Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman departed on Sunday for a five-day official visit to the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) confirmed the trip in a press release issued the same day.

During the visit, General Waker-Uz-Zaman is scheduled to meet key defense officials in both countries. The discussions aim to strengthen bilateral defense relations and enhance cooperation between Bangladesh and the two European nations.

The ISPR announcement did not provide further details about the specific agenda or outcomes expected from the meetings.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has sharply criticized the new framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon, calling it a historic mistake and a missed opportunity. In a post on social media platform X, he said Israel should not merely weaken Hezbollah but crush it completely. Ben Gvir argued that the deal grants Hezbollah a lifeline through a ceasefire and dismissed claims that the Lebanese army could neutralize the group, describing the army as weak and infiltrated. He added that he had opposed the agreement in cabinet discussions for weeks and would continue to do so.

In contrast, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the same agreement as a historic achievement. He said the United States and Lebanon had recognized Israel’s right to maintain a security zone inside Lebanon until Hezbollah and other militant groups are disarmed. Netanyahu described the deal as a major setback for Iran and Hezbollah, emphasizing that Israel, Lebanon, and the U.S. were united in rejecting Iranian influence in the region.

Netanyahu added that both countries agreed on pilot programs to disarm Hezbollah in specific border areas under Lebanese army control.

Prime Minister Tareq Rahman paid an unannounced visit to the Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARRSO) in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Agargaon, Dhaka, on Sunday morning. Arriving at 9:15 a.m., he toured the offices of the defense ministry–affiliated institution, meeting with officials and employees for spontaneous discussions. The visit was not part of his scheduled program.

During the inspection, SPARRSO Chairman Md. Rashidul Islam briefed the Prime Minister on the organization’s activities and overall operations. Departmental officials also presented details of their innovations, research, and ongoing projects. The Prime Minister instructed relevant authorities to develop SPARRSO into a modern, self-reliant, and nationally significant space research institution capable of contributing effectively to national security and development.

Senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Defense, and SPARRSO were present during the visit, underscoring the government’s focus on strengthening the country’s space research and remote sensing capabilities.

Iran’s annual inflation rate has soared to nearly 89 percent, marking the highest level since the end of World War II. The sharp rise is attributed to the ongoing war with the United States and Israel, compounded by international sanctions and a steep depreciation of the Iranian rial. According to Iran’s Statistical Center, inflation reached 88.6 percent in June, driven by severe economic disruptions linked to the conflict.

The report notes that food prices have more than doubled compared to the same period last year. Bread and grains rose by 138.8 percent, eggs and dairy products by 151.9 percent, and red meat and poultry by 178.2 percent. The rapid price increases have drastically reduced purchasing power, making basic goods unaffordable for many citizens.

The war has also caused widespread job losses, with millions forced out of work. A US naval blockade and restrictions on oil exports have further strained Iran’s economy, putting additional pressure on the national currency.

Bangladesh’s rapid urbanization, once seen as a sign of progress, is now creating complex social, economic, and environmental challenges, according to Professor Md. Mujibur Rahman. He identifies unplanned internal migration from rural to urban areas as a key driver of this crisis, placing severe pressure on city infrastructure. Housing, transport, education, water supply, sanitation, and healthcare systems are all under strain, with Dhaka facing severe traffic congestion and rising environmental risks such as waterlogging and groundwater depletion.

The article explains that rural economic decline, lack of local employment, natural disasters, and climate change are pushing people toward cities. However, inadequate urban planning and poor coordination among development agencies have worsened the situation. The author argues that internal migration itself is not the problem but its unregulated nature.

To address the crisis, he calls for stronger rural development, decentralized industrial and educational opportunities, improved public transport, and long-term urban planning. Without such measures, he warns, Bangladesh’s cities risk becoming increasingly uninhabitable.

