Mexico, co-host of the World Cup, enters its second group-stage match in strong form after defeating South Africa 2–0 in its opening game. The team will face South Korea on Friday morning at 7 a.m. local time at Estadio Guadalajara. South Korea also began its campaign impressively, beating the Czech Republic 2–1 and extending its unbeaten streak to nine matches, including seven wins and two draws. The Asian side, led by coach Javier Aguirre, remains confident despite Mexico’s home advantage. The two nations last met in the 2018 World Cup, when Mexico won 2–1. They also faced off in 1998, with Mexico winning 3–1. Across all competitions, the teams have met 14 times, with Mexico winning eight, South Korea four, and two matches ending in draws.

A new study has found that more than 13,000 southern elephant seal pups have died from an H5N1 bird flu outbreak on Australia’s remote Heard and McDonald Islands in the Antarctic region. Researchers conducted drone surveys and field inspections between October last year and January this year, revealing that about 13,359 of 17,364 pups on Heard Island died since August, representing over 75 percent mortality, with some areas reaching 97 percent. The study, published on the preprint platform bioRxiv but not yet peer-reviewed, collected samples from nine animal species, detecting the H5N1 virus in six, including southern elephant seals, king penguins, gentoo penguins, Antarctic fur seals, and South Georgia diving petrels. Several hundred adult king penguins also died, a higher-than-normal rate though still a small fraction of the total population. Australia’s Environment Minister Murray Watt described the mass deaths as deeply concerning, warning that the virus could reach the mainland and urging maximum preparedness. Australia remains the only continent where H5N1 bird flu has not yet been detected.

Bangladesh’s Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told parliament that the government has initiated plans to build barbed-wire fences along the Myanmar border and is considering similar measures at sensitive points along the India border. The move aims to curb border killings, illegal crossings, and transnational crimes. The minister said the Border Guard Bangladesh is implementing coordinated actions to strengthen national security and reduce border crimes to zero. Experts cited in the report explained that international law does not prohibit sovereign states from constructing border structures for security or migration control, though bilateral agreements may set specific conditions. The 1974 India-Bangladesh treaty restricts defense installations within 150 yards of the zero line. Professor Shahab Enam Khan said fencing is within Bangladesh’s rights and justified by national security concerns, while former ambassador Munshi Faiz viewed it as a sign of mutual distrust. Observers emphasized that technological surveillance using drones and artificial intelligence could be more effective and less controversial than physical barriers. The government has already approved major border road projects and begun installing smart surveillance systems in sensitive areas.

The Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs has cancelled the appointments of two assistant public prosecutors (APPs) from the Comilla District and Sessions Judge Court. The decision, announced through a circular issued on June 18, 2026, stated that Advocate Md. Monir Hossain Patwari and Advocate Saidul Islam have been relieved of their duties with immediate effect. The order, signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Md. Faruk Hossain, nullified their appointments made on October 29, 2024. According to the ministry’s notice, copies of the order were sent to the district magistrate, district and sessions judge, public prosecutor, and other relevant offices, with instructions to publish it on the ministry’s website. The two lawyers had recently appeared in court premises expressing support for Shibir leader Zisan, who was produced before the Comilla court earlier in the week and later sent to jail. One of the dismissed APPs stated that they had not formally signed as Zisan’s lawyers but only made statements to the media in his favor. The Comilla public prosecutor confirmed receiving the dismissal letters via WhatsApp but said he had no further details.

A crucial local election in the United Kingdom on Thursday is expected to determine the political future of Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The vote, taking place in Ashton-in-Makerfield, could either ease pressure on Starmer or pave the way for his rival, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, to challenge his leadership. Burnham, a senior Labour Party figure, is contesting the seat with the goal of returning to Parliament and potentially replacing Starmer as prime minister. Polls suggest Burnham has a strong chance of winning, though he faces stiff competition from the right-wing Reform UK party. Analysts say the outcome will likely decide whether Burnham’s path to 10 Downing Street opens or Starmer retains his position. Starmer, in power since July 2024, has faced mounting pressure following Labour’s poor performance in recent local elections, internal resignations, and controversies over policy reversals and appointments. Despite declining popularity, Starmer has refused to resign, arguing that his previous electoral mandate remains valid. Voting began at 7 a.m. local time and will conclude at 10 p.m., after which counting will begin.

Four Bangladeshi nationals, including two children, were handed over to their family after being pushed into Bangladesh territory by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) at the Roumari border in Kurigram. The handover took place on Thursday morning, confirmed Roumari Police Station Officer-in-Charge Kawsar Ali. The individuals were identified as Belal Hossain, his wife Sumi Akter, and their two daughters, Faima and Fatema Akter. According to local sources, a flag meeting between the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and BSF was held late Wednesday night, after which the four were handed over to the police on humanitarian grounds. The police later verified their identities and returned them to Belal Hossain’s mother the same night. However, five other people reportedly remained stranded in the no-man’s land amid adverse weather conditions. Earlier, on June 14, BSF personnel from Assam’s South Salmara Mankachar district had attempted to push six Bangladeshi citizens into Bangladesh, but BGB and locals prevented the entry, leaving nine people stuck in total along the border area.

Students of Khulna University staged a protest on June 18, 2026, demanding strict punishment for Professor Dr. Md. Rezaul Islam of the Agrotechnology Discipline, who faces allegations of sexual harassment. The demonstration, held at Hadi Chattar under the banner of general students of the discipline, included participants from various departments. Protesters chanted slogans calling for the professor’s permanent dismissal and later burned his effigy. Student leaders stated that previous incidents of misconduct had ended with temporary suspensions, which they do not want repeated. They emphasized that student safety must not be compromised and warned of tougher actions if the accused is not permanently expelled. The allegations surfaced after a student accused the professor of sending indecent messages on social media, with several others later sharing similar experiences. The university’s Sexual Harassment Prevention Cell has launched an investigation, and the administration has relieved the accused of his role as head of the discipline. Dr. Rezaul Islam denied the allegations, claiming his phone was lost earlier and his social media account may have been misused.

Mohammad Selim Uddin, Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami Dhaka North and mayoral candidate for Dhaka North City Corporation, inaugurated a humanitarian initiative titled 'Humanity Box' at the raw market of Uttara Sector 11 on Thursday. The program was launched under the initiative of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Uttara West Thana to support underprivileged and helpless people. After the inauguration, Selim Uddin walked through the market, meeting shopkeepers and customers. He urged everyone to contribute essential goods, clothing, or financial assistance to the 'Humanity Box' according to their ability, encouraging collective support for disadvantaged members of society. His appeal reportedly drew a strong response from those present at the market. The event was attended by several local leaders, including Mokbul Ahmed, Kamrul Hasan, Salahuddin Bhuiyan, Mahfuzur Rahman, Firoz Alam, Tariq Hasan, and Motaleb Hossain, representing different local and organizational positions.

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.