Ukraine carried out what officials described as its largest drone attack in years on Moscow early Thursday, igniting fires across the capital and prompting evacuations at Sheremetyevo, Russia’s busiest airport. The assault occurred just hours before President Vladimir Putin was set to host Southeast Asian leaders in Kazan, about 700 kilometers from Moscow. Unverified videos on social media showed thick black smoke rising over the city, and reports indicated drones struck a refinery and residential areas. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said air defenses intercepted a large number of drones, though some reached the Moscow Oil Refinery. Russian media reported fires at the site, while regional authorities confirmed additional damage in the Zhukovsky district and near a shopping center. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have intercepted over 500 drones overnight, calling it the most extensive attack on Moscow in at least two years. The strike comes amid stalled diplomatic efforts to end the four-year war and as Kyiv intensifies attacks inside Russia, particularly targeting facilities funding Moscow’s war effort.

A Dhaka court has ordered the imprisonment of former Somoy Television managing director Ahmed Zobaer after rejecting his bail plea in a fraud case. The order was issued on Thursday by Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman following a hearing. Three other accused—Ahmed Rafid Kader Rivu, Sheikh Mahmud Yasin, and Sani Chowdhury—were granted bail. The case involves allegations of fraud, breach of trust, and document forgery against six individuals, including Zobaer, his wife Shamima Sultana Chowdhury, and their daughter Saraf Nawar Joyita. According to the case details, the court had earlier issued summons on May 10, directing the accused to appear by June 17. When they failed to do so, arrest warrants were issued. During the surrender hearing, defense lawyer Farhad Hossain argued that the case was false and motivated by a dispute over ownership and management of Somoy Media Limited. The defense maintained that there was no evidence of fraud or embezzlement and assured full cooperation with the investigation. Following the hearing, the court denied Zobaer’s bail but allowed bail for the other three defendants who appeared before it.

Comilla district detective police recovered 160,000 yaba tablets worth about Tk 48 million from a covered van on Thursday. The drugs were hidden under salt sacks and in the upper roof section of the vehicle. The operation was conducted based on secret intelligence, and the seizure was confirmed by Superintendent of Police Anisuzzaman at a press conference held at the Comilla District Police Office. According to the police, the raid was part of an ongoing anti-narcotics drive. Initially, the van appeared to be carrying regular goods, but a detailed search revealed the concealed yaba consignment. Law enforcement officials said drug traffickers are constantly adopting new methods to evade detection, but intelligence surveillance and technology are helping authorities identify and apprehend them. The superintendent emphasized that Comilla district police maintain a zero-tolerance policy against narcotics and will continue strict action against those involved in drug trafficking and trade. A drive is underway to arrest five suspects linked to the incident.

Three fishermen were killed by a lightning strike on Thursday afternoon in the Juri River of Fenchuganj upazila, Sylhet. The victims were identified as Sabbir Mia, 40, Hamid Ali, 45, and Kabil Mia, 44, all from Kamalpur village in Rajnagar upazila of Moulvibazar district. According to local sources, it had been raining since morning, and two of the fishermen died instantly at the scene around 1:30 p.m. after the lightning strike. Police were informed by nearby fishermen, and officers later confirmed recovery of two bodies. However, the body of Kabil Mia remained missing. Fenchuganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Abu Zafar Mahfuzul Kabir said a fire service team was conducting a search operation, but heavy rain and strong currents were hindering the rescue efforts. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Azizunnahar stated that she had just received the news and was coordinating with the district administration to take necessary measures. Rescue operations were continuing as of the latest update, with authorities facing challenges due to adverse weather conditions.

Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Imran Haider, paid a courtesy call on the Leader of the Opposition and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman at his office in the National Parliament complex on Thursday morning. The meeting was also attended by Kamran Dangal, Political Counsellor of the Pakistan High Commission. During the discussion, the High Commissioner expressed Pakistan’s desire to advance bilateral relations with Bangladesh through a forward-looking approach. He noted that ties between the two countries have recently improved, with increased trade and multiple visits by both military and civilian officials. He also mentioned that a delegation of Bangladeshi academics had recently visited Pakistan and appreciated its education system. Haider further informed that Pakistan plans to offer scholarships to 500 Bangladeshi students over the next five years, with 74 already studying there. He proposed forming a parliamentary group to enhance inter-parliamentary cooperation. The opposition leader thanked Pakistan for its historical role in facilitating a peace agreement between the United States and Iran.

