The White House confirmed that US Vice President JD Vance will not travel to Switzerland today for planned discussions with Iran. A spokesperson said that while the US delegation remains ready to depart when possible, the technical and logistical arrangements for the talks have not yet been finalized. The spokesperson added that the logistics of the discussions were never simple or predictable, and further updates will be shared once available. The development follows a digital signing of an agreement between Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and former US President Donald Trump on Thursday. The accord includes provisions to end hostilities, address the situation in Lebanon, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and lift the US naval blockade on Iran. A formal signing ceremony had been scheduled for Friday in Switzerland but was canceled after the digital signing. Pakistan, acting as mediator, confirmed the cancellation of the Swiss event, noting that the agreement had already taken effect. Future meetings between US and Iranian representatives in Switzerland remain possible but have not been confirmed.

The United States has lifted its naval blockade on Iran, allowing all types of vessels to enter and leave Iranian ports and coastal areas. The announcement was made on Thursday by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which confirmed that ships traveling to and from Iran’s ports in the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman will no longer face restrictions from U.S. forces. However, CENTCOM stated that American naval presence in the region will continue to ensure that all aspects of the recent agreement with Iran are properly implemented. The decision follows a digital agreement signed between Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Donald Trump, which took effect immediately. The accord includes provisions to end hostilities, address the situation in Lebanon, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and remove the U.S. naval blockade on Iran. CENTCOM did not disclose further details of the agreement’s terms. Both sides are expected to begin a 60-day negotiation process to reach a final deal covering Iran’s nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions, according to the report.

Political analyst Harlan Ullman has described the relationship between the United States and Israel as 'alarming' and 'dangerous' following a major rift between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The dispute centers on a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran, which Ullman said has deeply angered Netanyahu. He told Al Jazeera that the Israeli leader is desperate to dismantle the agreement. Although Netanyahu has refrained from publicly criticizing the deal, multiple media reports and observers suggest he is furious about it. According to Ullman, Netanyahu believes the agreement could harm his chances in Israel’s upcoming October election. Ullman also noted that Trump’s public remarks, implying he alone controls key decisions, may be boosting support for Netanyahu’s political opponents. The tensions highlight growing strategic friction between Washington and Tel Aviv, with analysts warning that the dispute could reshape political dynamics ahead of Israel’s fall elections.

Iran’s Parliament Speaker and chief nuclear planner Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has warned that Tehran will not accept any violation of the Washington memorandum of understanding (MoU) by the United States. He issued the warning in a post on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, on June 19, 2026. Ghalibaf stated that if the opposing side engages in misconduct, breaches the agreement, or makes excessive demands, Iran will respond firmly without hesitation. He further remarked that those who once faced consequences during wartime would face an even harsher response if they repeat their past actions. The statement, reported by Al Jazeera, underscores Iran’s firm stance on adherence to the MoU and signals potential escalation if the agreement is violated.

Former state minister, five-time lawmaker from Brahmanbaria-3 constituency, and BNP vice chairman Advocate Harun-or-Rashid passed away on Thursday night at 9 p.m. while undergoing treatment at Bangladesh Specialized Hospital in Dhaka. He was 87 years old and had been suffering from age-related complications for some time. He is survived by his wife, two sons, one daughter, and numerous relatives and admirers. Brahmanbaria District Council administrator and BNP general secretary Sirajul Islam confirmed the death, noting that Harun-or-Rashid had been ill for a long period and was on life support in recent days. His passing has created a significant void in the BNP and Brahmanbaria’s political landscape. Harun-or-Rashid was a veteran leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, having served as a member of parliament, state minister in multiple ministries, and a central policymaker within the party. His funeral prayer will be held on Friday at 10:30 a.m. at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building in Dhaka.

The only MRI machine at Dhaka’s Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital has remained out of order since March 27, 2021, leaving patients in severe distress. Despite several repair attempts, the hospital failed to obtain government approval, and the Tk 18 crore machine is now nearly defunct. As a result, low-income patients are forced to seek costly MRI tests at private centers, while wealthier patients manage the expense more easily. The hospital also faces shortages of functioning CT scan, X-ray, dialysis, and ICU equipment, with 20–25 machines currently unusable. The 1,350-bed public hospital is overcrowded daily, with long queues at ticket counters, outpatient and emergency departments, and diagnostic units. Many patients wait hours for doctors and tests, while some allege that paying intermediaries speeds up services. Inside the hospital, temporary vendors block ambulance access, worsening delays for critical patients. Officials admit that the hospital operates far beyond its capacity, with over 3,500 inpatients and only 20 ICU beds. Hospital authorities have applied for a new MRI machine, hoping for approval soon, but until then, both patients and medical students continue to suffer from the lack of essential diagnostic services.

