Prime Minister Tarique Rahman of Bangladesh held a one-on-one meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Monday morning at the Perdana Putra building in Putrajaya. The meeting began at 9:30 a.m. local time on the fifth floor of the Malaysian Prime Minister’s Office. Before the private discussion, Rahman signed the visitors’ book. Following their one-on-one meeting, a high-level bilateral meeting between the two countries was scheduled, with both leaders leading their respective delegations.

According to the Foreign Secretary, the discussions were expected to cover expansion of trade and investment, energy cooperation, halal economy, labor migration, semiconductor industry, agriculture, education, and public communication. The meeting was attended by senior Bangladeshi officials including the foreign minister, ministers of expatriate welfare and energy, and advisers on economic and education affairs.

After the bilateral talks, both prime ministers were to attend a joint press conference, followed by a luncheon hosted by Anwar Ibrahim at his official residence. A cultural program featuring Malaysian artists performing in Malay and Bengali languages was also planned.

Human Rights Watch’s May 2026 report detailed the killing of at least 170 Rohingya Muslims by the Arakan Army near Hwar Siri village in northern Myanmar’s Buthidaung area on 2 May 2024. The report suggested the actual death toll could be higher and found evidence of Myanmar military involvement. Witnesses, satellite images, and videos indicated that the army made no effort to protect civilians. The Arakan Army denied the allegations, claiming compliance with international law, but Human Rights Watch found no truth in those claims.

The article traced the historical roots of the Rohingya crisis, noting their centuries-long presence in Myanmar and the loss of citizenship under the 1982 law. It reviewed repeated waves of persecution since 1978 that forced hundreds of thousands into Bangladesh, where over 1.2 million refugees now reside. The piece argued that the new BNP government faces a severe challenge amid economic strain and must pursue multi-front diplomacy involving China, India, the United States, and the OIC.

The author recommended direct engagement with Myanmar and the Arakan Army, leveraging Chinese and Indian influence, and forming a regional asylum framework to address the protracted humanitarian crisis.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing growing pressure to announce his resignation as questions over his political future intensify. Cabinet colleague Peter Kyle confirmed that Starmer is reflecting on the 'political reality' following Andy Burnham’s by-election victory in Makerfield, which has emboldened calls within the Labour Party for a leadership change. Senior ministers and several Labour MPs have urged Starmer to set a timetable for stepping down, suggesting that Burnham’s win has opened the door for a new leadership contest.

The pressure increased after U.S. President Donald Trump publicly criticized Starmer’s immigration and energy policies, predicting his resignation. Despite the mounting calls, Starmer has vowed to fight any formal leadership challenge. Kyle stated that the prime minister is taking time to consider how the situation has evolved and will act in the country’s best interest. Some Labour figures, including MP Toby Perkins, warned that another leadership change could deepen political instability.

Reports in British newspapers suggest Starmer may soon announce his resignation schedule, while potential successors such as Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting prepare for a possible leadership race.

Global oil prices increased following the fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran. According to a Reuters report, Brent crude reached 81.66 dollars per barrel at 10:06 p.m. GMT on Sunday, up by 1.09 dollars or 1.35 percent. Earlier in the day, prices had climbed as high as 82.30 dollars per barrel.

The report noted that crude prices had fallen slightly the previous week after several oil tankers successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz, easing concerns about supply disruptions. However, renewed geopolitical uncertainty has again pushed prices upward.

Meanwhile, high-level diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran began in Switzerland, mediated by Qatar and Pakistan. The mediators described the discussions as taking place in a positive and constructive atmosphere, suggesting cautious optimism for further progress.

Cape Verde continued their impressive debut World Cup run by holding former champions Uruguay to a 2-2 draw at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. After a goalless draw with Spain in their opening match, the African side once again earned a valuable point. Kevin Pina opened the scoring in the 21st minute with a long-range free-kick, marking Cape Verde’s first-ever World Cup goal. Uruguay responded before halftime through Maximiliano Araujo and Agustin Canobbio to lead 2-1 at the break. In the second half, Helio Varela equalized in the 61st minute to secure another historic result for Cape Verde.

The draw demonstrated Cape Verde’s growing confidence and disciplined play, combining solid defense with quick counterattacks. With two points from two matches, they remain in contention for the knockout stage. Uruguay, meanwhile, face a tougher path after consecutive draws against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde. Spain lead the group with four points, followed by Uruguay and Cape Verde on two each, while Saudi Arabia sit at the bottom.

