Abdul Hannan Molla, father of murdered child Ramisa Akter, demanded maximum punishment and justice for the accused Sohel Rana and his wife Swapna Khatun. He made the appeal on Tuesday morning before the first day of witness testimony at the Dhaka Metropolitan Tribunal for the Suppression of Violence Against Children, presided over by Judge Masrur Salekin. Key witnesses including a magistrate, doctor, evidence collector, and local residents were scheduled to testify. The main accused, Sohel Rana, was brought from Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj, while his wife Swapna Khatun was brought from Kashimpur Jail. On Monday, the court framed charges against the couple for rape, murder, and concealment of the body, and summoned 17 witnesses to appear. According to the case file and police sources, Ramisa’s body was recovered on May 19 from a flat in Pallabi, Dhaka. Police alleged that Sohel Rana, a 32-year-old neighbor, killed and mutilated the child before attempting to flee. The victim’s father filed the case the same day at Pallabi Police Station.

The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection in Sirajganj fined several transport operators on June 2, 2026, for charging passengers excessive fares during the post-Eid return journey. The joint operation with the Rapid Action Battalion took place between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Jamuna Bridge West Circle and Soydabad areas. Five CNG auto-rickshaw drivers and two bus supervisors from SI Paribahan and Jamuna Line Paribahan were fined a total of 18,000 taka. Additionally, 24,000 taka in overcharged fares was refunded to passengers on the spot. Passengers reported that regular fares of 300–350 taka had risen to 500–600 taka, with some being asked to pay more for seats. Bus supervisors cited increased fuel prices and empty return trips as reasons for the higher fares. Highway police officials said traffic on the Jamuna Bridge western highway remained normal without congestion, and no formal complaints had been received. Officials confirmed that joint task force operations to protect passenger rights and monitor transport fares will continue in the coming days.

Bangladesh is confronting renewed tensions over transboundary river management as the 30-year Ganges Water Sharing Treaty with India, signed in 1996, approaches its expiry in December 2026. Technical teams from both countries have begun preliminary discussions, but India has informally suggested a new formula based on water flow at the Farakka point, which Bangladeshi experts deem unfair. The uncertainty over renewal has revived concerns about equitable water distribution, particularly as Bangladesh continues to suffer from reduced dry-season flows, salinity, and environmental degradation linked to upstream control. The article highlights that India’s unilateral management of shared rivers has long disadvantaged Bangladesh, affecting agriculture, fisheries, and navigation. The Farakka Barrage, Teesta water-sharing deadlock, and Tipaimukh Dam project are cited as examples of India prioritizing its strategic and domestic interests over regional fairness. Bangladesh’s government is advancing the Padma Barrage project to retain dry-season water, though experts warn of potential ecological side effects. The author urges Bangladesh to strengthen water diplomacy, enhance research capacity, and mobilize international support for binding transboundary river governance to safeguard national interests and environmental security.

After Eid-ul-Azha, leather trading has intensified across Rajshahi, Natore, Naogaon, and Chapainawabganj, but small and seasonal traders are facing severe losses due to non-implementation of government-fixed prices. At Natore’s Chakbaidyanath leather market, many traders returned unsold hides or sold them at a loss, with salted cowhides fetching Tk 900–1,000 and unsalted ones Tk 600–800, though most sold for much less. Goat hides saw almost no buyers, and traders reported prices as low as Tk 300–600 per cowhide in some areas. Wholesalers argued that poor-quality and disease-affected hides reduced prices, while traders blamed a market syndicate and lack of enforcement. The Rajshahi Leather Traders Group acknowledged weak market conditions, with many small traders still holding unsold stock. Experts noted that recurring crises stem from inadequate preservation systems, weak tannery capacity, and lack of transparency in market management. Economists and traders urged coordinated action among collectors, wholesalers, and tanneries to ensure fair prices and transparency. Authorities said they are monitoring to prevent cross-border smuggling, while stakeholders warned that without price enforcement, small traders, madrassas, and orphanages will suffer most.

A commentary published in the Bangladeshi newspaper Amar Desh on June 2, 2026, alleges that former Bangladeshi leader Sheikh Hasina, described as a fugitive convicted of serious crimes, is currently living secretly in New Delhi. The article claims India granted her refuge out of gratitude for her past alignment with Indian interests and to use her as a political tool against Bangladesh. It further asserts that recent interviews attributed to Hasina in Indian media reflect India’s stance rather than her own verified statements. The piece argues that Hasina’s political relevance in Bangladesh has ended following recent elections, which it says were participatory and shifted support toward the opposition. It accuses Indian media and pro-Hasina groups of attempting to keep her politically visible as Bangladesh’s new government pursues independent foreign and defense policies that may not align with India’s preferences. The article concludes that India’s efforts to influence Bangladeshi politics through Hasina and sympathetic voices could create challenges for the current government if not carefully managed.

