A Chattogram court has sentenced a man to life imprisonment and an additional 17 years of rigorous imprisonment for abducting and sexually assaulting his sister-in-law. The verdict was delivered on Tuesday by Judge S M Zillur Rahman of the Chattogram Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal-5. The convict, Fazlul Karim, remains absconding after securing bail, prompting the court to issue arrest and sentence warrants against him.

According to the prosecution, the charges were proven beyond doubt through testimonies from five witnesses and other evidence. The court also imposed fines totaling seven lakh taka, with additional six months of imprisonment for non-payment. The case originated from an incident on October 31, 2022, when Karim allegedly abducted his 17-year-old sister-in-law from Khaja Road in Chandgaon under the pretext of buying her snacks. The victim’s father filed a case with Chandgaon Police Station, and police later submitted a charge sheet.

The trial began on February 2, 2025, following the framing of charges. After a lengthy judicial process, the tribunal delivered its judgment, concluding the case.

Leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its affiliated organizations held a protest rally and demonstration in Purbadhala, Netrokona, on Tuesday afternoon. The event was organized to denounce what they described as nationwide unrest and sabotage attempts by the banned Awami League and its associated groups. The rally began in front of the BNP’s local office on Khadya Godam Road and concluded at Jamtala Gorurhata intersection, followed by a brief protest meeting.

At the meeting, Abu Taher Talukdar, former convener of the Netrokona district BNP and current convener of the Purbadhala upazila BNP, urged vigilance to prevent any acts of violence or instability. He accused local Chhatra League activists of previously attempting to create unrest through sudden processions and warned that such actions would no longer be tolerated. Other BNP leaders also spoke, calling for unity to maintain peace and stability.

Participants pledged to resist any acts of sabotage or violence and called on law enforcement agencies to take necessary measures to uphold public order.

A Dhaka court has fixed September 20 as the new date for submission of the investigation report in a corruption case filed against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 16 others. The case involves allegations of irregularities, abuse of power, and financial losses to the state in connection with the Meghna-Gomti Bridge toll collection contract. The decision was made on June 23 by Acting Judge Mohammad Alamgir of the Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge’s Court after the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) failed to submit the report within the previous deadline.

According to the case details, in 2016, Computer Network Systems (CNS) Limited was awarded the toll collection contract through a direct procurement process, bypassing an ongoing tender and competitive bidding. The company received 17.75 percent of total toll revenue as service charges, amounting to about Tk 489 crore, while previous and subsequent contracts for similar services cost significantly less. Based on comparative data, the ACC alleges that the state incurred a financial loss of approximately Tk 309 crore due to the sole-source contract.

The ACC filed the case on October 12 last year under various sections of the Anti-Corruption Act and the Penal Code.

Bangladesh’s Chief Whip Md. Nurul Islam stated that the government’s current budget focuses on addressing the fragile economic situation and reducing public suffering. He made the remarks on Tuesday at a discussion on the 2026–27 fiscal year budget organized by the MBA Association of Bangladesh at the National Press Club in Dhaka.

Highlighting instability in the banking sector, he criticized a previous law limiting depositor refunds to one lakh taka if a bank went bankrupt, arguing that such policies had pushed the sector toward collapse. He expressed deep concern over money laundering and inflation, claiming that about 30 lakh crore taka had been laundered abroad, forcing the dollar rate to rise from 82 to 130 taka, which severely burdened ordinary citizens.

The Chief Whip urged that the budget be viewed from a humanitarian perspective rather than as mere numbers. He called for unity to alleviate the suffering of marginalized people, recover looted wealth, and rebuild the economy through constructive criticism and necessary reforms.

Police in Saghata upazila of Gaibandha have arrested three suspects in connection with the killing of Islami Chhatra Shibir leader Saifullah Bari. The murder case, filed at Saghata Police Station, names six individuals and includes 10 to 15 unidentified persons. The arrested suspects are Ashraf Khondokar, Robiul Islam, and Shah Alam. The arrests were confirmed by Saghata Police Station’s investigation officer Pobitro Kumar on Tuesday evening.

According to police, the named accused include former Jubo Dal convener Mokhlesur Rahman Mukul, his brother Palash, Ashraf Khondokar, BNP member Robiul Islam, Monarul Islam, and ward-level BNP member Shah Alam. Police said one suspect was initially detained on the day of the incident, and based on his information, two more were arrested later that night. Efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects are ongoing.

