At least 30 people, including eight police officers, were injured in a violent clash in Bhairab, Kishoreganj, on Thursday evening following an argument over a football game. The confrontation spread to the Bhairab Railway Junction Station, where extensive vandalism occurred, forcing authorities to suspend train operations on the Dhaka–Chattogram, Dhaka–Sylhet, and Dhaka–Kishoreganj routes for about five hours. Train services resumed around 1:50 a.m. after the situation was brought under control with army assistance. Local sources said the conflict began between youths from Panchabati and Jagannathpur Madhyapara areas and escalated into a large-scale clash involving residents armed with sticks and bricks. Several shops and government offices at the station were damaged, and railway staff were trapped for hours. Multiple trains, including the Parabat Express and Egarsindhur Godhuli, were stranded at nearby stations. Authorities have reinforced security around the station and are identifying those involved for legal action. The local administration confirmed that the situation is now under control, with additional police deployed in the area.

In Narayanganj, Islamist political parties are preparing to contest the upcoming local government elections separately, signaling a shift from their earlier unity during the 13th national election. While they had previously campaigned together under the slogan “Islamic vote in one box,” the parties are now fielding their own candidates for union parishad, upazila, and city corporation polls. This move raises concerns that the Islamist vote could become divided among multiple contenders. The Narayanganj unit of Jamaat-e-Islami has already published a list of potential councilor candidates and is finalizing names for other local positions. Maulana Jabbar, the city Jamaat chief, is being discussed as a possible mayoral candidate. Meanwhile, the Khelafat Majlis has announced two rounds of potential candidates, with joint secretary general Sirajul Mamun emerging as a likely mayoral contender. Islami Andolan Bangladesh is also preparing to test its organizational strength independently. Party leaders argue that local elections emphasize personal credibility and community engagement rather than national alliances. Observers note that if multiple Islamist candidates run, the vote could fragment, reshaping the political balance in Narayanganj’s local contests.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) held a protest rally and assembly in Dhaka on Thursday night demanding an immediate reduction in electricity and fuel prices. The demonstration, organized by NCP Dhaka North, began at Banglamotor and ended at the Intercontinental intersection. Party leaders criticized the government for raising prices despite earlier assurances that rates would not increase for two years. Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary accused the government of inconsistency and said international lenders’ pressure might be driving the price hikes. He warned that further economic strain on citizens could trigger a broader movement. Senior Joint Convener Ariful Islam Adib said the government’s actions contradict its pre-election promises and alleged that controversial appointments in key institutions show disregard for public interest. Speakers, including youth leaders, said rising energy costs are worsening living expenses for ordinary people. They urged the government to ensure good governance and accountability instead of imposing additional financial burdens on citizens.

The Cabinet has approved a policy framework for a direct foreign investment (FDI) incentive scheme aimed at encouraging all Bangladeshi citizens, including expatriates, to contribute to attracting FDI. The approval was given during the Cabinet’s ninth meeting held on Thursday at the Secretariat, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The Cabinet Division confirmed the decision in an official press release. According to the release, the government formulated the FDI incentive scheme to promote participation of Bangladeshis in bringing foreign investment into the country. In the same meeting, the Cabinet also granted policy approval to the draft of the Bangladesh Medical University (Amendment) Act, 2026, initiated by the Ministry of Health Education and Family Welfare. The amendment aims to expand the scope of medical services, education, and research under the university. The proposed amendment would allow the university to form profit-based or non-profit companies or organizations and acquire shares to enhance its operational and research capacity, requiring changes to the existing Bangladesh Medical University Act of 1998.

The Bangladesh Navy has officially received a 70-ton capacity floating crane named ‘BNFC Boliyan’, built by Dockyard and Engineering Works Limited (DEW) to enhance its logistics, repair, and maintenance capabilities. The handover ceremony took place on Thursday with Admiral M Nazmul Hasan attending as the chief guest, alongside senior officials from the Navy Headquarters and DEW Limited. Construction of the crane began with a keel-laying ceremony on June 30. The vessel measures 45 meters in length, 15 meters in width, and 3 meters in depth, and can travel at a maximum speed of 10.5 miles per hour. The floating crane is designed to support the repair and maintenance of naval ships both at jetties and at sea. According to the source, the BNFC Boliyan will also play a crucial role in lifting, transferring, and replacing heavy machinery, mechanical equipment, and various naval components with improved efficiency and safety.

