The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) conducted anti-brokerage drives at three hospitals in Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area on Monday, June 29, detaining 13 individuals, including women. The operations targeted Sohrawardy Hospital, the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, and NITOR (Pangu Hospital). According to RAB-2 Deputy Commander Squadron Leader Nifaz Rahman, the raids were based on intelligence reports about fraudulent brokers causing suffering to patients. Eight detainees received varying jail terms, while four were fined.

Nifaz Rahman stated that the drives aimed to identify and arrest brokers, impose immediate penalties, raise public awareness, and ensure a transparent, patient-friendly environment. A mobile court accompanied the operation to take legal action against the offenders. Sohrawardy Hospital’s acting director, Dr. Nanda Dulal Saha, said the hospital administration cooperated with the RAB team and that such operations have made their work easier.

Dr. Saha added that no government hospital employees were found involved, though some outsourced workers had previously been dismissed for similar misconduct.

A Dhaka court has granted a second three-day remand for former reserved seat MP Ashika Sultana in a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act at Mirpur Model Police Station. The order was issued on Monday, June 29, 2026, by Metropolitan Magistrate Sarah Farzana Haque. Defense lawyer Shahabuddin Raju confirmed the court’s decision. Sultana had been arrested from Mirpur on the night of June 25, and after her initial three-day remand, police sought an additional five days, of which the court approved three.

According to the case details, on June 19, a group of 40 to 50 people, identified as Awami League and Chhatra League members, held an anti-government procession near the Apex showroom in Mirpur-1. When police arrived, the participants fled, leaving behind banners and festoons. Later, video footage showed that the rally had been organized to mark the Awami League’s founding anniversary. Police subsequently filed a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

The court’s latest order allows investigators further time to question Sultana regarding her alleged involvement in the incident.

The government has decided to abolish Section 18A of the Bank Resolution Act 2026, which allowed former shareholders and directors of troubled banks to regain ownership under certain conditions. Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury announced the decision during Monday’s budget discussion in the National Parliament, stating that the move followed feedback from various stakeholders. He emphasized that those responsible for misappropriating public funds would not be spared and that depositors’ interests would be protected.

Section 18A, added during the law’s passage, had permitted previous owners of weak banks to apply to Bangladesh Bank to reacquire shares, assets, and liabilities after meeting several conditions, including repayment of government or central bank funds. The clause drew criticism from opposition parties, economists, Transparency International Bangladesh, and bankers, who argued it opened the door for controversial business groups to regain control. Media reports also indicated that the World Bank had raised objections.

The Bank Resolution Act enabled the merger of five Islamic banks—EXIM Bank, Social Islami Bank, First Security Islami Bank, Union Bank, and Global Islami Bank—whose combined defaulted loans reportedly reached about Tk 1.47 trillion. The finance minister’s announcement aims to restore depositor confidence in the banking sector.

Brazil advanced to the Round of 16 of the World Cup after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Japan in Houston on Monday. Despite trailing 1-0 at halftime, the five-time world champions fought back with goals from Casemiro and substitute Gabriel Martinelli, whose stoppage-time finish sealed the win. Japan had taken an early lead in the 29th minute through Kaishu Sano’s low shot from outside the box.

Brazil dominated possession and created several chances throughout the match. After the break, coach Carlo Ancelotti introduced young forward Endrick, who energized the attack. Casemiro equalized in the 56th minute with a header from a Gabriel cross, and Brazil continued to press for a winner. In added time, Martinelli converted a precise through pass from Bruno Guimarães to secure Brazil’s progression.

With this result, Brazil confirmed their place in the last 16, where they will face the winner between Norway and Ivory Coast. Japan, despite a spirited performance, exited the tournament after conceding late.

Five members of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Daksu) walked out of the university’s Senate session on Monday night after the Vice-Chancellor announced that the proposal to rename five facilities named after members of the Sheikh family would be sent back to the Syndicate for further review. The walkout occurred around 10:15 p.m., despite the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. A. B. M. Obaidul Islam, urging the student representatives not to leave.

The issue of renaming Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall, Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall, Sheikh Russel Tower, Bangabandhu Tower, and the Sultana Kamal Hostel of the Institute of Leather Engineering and Technology was first raised in the Syndicate meeting on January 8. During the Senate session, some members called for procedural adherence, while others opposed the renaming. Daksu representatives argued that the current names caused difficulties for students, including harassment during public events and challenges in obtaining sponsorships.