The nationwide distribution of 'Family Card' has begun under the third-phase pilot project aimed at building self-reliant families. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the program virtually, marking the start of card distribution across multiple districts including Barguna, Panchagarh, Mymensingh, Khagrachhari, and Tangail. Local administrations and social service offices organized events in their respective upazilas to distribute the cards to selected beneficiaries. In Betagi of Barguna, the event was chaired by the district commissioner and attended virtually by the Chief Whip of the National Parliament. In Tetulia of Panchagarh, 477 women received cards and saplings under the slogan “Family is the core unit of development.” In Trishal of Mymensingh, 659 beneficiaries received cards under the Ministry of Social Welfare. In Ramgarh of Khagrachhari, 456 families were given cards, while in Gopalpur of Tangail, 633 underprivileged women received them. The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment and family-centered development, with simultaneous launches in 19 upazilas across the country.

England captain Harry Kane delivered a stellar performance in the World Cup match against Croatia, leading his team to a 4-2 victory. The Bayern Munich forward scored twice in the first half, earning the Man of the Match award. His first goal came from a retaken penalty after Croatia’s goalkeeper moved off the line, making Kane the sole holder of the record for most World Cup penalty goals excluding shootouts, surpassing Lionel Messi’s four. He also became only the second English player after David Beckham to score in three different World Cups. Kane’s second goal, a powerful header, brought his international tally to 81 and allowed him to equal Gary Lineker’s record of ten World Cup goals for England. The 32-year-old’s current form reflects his dominance in both club and international football. Since joining Bayern Munich, he has contributed directly to 200 goals in 178 matches, including 168 goals and 32 assists. This historic night reinforced Kane’s status as one of England’s greatest forwards and highlighted his continuing impact on the global football stage.

An embankment in the Palashtola Bakkar Mor area of Dhanua Kamalpur Union, Bakshiganj upazila of Jamalpur, collapsed under pressure from hill torrents, flooding nearby low-lying areas. The incident, reported on June 19, 2026, has raised fears among local farmers of severe damage to their Aus paddy and jute crops. According to local accounts, a section of the embankment had already broken about a month earlier due to heavy rainfall, causing significant losses to Boro paddy at that time. Despite the earlier damage, no effective repair measures were taken, allowing the recent heavy rains and hill torrents to worsen the situation. Farmers observed water rushing through the broken section, threatening to submerge surrounding farmland. Local farmers have urged the administration and the Water Development Board to take immediate action to repair the embankment and protect their crops. They warned that without urgent repairs, hundreds of acres of farmland could go underwater, leading to major financial losses this season.

Two double-decker buses were inaugurated last Wednesday at Dhamrai Government College in Dhaka for student transportation, despite allegations that both vehicles lack valid fitness certificates and tax tokens. The inauguration was conducted by Dhaka-20 Member of Parliament Taimiz Uddin. The buses, named “Bangshai” and “Tarunno,” will operate between Kawalipara in Dhamrai and Zirani in Savar. Students expressed mixed reactions, welcoming the long-awaited transport service but voicing concern over safety risks due to expired documents. They claimed the buses were only repainted and refurbished before being launched and demanded vehicles with updated legal papers and fitness certificates. Professor Md. Shafiullah, convener of the transport management committee, said he was unaware of the expired documents and would consult the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) to resolve the issue. College Principal Professor Iftikhar Ali stated that the buses were provided under a 34-condition agreement with BRTC and assured that student safety would remain the top priority.

