Road Transport Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam announced that direct train operations on the Pabna-Dhaka route will begin in August. He made the statement on Saturday evening at a meeting with government officials and local dignitaries at the Pabna Circuit House. The minister said locomotives for the route are ready, and new coaches are expected to arrive in July. Once the coaches are received, the direct service will start on a priority basis.

He added that two new train routes are planned to launch in August, starting with the Dhaka-Pabna service followed by the Dhaka-Khulna route. The minister also emphasized restoring discipline in the transport sector through coordinated efforts involving owners, workers, and all stakeholders, prioritizing public interest over any specific group.

Regarding the relocation of the Kazirhat ferry terminal, Robiul Alam stated that preliminary work has begun, including completion of the feasibility study and development project proposal. The government is committed to implementing the project promptly, considering its public importance and long-standing local demand.

Barishal Metropolitan Police conducted a special operation over the past 24 hours, resulting in the arrest of 77 individuals across the city. The information was confirmed through a press release from the BMP Media Cell. Separate operational teams from four police stations and the Detective Branch carried out the drives in different areas of Barishal.

According to police data, the arrests include 13 individuals with outstanding warrants, 57 in regular cases, six under the Barishal Metropolitan Ordinance, and one under other laws. The operation aimed to maintain law and order and suppress criminal activities within the city.

Barishal Kotwali Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Al Mamun Ul Islam stated that such operations will continue to ensure public safety and control crime in the metropolitan area.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled a new interim Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, a day after retiring the historic Boeing 747 that served U.S. presidents for over three decades. The aircraft, valued at $400 million and gifted by the government of Qatar, has sparked intense political and legal debate in Washington. Critics argue that accepting such a costly gift violates federal rules limiting gifts to $50 per source annually.

Trump dismissed the criticism, calling the offer too significant to reject, while a Pentagon spokesperson said the aircraft was accepted in compliance with federal regulations. The plane, named “VC-25B Bridge,” cost an additional $1 billion to convert for presidential use and will serve temporarily until two new presidential aircraft arrive in 2027 and 2028. Critics warn that the conversion costs could divert funds from the delayed Sentinel ICBM modernization program.

The aircraft, painted in red, white, blue, and gold, will lead a flyover during the July 4 celebrations marking America’s 250th Independence anniversary. It replaces the aging presidential fleet, one of which suffered a mechanical failure earlier this year.

Abdul Monayem Munna, president of Jubo Dal, alleged that Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizens Party (NCP) attempted to monopolize the July uprising, while BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman did not. Speaking at a brief rally before a protest march in Mahakhali, Dhaka, on Saturday, Munna said that during the one and a half years of the interim government, public trust in student organizations had declined. He claimed Jamaat later formed an alliance and portrayed itself as the sole force behind the fall of the fascist government between July 10 and August 5, 2024, though BNP had led the movement for 15 years under Tarique Rahman’s leadership from the UK.

Munna criticized Jamaat for alleged false statements in parliament and misconduct by its activists, asserting that Jubo Dal had always acted as a safeguard for the nation’s independence. He vowed that the organization would continue to confront future political challenges. Jubo Dal General Secretary and MP Nurul Islam Noyon warned that the group would not tolerate offensive remarks about the Prime Minister and urged members to remain alert to protect democracy.

The protest march began at Mahakhali kitchen market and concluded at Tejgaon’s Saat Rasta, featuring slogans against Jamaat-Shibir.

A human chain was held on Saturday, June 20, in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka demanding the arrest of the accused in the Salman Shah murder case and ensuring justice. The event was organized by 'Salman Shah Fans from All Districts' and attended by supporters from various parts of the country.

Speakers at the event alleged that despite the passage of a long time, the true mystery behind the popular actor Salman Shah’s death has not been revealed and justice has not been served. They urged authorities to arrest all accused immediately and conduct a transparent and impartial investigation to uncover the truth. Participants described Salman Shah as a bright star of Dhallywood whose untimely death left a deep void in fans’ hearts.

The human chain ended peacefully, with organizers announcing plans to continue their movement until justice is achieved.

A new erosion has occurred at the Teesta bridge protection embankment in Mahipur area of Gangachara upazila, Rangpur. The bamboo piling, built last year at a cost of Tk 1.4 million after about 100 meters of the embankment were lost to the river, has reportedly failed to prevent further damage. According to the Water Development Board and local sources, the opening of 44 gates of the Dalia Barrage has caused the Teesta River to flow near the danger level, intensifying currents that damaged the piling. Around 20 meters of the embankment have already collapsed, creating a 40-foot-deep crater.

