Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, stated that a recent United States strike on Iran constitutes a complete and explicit violation of the ceasefire, effectively nullifying it. In a post on social media platform X, he said the US Central Command’s claim that the strike was an act of self-defense has no legitimacy under international law.

Gharibabadi emphasized that military aggression cannot be justified through wordplay and that an aggressor cannot evade responsibility by changing terminology. He warned that Iran’s armed forces will firmly defend every inch of the country’s territory and deliver a strong and regret-inducing response to any aggression. The Iranian diplomat also cautioned that the United States and any party involved, cooperating, or assisting in the attack must bear full responsibility for its consequences.

The report noted that the US strike has already heightened tensions across the region, with analysts warning that if the situation is not quickly contained, the conflict could expand further in the Middle East.

A fire broke out in the engine room of a tanker near the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The cause of the fire has not been disclosed. Local authorities reported that the incident occurred about 21 nautical miles northeast of Sohar, Oman.

The incident comes shortly after Iran’s central military command declared the strategic Strait of Hormuz completely closed following recent U.S. attacks. Iran warned that any vessel attempting to pass through the waterway would be treated as a target. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime route for global energy transport, and its closure has heightened regional tensions.

The timing of the tanker fire near the closed strait adds to concerns over maritime safety and the potential escalation of conflict in the region, though no link between the fire and the broader tensions has been confirmed.

Abdus Sabur Fakir, central executive member of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and Naib-e-Ameer of Dhaka South, said that if the upcoming national budget imposes additional tax burdens on the public, people will immediately reject it. Speaking at an Eid reunion and unit leaders’ gathering organized by the party’s Wari West Thana unit on Wednesday night, he alleged that signs of an anti-poor budget were already visible and that ruling party-linked traders had begun stockpiling goods ahead of expected price hikes.

Fakir also criticized the government’s handling of Islami Bank, accusing it of allowing politically connected individuals to loot depositors’ money. He claimed that those who once took control of the bank under the ruling party were now trying to do so under the opposition’s influence. He urged the government to cancel the appointment of the current Islami Bank chairman, Khurshid Alam, and replace him with an honest and competent person to restore public confidence.

Other Jamaat leaders at the event, including Dr. Abdul Mannan, also criticized the home minister for focusing on bank control instead of improving law and order and border security.

Three Indian sailors were killed when US forces struck an oil tanker off the coast of Oman, according to India’s Minister of Shipping Sarbananda Sonowal. The minister described the incident as unfortunate and confirmed that the bodies of the three previously missing sailors had been recovered. The attack occurred on Tuesday evening on a vessel named 'Settebello', which the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said was carrying Iranian oil and had failed to comply with US instructions.

The tanker, flying the flag of Palau, had 28 crew members on board, including 24 Indians, two Pakistanis, one Ukrainian, and one Russian. Earlier reports indicated that 21 Indian sailors had been rescued, while three were missing. Following the incident, the Indian government summoned a senior US diplomat in New Delhi. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that Jason Meeks, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy, was called in for discussions.

The event has drawn attention to tensions in the region’s maritime routes, with India seeking clarification from the United States regarding the strike and the loss of its citizens.

In Nilphamari’s Jaldhaka upazila, unscrupulous fishermen are reportedly using improvised power systems known as ‘IPS’ to catch fish in local rivers, putting native species at risk of extinction. The practice is widespread in the Teesta, Buri Teesta, and Charalkata rivers, where electricity generated from IPS devices is released into the water at night, electrocuting fish and other aquatic life within a radius of several meters.

Residents report that the activity intensifies during the monsoon season when river water levels rise. Locals from Dawabari and Golmunda unions said organized groups operate boats at night, killing mother fish and fry alike, leading to a sharp decline in native fish populations. The demand for local fish remains high in markets, but supply from rivers has drastically fallen.

Jaldhaka Upazila Fisheries Officer Ariful Islam confirmed awareness of the issue and said that public awareness campaigns and legal measures are under consideration to curb the illegal practice.

The government has revoked the license of Ad-Din Hospital following the deaths of six newborns in its post-delivery ward. The Directorate General of Health Services announced the decision on Thursday afternoon and deployed law enforcement personnel around the hospital after the cancellation order.

