About 340 tons of government rice allocated for sea-going fishermen and beneficiaries under the Vulnerable Group Development (VGD) program remain undistributed in Tazumuddin upazila of Bhola. Although delivery orders were issued, the rice could not be transported due to a shortage of funds for transport costs. The rice, which includes expired and newly allocated stocks, has been lying in the local food warehouse beyond the scheduled distribution period, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the government’s food aid program.

Officials said that several unions failed to collect their allocations within the designated time, leaving large quantities of rice stored in the warehouse. Beneficiaries complained that despite having official documents, they have not received their food aid. Local representatives cited insufficient government transport allowances as the main reason for the delay, while officials from the Women Affairs Office and the Food Department gave differing statements about the status of distribution.

Local observers warned that if the issue is not resolved quickly, it could disrupt upcoming grain storage and procurement operations and undermine the objectives of the government’s food assistance initiatives.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has voiced deep concern over Israel’s plan to undermine the political and legal status of the Palestinian city of Hebron. In a statement shared on social media, the OIC said Israel’s finance minister recently decided to remove administrative and planning authority from the Hebron municipality over the Ibrahimi Mosque, the Old City, and surrounding areas. The organization warned that such actions violate international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.

The OIC emphasized that Israel has no sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territories, including Hebron and its holy sites, which have been under occupation since 1967. It cited related UN and UNESCO resolutions affirming this position. Palestinian officials also strongly criticized the move to annul the Hebron Agreement and transfer urban planning powers from the municipality to Israeli authorities, calling for urgent international intervention.

Reiterating its appeal, the OIC urged the global community to take effective measures to preserve the historical and cultural significance of the Ibrahimi Mosque and Hebron’s Old City, both listed by UNESCO as endangered World Heritage sites belonging to the State of Palestine.

A police officer has testified as the first witness in a case against former Awami League MP Abul Hasanat Abdullah and three others over the alleged crossfire killings of two men in Agailjhara, Barishal, on February 21, 2015. The testimony was given on Wednesday before International Crimes Tribunal-2, marking the formal start of the trial.

In his statement, witness Asim Kumar Sarkar, now Officer-in-Charge of Barishal Sadar Naval Police Station, described events leading up to the killings. He said that at the time he was a sub-inspector at Agailjhara Police Station and was instructed by his superiors to file a case after a pickup van was set on fire. He testified that the Superintendent of Police later ordered him to carry out a crossfire killing of two arrested suspects, which he refused.

According to the testimony, the two detainees, Tipu Hawlader and Kabir Hossain, were later killed in what was reported as a crossfire incident. The witness claimed officers from another police station were brought in to execute the operation after local officers declined to participate.

The Kolkata administration has decided to close the historic Red Road to all traffic from June 14 night to June 21 for preparations and security arrangements ahead of International Yoga Day. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend the main event on June 21. Kolkata Police announced that several nearby roads will also face restrictions, particularly for heavy vehicles, and said alternative traffic plans have been arranged in coordination with the transport department.

The decision has triggered controversy and legal action. The All India Lawyers Association has filed a case in the Calcutta High Court challenging the legality of the order. CPM youth leader Satarup Ghosh criticized the move, alleging political bias and discrimination against the Muslim community. He argued that while Eid prayers on Red Road faced objections in the past, the same space is now being closed for a week for a yoga event.

Ghosh also accused both the ruling Trinamool Congress and the BJP of double standards, claiming the decision limits minority religious rights and reflects selective enforcement of public space restrictions.

Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman told Parliament that Bangladesh has recently signed an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) with the United States. The deal ensures zero-duty benefits for garments made from US cotton and is expected to strengthen Bangladesh’s position in global supply chains while attracting foreign investment and enhancing energy security.

He said expanding export markets, diversifying exports, attracting international investment, and achieving employment-oriented growth are key government priorities. The government is emphasizing economic diplomacy to engage local entrepreneurs in global trade and boost economic dynamism through foreign investment. Relevant agencies, including BIDA, BEZA, and the Ministry of Commerce, are working together toward these goals.

