Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attended the plenary session of the World Economic Forum (WEF) held in Dalian, China. The session, titled “Innovation at Scale,” began at 9 a.m. local time on June 24 at the Dalian International Conference Center in Liaoning Province. The WEF President and Chief Executive Officer delivered the opening remarks. Alongside Bangladesh, the prime ministers of China, South Korea, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Montenegro, and Guinea also participated in the session.

On the sidelines of the event, Prime Minister Rahman held discussions with several heads of government to strengthen bilateral relations and exchange views on issues of mutual interest. He also joined a photo session with world leaders during the session break.

According to the report, Rahman’s participation in the “Summer Davos” is expected to expand opportunities for investment and employment in Bangladesh while enhancing national capacity through the adoption of best practices from other countries.

Jagannath University authorities have held an emergency meeting to locate Mohammad Sirajul Islam, a sociology student from the 20th batch who has been missing for five days. The meeting, held on June 23, 2026, decided to intensify publicity efforts, strengthen coordination with law enforcement agencies, and form a 'Quick Response Team' to expedite the search.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Raiys Uddin expressed deep concern over the disappearance and said he had contacted the Deputy Police Commissioner of Wari Division and intelligence officials. He emphasized the need for collective action and mutual cooperation within the university community to respond swiftly in such situations. The process of forming the quick response team is already underway.

Student representatives, leaders of various student organizations, and journalists present at the meeting voiced serious concern and urged stronger social media campaigns and wider media coverage. A delegation led by the university proctor will contact the local police station to follow up on the investigation’s progress.

The Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) arrested two individuals with 7,000 yaba pills concealed inside a motorcycle engine in Rajendrapur area of Challisha Union, Netrokona Sadar upazila. The operation took place on Tuesday morning along the Netrokona–Mymensingh road, led by Assistant Director Md Nazmul Haque. Acting on a tip-off, the DNC team set up a temporary checkpoint, stopped a suspicious motorcycle, and discovered the drugs hidden in the engine compartment.

The detainees were identified as Md Sohel Mia, 36, and Md Sajib, 24, both from Chirram village in Barhatta upazila. Authorities also seized three mobile phones and the motorcycle used in the operation. The DNC estimated the market value of the seized yaba pills at around 2.8 million taka. Inspector Md Al-Amin filed a case under the Narcotics Control Act at Netrokona Model Police Station.

According to the DNC, the two suspects would be sent to court later in the day. Officials stated that anti-drug operations will continue and emphasized the importance of public cooperation to keep society free from narcotics.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final venue, MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, has become the center of controversy after players from Brazil and France criticized the pitch conditions. Following matches on June 13 between Brazil and Morocco (1–1) and on June 16 between France and Senegal (3–1), players and coaches from both teams expressed dissatisfaction with the field. Brazilian forward Vinícius Júnior said the dry grass slowed the game due to heat, while French coach Didier Deschamps described the pitch as “different” and “special.” Midfielder Adrien Rabiot went further, calling it as hard as artificial turf and questioning whether it met international standards.

FIFA dismissed the complaints, stating there was no reason for concern about the field’s quality. The organization said it had worked for over five years with turf experts and stadium authorities to ensure the best and safest conditions for players. FIFA added that despite visual concerns about some areas, its turf management team found the surface fully compliant and performing as expected for a major tournament.

The stadium is scheduled to host the World Cup final on July 19, along with several knockout and group-stage matches before that date.

Pope Leo XIV, in his first encyclical ‘Magnifica Humanitas’ published on May 15, 2026, warned that artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping human life, work, politics, and identity, raising moral questions similar to those of the industrial revolution. His message has resonated across the Muslim world, where scholars in Qatar, Malaysia, and Indonesia are increasingly engaging with the ethical and social implications of AI.

Islamic ethicists are exploring how concepts such as ‘takrim’ (human honor), ‘khilafah’ (stewardship), and ‘amanah’ (moral responsibility) define human dignity and accountability in the age of automation. They emphasize that moral responsibility cannot be transferred to machines and that AI should not be treated as an ultimate power, given the Islamic principle of ‘tawhid’ (oneness of God). The debate also extends to political and economic concerns over data ownership, algorithmic control, and profit concentration.

