Prime Minister’s adviser Dr. Zahidur Rahman said he returned from India as an immediate act of protest. He made the statement on Tuesday at a press conference held at the Department of Information in Dhaka’s Secretariat, responding to a journalist’s question about his sudden return. Rahman explained that he had traveled to India as a government representative, not in a personal capacity. He stated that an instant protest was necessary following the incident he faced there, prompting his decision to return. He added that Indian authorities made efforts to facilitate his entry, but he declined, considering it important to register a formal protest on behalf of the state. The adviser emphasized that the incident would not affect bilateral relations, noting that Dhaka seeks a rational relationship with New Delhi. According to the report, the incident occurred at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, where Rahman experienced discourteous behavior.

Dr. Sheikh Mohiuddin has resigned from his position as Executive Director of Ad-Din Medical College Hospital, and Professor Jamalunnesa has taken over the role. The announcement was made on Tuesday morning through a notice signed by Tariqul Islam Mukul, Director of Company Affairs at Ad-Din Foundation. The notice stated that the organization is deeply saddened by a recent child death incident at the hospital and has already taken disciplinary action against responsible staff based on preliminary investigations. The statement further mentioned that Ad-Din Foundation is committed to strengthening oversight and reassessing protocols. Following government guidance, the foundation has begun infrastructure improvements, including measures to enhance ventilation and oxygen flow under the supervision of three independent consultants. Additionally, the bakery located above the corporate office has been permanently closed. Professor Jamalunnesa recently retired voluntarily after more than 25 years of teaching in the Department of Microbiology at the University of Dhaka. Ad-Din Foundation, a non-profit organization established in 1980, continues to provide healthcare, education, and welfare services across its network of hospitals and institutions.

The proposed Finance Bill 2026 in Bangladesh seeks to exempt listed banks, insurance, and non-bank financial institutions from the obligation to distribute 30 percent of their income as dividends. The bill, presented in the National Parliament, introduces amendments to Section 22 of the Income Tax Act 2023, allowing these institutions to transfer post-tax profits to retained earnings or reserves without paying the current 10 percent tax on such transfers. The Bangladesh Bank recently restricted dividend payments by banks with less than Tk 2,000 crore in paid-up capital to strengthen their financial base. The new proposal extends dividend distribution relief to other financial institutions as well. For general listed companies, the bill revises the tax calculation method, imposing a 10 percent tax only on the portion of profit transferred to reserves exceeding the 70 percent limit, instead of taxing the entire amount. Tax expert Snehashish Barua noted that the changes would significantly reduce the tax burden on companies, lower business costs, and encourage reinvestment, while allowing financial institutions to reinforce their capital structures.

A 6.7 magnitude shallow earthquake struck Central Indonesia on Tuesday morning, according to the United States Geological Survey. The quake hit southeast of Palu city in Central Sulawesi province at 10:27 a.m. local time. Authorities reported no immediate casualties or major damage following the tremor. Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency said the quake was strongly felt in Palu and Sigi areas but confirmed there was no tsunami threat. A local resident, Nurhaida, described feeling a strong jolt while working in her kitchen and quickly evacuated her home with her children. Indonesia lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region prone to frequent seismic activity due to tectonic plate collisions. The area has a history of destructive earthquakes, including a 7.5 magnitude quake and tsunami in Palu in 2018 that killed more than 2,200 people.

Global oil prices increased again on Tuesday as uncertainty persisted over the details of the US-Iran agreement and concerns grew that it may take time for the Strait of Hormuz to return to full normalcy. Brent crude rose by 26 cents, or 0.3 percent, to reach 83.42 dollars per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) climbed by 46 cents, or 0.3 percent, to 81.12 dollars per barrel. The rebound followed a sharp decline on Monday, when oil prices dropped more than 4 percent after the announcement of a preliminary understanding between the United States and Iran to end ongoing hostilities. Analysts noted that many questions about the agreement remain unanswered, and uncertainty over the timeline for restoring normal oil transport through the Strait of Hormuz continues to weigh on the market. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump claimed that a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the conflict had been electronically signed by him, Vice President JD Vance, and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, according to reports from Reuters and AFP.