The minister added that Bangladesh is pursuing trade agreements such as PTAs, FTAs, and CEPAs with several countries, including the UAE, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, while also seeking stronger ties with regional blocs like GCC and Mercosur. He also noted new export opportunities for agricultural products, such as potatoes to Vietnam and ongoing efforts to export mangoes to Malaysia.

A Bangladeshi youth named Dipjal Ahmed, aged 26, has gone missing near the Uttarkul border in Zakiganj upazila of Sylhet, sparking tension among residents of both Bangladesh and India. Locals allege that Indian Border Security Force (BSF) members shot and killed Dipjal and kept his body on the Indian side. However, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has not yet confirmed the authenticity of the claim and stated that Dipjal remains missing.

According to local accounts, Dipjal and several others reportedly crossed into India on Sunday night. When returning, BSF personnel allegedly chased and fired at them. The others managed to flee back to Bangladesh, but Dipjal did not return. The incident led to unrest in the area, and on Tuesday, agitated locals detained an Indian farmer named Ranjit Das, who was later handed back to BSF unharmed through BGB intervention.

Local authorities, including the union council chairman and police, confirmed that the missing person’s status remains unresolved, and it is still unknown whether he is alive or dead.

The government has withdrawn its plan to make music, dance and drama compulsory subjects in primary education. Following this decision, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish suspended its previously announced protest marches. The party’s secretary general, Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmad, confirmed that the initiative did not receive cabinet approval and that the government has stepped back from implementing it.

In a statement, the party said that imposing any education policy conflicting with Islamic values, family ideals, and public beliefs would harm national unity, social stability, and the education system. It urged the government to act cautiously in the future and respect religious and cultural values. The party also expressed concern that certain groups within the administration repeatedly propose measures inconsistent with the nation’s religious and social sentiments.

Earlier, on June 10, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj had announced plans to include music, drama, dance, and fine arts in the curriculum from 2027, aiming to create new employment opportunities for trained teachers and artists.

Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan told Parliament that Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) prevented 36 push-in attempts by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) following the West Bengal state election. He said that since August 5, 2024, a total of 2,369 people were pushed in by BSF, of whom 2,175 were handed to local police, 11 returned to BSF, and 183 were pushed back. The statement came during a parliamentary question session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.

In response to other questions, the minister described BSF’s killing of unarmed Bangladeshi citizens as a clear human rights violation and said the issue was raised strongly in BGB–BSF director general–level meetings. He added that no formal agreement exists for compensation from India, though Bangladesh continues to oppose the use of lethal weapons at the border and presses for accountability.

The minister also outlined ongoing measures to strengthen border security, including fencing initiatives along sensitive areas and enhanced patrols to curb smuggling, drug trafficking, and cross-border crimes.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of the National Citizens Party (NCP) for the southern region and a member of parliament, declared that his political struggle will continue until equal dignity and rights are established for all citizens. He pledged not to accept any personal privileges or participate in VIP culture until state services and facilities are equally guaranteed for ordinary people.

According to a press release from the NCP UK Alliance, Abdullah made the commitment during a reception held on Sunday at Maida Banqueting Hall in London’s Whitechapel area, organized in honor of his UK visit. He paid tribute to the contributions of expatriate Bangladeshis during the July uprising and called for unity among citizens, intellectuals, youth, and pro-democracy forces at home and abroad to build a new Bangladesh.

The event concluded peacefully despite attempts by fugitive Awami League activists to disrupt it, thanks to the efforts of NCP UK Alliance volunteers and local law enforcement. Expatriate Bangladeshis, July fighters, NCP leaders, and community figures from various UK cities attended the program.

Popular Bangladeshi singer Asif Akbar has called for recognizing entertainment as the country's sixth basic need, citing a severe shortage of recreational opportunities. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, he emphasized that entertainment is vital for mental development, especially for children, and that its absence fosters violence, jealousy, and frustration. He argued that sports and cultural activities are the most effective ways to nurture creativity and emotional well-being.

Asif also highlighted the cultural vision of late President Ziaur Rahman, recalling his meetings with musicians in 1979–80 that helped shape the country's band music scene. He noted that Zia had removed import duties on Western instruments, which contributed to the 1990s band music boom. Asif praised the current government for fully withdrawing a previously imposed 5% duty in the 2026–27 budget, saying it would strengthen the foundation of Bangladeshi music amid the rise of AI-generated music.