The collapse has placed the second Teesta Bridge and the Rangpur–Lalmonirhat regional road at serious risk. This key route serves 30,000 to 35,000 commuters daily. Residents fear that continued erosion could completely cut off road connectivity, severely disrupting local transport. Locals, including farmers, have expressed frustration that no permanent solution has been implemented despite repeated losses of farmland.

Local officials said the situation is being reviewed and higher authorities have been informed for urgent action. Residents are demanding a durable embankment to protect the bridge and regional road from further destruction.

A major burglary took place at 'Karushree Jewellers' in Rajshahi’s Saheb Bazar Swarnapatti area, where thieves cut through a wall and stole around 200 tola of gold, 1,200 tola of silver, and Tk 2.5 million in cash. The incident is believed to have occurred sometime between Thursday night and Friday night. The burglars entered through a neighboring shop, 'Afiya Jewellers', by unlocking its shutter and then breaking through the adjoining wall to access Karushree Jewellers.

Following the theft, the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) announced an indefinite closure of all jewelry shops in Rajshahi, demanding the arrest of those involved and recovery of the stolen goods. BAJUS district president Md. Ashraful Islam Apu condemned the incident and called for immediate police action.

Police and forensic teams from Rajshahi Metropolitan Police visited the scene, collected evidence, and began analyzing CCTV footage. Boalia Model Police Station’s officer-in-charge Rabiul Islam said the investigation is being conducted seriously, with efforts underway to identify and apprehend the culprits using forensic and technological support.

A heated exchange broke out between Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon and senior United Nations officials during a high-level meeting in New York marking the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. The confrontation escalated when Danon demanded the resignation of Pramila Patten, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative, after a recent report listed Israel for the first time among countries accused of conflict-related sexual violence.

Vanessa Frazier, another UN official and author of a separate report on children and armed conflict, objected to Danon’s remarks, urging him to refrain from personal attacks. She defended the report’s findings as evidence-based. Frazier’s report highlighted violence and rights violations against Palestinian children and warned that Israeli settler groups could also face future blacklisting. UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the rise in such violations as deeply concerning.

Earlier, Israel had already been included in the UN’s so-called “list of shame” for violations against children, intensifying diplomatic tensions over the reports’ findings.

A violent dispute erupted among siblings over the burial site and inheritance following the death of Abdul Jalil Pandit in Rasulpur Union under Shashibhushan Police Station of Charfassion upazila, Bhola. The conflict involved the children of his five wives, leading to repeated clashes. Police were eventually deployed to ensure the burial took place under security at the family homestead on Wednesday night.

Local sources reported that Jalil Pandit died suddenly around 3 a.m. His children from previous marriages arrived demanding their share of inheritance, while his youngest daughter, Khadija Akter Smriti, claimed no property remained for division. The dispute intensified when Smriti’s former brother-in-law, Khokon, alleged that his earnings and gold were held by Jalil and Smriti, and he refused to allow burial until his assets were returned.

Police intervened after renewed clashes during the burial preparations. The body was buried under police guard in front of the house, as per the claim of the elder siblings. Authorities confirmed no written complaint had been filed yet but said legal action would follow if one is received.

At a divisional rally of an eleven-party alliance held at Khulna Circuit House grounds on Saturday, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish Amir Maulana Mamunul Haque said that the current government is burdened by the influence of Hasina and the Awami League. The event focused on demands to implement the referendum verdict, reduce public suffering, and control commodity prices.

Maulana Mamunul Haque accused the BNP of deceiving the public over the July certificate and referendum issue, claiming the party campaigned for a ‘no’ vote. He emphasized that political parties have a moral duty to implement the reform-oriented mandate given by the people. National Citizen Party chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari stated that Bangladesh faces three major struggles: implementing state reforms, protecting national sovereignty, and ensuring justice for the Awami League. He urged citizens to unite against corruption, extortion, and partisanship.

Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that the next revolution will aim to make Bangladesh stand tall as an independent and sovereign state.

