave of the spring season in France and is expected to be extensive, long-lasting, and intense. The agency forecast maximum temperatures between 34 and 36 degrees Celsius across the Massif Central to the northeastern regions, with temperatures possibly reaching 38 degrees Celsius near the French Riviera and Corsica. In Paris and the Île-de-France region, highs are expected to range from 36 to 37 degrees Celsius. The alert underscores growing concerns about prolonged heat conditions across France, as residents in Paris and other regions seek relief from the rising temperatures.