Cape Verde’s back-to-back draws against top-tier teams have boosted their hopes of advancing beyond the group stage.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi stated that Iranian officials and footballers are working together to protect the nation’s honor and dignity. He shared a social media post juxtaposing images of schoolgirls killed in a US-Israeli attack with a photo from the Football World Cup, emphasizing that every action by Iranians—from the football field to diplomatic talks and the battlefield—is part of a broader struggle to defend national pride.

Aragchi’s post came as mediators welcomed progress in US-Iran talks in Switzerland and as Iran drew its World Cup match against Belgium. The statement linked the country’s diplomatic and sporting efforts to a unified national cause.

Earlier, on February 28, a missile strike hit the Shajareh Tayyebah Girls School in Minab on the first day of the Iran-US war, killing about 160 people, mostly schoolgirls and teachers, according to the report.

Bangladesh is signaling a return to an independent and self-respecting foreign policy under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s Delhi-centered approach. Rahman’s first overseas visits to Malaysia and China mark efforts to strengthen ties with key Asian partners. The interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus had earlier revived a sense of national dignity in foreign affairs after the political upheaval that ended Hasina’s rule.

Malaysia, a major labor market and influential Muslim nation, was chosen as Rahman’s first destination, reflecting both economic and diplomatic priorities. His subsequent trip to China aims to deepen cooperation in defense, river management, and infrastructure. The foreign secretary confirmed that two agreements, thirteen memoranda of understanding, and one action plan will be discussed, with emphasis on Chinese support for the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project.

Bangladesh seeks to enhance defense modernization and strategic balance through long-term collaboration with China, including potential joint production and technology transfer. The government maintains that these partnerships will prioritize national sovereignty and economic interests without aligning with any geopolitical bloc.

A witness before Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has alleged that dismissed army officer Major General Ziaul Ahsan was directly involved in the disappearance of BNP central leader M Ilias Ali. The testimony came from Imrul Kayes, a former army member who once served as Ziaul’s bodyguard, during a hearing on crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the Awami League government. Ziaul, who was brought to the tribunal under heavy police guard, was accused of leading abduction, torture, and murder operations while serving as head of RAB intelligence and later as director general of the National Telecommunication Monitoring Center.

Imrul’s detailed statement described multiple incidents between 2011 and 2012, including the alleged abduction of Ilias Ali near Mohakhali, disposal of bodies along rail tracks and rivers, and staged operations in the Sundarbans. He claimed Ziaul ordered killings by gunfire and lethal injections, estimating 150 to 200 deaths during his 15 months of service under him. Imrul said he testified out of conscience and appealed for justice so that no soldier faces similar moral conflict.

The tribunal continues to hear evidence in the case involving enforced disappearances, torture, and killings attributed to Ziaul and his associates.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that significant progress has been made toward ending the Lebanon war. In a social media post responding to a joint statement by Pakistan and Qatar, Araghchi credited their tireless mediation efforts for achieving this breakthrough.

He stated that sanctions on oil and petrochemical exports have been lifted, blockades removed, and some of Iran’s frozen assets released. Additionally, a major reconstruction and development plan for the country has been launched. Araghchi emphasized that the first test of this process will be the conflict avoidance cell.

The announcement, reported by Al Jazeera, highlights growing diplomatic engagement in the region involving Iran, Pakistan, and Qatar, aiming to stabilize Lebanon and ease regional tensions.

Argentina will face Austria tonight at AT&T Stadium in Arlington in their second Group J match of the World Cup. The match, scheduled for Monday at 11 p.m. Bangladesh time, carries significance beyond three points. Lionel Messi, who scored a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3–0 win over Algeria, is now level with Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals. One more goal would make him the tournament’s all-time top scorer and could also secure Argentina’s place in the knockout stage.

Messi’s performance against Algeria marked his 200th international appearance and reaffirmed his influence at age 38. Argentina enters the match with seven consecutive World Cup victories, displaying confidence and champion-like composure. Austria, led by coach Ralf Rangnick, approaches the game after a 3–1 win over Jordan and aims for its first knockout qualification since 1982. Captain David Alaba acknowledged Argentina’s collective strength beyond Messi.

