Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on students to pursue excellence not only in sports but also in education, music, and cultural activities to build a stronger nation. He made the remarks on Thursday afternoon at the final match and prize-giving ceremony of the Primary School Gold Cup Football Tournament held at the Bangladesh Army Stadium.

Addressing young students, the Prime Minister emphasized that playing alone is not enough and urged them to advance in studies and creative work. He announced plans to organize the Gold Cup tournament at the secondary level this year and to introduce a Prime Minister’s Cup next year. This year, 2.2 million boys and girls participated in the football tournament organized nationwide by the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education.

In the finals, Jorgacha United Government Primary School from Sathia, Pabna, won the girls’ division by defeating Achargaon Government Primary School of Nandail, Mymensingh, 4–2, while Dariar Mia Government Primary School from Bakerganj, Barishal, won the boys’ division by beating Darirampur Model Government Primary School of Trishal, 1–0.

Former Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal Mohammad Tajul Islam stated that all citizens are united on the question of national sovereignty. In a Facebook post on Saturday, he emphasized that while criticism and debate are natural, everyone should stand together when it comes to defending the nation’s borders.

Speaking earlier on Friday at a workshop held at the Abdul Karim Sahityabisharad Auditorium of Bangla Academy in Dhaka, Tajul Islam discussed the July killings, describing them as crimes against humanity under international law rather than genocide. He questioned why investigations and trials related to these crimes have slowed, noting that no new investigation reports or trials had been initiated in the past four months.

Tajul Islam urged that the trials of those responsible for the July killings be completed swiftly, warning that failure to do so could embolden those who previously acted with impunity.

At least 24 people were killed and 97 others injured as police and security forces opened fire during ongoing protests in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, according to media reports on Saturday. Authorities have detained 515 people, while strikes, road blockades, and internet disruptions have spread across the region. The situation remains tense, with curfews imposed and media access restricted.

The protests, ongoing for nearly two weeks, erupted over the decision to reserve 12 of the 45 legislative assembly seats for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir in the upcoming July 27 election. The movement has been led by the recently banned civil rights group Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). Police chief Liaqat Ali Malik said the main center of the protests is Rawalakot, located about 100 kilometers south of Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Kashmir.

Authorities have cut off major roads and internet connections in an effort to control the unrest, while the region remains under tight security and limited media presence.

Switzerland has confirmed that confidential discussions are ongoing at the Bürgenstock resort to advance the implementation of a memorandum of understanding signed between Iran and the United States. The Swiss Foreign Ministry announced this on Saturday, noting that a reliable and discreet environment is being maintained for the talks. The ministry did not disclose who is participating or what specific issues are being discussed, citing the need for confidentiality.

According to the statement, Switzerland has long served as a neutral and trusted mediator for sensitive diplomatic negotiations. The country’s role in facilitating such discussions underscores its reputation as a stable venue for international dialogue between states with complex relations.

No further details were provided about the content or timeline of the Iran-US memorandum or the expected outcomes of the current discussions.

Russia’s Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev has expressed skepticism about the stability of the recent agreement between the United States and Iran. In a post on the Russian social media platform Max, he warned that the deal could easily collapse due to new provocations or attacks, particularly in Lebanon. Medvedev said it would be premature to expect lasting peace under the current circumstances.

The statement comes as Russia and Iran have deepened their military and economic cooperation since the start of the Ukraine war. However, Moscow’s limited response to the recent US-Israel-Iran conflict—restricted mainly to diplomatic and verbal support—has highlighted the boundaries of their partnership.

Medvedev’s remarks suggest that Moscow views the US-Iran understanding as fragile and vulnerable to regional instability, underscoring Russia’s cautious stance in Middle Eastern affairs.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attended the final round of the country's largest primary-level sports event, the Primary School Gold Cup Football Tournament (boys and girls), held at the Army Stadium in Dhaka. He arrived at the venue around 4 p.m. on Saturday and joined young students in hoisting the national flag before watching the girls’ final match between Achargaon Government Primary School of Nandail, Mymensingh, and Jorgacha United Government Primary School of Santhia, Pabna.