A severe heatwave scorched Europe on Saturday, stretching from Scandinavia to the Alps and causing at least 12 deaths. Temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius in several regions, breaking long-standing records in Germany, Denmark, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland. Authorities issued extreme heat warnings across Germany and neighboring countries as the heat moved eastward. France, Italy, and the United Kingdom also recorded unprecedented highs earlier in the week.

Scientists said such an intense heatwave would have been nearly impossible without human-induced climate change, which has made extreme nighttime temperatures far more likely. Governments across Europe took emergency measures: France restricted alcohol sales and postponed outdoor events, while Italy declared red alerts in 18 cities. Nuclear power plants in Hungary and Switzerland reduced or halted operations due to overheated river water. Rail operators in Germany and other countries reduced services and allowed free cancellations to prevent infrastructure damage.

Meteorologists forecast that the extreme heat will ease later in the week, with thunderstorms expected by Sunday. The phenomenon, known as an “omega block,” has trapped hot air over Europe, pushing seasonal averages far above normal and straining public health and essential services.

Iran’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup for the first time ended in heartbreak. Despite drawing all three of their Group G matches and earning three points, the Asian side failed to advance. Belgium topped the group with five points, while Egypt also collected five points and progressed on goal difference. Iran’s final match against Egypt ended 1-1, but a stoppage-time goal that could have secured victory was disallowed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for offside.

Iran’s fate then depended on the result of the Group J match between Algeria and Austria. A win for either side would have allowed Iran to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. The match ended 3-3 after Austria equalized deep into stoppage time, ensuring both teams advanced and eliminating Iran. Within two days, Iran’s campaign collapsed due to a VAR ruling and a late goal in another group.

The team’s competitive performances were overshadowed by misfortune, leaving Iran to exit the tournament despite coming close to a historic breakthrough.

The International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) and Physics Without Frontiers (PWF) have jointly announced the second edition of the ICTP-PWF: Physics for Bangladesh Online Summer Internship 2026. The fully online program will run from July 20 to October 20, offering Bangladeshi students hands-on research experience in theoretical physics and mathematics under the mentorship of international researchers.

The initiative aims to bridge the gap in research opportunities and global mentorship for Bangladeshi students, helping them prepare for advanced studies and international research careers. Participants will engage in short-term projects designed to move beyond textbook learning and explore modern research methods and trends.

Undergraduate and postgraduate students from any recognized university or higher education institution in Bangladesh are eligible to apply by June 30 through an online form. The internship includes four main research tracks, with the high-energy physics track covering advanced topics such as quantum field theory, string theory, conformal field theory, and algebraic combinatorics.

Argentina concluded their World Cup group stage campaign unbeaten after a 3-1 victory over Jordan in Group J. Coach Lionel Scaloni’s side dominated early, scoring twice in the first half through Giovani Lo Celso and Lautaro Martínez. Captain Lionel Messi came off the bench in the second half and sealed the win with a free-kick goal in the 80th minute at the Dallas Stadium.

Messi’s goal marked a historic milestone as he became the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches, surpassing France’s Just Fontaine and Brazil’s Jairzinho. Playing in his record sixth World Cup, Messi now has six goals in the current tournament and 19 overall in World Cup history. Scaloni made nine changes to the starting lineup to test squad depth before the knockout stage.

With this commanding performance, defending champions Argentina advance to the knockout rounds as group leaders and remain one of the favorites for the title.

A major corruption scandal has erupted over alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, India. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Uttar Pradesh government has arrested eight people responsible for counting cash and valuables, recovering nearly 8 million rupees and some foreign currency. The accused have been remanded in judicial custody until June 29. Investigators found serious procedural violations, including lack of security checks, absence of guards, and improper CCTV retention. The key to the donation box was held by a former driver of the temple trust’s general secretary, violating regulations.

The controversy began when Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav and former legislator Pawan Pandey alleged large-scale misappropriation of temple funds. Following the uproar, the trust’s general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra resigned. Opposition leaders from Shiv Sena (Uddhav), Congress, and others have accused the ruling BJP and RSS of betraying Hindu sentiments and demanded arrests of senior trust officials. Congress leaders called for an impartial probe, alleging attempts to shield key culprits.

Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya dismissed the opposition’s claims, asserting that arrests followed the SIT’s findings and promising strict action against those guilty.

Bahrain has strongly condemned Iran’s recent missile and drone attacks, describing them as a violation of its sovereignty and a threat to regional stability. In an official statement issued on June 28, 2026, Bahrain said the attacks undermine efforts to ease tensions and maintain peace in the region.

The statement urged the United Nations Security Council to convene an emergency session to address the ongoing aggression and ensure accountability for those responsible. Bahrain emphasized that it retains the full legal right to defend its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity under international law.

Bahrain also held the Iranian government fully responsible for any escalation resulting from its continued acts of aggression, according to the statement cited by Middle East Eye.

Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain announced that Bangladesh currently has 26 million Vitamin A capsules in stock. He made the statement on Sunday, June 28, during the inauguration of the first round of the nationwide Vitamin A Plus campaign at the Abu Sayeed International Convention Center in Dhaka. The minister said that any child who misses the capsule during the campaign will be able to receive it the following day at designated centers.

According to the minister, a total of 25.5 million children aged between six and 59 months across the country will receive Vitamin A capsules today. Children aged six to 11 months will be given a blue capsule, while those aged 12 to 59 months will receive a red high-dose capsule.

The campaign aims to ensure that all eligible children receive the supplement to prevent Vitamin A deficiency and related health issues, as indicated by the minister’s remarks.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs and Faridpur-2 MP Shama Obaid told Parliament that the opposition has described the proposed national budget as a daydream and a challenge, but she believes it is realistic and can only be implemented by a BNP government. She made the remarks on Sunday during the general discussion on the proposed budget, in a session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.

Obaid said the budget is challenging but follows the legacy of former President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia, who took on major national challenges. She emphasized that under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, the BNP has taken responsibility for the country amid a fragile economy. She described the budget as women-friendly and focused on youth empowerment.

The minister highlighted key measures such as agricultural loan waivers, health cards, mid-day meals in education, family cards, and large allocations for local government development. She said these prove the budget is pro-people, not favoring business elites, and called for allocations for grassroots poor who have suffered over the past 17 years.

Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) has revoked the lifetime emeritus professor title of medicine specialist Professor Dr. A.B.M. Abdullah and ordered him to return nearly two years of honorarium and allowances. The university stated that the decision was an administrative correction of an irregular appointment, not a personal or retaliatory action. The move has sparked widespread debate among doctors and on social media, with questions raised about the reasons and timing of the decision.

According to BMU, Dr. Abdullah’s appointment as lifetime emeritus professor did not follow required procedures such as departmental recommendations and evaluation committee approval. The university said the appointment was made solely on a syndicate member’s proposal and that Dr. Abdullah did not regularly attend work or engage in teaching or research despite receiving full benefits. BMU estimated he received over 1.4 million taka in payments. Critics, however, view the cancellation as disrespectful and politically motivated, while supporters argue it ensures transparency and accountability.

Dr. Abdullah, who served as personal physician to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, claimed the cancellation was unjust and questioned why it was done now after several years of service.

Iran has warned that it will suspend a memorandum of understanding signed with the United States if American attacks continue. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a statement emphasizing the fifth clause of the Islamabad memorandum, which grants Iran control over navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC said stricter measures will now be taken against violating vessels and warned that continued US aggression would provoke a stronger Iranian response.

The statement further noted that any breach of the ceasefire would violate the memorandum and could lead to its complete suspension. The firm stance from Tehran has placed diplomatic efforts between the two countries in serious jeopardy. Although the memorandum was signed on June 17, the ongoing conflict has pushed the ceasefire agreement to the brink of collapse.

According to the source, the situation has created a deep crisis in bilateral relations, with the risk of renewed confrontation if hostilities persist.