Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday called for a change in the nation’s culture of revenge, urging citizens to focus on contributing positively to the country. Speaking at a meeting with journalists covering the BNP beat at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center, he said success should follow a mindset of working for the nation rather than retaliation. He emphasized that the government seeks to ensure media freedom and welcomes constructive criticism. The prime minister recalled that June 16 marks Bangladesh’s Press Black Day, commemorating the 1975 closure of all newspapers except four under the then BAKSAL government. He credited former president Ziaur Rahman for restoring multiparty democracy and lifting restrictions on the press. Seeking cooperation from journalists, he said the government alone cannot achieve progress without their support. Highlighting challenges facing youth, he identified drug abuse as a major concern and urged alternative solutions beyond enforcement. He underscored the importance of sports, culture, and science fairs to channel young people’s energy positively and called for stronger moral and social education to counter moral decline.

Lebanon’s health authorities have reported that 3,826 people have been killed and 11,851 injured in Israeli attacks since March 2. The updated figures were released recently by the Lebanese health department, which confirmed that the ongoing conflict has caused severe civilian casualties across the country. Among the dead are hundreds of women and children, as well as emergency medical workers, paramedics, and first responders engaged in rescue operations. The health department’s report highlights the heavy toll on both civilians and humanitarian personnel. The attacks have also triggered a major humanitarian crisis in southern Lebanon, where more than one million people have been forced to flee their homes due to Israeli military operations. The situation continues to deteriorate as displacement and infrastructure damage worsen across the affected regions.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has sent necessary documents to the Ministry of Home Affairs to facilitate the repatriation of former Bangladesh Police Inspector General Benazir Ahmed, who was arrested by Dubai Police on June 12. The ACC’s Deputy Director and Public Relations Officer Akhtarul Islam confirmed the development on Tuesday, stating that the documents were prepared with assistance from two officials of the Police Headquarters’ National Central Bureau. The papers were forwarded to the Home Ministry and were expected to be sent to the United Arab Emirates government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the same day. Following Benazir Ahmed’s arrest, the ACC initiated the process to bring him back to Bangladesh. He faces six cases involving allegations of illegal wealth accumulation, money laundering, and passport forgery. A charge sheet has already been submitted in one case related to unexplained wealth. The ACC compiled evidence and legal documents into a formal request to support the extradition process. Government sources indicated that although Bangladesh has 30 days to send an official extradition request, authorities acted swiftly to expedite the process without waiting for the full period.

A court in Netrokona on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, ordered Jamaat leader Nazrul Islam, aged 36, to be sent to jail in connection with an extortion case. Nazrul, son of Naib Uddin from Kaira village and general secretary of Ward 9 of Bangla Union Jamaat, appeared before the Netrokona Sadar Amli Court, where the judge issued the order. The case was filed by businessman Md. Rubel Rana, 39, who alleged that Nazrul and others had been demanding Tk 20 lakh from him for a long time. According to the complaint, on July 7, 2025, Rubel Rana was intercepted on Azhar Road by a group led by Nazrul Islam, who allegedly took him to Moktarpara field and demanded the money. When he refused, he was threatened with death, and Tk 20,000 was taken from his pocket. The next day, Nazrul allegedly threatened Rubel’s manager over the phone. CCTV footage reportedly captured parts of the incident. Rubel runs a sand, stone, and coal business named Messrs Sandhi Traders in Netrokona. The case also names four other accused, including A. Hekim from the same area. The court’s order was confirmed by the plaintiff’s lawyer, Saiful Islam Pradip.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen praised Rajshahi’s traditional Kalai Roti during a visit to the well-known “Ruman Kalai House” in the city’s New Market area on Tuesday afternoon. After tasting the dish, he expressed his delight, calling it “wonderful.” The ambassador observed the preparation process with interest, took photos and selfies, and watched the making of other local dishes including eggplant mash and goose meat. Following the cooking demonstrations, Christensen and his wife sat down to enjoy Kalai Roti with goose meat. Speaking to journalists afterward, he said the taste of the roti, goose meat, and eggplant mash was excellent. His visit drew a large crowd of curious locals eager to catch a glimpse of the ambassador enjoying the traditional food. The visit took place under tight police security, with members of the ambassador’s entourage accompanying him throughout the event.

