After days of oppressive heat and humidity, Dhaka experienced light to moderate rain on Saturday afternoon, bringing relief to residents. The sky turned cloudy by noon, and rain began shortly after 1 PM in areas like Moghbazar, Malibagh, Rampura, and Farmgate. According to the Meteorological Department, the monsoon is currently weak, so rainfall may not persist long. However, forecasts suggest scattered rain and thundershowers with gusty winds across multiple divisions in the next few days. Daytime temperatures are expected to drop slightly, while nighttime temperatures may remain unchanged.

To make Sylhet more tourist-friendly, the government will stop issuing stone quarry leases, announced Environment Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan after visiting Jaflong on June 14. Declaring the region an Ecologically Critical Area, she warned that uncontrolled stone extraction is damaging the environment. A master plan will be created to convert the area into a tourist destination, with alternative jobs provided for laborers. Mineral Resources Advisor Fayzul Kabir Khan ordered cutting power to illegal stone crushers and promised to develop tourism infrastructure in the region.

As Israel strikes Iran, President Trump is facing scrutiny over the U.S.'s true role. While publicly urging restraint, Trump later praised the attack and reportedly provided Israel with intelligence support. The incident reveals a divide between Trump’s “America First” base—wary of war—and hawkish allies urging stronger action. Analysts suggest the U.S. is secretly involved, risking escalation. The situation may benefit China strategically, as the U.S. is stretched by multiple crises. The real test now: how far will Trump go in supporting Israel?

Iran has denounced ongoing nuclear negotiations with the United States as pointless after Israeli airstrikes killed top Iranian military leaders and nuclear scientists. Iran’s Foreign Ministry accused Washington of enabling the attacks by Israel, saying that such actions contradict the spirit of diplomacy. The scheduled sixth round of nuclear talks in Muscat now faces uncertainty. The deadly strikes led to the confirmed deaths of General Hossein Salami and General Mohammad Bagheri. Tehran has since retaliated by launching missile attacks on Tel Aviv.

Legal Affairs Advisor Asif Nazrul announced that the Ministry of Law is working to expedite low-cost case resolutions, uphold human rights, and reduce the legal burden on citizens. Reforms are being considered in both the CPC and CrPC. He stated that Bangladesh sees around 500,000 cases annually, with legal aid programs currently resolving only 35,000. The goal is to increase this to 200,000, which would reduce pending cases by 40%. To achieve this, three judges may be appointed per legal aid case.

The United Nations General Assembly has passed a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional release of all hostages. This move follows a recent U.S. veto in the Security Council. The resolution, adopted by 149 countries with 12 voting against and 19 abstentions, calls on member states to apply pressure on Israel and take steps aligned with international law. It also urges the lifting of Israel’s blockade on Gaza.

In a video message directed at the Iranian people, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clarified that Israel’s ongoing military operation in Iran is not against the public but against the oppressive regime that has ruled for decades. “It’s time to bring down the cruel leadership that has burdened you for years,” he said. Netanyahu urged Iranians to unite for freedom and resist the regime. He emphasized that the operation is focused on neutralizing Iran’s nuclear and missile threats.

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has instructed authorities to provide full support and services to Iranian pilgrims amid escalating tensions following Israel's attack on Iran. According to the Saudi Gazette, this directive came upon the recommendation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has been tasked with ensuring that all needs of Iranian pilgrims are met and that comprehensive care continues until they can safely return home.

UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s South Asia head Leslie Craig and Commodore Whale briefed Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus in London about HMS Enterprise, a naval, oceanographic, and survey ship being procured for the Bangladesh Navy. Yunus requested assistance in equipping the platform further to enhance its capabilities in resource exploration, climate analysis, mangrove conservation, fisheries research, and biodiversity studies.

Security Adviser Jahangir Alam announced that while regular police units will carry rifles and small arms, heavy weapons will be restricted to specialized units like the Armed Police Battalion (APBN). He added that the government is working on comprehensive upgrades across police and law enforcement agencies. Despite minor incidents, he said, the Eid holidays were celebrated peacefully across the country this year.

Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles at Israel on Friday night and early Saturday in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes, killing at least three people and injuring about 80. While Iranian media claimed hundreds of missiles were fired, Israeli defense sources said the real number was under 100 and most were intercepted before impact.

In an interview with UK-based ITV, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus stated that any allegations should be addressed in court, not through political dialogue. He also confirmed rejecting a meeting request from British MP Tulip Siddiq. Siddiq has faced allegations of illegally acquiring land and a luxury flat in Dhaka from former autocrat Sheikh Hasina—claims she has denied as politically motivated.

Major General Amir Hatami has been appointed the new Commander-in-Chief of Iran’s army by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Hatami previously served as Iran’s Defense Minister from 2013 to 2021. In a statement, Khamenei expressed gratitude to outgoing commander Major General Seyyed Abdolrahim Mousavi for his dedication and service.

After Israel’s attack on Iran, global reactions poured in. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned of a strong and regret-inducing response. Former US President Donald Trump urged both sides to stop the bloodshed, stressing that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons and suggesting a return to diplomacy. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov condemned Israel’s actions as “unacceptable and provocative.” China also urged all parties to de-escalate and contribute to regional peace, while the EU emphasized diplomatic solutions.

In response to the meeting between Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Tareq Rahman, Adviser Asif Mahmud wrote on Friday that the path to victory for pro-Bangladesh forces is now clear. He said this understanding must continue in line with the July Declaration, the July Charter, reforms, justice, and free elections. Mahmud warned, however, that “sabotage elements” remain a threat and tend to reappear with new conspiracies despite repeated failures.