Mofiz Uddin, an assistant agriculture officer in Kaliganj upazila of Jhenaidah, has become a symbol of trust and resilience among local farmers. Despite losing his right hand in a road accident on January 11, 2009, he continues to serve farmers with dedication. He visits fields personally to identify crop diseases, advise on treatments, and introduce new technologies, ensuring that government agricultural services reach all 4,553 farmers in the Holidhani block. Born in Chhoto Mandarbaria village of Jhenaidah Sadar upazila, Mofiz grew up in a large family and faced hardship from an early age. He completed vocational and agricultural education before joining public service. His commitment to farmers goes beyond official duty, reflecting a deep sense of humanity and responsibility. Local farmers and officials describe him as hardworking, compassionate, and an inspiration to others. His perseverance despite physical disability has made him a role model in the agricultural community of Jhenaidah.

In Rangpur’s Badarganj, reckless movement of illegal sand-carrying tractors has severely disrupted the normal environment of primary education. Students are increasingly avoiding school due to fear of accidents and life-threatening risks. The issue centers around two illegal sand depots located near Kutubpur Sotapir Government Primary School, from where 30 to 40 tractors operate daily at high speed and with loud noise. Teachers report that 15 to 20 students have already stopped attending classes despite repeated efforts to bring them back. Local residents and teachers accuse a powerful syndicate of sand traders and ruling party leaders of running the illegal operations with impunity. They allege that profits from sand sales are shared among influential figures, preventing administrative action. The continuous noise and dust have also caused severe sound pollution, affecting children’s mental development. Road safety has deteriorated as pedestrians and motorcyclists face frequent accidents. Officials acknowledge the decline in student attendance and promise action against illegal sand extraction. However, weak enforcement of sand control laws and lack of administrative response have allowed the situation to persist.

DR Congo achieved a historic milestone at the FIFA World Cup by securing their first-ever point after a 1–1 draw against Portugal. The match, held on June 19, 2026, saw 29-year-old forward Yoane Wissa of Newcastle United score a remarkable header in first-half injury time from an Arthur Masuaku cross. His goal not only gave the team a valuable result but also made him DR Congo’s first World Cup goalscorer. Wissa also became the first player in the nation’s history to score in both the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup. In a post-match interview, Wissa expressed joy over the team’s performance against one of the world’s strongest sides. He reflected on the ongoing armed conflict in eastern DR Congo, where violence and displacement have deeply affected civilians. Wissa dedicated the moment to his compatriots, saying he hoped for peace to return to their lives. The goal and the draw symbolized more than sporting success for DR Congo, offering a rare moment of unity and hope for a nation enduring prolonged instability.

Activities of the banned Awami League have reportedly increased in Feni, with funding and leadership allegedly coming from fugitive leaders accused in the July killing case. On Wednesday morning, activists and supporters of the party and its affiliated organizations held a sudden procession on Station Road in Feni Sadar upazila. A fugitive accused, Alauddin Nasim, shared a video of the rally on Facebook, thanking participants. Another party page claimed the event was led by the banned Jubo League’s Sadar upazila secretary, Shusen Chandra Shil. Local grassroots leaders of the ruling party expressed frustration over the inaction of law enforcement and blamed local BNP-Jamaat leaders. The report states that several fugitives, including Nasim and others, have become active on social media, issuing threats and organizing gatherings online. They are allegedly receiving financial support from abroad and operating with the help of some local political and business figures. Police have arrested three participants from the procession, and Feni’s new Superintendent of Police, Pratyush Kumar Majumder, said the matter is being taken seriously and illegal activities will be suppressed firmly.

Late on Friday night, Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) Deputy Commissioner (DC) Amirul Islam learned of his transfer while leading an operation in the Bahaddarhat area. A formal order signed by CMP Commissioner Hasan Md. Shawkat Ali reassigned three deputy commissioners. DC Amirul Islam of the North Division was moved to the Welfare and Force Division, while DC Hasan Mostafa Swapon from that division replaced him. Additionally, Detective Branch (North) DC Md. Habibur Rahman was appointed DC of the South Division. According to several police officials, the reshuffle is part of a series of ongoing transfers across CMP units. No official reason was given for the changes. DC Amirul Islam stated that he had tried his best to serve the country and people over the past year, prioritizing law and order, crime control, and public service, and pledged to continue his work with dedication in his new post. Officials noted that the North Division is a key administrative area of Chattogram, and Amirul Islam had been active in maintaining law and order and leading special operations. The timing of his transfer during an active operation drew attention within the police force.