Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has announced that future peacekeeping missions will be modern and technology-driven. He made the statement on Wednesday morning at the International United Nations Peacekeepers Day event held at Senakunja in Dhaka Cantonment. The Prime Minister said the sacrifices of peacekeepers will remain a shining example in the nation’s history and reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to global peace under the UN flag. He paid deep tribute to Bangladeshi peacekeepers who have sacrificed their lives for world peace since 1988, noting that 175 members have been martyred and many others injured while serving in UN missions. Rahman expressed condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the departed souls. He emphasized that the dedication of Bangladeshi peacekeepers demonstrates their resolve to defend not only national sovereignty but also global peace. The Prime Minister added that the government remains committed to honoring the families of fallen and injured peacekeepers and to strengthening Bangladesh’s role in future UN peacekeeping operations through modernization and technology integration.

Iran carried out a drone attack on the Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, which serves as the United States’ main military installation in the country. Kuwait’s military claimed to have intercepted the assault. The incident occurred as part of a broader Iranian operation targeting 21 US military sites across the region, including air and naval bases. According to Iranian state media, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) described the strikes as retaliation for recent US air raids in southern Iran. The IRGC also confirmed attacks on American bases in Bahrain and Jordan. The escalation follows earlier US strikes on Iranian territory after Washington accused Tehran of downing a US military helicopter. Iranian media further reported multiple explosions in Qeshm Island, Jask, Sirik, and Bandar Abbas, indicating heightened military activity in southern Iran. The situation underscores rising hostilities between the two nations and growing instability across the Gulf region.

Gold prices in Bangladesh have dropped significantly following a decline in the global market. The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) announced a reduction of Tk 6,591 per bhori, setting the new price for 22-carat gold at Tk 222,782 per bhori. The revised rates took effect from 10 a.m. on Wednesday, according to a BAJUS notice. The association stated that the price of pure gold in the local market had decreased, prompting the adjustment. Under the new pricing, 21-carat gold now costs Tk 212,635 per bhori, 18-carat gold Tk 182,250, and traditional gold Tk 148,424 per bhori. The last adjustment was made on June 6, when BAJUS reduced the price by Tk 5,482 per bhori. So far this year, BAJUS has adjusted gold prices 72 times, with 37 increases and 35 decreases, reflecting ongoing volatility in both local and international markets.

As the World Cup draws near, football enthusiasm is surging across Rajshahi city and its surrounding villages. From tea stalls and markets to schools, offices, and universities, conversations are dominated by football. Streets, rooftops, and local shops are adorned with colorful flags and jerseys, while fans eagerly debate their favorite teams and players. Communities in areas such as Sahebbazar, Laxmipur, Puthia, and Tanore are organizing collective viewing events, with many already collecting funds to set up large screens for night matches. Shops in Sahebbazar, New Market, and other town centers are seeing brisk sales of team jerseys, particularly those of Argentina and Brazil, followed by France, Portugal, and England. Supporters of Argentina and Brazil remain the most visible, with massive flags displayed on rooftops and buildings. Social media is also buzzing with fan activity. Across Rajshahi, the atmosphere has turned festive as residents count down the days to the tournament’s opening whistle.

Former England captain and legendary defender John Terry has made a bold statement ahead of the World Cup, claiming that at least 11 players in the current England squad are not of the standard required to win the tournament. In an interview, Terry said the team is talented but lacks the overall strength needed for a World Cup victory. He also criticized head coach Thomas Tuchel’s selection decisions, suggesting that three to four major mistakes were made that could affect England’s performance. Terry specifically disagreed with the exclusion of experienced players such as defender Harry Maguire, midfielder Cole Palmer, and forward Phil Foden, arguing that their experience and ability would have strengthened the team. Tuchel’s 26-man squad includes several young players, but Terry emphasized that experience is crucial in handling the pressure of major tournaments. Despite the criticism, Tuchel has stated that his team remains confident and ambitious, though he admitted that England cannot yet be called the tournament’s main favorite.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) carried out drone attacks on 21 US military targets early Wednesday, including the headquarters of the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain. The IRGC described the operation as retaliation for recent US airstrikes in southern Iran. In a statement broadcast by state media, the force warned that it would take harsher retaliatory measures if US military operations continued. The IRGC also claimed to have shot down a US MQ-9 Reaper drone over Bushehr province and targeted Kuwait’s Ali Al Salem air base. Kuwait’s military confirmed the attack but said its air defense system successfully intercepted the drones. The escalation follows extensive US strikes on 20 Iranian targets, including a telecommunications tower, in southern Iran’s Jask, Sirik, and Qeshm Island areas. According to the IRGC, several key facilities, including an F-35 hangar at a Jordanian air base, were destroyed during the operation, signaling a sharp rise in regional tensions.

