Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has assured full cooperation to investors interested in reviving closed and loss-making state-owned factories. Speaking at a roadshow for domestic and foreign investors at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon on Saturday, he urged business leaders to move forward with confidence, promising all possible assistance from the government. The event was jointly organized by the Ministry of Industries, the Ministry of Textiles and Jute, and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).

Rahman emphasized that the government’s main responsibility is to remove obstacles and create pathways to overcome challenges, but acknowledged that this cannot be achieved by the government alone. He called for collective effort, noting that gradual and planned action can solve existing problems. During the three-hour discussion, detailed information on 44 factories was presented, including their locations, infrastructure, investment incentives, and expansion potential.

Business representatives participated in an open discussion, raising around 50 questions that were addressed by relevant authorities. Senior ministers, advisers, and top officials attended the event, along with representatives from major Bangladeshi industrial groups and several Japanese corporations and organizations.

Police in Delhi have uncovered an inter-state network involved in buying and selling newborn babies for large sums of money. The operation was centered around Hira Multispeciality Hospital in Begumpur, Rohini, where traffickers allegedly kept infants until they were sold to childless couples using forged documents. The investigation began after a local resident reported suspicious activity involving a woman frequently seen with different newborns. Acting on this tip, police conducted a sting operation and arrested a woman named Jyoti, also known as Kamlesh, during a baby handover on June 5.

Following her arrest, police detained several accomplices and recovered about 300,000 rupees. Five infants under one month old were rescued. Authorities allege that the hospital’s owner, Dr. Viveki, played a key role in coordinating the sales. The network reportedly sourced babies from poor families in Rajasthan and other regions, selling girls for 300,000–400,000 rupees and boys for up to 800,000 rupees. Additional arrests were made in Gujarat, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh.

Police are now working to locate the infants’ biological families and determine whether the children were sold voluntarily or abducted. Legal action is being considered against both sellers and buyers.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has confirmed that the ancient 'Major Oak' tree in England’s Sherwood Forest, famously associated with the legend of Robin Hood, has died. The oak, estimated to be around 1,200 years old, had a trunk circumference of about 36 feet and was a major tourist attraction. Experts noticed its declining health over recent years, and the absence of new leaves this spring confirmed its death.

RSPB’s Sherwood Forest senior site manager Holly Drake described the loss as heartbreaking for those who cared for the tree and for visitors worldwide. The exact cause of death remains uncertain, though experts cited poor soil quality, root decay, and long-term use of metal supports as possible factors. Climate change, heatwaves, and droughts may also have contributed to its decline.

Although no longer alive, the Major Oak will remain standing as a symbol of natural heritage and a habitat for wildlife. RSPB noted that new saplings grown from its acorns and branches have been planted globally to preserve its legacy.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will depart Dhaka on Sunday for an official visit to Malaysia at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. His flight, operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, is scheduled to leave for Kuala Lumpur in the afternoon. Following the Malaysia leg, Rahman will travel directly to China at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

Foreign Minister Asad Alam Siam announced at a press briefing that this will be Rahman’s first foreign trip since his government took office in February. During the China visit, Bangladesh and China are expected to sign 15 to 17 bilateral instruments, including 13 memorandums of understanding, two agreements, one action plan, and one protocol. Discussions will also cover the long-anticipated Teesta project. The prime minister’s delegation will include around 27 to 28 members.

The visits are described as part of a broader diplomatic initiative to strengthen Bangladesh’s economic partnerships, attract foreign investment, and enhance regional connectivity. Rahman will also attend the 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, or Summer Davos Forum, in Dalian from June 23 to 25 before returning home on Friday night.

The United Arab Emirates has significantly reduced the approval time for tourist visas to make travel easier for visitors. According to the report, 30- and 60-day single-entry tourist visas are now being issued within a maximum of 48 hours after submission of required documents. Alongside the faster visa process, the UAE has announced special summer discounts at hotels, entertainment venues, and popular attractions across Dubai.

Travel industry representatives noted that the combination of quick visa approvals and seasonal discounts is expected to attract more tourists this summer. Many hotels are offering rooms starting from 139 dirhams, roughly 4,645 Bangladeshi taka, with well-known brands such as Rove Hotels providing limited-time offers. Popular activities like desert safaris, jet skiing, and buggy rides are also being offered at reduced prices, with some operators giving up to 50 percent discounts for advance bookings.