According to the health directorate, a probe committee found oxygen shortage and negligence by hospital authorities responsible for the deaths that occurred on May 27. The hospital was issued a show-cause notice and later submitted a written explanation, which was deemed unsatisfactory. The license was therefore canceled under Section 11(2)(b) of the 1982 ordinance. The order allows the hospital to appeal the decision within 30 days.

Ad-Din Hospital’s lawyer, Advocate Shishir Monir, stated that an appeal against the license cancellation will be filed with the government on Sunday.

The proposed national budget for fiscal year 2026–27 in Bangladesh includes significant tax and duty increases on several products. The plan raises the price limits for all cigarette categories and proposes a 300 percent supplementary duty on cigarette filter raw materials and 350 percent on nicotine. Locally produced alcohol would face a value-added tax of 500 taka per liter, while domestically produced liquor would also carry a 500 taka supplementary duty per liter. Import duties on cashew nuts are set to rise from 5 percent to 25 percent, which could raise market prices.

The proposal also increases taxes on luxury petrol, octane, and diesel vehicles, particularly those with 1200–1600 cc engines, and doubles the advance income tax on them. In contrast, the budget suggests lowering overall duties and taxes on imported electric vehicles, reducing the current 93 percent rate to 64 percent for EVs priced up to 25,000 dollars and 80 percent for those between 25,000 and 50,000 dollars. Advance tax on EV registration and fitness renewal may also be reduced.

Additional measures include higher VAT on certain steel products, a 20 percent supplementary duty on imported pangas fish fillets, annual advance income tax on helicopters, and an increase in gambling income tax from 20 to 25 percent.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned that any ship approaching the Strait of Hormuz will face severe consequences. The warning came shortly after a US attack in Iran early Thursday, prompting Tehran to close the strategic waterway. The country’s top military command, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, confirmed that the narrow passage has been completely shut down.

The IRGC Navy has instructed all oil tankers and commercial vessels currently operating in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman to remain anchored. It stated that any movement toward the strait would be considered cooperation with the enemy. Citing a violation of ceasefire terms by US forces, the IRGC said the restriction will remain in place until further notice and urged ships to avoid the area for their own safety.

The IRGC described US forces in the region as a “terrorist army” and said the growing insecurity in the area necessitated the move. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategic chokepoints, through which about one-fifth of global petroleum supply passes.

Abeer Kawas, a Palestinian-American activist, is running as a Democratic Socialist candidate in the June 23 primary election for New York State Senate District 12, representing Queens. If successful, she would become the first Palestinian elected to the New York Senate. Her opponent is Filipino-American legislator Steven Raga, with the winner advancing to the November election and assuming office in Albany next January. Kawas has received the endorsement of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who previously ran a progressive campaign emphasizing housing and transit reforms and a strong stance on Palestine.

Kawas’s candidacy reflects her long-standing community activism and her personal history as the daughter of a Palestinian immigrant detained and deported after the September 11 attacks. She has worked with organizations focused on immigrant rights, language access, and police reform. Her campaign emphasizes the need for diverse, progressive voices in the Democratic Party and legislative system.

The race takes place amid heightened anti-Muslim incidents in the United States, with advocacy groups reporting a sharp rise in attacks on Muslim Americans and institutions under the Trump administration.

India’s newly appointed High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka tomorrow morning via Kolkata, according to officials from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Upon arrival, he will formally begin his duties by presenting his credentials to President Mohammed Shahabuddin. Trivedi received his appointment papers from Indian President Droupadi Murmu on June 5 and will replace outgoing High Commissioner Pranay Verma.

Trivedi’s arrival comes at a time of heightened tension between Bangladesh and India over the issue of cross-border movement. Before departing for Dhaka, he visited Netaji Bhavan in Kolkata, where he paid tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and told reporters that Bose’s ideals had deeply influenced his public service outlook. He emphasized the shared democratic aspirations of the people of both countries.