At least 18 people were injured in a clash between supporters of the Awami League and the BNP in Boalia village of Falsi Union under Harinakundu upazila in Jhenaidah on Saturday morning. The confrontation reportedly stemmed from a dispute over fishing rights in a local pond and long-standing local rivalries. Police and local sources said the conflict first erupted on Friday afternoon when Rakibul Islam, brother of Falsi Union Parishad chairman and upazila Awami League vice-president Advocate Bazlur Rahman, was seriously injured.

Tensions flared again the next morning, leading to violent clashes between supporters of Bazlur Rahman and those of former UP member and BNP leader Mashiur Rahman. Both sides used local weapons, resulting in repeated chases and counter-chases that spread panic in the area. The injured were taken to Harinakundu Upazila Health Complex, Jhenaidah Sadar Hospital, and Kushtia Sadar Hospital, with several reported in critical condition.

Police later brought the situation under control and deployed additional forces to prevent further violence. Authorities said the situation is now stable and an investigation is underway.

Dhaka University professor and PSC member Dr. Chowdhury Saima Ferdous emphasized that the true purpose of education is to become a good human being, not merely to achieve high grades. She made these remarks on Saturday, June 20, at an orientation and career development program for higher secondary students at Cumilla Victoria Government College.

Dr. Ferdous stated that obtaining a GPA-5 does not guarantee success in life, noting that many with perfect scores fail to progress, while others with lower grades achieve meaningful success through intellect and integrity. She urged students to focus on moral development, honesty, and serving the nation with ethical values. She also encouraged them to pursue higher education abroad but to return and contribute their knowledge and creativity to national development.

She further advised students to engage in social work, respect their parents, and practice financial responsibility. According to her, education should spread goodness in society rather than serve only as a means of earning.

Member of Parliament Barrister Mahabubul Alam Salehi from Kurigram-3 has accused the government of staging a show over the Teesta Master Plan by bringing in experts and conducting what he called a farce with local residents. Speaking at a human chain event on the banks of the Teesta River in Kaliganj, Lalmonirhat, on Saturday, June 20, he said that while protests occur in Teesta, the budget benefits go to Padma. Salehi urged the government to fulfill the prime minister’s pre-election pledge to implement the Teesta Master Plan and allocate funds from unused ministry budgets.

Kurigram-1 MP Anwarul Islam also criticized the absence of any allocation or outline for the Teesta project in the national budget, questioning the sincerity of those who once led the Teesta movement and now hold ministerial positions. He warned that Rangpur residents might besiege Dhaka if their demands remain unmet. Thousands of locals, including farmers and teachers, participated in the human chain, voicing frustration over water scarcity in the dry season and flooding during monsoon.

Participants called for immediate implementation of the Teesta Master Plan to improve livelihoods and end regional disparities.

Nasiruddin Patwari, chief coordinator of the National Citizens Party, stated that Bangladesh now faces three major challenges: implementing state reforms, protecting national sovereignty, and ensuring justice for the Awami League. He urged citizens to remain united against corruption, extortion, and partisan politics. Patwari made these remarks on Saturday at a divisional rally of an eleven-party alliance held at the Circuit House grounds in Khulna, which focused on implementing the referendum verdict, easing public suffering, and controlling commodity prices.

Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman also addressed the gathering, calling for a new revolution to uphold Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty. He warned that if the government bows to hegemonic forces, the opposition will not remain silent. Rahman urged supporters to prepare for another movement. Upon his arrival in Khulna earlier in the day, he was received by Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar and local leaders.

The event reflected growing coordination among opposition parties emphasizing reform, sovereignty, and anti-corruption agendas.

A mobile court led by the Department of Shipping conducted an inspection on sand-carrying vessels operating between Dhaka’s Sadarghat and Fatullah in Narayanganj. During the operation, nine vessels were fined a total of 170,000 taka for various irregularities. The inspection took place on Saturday under the supervision of Commodore Md Shafiul Bari, Director General of the Department of Shipping, and Executive Magistrate Lusikant Hajong. The team examined 11 vessels in total.

Officials found that most vessels’ actual measurements did not match their registration documents. Several vessels also lacked mandatory life-saving equipment and navigational tools, posing safety risks. The Director General stated that monitoring and legal actions against unregistered or modified vessels without safety gear would continue to ensure navigational safety. He urged vessel owners and operators to comply with all maritime regulations.

The Department of Shipping confirmed that similar inspection and mobile court activities will be carried out regularly to protect passengers and waterway users. Senior officials, including the Chief Engineer and Ship Surveyor Mirza Saifur Rahman, were present during the operation.