The government has withdrawn its plan to make music, dance and drama compulsory subjects in primary education. Following this decision, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish suspended its previously announced protest marches. The party’s secretary general, Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmad, confirmed that the initiative did not receive cabinet approval and that the government has stepped back from implementing it. In a statement, the party said that imposing any education policy conflicting with Islamic values, family ideals, and public beliefs would harm national unity, social stability, and the education system. It urged the government to act cautiously in the future and respect religious and cultural values. The party also expressed concern that certain groups within the administration repeatedly propose measures inconsistent with the nation’s religious and social sentiments. Earlier, on June 10, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj had announced plans to include music, drama, dance, and fine arts in the curriculum from 2027, aiming to create new employment opportunities for trained teachers and artists.

Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan told Parliament that Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) prevented 36 push-in attempts by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) following the West Bengal state election. He said that since August 5, 2024, a total of 2,369 people were pushed in by BSF, of whom 2,175 were handed to local police, 11 returned to BSF, and 183 were pushed back. The statement came during a parliamentary question session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed. In response to other questions, the minister described BSF’s killing of unarmed Bangladeshi citizens as a clear human rights violation and said the issue was raised strongly in BGB–BSF director general–level meetings. He added that no formal agreement exists for compensation from India, though Bangladesh continues to oppose the use of lethal weapons at the border and presses for accountability. The minister also outlined ongoing measures to strengthen border security, including fencing initiatives along sensitive areas and enhanced patrols to curb smuggling, drug trafficking, and cross-border crimes.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of the National Citizens Party (NCP) for the southern region and a member of parliament, declared that his political struggle will continue until equal dignity and rights are established for all citizens. He pledged not to accept any personal privileges or participate in VIP culture until state services and facilities are equally guaranteed for ordinary people. According to a press release from the NCP UK Alliance, Abdullah made the commitment during a reception held on Sunday at Maida Banqueting Hall in London’s Whitechapel area, organized in honor of his UK visit. He paid tribute to the contributions of expatriate Bangladeshis during the July uprising and called for unity among citizens, intellectuals, youth, and pro-democracy forces at home and abroad to build a new Bangladesh. The event concluded peacefully despite attempts by fugitive Awami League activists to disrupt it, thanks to the efforts of NCP UK Alliance volunteers and local law enforcement. Expatriate Bangladeshis, July fighters, NCP leaders, and community figures from various UK cities attended the program.

Popular Bangladeshi singer Asif Akbar has called for recognizing entertainment as the country's sixth basic need, citing a severe shortage of recreational opportunities. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, he emphasized that entertainment is vital for mental development, especially for children, and that its absence fosters violence, jealousy, and frustration. He argued that sports and cultural activities are the most effective ways to nurture creativity and emotional well-being. Asif also highlighted the cultural vision of late President Ziaur Rahman, recalling his meetings with musicians in 1979–80 that helped shape the country's band music scene. He noted that Zia had removed import duties on Western instruments, which contributed to the 1990s band music boom. Asif praised the current government for fully withdrawing a previously imposed 5% duty in the 2026–27 budget, saying it would strengthen the foundation of Bangladeshi music amid the rise of AI-generated music. He further urged the government to launch a nationwide cultural revolution, stressing that entertainment is a fundamental right for children and essential for building a healthy, prosperous nation.

Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman informed the National Parliament that the government is planning to construct another barrage on the Teesta River to conserve water during the dry season. He said that technical and financial aspects of the project are currently under examination at various stages. The announcement came on Wednesday in response to a question from NCP Member of Parliament Akhtar Hossain during a parliamentary session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed. The Prime Minister added that a feasibility study for a sustainable and integrated development plan centered on the Teesta River has already been completed. The study report proposes the Teesta Master Plan, which includes 110 kilometers of riverbank protection, 110 kilometers of river dredging, 224 kilometers of flood control embankments with roads, construction and repair of 67 groynes or spurs, and recovery and development of 170 square kilometers of land. The plan aims to ensure sustainable river management and enhance water resource utilization in the Teesta basin, though implementation details and timelines have not yet been disclosed.

