Authorities in Durgapur upazila of Netrokona have installed solar-powered street lights to deter increasing wild elephant attacks along the border. The installation work was inaugurated on Monday afternoon beside the hilly road in Dahapara area. The initiative includes setting up 20 solar street lights in border regions of Kullagara and No. 2 Durgapur unions to protect local residents and farmers from elephant incursions.

Every year, wild elephants crossing the border cause deaths and destroy crops, houses, and fruit orchards in the area. The project was undertaken following the death of a young man named Partha Rangsa in a wild elephant attack on May 5 in Bhabanipur area. The initiative was launched under the special direction of Deputy Speaker and local MP Barrister Kaiser Kamal, with the victim’s father inaugurating the installation work.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ahmed Sadat praised the project, saying it would enhance safety for both indigenous and Bengali farmers. Awareness programs are also being conducted through forest department volunteers to educate residents on how to respond during elephant encounters.

Ten years after the 2016 referendum in which 52 percent of Britons voted to leave the European Union, the United Kingdom continues to grapple with political instability and economic slowdown. Since the vote, the country has seen six prime ministers, with a seventh expected soon. The latest, Keir Starmer, announced his resignation after two years in office, citing a sluggish economy and a divided electorate. Analysts and academics describe Brexit’s lingering influence as an “underground imprint” that still shapes British politics.

Economists say Brexit has damaged the UK economy, reducing exports to the EU by about 12 percent and imports by 16 percent. Businesses face new trade barriers, paperwork, and border checks despite a zero-tariff agreement. Political divisions have deepened within major parties, and voter disillusionment has grown, pushing many toward smaller parties such as the Green Party and Reform UK. Public opinion polls now show a majority favoring rejoining the EU.

Experts warn that unless British leaders confront Brexit’s legacy, the country will remain in a state of prolonged crisis, with its political and economic vitality steadily eroding.

Police detained four activists of the banned Chhatra League in Mongla, Bagerhat, on Tuesday night while they were preparing to cut a cake marking the anniversary of the Awami League. The arrests took place around 9:30 p.m. at Mongla Port Municipality. According to police and local sources, the detainees were known as active members of the prohibited organization and were organizing a small celebration when officers arrived.

During the operation, police seized a cake and two organizational flags from the scene. The detainees were taken to the local police station, where legal proceedings were initiated against them. Officer-in-Charge Atikur Rahman stated that police are actively working to prevent any organizational activities of banned groups.

He added that the operation was part of regular police drives aimed at maintaining public order and preventing potential acts of sabotage. Police operations in the area will continue as part of these preventive measures.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has turned into a dramatic contest among three football superstars—Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland—each chasing records and goals. In Dallas, Messi scored twice against Austria, surpassing Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup record with 18 goals. All five of Argentina’s goals so far have come from the 38-year-old captain, underscoring his dominance and longevity on the world stage.

Mbappé, France’s captain, scored twice against Iraq in his 100th international match, bringing his World Cup tally to 16 goals across three tournaments. Analysts note his rapid rise and potential to challenge Messi’s new record. Meanwhile, Norway’s Haaland, in his debut World Cup, has scored four goals in two matches, equaling Mbappé’s total and setting new milestones for his country. Former players and commentators have praised the trio’s contrasting styles and relentless pursuit of goals.

After two matches, Messi leads with five goals, followed by Mbappé and Haaland with four each. This marks only the second time in World Cup history that three players have scored four or more goals after the first two games, setting the stage for an intense Golden Boot race.

The US Senate has passed a War Powers Resolution aimed at restricting any military action against Iran. The measure directs a halt to offensive operations without congressional approval. The decision drew an angry reaction from President Donald Trump, who expressed his discontent on the social media platform X.

In his post, Trump argued that the Senate’s move came at a time when Iran was under maximum pressure and ready to concede. He described the resolution as a poorly timed and meaningless act that undermines his administration’s efforts. Trump further claimed that the decision sends a wrong message to what he called the world’s top sponsor of terrorism, suggesting that the United States disapproves of his actions against Iran.

The president also criticized four Republican senators who voted with Democrats in favor of the resolution, accusing them of making his job harder. Despite the setback, Trump asserted that he would still achieve his goals by any means necessary.

South Africa and South Korea are set to meet in a crucial Group A match at the Monterrey Stadium on Thursday at 7 a.m. Bangladesh time. The game will determine which team advances to the knockout stage of the ongoing World Cup, as it marks the final group fixture for both sides.

