Heavy rainfall and hill torrents from India have caused the Teesta River’s water level to rise again in Lalmonirhat. Residents along the river fear that if the water continues to increase, it may cross the danger level at any time. According to the Water Development Board, the rise began on Friday night due to continuous rain and upstream flow from India.

Officials at the Teesta Barrage Dalia control room said on Saturday that the water level had increased slightly but was still flowing below the danger mark. Locals reported sleepless nights during the monsoon months, fearing sudden water releases from India’s Gajoldoba Barrage without prior notice, which often leads to flooding and isolation of thousands of residents.

The Gajoldoba Barrage, located upstream in India’s West Bengal, controls the Teesta River through 54 sluice gates. Authorities confirmed that while the current water level remains below danger, continuous rainfall could worsen the situation if upstream discharge increases.

Social and cultural organization Azadi Mancha organized a human chain at Shahjadpur Azadi Mor in Dhaka on Saturday morning to protest the brutal killing of second-grade student Ramisa Akter in Pallabi, Mirpur. The event, held at 9 a.m., drew participation from local residents, teachers, students, rickshaw pullers, and people from various professions, expressing outrage over the incident.

Speakers at the protest said the murder of eight-year-old Ramisa had shocked the entire nation and reflected a deep moral crisis in society. They criticized the culture of impunity surrounding rape and child murder cases, demanding that Ramisa’s killers be tried in a speedy tribunal and given the maximum punishment. Participants, including academics and students, called for stronger state action to ensure child safety and for building social resistance against such brutality.

Protesters warned that if justice was delayed, larger demonstrations would follow. The area echoed with slogans demanding justice and an end to child killings, as participants vowed to continue their movement until Ramisa’s killers were punished.

The United Arab Emirates has urged U.S. President Donald Trump to refrain from launching new military action against Iran, amid fears of renewed conflict in the Middle East. According to Bloomberg, the UAE is coordinating diplomatic efforts with Saudi Arabia and Qatar to prevent escalation. Leaders from the three countries reportedly told Trump in separate phone calls that military strikes would not achieve long-term U.S. goals and that dialogue should be prioritized.

Analysts noted that the UAE’s stance marks a significant shift from its previously hardline position toward Tehran. The Gulf states fear that another conflict could devastate the region’s economy, as seen during the February–April clashes when U.S. and Israeli forces attacked Iran, prompting widespread Iranian retaliation. Thousands of drone and missile strikes damaged ports and energy infrastructure across the Gulf.

Although a ceasefire was reached in April, tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high. Pakistan is mediating indirect communications, and recent visits by senior officials suggest cautious progress toward a possible settlement.

The Institute for Planning and Development (IPD) has demanded unrestricted public access to all parks and playgrounds in Dhaka, criticizing the recent decision by RAJUK to hand over management of Gulshan Central Park and Sports Complex to Gulshan Youth Club. Speakers at an online discussion organized by IPD on Friday argued that the move commercializes public spaces and restricts citizens’ access, contradicting government commitments to inclusive urban planning and expanded recreational opportunities.

Participants, including urban planners, environmental activists, and academics, said the handover violates existing laws and court rulings, and undermines public rights to recreation. They alleged that RAJUK had previously identified the club as an illegal occupier, yet later granted it management authority. The discussion highlighted concerns about corruption, privatization of public spaces, and the erosion of equitable access for low-income residents.

IPD proposed a joint management model involving city corporations and local communities to ensure transparency and inclusivity. It also called for cancellation of the RAJUK–Gulshan Youth Club agreement, restoration of the park’s original name, and nationwide investigations into commercial use and illegal occupation of public parks.

At least ten people were injured in a violent clash between activists of the BNP and its affiliated Krishak Dal in Gazipur’s Sreepur upazila on Friday afternoon. The incident occurred in front of Arbela Fashion Limited at Gararon area of Boromi Union, reportedly over control of a garment factory’s scrap trade and extortion demands related to worker transport buses. Several worker buses were also vandalized during the confrontation.

Witnesses said an argument between the two groups escalated into a fight involving sticks and iron rods, causing panic and briefly disrupting traffic near the factory. The injured, identified as members of both political groups, received treatment at local clinics and hospitals.

Krishak Dal leader Masum Ahmed alleged that BNP’s Boromi Union general secretary Akteruzzaman Shamim demanded Tk 100,000 and a monthly payment of Tk 50,000 from him, which led to the clash. Shamim denied the allegation, claiming that Krishak Dal members attacked them during a meeting about upcoming programs. Police said they received a written complaint and would take legal action after investigation.

