Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam stated that removing soil near the pillars of the Padma Bridge poses no risk to the structure. He said he personally inquired about the matter and consulted with army engineers and experts involved in the bridge project. Based on their assessment, the soil removal is necessary to maintain the river’s natural flow, navigability, environmental balance, and water movement, as outlined in the feasibility study. The minister made these remarks on Thursday at a dialogue organized by the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) at the Secretariat media center. During the same event, Sheikh Robiul Alam also announced plans to form companies comprising bus owners for each route in Dhaka’s public transport system. He explained that the current system, where multiple private owners operate separately on the same route, creates unhealthy competition and disorder. The new approach aims to bring discipline by ensuring that buses operate under unified management and follow designated terminals and stops.

Expatriate Welfare Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury stated that remittances sent by Bangladeshi expatriates are significantly enriching the national economy. He said these funds are fueling large-scale investments across the country, leading to the establishment of new industries and service institutions that are helping reduce unemployment. The minister emphasized the need for collective efforts to channel expatriate investments more effectively toward national development. He made these remarks on Thursday morning while inaugurating the newly established ‘Sylhet Holy Day Home’ at Khasdabir Point in Sylhet city. Chowdhury added that expatriate investments not only strengthen the national economy but also create local employment opportunities. He noted that the government is sincerely working to ensure the safety of expatriates and to create an investment-friendly environment for them. The event was presided over by UK-based community leader and CEO of Sylhet Holy Day Home, Shah Munim, who highlighted Sylhet’s tourism potential and called for greater engagement of expatriates and the younger generation in travel and investment. Several community leaders, business representatives, and journalists attended the inauguration ceremony.

Following the recent change of power in the West Bengal assembly elections, Kolkata has witnessed an unusual form of political protest involving rotten eggs. Demand for spoiled eggs has surged across city markets as protesters use them to target leaders of the Trinamool Congress. Vendors report that customers now jokingly ask whether eggs are for eating or throwing, and some shops have sold entire crates of rotten eggs, suggesting political motives behind the purchases. The trend began when Trinamool’s national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee faced a protest in Sonarpur, South 24 Parganas, where he was first hit with rotten eggs. Since then, several party leaders have been similarly targeted. Trinamool accuses the BJP government of encouraging post-election violence and claims police remain passive as leaders are attacked. Police have also arrested several Trinamool figures, who were again pelted with eggs while being taken to court. Rotten eggs are being chosen for their strong stench, which causes lasting humiliation. Prices have varied sharply across Kolkata, with rates ranging from 3 to 10 rupees per egg depending on the area.

Mohammad Zahid Hossain, Executive Director of Bangladesh Bank and representative in charge of Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC’s board, held a meeting with the bank’s officers and employees on Wednesday at Islami Bank Tower. Senior executives attended in person, while staff from across the country joined virtually. The session was chaired by Acting Managing Director Md. Altaf Hossain, with additional remarks from senior management members. In his address, Hossain described Islami Bank as a systemically important institution in Bangladesh’s financial system, deeply linked to trade, remittances, and entrepreneurship. He acknowledged the challenges the bank has faced in recent years but emphasized that its core strength remains intact. He said that with proper leadership, guidance, and collective effort, the bank’s former reputation could be restored. Hossain added that Bangladesh Bank has taken timely decisions to ensure financial stability and that Islami Bank’s operations will continue under full professionalism, transparency, and accountability. He noted that the process of forming a strong and credible board will be completed in due course.

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md. Anisul Huq criticized the opposition for protesting over Islami Bank while remaining silent when 234 billion taka was allegedly laundered abroad to create 'Begumpara'. Speaking in the national parliament on Thursday, he said the opposition did not demand the return of that money but is now marching over the bank issue. He noted that the opposition leader had called for returning Islami Bank to its previous shareholders, but according to company law, those shareholders belong to a specific group whose ownership was certified by the High Court. The minister said the government has no objection to discussions on the matter but urged the opposition to understand the issue before protesting. Anisul Huq added that the proposed budget emphasizes controlling inflation, expanding tax benefits, strengthening social safety programs, and ensuring good governance. It also aims to restore discipline in the banking sector, protect public deposits, and uphold the rule of law as part of building a transparent and accountable economy.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed ordered the removal of remarks about Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish leader Maulana Mamunul Haque from the official record of the National Parliament. The decision came after both ruling and opposition members requested that the comments made by BNP MP Khondaker Abu Ashfaq during the 2026–27 budget discussion be expunged. The Speaker stated that there was no need for such personal matters to appear in the parliamentary proceedings and noted that Mamunul Haque had not yet clarified his position. During the session, Abu Ashfaq had referred to a past incident involving Mamunul Haque and questioned issues related to “mut’a marriage.” The Speaker cautioned against raising irrelevant or personal topics, emphasizing that it was inappropriate to discuss allegations about individuals not present to respond. Opposition Deputy Leader Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher and Chief Whip Nurul Islam also supported the removal of the remarks, calling them unparliamentary. The Speaker reiterated that Parliament should avoid discussing the private lives of political figures and confirmed that the remarks would be expunged from the record.

