Lionel Messi continues to rewrite football history in his sixth World Cup appearance. By the end of the 2026 tournament’s group stage, the Argentine captain had scored six goals, surpassing or equaling the total goals of 30 participating nations. His tally includes a hat-trick against Algeria, two goals versus Austria, and a free-kick strike after coming on as a substitute against Jordan.

Messi’s performance has set a new record for scoring in seven consecutive World Cup matches, breaking the previous joint record held by France’s Just Fontaine and Brazil’s Jairzinho. Out of Argentina’s eight goals in the group stage, six came from Messi. Statistical data show that only 17 teams, excluding Argentina, have scored more than him so far, while Panama remains goalless.

With Messi leading the Golden Boot race, Argentina now looks ahead to the knockout stage. Maintaining his current form could strengthen both his personal record and Argentina’s hopes of defending their World Cup title.

A rare celestial lightning event known as 'Red Sprites' has recently drawn global attention after being captured over the skies of Omarama Clay Cliffs in New Zealand. Photographers Tom Rae from New Zealand and Dan Zafra and Jose Cantabrana from Spain recorded the phenomenon while photographing the Milky Way. The red lightning appeared to shoot upward from storm clouds toward space, lasting only a millisecond, making it nearly invisible to the naked eye. The event produced one of the most striking images combining the Milky Way and Red Sprites in a single frame.

Scientists describe Red Sprites as intense electrical discharges occurring in the upper atmosphere, triggered by positive charges during thunderstorms. The phenomenon, first photographed in 1989, has since been observed from the International Space Station, where astronaut Nicole Ayers captured a massive Red Sprite over North America. NASA has recognized similar images from Italy as its Astronomy Picture of the Day.

NASA’s ongoing 'Spritacular' project is collecting global images and data on Red Sprites to study their effects on the ozone layer and disruptions in aviation and submarine radio communications.

Germany is facing a growing demographic and political divide as population decline accelerates in its eastern states. In towns like Oschersleben in Saxony-Anhalt, the population has fallen by up to 26 percent, driven by youth migration and low birth rates. Official data show that while Germany’s overall population has grown slightly due to immigration, eastern regions continue to lose residents, leaving aging communities and empty schools. Researchers warn that by 2070, the national population could shrink significantly, with the east most affected.

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is gaining support in these depopulated areas, where many feel neglected by the political system. The party, labeled extremist by intelligence agencies, could form its first state government in Saxony-Anhalt after upcoming elections. Sociologists link AfD’s rise to economic stagnation and resentment toward immigration, even though migration could help offset labor shortages.

Experts caution that declining birth rates and youth outmigration threaten Germany’s workforce and social balance. Some see limited benefits, such as cheaper housing, but most agree the demographic crisis poses long-term economic and political risks.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has introduced artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled cameras at key city intersections to improve traffic management. The system, operational since mid-2026, automatically detects traffic violations such as signal breaches, wrong-way driving, and illegal parking. A total of 110 pan-tilt-zoom cameras are currently in use, capable of 360-degree rotation and license plate recognition. Within the first month of operation, hundreds of violations were identified, leading to 689 cases, mostly against buses for obstruction and lane violations.

Officials note that the technology is fostering behavioral change among drivers, who now tend to stop before zebra crossings and avoid signal violations. The automated detection process, followed by official verification, has reduced human error and bias, increasing transparency in enforcement. The system also provides a data-driven basis for decision-making in traffic management.

Challenges remain in identifying unregistered or partially obscured vehicles, particularly battery-powered rickshaws and easy bikes. Sustaining the system’s effectiveness will require regular maintenance, skilled personnel, and data security. DMP plans to expand the network to 500 cameras citywide, aiming to enhance traffic flow analysis and support Dhaka’s transition toward a smart city.

Veon Chairman Augie Fabela paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Prime Minister’s Office in the National Parliament Building on Monday morning, June 29, 2026. The meeting was attended by Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and Science and Technology Fakir Mahbub Anam, the Prime Minister’s adviser on related affairs Rehan Asif Asad, Veon board member Michelle Sweeting, and Banglalink CEO Joahan Hendrik Martinas Busse.

Discussions focused on making digital services more accessible across Bangladesh. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman urged Banglalink to take initiatives to deliver smartphones to consumers at more affordable prices so that people from all walks of life can access smart devices. He also called for consideration of further reducing internet costs to enhance connectivity and inclusion.