Senate member Fazlul Haque Milon proposed renaming Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall after national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. The Vice-Chancellor concluded by directing that the matter be reconsidered by the Syndicate.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir Secretary General Sibgatullah Sibga has called on students to develop themselves through merit, ethics, technological skills, and patriotism. He made the remarks on June 29, 2026, while addressing the second day of a three-day orientation program at Jagannath University’s central auditorium. Sibga emphasized that university life should not be limited to earning degrees but should be used to gain knowledge, skills, morality, and leadership qualities.

He highlighted the importance of time management, moral integrity, and technological competence, urging students to learn modern tools and artificial intelligence to stay relevant in a changing world. Sibga reminded students that public university education is funded by taxpayers and should therefore be used responsibly for the nation’s welfare. He also encouraged positive initiatives such as anti-drug campaigns and science festivals to benefit students.

The event was presided over by Shibir President Abdul Alim Arif and attended by several academics and student leaders, including former Chittagong University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Shamim Uddin Khan and Jagannath University Central Students’ Union Vice President Md. Riazul Islam.

MD Masudur Rahman, a Bangladeshi-born politician from Hajiganj in Chandpur, has become a prominent figure in Connecticut’s mainstream politics. After arriving in the United States with only a few hundred dollars and a backpack, he gradually built a successful business career before entering public service. Rahman currently represents Connecticut’s 4th Senate District, which includes Manchester, Glastonbury, Andover, and Bolton. First elected in 2022 as a Democratic Party candidate, he is now serving his second term and has received his party’s nomination for a third.

Rahman’s early years in the U.S. were marked by struggle and perseverance. He worked various jobs before establishing businesses in healthcare, import-export, and construction, creating thousands of jobs in Connecticut. His involvement in community and political organizations grew from a desire to increase representation for Bangladeshi-Americans in mainstream politics.

As chair of the Senate Planning and Development Committee, Rahman has led initiatives to address housing shortages, particularly for low-income residents. He continues to encourage Bangladeshi youth to engage in politics and pursue leadership roles through hard work and determination.

The Bangladesh Parliament has passed the Finance Bill 2026 with several significant amendments. The changes include raising the tax-free income limit for individual taxpayers and withdrawing the proposed rule requiring disclosure of investment information. Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury presented the bill, which was passed by voice vote under the chairmanship of Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed. The amendments followed the Prime Minister’s directives during budget discussions.

Under the revised proposal, the tax-free income limit will rise to 400,000 taka for fiscal years 2026–27 and 2027–28, 450,000 taka for 2028–29 and 2029–30, and 500,000 taka for 2030–31. The government also withdrew proposals that would have made Tax Identification Numbers mandatory for most bank accounts and property registrations. The minister proposed reducing the income tax rate for private universities from 10% to 5% and expanding tax benefits for ethnic minorities.

Additional proposals include lowering import duties on raw materials, reducing VAT on digital advertising to 5%, and cutting taxes on locally produced vehicles and jewelry. These measures aim to support domestic industries, improve tax compliance, and ease public concerns.

Fresh violence broke out in Kalikachchha Bazar area of Sarail upazila in Brahmanbaria on Monday evening, following the burial of a man killed in an earlier clash between two villages. Police fired tear gas shells and blank shots to bring the situation under control after hundreds of people attacked, vandalized, and looted more than a hundred shops, setting several on fire. Traffic on the Sarail-Nasirnagar-Lakhai regional highway was halted for hours due to the unrest.

According to police and local sources, the conflict stemmed from a long-standing financial dispute between Mosharraf Hossain of Surjakandi village and Hadim Mia of Dharmatirtha village. The dispute escalated into a violent confrontation on Sunday evening, resulting in Hadim Mia’s death. After his burial on Monday afternoon, residents of Dharmatirtha village launched retaliatory attacks on businesses owned by people from Surjakandi village.

Assistant Police Superintendent Md Jahangir Alam said additional police forces were deployed to restore order and that those involved in the violence were being identified for legal action. The situation was later reported to be under control.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on the young generation to build a knowledge-based and sustainable Bangladesh through science, technology, research, and innovation. He made the call on Monday, June 29, at a colorful event jointly organized by the Ministry of Education and the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education at the Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka. Earlier, the Prime Minister inaugurated a nationwide tree plantation program for secondary school students and also launched the National Startup, Science Project, and Innovative Idea Exhibition.

During the event, the Prime Minister was accompanied by his spouse Dr. Zubaida Rahman. He visited various science projects, startup initiatives, and innovative ideas presented by students, praising their creativity and assuring full government support to advance such initiatives. Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan, the Prime Minister’s Education Adviser Mahdi Amin, and senior officials from the education ministry and directorate were also present.

