An eleven-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami is holding a divisional rally in Chattogram today, Saturday, to press for the implementation of the referendum verdict and to address public suffering. The event is taking place at Laldighi Maidan at 2 p.m., with opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman scheduled to deliver the keynote speech. Central and divisional leaders of the alliance are also expected to speak at the rally. According to the source, the alliance announced a series of divisional rallies on April 30 through a liaison committee meeting and press briefing, demanding the enforcement of reforms under the July Charter. The first rally was held in Rajshahi on May 16 before Eid, and today’s event in Chattogram marks the second. Subsequent rallies are planned for Khulna, Mymensingh, Rangpur, Barishal, and Sylhet, culminating in a grand rally in Dhaka in October. Separately, the alliance has organized protests against border killings and alleged push-in attempts by the Border Guard, with demonstrations held in border districts on Friday and a protest meeting scheduled in Dhaka on Monday.

Seventeen farmers were killed and five others injured when armed assailants attacked a rural village in Zamfara State, northern Nigeria, according to an AFP report published on June 13, 2026. The incident occurred in Goron Namaye village of Maradun district, where the attackers arrived on motorcycles disguised as tourists and opened fire on farmers working in their fields. Local administrator Sanusi Dosara confirmed receiving reports of 17 deaths. Residents said the gunmen concealed their weapons and posed as visitors before launching the assault. Another resident, Nura Musa, suggested the attack might have been retaliation for an earlier clash in which 13 bandits were killed by village guards. The AFP report noted that armed gangs frequently carry out raids in northern and central Nigeria, targeting communities for ransom kidnappings and cattle theft, highlighting ongoing insecurity in the region.

The United States military has maintained its presence in the Middle East and is currently on the highest state of alert, according to a brief post by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) on social media. The post included a photo showing an F-16 fighter jet patrolling the skies over the region. CENTCOM stated that American forces continue to uphold regional presence and vigilance. Earlier, CENTCOM reported that US forces had shot down several suicide drones launched by Iran in recent hours. The drones were reportedly aimed at commercial ships transiting through the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM confirmed that the international trade corridor remains open for maritime traffic. The developments underscore ongoing security concerns in the region, with the US military emphasizing its readiness to respond to potential threats to international shipping routes.

US President Donald Trump told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that it was time to end the war, according to a senior US official cited by Axios. The conversation took place during a phone call between the two leaders, where Trump reportedly said discussions with Iran were moving positively and that a deal could be reached within days. Axios reported that Trump described the potential agreement with Iran as a positive development and emphasized that the ongoing conflict should come to an end. The senior official noted that during the call, Netanyahu appeared to understand that he could not prevent Washington from pursuing an agreement with Tehran. The report highlights a moment of diplomatic signaling from Washington as it seeks to advance talks with Iran while encouraging de-escalation in the region.

Residents of Jamalpur’s Dewanganj and Bakshiganj upazilas have joined Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) in round-the-clock patrols to prevent alleged attempts by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) to push Indian nationals into Bangladesh. Locals are taking turns guarding roads, open fields, and border points, often working directly alongside BGB teams. The initiative follows several days of tension along the Meghalaya and Assam border areas, where villagers have become active sentinels against illegal crossings. Local leaders and residents said the absence of barbed-wire fencing and inadequate lighting make the border vulnerable, especially when BSF turns off lights on their side. They called for more budget and infrastructure to strengthen security. BGB’s Jamalpur-35 commander, Lieutenant Colonel Hasanur Rahman, praised the villagers’ cooperation, saying their vigilance has boosted the force’s confidence and made it harder for any illegal entry attempts. Security analysts noted that while border protection is a state responsibility, citizen participation enhances national security. The current unity between BGB and border residents is being seen as a powerful expression of patriotism and collective defense of sovereignty.

Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam announced that 300 megawatts of electricity from the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant will be connected to Bangladesh’s national grid by the end of August 2026. He also said the government expects to complete nuclear fuel loading for the plant’s second unit by April 2027. The minister made the remarks on Friday at a high-level roundtable and seminar titled “Nuclear Power Strategy, Reality and Bangladesh’s Future Roadmap,” held at Swapnodwip Resort in Ishwardi, Pabna. Anam emphasized that Bangladesh’s investment in nuclear technology aims to advance national development, innovation, and public welfare, while also requiring strong responsibility. He noted that a successful nuclear program demands not only modern technology and infrastructure but also skilled human resources, robust institutions, effective regulation, transparency, accountability, and a culture of safety. The minister highlighted that Bangladesh achieved a historic milestone on April 28 with the start of nuclear fuel loading at Rooppur. He added that once fully operational, the plant will contribute about 2,400 megawatts to the national grid, strengthening energy security and supporting economic growth. The event was attended by government officials, lawmakers, industry leaders, and representatives from the International Atomic Energy Agency.

An Iran-linked hacker group named 'Hanzala' has claimed to have hacked drones used by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and issued threats targeting the World Cup that began on Thursday. According to CBS News citing SITE Intelligence Group, the group alleged that it had accessed every image and suspect data collected by the FBI’s first-person-view (FPV) drones over several months. These drones reportedly used facial and vehicle license plate recognition technologies for counterterrorism operations. In a statement, Hanzala warned World Cup organizers to strengthen security, suggesting that FPV drones could pose threats to team buses. In response, the FBI has deployed drones around World Cup stadiums for protection. Additionally, US authorities plan to restrict drone flights over stadiums and event venues associated with the tournament. The report highlights growing cybersecurity concerns surrounding major international sporting events, as authorities move to secure airspace and digital systems against potential threats.

The United States has deported an Iranian pro-democracy activist to the Central African Republic, according to the woman’s lawyer, as reported by Reuters on June 13, 2026. The deportation was confirmed by attorney Emily Trostel, who also represents two other Iranian women facing similar proceedings in the US. Trostel warned that the decision was extremely dangerous, noting that the deported individuals have no legal status, prior connections, or support networks in the destination country. Reuters reported that both the US State Department and the Central African Republic’s presidential office did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the deportation. The US Department of Homeland Security stated last week that all deported individuals would receive due legal process. The lawyer expressed concern that the deported women might ultimately be forced to return to Iran, the country they had fled, raising questions about the safety and human rights implications of the US decision.

The United States and Iran are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding in Geneva on Sunday aimed at ending ongoing hostilities. According to reports, US Vice President JD Vance may travel to Geneva to sign the document with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Both sides intend to finalize the contents of the memorandum by Saturday, with discussions still underway on its key points. Sources cited by Reuters indicate that Iran is emphasizing the cessation of Israeli attacks in Lebanon as part of the agreement. The Wall Street Journal reported that any easing of US sanctions will depend on Iran meeting specific conditions related to its nuclear program. The memorandum’s unresolved technical issues may later be discussed in Islamabad, Pakistan. A US official also stated that President Donald Trump plans to consult with world leaders to strengthen surveillance in the Strait of Hormuz, signaling continued diplomatic engagement following the potential signing.

The United Arab Emirates has agreed to release up to $20 billion to Iran on the condition that Tehran stops its attacks, according to a Reuters report citing four sources. The payments follow a series of Iranian strikes on the UAE in response to joint U.S.-Israeli assaults. Two regional sources said the UAE initially agreed to release $10 billion, with more than $3 billion already transferred. Two additional sources familiar with the matter said the total amount could reach $20 billion, contingent on Iran ceasing further attacks. It remains unclear whether the funds are from the UAE’s own reserves or Iranian assets previously frozen in Emirati banks. A UAE official stated that the country is working to reduce tensions and restore calm. Sources indicated that the arrangement allows both the United States and Iran to avoid crossing their respective “red lines,” while giving Iran grounds to claim compensation and Washington the ability to deny direct payment. The deal also includes provisions for renewed intelligence sharing and economic cooperation between Iran and the UAE.