As Bangladesh’s BNP government prepares to present its first national budget, the country’s aviation and tourism industries are urging the government to move beyond nominal allocations and introduce a coherent policy framework they say has been missing for decades. Industry leaders argue that such a framework could transform these strategically important sectors into key drivers of economic growth. Aviation operators are calling for tax relief on jet fuel, aircraft leasing, and airline operations to reduce costs and enhance competitiveness. They also seek budgetary support for operational readiness of the new terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Tourism entrepreneurs, meanwhile, want the long-delayed National Tourism Master Plan implemented, along with investment incentives, institutional backing, and an electronic visa system to attract foreign visitors. Stakeholders view the 2026–27 budget as a test of the BNP’s election pledge to make Bangladesh a regional aviation hub and a globally competitive tourism destination by 2034. They emphasize that the budget’s true measure will be whether it signals long-term policy commitment rather than just allocation size.

Rail communication between Jamalpur and Dhaka was suspended after a coach of the intercity Brahmaputra Express derailed near the College Road rail crossing in Mymensingh city on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m., leaving several trains stranded on the route and causing severe inconvenience to passengers. Railway authorities immediately launched rescue operations and dispatched a relief train to the site to restore normal service. According to railway officials, the Brahmaputra Express had departed from Dewanganj in Jamalpur for Dhaka when one of its coaches derailed upon reaching Mymensingh. Police confirmed that no casualties had been reported so far, though the condition of the rail track was being examined. The derailment disrupted train movement on the Jamalpur-Dhaka route, prompting passengers to seek alternative transport options. Authorities assured that efforts were underway to lift the derailed coach and resume train operations as soon as possible. An investigation will follow to determine the cause of the derailment once recovery work is completed.

The trial of former Member of Parliament Shamim Osman and 11 others begins today at the International Crimes Tribunal-1 in Dhaka. The case involves charges of crimes against humanity linked to killings during the July Revolution in Narayanganj. The proceedings start with opening statements before a three-member judicial panel led by Justice Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, with Justices Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury as members. The first witness testimony is also scheduled for the same day. Earlier, on May 13, the tribunal rejected the defendants’ petitions seeking discharge from the charges and ordered the trial to proceed. The accused include Shamim Osman’s son Imtinan Osman Ayon, nephew Azmeri Osman, Ayon’s brother-in-law Minhaj Uddin Ahmed Vicky, former Narayanganj Rifles Club president Tanvir Ahmed Titu, and several former local leaders and activists from Narayanganj. The tribunal’s decision marks the formal start of a high-profile case concerning alleged crimes committed during a politically turbulent period in Narayanganj.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned the United States to leave the Middle East if it wants to remain safe, following a series of US attacks on Iran. In retaliation, Iran launched strikes on American military bases in Jordan and Bahrain. Araghchi issued the warning through a post on social media platform X, accusing the US of testing Iran’s resolve despite suffering defeats on the battlefield. He further cautioned that Iran would respond to every US attack and referenced the Persian Gulf’s history of disastrous outcomes for foreign intruders. Iranian media earlier reported explosions and missile strikes in southern Hormozgan province, including Qeshm Island, Sirik, Minab, and Jask. Following these incidents, air defense systems were activated in Bandar Abbas, Qeshm, and Sirik. The escalating exchange of attacks underscores rising tensions between Tehran and Washington, with the situation in the Persian Gulf remaining volatile according to the reports cited.