Applicants can apply for visas online through Emirates’ website by submitting a valid passport, recent photo, hotel booking proof, and confirmed flight ticket. Most applications are processed within 48 hours, though some may be approved even faster in special cases.

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has condemned comments made by Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who posted on X that “all of Lebanon must burn” following the killing of four Israeli soldiers in a Hezbollah attack. Cooper described the remarks as “horrendous and abhorrent” in her own post on Friday.

Ben-Gvir’s statement also rejected a peace agreement between the United States and Iran, declaring that Israel “is not subordinate to the United States” and calling for Lebanon to be “obliterated.” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded by saying the comments were not a random outburst but a public declaration by a senior Israeli official, calling Israel a “threat to all of humanity.” Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz separately stated that 200,000 displaced residents of southern Lebanon would not be allowed to return, while Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich urged to “open the gates of hell” in Lebanon.

According to Lebanese authorities, Israel’s offensive against Hezbollah, which began on March 2, 2026, has displaced more than 1.2 million people and killed over 1,200 in Lebanon.

The Association of Private Universities of Bangladesh has expressed deep concern over the government's decision to retain the existing 10 percent income tax on private universities in the national budget. In a statement signed by the association’s director Belal Ahmed, the organization called on the government to reconsider the tax policy in the interest of students and the higher education sector.

According to the statement, the association had earlier presented the rationale for withdrawing the tax to the Ministry of Education, the University Grants Commission, the National Board of Revenue, and other policymakers, but no positive response was received. It noted that private universities already pay significant amounts in VAT and other taxes for infrastructure, technology, laboratories, and educational services. The additional 10 percent income tax, the association warned, would hinder institutional development and indirectly increase the cost of higher education for students.

The association emphasized that private universities operate as non-profit entities under existing law, and imposing income tax raises a policy question internationally. It urged authorities to view investment in education as a long-term investment in human resource development rather than an expense.

Prime Minister’s Adviser and Spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office, Mahdi Amin, announced that more than 65,000 schools participated in this year’s Primary School Gold Cup tournament. He made the statement on Saturday at the Army Stadium in Dhaka after the final match of the event. According to him, the tournament saw participation from 1.1 million boys and 1.1 million girls, totaling 2.2 million students, with over 123,000 matches played across the country.

Mahdi Amin described the tournament as possibly the largest football event of its kind in the world. He emphasized that under the Prime Minister’s leadership, the initiative reflects a vision for an education system that encourages both intellectual and moral development. He highlighted the importance of nurturing good citizenship, family values, and creativity through education, sports, and cultural activities.

He further stated that the government will continue to support all participants, ensuring opportunities for every child to express their hidden talents. The adviser congratulated both winners and participants, calling them the future builders of a prosperous Bangladesh.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has drawn renewed international attention as talks on easing economic sanctions between the United States and Iran gain momentum. Reports indicate that despite years of Western restrictions, the IRGC has maintained a strong presence across key sectors of Iran’s economy, including energy, construction, ports, shipping, telecommunications, and infrastructure development.

According to a report by The Times of Israel, any potential agreement between Washington and Tehran could boost foreign investment and oil exports in Iran. However, much of this economic activity is expected to flow through existing domestic networks where the IRGC holds significant influence. Analysts suggest that IRGC-linked companies could become essential partners for foreign investors due to Iran’s joint-venture business structure.

Experts warn that while sanctions relief could expand IRGC-affiliated business networks, Western companies may face legal and diplomatic risks because several countries classify the IRGC as a banned or terrorist organization. The potential deal could therefore reshape both Iran’s political relations and its internal economic power balance.

Road Transport Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam announced that direct train operations on the Pabna-Dhaka route will begin in August. He made the statement on Saturday evening at a meeting with government officials and local dignitaries at the Pabna Circuit House. The minister said locomotives for the route are ready, and new coaches are expected to arrive in July. Once the coaches are received, the direct service will start on a priority basis.

He added that two new train routes are planned to launch in August, starting with the Dhaka-Pabna service followed by the Dhaka-Khulna route. The minister also emphasized restoring discipline in the transport sector through coordinated efforts involving owners, workers, and all stakeholders, prioritizing public interest over any specific group.

Regarding the relocation of the Kazirhat ferry terminal, Robiul Alam stated that preliminary work has begun, including completion of the feasibility study and development project proposal. The government is committed to implementing the project promptly, considering its public importance and long-standing local demand.