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md. Anisul Huq described the proposed Tk 9.38 trillion national budget for fiscal year 2026–27 as ambitious and visionary, asserting it will take Bangladesh to new heights and pave the way for a self-reliant nation. He made the remarks during the general discussion on the proposed budget in the National Parliament on Thursday. The minister said the budget was prepared in line with the government’s long-term development plans, emphasizing that it reflects sustained efforts to ensure national progress and public welfare. He noted that the budget prioritizes the interests of the poor, middle class, marginalized communities, entrepreneurs, and job-seeking youth. Key allocations include continued subsidies for agriculture, expansion of family card programs, and additional Tk 6,000 crore for technical and madrasa education. He added that the budget focuses on inflation control, tax benefits, social safety expansion, and good governance. It also aims to restore discipline in the banking sector, ensure deposit security, and curb money laundering, marking a step toward a transparent and accountable economy.

Mexico, co-host of the World Cup, enters its second group-stage match in strong form after defeating South Africa 2–0 in its opening game. The team will face South Korea on Friday morning at 7 a.m. local time at Estadio Guadalajara. South Korea also began its campaign impressively, beating the Czech Republic 2–1 and extending its unbeaten streak to nine matches, including seven wins and two draws. The Asian side, led by coach Javier Aguirre, remains confident despite Mexico’s home advantage. The two nations last met in the 2018 World Cup, when Mexico won 2–1. They also faced off in 1998, with Mexico winning 3–1. Across all competitions, the teams have met 14 times, with Mexico winning eight, South Korea four, and two matches ending in draws.

A new study has found that more than 13,000 southern elephant seal pups have died from an H5N1 bird flu outbreak on Australia’s remote Heard and McDonald Islands in the Antarctic region. Researchers conducted drone surveys and field inspections between October last year and January this year, revealing that about 13,359 of 17,364 pups on Heard Island died since August, representing over 75 percent mortality, with some areas reaching 97 percent. The study, published on the preprint platform bioRxiv but not yet peer-reviewed, collected samples from nine animal species, detecting the H5N1 virus in six, including southern elephant seals, king penguins, gentoo penguins, Antarctic fur seals, and South Georgia diving petrels. Several hundred adult king penguins also died, a higher-than-normal rate though still a small fraction of the total population. Australia’s Environment Minister Murray Watt described the mass deaths as deeply concerning, warning that the virus could reach the mainland and urging maximum preparedness. Australia remains the only continent where H5N1 bird flu has not yet been detected.

Bangladesh’s Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told parliament that the government has initiated plans to build barbed-wire fences along the Myanmar border and is considering similar measures at sensitive points along the India border. The move aims to curb border killings, illegal crossings, and transnational crimes. The minister said the Border Guard Bangladesh is implementing coordinated actions to strengthen national security and reduce border crimes to zero. Experts cited in the report explained that international law does not prohibit sovereign states from constructing border structures for security or migration control, though bilateral agreements may set specific conditions. The 1974 India-Bangladesh treaty restricts defense installations within 150 yards of the zero line. Professor Shahab Enam Khan said fencing is within Bangladesh’s rights and justified by national security concerns, while former ambassador Munshi Faiz viewed it as a sign of mutual distrust. Observers emphasized that technological surveillance using drones and artificial intelligence could be more effective and less controversial than physical barriers. The government has already approved major border road projects and begun installing smart surveillance systems in sensitive areas.

The Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs has cancelled the appointments of two assistant public prosecutors (APPs) from the Comilla District and Sessions Judge Court. The decision, announced through a circular issued on June 18, 2026, stated that Advocate Md. Monir Hossain Patwari and Advocate Saidul Islam have been relieved of their duties with immediate effect. The order, signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Md. Faruk Hossain, nullified their appointments made on October 29, 2024. According to the ministry’s notice, copies of the order were sent to the district magistrate, district and sessions judge, public prosecutor, and other relevant offices, with instructions to publish it on the ministry’s website. The two lawyers had recently appeared in court premises expressing support for Shibir leader Zisan, who was produced before the Comilla court earlier in the week and later sent to jail. One of the dismissed APPs stated that they had not formally signed as Zisan’s lawyers but only made statements to the media in his favor. The Comilla public prosecutor confirmed receiving the dismissal letters via WhatsApp but said he had no further details.

A crucial local election in the United Kingdom on Thursday is expected to determine the political future of Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The vote, taking place in Ashton-in-Makerfield, could either ease pressure on Starmer or pave the way for his rival, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, to challenge his leadership. Burnham, a senior Labour Party figure, is contesting the seat with the goal of returning to Parliament and potentially replacing Starmer as prime minister. Polls suggest Burnham has a strong chance of winning, though he faces stiff competition from the right-wing Reform UK party. Analysts say the outcome will likely decide whether Burnham’s path to 10 Downing Street opens or Starmer retains his position. Starmer, in power since July 2024, has faced mounting pressure following Labour’s poor performance in recent local elections, internal resignations, and controversies over policy reversals and appointments. Despite declining popularity, Starmer has refused to resign, arguing that his previous electoral mandate remains valid. Voting began at 7 a.m. local time and will conclude at 10 p.m., after which counting will begin.

Four Bangladeshi nationals, including two children, were handed over to their family after being pushed into Bangladesh territory by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) at the Roumari border in Kurigram. The handover took place on Thursday morning, confirmed Roumari Police Station Officer-in-Charge Kawsar Ali. The individuals were identified as Belal Hossain, his wife Sumi Akter, and their two daughters, Faima and Fatema Akter. According to local sources, a flag meeting between the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and BSF was held late Wednesday night, after which the four were handed over to the police on humanitarian grounds. The police later verified their identities and returned them to Belal Hossain’s mother the same night. However, five other people reportedly remained stranded in the no-man’s land amid adverse weather conditions. Earlier, on June 14, BSF personnel from Assam’s South Salmara Mankachar district had attempted to push six Bangladeshi citizens into Bangladesh, but BGB and locals prevented the entry, leaving nine people stuck in total along the border area.

Students of Khulna University staged a protest on June 18, 2026, demanding strict punishment for Professor Dr. Md. Rezaul Islam of the Agrotechnology Discipline, who faces allegations of sexual harassment. The demonstration, held at Hadi Chattar under the banner of general students of the discipline, included participants from various departments. Protesters chanted slogans calling for the professor’s permanent dismissal and later burned his effigy. Student leaders stated that previous incidents of misconduct had ended with temporary suspensions, which they do not want repeated. They emphasized that student safety must not be compromised and warned of tougher actions if the accused is not permanently expelled. The allegations surfaced after a student accused the professor of sending indecent messages on social media, with several others later sharing similar experiences. The university’s Sexual Harassment Prevention Cell has launched an investigation, and the administration has relieved the accused of his role as head of the discipline. Dr. Rezaul Islam denied the allegations, claiming his phone was lost earlier and his social media account may have been misused.

Mohammad Selim Uddin, Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami Dhaka North and mayoral candidate for Dhaka North City Corporation, inaugurated a humanitarian initiative titled 'Humanity Box' at the raw market of Uttara Sector 11 on Thursday. The program was launched under the initiative of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Uttara West Thana to support underprivileged and helpless people. After the inauguration, Selim Uddin walked through the market, meeting shopkeepers and customers. He urged everyone to contribute essential goods, clothing, or financial assistance to the 'Humanity Box' according to their ability, encouraging collective support for disadvantaged members of society. His appeal reportedly drew a strong response from those present at the market. The event was attended by several local leaders, including Mokbul Ahmed, Kamrul Hasan, Salahuddin Bhuiyan, Mahfuzur Rahman, Firoz Alam, Tariq Hasan, and Motaleb Hossain, representing different local and organizational positions.