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.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for a drone strike on the United States Fifth Fleet base in Bahrain. The IRGC stated that the attack was carried out in retaliation for US strikes on several locations in southern Iran, including Jask, Sirik, and Qeshm Island. The incident occurred amid ongoing hostilities between the two sides. According to the IRGC, the US attacks damaged a telecommunications tower and destroyed two water tanks in Sirik’s Bemani district. The IRGC warned that more severe retaliatory actions would follow if what it called US military aggression continued. In Bahrain, warning sirens were activated, and the Interior Ministry urged residents to remain calm and move to safe areas. Al Jazeera reported from Tehran that both the IRGC and the Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters confirmed strikes on several US bases in the Gulf region, though only the Bahrain base was specifically identified. The situation remains tense as both sides signal readiness for further escalation.

A college student named Nahian Robin, an activist of the banned Chhatra League, was beaten and hacked to death late Monday night in Gafargaon, Mymensingh. The attack occurred near Shilasi Mazar Bari Road as Robin was returning home after celebrating his 23rd birthday. His friend Masum was also injured when unidentified assailants threw chili powder in their faces and attacked them with pipes and sharp weapons. Robin later died at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital. Police arrested Rajib Mia, a Youth League activist, from his home on College Road in Gafargaon on Tuesday morning in connection with the killing. Officers recovered two pistols, ammunition, yaba tablets, and knives from his residence, where traces of blood were also found. Police said both Robin and Rajib were active in rival political groups, and initial findings suggest the murder stemmed from political conflict. Robin’s parents demanded justice and the death penalty for those responsible. Police have sent the body for autopsy and stated that operations are continuing to apprehend others involved.

The United States carried out multiple airstrikes in Iran early Wednesday local time, following accusations that Iranian forces shot down a US military helicopter. According to Iranian state media, explosions were reported in Qeshm Island, Jask, Sirik, and Bandar Abbas. The US described the operation as a proportional response to what it called Iran’s unjustified aggression. Explosions were also heard along Iran’s Persian Gulf coast and near the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of a wider regional conflict. US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated on X that its forces used precision munitions from Air Force and Navy aircraft to strike Iranian air defense systems, ground control centers, and radar sites near the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes followed reports from US media that an Apache helicopter had crashed in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday. President Donald Trump claimed that Iranian forces shot down the helicopter, which fell into the Gulf of Oman. The developments have heightened tensions in the Middle East, with concerns that the situation could escalate further if retaliatory actions continue.