CNN has published a 14-point draft memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States, describing it as a potential historic agreement amid ongoing Middle East tensions. The draft includes provisions for a ceasefire, normalization of shipping in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, easing of sanctions on Iran, and commitments regarding Tehran’s nuclear program. According to CNN, the document was obtained from a U.S. official and verified by diplomatic sources at the G7 summit in France, though a White House spokesperson said the leaked text does not reflect the final deal. The report states that U.S. President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf digitally signed the draft on Sunday, with a formal signing planned in Switzerland on Friday. The agreement outlines a 60-day period to finalize the deal. It allows Iran to export oil and petrochemical products and access a $300 billion development fund if nuclear commitments are met, though the draft provides no clear explanation about Iran’s highly enriched uranium. The 14 clauses cover ceasefire terms, mutual respect for sovereignty, lifting of sanctions, maritime security, and UN Security Council endorsement of the final agreement.

Police in Netrokona arrested fifteen individuals for allegedly organizing a gambling event under the guise of a bullfight. The arrests took place early Wednesday morning in the Kandulia Kalibari area of Sadar upazila. Officers seized 243,670 taka in cash, a pickup van, and a bull used in the fight during the operation. According to police, the group had arranged the bullfight beside the Netrokona-Mohanganj road, where gambling activities were taking place. The raid was conducted around 4:30 a.m., leading to the detention of all fifteen suspects and the confiscation of the gambling materials. A case has been filed at the Netrokona Model Police Station. District police spokesperson Additional Superintendent of Police (Special Branch) Hafizur Rahman confirmed the arrests and stated that the detainees have been sent to court for legal proceedings.

Police in Godagari upazila of Rajshahi arrested a man named Suman Sardar on Wednesday for allegedly making derogatory comments about Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) on Facebook. He was detained from his in-laws’ home in the Premtali area under Matikata Union following a written complaint filed at the Godagari Model Police Station. According to police and local sources, around 10 to 15 residents of Mandail village under Rishikul Union verbally complained at the Kakonhat Investigation Center on Tuesday night that Suman Sardar had posted offensive remarks from his personal Facebook account. Police advised them to submit a written complaint the next day, which led to the arrest operation. Godagari Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Atikur Rahman stated that the accused was arrested after receiving the complaint and that the matter is under serious investigation. Legal action will be taken if the allegations are proven true.

Police in Dhaka have re-arrested Golam Azam, a 45-year-old expelled BNP leader and owner of Rikab International Tours and Travels, who had previously escaped custody while leading a prayer. The arrest took place on Wednesday morning, June 17, in the Nandipara area of Madartek, following a technology-assisted operation by Paltan police. According to Paltan Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mostafa Kamal, a warrant had been issued against Golam Azam by a Chandpur court under the Overseas Employment and Migration Act, 2013. When police attempted to execute the warrant on June 15 at his office in Purana Paltan, he requested to lead the Asr prayer and fled during the second rakah. Police later tracked him down with the help of intelligence units. Authorities stated that Golam Azam has long been involved in manpower export and faces multiple human trafficking-related cases. Although he presents himself as an influential BNP figure, police said he was expelled from the party long ago and holds no official position. Investigations are ongoing to determine further legal action.

U.S. President Donald Trump has again signaled a hardline stance toward Iran while discussing a possible agreement between the two countries. Speaking to reporters on June 17, 2026, he said that if Iran fails to comply with the terms of the deal, the United States could resort to military action once more. When asked whether the agreement was final, Trump clarified that it was not. Trump described the current understanding as a memorandum of understanding rather than a finalized deal. He warned that if the arrangement did not meet his expectations, the U.S. would resume attacks, including bombing Iran. He further stated that if Iran did not behave properly, direct bombings could be carried out again. The remarks, reported by Al Jazeera, underscore continuing tensions between Washington and Tehran over compliance and the durability of any potential agreement.