The election for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly is taking place today at the UN headquarters in New York. Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman is contesting against Cyprus’s Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Andreas S. Kakouris. The vote is scheduled for 10 a.m. local time. The position is allocated to the Asia-Pacific Group under the UN’s regional rotation policy, and although geographically in Europe, Cyprus belongs to that group diplomatically. Bangladesh has received formal support from several countries, including Brazil, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkey, Gambia, and Libya. The country is contesting for this post after nearly four decades, following its previous win in 1986. Officials said Bangladesh intensified diplomatic efforts in the final hours, though limited campaign time posed challenges compared to Cyprus’s year-long promotion. Diplomats and observers are closely watching the vote, which will be conducted by secret ballot. If elected, Dr. Khalilur Rahman would become one of the most influential voices in the 193-member body, offering Bangladesh a platform to shape global discussions on peace, sustainable development, climate action, and governance.

A police team from Eidgaon Police Station in Cox’s Bazar has been accused of assaulting the elderly mother and wife of an expatriate and forcing them out of their home. The complaint was filed by Shahena Akhter, wife of Malaysia-based expatriate Shahjahan, who alleged that on the night of June 29, officers led by Officer-in-Charge A.T.M. Shifatul Majdar, along with SI Ashraf and ASI Zohir, entered her house without reason, physically assaulted her and her mother-in-law, and expelled them from the residence. She later lodged a formal complaint with the Superintendent of Police and held a press conference seeking justice. According to the complaint, the police’s actions allowed Shahjahan’s divorced first wife, Shaheda Sultana Beauty, to re-enter the house, causing social humiliation and distress to the family. In response, OC Shifatul Majdar denied the allegations, stating that police intervened only to rescue a girl allegedly confined by the second wife amid a domestic dispute between the two spouses. He claimed the other accusations were baseless. The matter remains under review following the complaint submission to the district police authority.

The United States and Iran have signaled they do not intend to return to full-scale conflict after the April 8 ceasefire, despite ongoing military strikes and counterstrikes. Mediation efforts by Pakistan, Qatar, and others have continued, but tensions remain high as U.S. forces operate within striking distance of Iran. Tehran is reportedly using the ceasefire to recover from earlier attacks and reorganize its forces, while Washington seeks to maintain pressure through military presence and deterrence. Israel’s renewed bombing in Beirut has further complicated U.S. President Donald Trump’s options, limiting prospects for a broader agreement with Iran. Iran insists that any major deal must include an end to Israeli aggression, while Trump faces domestic opposition to offering concessions. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz since February 28 has severely disrupted global oil supply, causing economic strain across Gulf states and beyond. Regional actors such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar have taken divergent stances, with mediation continuing but progress slow. The prolonged conflict has damaged Gulf stability and global economic confidence, leaving Trump politically cornered and Iran determined to hold its ground.

A six-year-old boy named Jihad has been missing for three days in Bhangura upazila of Pabna. He disappeared on Sunday around 5 p.m. from the Charbhangura Purbo Para area while visiting his maternal grandparents’ home. Jihad is the son of Zafar Iqbal from Agbohor village in Dilpashar union. His father filed a general diary with Bhangura Police Station on Monday morning after failing to locate him. According to Jihad’s father, the family lives in Savar, Dhaka, due to his job and had come home to celebrate Eid. On Saturday, they visited his in-laws’ house in Charbhangura. The child was last seen playing with other children near the house before he went missing. Despite extensive searches, the family has not found any trace of him. Bhangura Police Station’s investigation officer Md. Ariful Islam said police are working to locate the missing child.

U.S. President Donald Trump has informed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of his plan to attend the upcoming NATO summit in Turkey this July, according to multiple sources cited by Middle East Eye. The announcement follows a period of mixed signals from Trump regarding the United States’ role in the alliance. In April, he had said he was seriously considering withdrawing from NATO, but during a May 20 phone call with Erdoğan, he expressed interest in joining the Ankara meeting. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan confirmed that Erdoğan and Trump have spoken several times in recent weeks, and Trump never indicated he would skip the summit. Reports also suggest Erdoğan hopes to meet Trump in Los Angeles on June 25 during a U.S.–Turkey World Cup match, though no final decision has been made. European officials view the Ankara summit as one of the most significant in decades, given uncertainty over U.S. defense commitments. NATO leaders, including Secretary General Mark Rutte, are expected to emphasize the alliance’s importance to transatlantic security. Diplomats suggest allies may seek a gradual U.S. troop withdrawal roadmap if Trump insists on reducing America’s role.