A former Indian Railways Minister and BJP leader, 75-year-old Trivedi previously served in the cabinet of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as a member of the Trinamool Congress before joining the BJP in 2021.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to bring Iran’s Kharg Island, the country’s main oil export hub, under American control. In a post on Truth Social on Thursday morning, he warned that if tensions escalate further, the United States could launch a ‘very severe’ military strike against Iran as early as tonight. Trump described Kharg Island as vital to Iran’s economy, noting that most of its crude oil exports pass through the island.

He stated that the United States would soon take control of Kharg Island and other key oil facilities, citing Venezuela as an example of previous similar actions that he claimed produced positive outcomes. Trump also asserted that Iran’s navy, air force, radar, and air defense systems had already suffered major damage, significantly weakening the country’s military capacity.

Analysts believe Trump’s remarks could heighten existing U.S.-Iran tensions and inject new uncertainty into the global energy market, given Kharg Island’s central role in Iran’s oil exports. International media reports indicate that both nations have recently exchanged attacks, stalling diplomatic efforts and raising fears of a wider Middle East conflict.

A Thai court has sentenced two Uyghur men to death for their involvement in the 2015 bombing at a shrine in Bangkok that killed 20 people. The attack occurred on August 17, 2015, at the Erawan Shrine located in the city’s commercial center. Several Chinese tourists were among the victims, and the incident is considered the deadliest bombing in Thailand’s history.

The convicted men, Yusufu Mieraili and Bilal Mohammed, were found guilty of premeditated murder related to the explosion. Both defendants denied the charges brought against them. The court’s decision marks the conclusion of a long-running case tied to one of Thailand’s most shocking acts of violence in recent years.

The ruling underscores Thailand’s continued pursuit of justice for the 2015 attack, though the defendants’ denial of guilt leaves questions about the full circumstances surrounding the bombing.

Ferry and vessel operations on the Daulatdia-Paturia route across the Padma River were suspended on Thursday evening after a sudden storm made navigation unsafe. Authorities halted all types of river transport, including ferries and launches, from 6:15 p.m. as strong winds and high waves created hazardous conditions. The decision was taken to prevent accidents amid the turbulent weather.

According to the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC), the suspension will remain in effect until further notice. The Daulatdia terminal’s commercial assistant manager, Jesanul Islam Tapu, confirmed that all ferry services have been stopped due to the storm. He added that operations will resume once weather conditions improve.

The suspension affects a key river crossing between Rajbari’s Daulatdia and Manikganj’s Paturia, an important route for vehicles and passengers. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and will restore services when it is deemed safe.

Somali football referee Omar Artan, who had been selected by FIFA to officiate at the World Cup, was denied entry into the United States despite holding all valid documents and a visa. After a long journey from Istanbul, Artan arrived at Miami International Airport, where US border officials detained and questioned him for about 11 hours before refusing him entry. FIFA later confirmed that Artan would not be able to participate in any training or match duties for the tournament.

Upon returning to Somalia, Artan expressed disappointment, saying he believed the issue was related to his nationality. His arrival at Mogadishu airport turned into an emotional scene as hundreds of supporters greeted him with national flags, celebrating him as a national hero despite his missed opportunity.

Artan encouraged Somali youth not to lose hope in their country, vowing to aim for the next World Cup. His resilience and patriotism have resonated deeply with football fans around the world.

Bangladesh and China have signed an implementation agreement to construct the 9th Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge, aimed at improving road connectivity and regional economic activity in the southern region. The signing ceremony took place on Thursday at the conference room of the Road Transport and Highways Division. Dr. Md. Mokhsed Ali, Joint Secretary of the division, signed on behalf of Bangladesh, while Mr. Song Yang, Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka, signed for China. Senior officials from both governments attended the event.

The proposed bridge will be built over the Lohalia River near Boga Ferry Ghat in Patuakhali district, along the Lebukhali–Bauphal–Galachipa–Amragachia highway. The total project length is about 2.62 kilometers, including a 1.348-kilometer main bridge and a 1.272-kilometer approach road. China will provide grant funding for the bridge and approach road construction, while Bangladesh will cover land acquisition and utility relocation costs.

Following the agreement, a Chinese-designated institution will prepare the detailed design and finalize the development project proposal. Once completed, the bridge is expected to significantly reduce travel time and costs, enhance trade and transport, and contribute to the socio-economic growth of southern Bangladesh.