South Africa, returning to the World Cup for the first time since 2010, began their campaign with a 2–0 loss to Mexico and a 1–1 draw with the Czech Republic, where Teboho Mokoena scored from a penalty. However, Mokoena will miss this match due to suspension, forcing coach Hugo Broos to find a midfield replacement. The team has not won in its last six international matches, drawing three and losing three.

South Korea, after defeating the Czech Republic in their opener, lost 1–0 to Mexico. A win in this match would secure their place in the round of 32. Despite criticism of coach Hong Myung-bo, the team relies on captain Son Heung-min and midfielder Lee Kang-in, both expected to start. The encounter is seen as one of the most decisive in the group stage.

The Malaysian Prime Minister’s Office has released a video titled “Amar Bondhu Mohajadu Jane,” highlighting Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tareq Rahman’s first official visit to Malaysia after forming the new government. The two-day visit took place on Sunday and Monday, featuring meetings, cultural events, and bilateral discussions. The video, published on Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Facebook page on Tuesday morning, quickly went viral, surpassing one million views within four hours and drawing thousands of comments and shares.

During a joint press conference in Putrajaya, Anwar Ibrahim referred to Tareq Rahman as his brother and recalled his longstanding ties with the Zia family. The video also included Anwar’s remarks on the Rohingya crisis, expressing commitment to work jointly with Bangladesh and ASEAN to engage Myanmar authorities for a partial resolution. Throughout the footage, the song “Amar Bondhu Mohajadu Jane” played in the background, symbolizing friendship between the two nations.

Tareq Rahman expressed gratitude for Malaysia’s warm hospitality, emphasizing the historic and strategic depth of bilateral relations and his intention to strengthen multifaceted cooperation with Anwar Ibrahim in the future.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived in Beijing on Wednesday after traveling from Dalian, China, by high-speed bullet train. He reached Beijing at 5:35 p.m. local time, accompanied by his wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman. Earlier in the day, he attended the World Economic Forum’s “Summer Davos” annual meeting held at the Dalian International Conference Center.

The 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions brought together leaders from more than 90 countries and regions, including the prime ministers of Guinea, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Mongolia, and Montenegro. Over 1,700 representatives from political, business, academic, and media sectors participated in the event.

According to the report, Tarique Rahman’s participation in the “Summer Davos” is expected to help Bangladesh expand investment and employment opportunities while strengthening national capacity through the exchange of best practices and experiences with other countries. The Prime Minister had arrived in Dalian from Malaysia on June 22.

The United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO) has begun an operation to evacuate more than 11,000 sailors stranded in the Strait of Hormuz due to recent Middle East conflicts. The initiative follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States aimed at achieving a ceasefire and restoring peace. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said the effort is being carried out with cooperation from Iran, Oman, other Gulf coastal states, the United States, and maritime industry stakeholders.

According to the IMO, necessary security measures have been ensured for the safe relocation of the sailors, and maritime safety conditions have been thoroughly assessed. The crisis began after U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28 triggered regional hostilities, prompting Iran to close the strategic strait and trapping numerous commercial vessels. Following last week’s peace memorandum, shipping activity has gradually resumed.

Data from monitoring firm Kpler showed at least 36 commercial ships crossed the strait on Monday, marking a rare level of traffic since the conflict began. Oman’s defense ministry confirmed that discussions on the evacuation plan had been ongoing for months and are now being implemented in phases.

Medical students in Rangpur blocked roads on Tuesday night demanding the release of a fellow student arrested in connection with a recent death case. The blockade began around 7:30 p.m. in front of the city’s central jail and was lifted at about 9:45 p.m. after police assurances. The protest disrupted road communication between Rangpur and nearby districts including Nilphamari, Dinajpur, Thakurgaon, and Panchagarh.

The incident followed the death of HSC examinee Nuzhat Jahan, who fell from the rooftop of the North View Hotel on Monday evening. Her father filed a case the next day, naming Rangpur Medical College student Shahriar Ahmed Sakin and several others as accused. Students argued that the arrest was made without clear evidence and demanded a transparent investigation.

Rangpur Metropolitan Police’s Crime Division Deputy Commissioner Mahfuzur Rahman confirmed the arrest of Sakin, stating that the investigation into the hotel rooftop death is ongoing.

