Police have arrested Awami League leader and former union parishad chairman Babul Sheikh in connection with a case filed over an attack on a Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) election rally and motorcade in Sirajganj. The arrest took place early Thursday night at his home in Tarash municipal area, and he was later sent to jail through the court on Friday. According to Tarash police, Babul Sheikh was named in the case as an accused in the attack and attempted murder of former BNP lawmaker Abdul Mannan Talukder.

Police sources said the incident occurred on December 12, 2018, during the campaign for the 11th national parliamentary election, when BNP candidate Abdul Mannan Talukder attended a rally at Binodpur Bazar in Baruhas Union. It was alleged that Babul Sheikh and other Awami League activists carried out an armed attack, vandalized vehicles, and detonated explosives. The case was filed much later, on September 11, 2024, by Baruhas Union BNP president Asaduzzaman, naming 99 accused including former Awami League MP Abdul Aziz.

The arrest marks a significant development in a politically sensitive case that had remained pending for several years.

A businessman named Jamal Hossain was seriously injured in Comilla’s Racecourse area after being attacked and shot at allegedly by a local youth gang leader, Akibur Rahman Akib, and 12 others. The incident occurred early Thursday morning when Jamal was on his way to prayers. His wife, Taslima Akhter, filed a written complaint at Kotwali Model Police Station, accusing the group of attempting to kill her husband for refusing to pay Tk 2 million in extortion.

According to the complaint, the dispute began a year earlier over a land purchase by Jamal Hossain. The accused allegedly tried to build a boundary wall on the property and later demanded money to allow its sale. When Jamal refused, they threatened him with death. On the day of the attack, the assailants reportedly abducted him, assaulted him with sharp weapons, and fired a gunshot that missed.

Police confirmed receiving the complaint and said an investigation is underway. The accused denied involvement, while local BNP officials stated that Akib is not affiliated with the party. The victim’s family has demanded swift legal action against all suspects.

The Sylhet district administration has installed a donation box at the shrine of Hazrat Shah Paran (R.A.) following a similar initiative at the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (R.A.). On Friday, before the Jumma prayer, Deputy Commissioner Md. Sarwar Alam visited the Shah Paran shrine, delivered a speech at the mosque, and issued directives to ensure transparency in income and expenditure as well as to prevent gatherings involving alcohol or drugs at the shrine premises.

The Deputy Commissioner emphasized the need for a master plan for shrine development, including a medical center, prayer facilities for women, and enhanced security. He stated that donors expect transparency and accountability in the use of their contributions and warned that any misuse of funds or illegal activities would face strict action. He also clarified that the government would not take any share of the shrine’s income, but donations must be collected only through the official boxes.

Earlier, on Thursday, a new donation box was installed at the Shahjalal shrine, and three traditional donation pots were sealed. The administration said the move aims to make the donation process more organized and secure, though some devotees expressed dissatisfaction with the initiative.

The government of Bangladesh has announced plans to expand Sylhet Airport to attract more foreign tourists, according to Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita. She made the statement on Friday, June 19, during the inauguration of a festival at the Phulchhara Tea Garden field in Sreemangal, Moulvibazar. The minister said the initiative aligns with efforts under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership to advance the country’s tourism sector.

Rita added that the government is formulating plans to create employment opportunities and promote ethnic tourism. She also pledged to work on establishing an Ethnic Cultural Academy in response to local demands. The expansion of Sylhet Airport is part of a broader strategy to present Sylhet as a global tourism destination.

State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, speaking as a special guest, noted that the government’s election manifesto emphasizes balanced regional development and the growth of community, ethnic, and water tourism. The Bangladesh Tourism Board organized the Harmony Festival to revive and sustain the diverse cultures of small ethnic groups.

Leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Students’ Union, Jahangirnagar University unit, staged a unique protest on Friday during the education minister’s visit to the campus. They displayed placards criticizing the university administration for alleged failures, academic stagnation, and harassment of students. The placards carried satirical messages addressing issues such as the university’s exclusion from global rankings, administrative inefficiency, and lack of research focus.

During the demonstration, Jahidul Islam Imon, president of the Jahangirnagar University branch of the Students’ Union, sharply criticized the current administration. He alleged that students face harassment and injustice at every stage, from admission to certificate collection, and argued that the institution no longer functions as a true university. Imon added that despite a change in vice-chancellor after a historic uprising, no meaningful academic or administrative reforms have occurred.