The murder occurred on June 21 in the Bonarpara Charmatha area of Saghata, where Saifullah Bari was fatally stabbed allegedly by Mukul, his brother Palash, and Ashraf.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has called on the government to ensure justice for past killings and disappearances or to find a way to step down. Speaking as chief guest at a rally organized by the 11-Party Alliance in Bijoynagar, Dhaka, on Tuesday, he accused the ruling authorities of failing to deliver on their promises to investigate crimes committed during the previous regime. The event was held to demand justice for alleged murders and atrocities under what he described as a fascist government.

Rahman alleged that despite earlier commitments to end oppression, the current administration has continued violence, claiming that 600 people were killed in the past four months. He criticized the government for political interference in banks, universities, and local administration, warning that the country was again heading toward one-party authoritarian rule. He also cited recent killings of political activists, including a student leader in Gaibandha, as examples of ongoing injustice.

Concluding his speech, Rahman urged supporters to prepare for a new revolution to free the nation from corruption and authoritarianism, asserting that Jamaat would not compromise with any form of fascism.

A Comilla University employee, Masud Rana, who works as a plumber in the engineering section, was seen participating in a Jubo Dal protest in Kandirpar, Comilla, on Tuesday afternoon during official working hours without taking any leave. Videos and photos of him leading slogans at the demonstration quickly spread on social media.

According to sources, the protest was organized by the Comilla South District Jubo Dal to resist what they described as disorder by the banned Awami League. University officials confirmed that Masud Rana had not applied for leave, and his participation in political activities during office hours drew negative reactions from many within the institution.

Acting Registrar Nurul Karim Chowdhury stated that no government employee is allowed to join a rally during office hours and that the matter would be investigated and reported to higher authorities if proven. The university’s Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr. Masuda Kamal, reiterated that employees cannot take part in demonstrations during work time.

Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has alleged that efforts are underway to suppress justice in the murder case of Sharif Osman Hadi, describing him as a symbol of revolution. Speaking as the chief guest at a rally organized by the 11-Party Alliance in Bijoynagar, Dhaka, on Tuesday, he said that the charge sheet in the case has not yet been filed and questioned whose interests were being protected by the delay.

The rally was held to demand justice for all enforced disappearances, killings, and massacres allegedly committed during the rule of what he termed the “fascist Awami government.” Dr. Rahman criticized the current ruling party, saying that despite earlier promises to investigate past political violence, it has failed to deliver justice and that around 600 people have been killed in the past four months. He also accused the ruling party of killing its own activists.

Dr. Rahman vowed that his party would not retreat from the struggle and called on supporters to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty with unity and faith.

Deputy Speaker and Netrokona-1 MP Barrister Kaiser Kamal called for unity beyond political differences to ensure the development of Kalmakanda. Speaking as chief guest at a views-exchange meeting organized by the upazila administration on Tuesday afternoon, he emphasized that all parties must work together for progress. He highlighted plans for a bypass and highway around Kalmakanda Sadar to ease traffic congestion, boost trade, and improve agricultural transport, which he said would invigorate the local economy.

Kamal also discussed long-term goals to transform Kalmakanda into a modern and planned township, including the potential establishment of a municipality to enhance drainage, waste management, and civic services. He stressed education and sports as tools to keep youth away from drugs and crime, announcing initiatives for a sports stadium, training center, and a technical or engineering college. He urged contractors and engineers to maintain quality in all development projects funded by public money.

The meeting was chaired by Netrokona Deputy Commissioner Khandaker Mushfiqur Rahman and attended by representatives from various political, social, and religious groups.

Dhaka district authorities have set a target to administer Vitamin A capsules to 553,799 children under the National Vitamin A Plus Campaign 2026. The campaign will be held on June 28 across the country, including Dhaka, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. without interruption. Civil Surgeon Dr. Mohammad Zillur Rahman announced the plan at a press briefing attended by Dhaka Deputy Commissioner Farida Khanam and Superintendent of Police Shamima Parvin.

According to the briefing, 74,117 children aged 6–11 months will receive blue capsules containing 100,000 IU, while 478,682 children aged 12–59 months will receive red capsules containing 200,000 IU. A total of 1,743 centers, including 1,618 outreach and 125 mobile centers, will operate across the district, supported by 3,486 volunteers and 292 government staff. The Civil Surgeon emphasized Vitamin A’s role in child growth, immunity, and disease prevention, assuring that the government-supplied capsules meet international safety standards.

Deputy Commissioner Farida Khanam urged collective participation to ensure no child is left out, highlighting the importance of child nutrition for building a healthy and capable future generation.