A severe heatwave sweeping across Europe has disrupted daily life in France, Spain, Italy, and Germany, with record-breaking temperatures prompting emergency alerts. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu reported that at least 40 people have died in water-related accidents since Thursday as residents sought relief from the extreme heat. Among the victims was a 13-year-old girl who drowned in the Seine River. The Eiffel Tower closed early on Tuesday, and the Louvre Museum shortened its visiting hours through Saturday due to the heat.

France recorded its highest-ever average June temperature at 29.8°C, while Monday night was the warmest in its history with a minimum average of 21.6°C. Two children were found dead in a car in Carpentras, and a young footballer was hospitalized after being rescued from the Rhône River. Spain, Italy, and Germany also faced dangerous conditions, with Spain’s Andalusia region reaching 45°C and Italy issuing red alerts in 15 cities. Germany reported several drowning deaths linked to the heat.

Meteorologists expect slight cooling in the Iberian Peninsula from Wednesday, but warn that the heatwave could intensify in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany by Friday.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is preparing to replace Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam and make changes in several key diplomatic missions, according to ministry and diplomatic sources. Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury, Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, is likely to be appointed as the new foreign secretary. Former UN envoy Muhammad Abdul Muhith is expected to become the next High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, while human rights advocate Irene Khan may be named Bangladesh’s new permanent representative to the UN if Chowdhury moves to the ministry.

The report notes that frequent changes in the foreign secretary position have disrupted the ministry’s operations. Officials expressed concern that such reshuffles come at a time when Bangladesh faces challenges in the international arena. Asad Alam Siam, who took office in June 2025 after serving as ambassador to the United States, is being replaced after only one year, despite the usual three-year term.

Senior diplomats reportedly feel frustrated by the decision, saying it undermines expectations of stability and renewal within the ministry under the interim government.

Croatia celebrated Luka Modric’s 200th international appearance with a crucial 1-0 victory over Panama on June 24, 2026, at Toronto Stadium. Substitute Ante Budimir scored the only goal in the 54th minute, keeping Croatia’s hopes alive in Group L of the World Cup. The 2018 runners-up now remain in contention for the knockout stage, while Panama’s second consecutive defeat confirmed their exit from the tournament.

The match was a must-win for both sides. Croatia started aggressively, with Modric heading wide early on, but Panama created the better chances in the first half. Goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic made key saves to deny Murillo and José Luis Rodríguez. Budimir’s decisive strike came from a precise cross by Josip Stanisic, and despite Panama’s late pressure, Croatia held firm.

With this win, Croatia strengthened their position in Group L, trailing England and Ghana by just one point. A victory over Ghana in their final group match would secure their place in the knockout round.

A commentary published on June 24, 2026, argues that India’s dominance-oriented policy is the principal barrier to improving relations with Bangladesh. The author claims that since 1971, India’s strategic goal has been to maintain control over Bangladesh to secure its northeastern region, particularly the Siliguri corridor. The article alleges that successive Indian governments have sought to use Bangladesh for military and political leverage, pressuring Dhaka for transit access and influence over internal affairs.

The piece accuses India of continuing interference after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, including trade restrictions, visa suspensions, and alleged support for destabilizing activities inside Bangladesh. It asserts that India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) promotes anti-Bangladesh rhetoric in neighboring states and that Indian border forces commit abuses along the frontier. The author contrasts this with Bangladesh’s recent diplomatic outreach to the United States, China, and Muslim-majority countries, portraying it as a move toward greater independence.

The commentary concludes that genuine neighborly relations require India to abandon its hegemonic approach and respect Bangladesh’s sovereignty. Until then, it calls for vigilance and unity against perceived Indian aggression.

England were held to a 0-0 draw by Ghana in a World Cup group match played in Boston on June 24, 2026. Despite dominating possession and creating multiple chances, England failed to break through Ghana’s solid defense. Both teams had won their opening matches, but the result was more disappointing for England, who controlled nearly 79 percent of possession yet could not score.

Ghana adopted a defensive strategy from the start, building a two-layered backline led by Thomas Partey. England’s attacks through Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, and Declan Rice were repeatedly denied by Ghana’s goalkeeper Benjamin Asare and a resilient defense. The match marked the first goalless draw of the tournament, which had already seen a record number of goals.

The draw was historic for Ghana, who kept clean sheets in consecutive World Cup matches for the first time. England, meanwhile, set unwanted records for their 23rd World Cup draw and 13th goalless match, both tournament highs. With four points each, both teams remain in contention for the round of 32.