Assistant coach Pablo Aimar cautioned that Austria’s physicality and pressing style could pose challenges. Tactical battles are expected, with Argentina focusing on ball control and creative play through Messi, while Austria will rely on high pressing and quick transitions.

Iran earned a crucial point after holding Belgium to a 0-0 draw in their Group G match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Los Angeles Stadium. Despite Belgium entering the match as clear favorites, Iran’s disciplined defense and swift counterattacks kept the European side under pressure throughout the game. A first-half goal by Iranian forward Mehdi Taremi was disallowed for a narrow offside following a VAR review.

The match turned in the 70th minute when a Belgian defender received a second yellow card for a foul, reducing his team to ten men. Iran increased their attacking intensity in the final stages but were repeatedly denied by Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, whose key saves preserved the draw. Neither side managed to break the deadlock by the final whistle.

With two points from two matches, Iran climbed to the top of Group G on goal advantage, while Belgium slipped to second. The result strengthened Iran’s position in the race for the knockout stage.

Talks between the United States and Iran held in Switzerland concluded in what mediators described as a positive and constructive atmosphere. Pakistan and Qatar, acting as mediators, announced in a joint statement that the discussions achieved encouraging progress, including agreement on a framework for future technical negotiations. The parties also decided to form a high-level committee to oversee political aspects of the mediation process, with lead negotiators reporting regularly to this body.

The committee will guide working groups on nuclear and sanctions issues and supervise implementation of the memorandum of understanding. It also agreed on a roadmap to reach a final agreement within 60 days, paving the way for immediate technical discussions. A communication line has been established to prevent misunderstandings and ensure safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, the US and Iran agreed to create a conflict-avoidance cell with Lebanon to ensure compliance with the ceasefire there.

Iranian representative Baghaei said progress was made on oil export licensing and the release of frozen assets. Mediators confirmed that technical talks would continue at Switzerland’s Burgenstock resort throughout the week.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, has reached a remarkable milestone by recording 100 goals in only 33 matches. This marks the fastest century of goals in 68 years since the 1958 Sweden World Cup. The milestone goal came from Dutch forward Cody Gakpo during the Netherlands’ 5–1 victory over Sweden. The current tournament’s goal average stands at 3.09 per match, significantly higher than the 2.69 average in the previous Qatar World Cup.

Analysts attribute this goal surge to several factors, including the unpredictable flight of the new official ball ‘Trihonda,’ player fatigue due to North America’s intense heat, and tactical hydration breaks that allow coaches to adjust strategies mid-match. The expansion to 48 teams has also led to more lopsided results, such as Germany’s 7–1 win over Curaçao and Canada’s 6–0 victory over Qatar.

If the current scoring pace continues, the 2026 World Cup could become the first in football history to surpass 300 total goals.

During the tenth minute of the first half in the Japan vs Tunisia match, Japanese defender Takehiro Tomiyasu’s powerful shot appeared to cross the goal line after deflecting off a Tunisian player. However, goal-line technology confirmed that the ball had not fully crossed the line, missing by just one millimeter, leading to the goal being disallowed.

The incident prompted widespread discussion among viewers who found the decision confusing. According to football’s laws, a goal is valid only when the entire ball crosses the goal line. Analysts and former players noted that goal-line technology and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system provide more precise judgments than the human eye, even when television angles suggest otherwise.

Experts emphasized that while such decisions may stir emotional debate, the technology ensures fairness by measuring the ball’s position with millimeter accuracy. The event, though not affecting Japan’s eventual 4–0 victory, reignited attention on the precision of football’s modern technologies and their role in maintaining rule integrity.

The banned Awami League is reportedly trying to reorganize in Rajshahi ahead of its 77th founding anniversary on June 23, 2026. Local sources said some leaders and supporters have begun restoring old networks and holding small meetings to discuss future programs. Videos of masked processions demanding the release of detained leaders and pledging continued political activity have circulated on social media, prompting renewed debate and concern in the city.

Law enforcement agencies have been placed on alert, with the police headquarters instructing all metropolitan commissioners and range DIGs to monitor possible rallies or flag-raising events. Rajshahi Metropolitan Police officials said they are prepared to act against any law violations. Opposition parties including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizens Party warned they would resist any attempt by the banned group to resume political activities.

Political analysts and local residents expressed concern that the anniversary could heighten tensions in Rajshahi. Authorities and political groups have been urged to act responsibly to prevent unrest and maintain public order.