Under a new peace agreement signed by US President Donald Trump, ships will be able to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without paying tolls. The United States clarified that Iran must fulfill all commitments under the deal before receiving any economic benefits. According to AFP, a senior US official said a proposed $300 billion fund may be created to help rebuild war-torn Iran, but disbursement will depend on Tehran’s progress in implementing the agreement. The memorandum of understanding was signed electronically by President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. A US official said Trump’s personal signature was meant to signal his commitment to the peace process. Vice President Vance described the document as a brief, one-and-a-half-page text, leaving complex issues such as Iran’s nuclear program for later negotiations. Vance also stated that international nuclear inspectors would be allowed to re-enter Iran to assist in dismantling enriched uranium stockpiles. Expert-level discussions are scheduled this week to finalize details, ahead of a formal signing ceremony planned in Geneva, Switzerland.

Around 22,000 sailors have been stranded in the Persian Gulf for nearly four months and are reported to be severely affected, according to Saman Rezaei, head of the Iranian Merchant Mariners Syndicate (IMMS). He said threats and attacks on commercial vessels have sharply increased since the start of the U.S. naval blockade, heightening maritime tensions and causing casualties among sailors, fishermen, dockworkers, pilots, and other civilians. Rezaei emphasized that regardless of political outcomes, ensuring the safe departure of all sailors through international cooperation is now the top priority. He noted that many sailors have been killed or gone missing, and the psychological toll on them and their families during the conflict is immense. Pointing to post-war recovery, Rezaei indicated a phased restoration process beginning with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Switzerland on June 19. Iran has pledged to begin mine clearance within 30 days, though full resumption of large vessel operations may take up to eight months due to safety checks, high insurance costs, and lingering distrust.

Workers of Nasa Garments staged a protest on Tuesday morning by blocking the main road near Love Road in Dhaka’s Tejgaon industrial area. The demonstration, demanding payment of salaries, leave allowances, service benefits, and other dues, brought traffic on the Mohakhali-Tejgaon corridor to a standstill. Police and eyewitnesses said hundreds of workers gathered around 10:15 a.m., occupying a large section of the road and causing severe congestion across nearby routes. According to Tejgaon Industrial Area Police Station’s officer-in-charge Mahbubur Rahman, the workers were demanding settlement of long-pending dues. Police were present at the scene to maintain order and continued discussions with the protesters. The workers claimed that despite repeated assurances, their legal entitlements remained unpaid even after factory downsizing or closure, forcing them into financial hardship. The protesting workers presented seven demands, including payment of May 2026 wages, 2025 leave allowances, December 2025 area bills, notice pay, 120 days’ wages and benefits under labor law, full service benefits, and assurance against harassment or legal action. Similar protests by the same group’s workers occurred in April, May, and June, but no lasting resolution has been achieved.

The head of Iran’s Merchant Marine Union, Saman Rezaei, told Al Jazeera that even after the current crisis ends, maritime transport through the Strait of Hormuz will never return to its pre-war state. Rezaei, who also serves as secretary general of the Iranian Merchant Mariners Syndicate under the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), said the conflict has shattered the long-standing order and structure that once made the strait a safe haven for commercial shipping. According to Rezaei, the global shipping industry views the return to normal operations in the strait as a long and uncertain process. He noted that recovery depends on sustainable peace, visible reduction of threats, and several successful accident-free voyages. The ITF has indicated that clearing vessel congestion and rotating crews could take several weeks, possibly months. Rezaei added that many key port, transport, trade, and oil facilities along both shores of the Persian Gulf were damaged during the war, requiring significant time and financial resources for repair and reconstruction.

A woman in Chattogram has accused a police detective of detaining her overnight, assaulting her, and extorting Tk 11 million under threat. According to the complaint, Lutfur Nesa, wife of expatriate Fazlul Kader Badsha, was taken from her home on December 24, 2025, by men identifying as police detectives, including Sub-Inspector Mohiuddin Raju. She was allegedly held for 16 hours at the Detective Branch office, forced to sign a document, and later compelled to pay Tk 11 million out of fear for her family’s safety. Screenshots, audio recordings, and court documents reportedly support the payment claim. The case was filed on June 1, 2026, in the Chattogram Metropolitan Magistrate Court, which directed the Police Bureau of Investigation to probe the allegations. The accused officer denied the charges, claiming he only mediated a financial dispute. Civic group Sujan’s Chattogram secretary termed the allegations a serious abuse of power, while the city’s police commissioner said legal action would follow based on the investigation’s outcome. The court-ordered investigation is ongoing, and authorities have pledged strict measures if wrongdoing is confirmed.