Bangladesh Bank has introduced a Tk 20,000 crore pre-financing scheme aimed at reopening closed industrial and service establishments. The central bank issued a circular on Thursday outlining that defaulters, money launderers, and entities involved in fraud or misuse of previous loans will not be eligible for this facility. The scheme, valid for three years, will be operated using surplus liquidity from scheduled banks, which must sign separate agreements with Bangladesh Bank to participate. According to the circular, the initiative seeks to boost industrial production, employment, exports, and overall economic activity. Priority will be given to export-oriented and high-potential enterprises, as well as entrepreneurs reopening closed factories through acquisition or lease. Each borrower may receive up to Tk 200 crore for a maximum term of one year, with interest rates capped at 7 percent. The funds must be used for operational expenses such as wages, utilities, and raw materials, not for repaying existing loans. Banks will bear all credit risks and must ensure proper loan utilization through regular reporting and inspections. Misuse of funds will trigger penalties, including recovery from the bank’s account and possible legal action against involved parties.

National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan said that the recent increase in electricity prices will directly raise production costs, affecting sectors from agriculture to industry. He made the remarks on Thursday at a seminar organized by Jatiya Juboshokti at the organization’s central office in Banglamotor. Asif Mahmud noted that ordinary citizens in Bangladesh are already burdened with various taxes, including those on personal vehicles and motorcycles, yet improvements in public services remain limited. He criticized the lack of effective planning to address road infrastructure and traffic congestion, despite tax revenues being collected for such development. Discussing the electricity price adjustment, he pointed out that while the government promotes a reduction in monthly charges for prepaid meters, it has simultaneously raised electricity tariffs. He warned that this move could increase commodity prices and urged the government to take necessary measures to minimize the negative impact on the general population.

Inquilab Mancha organized a torch procession at Dhaka University on Thursday evening, demanding justice for the killing of Sharif Osman bin Hadi. The march began at the base of the Raju Sculpture around 7:30 p.m. and concluded at the same location after passing through Shahbagh. Participants chanted slogans calling for justice, the return of the killers to Bangladesh, and the exposure of alleged domestic and foreign conspiracies behind the murder. At a press conference held the previous day at Madhu’s Canteen, the organization’s member secretary Abdullah Al Jaber accused authorities of repeatedly delaying the investigation and failing to take effective action to bring the perpetrators to justice. He alleged that attempts were made to shield those involved and that the killing might have deeper domestic and international links beyond political rivalry. Jaber also raised questions about border security and the role of intelligence agencies, noting that the suspects fled the country soon after the incident. Inquilab Mancha demanded a specific deadline for repatriating the accused and called for a United Nations–supervised international investigation into the murder.

Opposition Whip and Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Rafiqul Islam Khan said that the people of Bangladesh would not allow 'looters' to take control of Islami Bank. He made the remarks on Thursday afternoon at a protest rally held at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka. The rally was organized to protest what participants called the irrational and abnormal increase in electricity prices, demanding its withdrawal and control of rising commodity costs. The demonstration was part of a nationwide program organized by Jamaat-e-Islami’s Dhaka North and South city units. After the rally, a procession marched through several streets. Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar stated that the government had sought and received public support for a referendum but was now ignoring that mandate. He urged the authorities to stop corruption instead of raising electricity prices. The event reflected Jamaat’s continued criticism of government economic policies and its call for immediate reduction in power and fuel prices.

