Dr. Mahmudur Rahman, joint convener of the National Editors Council and editor of Amar Desh, described Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the icon of fascism in independent Bangladesh. He made the remark on June 16, 2026, at a discussion titled “Media under Awami Rule and the Spirit of the July Uprising,” organized by the Bangladesh Association of Journalists at the Dhaka Reporters Unity. He argued that the Awami League’s political history represents a shift from autocracy to fascism and claimed there was no difference between Sheikh Mujib and Sheikh Hasina in their approach to governance and media control.

Mahmudur Rahman criticized both leaders for fostering a culture of flattery in the media and urged journalists to reject sycophancy and political interference. He compared the Rakkhi Bahini to the Rapid Action Battalion, calling the former its predecessor, and said that the suppression of press freedom began under Sheikh Mujib. He called for self-criticism and professional integrity among journalists to restore media independence.

The event was chaired by journalist M. Abdullah and attended by State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasir Khan Chowdhury. Professor Abdul Latif Masum presented a paper analyzing the July 2024 uprising and its implications for media and democracy in Bangladesh.

The Bank of Japan (BOJ) has raised its short-term policy interest rate to 1 percent, the highest level in 31 years, in an effort to control inflation caused by the energy crisis stemming from the Iran war and to normalize its monetary policy. The decision, announced on Tuesday, marks the first rate hike since December and aligns Japan with other major central banks that have tightened monetary policies to combat inflation.

According to Reuters, the BOJ stated that risks to Japan’s economy from Middle East conflicts have eased due to government measures to reduce energy costs and progress in securing alternative energy sources. However, the bank warned that rising energy costs are being passed quickly among companies, potentially increasing consumer prices. The BOJ also noted that medium- and long-term inflation expectations are rising, posing a risk of exceeding its target.

Following the announcement, Japan’s Nikkei 225 index rose 1 percent to a record high above 70,000, the yen strengthened slightly against the dollar, and 10-year government bond yields increased. One board member, Touichiro Asada, opposed the decision, citing greater downside risks to growth.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved five development projects with a total estimated cost of Tk 7,003.36 crore. The approval came on Tuesday during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister and ECNEC Chairperson Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat Cabinet Room. Of the total cost, Tk 4,536.10 crore will come from government funds and Tk 2,467.26 crore from project loans. The approved list includes three new projects and two revised ones.

Among the approved projects are the Prime Minister’s Office initiative titled ‘Supporting Infrastructure Project for Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone,’ three projects under the Ministry of Water Resources, and one under the Ministry of Education. The water projects include rehabilitation of the Muhuri-Kahua Flood Control, Drainage and Irrigation Project in Feni, development of the Karatoa River system, and protection of areas in Kushtia district from Padma River erosion. The education project involves establishing one technical school and college in each of 100 upazilas.

The meeting was attended by several ministers and senior government officials. ECNEC was also informed about four additional small-scale projects already approved by the Planning Minister, each costing less than Tk 50 crore.

Two local leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Babuganj upazila of Barishal have been suspended from their organizational posts following allegations of extortion and a subsequent mob beating. The suspension was announced on Tuesday morning through an official notice issued by the Chandpasha Union BNP.

According to the notice, Mehedi Hasan Zakir Molla, president of the 2nd ward BNP and organizational secretary of the union BNP, and Abdur Razzak, organizational secretary of the same ward, were temporarily relieved of all party responsibilities for engaging in activities deemed contrary to party discipline. The notice, signed by Union BNP president Alomgir Hossain Swapon and general secretary Md. Shahin Hossain, instructed all party members to refrain from maintaining organizational contact with the two until further directives.

The disciplinary action followed an incident on Monday night in the Raintritala area, where the two were reportedly beaten by locals after allegedly demanding Tk 20,000 in extortion from a sand trader. They were later released after giving a written undertaking.

Bangladesh Prime Minister’s adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman stated that Dhaka aims to maintain a rational relationship with India, despite a recent incident involving him at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. He made the remarks on Tuesday morning during a press conference at the Secretariat’s Press Information Department, explaining that his return from India was an immediate protest and would not affect bilateral relations.

Dr. Rahman clarified that he had traveled to India as a government representative, not in a personal capacity. He said that when he faced discourteous behavior at the airport, he decided to return as a symbolic act of protest, emphasizing that it was necessary for the government to register a formal stance. According to him, Indian authorities made efforts to facilitate his entry, but he chose not to proceed.