Experts warn that AI’s growing centralization in a few private corporations could deepen global inequality, particularly affecting the Middle East, Africa, and the Global South. They call for a coordinated ethical dialogue across Muslim societies to ensure that technology upholds justice and human dignity.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Malaysian government and people for the warm reception during his first foreign visit as Bangladesh’s head of government. In a verified Facebook post after concluding his two-day visit to Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, he described Malaysia’s hospitality as a reflection of the enduring friendship between the two nations.

Rahman stated that his discussions with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed the long-standing bilateral relationship and strengthened both countries’ commitment to broader cooperation, prosperity, and regional progress. He and his wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, also thanked Anwar Ibrahim and his spouse, Datuk Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, for their warm welcome and hospitality.

Highlighting the historical depth of the relationship, Rahman recalled that the bond began decades ago during the leadership of his parents, former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. He also expressed appreciation to Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Sultan Iskandar for his courtesy and said he looked forward to working closely with Anwar Ibrahim to further strengthen the multifaceted partnership. Rahman departed Kuala Lumpur for Dalian, China, marking the next leg of his first overseas tour.

Police in Sunamganj’s Tahirpur upazila arrested a young man named Prince Roy Dipto, 22, on Tuesday afternoon for allegedly posting offensive and indecent comments on Facebook about Islam, the Holy Quran, and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The arrest took place in the Badaghat Bazar area following an operation by local police. The incident sparked widespread discussion and tension in the area.

According to police and local sources, the posts made from Dipto’s personal Facebook account quickly spread online, provoking anger among local Muslims. To prevent deterioration of law and order, Tahirpur police took immediate action and detained the accused after verifying the allegations. Officer-in-Charge Md Aminul Islam confirmed the arrest and said legal action had been initiated, with the suspect to be sent to court after due process.

Following the news, local religious leaders and residents condemned the act and demanded exemplary punishment. Police stated they are maintaining constant surveillance to preserve communal harmony and will act strictly against any provocative activities.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has directed all relevant institutions to work in a coordinated manner to combat dengue. He emphasized that public awareness and active participation are essential alongside government initiatives. The first meeting of the National Committee on Prevention of Dengue and Other Mosquito-Borne Diseases was held on Tuesday at the ministry, chaired by Mirza Fakhrul. The meeting decided to form a taskforce under State Minister Mir Shah Alam to oversee field-level dengue prevention activities.

The committee, recently restructured to make government efforts more coordinated and effective, includes representatives from various ministries, departments, and agencies. Key decisions from the meeting include mass distribution of awareness leaflets, school-based campaigns, intensified cleanliness drives, regular inspection of mosquito control quality, and special operations to destroy Aedes breeding sites. Media and social media awareness efforts will also be strengthened.

Officials stressed the need for early and integrated preparations ahead of the monsoon season, with a focus on rapid implementation of decisions, increased field activity, and adequate manpower to curb dengue spread.

Leaders and activists of the BNP and its affiliated organizations held a motorcycle showdown and protest in Dhanbari upazila of Tangail on Tuesday morning. The event was organized to prevent possible acts of sabotage and unrest centering the anniversary of the Awami League, which has been declared a banned political organization. The participants rode through key roads including the Dhaka-Tangail-Joydebpur-Jamalpur highway, chanting slogans and expressing their stance against potential instability.

BNP leaders said they were active in the field to help maintain law and order and to resist any destructive activities. They called on the public to remain alert and to uphold a peaceful environment. The program was attended by local BNP, Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, and Chhatra Dal leaders, including Dhanbari BNP president M. Azizur Rahman and general secretary Enamul Haque.

The motorcycle rally and protest ended with brief gatherings at several key points, where leaders pledged to work together against violence, sabotage, and public suffering.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has declared that no solution other than ending Israeli occupation in southern Lebanon will be accepted. He made the statement on the day new rounds of diplomatic talks between Lebanese and Israeli representatives began in Washington, D.C. Aoun’s remarks were shared through the Lebanese presidency’s official account on X, emphasizing that recent developments have proven diplomacy to be the right path for achieving national goals and reclaiming the country’s rights.

Aoun expressed hope that the ongoing negotiations would help secure Lebanon’s interests and ensure full sovereignty over every inch of its territory. He reaffirmed that Lebanon’s only path lies in national sovereignty and trust in the state to protect all citizens and guarantee freedom and dignity. Despite the diplomatic efforts, clashes between Israel and Hezbollah have not fully ceased, even after a new ceasefire agreement last Friday.