At least 1,265 people were killed and 2,800 others injured in attacks on Iran’s capital Tehran carried out by the United States and Israel, according to a senior official from Iran’s urban administration. Mehdi Babai, head of the Tehran City Council’s Security Committee, shared the figures in an interview with the state-affiliated Student News Network. Babai said around 50,000 residential units across the capital were damaged, though most suffered relatively minor destruction. Approximately 6,000 displaced residents have been provided with temporary housing, and about 125 injured individuals remain hospitalized. Officials reported that the strikes caused extensive impact on Tehran’s civilian infrastructure and residential areas. Local authorities have continued rescue, medical, and rehabilitation operations to address the aftermath of the attacks, according to the report sourced from Al Jazeera.

The International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh will go on a vacation for the first time since its establishment about fifteen years ago. The break will run from July 1 to July 20, following an amendment to the tribunal’s procedural law. Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam confirmed that the tribunal will remain closed during this period, with only routine administrative work continuing. According to the Ministry of Law, the amendment to the International Crimes Tribunal’s procedural rules was made on May 17. A new section, 59(A), was added to introduce the concept of vacation. The section specifies that the tribunal and its registry will observe two annual recesses—from July 1 to July 20 and from December 17 to December 31. During these periods, at least one member or the chairman will continue essential functions. The amendment also allows tribunal officials and staff to perform duties on a rotational basis during the recess. The chairman or registrar will assign responsibilities, and tribunal members will be entitled to equivalent leave at other times of the year.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard has seized approximately 130,000 yaba tablets valued at around Tk 6.5 crore during a special operation in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar. The operation took place early Tuesday near Alikhali area under Hnila Union, based on secret intelligence. One suspected drug dealer was detained during the raid, according to a press release issued by Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon. The seized yaba tablets were recovered from a residential house suspected of being used for drug trafficking. The Coast Guard stated that legal proceedings are underway against the detained individual and regarding the confiscated narcotics. The operation was conducted by the Teknaf station team as part of ongoing efforts to curb drug smuggling in the region. Authorities have not yet disclosed further details about the suspect or the broader network involved, but the Coast Guard indicated that follow-up legal actions are in process.

Football enthusiasts in Sunamganj organized a motorcycle rally on Tuesday afternoon to express their support for Argentina’s national football team amid global World Cup excitement. The procession began at the city’s Heritage Museum, with participants waving Argentine flags and wearing team jerseys as they paraded through key streets. The rally featured fans blowing whistles, beating drums, and chanting slogans in favor of Argentina. People of all ages, from children to the elderly, joined the long procession carrying banners and festoons. The event created a festive atmosphere across the city, with participants singing, taking photos, and celebrating their shared passion for the team. Supporters described their deep emotional connection to Argentina’s football legacy, recalling memories tied to the team’s past successes. Many expressed hope that Argentina would achieve victory in the upcoming World Cup, pledging to enjoy the tournament together as a community of fans.

Bangladeshi actor Mosharraf Karim reportedly faced an unpleasant situation in Kolkata while visiting with his wife, actress Robena Reza Jui. The incident gained attention on social media on Tuesday morning and was later covered by news outlets. Reports claimed that some individuals allegedly linked to the Awami League attempted to harass the actor outside his hotel on Sunday night, shouting abusive words before he quickly left the area. However, Mosharraf Karim later told a media outlet that the situation was exaggerated online and that nothing significant had occurred. He urged people not to believe rumors spread on social media, saying the incident did not contain enough substance to be considered newsworthy. The general secretary of the Actors’ Association, Rashed Mamun Apu, said he had no information about the matter. According to the report, Mosharraf Karim and his wife are currently in Kolkata for personal leisure, not for professional work, and are expected to return to Dhaka within a few days.