Hindu cattle farmers in West Bengal are facing financial hardship after the state government’s decision to restrict cow sacrifice ahead of Eid al-Adha. According to reports, Muslim buyers have stopped purchasing cows due to the new law, leaving Hindu farmers unable to sell their livestock. Many of these farmers had taken loans from NGOs to raise cattle, expecting to repay them through Eid sales.

In Bamunia village of South 24 Parganas, most cattle farmers are Hindu and have expressed frustration, urging that Muslims be allowed to perform cow sacrifices so they can sell their animals. Muslim farmers, meanwhile, said they would accept government takeover of their cattle if sacrifices remain banned. Local legislator Naushad Siddique stated that the ruling BJP government’s policy, intended to target Muslims, has instead harmed Hindus. Protests have also erupted in Bhangar, where Hindu men and women rejected the High Court’s decision supporting the ban.

BJP spokesperson Bimal Shankar Nanda commented that some groups are exploiting the situation for their own interests.

Members of the Barishal District Detective Branch (DB) police came under attack during an anti-drug operation in Uzirpur on Friday afternoon. The incident occurred near the municipal ferry terminal area, where a DB constable was seriously injured after being struck with a sharp weapon. Police later detained four individuals in connection with the attack.

According to police and local sources, a seven-member DB team conducted the operation based on secret information. During the raid, Uzirpur Municipal Jubo Sramik Dal joint general secretary Md. Arif Molla and his associates allegedly obstructed the police. A scuffle ensued, and the suspects reportedly snatched the seized drugs and threw them into a nearby pond. When Constable Mrinal Chandra attempted to recover the drugs, he was attacked.

Uzirpur Model Police Station’s officer-in-charge Rakibul Islam confirmed the incident, stating that legal action is being taken against those involved and that anti-drug operations in the area will continue.

England coach Thomas Tuchel has announced his squad for the upcoming World Cup, leaving out several high-profile players. Midfielder Phil Foden, winger Cole Palmer, defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Harry Maguire were all excluded from the team. In their place, Tuchel included forwards Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney, who have both enjoyed strong seasons. Watkins recently won the Europa League title, while Toney scored 32 goals in 32 matches in the Saudi Pro League.

Tuchel also left out midfielders Morgan Gibbs-White and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, despite their strong Premier League performances. Veteran Jordan Henderson was recalled to replace Adam Wharton. Tuchel explained that it was emotionally difficult to inform the omitted players, saying he personally called those who had previously trained with the squad to express gratitude for their efforts.

England will begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 17 in Dallas, followed by matches against Ghana on June 23 and Panama on June 27.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called for a 'Plan B' to address possible complications in reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with NATO allies in Helsingborg, Sweden, Rubio said that if anyone fires in the strait, there must be an alternative plan. Referring to Iran, he noted that ideally, Tehran would reopen the passage, but contingency measures are needed if it refuses.

Rubio added that in such a scenario, the United States and other concerned nations might have to take action, though he did not clarify whether NATO would be directly involved. He also commented on ongoing diplomatic talks, saying US negotiators are engaging with tough counterparts and that some progress has been made, though the desired outcome has not yet been reached.

His remarks come amid renewed global attention on the strategic waterway, which is vital for international energy trade, and have sparked fresh discussion in diplomatic circles.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has alleged that a group is maintaining secret contact with the ousted autocratic regime of August 5, 2024. He made the remarks on Saturday while inaugurating the re-excavation program of the historic Dhara Canal in Trishal, Mymensingh. Rahman said similarities exist between the group and those who were ousted, accusing them of plotting in secrecy. He urged citizens to remain alert against such conspiracies.

Referring to past events under the interim government, Rahman said BNP lawyers and doctors had supported affected families, unlike those now leading movements and blockades. He criticized groups spreading confusion and ignoring farmers, education, and rural development. The Prime Minister highlighted the canal’s importance for local livelihoods, noting that its re-excavation would benefit 4,300 farmers and improve life for about 20,000 people. He also announced initiatives for rural students, religious leaders, and youth employment through technical education.

Rahman emphasized unity for national development, urging collective effort to build infrastructure and utilize the workforce for Bangladesh’s progress.

