Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Amir Maulana Mamunul Haque has declared that the party’s movement will continue until the people’s verdict from the recent referendum is fully implemented. He made the announcement while addressing a Hajj gathering organized by the party’s Makkah branch in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.

Haque stated that the foundation of resistance laid in 2013 against fascism led to the 2024 mass uprising, reflecting the people’s aspirations. He emphasized that the full implementation of the July Charter is essential to realize those aspirations, particularly acknowledging the role of expatriate Bangladeshis who supported the uprising despite personal risks. He added that two elections were held in February—a national election and a referendum—and that most political forces supported the “yes” side before the vote. However, he accused the current authorities of delaying the implementation of the referendum’s outcome.

Haque said Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis was the first to take to the streets demanding the implementation of the referendum verdict and announced nationwide programs following a major rally at Suhrawardy Udyan.

Iran’s armed forces have pledged to defend the ideals of the Islamic Revolution until death. The commitment was made in a joint statement issued by the General Staff of the Armed Forces and the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters to mark the death anniversary of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, founder of the Islamic Republic, and the anniversary of the Khordad 16 uprising.

The statement accused the United States and Israel of exposing the true nature of those who falsely claim to uphold human rights. It declared that the Iranian nation would not retreat in the face of threats or aggression and that the armed forces would continue to safeguard revolutionary principles.

The statement further asserted that Washington and Tel Aviv would have no choice but to submit to the divine will of Iran’s armed forces and its enlightened nation, calling on Iranians to unite behind their national leadership.

A crocodile from Khan Jahan Ali (R.) Dighi in Bagerhat was removed on Wednesday afternoon and taken to the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Khulna. The operation began in the morning with forest and administrative officials present at the site. The crocodile was captured around noon using food as bait and then transported to Khulna by the Forest Department.

The decision to remove the animal followed the death of a child three days earlier in an attack by the same crocodile. An emergency meeting held Tuesday night at the district administration office approved the relocation. Local residents expressed relief after the removal, saying they had been fearful of the crocodile.

Wildlife expert Azad Kabir confirmed the rescued female crocodile weighs about 600 kilograms and will undergo examination at the Khulna center before further decisions are made. Bagerhat Sadar Upazila Executive Officer Atia Khatun said the removal was carried out for public safety, and future steps will be determined after discussions.

Canada and Mexico on Tuesday called for renewing the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) for another 16 years. Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc made the proposal in a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamison Greer and Mexican Finance Minister Marcelo Ebrard, emphasizing that the agreement binds the three countries under a unified trade framework. LeBlanc later described a meeting in Washington on the pact’s future as positive and said discussions would continue in the coming days and weeks.

The USMCA is vital for both Canada and Mexico, as the United States is their main trading partner, accounting for roughly 75 and 80 percent of their exports respectively. The countries must inform by July 1 whether they wish to renew the agreement or renegotiate its terms. Although President Donald Trump signed the USMCA during his first term, he has recently questioned its relevance, imposed tariffs on key Canadian sectors, and made controversial remarks about Canada’s economic dependence on the U.S.

U.S. and Mexican officials recently concluded initial talks on possible amendments to the pact. Greer indicated support for retaining parts of the current agreement, while LeBlanc noted that trade among the three nations has grown 32 percent since the USMCA took effect in 2020.

China has called on Iran and the United States to maintain the existing ceasefire as tensions continue to rise in the Middle East. During a regular press briefing, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that renewed conflict would benefit no party and urged all sides to respect the ceasefire and avoid escalation.

The spokesperson emphasized that there remains an opportunity to advance ongoing discussions and diplomatic processes between Tehran and Washington, and that sustaining this momentum is essential. According to the ministry, Beijing is deeply concerned about the growing instability in the region, warning that increasing tensions pose a threat to regional stability.

China reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy are the only effective means to address the current situation, underscoring its position that peaceful engagement is necessary to prevent further deterioration of the Middle East crisis.

