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.

Police in Sherpur, Bogura arrested Dr. Samir Hossain Mishu, a local leader of the Swadhinata Chikitsak Parishad (Swachip) known as the 'doctor of the poor', on Tuesday night. The arrest took place around 11:15 p.m. at Mocktail Island in the Ranbirbala area, where he was attending a birthday celebration as a guest. Police said he was detained in connection with a sabotage case filed at Bogura Sadar Police Station.

According to Sherpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge SM Moinuddin, legal procedures are underway to send him to jail through the court. Dr. Mishu, son of the late Dr. Safdar Hossain of Jaleshwaritala in Bogura town, is a recipient of the Pundra Award and is widely known for providing medical care to the poor.

He previously served as the Health and Family Planning Officer of Sadar Upazila and held leadership positions in both the Bogura district branch of Swachip and the Bangabandhu Parishad. He is currently posted as the Health and Family Planning Officer at Bagerhat (IST) Sadar Upazila.

Police have arrested Sajedul Islam Shuvro, vice chairman of Navana Group, in connection with a labor law case. The arrest took place early Wednesday, June 24, 2026. Law enforcement from Tejgaon Industrial Area and Banani police stations conducted a raid at house number 54 on road 15, block D, in Banani late Tuesday night.

According to police, security guards at the building did not cooperate during the operation, and the driver and bodyguards present behaved disorderly. The arrest warrant was issued by Dhaka’s First Labor Court after Shuvro allegedly failed to pay 2.3 million taka owed to a former official of Aftab Automobiles.

The report did not include any statement from Navana Group or the accused regarding the incident, and further legal proceedings are expected to follow.

Lionel Messi turned frustration into triumph as Argentina defeated Austria 2–0 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Dallas. After missing a penalty early in the match, Messi scored twice to surpass Miroslav Klose’s long-standing record of 16 World Cup goals, becoming the tournament’s all-time top scorer with 18. His goals also secured Argentina’s place in the knockout stage with two consecutive wins and six points.

The match highlighted Messi’s enduring brilliance at age 38, as he delivered a performance of precision and artistry. His first goal came in the 38th minute through a fluid team move, while his second, in injury time, sealed both the victory and his new record. Argentina’s midfield, led by Enzo Fernández, Rodrigo De Paul, and Alexis Mac Allister, showed strength, though the team occasionally struggled under Austria’s pressing.

Despite some attacking limitations, Argentina’s reliance on Messi’s creativity remains their greatest asset. As he turns 39, Messi continues to redefine longevity and excellence in football, proving that even missed chances can ignite greatness.

A new convening committee of the Rangpur District National Youth Power has been formed. The announcement was made on Tuesday through a statement approved by the organization’s central president Advocate Tarikul Islam and general secretary Engineer Farhad Sohel. The committee includes Rakibul Hasan Toufiq as convener, Rifatujjaman and Syed Shamim Ahmed as senior joint conveners, Morshed Alam as member secretary, Touhidul Islam Suman as senior joint member secretary, Abdullah Al Maruf as chief organizer, and Omar Faruk Akash as senior organizer.

National Citizens Party member secretary and Rangpur-4 MP Akhtar Hossain said the central leadership placed trust in tested and energetic individuals to strengthen the youth movement in Rangpur and advance the struggle for people’s rights. Convener Rakibul Hasan Toufiq and member secretary Morshed Alam both emphasized their commitment to uphold the spirit of the July uprising and to build an inclusive, merit-based full committee within seven days.

According to the central directive, the newly formed committee must submit a complete organizational structure to the central office within a week.

Speculation has intensified about a cooling relationship between President Md. Shahabuddin and the BNP-led government following his recent London trip. Although the two sides appeared cordial during earlier events, including the February 17 cabinet oath-taking and the March 21 Eid-ul-Fitr prayers, recent developments suggest growing distance. During the June 11 budget session, the president was reportedly not greeted by government leaders, prompting him to leave the parliament early.

The tension reportedly began after the president’s nine-day medical visit to London in May, which drew questions within the government over expenses and activities during the trip. Ministers, however, publicly maintain that relations remain constitutional and functional. Senior cabinet members, including BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, emphasized that the government is maintaining a constitutional relationship with the presidency.