The incident has drawn attention to diplomatic sensitivities between the two neighboring countries, though the adviser reiterated that Bangladesh remains committed to maintaining constructive and logical engagement with India.

An Iranian delegation led by Central Bank of Iran (CBI) Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati has traveled to Moscow to discuss financial and banking relations between Iran and Russia, according to a report by Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency. The visit focuses on developing mechanisms to simplify financial transactions, strengthen cooperation between the two central banks, and expand overall economic exchanges.

The report highlights that Russia remains one of Tehran’s key allies amid longstanding Western sanctions. The discussions come ahead of a planned memorandum of understanding (MoU) expected to be signed on Friday. In the coming months, talks between the United States and Iran on lifting sanctions are also anticipated, signaling potential shifts in Iran’s international financial engagement.

The Moscow visit underscores Iran’s efforts to enhance economic resilience through closer ties with Russia while awaiting possible easing of Western restrictions.

Two local leaders of the BNP were beaten by residents in Babuganj upazila of Barishal on Monday night after allegedly demanding 20,000 taka in extortion from a sand trader. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. in the Raintritala area of Chandpasha Union. The accused, Mehedi Hasan Zakir Molla, president of ward no. 2 BNP and the union’s organizing secretary, along with his associate Abdur Razzak Molla, were later released after signing a written pledge not to engage in such activities again.

Local sources said Zakir Molla had demanded money from ward no. 3 BNP member and sand trader Md. Zahirul Islam for running his business. When Zakir and his associate arrived at the agreed location, locals surrounded and beat them. Several residents alleged that Zakir had long been involved in extortion, illegal soil sales, and intimidation in the area.

Zakir denied the allegations, claiming he had only proposed a business partnership. Chandpasha Union BNP president Alomgir Hossain Swapon stated that the party does not tolerate extortion and will take organizational action if anyone is found guilty. Upazila BNP convener Sultan Ahmed Khan said he was in Dhaka and would investigate upon receiving a formal complaint.

A student of Manarat International University, Md. Abu Zobayer, aged 22, was killed in a road accident in Mohammadpur, Dhaka, on Monday night, June 15, 2026. The incident occurred near Bangladesh University in the Beribadh area around 11 p.m. when a speeding truck hit the rickshaw carrying Zobayer and two friends. While the others sustained minor injuries, Zobayer was critically injured and later declared dead at Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital. His body was later taken to his family home in Dinajpur for burial.

The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Mohammad Abdur Rob, expressed deep sorrow over the death and prayed for the departed soul, extending condolences to the bereaved family. Zobayer was a meritorious student from the 46th batch of the law department and served as the organizational secretary of the Manarat International University Debate Club. He had represented the university in national debate competitions and was well-regarded by peers and faculty for his sincerity and politeness.

A prayer session was scheduled at the university’s prayer space after Zuhr on Tuesday, organized by the law department for the late student.

Staff at Goldsmiths, University of London, have launched an indefinite strike in response to a new restructuring plan aimed at saving 29.5 million dollars. The plan includes major job cuts that could affect more than one-fifth of employees. This marks the third restructuring effort in five years, following earlier cost-saving programs that led to significant layoffs and departmental reductions.

The Goldsmiths branch of the University and College Union (UCU) began a marking and assessment boycott on April 27 to pressure management to avoid layoffs. In retaliation, the university announced full pay deductions for participating staff, prompting the union to escalate to a full strike on June 8. Previous restructuring programs, including the “Recovery” and “Transformation” initiatives, had already eliminated dozens of positions while raising questions about financial management and consultant spending.

The situation at Goldsmiths reflects a wider crisis in UK higher education, driven by reduced government funding, rising dependence on tuition fees, and falling international student numbers. According to the Office for Students, 119 universities reported deficits for 2025–26, with 24 at risk of closure within a year.

On June 16, 2026, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar issued a statement marking the country’s ‘Press Black Day’. He said that if Jamaat were given the opportunity to form a government, it would work tirelessly to uphold freedom of speech, enhance the quality of newspapers, and protect the interests of journalists.

Porwar recalled that on February 24, 1975, the then government established a one-party system through BAKSAL, leading to the closure of all newspapers except four under state control on June 16 that year. He described this as a dark day in Bangladesh’s history, when thousands of journalists lost their jobs. He also criticized the Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina for continuing media repression since 2009, including the closure of several media outlets and the enactment of restrictive laws.

He welcomed the interim government’s recent decision to repeal controversial sections of the Cyber Security Act 2023 and to allow the reopening of previously closed media houses, calling it a positive step for press freedom.