Earlier, the boys’ final took place where Dariyal Mia Government Primary School of Bakerganj, Barishal, defeated Darirampur Model Government Primary School of Trishal, Mymensingh, by 1–0 to become champions. The tournament began on April 6 and involved 65,342 government primary schools, with over 1.1 million boys and 1.1 million girls participating nationwide.

According to the Prime Minister’s Education and Primary and Mass Education Adviser Mahdi Amin, the competition progressed from village to divisional levels to identify grassroots football talent. Organizers plan to expand the next edition to include at least five million students.

Manarat International University held its orientation ceremony for newly admitted students on Saturday at the permanent campus auditorium in Ashulia. The event featured a festive atmosphere with colorful decorations, flowers, and cultural performances. Dhaka-19 Member of Parliament Dewan Mohammad Salauddin attended as chief guest, while Dhaka-14 MP Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Kasem was guest of honor. The program was presided over by former secretary and Board of Trustees chairman Muhammad Fazlur Rahman, with Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mohammad Abdur Rab also present.

Speakers emphasized the importance of combining academic excellence with moral values and national unity. The chief guest urged students to respect parents and teachers and prepare for future professional life, while the guest of honor encouraged youth to develop leadership and patriotism. The chairman reaffirmed the university’s commitment to providing quality, ethics-based education under its motto “Center of Academic and Moral Excellence.”

The event concluded with cultural performances and greetings, marking a vibrant beginning for the new academic session.

The U.S. Department of Defense requires an additional $800 billion to fund the ongoing Iran war and other non-war expenditures, according to Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg. He disclosed this during a phone call with U.S. lawmakers earlier this week, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. A supplementary budget proposal is expected to be sent to Congress within days, including allocations for defense as well as non-defense sectors such as agriculture and disaster relief. Neither the Pentagon nor the White House has commented on the report, and Reuters could not independently verify it.

In April, a Pentagon official told Reuters that approximately $250 billion had already been spent on the Iran war, marking the first official cost estimate. The total cost of the conflict, launched jointly by President Donald Trump and Israel on February 28, remains unclear. A previous $200 billion funding proposal faced strong opposition in Congress.

Budget debates continue as the White House defends Trump’s proposed $1.5 trillion annual military budget, which reflects Republican priorities ahead of the November midterm elections.

At least 22 people were killed and 12 others injured in Israeli attacks on Lebanon’s Nabatieh district on Saturday, according to the country’s Civil Defense Agency. The agency reported that strikes continued from early morning, with rescue teams retrieving bodies and transporting the injured to hospitals. Ongoing bombardments have made rescue operations difficult.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry stated that since Israeli attacks began on March 2, more than 3,980 people have been killed and over 12,001 injured nationwide. The latest assault came just one day after a ceasefire announcement between Israel and Hezbollah, raising fears of renewed regional tension.

The continued violence following the ceasefire declaration has heightened concerns about instability in southern Lebanon and the broader region.

A human chain was held in Purbadhala, Netrokona, on Saturday, June 20, 2026, protesting against Hindutva-inspired provocative statements and the initiative to build a large Ram statue in Gaibandha’s Palashbari as part of a Ram temple project. The event took place in front of the Purbadhala Press Club under the banner of “Tawhidi Janata, Purbadhala,” with participation from religious scholars, students, professionals, and local citizens.

Speakers at the demonstration said that any activity contrary to Bangladesh’s religious values, social harmony, and national sovereignty would not be tolerated. They condemned the statue initiative and recent inflammatory remarks, calling them threats to peace and communal harmony. Emphasizing Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty, they warned against foreign influence and divisive agendas.

Speakers also highlighted that Islam promotes justice, tolerance, and human dignity, rejecting oppression or discrimination. They stressed the joint responsibility of the state and society to protect minority rights and religious freedom, urging authorities to act against incitement and preserve communal harmony. The event concluded with a special prayer for national peace and prosperity.

Bangladesh and China are expected to sign between 15 and 17 bilateral agreements during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s upcoming visit to China, according to Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam. The accords may include 13 memorandums of understanding, two agreements, one action plan, and one protocol. Discussions on the Teesta project are also scheduled during the visit. The announcement came at a press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ahead of the Prime Minister’s visits to Malaysia and China.

