Switzerland’s Foreign Ministry has confirmed that the planned meeting between the United States and Iran will no longer take place. The meeting was scheduled for Friday at the Bürgenstock mountain resort in Switzerland. The announcement followed confirmation from a White House spokesperson that US Vice President JD Vance had canceled his planned trip to Switzerland for talks with Iranian representatives.

The meeting was expected to initiate discussions on implementing a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the ongoing conflict between Tehran and Washington. However, as the discussion plans were not yet finalized, both the visit and the meeting have been postponed for the time being.

According to the Swiss statement, relevant parties are expected to provide further updates on the next steps at a later stage.

A supervisor named Alamgir Hossain, aged 48, was killed early Friday when a Shyamoli N.R. Travels passenger bus collided with a Souhardya Paribahan bus on the Dhaka–Chattogram Highway at Harisardar area in Chauddagram, Cumilla. The incident was confirmed by Md. Ruhul Amin, officer-in-charge of Miyabazar Highway Police Station.

According to police, the Souhardya bus, traveling from Chattogram to Dhaka, attempted to stop on the left side of the highway without using any signal. The Shyamoli bus following behind then hit it from the rear, causing damage to both vehicles. Alamgir Hossain, the supervisor of the Shyamoli bus, sustained serious injuries and was taken to Chauddagram Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared him dead.

Police said both buses involved in the accident have been recovered and kept at the station, and traffic movement on the highway has returned to normal.

Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for destroying three Israeli Merkava tanks in a missile strike. The Iran-backed armed group said in a statement that its fighters targeted the tanks as Israeli armored and infantry units attempted to advance from the northern side of Ali al-Taher hill, near the city of Nabatieh. The group reported that the tanks were burned and destroyed, and that fighting in the area was still continuing.

According to the report, Lebanon became involved in the broader Middle East conflict in March after Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iran’s supreme leader during a joint U.S.-Israeli operation. Following those attacks, Israel carried out extensive airstrikes and ground operations across Lebanon, particularly in the south, which borders Israel and has long been under Hezbollah’s control.

The situation remains tense as clashes persist near the border, with both sides engaged in ongoing military activity in southern Lebanon.

Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Chaitali Chakraborty has warned that a separate province could be established for Hindus in Bangladesh if communal tensions continue to rise. In an interview published on Friday by a private media outlet, she said that if the situation worsens, appeals for international support might be made to form a distinct province for the Sanatan community, though she emphasized that such a move is not desired.

Chakraborty stated that Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and Buddhists have historically lived together in harmony and expressed a wish to maintain that unity. She urged people not to engage in actions that could provoke communal violence, warning that such unrest would harm everyone. Her remarks come amid broader discussions about religious coexistence and social stability in Bangladesh.

The statement has drawn attention to concerns about interfaith relations and the potential consequences of rising communal tensions within the country.

Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police (DB) have arrested four individuals, including Jhalakathi District Jubo League convener Rezaul Karim Zakir, in connection with a murder case filed at Dhaka’s New Market Police Station. The arrests took place on Thursday afternoon around 3 p.m. in front of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) in Shahbagh. The other detainees are district Jubo League leader Mehedi Hasan Munna, former Rajapur Upazila Chhatra League president Ahsan Habib Rubel, and district Jubo League member Shahjada Mohsin Parag. The operation was led by DB Sub-Inspector Sujan Haque.

According to New Market Police Station sources, the case was filed over the killing of a 24-year-old man named Shahjahan Ali during a student-public protest on July 17, 2024. Police stated that evidence was found linking the four suspects to the murder, leading to their arrests. They are scheduled to be presented before the Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court on Friday.

Police also confirmed that Zakir and Parag face multiple other cases at Jhalakathi Police Station.

A memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran has emerged following a month-long war that began after Washington decided to attack Iran on February 28. The conflict caused thousands of deaths in Iran and Lebanon, including many civilians. Despite facing a joint US-Israeli military campaign, Iran’s government survived and even strengthened its position, leveraging its experience in national security and resilience.

Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for one-fifth of global oil and gas supply, severely disrupted the world economy and pressured US President Donald Trump to make concessions. Under the memorandum, the US agreed to lift its blockade of Iranian ports, ease oil export sanctions, and begin releasing billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets, effectively restoring the situation to February 27, before the war began.