Islami Bank Bangladesh has failed to maintain its required cash reserve ratio (CRR) with Bangladesh Bank amid a liquidity crisis following the appointment of new chairman Khurshid Alam. Over the past week, depositors withdrew Tk 4,240 crore, and total deposits fell further in the last two days. The bank has sought Tk 10,000 crore in special liquidity support from the central bank, which is closely monitoring the situation but has not yet decided on the request. According to bank sources, deposits dropped from Tk 1,84,382 crore on May 31 to Tk 1,80,141 crore on June 7, while the bank’s current account balance with the central bank fell from Tk 7,015 crore to Tk 2,600 crore. The central bank confirmed that Islami Bank’s CRR requirement of about Tk 5,000 crore could not be met due to excessive withdrawals. The unrest began after former deputy governor Khurshid Alam was appointed chairman on May 24, prompting protests from depositors and shareholders. Protesters have continued demonstrations for nine consecutive days, demanding Alam’s removal and expressing concern over the safety of their deposits. The central bank has stated it is prepared for any situation as it monitors developments.

Iran has claimed to have shot down a US MQ-9 drone over the skies of Bushehr province, according to a report published on June 10, 2026. The incident follows a series of retaliatory attacks between the United States and Iran, including Tehran’s earlier downing of a US Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz. In response, the United States reportedly carried out multiple strikes on Iran’s air defense and radar installations. Al Jazeera reported that Iran’s air defense systems were highly active during the incident. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated through state media that it had launched retaliatory attacks on US military bases in Bahrain and Jordan, including a drone strike on the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain and a long-range missile attack on a base in Azraq, Jordan. The developments mark a sharp escalation in hostilities between the two countries, with both sides engaging in direct military actions across multiple fronts in the region.

A tea vendor named Hasan Sardar, aged 35, was killed in a mob beating at Chandkhali Bazar in Paikgacha upazila of Khulna on Sunday night. He was taken to the upazila health complex in critical condition, where doctors declared him dead. Hasan was the son of Malek Sardar from Kalidaspur village. His uncle Sirajul filed a case naming ten people in connection with the incident. According to the victim’s relatives, the conflict began when a local man, Kuddus Gazi, urinated near Hasan’s tea stall, leading to an argument. Kuddus allegedly called Nazmul Huda Mintu, a local political figure and cattle market leaseholder, who then assaulted Hasan multiple times throughout the evening. After losing consciousness, Hasan was later taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Following the incident, locals vandalized and set fire to the houses of Kuddus Gazi and his brother. Nazmul Huda Mintu denied involvement, claiming he arrived only to rescue Hasan. Police confirmed the death resulted from mob beating and said legal action would follow upon the officer’s return from Khulna.

The main gate area of Bonarpara Railway Junction Station in Gaibandha’s Saghata upazila has been overtaken by auto-rickshaws and vans, creating severe difficulties for passengers. Due to the random parking of these vehicles, the station’s main entrance often remains blocked, forcing travelers to struggle to enter or exit the station. Several passengers reported delays and near misses with train schedules because of the congestion. According to local residents and passengers, people from Saghata, Gobindaganj, and Fulchhari upazilas regularly use the station to travel to Dhaka and other destinations, as five intercity trains stop there daily. The station’s main gate was recently rebuilt to improve passenger convenience, but the area remains occupied by auto-rickshaw and van drivers for most of the day, worsening the situation during train arrivals. Station Master Pradip Chandra stated that efforts are ongoing to ease passenger suffering, while Bonarpara Railway Junction Police Officer-in-Charge Kamal Uddin assured that measures will be taken to reduce the inconvenience.

A banned Chhatra League activist named Md. Tuhin fled after dropping a foreign-made pistol, a magazine, and four rounds of ammunition during a public chase in Begumganj, Noakhali. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon in front of a shop at Betuyabag Bazar in Gopalpur Union. Locals said Tuhin, who was staying at his maternal grandfather’s house in Kotramohabbatpur village, was seen roaming with the weapon before being confronted by residents. Police arrived at the scene shortly after and recovered the pistol and ammunition. Locals alleged that Tuhin had been using the weapon to intimidate two individuals, Jahangir and Hannan, over local dominance disputes. The Noakhali Superintendent of Police, T M Mosharraf Hossain, stated that efforts are underway to arrest the fugitive and to trace the source of the weapon. Authorities are also investigating whether others were involved. Police confirmed that legal action will follow upon completion of the investigation into the incident and the recovered firearm.