A planned signing ceremony in Geneva on Friday has been canceled after the Iran–United States memorandum of understanding was already signed electronically. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has postponed his visit to Switzerland, his spokesperson Mosharraf Zaidi told AFP. Zaidi explained that the proposed trip was suspended because the memorandum had already been completed digitally from Islamabad. He added that subsequent steps under a comprehensive framework would proceed through discussions at various stages. Earlier on Thursday, questions arose about the event’s future when Prime Minister Sharif removed parts of a social media post referring to the planned ceremony in Switzerland on June 19, 2026. The deleted section had mentioned that Pakistan, with Qatar’s mediation, would mark the historic event and begin technical-level talks. By Thursday evening, Pakistani sources confirmed that the plan for the Geneva event had changed, despite earlier assurances that it would proceed as scheduled.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar has accused the ruling BNP leadership of reversing their pre-election stance on the July Charter and reform initiatives after assuming power. Speaking at a press briefing at Khulna Press Club on June 18, he said the BNP, including the prime minister, had earlier campaigned nationwide in favor of these reforms but now label the referendum and constitutional reform council as illegal and unconstitutional. Parwar stated that implementing the July Charter reflects the aspirations of nearly 70 percent of citizens who voted in favor during the referendum. He criticized the government for avoiding structural reforms such as limiting the prime minister’s powers, introducing proportional representation in the upper house, and ensuring neutral appointments in the judiciary. He warned that without fundamental reforms, future leaders could again establish authoritarian rule. He further alleged that despite the end of the previous authoritarian regime, political favoritism continues in local governance through administrator appointments instead of elections. Parwar also criticized deteriorating law and order, extortion, and rising commodity prices, citing specific incidents in Khulna. He announced that an 11-party divisional rally will be held on June 20 at Khulna Circuit House grounds.

Education Minister Ehsanul Haque Milon announced that the upcoming Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations, starting on July 2, will be conducted with uniform question papers across all education boards in Bangladesh. He said the decision aims to eliminate disparities among the boards. The minister also assured that contingency measures are in place to handle any disruptions caused by natural disasters during the exams. At a press conference held at the Ministry of Education, Milon addressed concerns about the spread of coaching centers linked to school admission tests. He said the ministry is reviewing the system to ensure fairness by defining catchment areas and seat allocations. Prime Minister’s Education Adviser Dr. Mahdi Amin added that the government is introducing new textbooks on sports, culture, and vocational education to make learning more practical and enjoyable. Dr. Amin also highlighted the nationwide primary school football tournament involving over 1.1 million boys and girls from 65,342 schools, with the final scheduled for June 20 in the presence of the Prime Minister.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed ruled in the Bangladesh National Parliament that members may show respect to the Speaker’s chair or the presiding officer according to their respective religious customs. The decision was announced on Thursday during a parliamentary session following a request raised earlier by Jamaat-e-Islami MP Md. Mujibur Rahman, who questioned whether bowing as a sign of respect conflicted with Islamic principles. The Speaker explained that under Rule 267 of the parliamentary procedure, members must show respect when entering, leaving, or taking their seats in the chamber. However, he noted that the word “bowing” had been removed from the rule during the eighth parliament after a standing committee review and subsequent approval by the House. This amendment means that members are no longer required to physically bow. By clarifying the rule, the Speaker emphasized that MPs are free to follow their own religious practices when showing respect in Parliament, aligning parliamentary decorum with individual faith traditions.

The Islamabad High Court has directed the concerned administration to arrange a meeting between imprisoned former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, and their lawyers within seven days. The order aims to facilitate their appeal against convictions in the 190 million pound corruption case. The directive was issued by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Asif. During the hearing, Imran Khan’s lawyer Barrister Salman Safdar informed the court that repeated attempts to meet his client at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail had been denied. This restriction, he said, prevented him from obtaining necessary instructions and signatures for the appeal process. After hearing the lawyer’s statement, the court instructed authorities to ensure the meetings take place within the specified timeframe. Imran Khan was sentenced to 14 years in prison and Bushra Bibi to 7 years by a trial court in the Al-Qadir Trust or 190 million pound corruption case. Both have appealed their sentences before the Islamabad High Court.

Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman emphasized the importance of practicing religious values and discipline in military life, describing them as essential for upholding the nation’s freedom and sovereignty. He made the remarks on Thursday, June 18, during the President’s Parade marking the commissioning of officer cadets from the 90th long course at the Bangladesh Military Academy (BMA) in Bhatiari, Chattogram. The Army Chief highlighted that the BMA, established in 1974, has been producing skilled, intelligent, and patriotic officers capable of leading in the 21st century. He noted that the academy’s graduates have contributed significantly both within Bangladesh and internationally through disciplined and principled leadership. He expressed pride and gratitude for the academy’s role in strengthening the army through visionary planning and effective training. General Waker-uz-Zaman also announced the formal inauguration of the Second Bangladesh Battalion at the academy to enhance training quality, modern facilities, and practical development initiatives aligned with the army’s modernization goals amid changing global conditions.

State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shah Alam declared that the Awami League, which he termed authoritarian, would not be allowed to return to Bangladesh’s political arena. He warned that the party might attempt to regain political activity by spreading confusion on social media. He urged citizens to remain alert against such efforts. The minister made these remarks on Thursday while addressing the inauguration of outpatient and inpatient services at Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Children’s Hospital in Bogura, marking the birthday of Dr. Zubaida Rahman, wife of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Mir Shah Alam cautioned that misleading campaigns could emerge around June 23, the Awami League’s founding anniversary, aiming to divert public attention. He alleged that certain groups were conducting propaganda to rehabilitate authoritarianism and called for unity against these attempts. He also stated that Bogura had faced political discrimination and development deprivation for 17 years, but the current government had begun development work despite conspiracies. The minister added that the government planned to expand the hospital’s six-story building to eight stories and acquire an adjacent multistory building to enhance healthcare services.

A Dhaka court has postponed the submission of the investigation report in the Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi murder case for the 127th time. On June 18, 2026, Metropolitan Magistrate Arifur Rahman fixed July 22 as the new date after the investigating officer, Additional Superintendent of Police Md Azizul Haque of the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI), failed to submit the report. The case involves several accused, including Rafiqul Islam, Bokul Mia, Masum Mintu, Kamrul Islam alias Arun, Abu Sayeed, and two security guards of the couple’s residence, Palash Rudra Pal and Enayet Ahmed, along with their friend Tanvir Rahman Khan. Among them, Tanvir and Palash are on bail, while the others remain in custody. The journalist couple were murdered on February 11, 2012, and the case has since passed through multiple investigative agencies. In September of the previous year, the High Court ordered the formation of a high-powered task force to complete the investigation within six months, removing the Rapid Action Battalion from the case. The Home Ministry later issued a notification forming a four-member task force led by the PBI chief.

Three people, including Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Bharat Singh, were burned to death after their vehicle was set on fire in Koriya district of Chhattisgarh, India. The incident occurred late Tuesday night in Naugaon village under Sonhat police station. According to the victims’ family, Bharat Singh had gone to discuss a settlement over a sand mining dispute and was attacked on his way back. Police have arrested four suspects so far and filed cases against nine individuals on charges of murder and attempted murder. Preliminary reports indicate that Bharat Singh’s family had been awarded a sand mining contract in the area. Local residents claimed that the dispute stemmed from control over alleged illegal collections linked to sand transport and quarry operations across several nearby villages. The conflict had reportedly been ongoing for months between supporters of Bharat Singh and the family of another BJP leader, Manoj Tripathi, highlighting deep tensions over local resource control in the region.

Political activity by the banned Awami League has reportedly intensified in Feni, with fugitive leaders accused of financing and directing operations. On the night of June 17, fugitive former MP Alauddin Nasim, wanted in a student and public killing case, posted a Facebook message warning police officials across the country. He claimed that law enforcement had filed false cases and hinted at a political comeback, invoking the name of party leader Sheikh Hasina. Earlier that day, activists and supporters of the banned party held a sudden procession on Station Road under the banner of Feni Sadar Upazila Awami League and its affiliated organizations. Nasim shared a video of the rally on Facebook, thanking participants. The banned party’s page claimed the march was led by Sadar Upazila AL secretary Shusen Chandra Shil. Police later detained four participants from the procession. Feni Model Police Station’s officer-in-charge said legal action was underway, while Superintendent of Police Pratyush Kumar Majumder stated that all illegal activities would be dealt with firmly.