The memorandum also calls for ending the war in Lebanon and sets a 60-day framework for talks on Iran’s nuclear program. Analysts view the war as a major foreign policy failure for Trump and a potential turning point for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political career.

Nearly 100 guerrillas surrendered their weapons in a jungle area of southern Colombia’s Putumayo department, following an agreement with President Gustavo Petro’s government. The disarmament was carried out by members of the National Coordinating Committee of the Bolivarian Army, a group that split from the FARC rebels who had fought the government for nearly five decades. The event took place just three days before the country’s presidential runoff election.

The surrender is being described as the most significant achievement of Petro’s “Total Peace” initiative, which seeks to end armed conflict through negotiation and reintegration. Guerrillas dressed in camouflage placed their rifles in a large container marked with a message pledging commitment to peace. Government peace representative Armando Novoa said the move sends a powerful message to Colombian society amid ongoing tensions over war and peace.

The future of Petro’s peace policy remains uncertain, as the upcoming election will determine whether the next president continues or reverses his approach. Petro is scheduled to hand over power on August 7.

Popular actor Ziaul Faruq Apurba is returning to OTT nearly two years after his last release, 'Golam Mamun'. He stars as investigative journalist Zahid in the upcoming web series 'Headline', directed by Saleh Sobhan Anim. The series will premiere on the streaming platform Hoichoi on June 25, with its trailer already generating excitement for its intense portrayal of journalism and truth-seeking.

According to the source, the story explores the struggles of uncovering truth while balancing family ties, personal conflicts, and moral dilemmas. Apurba expressed enthusiasm for portraying a layered character that evolves through emotional and realistic challenges. He said the story’s pace, mystery, and contemporary relevance made the project irresistible, promising viewers both entertainment and reflection.

The series also marks the OTT return of Lux star Afsan Ara Bindu after three years. Featuring a star-studded cast including Yash Rohan, Sarika Sabrin, and others, 'Headline' is expected to spark new excitement among OTT audiences with its blend of journalism and crime drama.

Canada’s emphatic 6-0 victory over Qatar in a Group B match in Vancouver was marred by a serious injury to midfielder Ismaël Koné. The incident occurred in the 52nd minute when Qatar’s Assim Madibo tackled Koné from behind, breaking the Canadian player’s leg. The match was halted as medical staff rushed onto the field, and Koné was stretchered off while waving to the crowd. Madibo received a straight red card for the challenge, leaving Qatar with nine players after Homam Ahmed had been sent off earlier.

Following the match, Canada coach Jesse Marsch said the incident happened right in front of their bench and that everyone heard the sound of the break, describing it as a major blow to the team. Forward Jonathan David, who scored a hat-trick, criticized the tackle as unnecessary, while midfielder Stephen Eustáquio said it was clearly a red-card offense. Despite the historic win, Koné’s injury has become a major concern for Canada as it threatens his World Cup campaign.

Two days after the death of a student at a school hostel in Ramganj, Lakshmipur, the victim’s father, Zia Uddin, filed a murder case. He alleged that his son, Mehedi Hasan, a student of Farid Ahmad Bhuiyan Academy, died due to inhumane torture by senior students and negligence by teachers. The case, lodged on Thursday night, names the principal Khondkar Abdul Mannan and seven twelfth-grade students, along with ten unidentified individuals, totaling 18 accused.

According to the case statement, Mehedi Hasan had been a residential student since 2024 and was frequently harassed by senior students. The incident escalated when he and other junior students were accused of stealing an iPhone belonging to a senior named Apon. They were allegedly tortured repeatedly by several twelfth-grade students. When Mehedi reported the abuse to the principal, he was told to submit a written complaint, which was later ignored. Following this, Mehedi was again tortured from Monday night until early morning, leading to his death.

Police confirmed that the case has been accepted and that an investigation is underway.

Police in Dhamrai, Dhaka, have submitted an investigation report favoring four influential Awami League leaders accused in the murder case of Shaheed Sad during the July Revolution. In response, members of the National Citizen Party (NCP) central convening committee held a press conference protesting the report and demanding a reinvestigation.

The four leaders named in the case are Khaled Masud Khan Laltu, former chairman of Sanora Union Parishad; Md Awlad Hossain, former chairman of Somvag Union Parishad; Masum Khan, vice president of Dhamrai Upazila Awami League; and Ahmad Al Zaman, a member of the same unit. NCP leader Asadul Islam Mukul alleged that the police report sought to exempt these influential figures instead of uncovering the truth, raising questions among victims’ families and locals about the fairness of the investigation.