Co-host United States began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with an emphatic 4-1 win over Paraguay in a Group D match held in Los Angeles. Under coach Mauricio Pochettino, the team dominated from the start, with Folarin Balogun scoring twice to lead the victory. The match also saw an early own goal by Paraguay’s Damian Bobadilla and a late strike from substitute Giovanni Reyna. Balogun’s brace made him only the second American player to score multiple goals in a single World Cup match, following Bert Patenaude’s hat-trick in 1930, also against Paraguay. The 4-1 result equaled the United States’ largest winning margin in World Cup history, matching their 3-0 victories over Paraguay and Belgium in 1930. Christian Pulisic played a key role in creating the opening goal and assisting Balogun’s first. The win gave the United States a confident start to their home World Cup campaign, while Paraguay faced early disappointment in the tournament.

The United States and Iran have reached agreement on a final draft of a ceasefire deal aimed at ending the ongoing Middle East war, according to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Pakistan has played a key mediating role in the process. The announcement came after three days of intense fighting among Iran, the United States, and Israel earlier in the week. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that both sides are working toward signing a preliminary agreement to end hostilities across all fronts, including Lebanon. The conflict began on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, disrupting oil and gas supplies from the Persian Gulf. A fragile truce has been in place since April 7. Under the emerging deal, the Strait of Hormuz would reopen for energy shipments, and sanctions on Iran would be gradually lifted. A 60‑day period following the signing will finalize nuclear program conditions and technical details related to enriched uranium removal. Regional officials said the agreement could be signed within days, pending approval from Washington and Tehran. Israel has stated it is not a party to the deal and will not withdraw its forces from Lebanon or other occupied areas.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman departed for Cox’s Bazar on Saturday morning, June 13, 2026, from his residence in Gulshan to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, accompanied by his wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman. According to his additional press secretary Atikur Rahman Rumman, the prime minister is traveling by air to Cox’s Bazar for a series of official programs. During the visit, he will inspect Dulahazara Safari Park and inaugurate a nationwide tree-planting campaign involving 250 million trees at the Malumghat reserved forest. He will then visit the grave of Shaheed Wasim Akram in Pekua, meet his family, and lay foundation stones for the newly formed Pekua Municipality and Matamuhuri Upazila. Later, he will attend a BNP-organized public rally in front of the Chakaria municipal bus terminal, visit the Marine Drive road and beach, and join a civic gathering at Long Beach Hotel in the evening before returning to Dhaka. This marks Tarique Rahman’s first trip to Cox’s Bazar since becoming prime minister following the BNP’s landslide victory in the February 12 election. Local authorities have strengthened security and made extensive preparations for his arrival.

A body was discovered near the hotel where Iran’s national football team is staying in Tijuana, Mexico, as the team trains for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Local police reported that a gray Toyota SUV had been left abandoned for several days in a supermarket parking area close to the team’s hotel and the Caliente Stadium training venue. When a strong odor emerged from the vehicle on Friday, residents alerted authorities. Police found a body wrapped in a black plastic bag inside the trunk, showing clear signs of violence and physical injury. According to AFP, a special forensic team, under the direction of the Tijuana Prosecutor’s Office, examined the vehicle and collected evidence before sending the body for autopsy. Authorities confirmed that there is no indication of any connection between the incident and the Iranian national team. Police are treating it as a separate criminal case. Iran had chosen Tijuana as its World Cup base after canceling a planned training camp in the United States due to ongoing political and military tensions between the two countries.

The European Union has begun implementing its new European Migration and Asylum Pact from last Friday, introducing uniform rules for all 27 member states to manage irregular migration and asylum seekers. The European Commission urged countries to update laws, train officials, and strengthen border infrastructure, though it acknowledged that none are fully prepared. Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner called the pact a milestone, marking the start of a new phase in EU migration policy. Under the new system, all foreign nationals entering the EU will undergo screening of up to seven days at the border. Applications from those deemed security threats or from countries listed as safe will be processed within three months, and rejected applicants will have only one chance to appeal. The pact also aims to expedite deportations, with rejected asylum seekers to be returned to countries considered safe, such as Syria and Bangladesh. Member states are also working on establishing return hubs in third countries. Human rights groups have voiced concern that the new rules could undermine asylum rights and increase hardship for vulnerable people seeking protection in Europe.