Rice prices in Bangladesh have risen sharply ahead of the national budget announcement, with wholesale and retail prices increasing by up to 10 taka per kilogram over the past month. Traders attribute the surge to manipulation by mill owners and corporate groups, citing the suspension of import letters of credit (LCs) as a key factor. Consumers accuse a syndicate of creating an artificial shortage to raise prices, while mill owners claim reduced paddy supply and rising costs are driving the increase. Government officials, however, maintain that no commodity prices have risen due to the budget. According to the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh, prices of fine, medium, and coarse rice varieties have increased by 1.29%, 2.50%, and 3.70% respectively in a month. Retailers in Dhaka’s major markets report that all rice types, including Miniket, Atash, and Nazirshail, have become costlier, alongside flour and soybean oil. The Consumer Rights Directorate and the Commerce Ministry have been urged to intensify monitoring to prevent hoarding and manipulation. Officials from the Food Department said the government has sufficient reserves and can stabilize the market through imports and open market sales if necessary. The Commerce Ministry indicated that strict action may follow if syndicate activity is proven.

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha delivered a stunning performance in Atlanta, holding World Cup and European champions Spain to a goalless draw in the nation’s first-ever World Cup appearance. Spain took 27 shots, seven on target, but the 40-year-old goalkeeper repeatedly denied them, including key saves against Ferran Torres, Mikel Oyarzabal, and Aymeric Laporte. His efforts created one of the tournament’s biggest upsets and earned Cape Verde a historic point. After the match, Vozinha broke down in tears, explaining that his emotion came from personal loss and hardship. He said he was raised by his grandparents, who had passed away years earlier, and that his mother could not attend the match due to visa complications and lack of funds. His story of perseverance and sacrifice resonated widely across the football world. Former players and analysts praised Vozinha’s performance and composure. BBC analyst Pat Nevin called his display unbelievable, while former England defender Lee Dixon said he was deeply moved by the goalkeeper’s tears and Cape Verde’s deserved result.

Bangladesh’s only super specialized hospital, launched in 2022 in Dhaka’s Shahbagh with promises of world-class treatment at low cost, remains largely nonfunctional due to corruption, mismanagement, and severe staffing shortages. Despite being inaugurated before completion, most specialized services such as kidney and liver transplants, cardiology, and cancer care are inactive. The hospital, built at a cost of about Tk 1,560 crore with South Korean funding, now operates with minimal staff and limited services. Multiple reports detail irregularities in recruitment, procurement, and training programs. The Anti-Corruption Commission found evidence of misuse of funds, fake recruitment, and sending unnecessary personnel abroad for training. Around 80 percent of medical equipment worth Tk 283 crore has never been used, and some have already deteriorated. Patients complain of high costs comparable to private hospitals despite poor service quality. Officials say full operation requires new laws and large-scale recruitment. The administration is reviewing previous recruitment processes and exploring ways to engage expatriate Bangladeshi specialists, but no timeline has been set for full activation.

Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, spokesperson of the National Citizens Party (NCP), stated that the media should not serve as a mouthpiece for any ruler, political party, or power center, but remain loyal only to truth and the people. He made the remarks on Tuesday, June 16, through a Facebook post marking Bangladesh’s Press Black Day. In his statement, Bhuiyan recalled that on this day in 1975, the BAKSAL government under Sheikh Mujibur Rahman shut down all newspapers except four, leaving thousands of journalists and press workers jobless and silencing the nation’s independent voice. He said that even after the fall of BAKSAL, press freedom in Bangladesh has repeatedly come under attack, particularly during the past 17 years under the Awami League government, which he accused of suppressing dissent and controlling the media. Bhuiyan warned that if the current government continues similar practices, it would repeat past mistakes. He called on all governments to respect press freedom, emphasizing that any attack on media independence is an attack on democracy itself.

The long-delayed Chinese Economic Zone project in Chattogram’s Anwara upazila is being resubmitted for approval at the latest meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), chaired by Prime Minister and ECNEC Chairperson Tareq Rahman. The meeting will also consider five projects worth Tk 7,003.36 crore, including three new and two revised ones. The Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone project, under the Prime Minister’s Office, is among those awaiting approval. The zone will be developed on about 800 acres in Belchura, near the Karnaphuli Tunnel, Chattogram Port, and Shah Amanat International Airport. Initiated in 2014 and formalized through a government-to-government deal with China in 2016, the project stalled due to financing and administrative delays. The Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) will handle offsite infrastructure, while China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) will manage internal development. The project is scheduled from January 2027 to December 2031, funded by Tk 1,722 crore from the government and Tk 2,467 crore in Chinese credit. BEZA expects the project to create about 100,000 direct and 400,000 indirect jobs and attract around USD 500 million in foreign investment, though the Planning Commission has raised concerns over high construction costs.