Renewed hostilities between Israel and Iran have intensified tensions across the Middle East, following reciprocal attacks that disrupted a fragile ceasefire. Despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s public call for restraint, Israel’s latest strikes on Iranian facilities have pushed Washington-Tehran relations into renewed uncertainty. Analysts suggest the situation could strengthen Iran’s bargaining position in ongoing nuclear and sanctions negotiations.

The escalation began after Israel attacked Iranian sites for the first time since April’s ceasefire, responding to Tehran’s earlier missile launches following Israeli strikes in Beirut. Reports indicate U.S. awareness and limited coordination with Israel during the attacks, though Trump claimed he had urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to avoid retaliation. Experts believe Iran’s missile response aimed to test Washington’s stance and expose potential rifts between the U.S. and Israel.

Both sides have maintained diplomatic engagement despite the clashes. Trump insists a deal with Iran is near, while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized balancing military strength with diplomacy. Observers note that high oil prices and U.S. domestic politics may deter major conflict, giving Tehran greater leverage at the negotiation table.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury told the National Parliament that initiatives are underway to strengthen Bangladesh’s capital market through institutional and regulatory reforms. Responding to a supplementary question from a lawmaker during Tuesday’s question-and-answer session, he said the reforms aim to boost domestic capital mobilization and stimulate overall economic activity.

The minister acknowledged that the current state of the capital market remains weak and that several financial products essential for its growth are yet to be fully developed. He said the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) has been restructured to enhance market oversight and efficiency, with experienced professionals added to strengthen the regulator’s capacity.

He expressed optimism that a stronger regulatory framework and ongoing reforms will revitalize the capital market, enabling it to play a more effective role in channeling public savings into productive investments and supporting sustainable economic growth.

Bangladesh Bank has decided to appoint administrators to five non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) as part of a closure or liquidation process. The decision was made at a board meeting held on Tuesday at the central bank’s headquarters, chaired by Governor Mostakur Rahman. The institutions affected are FAS Finance, Fareast Finance, Aviva Finance, Peoples Leasing and Financial Services, and International Leasing and Financial Services. Four other NBFIs—BIFC, Premier Leasing, GSP Finance, and Prime Finance—have been given three months to recover.

According to the central bank, the five institutions facing closure hold deposits of about Tk 2,700 crore from 27,000 individual depositors. Each depositor will be eligible to receive up to Tk 10 lakh after administrators are appointed. The decision follows years of financial distress, high default rates, and failure to return deposits. Bangladesh Bank had earlier issued notices to 20 NBFIs over poor performance, later narrowing the list to nine, and now five are set for closure.

The financial sector has been struggling with liquidity shortages, high non-performing loans, and weak governance. The central bank’s resolution framework aims to restore stability and protect depositors’ interests.

The Water Development Board (WDB) in Comilla’s Titas upazila has reportedly suspended an eviction drive at Asmania Bazar, where land acquired for a flood protection embankment in 1996 was later occupied by shops and houses. The operation, scheduled for June 9, 2026, aimed to remove about 122 illegal structures but was halted without prior notice, sparking local anger and speculation.

Local residents alleged that around 3 million taka was collected to stop the eviction, with claims of 25,000 taka taken per shop, though no credible evidence was found. Narandia Union Parishad chairman and local Awami League president Arifuzzaman Khoka denied any financial dealings, saying the delay was for humanitarian reasons following requests from traders and representatives. WDB executive engineer Md. Rashed Shahriar stated the suspension was temporary and made at the request of local representatives and the UNO, while the UNO denied involvement.

The WDB had earlier issued notices in January 2025 for voluntary removal of illegal structures and marked the sites on June 7. Locals are now demanding a transparent investigation and resumption of the eviction drive.

Bangladesh achieved a historic milestone by defeating Australia for the first time in a One Day International on home soil. The match, held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, saw Bangladesh secure an 86-run victory under the DLS method in the first game of a three-match series. Batting first after losing the toss, Bangladesh posted 284 for 8 in 50 overs, led by Mosaddek Hossain’s unbeaten 86, Najmul Hossain Shanto’s 67, and Tanzid Hasan Tamim’s 54.

In reply, Australia reached 191 for 9 in 42.2 overs before rain ended play. Young pacer Nahid Rana took four wickets, while Mustafizur Rahman and Mosaddek each claimed two. For Australia, Alex Carey scored 47, Cameron Green remained unbeaten on 52, and Cooper Connolly added 35. Nathan Ellis was the most effective Australian bowler with three wickets for 38 runs.