Barishal Metropolitan Police conducted a special operation over the past 24 hours, resulting in the arrest of 77 individuals across the city. The information was confirmed through a press release from the BMP Media Cell. Separate operational teams from four police stations and the Detective Branch carried out the drives in different areas of Barishal.

According to police data, the arrests include 13 individuals with outstanding warrants, 57 in regular cases, six under the Barishal Metropolitan Ordinance, and one under other laws. The operation aimed to maintain law and order and suppress criminal activities within the city.

Barishal Kotwali Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Al Mamun Ul Islam stated that such operations will continue to ensure public safety and control crime in the metropolitan area.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled a new interim Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, a day after retiring the historic Boeing 747 that served U.S. presidents for over three decades. The aircraft, valued at $400 million and gifted by the government of Qatar, has sparked intense political and legal debate in Washington. Critics argue that accepting such a costly gift violates federal rules limiting gifts to $50 per source annually.

Trump dismissed the criticism, calling the offer too significant to reject, while a Pentagon spokesperson said the aircraft was accepted in compliance with federal regulations. The plane, named “VC-25B Bridge,” cost an additional $1 billion to convert for presidential use and will serve temporarily until two new presidential aircraft arrive in 2027 and 2028. Critics warn that the conversion costs could divert funds from the delayed Sentinel ICBM modernization program.

The aircraft, painted in red, white, blue, and gold, will lead a flyover during the July 4 celebrations marking America’s 250th Independence anniversary. It replaces the aging presidential fleet, one of which suffered a mechanical failure earlier this year.

Abdul Monayem Munna, president of Jubo Dal, alleged that Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizens Party (NCP) attempted to monopolize the July uprising, while BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman did not. Speaking at a brief rally before a protest march in Mahakhali, Dhaka, on Saturday, Munna said that during the one and a half years of the interim government, public trust in student organizations had declined. He claimed Jamaat later formed an alliance and portrayed itself as the sole force behind the fall of the fascist government between July 10 and August 5, 2024, though BNP had led the movement for 15 years under Tarique Rahman’s leadership from the UK.

Munna criticized Jamaat for alleged false statements in parliament and misconduct by its activists, asserting that Jubo Dal had always acted as a safeguard for the nation’s independence. He vowed that the organization would continue to confront future political challenges. Jubo Dal General Secretary and MP Nurul Islam Noyon warned that the group would not tolerate offensive remarks about the Prime Minister and urged members to remain alert to protect democracy.

The protest march began at Mahakhali kitchen market and concluded at Tejgaon’s Saat Rasta, featuring slogans against Jamaat-Shibir.

A human chain was held on Saturday, June 20, in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka demanding the arrest of the accused in the Salman Shah murder case and ensuring justice. The event was organized by 'Salman Shah Fans from All Districts' and attended by supporters from various parts of the country.

Speakers at the event alleged that despite the passage of a long time, the true mystery behind the popular actor Salman Shah’s death has not been revealed and justice has not been served. They urged authorities to arrest all accused immediately and conduct a transparent and impartial investigation to uncover the truth. Participants described Salman Shah as a bright star of Dhallywood whose untimely death left a deep void in fans’ hearts.

The human chain ended peacefully, with organizers announcing plans to continue their movement until justice is achieved.

A new erosion has occurred at the Teesta bridge protection embankment in Mahipur area of Gangachara upazila, Rangpur. The bamboo piling, built last year at a cost of Tk 1.4 million after about 100 meters of the embankment were lost to the river, has reportedly failed to prevent further damage. According to the Water Development Board and local sources, the opening of 44 gates of the Dalia Barrage has caused the Teesta River to flow near the danger level, intensifying currents that damaged the piling. Around 20 meters of the embankment have already collapsed, creating a 40-foot-deep crater.

The collapse has placed the second Teesta Bridge and the Rangpur–Lalmonirhat regional road at serious risk. This key route serves 30,000 to 35,000 commuters daily. Residents fear that continued erosion could completely cut off road connectivity, severely disrupting local transport. Locals, including farmers, have expressed frustration that no permanent solution has been implemented despite repeated losses of farmland.

Local officials said the situation is being reviewed and higher authorities have been informed for urgent action. Residents are demanding a durable embankment to protect the bridge and regional road from further destruction.