Law Minister Md. Anisul Haque announced that the next national parliamentary election in Bangladesh will be held under a caretaker government, following a directive from the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court. He made the statement during a press conference at his office in the Secretariat on Thursday morning, adding that a bill related to this matter will be introduced in the upcoming session of the National Parliament.

The minister stated that the Appellate Division’s verdict reflects the aspirations of the people. Once the full copy of the judgment is received, the government will form a special committee to amend the constitution accordingly. He emphasized that the government will uphold public expectations, including those expressed in the July Charter, as part of its commitment to democratic governance.

The announcement marks a significant step toward implementing the Supreme Court’s directive and preparing the legislative framework for the caretaker government system ahead of the next election.

Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has nearly come to a standstill following US attacks on Iran, according to Bloomberg citing ship tracking data. Only a US-sanctioned supertanker and an Iranian-flagged container ship were seen leaving the Gulf. On Wednesday, about 14 cargo vessels crossed the strait in both directions, the lowest number since the signing of a US-Iran memorandum of understanding on June 16. In the three weeks since the interim deal, an average of 34 ships had been passing daily.

Iran’s health ministry reported that at least 14 people were killed and 78 injured in US strikes over the past two days. The US Central Command said it carried out attacks on more than 90 targets across Iran. Iranian media reported explosions and strikes in southern coastal cities and in the northern Golestan province along the Caspian Sea.

The disruption in maritime movement through the vital oil transit route underscores the escalating tensions between the two countries and could have immediate implications for regional trade and energy supply routes.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman emphasized the importance of caring for all of creation in accordance with the Holy Qur’an. Speaking on Thursday at the China Friendship International Conference Center in Dhaka, he inaugurated World Environment Day and Environment Fair 2026, along with the National Tree Plantation Campaign and Tree Fair 2026. He highlighted that the relationship between human society and the ecosystem is inseparable.

Quoting a portion of verse 29 from Surah Al-Baqarah, the Prime Minister said that Allah created everything on earth for humankind. He explained that rivers, trees, insects, wild and domestic animals—all elements of the environment—are divine creations meant for human benefit. However, he stressed that humans have responsibilities to care for and nurture all creations properly.

Referring to scientific progress, he noted that it is now proven that the wellbeing of human society is deeply connected to the preservation and development of the ecosystem.

Around 3,000 LPG cylinders were swept away by floodwaters from a Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) bottling plant in Maharashtra’s Raigad district. The incident occurred after heavy rainfall caused the plant’s protective wall to collapse, allowing floodwater to enter the facility. Videos circulating on social media showed the cylinders floating down the Patalganga River.

Authorities fear that some of the cylinders may still contain gas, posing a potential safety hazard. Raigad District Collector Kishan Jawale urged residents to hand over any recovered cylinders to local authorities or HPCL offices instead of attempting to use or store them. He warned that it is unclear whether the cylinders are safe or contain gas, and handling them could be dangerous.

Continuous heavy rainfall over the past week has triggered flooding across several parts of Maharashtra, with Raigad among the worst affected districts. Local rivers are flowing above danger levels, and the administration is monitoring the situation while advising residents to remain cautious.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s body is being transported from Najaf, Iraq, to Mashhad, Iran, for burial near the shrine of Imam Reza. This marks the final stage of six days of farewell ceremonies that began in Iraq. Prior to the transfer, mourners in Najaf and Karbala paid their last respects to the late Iranian leader.

According to Mohammad Mohammadi Golpayegani, head of Khamenei’s office, Khamenei had requested to be buried near the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad. Reports from Press TV indicate that more than four million people joined the mourning procession in Karbala, while approximately 3.8 million attended the farewell in Najaf.

The burial in Mashhad concludes a week of large-scale mourning events across Iraq and Iran, reflecting the deep public reverence surrounding Khamenei’s passing.