With this victory, Bangladesh took a 1–0 lead in the series, marking their first ODI win over Australia at home and their second overall after the 2005 Cardiff triumph.

A high-level delegation from the European Union met with Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and opposition chief whip, to discuss the implementation of key reforms approved in the recent referendum. The meeting took place on Tuesday afternoon at the NCP central office in Banglamotor, with EU Ambassador Michael Miller leading the delegation and Nahid Islam heading the NCP team.

According to the NCP, the discussion reviewed the EU Election Observation Team’s guidance to ensure transparent and credible elections. Both sides also exchanged views on institutional frameworks ahead of the upcoming local government elections. At the conclusion of the meeting, the two parties reaffirmed their commitment to continuing dialogue and strengthening constructive international cooperation.

Following the meeting, NCP leaders guided the EU delegation to view graffiti commemorating the historic July Revolution, reflecting the hopes and spirit of youth during that period.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told Parliament on Tuesday that Islami Bank, Mirza Fakhrul Islam, and Jamaat-e-Islami should not be equated with Islam, warning against using religion to justify all actions. He made the remarks while addressing issues surrounding Islami Bank and its recent controversies.

Ahmed demanded investigations into the dismissal of employees from Islami Bank, urging reinstatement of those unfairly terminated and review of politically motivated appointments. He stated that under the Bank Company Act, Bangladesh Bank has the authority to remove the bank’s chairman and board of directors, and any objections should be addressed through legal amendments.

The minister alleged that a group was secretly instigating unrest in the bank by posing as customers. He assured Parliament that legitimate shareholders’ shares would be properly transferred and that borrowers, including Nabil Group, who failed to repay loans, would face investigation. He also confirmed that the dismissal of around 9,000 employees in violation of regulations would be examined.

The Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) arrested alleged drug trafficker Babul Hossain, also known as Babu, during a special operation in Dhaka’s Jatrabari area on Tuesday afternoon. Acting on intelligence, DNC officers intercepted a bus of Liton Travels and detained Babu, who was posing as a regular passenger. A search of his shopping bag revealed 16,000 yaba pills wrapped in tape and tissue. Authorities also seized a mobile phone used in drug transactions.

According to DNC officials, Babu, a resident of Keraniganj, had long controlled a major yaba distribution network supplying southern and northern regions of Bangladesh. He reportedly sourced drugs from dealers in Dhaka, Chattogram, and Teknaf, storing them in Keraniganj before transporting them by bus to districts such as Jashore, Khulna, Rajshahi, and Rangpur. A case has been filed under the Narcotics Control Act 2018 at Jatrabari Police Station.

Officials said investigations are ongoing to identify other members of the syndicate. The DNC has intensified surveillance and pledged continued nationwide operations to dismantle drug trafficking routes and protect youth from narcotics abuse.

In Karnataka, demands for appointing at least five Muslim ministers in the state cabinet have intensified, sparking protests across several regions. The issue has become a new political challenge for the ruling Congress, as Muslim community leaders argue that nearly 87 percent of Muslim voters supported the party in the last assembly election and that this support should be reflected in cabinet representation.

The demand follows earlier tensions between sections of the Muslim community and Congress leadership after the Davanagere by-election, when the party chose a candidate from the late Shamanur Shivashankarappa’s family instead of a Muslim nominee. Since then, Muslim leaders have sought greater influence in party decisions and protested disciplinary actions against Muslim politicians, viewing them as attempts to marginalize their leadership.

Fresh demonstrations began on Friday, with protesters insisting that five cabinet positions be reserved for Muslim representatives, including one for B.Z. Zameer Ahmed. Congress leaders acknowledged the community’s sentiments but said final decisions on cabinet expansion rest with the party high command.

Tea vendor Salauddin Liton testified as the 22nd witness in the murder case of Imam Hasan Tayim, son of a police officer, during the July Revolution in Dhaka’s Jatrabari area. On Tuesday, he gave his statement before International Crimes Tribunal-2 against former DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman and 10 other accused. Liton described that on July 20, 2024, police entered his tea shop near Kajla footbridge, forced him to close and reopen the shutter, assaulted him and others, and dragged Tayim and two companions outside before gunfire was heard.