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj announced that the government has adopted a phased plan to supply uniforms and shoes to about 10.7 million government primary school students. As part of a 180-day program, a pilot initiative is being implemented to test the effectiveness of distributing quality clothing and footwear. The announcement came during a meeting at the ministry with leading footwear brands to discuss free distribution of uniforms and shoes to students. Hajjaj stated that top organizations in the country’s garment industry have already responded positively, providing over 400,000 uniforms for the pilot project. The government also expects cooperation from domestic footwear manufacturers. Initial discussions focused on supplying white velcro shoes for first-grade students, considering size variations and gender-specific needs. Companies were asked to submit details on potential donations, delivery timelines, and production costs. The minister emphasized that the government aims to show visible progress in the pilot program by August and begin implementation within the administration’s first six months. Senior ministry officials and top footwear company executives attended the meeting.

Just days before the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins, Mexico City has witnessed violent protests targeting government buildings. Demonstrators, linked to a faction of the CNTE teachers’ union, stormed the Education Ministry headquarters, damaging property and setting small fires. The unrest comes as the city prepares for the tournament’s opening match between Mexico and South Africa on June 11 at the historic Azteca Stadium. President Claudia Sheinbaum has stated that her government will not resort to repression ahead of the global event. The teachers are demanding a significant salary increase and the repeal of a controversial pension law. Although the government has offered a 9 percent pay raise, protesters continue to demand a 100 percent increase. The current starting monthly salary for public school teachers in Mexico is about 967 dollars. Demonstrators have also threatened to continue their movement during the World Cup if their demands remain unmet. Despite the political tension, the Mexican government remains firm in its commitment to hosting the World Cup as planned.

Nasiruddin Patwari, chief coordinator of the National Citizens Party (NCP), has called on the government to politically resist the Awami League, which he described as a fascist force likely to fall in the July uprising. He made the remarks on Thursday at a seminar organized by the National Youth Power at its central office in Banglamotor. Patwari criticized the Election Commission for alleged election engineering and warned that any repeat of such actions would be met with street protests. He also accused the government of neglecting youth development, claiming it avoids investing in young people to prevent the rise of skilled manpower that could challenge its authority. According to him, the government’s failure to create employment opportunities risks turning the youth into a burden on society. He further cautioned that the reasons for the Awami League’s rejection by the public could also apply to the BNP if it follows the same system. Patwari emphasized the need to engage the new generation properly to safeguard national sovereignty.

A meeting on the implementation of the Teesta Master Plan was held on Thursday afternoon at the Cabinet Division in the Prime Minister’s Office, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. After the meeting, Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee told reporters that the discussion focused on integrated water management in the Teesta basin. Ministers from the Disaster Management and Relief Ministry, the State Minister for Water Resources, advisers, secretaries, and other relevant officials attended the meeting. The minister said that the Teesta Master Plan had been presented to the nation as a pre-election commitment, and the government is now working to fulfill that pledge. Efforts are underway to accelerate the integrated water management process. He added that a team of experts has already begun work on the project, and an eight-member expert committee has been formed to support the implementation. According to the minister, the committee is expected to submit its report within the next one to one and a half months, marking a key step toward advancing the plan’s execution.

Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman returned to Bangladesh after winning the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. Speaking to journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he described his victory as the result of collective effort and sincere support from all involved. When asked whether he would continue as foreign minister while serving as UNGA president, Rahman recalled that former foreign minister Humayun Rashid Choudhury had successfully held both positions four decades ago, even without modern communication tools. He noted that technological advancements now make managing such responsibilities smoother. Rahman further stated that he had already clarified his position on holding both roles. He mentioned that the current UNGA president before him had been Germany’s foreign minister but could not continue in that role after his party lost the election.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Cumilla Metropolitan unit organized a protest rally and gathering on Thursday afternoon at the Cumilla Town Hall field, opposing the government’s repeated increases in fuel and electricity prices. The event demanded immediate withdrawal of the new rates and called for control over rising commodity prices. The rally was led by city unit Ameer and central executive member Kazi Din Mohammad, who addressed the gathering before the procession. Speakers at the event accused the government of worsening public hardship by raising energy prices, which they said would increase transport costs, agricultural expenses, and prices of essential goods, disproportionately affecting low-income citizens. They urged the authorities to take effective measures to protect people’s purchasing power and warned of a nationwide movement if the decisions were not reversed. The protest march, attended by a large number of party leaders, activists, and citizens, concluded at the central Eidgah ground after parading through key city streets.