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu told parliament that a total of 445 safe shelters have been identified in Dhaka as part of earthquake and urban disaster preparedness efforts. The list includes 256 shelters under Dhaka South City Corporation and 189 under Dhaka North City Corporation. A formal proposal has been sent to the Prime Minister’s Office to officially declare these sites as earthquake shelters.

Responding to a question from Gopalganj-1 MP Selimuzzaman Mollah, the minister said a coordinated volunteer database is being developed to keep 100,000 volunteers ready in Dhaka and nearby areas. He added that monitoring and rapid dissemination of earthquake and tsunami information have been strengthened through coordination among the Meteorological Department, Geological Survey, and other relevant agencies.

The minister emphasized that, given Bangladesh’s proximity to earthquake and tsunami-prone zones, the government is prioritizing preparedness and risk reduction measures, including adherence to the Bangladesh National Building Code for earthquake-resistant infrastructure.

A prominent Islamic scholar, Maulana Qari Md. Abu Raihan, was allegedly beaten and seriously injured in a boundary dispute in Kalibajail village under Deokhola Union of Fulbaria upazila, Mymensingh. The incident occurred on Sunday morning when a long-standing land boundary disagreement between neighbors escalated into violence. According to the complaint, neighbor Mosharraf Hossain attacked Abu Raihan with an iron rod, leaving him critically injured. He was first taken to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital and later referred to Dhaka for advanced treatment.

The victim, aged 64, is a senior teacher at Lalbari Madrasa in Dhaka and the son of late Maulana Shohrab Ali. His elder brother, Abu Sayeed, reported that the family has been facing threats and feels unsafe since the attack. Abu Raihan’s son, Kawsar Jamil, filed a written complaint with Fulbaria Police Station naming four accused. Police visited the scene on Tuesday and confirmed that legal action is underway, with efforts ongoing to arrest the suspects.

The Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) has handed over a high-capacity cold water filter to the university’s only female dormitory, Nawab Faizunnesa Chowdhurani Hall. The handover took place on Tuesday in the presence of the hall administration and student representatives. The initiative was taken in response to long-standing student demands for access to safe and cold drinking water.

JAKSU Vice President Md. Riazul Islam said the initiative came amid intense heat across Bangladesh and overcrowding in the dormitory, which houses about 1,200 students despite having only 600 seats. He noted that the university administration should ideally ensure such facilities but has not done so, prompting the student body to act independently. He urged the administration to address broader water supply issues on campus.

The hall provost, Professor Dr. Anjuman Ara of the Physics Department, and JAKSU leaders were present during the handover ceremony.

Sylhet Metropolitan Police conducted a 32-hour special operation aimed at maintaining law and order, controlling crime, and ensuring public safety in the city. During the drive, 63 individuals were arrested for involvement in various offenses, including four activists of the Chhatra League. The arrests took place over two phases: 36 people were detained in the first 24 hours, and another 27 were arrested in the following eight hours.

According to police, those arrested include suspects in regular cases, individuals accused in illegal procession cases, warrant-holders, drug users and dealers, smugglers, and others charged under the metropolitan ordinance. Authorities also recovered illegal goods such as 1,400 pieces of KitKat chocolate, 24 kilograms and six packets of cannabis, and 10 sacks of cumin. In a separate traffic operation, legal action was taken against 151 vehicles, with 77 cases filed and 74 vehicles seized.

Police stated that legal procedures are being completed before presenting the detainees to the court.

Bangladesh’s trade deficit for the 2024–2025 fiscal year reached 24.168 billion US dollars, according to Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir. He presented the figures in parliament on Tuesday, noting that export earnings totaled 55,191.24 million dollars while imports stood at 79,359.24 million dollars. The largest deficit was with China at 17,868 million dollars, followed by India at 7,859.87 million dollars. Other major deficits were recorded with Indonesia, Singapore, Brazil, Qatar, and Malaysia.

The minister said Bangladesh remains heavily dependent on the ready-made garment sector, which accounts for 84 percent of total export income. To reduce reliance on a single product, the government has extended bond facilities to exporters in eight additional sectors, including leather, jute, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, ICT, light engineering, frozen food, and plastics. The National Board of Revenue has issued the necessary orders to support this diversification.

He added that Bangladesh is pursuing free trade agreements and GSP Plus benefits with the European Union, China, and India to mitigate potential tariff challenges after graduating from least developed country status in 2026.