Brazil’s World Cup campaign has been hit by a major setback as star forward Neymar remains sidelined with a muscle injury. After missing the team’s warm-up matches against Panama and Egypt, as well as the opening 1-1 draw with Morocco, Neymar is now unlikely to feature in Brazil’s next two group-stage games. Medical staff have advised against taking any risks, prioritizing his full recovery before returning to the field.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti had earlier hoped Neymar would resume training this week, but the latest medical updates suggest otherwise. Despite a positive scan result, Neymar has yet to regain full fitness and continues rehabilitation under close medical supervision. The Brazilian Football Confederation has decided not to release further updates until significant progress is made, reflecting heightened caution within the camp.

With Brazil drawing their first match, Neymar’s absence has become a growing concern for both the team and supporters. The focus now is on preparing him for a potential return in the knockout stage, depending on his recovery progress.

In early February 2026, South Sudan’s army launched a counter-offensive in Jonglei State, leading to large-scale destruction in towns such as Lankien. According to reports, hospitals, markets, and homes were burned or looted, and civilians fled to nearby swamps. Satellite imagery analyzed by the Center for Information Resilience (CIR) confirmed extensive damage between February 3 and 9, while residents and aid workers described deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said everything essential for survival had been systematically destroyed.

Authorities have called the campaign “Operation Enduring Peace,” aimed at reclaiming rebel-held areas. However, residents told Al Jazeera they believed government forces were responsible for the devastation, though independent verification was not possible due to restricted access. The government denied targeting civilians, claiming its operations were defensive. The violence followed the 2025 arrest of opposition leader Riek Machar, which reignited conflict between his forces and those loyal to President Salva Kiir.

The United Nations reported that 28 health centers were damaged or looted, leaving 70 percent nonfunctional. Aid agencies warned that over 70,000 people face severe hunger, and experts fear the crisis could push South Sudan toward state collapse.

Prime Minister’s adviser Dr. Zahidur Rahman said he returned from India as an immediate act of protest. He made the statement on Tuesday at a press conference held at the Department of Information in Dhaka’s Secretariat, responding to a journalist’s question about his sudden return.

Rahman explained that he had traveled to India as a government representative, not in a personal capacity. He stated that an instant protest was necessary following the incident he faced there, prompting his decision to return. He added that Indian authorities made efforts to facilitate his entry, but he declined, considering it important to register a formal protest on behalf of the state. The adviser emphasized that the incident would not affect bilateral relations, noting that Dhaka seeks a rational relationship with New Delhi.

According to the report, the incident occurred at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, where Rahman experienced discourteous behavior.

Dr. Sheikh Mohiuddin has resigned from his position as Executive Director of Ad-Din Medical College Hospital, and Professor Jamalunnesa has taken over the role. The announcement was made on Tuesday morning through a notice signed by Tariqul Islam Mukul, Director of Company Affairs at Ad-Din Foundation. The notice stated that the organization is deeply saddened by a recent child death incident at the hospital and has already taken disciplinary action against responsible staff based on preliminary investigations.

The statement further mentioned that Ad-Din Foundation is committed to strengthening oversight and reassessing protocols. Following government guidance, the foundation has begun infrastructure improvements, including measures to enhance ventilation and oxygen flow under the supervision of three independent consultants. Additionally, the bakery located above the corporate office has been permanently closed.

Professor Jamalunnesa recently retired voluntarily after more than 25 years of teaching in the Department of Microbiology at the University of Dhaka. Ad-Din Foundation, a non-profit organization established in 1980, continues to provide healthcare, education, and welfare services across its network of hospitals and institutions.

The proposed Finance Bill 2026 in Bangladesh seeks to exempt listed banks, insurance, and non-bank financial institutions from the obligation to distribute 30 percent of their income as dividends. The bill, presented in the National Parliament, introduces amendments to Section 22 of the Income Tax Act 2023, allowing these institutions to transfer post-tax profits to retained earnings or reserves without paying the current 10 percent tax on such transfers.

The Bangladesh Bank recently restricted dividend payments by banks with less than Tk 2,000 crore in paid-up capital to strengthen their financial base. The new proposal extends dividend distribution relief to other financial institutions as well. For general listed companies, the bill revises the tax calculation method, imposing a 10 percent tax only on the portion of profit transferred to reserves exceeding the 70 percent limit, instead of taxing the entire amount.

Tax expert Snehashish Barua noted that the changes would significantly reduce the tax burden on companies, lower business costs, and encourage reinvestment, while allowing financial institutions to reinforce their capital structures.