British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Sarah Cooke, currently in London, has warmly welcomed Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus during his visit to the United Kingdom this week.

In a statement, High Commissioner Cooke said,

“It is a great pleasure to welcome Chief Advisor Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus to the UK this week. His visit highlights the shared commitments between our two nations in areas such as democracy, trade and investment, climate action, regional security, and support for the Rohingya community.”

Commenting on the visit, Acting Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh, Ruhul Alam Siddique, noted,

“This is a highly significant visit. Bangladesh’s relationship with the United Kingdom is both deep and multi-dimensional.”

According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), 108 people were hospitalized with dengue fever in the past 24 hours. Fortunately, no new deaths were reported during this period.

Between Wednesday 8:00 AM and Thursday 8:00 AM, the Barisal division recorded the highest number of new dengue admissions, with 89 patients hospitalized. Other affected regions include Dhaka South (10 cases), Chattogram (4), Dhaka division excluding the city areas (3), Rajshahi (1), and Dhaka North (1).

So far this year, a total of 23 people have died due to dengue-related complications, the DGHS confirmed.

Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad, General Secretary of AB Party, has welcomed the upcoming meeting in London between BNP's acting chairman Tarique Rahman and chief advisor Dr. Yunus. He also endorsed the advisor’s call for minimum reforms before holding national elections. Fuad emphasized that political parties are key stakeholders in governance and that broader consensus is essential for sustainable solutions. He further called for transparency in the ongoing war crimes tribunal, noting that a charge sheet has recently been submitted and should remain publicly accessible.

The search for missing tourist Sajib Kumar Dey (40), who drowned in a boat accident in Kishoreganj’s Bajitpur, has been officially called off by fire service divers. The accident occurred in the Ghorautra River during a storm on Tuesday night, when an engine-powered boat carrying 15 passengers and 12 motorcycles capsized mid-river due to heavy waves. While most passengers managed to swim ashore, Sajib went missing. The submerged vessel has also not yet been recovered.

Police have arrested a suspect in connection with the fatal stabbing of a garment worker in Ashulia, Savar. According to Additional Superintendent of Police Arafat-ul Islam, on June 10, Zahida Khatun (alias Bonna) and her husband Khokon Mia arrived in Ashulia's Baipail area from Rangpur around 3 a.m. A known mugger, Masud alias Rana, attempted to rob them of cash and mobile phones. When Khokon resisted, the attacker stabbed him multiple times before fleeing with the phone. Khokon was rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Following deadly clashes between two factions of the BNP in Jamal Union, which resulted in two deaths and extensive property damage, the Jhenaidah district BNP has dissolved the Kaliganj Upazila committee. In an official press release, the district BNP also announced the temporary suspension of Dr. Nurul Islam, former joint convener, and Ashraf Hossain, former member of the Upazila BNP. The party has pledged to take further disciplinary action after a more in-depth investigation into the incident.

Food Advisor Ali Imam Majumder has announced that the government will increase the allocation of food under the Open Market Sale (OMS) program in regions affected by the 2024 floods. He added that food storage facilities will be renovated to ensure safe and efficient storage of food grains. Specific initiatives include resolving waterlogging at the food warehouse in Dharampur, Comilla, and the record room in Kaliajur. Majumder stressed the urgency of rehabilitating these dilapidated buildings to maintain food security.

Referring to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, advisor Asif Mahmud remarked, “When it comes to returning money, no one can be found—there’s no difference between close friends and government leaders.”

The statement comes amid controversy surrounding Starmer’s refusal to meet with Dr. Muhammad Yunus, who is currently visiting the United Kingdom. The chief advisor is in London to rally support for efforts to recover several billion dollars allegedly laundered during the tenure of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The UK has reportedly become a major safe haven for illicit Bangladeshi funds, with links allegedly tracing back to members of the ruling party, including British MP Tulip Siddiq. Speculation suggests that due to legal and ethical obligations surrounding these financial matters and Tulip Siddiq’s involvement, Prime Minister Starmer has chosen to avoid direct engagement with Dr. Yunus.

Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor, has expressed deep sorrow over the fatal crash of the Air India flight in Ahmedabad.

In a condolence message conveyed through his press secretary, Professor Yunus stated,

“We are shocked by the tragic crash of the Air India flight carrying 242 passengers in Ahmedabad. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families and loved ones. During this difficult time, we express our full solidarity with the government and people of India. Bangladesh stands firmly beside India.”

A London-bound Air India flight carrying 242 passengers from various countries crashed shortly after takeoff from India’s Ahmedabad on Thursday. According to Indian news outlet NDTV, no survivors have been found at the crash site.

In a statement posted on Facebook, BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman expressed his profound condolences to the families of the victims. He wrote,

“This is a heart-wrenching tragedy. A London-bound aircraft carrying 242 passengers from different countries has crashed shortly after takeoff from India. I offer my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. In this moment of grief, let us all stand by them and keep them in our heartfelt prayers.”

Faruk Mia, former UP Chairman of Titas Upazila’s Awami League unit in Cumilla, directly led armed attacks on student protesters and civilians during recent public uprisings. He has long been notorious for crimes including murder and extortion, and was the prime accused in the high-profile Delu murder case in Titas back in 2013.

Although he was recently arrested, Faruk was granted bail on May 21. Since his release, his violent activities have escalated.

Local residents reported that on Monday, Faruk and his associates attacked the home of Majidpur UP Chairman Jahangir Alam, leaving five people with gunshot wounds. Witnesses also allege that Faruk and his gang have been regularly conducting armed displays in the area to establish dominance.

ATM Azharul Islam has said, “After spending 14 years in prison without any wrongdoing, I’ve now returned to my constituency. I thank my local community and the entire nation. I am now free, I am independent, and I remain in independent Bangladesh.”

He further remarked, “They say no one flees if they have public support, yet those who talked the biggest have fled the country. I didn’t flee, and neither did anyone from our side.”

Criticizing the judicial process, he added, “Those who framed charges against me had their reasons, but shouldn’t the judges at least have a conscience? They claim to have seen me from three kilometers away—is that even possible? Witnesses can certainly lie, but where did the judges’ conscience go?”

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has alleged that top leaders of the ruling Awami League, including former Land Minister Saifuzzaman, are involved in money laundering and have illegally transferred wealth to London. Rizvi stated that a smear campaign is being conducted to divert attention from a key upcoming meeting between BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman and chief advisor Dr. Yunus in London. He emphasized the significance of this meeting in shaping the future of national elections, electoral reform, and the restoration of democracy in Bangladesh. Rizvi also criticized Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for what he described as the establishment of fascist rule.

In response to a spike in COVID-19 Omicron sub-variants, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has implemented heightened precautions. Thermal scanners now screen arriving passengers without contact, and mask-wearing is mandatory in key areas. Medical staff and supplies have been allocated, while health guidelines are being promoted to raise public awareness. The Directorate General of Health Services has issued an 11-point advisory to prevent spread and instructed all ports to enhance surveillance and hygiene measures, especially for international travelers entering Bangladesh.

An Air India flight bound for London has crashed just minutes after taking off from Ahmedabad, resulting in the tragic deaths of more than 100 passengers. The aircraft, which was en route to Gatwick Airport, went down in a residential area near the Ahmedabad airport. According to police sources, more than 100 charred bodies have been recovered and sent to local hospitals for autopsy. Initial reports suggest the aircraft crashed into the dining hall of a nearby medical college, killing several students as well.