A local government engineer in Shariatpur’s Naria upazila has accused a BNP leader of assault and death threats inside the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) office. The incident allegedly occurred on June 2, when Motiur Rahman Sagar, the organizational secretary of Naria upazila BNP, entered the office and became angry after learning that the upazila engineer was away inspecting road work. He allegedly made offensive remarks, grabbed assistant engineer Toufiqul Islam by the collar, slapped him, and threatened further violence. Other staff members intervened to control the situation.

According to the general diary filed more than a month later, Sagar also warned that if any legal action was taken, he would return to assault the officer again. The complaint states that the incident has caused fear and insecurity among office staff. Toufiqul Islam said he filed the report later to ensure personal and workplace safety. Police confirmed receiving the online complaint and said an investigation is underway to determine necessary legal steps.

The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has officially extended the contract of national team coach Hossam Hassan following Egypt’s historic run in the World Cup. The decision, approved by the EFA board and announced by president Hany Abu Rida, secures Hassan’s position until 2030. Hassan, 59, took charge of the national team in February 2024 and led Egypt to the semifinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. He revealed earlier that he had been managing the team without a formal contract since February.

Under Hassan’s leadership, Egypt achieved its first-ever World Cup victory, defeating New Zealand 3–1 in the group stage, and advanced to the knockout rounds for the first time since its debut in 1934. The team beat Australia in a penalty shootout to reach the round of 16, where they narrowly lost 3–2 to Argentina after leading 2–0 until the 78th minute.

Despite the elimination, Egypt’s spirited performance earned widespread praise, prompting the EFA to show long-term confidence in Hassan. Before coaching, he was one of Egypt’s football legends, holding the national record with 69 goals in 177 appearances.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir announced that the government will facilitate the private sector to encourage new investments. Speaking at a contract signing ceremony at the Secretariat on Thursday, he said the government is working with full effort to create employment across various sectors as quickly as possible. He noted that private sector management tends to be more efficient than government operations, and facilitating private investment would help expand job opportunities.

State Minister for Textiles and Jute Shariful Alam stated that the government aims to ensure the maximum and effective use of state resources. To achieve this, initiatives have been taken to attract private investment in closed Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC) mills to revive production, employment, and economic activities. Out of 25 closed mills, 20 have been selected for leasing, with 14 lease agreements completed and production already resumed in nine mills.

According to the State Minister, these mills have created about 9,500 jobs and are producing around 160 metric tons of jute goods daily. Additional land leases and new investments are expected to further expand production and employment opportunities.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he will not use a Boeing aircraft gifted by Qatar to return home, citing security concerns linked to Iran. Speaking to reporters at the NATO summit in Turkey, Trump stated he would instead travel on a former Air Force One plane. He claimed Iran had published a list naming him as its top assassination target and warned that Tehran would attempt to kill him if given the chance.

The statement came amid renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran, despite a ceasefire memorandum signed in June. Reports said Iran attacked ships in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting U.S. strikes on Iranian air defense systems, radar sites, and naval vessels. Iran later retaliated with attacks on several military installations in the Gulf region, though U.S. officials confirmed no American casualties.

Trump accused Tehran of repeatedly violating the ceasefire and described Iran as a regional aggressor. He warned that the U.S. could launch further military strikes and prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, even targeting its energy infrastructure if necessary.

Continuous heavy rainfall has triggered a severe risk of landslides in Rajsthali upazila of Rangamati, prompting urgent action from local authorities. The upazila administration has launched operations to relocate residents from high-risk hillside areas to nearby shelters to ensure their safety. The situation has become critical in Ghilachhari and Gaindya unions after five days of uninterrupted rain.

On Wednesday evening, Rajsthali Upazila Nirbahi Officer Yusuf Hasan visited several vulnerable areas, urging residents living at the foot of hills to move immediately to designated shelters. Public awareness campaigns, including loudspeaker announcements, are being conducted to alert people about the dangers of staying in risky zones. Local officials and representatives have been instructed to assist in disaster management efforts.