According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health, Israeli attacks since March 2 have killed at least 4,192 people and injured 12,171, though no breakdown between civilians and fighters has been released.

Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has temporarily suspended its Director of Ports and Transport, AKM Arif Uddin, following allegations of misconduct, corruption, and involvement in a scandalous video with a woman. The suspension order, signed by BIWTA Chairman Md. Muhidul Islam, was issued on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Arif Uddin had previously gained attention for his role in various eviction drives in Dhaka.

According to sources, a video showing Arif Uddin in a compromising situation with a woman recently spread across social media, prompting the decision. The order stated that the incident damaged the authority’s reputation and violated provisions of the BIWTA Employment Regulations, 1990. During the suspension, he will receive subsistence allowance subject to attendance at the administration and human resources department.

The BIWTA administration and human resources director, Md. Saiful Islam, has been assigned additional responsibility for the Ports and Transport Division. The Anti-Corruption Commission is currently investigating at least three corruption complaints against Arif Uddin.

Leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami visited the grave of Shaheed Saifullah Bari, president of the Bonarpara Union unit of Islami Chhatra Shibir, who was killed in a daylight stabbing incident in Gaibandha. The visit took place on Tuesday, where local leaders, social figures, and residents joined in paying respects. They also met with Bari’s bereaved family, expressed condolences, and prayed for his soul.

Speakers at the event described Saifullah Bari as an idealistic, talented, and dedicated young leader whose untimely death brought deep sorrow to the area. They called for a fair investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible. During the meeting, Jamaat leaders assured the family of full support and inquired about their well-being.

Family members urged the authorities to ensure justice and their safety, emphasizing that while the loss cannot be undone, justice through proper trial could uphold fairness. The program concluded with special prayers attended by local dignitaries, party members, and residents.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) held a protest rally and procession in Kurigram on Tuesday evening demanding the trial of the banned Awami League for alleged extrajudicial killings, irregularities, and corruption. The demonstration began at the July Memorial near College Mor and marched through the main streets before concluding with a rally at Doel Chattar.

Speakers at the rally, including district NCP convener Mukul Mia, member secretary Masum Mia, and senior joint convener Mahmudul Hasan Jewel, accused Awami League members of attempting to reemerge publicly and planning subversive activities. They urged the administration to take strict action to stop such activities and called for a permanent ban on the party through legal means. They warned that failure to bring those involved in alleged mass killings to justice could lead to renewed mass movements.

The event saw participation from NCP’s affiliated organizations such as Jubo Shakti, Chhatra Shakti, Sramik Shakti, and Nari Shakti, with over a thousand activists joining the program.

Global oil price trends are increasingly being influenced by China, as the United States and Iran continue discussions on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and restoring Middle Eastern oil supplies. Analysts say China, though not part of these talks, has become the most significant player in determining the next phase of the global oil market. As the world’s second-largest crude oil consumer, China has mitigated the impact of disrupted supplies exceeding 11 million barrels per day by reducing imports, using its vast reserves, and expanding clean energy use.

These measures have helped stabilize international prices despite a supply shortfall exceeding one billion barrels. Brent crude fell below 78 dollars per barrel on Monday, reflecting expectations of resumed trade through the Hormuz Strait. Analysts from Société Générale noted that while the Iran war has affected 14 percent of global supply, prices have not surged as in past crises, crediting China’s balancing role. Experts warn, however, that reliance on reserves cannot last indefinitely, and if prices drop, China may resume large-scale stockpiling, potentially reshaping the market again.

The International Energy Agency cautioned that if Middle Eastern production normalizes, global supply could exceed demand by 4.7 million barrels per day next year, making China’s future buying decisions crucial for market stability.

Islamic scholar and Jamaat leader Mufti Ali Hasan Usama stated that the more Jamaat distances itself from Maududi’s ideology, the deeper crisis it will face. He made the remarks on Monday during a program, emphasizing the importance of revisiting Maududi’s original works.

Usama noted that several books included in their syllabus contain translation issues that distort Maududi’s intended meaning. He said that while Maududi’s writings convey one message, the translations often present another, leading to fundamental misunderstandings.

He further explained that such discrepancies are natural but cautioned against blaming the original author for translators’ mistakes. According to him, some people unfairly attribute translation errors to Maududi himself, which he described as an act of injustice.