The NCP demanded removal of the current officer-in-charge, investigating officer, and circle SP from the case, and called for a fresh, impartial investigation by a higher authority. They urged the administration and law enforcement agencies to review the disputed report to ensure justice.

A viral audio recording has triggered controversy in Chattogram’s Hajirpul area, involving alleged financial dealings between a police officer and an associate of the notorious criminal group led by 'Boro Sajjad'. The conversation, which spread on social media, features a woman identified as the wife of a man named Rased and Sub-Inspector (SI) Liton of Chandgaon Police Station discussing money transactions and legal cases. Following the audio’s circulation, Chattogram Metropolitan Police (North) Deputy Commissioner Amirul Islam summoned SI Liton for questioning and confirmed that an internal investigation is underway.

The audio, reportedly recorded around Eid-ul-Azha, captures Rased’s wife expressing frustration over past dealings and multiple cases filed against her husband. Rased, who recently left jail, told Amader Desh that the SI had taken 70,000 taka from him in exchange for not filing cases. SI Liton disconnected calls from reporters seeking comment. Meanwhile, Boro Sajjad denied any connection with Rased, alleging that police were exploiting his name for “case trading.”

Authorities have not disclosed details about the investigation’s progress or potential disciplinary actions.

The Iran war, though relatively short in duration, has caused extensive destruction and is expected to have long-lasting global effects. The month-long conflict claimed the lives of 13 U.S. soldiers, over 3,300 Iranians, 3,826 people in Lebanon, around 60 in Israel, and many others across Gulf nations. The war disrupted global energy markets by blocking key routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, forcing energy rationing in Asia and Africa and disrupting supply chains for goods from semiconductors to fertilizers. The World Bank cut its 2026 global growth forecast to 2.5 percent, the lowest since the pandemic.

Moody’s Analytics estimated U.S. consumer and taxpayer losses at about $1.32 trillion, with gasoline prices peaking at $4.56 per gallon. Rising fuel costs increased airfares by 27 percent and fertilizer prices by 47 percent, straining agriculture. Mortgage rates rose to 6.52 percent amid uncertainty. The Middle East suffered the most severe economic blow, with Gulf GDP growth projected to fall to 1.3 percent. Iran’s reconstruction plan totals $300 billion. The Pentagon reported $29 billion in operational costs, excluding base repairs. U.S. President Donald Trump’s approval rating dropped to 40 percent, reflecting political pressure from war-driven inflation.

At least 16 people were killed and several others injured in Israeli airstrikes and shelling across Lebanon’s southern Nabatieh district, according to the Lebanese National News Agency (NNA). The attacks took place overnight, with multiple homes targeted after midnight. Reports indicated strikes in Nabatieh city, Kafar Jouz, Kafar Reman, Zebdine, and nearby towns, as well as repeated air raids on Kafar Tibnit and the Rayhan highlands.

NNA reported that eight people were killed in Nabatieh and Harouf, four in a house between Al-Sharkiya and Doueir, and three in Kafar Sir. Another person was killed and one injured when an Israeli drone targeted a motorcycle near the Doueir municipal building. The report cited Al Jazeera as its source.

The scale of the overnight bombardment marks one of the deadliest incidents in the area in recent days, though no official statements or responses from either side were included in the report.

The National Press Club premises in Dhaka turned festive as a fruit festival and patriotic music event were held on Friday. The celebration featured an exhibition and tasting of 42 varieties of local fruits, including mangoes, pineapples, guavas, lychees, and jackfruits. The event was inaugurated with the performance of the club’s theme song, “Press Club Amader Second Home.” Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan formally opened the festival, which was attended by club members and their families.

The opening ceremony was presided over by club president Hasan Hafiz, with a welcome address from general secretary Aiyub Bhuiyan and coordination by management committee member Kader Gani Chowdhury. Singers Tamanna Haque, Shahriar Rafat, Mini Alauddin, and Babu performed patriotic songs throughout the morning and afternoon. Several management committee members and senior club members were also present with their families.

The event highlighted the diversity of Bangladesh’s local fruits and fostered a sense of community among journalists and their families through cultural celebration.