The meeting underscored the government’s emphasis on expanding digital access and affordability, aligning with broader national goals for digital transformation and inclusive technology growth.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir informed the National Parliament that nearly Tk 20 crore has been allocated for constituencies represented by opposition lawmakers. The announcement was made on Monday during a parliamentary session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed. The minister stated that the allocation, excluding city corporation areas, was granted from the Prime Minister’s discretionary fund for mosques, graveyards, and Eidgah grounds.

When opposition members raised remarks, Mirza Fakhrul clarified that the allocation was made through district councils and that city corporations would be included later. Following his statement, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed noted that during his long parliamentary career, including his time as an opposition member, he had never received such allocations. He reflected on his past experiences and expressed appreciation to the opposition leader for highlighting national issues during the budget discussion.

The Speaker also mentioned that the opposition leader had raised problems in Bhola district and expressed hope that the Prime Minister and Finance Minister would consider the issues fairly.

A high-level meeting between Bangladesh and Pakistan was held to enhance bilateral trade, food supply cooperation, and industrial collaboration. The meeting took place at the Ministry of Industries, where Bangladesh’s Minister for Industries, Commerce, and Textiles Khandaker Abdul Muktadir met with a delegation led by Asim Azim Siddiqui, Chairman of the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP). Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider and senior officials from both countries also attended.

Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, fertilizer, edible oil, pulses, chickpeas, sugar, urea, and jute. Muktadir emphasized the importance of stronger trade ties for sustainable economic growth and highlighted ongoing government reforms to promote industrialization and a business-friendly environment. Siddiqui expressed Pakistan’s interest in exporting agricultural products to Bangladesh and noted the demand for Bangladeshi jute products in Pakistan.

Both sides agreed to finalize a memorandum of understanding between the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) and TCP to facilitate food trade, expected to be signed in early July. They also decided to activate the Bangladesh–Pakistan Joint Working Group and exchange business delegations to expand cooperation in agriculture and industry.

A 15-year-old boy in Ramgarh upazila of Khagrachhari has been accused in a mobile phone theft case, raising questions about legal and humanitarian treatment of minors. The boy, tearfully claiming innocence, said he did not steal the phone. His family asserted that he was unaware the phone was stolen and was only accompanying the real suspect to sell it. They demanded an impartial investigation and his release.

According to the boy’s father, Abul Kasem, the police officer in charge, Nazir Alam, ignored the child’s statement and listed him as an accused under sections 380, 411, and 34, showing his age as 16 despite a birth certificate proving he is 15. The family alleged that the boy was handcuffed and taken to court before being transferred to a juvenile detention center in Gazipur due to the lack of such facilities in Khagrachhari.

Local residents and the family have called for a fair investigation, emphasizing the need for special caution in handling cases involving minors. The police officer, however, stated that the boy confessed during interrogation, justifying his inclusion as an accused.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced that the government will implement the Teesta mega project at any cost, emphasizing forward progress rather than dwelling on the past. He made the statement on Monday during the national parliament’s discussion on the proposed budget.

Rahman described the proposed budget as a “life-friendly” plan designed to bring relief to citizens amid economic challenges, corruption, and money laundering concerns. He said the government has succeeded in keeping prices of essential goods stable after the budget announcement by withdrawing duties on 61 daily commodities. The prime minister added that the budget aims to build a just, humane, and inclusive economy, focusing on investment, production, and employment generation.

He further stated that the government intends to strengthen the economic foundation through recovery, transition, and reconstruction phases. The development budget has been increased by 50,000 crore taka, with a commitment to use public funds for public welfare.

The Bangladesh government has decided to withdraw its proposal to impose a fixed-rate or 'package VAT' on small and retail businesses. The decision comes ahead of the passage of the Finance Bill as the Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury instructed the removal of the related provision. However, the requirement for a Business Identification Number (BIN) will remain mandatory for opening current accounts in banks or financial institutions, renewing trade licenses, and opening merchant accounts with mobile financial services such as bKash and Nagad.

Currently, retail businesses with an annual turnover of 5 million taka or more are required to register for VAT, while smaller businesses remain outside its scope. The new budget proposal had aimed to bring all retail businesses under VAT coverage regardless of turnover starting July 1, which triggered concern among small traders. They feared increased operational costs and potential harassment by VAT officials.

Officials cited possible implementation difficulties and the risk of medium-sized businesses exploiting the package VAT system as reasons for reconsidering the proposal.