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj announced that the government is working to establish a coordinated and accountable framework to ensure quality education for all students in Bangladesh. As part of this effort, all English medium schools across the country will be brought under a unified policy. The initiative aims to ensure educational standards, teaching excellence, student safety, accountability, and alignment with national interests.

Hajjaj made the remarks while visiting The Aga Khan Academy, where he observed a student exhibition showcasing research, innovation projects, and creative presentations. He emphasized that the government seeks to build an education system that fosters critical thinking, innovation, and leadership among students, preparing them to lead the future of Bangladesh. He also highlighted the goal of providing equal opportunities for students from all educational streams—Bangla medium, English version, or English medium—to develop national values, civic responsibility, and global competencies.

During the visit, the state minister praised the academy’s modern teaching methods and leadership development programs and urged other institutions to expand research and creative learning initiatives.

Two workers died after inhaling toxic gas inside a septic tank at a construction site in Amtali municipality of Barguna on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. at the AK School intersection area. The victims were identified as mason Zahidul Hawlader, 35, from Haldia village, and workshop owner Jafar Hawlader, 50, from Betmor village.

According to the local fire service, Zahidul entered the under-construction building’s septic tank to remove centering materials and soon began shouting for help. Jafar went inside to rescue him but also lost consciousness. Firefighters later neutralized the toxic gas, broke open the tank, and recovered both workers, who were declared dead at Amtali Upazila Health Complex.

Fire Service Inspector Abu Hanif said the tank likely contained carbon monoxide and other harmful gases, and the workers entered without proper safety measures. Police have filed an unnatural death case and sent the bodies to Barguna General Hospital morgue for autopsy.

Former US diplomat and Middle East Institute fellow Alan Eyre has said that the chances of a full peace agreement between the United States and Iran are very slim. In an interview with Al Jazeera, he stated that even if the conflict ends, true peace in the Middle East is unlikely. According to him, the most that can be expected is a long-term ceasefire.

Eyre explained that Iran has been attacked twice and believes both Israel and the United States aim to overthrow its government, making peace improbable. He added that Iran will likely remain in a state of military readiness, rebuild its missile capabilities, and may pursue nuclear weapons in the future, a shift from its previous policy. He noted that Iran was once considered a “nuclear hedging state,” maintaining capability without weaponization, but US pressure has altered that stance.

Analysts cited in the report believe that given the current geopolitical climate, an uncertain yet stable ceasefire appears to be a more realistic outcome than a comprehensive peace deal.

A 45-foot-long baleen whale has drifted near Kuakata in Patuakhali, Bangladesh. Locals spotted the whale around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, about two kilometers from the Zero Point area in the Bay of Bengal. Members of the Coastal Environment Protection Movement (UPORA) confirmed the whale’s presence after reaching the site by speedboat.

UPORA convener K.M. Bachchu stated that the whale’s upper skin had peeled off, suggesting it may have died five to six days earlier. Due to sea currents, it might take some time for the carcass to reach the shore. Mahipur Forest Range Officer Moniruzzaman said the Forest Department is aware of the situation, and field officers have already visited the site.

Authorities are consulting higher officials to determine necessary steps for handling the whale carcass and ensuring environmental safety in the coastal area.

Technology-driven companies worldwide are reassessing their artificial intelligence (AI) strategies as operational costs rise sharply. Experts note that after ChatGPT’s popularity in 2022, AI firms initially offered low-cost services supported by investor funding. Kevin Simback of Delphi Labs described that period as one of 'subsidized intelligence.' Now, leading AI companies such as OpenAI and Anthropic are shifting toward profitability and preparing to attract new investment.

The growing use of AI agents, which perform complex tasks like scheduling, coding, and file management, is driving up token-based costs. Increased demand for chips and data centers is also straining computing infrastructure. Mark Burton of OmniUX observed that AI costs are rising rapidly, especially among software developers. Analysts warn that in some cases, token expenses can equal or exceed an employee’s salary within months.