The Prime Minister will depart for Kuala Lumpur on Sunday at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and will travel to China on Monday at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang. This will be his first foreign trip since the government took office in February. The delegation will be limited to 27–28 members. The visit is viewed as a key diplomatic initiative to strengthen economic partnerships, attract foreign investment, and enhance regional connectivity.

During the China leg, the Prime Minister will attend the 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions (Summer Davos Forum) in Dalian and meet Chinese leaders, including Premier Li Qiang and President Xi Jinping.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and adviser Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has expressed concern over possible provocations linked to the Prime Minister’s upcoming foreign trip. Speaking on Saturday at a discussion titled “Bangladesh ICT Industry 2030: Challenges, Opportunities and Strategic Reforms,” organized by the Nationalist ICT Forum at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, he said he sensed vague indications of attempts to create unrest in the country during the visit.

Rizvi stated that the current government, elected after a long struggle, carries the term “nationalist” in its name, symbolizing independence, sovereignty, and democracy. He emphasized that the government would not take actions that could weaken national sovereignty and must move forward while facing conspiracies. He added that the Prime Minister’s foreign visits aim to strengthen Bangladesh’s international relations and economic growth based on a strong foreign policy.

He also mentioned that the government has announced a new policy focusing on the software and IT sector, including initiatives such as “One Citizen, One ID” and “One Digital, One Wallet,” designed to integrate the state system within an ICT framework.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that Islamabad and Tehran are entering a new era of prosperity, economic cooperation, and stronger bilateral relations. Speaking in parliament on Friday, he expressed optimism that recent ceasefire and peace efforts would improve the economic conditions of both Pakistan and Iran. His remarks followed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States, mediated by Pakistan, which led to a notable drop in global oil prices.

Sharif stated that Pakistan has gained international recognition for its role in facilitating the peace agreement, describing it as a reflection of the country’s growing diplomatic stature. He also mentioned that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian thanked Pakistan over the phone for its support and invited him to attend the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Sharif confirmed that a Pakistani delegation would participate in the ceremony.

The developments highlight Pakistan’s increasing diplomatic engagement in regional peacebuilding and its strengthening ties with Iran following the recent mediation success.

A report published on June 20, 2026, by Amader Desh Online highlights that erectile dysfunction (ED) can be an early warning sign of major health conditions such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and dementia. Researchers note that the penis often serves as a barometer of a man’s overall health, yet more than half of men over 40 with ED avoid seeking medical advice due to embarrassment, missing early detection opportunities.

Studies cited in the report show that men with ED face a 59 percent higher risk of coronary heart disease and a 34 percent higher risk of stroke. A Taiwanese study found a 68 percent higher chance of developing dementia within seven years among men with ED. Those with type-2 diabetes are nearly three times more likely to experience ED. Experts link these risks to vascular and nerve damage caused by poor blood sugar control and stress-related hormonal changes.

The article also mentions that drugs like Viagra may improve both sexual and heart health, though researchers caution that evidence on broader therapeutic benefits remains preliminary.

A serious allegation has been raised in Rangpur’s Mahiganj area against several local leaders of the BNP, Jubo Dal, and Chhatra Dal for allegedly abducting a driver and forcibly seizing a land deed worth Tk 1.8 million. The victim, Alal Hossain, filed a written complaint with Mahiganj Police Station, claiming he was threatened with death and false criminal charges unless he handed over the deed. The incident has sparked outrage and fear in the local community.

According to the complaint, the dispute began after Alal paid Tk 1.8 million to buy land from a man named Ful Mia, who later demanded an additional Tk 1 million. When Alal refused, local BNP-linked figures allegedly intervened and coerced him into accepting only Tk 6 million after threats and confinement. Several accused leaders denied involvement, while local BNP officials confirmed the authenticity of the complaint.

Police said the case is being investigated with priority, and legal action will follow based on findings. Alal and his family remain in fear and have sought protection from higher authorities.