FIFA demonstrated respect for religious and cultural sensitivities during the 2026 World Cup by modifying its pre-match flag protocol. Before the Group H match between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, organizers chose not to place the Saudi national flag on the ground. Instead, flag bearers held it aloft throughout the ceremony, and to maintain balance, Uruguay’s flag was also kept from touching the field. The decision stemmed from the special religious importance of Saudi Arabia’s flag, which bears the Islamic declaration of faith, the Shahada, affirming the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad. Because of this sacred inscription, placing the flag on the ground is considered disrespectful. FIFA’s adjustment was therefore seen as a gesture of cultural and religious respect. The match ended in a 1–1 draw, with Abdulilah Al-Amri scoring for Saudi Arabia in the 41st minute and Maxi Araújo equalizing for Uruguay in the 80th. Both teams earned one point, keeping their hopes alive for the next stage.

Justice and Democracy Party (JDP) convener Naeem Ahmad stated that if Sheikh Mujibur Rahman were alive, Bangladesh would still have only four newspapers, all edited by him. He made the remarks on Tuesday at a discussion held at Madhur Canteen to mark Newspaper Black Day. Ahmad argued that Mujib would not have allowed media outlets such as Jamuna Television, Amar Desh, or Prothom Alo to operate and linked the closure of several media houses to divine justice. He further said that even after the mass uprising, media freedom had not flourished, alleging that many outlets had become rehabilitation and protection centers for the Awami League. Ahmad warned that some of these “media leagues” were now trying to portray the BNP as fascist and urged vigilance. He lamented that only four newspapers—Dainik Bangla, Bangladesh Observer, Ittefaq, and Bangladesh Times—had been allowed during Mujib’s era, calling them mouthpieces of BAKSAL. Speakers at the event, including JDP and National Student Forum representatives, called for building a free, truthful, and people-centered media and condemned attacks on outlets such as Prothom Alo and Amar Desh.

A Dhaka court has ordered the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to investigate the alleged negligence-related death of Dr. Nafisa Tabassum Dhipra, a female physician from Dhanmondi. The case was filed by her relative, Md. Mashiur Rahman Shah, accusing four individuals including her husband, father-in-law, mother-in-law, and a magazine editor. Metropolitan Magistrate Jewel Rana issued the order on June 16, 2026, after recording the complainant’s statement. According to the case details, Dhipra, who married her classmate Dr. Rahmat Rashid, faced continuous physical and mental abuse from her in-laws due to her less affluent background. The complaint alleges that despite being doctors, the accused neglected her medical care and obstructed her professional progress. It also claims she was confined without food for three days before collapsing in front of her mother on June 4. The complaint further states that the accused delayed taking her to a hospital, leading to her death en route to BIRDEM Hospital. It alleges that they used influence to avoid an autopsy and quickly buried her, describing the death as a planned murder rather than a natural one.

A Dhaka court has granted a three-day remand for 13 Awami League activists in a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act at Banani Police Station. Metropolitan Magistrate Md. Jewel Rana issued the order on Tuesday. Another accused, Md. Taibur Saif, was ordered to be produced before the juvenile court as he is underage. The investigation officer, Sub-Inspector Saiful Islam, had sought a seven-day remand for the accused. According to the remand petition, the accused were arrested on June 13 from a microbus near Banani Navy Headquarters. Police alleged that they are active members of a banned organization and were distributing leaflets and posters aimed at tarnishing the government's image and conspiring to overthrow it. The petition also mentioned that on May 16, some of the accused had participated in an illegal procession near the same location. During the operation, police seized 24 PVC posters bearing Sheikh Hasina’s image, a motorcycle, and mobile phones. Defense lawyers argued that the accused were not affiliated with any political organization and were merely watching a T20 World Cup match together on the day of the incident.

BNP Health Affairs Secretary Professor Dr. Md. Rafiqul Islam visited journalist and diplomat Mushfiqul Fazal Ansari at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka on Tuesday afternoon. During the visit, Dr. Rafiqul Islam inquired about Ansari’s health condition, spoke with his family members, and discussed treatment details with the attending physicians. He also requested that necessary medical measures be taken. Mushfiqul Fazal Ansari, a prominent journalist and diplomat, was admitted to CMH on June 15 after experiencing chest pain. Initial medical examinations confirmed a heart condition, and he is currently under the close supervision of Brigadier General Dr. Syeda Aleya Soltana, a cardiology specialist at CMH. According to the report, his physical condition is now stable. The visit by the BNP health secretary highlights concern within political and media circles for Ansari’s recovery, as he continues to receive specialized cardiac care at the military hospital.