According to the administration, nine shelters have been prepared across three unions, and around 40 residents have already taken refuge. Fire service teams remain active on the ground to respond to any emergency as relocation of remaining residents continues.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called for collective awareness and responsibility to transform Dhaka from an unlivable city into a livable one. He made the remarks on Thursday while inaugurating World Environment Day, the Environment Fair, and the National Tree Plantation Campaign and Tree Fair 2026. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for major reforms in waste management and reiterated the government’s strict stance against deforestation and hill cutting. He also urged citizens to plant a tree with every child’s birth.

Rahman highlighted that most people remain unaware of environmental issues and urged everyone to act responsibly to keep the environment pollution-free. He described raising awareness as a sacred duty for those attending the event. During the ceremony, the Prime Minister presented the National Environment Award 2025 to three individuals and three institutions for outstanding contributions in environmental conservation, education, and research.

Award recipients included academics and organizations recognized for pollution control, environmental education, and innovation in environmental research and technology.

A man named Ismail Hossain, aged 35, died after being struck by lightning while fishing in Singra upazila of Natore district on Thursday morning. The incident occurred around 7 a.m. in the southern field of Munshi Bashbaria village under Italy Union. Ismail was the younger son of the late Kamil Uddin from the same village.

According to family sources, Ismail went fishing in the rain when lightning struck him, leaving him seriously injured. Locals immediately rescued him and started for Singra Upazila Health Complex, but he died before reaching the hospital. The officer-in-charge of Singra Police Station, Rafiqul Islam, confirmed the death caused by lightning.

The report highlights the fatal incident as part of ongoing weather-related hazards in the region, though no further details on local conditions or official warnings were provided.

France suffered a setback ahead of their World Cup quarter-final against Morocco after FIFA rejected their appeal to overturn Michael Olise’s yellow card. The Bayern Munich attacking midfielder had received the booking during the Round of 16 match against Paraguay following a clash with midfielder Matias Galarza. Video replays showed Olise pulling Galarza’s jersey before the opponent fell to the ground, prompting referee Ilgiz Tantashev of Uzbekistan to issue the caution.

According to French sports daily L’Équipe, the French Football Federation had requested FIFA to review the decision, but the governing body declined. France’s head coach Didier Deschamps confirmed the outcome during a pre-match press conference, stating that FIFA upheld the original ruling.

As a result, Olise must now play cautiously against Morocco, since another yellow card would trigger a one-match suspension. If France advance to the semifinals, he could miss a crucial match against either Spain or Belgium, making his discipline a key concern for the French coaching staff.

Iranian authorities announced the suspension of passenger train services on the Tehran-Mashhad route after a section of the railway was damaged in a United States strike. The Islamic Republic of Iran Railways said technical teams have been dispatched to the affected site, where repair work is underway. Officials added that efforts are being made to resume the route as quickly as possible and that stranded passengers are being transported to Mashhad by road.

The incident occurred as Iran prepared for the burial of its late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Mashhad. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) accused the United States of launching renewed attacks to overshadow Khamenei’s funeral ceremonies. According to the IRGC, the strikes also targeted several bridges on the road leading to Mashhad.

The report, citing Al Jazeera, indicates that the situation has heightened tensions in the region, with Iran focusing on restoring transport links and ensuring the continuation of funeral proceedings.

Continuous rainfall, hill torrents, and rising sea tides have severely worsened the flood situation in Banshkhali upazila of Chattogram. As of Wednesday night, the main Chattogram–Banshkhali road at Bailchhari went under water, cutting off road communication with the city. More than a hundred thousand residents across several unions are now trapped by floodwaters, facing acute shortages of food and clean water.

According to local officials, the upazila administration is monitoring damaged embankments and affected areas, awaiting government relief supplies for distribution. The Banshkhali Fire Service reported that the situation continues to deteriorate, with rescue teams relocating stranded families to safer places. Many homes and rural roads have been submerged, making it difficult for residents to reach shelters.

In response, the local administration has issued urgent public warnings, urging people in low-lying and high-risk areas to move to nearby shelters. Local representatives have been instructed to assist with announcements and ensure the safe evacuation of waterlogged residents.