The event highlighted the government’s focus on fostering innovation and sustainability among students to strengthen the country’s knowledge economy.

Depositors under the banner of the ‘Combined Five Islamic Bank Depositors Association’ held a protest rally and submitted a memorandum in Chattogram on Monday, June 29, 2026. The demonstration began at New Market intersection and concluded at the Bangladesh Bank’s Chattogram regional office. A six-member delegation from the association handed over a three-point memorandum to the regional head of Bangladesh Bank.

Their demands included withdrawal of the decision to impose a ‘haircut’ or deduction on customer funds, restoration of normal banking operations, and full protection of deposits. The Bangladesh Bank representative assured that the memorandum would be forwarded to the governor for positive consideration.

Following the submission, a brief rally was held at New Market intersection where association leaders, including President Md. Abul Kalam Azad and General Secretary Jahangir Hossain, urged swift action to safeguard depositors’ interests and warned of tougher programs if their demands were not met.

A major corruption scandal has emerged surrounding the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, built on the site of the demolished Babri Mosque. Allegations surfaced over the past month that large sums of donations and valuable gifts from devotees were misappropriated by individuals linked to the temple’s managing trust. Police have launched an investigation and arrested several people. The controversy has gained political traction ahead of upcoming state elections.

The temple, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi about two and a half years ago, is managed by the independent Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which is not under direct government control. Some of its top officials are reportedly connected to the RSS, an ideological ally of the ruling BJP. The scandal intensified after former accounts supervisor Mahipal Singh publicly raised allegations of financial irregularities. Opposition leader Akhilesh Yadav claimed that crores of rupees in donations had disappeared, prompting the state government to form a three-member inquiry committee.

Under growing pressure, long-time general secretary Champat Rai and several trustees resigned. Devotees and some BJP supporters have demanded full accountability and transparency in the handling of temple funds and valuables.

Photos of missing persons now cover the outer walls of Miguel Pérez Carreño Hospital in Caracas, Venezuela, as families continue searching for loved ones following a powerful earthquake. Thousands remain unaccounted for, prompting relatives to move from one hospital to another in hopes of finding survivors. Many of the missing are residents of the coastal area of La Guaira.

Eyewitness Yerinker Bermúdez, who narrowly survived the quake, said he is now searching for friends who lived in his collapsed building. He expressed frustration at the government’s lack of assistance, saying that neighbors and volunteers have been conducting rescue operations with their bare hands. Outside the hospital, crowds wait anxiously, scanning patient lists for familiar names.

Inside the hospital, conditions remain tense. Doctor Santiago Casanova said the first few days were extremely difficult, though the number of injured has since declined. However, he cautioned that the decrease is not a positive sign, as the chances of finding survivors under the rubble are diminishing with time.

Bangladesh Police has expressed its intention to build an integrated security framework to address global crime challenges. The force organized its first coordination meeting titled 'Diplomatic Security Cooperation, Information Sharing and Capacity Building of Bangladesh Police' on Monday in Dhaka. The meeting, chaired by Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir, was attended by senior officials from the Home and Foreign Ministries, foreign diplomats, embassy security officers, representatives of international organizations, and senior police officials.

A keynote paper presented by Additional DIG Belal Uddin highlighted that global crime has become increasingly complex, with violent extremism, organized crime, cybercrime, and digital fraud posing major challenges. It also noted the rise of AI-driven crimes, deepfakes, misinformation, and disinformation as global security concerns. Senior officials from the Foreign and Home Ministries emphasized the importance of diplomatic security cooperation, information exchange, and inter-country coordination.

The meeting recommended enhanced collaboration between Bangladesh Police and other nations to combat money laundering, financial crime, cybercrime, and human trafficking through improved information sharing and joint initiatives.

A two-week regional training program on industrial safety has begun at the Chattogram Port Training Center, aiming to modernize and upgrade the port’s safety systems to international standards. The program, titled “Regional Training Course on Industrial Safety,” was inaugurated on Monday as part of a joint initiative by the Chattogram Port Authority and the EU-funded Global Ports Safety Project. Twenty officials from France, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh are participating.

Commodore Ahmed Amin Abdullah, Member (Harbour and Marine) of the Chattogram Port Authority, attended the opening ceremony as chief guest, while French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charpente served as special guest and keynote speaker. Abdullah emphasized the importance of such training for improving safety at seaports, and the ambassador noted that the program would strengthen participants’ ability to identify and manage industrial risks.

The training, supervised by international industrial safety expert Olivier Salvi, includes hands-on sessions on safety management for high-risk facilities such as container terminals, hydrocarbon depots, oil and gas installations, and chemical storage sites.