Former Chief Justice A B M Khairul Haque has been shown arrested in a murder case filed at Jatrabari Police Station in connection with the July uprising and the anti-discrimination student movement. The order was issued on Saturday afternoon by Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Sarah Farzana Haque. Additional Public Prosecutor Shamsuddoha Suman confirmed the development. The investigating officer, Sub-Inspector Ibrahim Khalil, had earlier sought the court’s permission to show Haque arrested in the case, and the court granted the request after hearing both sides.

Khairul Haque was initially arrested from his Dhanmondi residence on July 24 last year and has remained in custody since then. The High Court had earlier directed that he not be shown arrested or harassed without specific cases. He had secured bail in two murder cases related to the July uprising, but the state appealed to suspend that order. The Appellate Division had previously upheld his bail in seven other cases, including those involving alleged forgery and corruption.

The new case stems from an August 5, 2024 incident in which a protester named Khobaib was killed during a student demonstration in Jatrabari. The victim’s brother filed the case naming 80 accused, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Rehana, and Obaidul Quader.

A human chain was held in Jurain, Dhaka, demanding the unconditional release of social worker, education enthusiast, and July fighter Marine Engineer Asaduzzaman Sabbir. Participants described the case filed against him as false and conspiratorial. The demonstration took place on Friday at Bikrampur Plaza near Jurain Railgate, with residents, professionals, youths, and students from Ward 54 joining the protest.

Speakers at the event alleged that Sabbir was deliberately harassed through a fabricated case despite his long-standing involvement in social, humanitarian, and educational activities. They described him as honest, compassionate, and outspoken, calling for immediate withdrawal of the case and assurance of justice. The protesters vowed to continue peaceful demonstrations until his release.

Dhaka-4 Member of Parliament Zainul Abedin, who identified Sabbir as his nephew, claimed that the case was part of a conspiracy to damage his political reputation. He stated that Sabbir, a marine engineer living abroad, was not present at the time of the alleged incident.

Police in Pirgacha, Rangpur, have arrested two teachers in connection with an attack on Abdul Kudduch Sarkar, the general secretary of the Pirgacha Press Club. The arrests were made late Thursday night under the leadership of Sub-Inspector Mostafa Kamal, and the suspects were sent to jail through court on Friday afternoon. The incident has caused widespread concern in the local area.

The arrested individuals are Lutfor Rahman, 55, a madrasa superintendent from Taluk Ishad village, and another Lutfor Rahman, 45, head teacher of Ramchandra Mouza Government Primary School. According to police, operations are ongoing to apprehend others involved. The attack reportedly followed a news report exposing fake examinees, forged certificates, and cheating in the Dakhil examination.

Local journalists have expressed strong anger and tension over the assault, while police continue their investigation into the incident.

Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament Advocate Kaiser Kamal visited injured July movement fighter Masud Mia at Vejthani Hospital in Thailand on May 22, 2026. He inquired about Masud’s physical condition and discussed his treatment progress with the attending doctors. The visit took place at around 7 p.m. local time, where the Deputy Speaker also met Masud’s family members.

Masud Mia, a resident of Ramnagar village in Kochua Union under Saghata upazila of Gaibandha, was shot in the right thigh during the July 2024 movement in Safipur, Gazipur, leaving him permanently disabled. After limited improvement from long-term treatment in Bangladesh, the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs arranged for his transfer to Thailand on October 24, 2025, for advanced medical care. He has been receiving treatment there for about eight months.

During the visit, Deputy Speaker Kaiser Kamal assured continued medical support for Masud and wished him a speedy recovery.

Star footballer Hamza Chowdhury dominated the Cool-BSPA Sports Awards 2025, organized by the Bangladesh Sports Press Association (BSPA) on Friday at a five-star hotel in Dhaka. He received the top honor of Sports Person of the Year, surpassing female footballer Rituparna Chakma and hockey player Amirul Islam. Hamza also won the Popular Choice Award and the Best Footballer Award, marking a rare triple victory. In a video message, he expressed pride and gratitude to his family, coaches, teammates, and fans for their support throughout the year.

The event was presided over by BSPA President Rezwan Uz Zaman Rajib, with State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque attending as chief guest to present the awards. Square Toiletries Limited’s CEO Malik Mohammad Said attended as guest of honor, representing the event’s sponsor brand Cool, which has supported the awards for 11 consecutive years. BSPA honored 15 athletes, organizers, and institutions across 16 categories, continuing a tradition that began in 1964.

BSPA President Rajib noted that while Bangladesh’s sports journalism meets global standards, there remains room for improvement, and the association aims to establish a Sports Journalist Institute.