Bangladeshi Hindu community leaders have strongly criticized recent remarks by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, accusing him of making inflammatory statements against Muslims and lower-caste Hindus. They urged him to refrain from interfering in Bangladesh’s affairs and to avoid religious provocation. Despite his comments, Eid-ul-Azha was celebrated peacefully across northern Bangladesh in an atmosphere of communal harmony. Representatives from the Hindu Welfare Trust, Hindu Buddhist Christian Welfare Front, and local business leaders said Adhikari’s actions since taking office have led to oppression of Indian Muslims and marginalized Hindus, particularly around the issue of cattle slaughter during Eid. They emphasized that Bangladeshi Hindus do not support such persecution and maintain close cooperation with Muslims in livestock trade and religious observance. Community figures from Rangpur and other northern border districts confirmed that Adhikari’s rhetoric has had no impact on Bangladesh’s interfaith relations. They reaffirmed that people of all religions continue to celebrate their festivals together peacefully, upholding the country’s tradition of religious coexistence.

Chapainawabganj District Council Administrator Harunur Rashid sparked controversy after alleging that all current district BNP leaders are secretly affiliated with Jamaat-e-Islami and did not vote for their own party during elections. He made the comments on Saturday while addressing a discussion and prayer event organized by the district Chhatra Dal to mark the 45th martyrdom anniversary of former President Ziaur Rahman. Harunur Rashid urged the BNP chairperson to investigate the matter, claiming that those in leadership positions had supported Jamaat instead of BNP candidates. When contacted on Monday, Harunur Rashid confirmed that he stood by his earlier remarks and declined to elaborate further. His comments drew sharp condemnation from district BNP leaders. Member Secretary Rafiqul Islam (Rafiq Chinese) dismissed Harun’s claims as personal opinions, asserting that the current committee, formed in 2021 under Tarique Rahman’s direction, has been active in political movements. He countered that Harun himself had praised the ruling Awami League in parliament and was rejected by voters in the last election. Other district BNP leaders also rejected Harun’s allegations, insisting that the party operates transparently and follows Ziaur Rahman’s ideals.

Los Angeles has turned into a citywide celebration as it prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. From early June, the city’s landscape has changed, with flags of 48 teams flying from Santa Monica Beach to downtown skyscrapers. On June 12, host nation United States will face Paraguay at SoFi Stadium, officially called the Los Angeles Stadium by FIFA. The opening ceremony will feature performances by global stars including Katy Perry, Lisa of Blackpink, Future, Anitta, and Rema, alongside football legend Mia Hamm. The Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee has announced ten official fan zones across the city, with festivities running for 39 days. The FIFA Fan Festival will begin June 11–14 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum before spreading to Venice Beach, Hollywood parks, and multicultural neighborhoods. Host Committee President Kathryn Schloessman said the events aim to unite people of all ages and cultures. According to the Los Angeles Times, the tournament is expected to generate $594 million in business for LA County and $30.5 billion nationwide. The city has introduced special express buses and shuttles to ease traffic as communities across Los Angeles prepare to celebrate together.

Hezbollah has agreed to stop attacks on Israel under a United States proposal, while Israel has pledged not to strike Beirut, according to statements from both sides. The Lebanese embassy in Washington confirmed receiving Hezbollah’s acceptance of the US plan for mutual cessation of hostilities. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also confirmed the arrangement but warned that operations in southern Lebanon would continue if Hezbollah attacks persisted. US President Donald Trump said he had spoken with Netanyahu and Hezbollah representatives, claiming both agreed to end all forms of shelling. Despite the agreement, isolated clashes have continued along the Lebanon-Israel border. Hezbollah reported drone and artillery attacks on Israeli positions near two northern villages, while Israel said it intercepted two missiles fired from Lebanon. Lebanese media reported Israeli strikes in southern areas, including a powerful explosion in Debbin. Iran’s foreign minister warned that violations of the ceasefire in Lebanon would threaten the broader US-Iran truce, and Iranian media suggested Tehran might suspend indirect talks with Washington. The Lebanese embassy said the ceasefire could later expand across Lebanon, though Netanyahu indicated Israeli forces would maintain operations in the south.

A seven-year-old girl named Fatema was taken by a crocodile from the main ghat of the pond at Khan Jahan Ali shrine in Bagerhat around 9:30 p.m. on Monday. Thousands of people gathered at the site immediately after the incident. Shrine authorities informed the administration, prompting a rescue operation joined by the local lawmaker, deputy commissioner, superintendent of police, and political figures. The rescue team initially failed to locate the child. At around 4:40 a.m. on June 2, the child’s body was recovered floating near the ghat. The shrine’s chief caretaker, Fakir Tarikul Islam, confirmed the recovery. Local resident Mohammad Hamim described the incident as tragic and warned that such occurrences could discourage visitors unless the crocodile is relocated to a secure area. Another resident, Jaber Sheikh, claimed the crocodile was not originally from the shrine but brought from India and belongs to an aggressive species. The child’s mother, known locally as Pagli, has been identified and was seen mourning near the site, unable to speak after the incident.