U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply criticized former President Barack Obama over the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France, Trump alleged that the Obama administration effectively tried to bribe Iran by sending $1.7 billion in cash as part of the deal. He claimed the money was flown to Tehran on a Boeing 757 and that Iranians celebrated upon its arrival. Trump further mocked Iran’s reaction, saying the country had laughed at Obama and viewed him as weak. He contrasted his own approach, asserting that he did not follow Obama’s path of resolving issues through financial concessions. The JCPOA, signed in 2015 between Iran and major world powers, imposed limits on Tehran’s nuclear program in exchange for easing international sanctions. Trump had opposed the deal from the outset and withdrew the United States from it in 2018.

Investigators of the International Crimes Tribunal questioned journalists Farzana Rupa and Mozammel Babu at a safe home in connection with the 2013 Shapla Chattar massacre case involving Hefazat-e-Islam’s rally in Dhaka. During interrogation, both stated that their reporting had been done under higher authority’s instructions and denied any personal responsibility. The questioning took place earlier this week, according to tribunal sources. Officials showed them video footage of press conferences by ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from around August 5, 2024, which Mozammel Babu claimed were created using artificial intelligence. The tribunal had granted permission for their interrogation on June 7 following a prosecution request and set August 10 for submission of the investigation report. Nine accused are currently in custody, including former ministers and senior police officials, while several others, including Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir, remain fugitives. The prosecution stated that 58 people were killed in the May 5, 2013 incidents across four locations, with 32 deaths in Dhaka alone.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported that the reopening of the Hormuz Strait will allow the global oil market to gradually return to normal conditions. According to its latest monthly oil market report, the removal of the U.S. naval blockade and the resumption of operations through the Iranian-controlled strait have eased a major supply disruption that had previously affected more than 14 million barrels of daily production and transport. The IEA noted that if current agreements remain effective, oil production and exports from the Gulf region will steadily increase. The lifting of U.S. restrictions has created an opportunity for Iran to fully restart its oil exports. The agency’s data show that oil flow through the strait, which had dropped to 9.6 million barrels per day in May, has now risen to about 12 million barrels per day due to increased ship-to-ship transfers in the Gulf of Oman. However, the IEA cautioned that full normalization will take time as mine clearance and supply chain repairs continue. Once these challenges are resolved, the agency expects stability and gradual improvement in global oil supply.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch (DB) and Jatrabari Police arrested Shishir Munna, 28, the administrator of Facebook pages of former land minister Narayan Chandra Chanda and former MP Anupam Shahjahan Joy. He was detained in Motijheel around 2:30 a.m. on June 16 on charges of fraud, forgery, and embezzlement. According to DB sources, Munna and his associates took Tk 11.27 lakh from a businessman by promising investment opportunities in a government project in Qatar, later providing fake visas and airline tickets. Investigators said Munna had worked as a social media campaigner and content creator for the two former Awami League leaders. He allegedly used their names to deceive people with false promises of overseas employment and business investment, collecting large sums of money. DB sources added that Munna went to Qatar after August 5, 2024, returned to Bangladesh in April 2025, and resumed fraudulent activities. A pending arrest warrant from South Keraniganj Police Station also exists against him. Police are continuing investigations into Munna’s network and financial dealings related to the alleged scams.

The Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal has suspended Md. Maidul Islam Bappy, senior vice president of its Begum Rokeya University (BRU) unit, following allegations that he abused his wife for dowry and money for drugs. The decision was announced on Tuesday through a press release signed by the organization’s office secretary, Md. Jahangir Alam. The statement said the suspension was made under the central committee’s directive for violating organizational discipline, and further organizational action is under process. The allegations surfaced on Monday when Bappy’s wife accused him of physical and mental abuse, dowry demands, and death threats. She reportedly submitted written complaints to the university administration and central Chhatra Dal leaders, claiming repeated demands for money since their marriage and threats when she refused. The issue sparked widespread discussion on the university campus. Following the public allegations, the central Chhatra Dal took the matter into consideration and decided to suspend Bappy’s organizational position pending further investigation.