According to his testimony, police looted goods and cash worth about 25,000 taka from his shop and beat him with rifle butts. Later, he saw Tayim lying on the ground with gunshot wounds while police prevented them from taking him to the hospital. Two days later, Liton learned from a friend that Tayim had died at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

The testimony was part of ongoing proceedings against 11 accused in the case, shedding new light on alleged police involvement in the 2024 Jatrabari incident.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has called for an investigation into the dismissal of employees from Islami Bank, demanding that all those who were wrongfully terminated be reinstated. Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, he also urged a review of politically motivated appointments to assess their legitimacy under existing regulations.

Salahuddin stated that Islami Bank should not be equated with Islam or any political entity, emphasizing that religious sentiment should not be misused in institutional matters. He noted that under the Bank Companies Act, Bangladesh Bank has the authority to remove the chairman and board of directors if necessary. He further alleged that a group was instigating unrest within the bank by posing as customers to create disorder.

The minister assured Parliament that legitimate shareholders’ interests would be protected and that proper investigations would be conducted into loan defaulters, including Nabil Group. He added that the previous termination of around 9,000 employees without due process would also be brought under investigation.

Police have detained six suspects following allegations of robbery and sexual assault in a house at Dolunighona area of Purba Baroveola Union under the newly formed Matamuhuri upazila in Cox’s Bazar. The incident occurred around 2:30 a.m. on Monday night when a group of seven to eight armed robbers reportedly broke into a brick-built residence by cutting the window grill and held the family members at gunpoint. They allegedly looted cash and gold ornaments from the house and assaulted two female members of the family, a housewife and her daughter, a tenth-grade student.

Local residents rescued the injured victims and took them to Chakaria Upazila Health Complex, from where doctors referred them to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital for advanced treatment. Senior Assistant Superintendent of Police Abhijit Das and Chakaria Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Monir Hossain visited the scene. Police said six suspects were detained with local assistance and multiple teams are working to identify and arrest others involved. The incident has caused widespread fear and concern in the area.

Bangladeshi film actor and road safety activist Ilias Kanchan is currently receiving the second phase of chemotherapy treatment in London for a brain tumor. According to Liton Ershad, vice chairman of the ‘Nirapad Sarak Chai’ movement, Kanchan’s physical condition remains unstable, showing periods of slight improvement and deterioration. The ongoing treatment phase is expected to continue until July.

Liton stated that no final decision has been made about bringing Kanchan back to Bangladesh before his treatment is completed. Depending on medical advice, he may return temporarily in August after the second phase ends. Liton also mentioned that the actor’s prolonged illness has affected his mental state, leaving him somewhat weak and forgetful, though he continues to communicate normally.

Kanchan, who has been staying at his daughter’s residence in London since April last year, has requested prayers from the public and urged continued support for the ‘Nirapad Sarak Chai’ movement, which he founded after losing his wife in a 1993 road accident.

The Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) has issued an urgent letter instructing hospitals across Bangladesh to implement the newly revised prices of coronary stents used in heart treatment. The directive, sent on Tuesday, includes four mandatory instructions for hospitals, emphasizing that the new maximum retail prices (MRP) must be displayed publicly and strictly followed in all sales.

According to the DGDA, the price revision was made under the guidance of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and based on recommendations from the expert advisory committee. The new prices were determined considering taxes, VAT, commissions, and reasonable profit margins for importers. The final approval came after the committee’s seventh meeting on May 13, which reviewed appeals from several importing firms.

The DGDA stated that prices for imported stents now range from Tk 1,000 to Tk 47,800, with significant reductions for specific models such as the “Silin Covered Stent” and “Magma Rapamycin” stents. The directive follows earlier complaints that some hospitals continued selling stents at old rates despite a February 25 notification reducing prices by 5–19 percent.

An eleven-party alliance in Bangladesh, including Jamaat-e-Islami, has expressed deep concern over border killings by India, push-in incidents, deteriorating law and order, and rising commodity prices. The alliance decided to announce a program addressing these issues on Wednesday. The decision was made at a liaison committee meeting held Tuesday afternoon at Jamaat-e-Islami’s central office in Moghbazar, Dhaka.

During the meeting, the alliance demanded immediate and effective government action to stop push-in and border killings. It also called for strengthened border security and urged the government to adopt a foreign policy based on equality and sovereignty, rejecting what it described as a submissive approach. The alliance emphasized the need to protect Bangladesh’s national interests and dignity in bilateral relations.

A press briefing has been scheduled for Wednesday at noon at Jamaat’s central office to announce the alliance’s program. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Hamidur Rahman Azad, assistant secretary general of Jamaat-e-Islami and coordinator of the liaison committee, with representatives from several allied parties in attendance.