Keeping pace with the digital era, Bangladesh Bank has simplified the process for local companies to pay for advertisements on foreign platforms like Facebook and Google. Under the new policy, businesses can make payments through local advertising agencies without needing separate central bank approvals. Banks are now authorized to process these payments on behalf of clients, provided that certain formalities are completed. Experts believe this move will make remittance procedures more seamless and business-friendly.

In response to a spike in COVID-19 cases, the Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) will begin a vaccination campaign this Sunday. The first phase will prioritize senior citizens over 60, pregnant women, and frontline workers. Chief Health Officer Dr. Mohammad Imam Hossain Rana stated that the city has been divided into seven zones, with each initially receiving 300 doses of the Pfizer vaccine. Citizens are advised to bring a national ID card, birth certificate, or previous vaccination card when arriving for the shot.

Former MP of Kushtia-1 constituency, AKM Sarwar Jahan Badsha, has been arrested in Dhaka’s Basila area. Police say Sarwar Jahan is accused of orchestrating attacks on student and public protesters during the July mass uprising. Investigators have reportedly found evidence linking him to killings during the clashes. Additionally, corruption charges are pending against him. Authorities stated that he will be produced before the court following legal formalities.

A case has been filed against 34 individuals—including two former MPs, a former superintendent of police, and other senior officers—for the 2012 custodial death of a BNP leader in Sherpur. The deceased, Abu Bakr Siddiqui Bachchu, then vice-president of Sherpur District Krishak Dal, was allegedly detained by the Detective Branch (DB) at the order of then-SP Anisur Rahman and former MP Atiur Rahman Atik. The following day, Bachchu’s lifeless body was found at his home. Family members allege he was killed solely for his involvement with the BNP.

In Roumari upazila of Kurigram, a local Jamaat leader has been accused of assaulting a government accountant for refusing to sign pension documents. The accused, Kader Mollah, allegedly attacked Upazila Accounts Officer Raja Mia after the latter declined to sign retirement benefit papers due to discrepancies. Mollah, accompanied by several Jamaat members, including his wife’s associates, reportedly stormed the office demanding approval of the documents. The injured officer is receiving treatment at Roumari Health Complex.

Police have arrested four individuals, including Kamal Hossain alias 'Moyla Kamal', while they were allegedly preparing for a rally in Dhaka’s Mirpur area late Monday night. The other detainees have been identified as Taijul Islam Raihan, Sanjit Kumar Mitra, and Lokman Hossain Molla. According to Mohammad Maksudur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), the arrests were made on charges of planning an unauthorized rally and possible subversive activities. He further claimed that the individuals belong to a banned organization, referring to the group as the “prohibited Awami League.” All four have been sent to jail following their arrest. Note: The mention of Awami League as a "banned organization" appears to be either a clerical error or misinformation, as the Awami League is the ruling political party in Bangladesh. This point requires clarification or verification from official sources.

Leaders of the Independent Ebtedayee Madrasa Teachers’ Alliance have warned of stern action, including a sit-in protest in front of the National Press Club starting August 17, if the government fails to nationalize independent Ebtedayee madrasas. Speaking at a discussion held at the National Press Club on Tuesday, the alliance acknowledged the government’s recent proposal to allocate Tk 728 crore in the upcoming budget for Ebtedayee madrasas, extending their appreciation. However, they stressed that teachers have been facing discrimination and deprivation for the past four decades. They pointed out that despite providing unpaid education for years, the government has yet to grant them fair treatment. The speakers urged the government to initiate the nationalization process by August 15. Failing that, they vowed to launch large-scale protests involving teachers from across the country.

Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed has formed 49 benches to resume judicial proceedings in the High Court Division after the vacation period. The sessions will begin on Sunday, June 22, at 10:30 AM. The Supreme Court’s website published the order on June 17, detailing the composition of 28 division benches and 21 single benches along with their judicial jurisdictions. This move ensures the smooth continuation of court activities following the recess.

At a protest rally in Pallabi, Dhaka, BNP leader Aminul Haque emphasized the party's desire for a democratic environment through fair, festive elections. Citing the 31-point reform plan by acting chairman Tarique Rahman, he called for institutional reforms. Haque highlighted the people’s 17-year struggle for free elections and stressed peaceful coexistence and freedom of expression. He also vowed justice for recent killings if BNP assumes power. The event was organized by SPGRC Kurmitola and the Urdu-Speaking Youth Student Movement.

Bangladesh has reported two more deaths from COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, along with 18 new infections. According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the deceased include one male and one female, aged between 41-50 and 71-80, respectively. So far this year, seven people have died from COVID-19 in Bangladesh, with a total of 331 confirmed cases. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and urge citizens to remain cautious.

Government employees at the Bangladesh Secretariat continued protests on Tuesday, demanding the repeal of the Government Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025. The ordinance allows dismissal without departmental proceedings for certain offenses, which employees call repressive. Protesters, led by the Secretariat Officers and Employees Unity Forum, issued an ultimatum to the government, warning of divisional conferences and a larger movement if demands are unmet. Memorandums were submitted to ministry advisors, and slogans denouncing the law were chanted during rallies and marches inside the Secretariat.

Iran has continued launching missile strikes on Israel even after losing top military commanders, surprising Israeli defense officials. According to U.S. analyst Trita Parsi, Israel underestimated Iran’s ability to recover and maintain operational control. Iranian missiles have reportedly breached multiple layers of Israel’s air defense. Early Monday, fresh attacks on Tel Aviv and Haifa killed at least five people and injured many more. The Middle East remains tense as both nations engage in ongoing, deadly exchanges of fire.

Residences of Bangladeshi embassy officials in Tehran were damaged in a recent Israeli airstrike. At least one official's home was completely destroyed. Fortunately, the occupant was not present at the time and escaped unhurt. First Secretary Walid Islam said, “My house has been completely demolished. There’s nothing left around us, except a few surviving residences of other diplomats.” It is reported that prior warnings helped minimize casualties.

Former US President Donald Trump has claimed that the whereabouts of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei are known to the United States. In a social media post, Trump said, "We know where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ Khamenei is hiding. He’s an easy target, and he’s currently safe there—we won’t kill him, at least not yet." Trump also added that the US does not want missiles fired at civilians or military personnel, warning that America’s patience is wearing thin. "Thank you for paying attention," he concluded. In an earlier post, Trump asserted that the United States has achieved "full control" over Iran's airspace.

In a deeply disturbing incident, police in India’s Odisha state have arrested 10 individuals in connection with the alleged gang rape of a college student at Gopalpur Beach in the Ganjam district. The assault reportedly took place in the presence of the victim’s male friend, who was tied up and restrained during the attack. According to police sources, the student had gone to the beach with her friend when they were ambushed. The shocking nature of the crime has sparked outrage across Odisha, with growing public criticism over the role and preparedness of local law enforcement and administration. Authorities have confirmed that the suspects are currently being interrogated as part of the ongoing investigation.