To curb expenses, many firms are turning to open-source or smaller, specialized AI models. Experts predict AI will become a commodity, where selecting cost-effective models for specific tasks will be key, though demand for high-end systems will persist among advanced users.

Local residents and relatives of a victim held a human chain protest in front of Raipur Police Station in Lakshmipur, demanding justice after the death of twin newborns allegedly caused by an assault on a pregnant woman. The demonstration took place on Wednesday morning, following the incident involving Sabikun Nahar, wife of Wahiduzzaman Rajon of Sonapur Union’s Ward No. 2.

According to the family, on March 16, Sabikun Nahar was attacked with sticks while recording a looting incident on her mobile phone. She was hospitalized with serious injuries, and doctors warned of risks to her unborn children. Her condition reportedly worsened, and on May 22 she was admitted to hospital, where she gave birth prematurely at six months. One baby died shortly after birth, and the other later died in intensive care.

Sabikun Nahar has filed a case in court over the incident. Protesters demanded an impartial investigation, swift legal action against the accused, and justice for the family. The accused could not be reached for comment, and their statements were unavailable.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has made singing 'Vande Mataram' compulsory in all schools and madrasas across the state immediately after assuming office. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has strongly opposed the decision, urging the government to withdraw the order or exempt Muslim students from singing the song. Adhikari, however, has stated that everyone living in the country must show respect to both 'Vande Mataram' and 'Jana Gana Mana'.

In a statement, AIMPLB spokesperson Dr. S Q R Ilyas said that forcing any student to recite a song or text contrary to their religious beliefs constitutes a clear violation of fundamental rights. Adhikari defended his move by asserting that singing the national songs should be mandatory for all citizens. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also backed the West Bengal government’s decision, describing 'Vande Mataram' as a national song that transcends religion or region.

The debate highlights a growing tension between state directives on national symbols and religious freedoms, with both sides holding firm to their positions.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced his support for Colombian far-right presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella ahead of the country's June 21 runoff election, according to AFP. Trump made the endorsement through a post on his Truth Social platform, describing the election as crucial for Colombia’s future and its relationship with the United States. He praised de la Espriella’s achievements and expressed honor in offering his full support.

De la Espriella unexpectedly won the first round of Colombia’s presidential election held the previous weekend. In the upcoming runoff, he will face left-wing senator Iván Cepeda. The endorsement marks a notable intervention by Trump in Latin American politics, highlighting his continued influence beyond U.S. borders.

The runoff outcome is expected to shape Colombia’s political direction and its ties with Washington, as both candidates represent sharply contrasting ideological positions.

BNP Secretary General and Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that a group is making all-out efforts to destabilize the country. He urged everyone to remain alert and cautious to prevent any disruption. He made these remarks on Wednesday afternoon while addressing a civic reception as the chief guest at Ruhia High School field in Thakurgaon.

During his speech, Alamgir said that under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, the government is gradually implementing promises made to the public. These include inaugurating new upazilas, appointing vice-chancellors for public universities, approving new medical colleges, and initiating airport operations.

He added that the government is also working to fulfill development commitments such as the Family Card program and canal excavation projects. According to him, these initiatives are progressing due to the people's votes and support. Alamgir further called on young people to build their skills, avoid drug addiction, and lead social movements.

An attack was carried out on the car of NCP leader Nasiruddin Patwari in Benapole Bazar, Jashore, on Wednesday afternoon around 1:15 p.m. Patwari, along with Joint Member Secretary Faridul Haque and other party leaders, was inside the vehicle but all remained unharmed. The incident was disclosed by Patwari in a Facebook post later that day.

In his post, Patwari stated that after news of their arrival at the border spread, Indian authorities removed families who had allegedly been forcibly pushed in the previous night. He said the team visited the area, spoke with locals, and collected firsthand information about the situation. The attack occurred on their return journey. Patwari reaffirmed his commitment to defending human dignity, citizens’ rights, and Bangladesh’s sovereignty at the border.

The report also mentioned that a group is allegedly attempting to destabilize the country, though no further details were provided.