He further urged the government to launch a nationwide cultural revolution, stressing that entertainment is a fundamental right for children and essential for building a healthy, prosperous nation.

Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman informed the National Parliament that the government is planning to construct another barrage on the Teesta River to conserve water during the dry season. He said that technical and financial aspects of the project are currently under examination at various stages. The announcement came on Wednesday in response to a question from NCP Member of Parliament Akhtar Hossain during a parliamentary session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.

The Prime Minister added that a feasibility study for a sustainable and integrated development plan centered on the Teesta River has already been completed. The study report proposes the Teesta Master Plan, which includes 110 kilometers of riverbank protection, 110 kilometers of river dredging, 224 kilometers of flood control embankments with roads, construction and repair of 67 groynes or spurs, and recovery and development of 170 square kilometers of land.

The plan aims to ensure sustainable river management and enhance water resource utilization in the Teesta basin, though implementation details and timelines have not yet been disclosed.

CNN has published a 14-point draft memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States, describing it as a potential historic agreement amid ongoing Middle East tensions. The draft includes provisions for a ceasefire, normalization of shipping in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, easing of sanctions on Iran, and commitments regarding Tehran’s nuclear program. According to CNN, the document was obtained from a U.S. official and verified by diplomatic sources at the G7 summit in France, though a White House spokesperson said the leaked text does not reflect the final deal.

The report states that U.S. President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf digitally signed the draft on Sunday, with a formal signing planned in Switzerland on Friday. The agreement outlines a 60-day period to finalize the deal. It allows Iran to export oil and petrochemical products and access a $300 billion development fund if nuclear commitments are met, though the draft provides no clear explanation about Iran’s highly enriched uranium.

The 14 clauses cover ceasefire terms, mutual respect for sovereignty, lifting of sanctions, maritime security, and UN Security Council endorsement of the final agreement.

Police in Netrokona arrested fifteen individuals for allegedly organizing a gambling event under the guise of a bullfight. The arrests took place early Wednesday morning in the Kandulia Kalibari area of Sadar upazila. Officers seized 243,670 taka in cash, a pickup van, and a bull used in the fight during the operation.

According to police, the group had arranged the bullfight beside the Netrokona-Mohanganj road, where gambling activities were taking place. The raid was conducted around 4:30 a.m., leading to the detention of all fifteen suspects and the confiscation of the gambling materials. A case has been filed at the Netrokona Model Police Station.

District police spokesperson Additional Superintendent of Police (Special Branch) Hafizur Rahman confirmed the arrests and stated that the detainees have been sent to court for legal proceedings.

Police in Godagari upazila of Rajshahi arrested a man named Suman Sardar on Wednesday for allegedly making derogatory comments about Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) on Facebook. He was detained from his in-laws’ home in the Premtali area under Matikata Union following a written complaint filed at the Godagari Model Police Station.

According to police and local sources, around 10 to 15 residents of Mandail village under Rishikul Union verbally complained at the Kakonhat Investigation Center on Tuesday night that Suman Sardar had posted offensive remarks from his personal Facebook account. Police advised them to submit a written complaint the next day, which led to the arrest operation.

Godagari Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Atikur Rahman stated that the accused was arrested after receiving the complaint and that the matter is under serious investigation. Legal action will be taken if the allegations are proven true.

Police in Dhaka have re-arrested Golam Azam, a 45-year-old expelled BNP leader and owner of Rikab International Tours and Travels, who had previously escaped custody while leading a prayer. The arrest took place on Wednesday morning, June 17, in the Nandipara area of Madartek, following a technology-assisted operation by Paltan police.

According to Paltan Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mostafa Kamal, a warrant had been issued against Golam Azam by a Chandpur court under the Overseas Employment and Migration Act, 2013. When police attempted to execute the warrant on June 15 at his office in Purana Paltan, he requested to lead the Asr prayer and fled during the second rakah. Police later tracked him down with the help of intelligence units.

Authorities stated that Golam Azam has long been involved in manpower export and faces multiple human trafficking-related cases. Although he presents himself as an influential BNP figure, police said he was expelled from the party long ago and holds no official position. Investigations are ongoing to determine further legal action.