In Nilphamari’s Kishoreganj Sadar Union, chairman Hossain Shahid Suhrawardy Grenet Babu has been accused of misappropriating government funds. Allegations state that he used money from a government project to build four shops on union council land in 2023, collected a total of 1 million taka in deposits, and has been pocketing monthly rent of 8,000 taka for four years instead of depositing it in the government treasury. Union council members have expressed anger over the alleged misuse of authority and funds.

According to the investigation, the shops were built beside the Rangpur–Nilphamari road using project funds. Officials said the construction and financial transactions were not recorded in the union’s registry, and no approval from higher authorities was obtained. Administrative officer Harunur Rashid confirmed that the council has no record of the deposits or rent and that he has informed higher authorities. Several members and a tenant also stated that the chairman personally collected the money.

Kishoreganj Upazila Executive Officer Arifur Rahman said he is aware of the issue and will take necessary action after further inquiry.

According to the 2026–27 fiscal year budget, Bangladesh has proposed reducing the corporate tax rate for private universities, medical, dental, engineering, and information technology-based educational institutions. The proposed change would lower the current 10 percent rate to 5 percent. The National Board of Revenue (NBR) stated that the initiative aims to improve education quality, expand infrastructure, and support the private education sector.

The new proposal also includes easing previous conditions for tax reduction, making it simpler for eligible institutions to benefit. Universities and colleges approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC) will be covered under this tax relief plan. The move follows long-standing demands from associations representing private universities for tax cuts or exemptions.

If implemented, the reduced tax rate is expected to provide financial relief to private educational institutions, potentially enabling further investment in academic and infrastructural development.

Bangladesh’s proposed 2026–27 national budget has reduced the capital gains tax on personal gold sales to 5 percent, down from the previous 15 percent. The National Board of Revenue (NBR) announced that individuals selling gold or gold jewelry will now pay tax only on the profit portion, calculated by subtracting the purchase price from the current sale price. The new rate is expected to ease the tax burden on gold transactions.

In addition to personal sales, the NBR has also revised the tax structure for gold traders. The source tax on gold and gold jewelry supply has been lowered from 5 percent to 0.5 percent. According to the NBR, the changes aim to simplify the tax system, enhance transparency in legalizing undeclared assets, and reduce the tendency to overreport gold holdings in tax files.

Officials and stakeholders believe that once implemented, the new rates will bring greater transparency to both personal and business-level gold transactions.

The article traces the historical evolution of the Tazia procession, a ritual of mourning rooted in the remembrance of Imam Hussain’s martyrdom at Karbala in 61 Hijri. Originating as small gatherings of grief and prayer, the practice gradually developed into elaborate public ceremonies under dynasties such as the Buyids and Safavids. Over time, diverse cultural expressions of Ashura emerged across Muslim regions, from Iraq’s mass pilgrimages to Iran’s theatrical performances and Pakistan’s grand wooden replicas.

In Bangladesh, the Tazia procession centers on Dhaka’s historic Hosaini Dalan, built in 1642 during Mughal rule. The city’s main procession features silver-covered Tazias, symbolic horses, flags, drums, and martial displays, culminating at a symbolic Karbala ground. Despite its deep cultural roots, Islamic scholars remain divided over its religious legitimacy, with some viewing the rituals as inconsistent with orthodox Islamic principles.

The article concludes that while the Tazia procession’s intensity has softened over time, it endures as a living link to centuries of Islamic history and South Asian cultural synthesis.

The government of Bangladesh has finalized a decision to raise the tax-free income limit for individual taxpayers from Tk 375,000 to Tk 400,000. The move aims to provide relief to ordinary citizens facing prolonged inflationary pressure. As a result, individuals earning less than Tk 600,000 annually, including one-third tax-free salary benefits, will not be required to pay income tax.

According to sources, the Ministry of Finance and the National Board of Revenue are introducing several last-minute amendments before the passage of the Finance Bill 2026 in the National Parliament on Tuesday. These include reconsidering the mandatory submission of Taxpayer Identification Numbers for opening bank accounts, canceling the rule requiring the declaration of actual property values, and maintaining a 20 percent tax rate on dividend income to protect stock market investors. The government has also decided to postpone the plan to impose a uniform VAT rate on retail businesses.

The interim government had earlier raised the tax-free threshold to Tk 375,000 in the 2025–26 budget. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has now approved an additional Tk 25,000 increase, bringing the total rise in one year to Tk 50,000.