Political analysts cited the situation as part of normal political strategy, noting that the BNP government, elected with a strong mandate, must balance constitutional obligations with political realities. The information minister reiterated that the government continues to uphold a working relationship with Bangabhaban under democratic and constitutional norms.

Flood conditions have deteriorated across Bangladesh’s northeastern and northern regions after India opened all gates of the Gajoldoba Barrage, releasing upstream water amid continuous heavy rainfall. The Teesta River crossed the danger level at Dalia Point in Nilphamari on Tuesday afternoon, prompting the Water Development Board to open all 44 gates of the Teesta Barrage to control water flow. Low-lying areas in Lalmonirhat, Rangpur, Kurigram, and Gaibandha have been inundated, leaving thousands of families marooned.

According to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre, most major rivers are flowing below danger levels, but the Teesta, Surma, Kushiyara, and Someshwari rivers are at or near warning marks at several stations. Officials warned that heavy rainfall and upstream inflow may continue for the next two to three days, potentially worsening the flood situation in northern districts. Local residents expressed frustration over India’s release of water, urging action to prevent further inflow.

Authorities are monitoring embankments and roads in vulnerable areas while urging residents to remain alert as water levels continue to rise.

Bangladesh Bank has resumed lending to commercial banks by printing new money, providing around Tk 9,000 crore in liquidity support to Islami Bank over the past week. The central bank said the assistance was necessary to help the bank manage heavy deposit withdrawals following unrest over the appointment of its chairman. The funds were created through new money issuance, and economists warned that such actions could exert limited inflationary pressure.

According to officials, Islami Bank had failed to maintain its required cash reserve ratio and faced difficulties meeting customer withdrawal demands. The central bank extended the loan under its lender-of-last-resort function to stabilize the banking system. Former officials and economists noted that while money creation increases supply theoretically, the impact on overall inflation is expected to be minimal due to the limited scale of the support.

Bangladesh Bank stated that the liquidity assistance was temporary and would be repaid within the stipulated period, ensuring the excess money returns to the central bank. The move aimed to restore depositor confidence and prevent further instability in the financial sector.

Leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) held a protest march and rally in Dhaka’s New Market area on Tuesday night, June 24, 2026, opposing the activities of the banned Awami League and its student wing, Chhatra League. The procession began around 10 p.m. from Nilkhet intersection and concluded in front of the main gate of Dhaka College after parading through several streets.

The demonstration was led by Mizanur Rahman Doyal, assistant organizing secretary of the JCD central committee. Leaders from Dhaka College, metropolitan, and local units of the organization participated in the event. During the rally, Doyal warned that if the Awami League attempted to reemerge or create unrest in the country, the JCD would strongly resist such moves.

He added that since its inception, the JCD has stood by the people during national crises and vowed to continue this commitment in the future.

RezauL Hasan Koyes Lodi, chairman of the Sylhet Development Authority and acting president of Sylhet Metropolitan BNP, has reported receiving death threats from unidentified individuals or groups through social media. He confirmed the matter on Tuesday evening, June 23, stating that several Facebook accounts had issued threats against him. Lodi said he verbally informed the Sylhet Metropolitan Police Commissioner and submitted the relevant links, while also filing a report with the Airport Police Station seeking legal action.

Lodi described the threats as alarming, particularly given his role as a political figure engaged in public service. He demanded a proper investigation and swift legal action against those responsible. The threats reportedly came amid recent Facebook criticism of him related to issues surrounding the Hazrat Shahjalal shrine donation box and the transfer of Deputy Commissioner Sarwar Alam.

The incident has sparked significant discussion in both political and administrative circles in Sylhet, highlighting concerns over online intimidation of public officials.

Prime Minister Tarek Rahman departed from Dalian to Beijing on Wednesday afternoon after attending the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos. He traveled by bullet train accompanied by his wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman. His main bilateral engagements in Beijing are scheduled to begin soon, including meetings with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and President Xi Jinping on June 25 and 26.

Earlier in the day, Rahman participated in the WEF conference held at the Dalian International Conference Center. The 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions brought together over 1,700 participants from more than 90 countries and regions, including political leaders, business figures, academics, and media representatives. Prime ministers from Guinea, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Mongolia, and Montenegro also attended the event.

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