The protesters stated that their movement would continue until the university is run with students’ interests as the top priority.

An attempt by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) to push four individuals into Bangladesh through the Khalpara border area of Buripota Union in Meherpur Sadar upazila was foiled early Friday. Locals spotted the four people near international border pillar 116 on the Indian side of the zero line. Due to the strict stance of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), they were not allowed to enter Bangladesh.

According to local accounts, the group consisted of one man and three women who were seen standing suspiciously on the Indian side before disappearing from sight. Residents said the BGB’s strong presence prevented the push-in attempt. Villagers later joined BGB personnel to help monitor the border and pledged to work together to stop illegal crossings.

Lieutenant Colonel Md Nazmul Hasan, commanding officer of Chuadanga Battalion-6 of the BGB, confirmed that the attempt had been thwarted and that surveillance along the border had been intensified. However, no formal statement from the BGB had been issued as of the report’s publication.

Police have arrested Md. Rafin Talukdar, a member of the convening committee of the Babuganj Upazila Chhatra League in Barishal, and sent him to jail custody through the court. The arrest took place late Thursday night around 11:30 p.m. at his home in Chhatiya village under Madhabpasha Union, during a raid conducted by the Airport Police Station.

According to family sources, Rafin Talukdar is the son of Md. Sirajul Islam Talukdar of Chhatiya village in Ward No. 8 of Madhabpasha Union. He is a final-year degree student at Government Barishal College. The family claimed he had returned home after hearing about his mother’s illness.

Airport Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mizanur Rahman confirmed the arrest and Rafin’s position in the Chhatra League but declined to disclose details about the specific case under which he was detained.

State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku said the government is implementing infrastructure development projects across various regions as part of the Prime Minister’s announced development program. He stated that efforts are underway to ensure safe water for every citizen in urban and municipal areas. Tuku made these remarks on Friday while inaugurating the construction of a 680-cubic-meter capacity overhead water reservoir near the Eidgah field in Ward No. 6 of Tangail Municipality. The project is being implemented by the Department of Public Health Engineering under the Water Supply System Expansion and Development Project.

The minister said the government is working tirelessly to improve people’s living standards and that such projects will accelerate the pace of development. He added that once the overhead water tanks in Ward No. 6 and the Ashekpur Bypass area are completed, local residents will have access to safe and pure water, which will play a vital role in improving public health.

The event was attended by local officials, political leaders, and residents of the area.

Morocco defeated Scotland 1–0 in a Group C match held in Boston early Saturday, June 20, 2026. The decisive moment came just 70 seconds after kickoff when Ismail Saibari scored from a Brahim Diaz assist, marking one of the fastest goals of the tournament. Despite creating several more chances, Morocco could not extend their lead, but their solid defense prevented Scotland from finding an equalizer.

Morocco dominated possession with 59 percent and took 12 shots, two of which were on target. Scotland managed 39 percent possession and six attempts, none on target. Saibari’s goal also set a new record, making him the second African player after Mohamed Salah to score in his first two World Cup matches.

With this victory, Morocco moved to the top of Group C with four points from two matches, followed by Scotland with three. Brazil and Haiti occupy third and fourth places respectively. Morocco will face Haiti next, while Scotland will play Brazil in their final group-stage matches.

Leaders of the National Labor Power, the labor wing of the National Citizens Party (NCP), have criticized the proposed 2026–2027 national budget as failing to meet the expectations of working people and being contrary to public interest. Speaking at a national seminar titled “Workers’ Expectations and Achievements in the 2026–2027 National Budget” held at the National Press Club on Friday, they said the allocation for the labor and employment sector has been reduced compared to the previous fiscal year, which they described as inconsistent with the development and welfare needs of the country’s large labor force.

Speakers noted that key issues such as workers’ healthcare, safe housing, education, pension systems, and unemployment support have long been neglected, and the budget lacks a clear plan to revive closed industries or restore employment. They urged the government to consult labor organizations before finalizing future budgets to ensure inclusion of worker-focused measures.

The seminar also presented specific demands, including establishing a national fund for skill and technological development, introducing a rationing system for low-income workers, building specialized hospitals and affordable housing in industrial areas, expanding social security and pension schemes, and ensuring fair minimum wage adjustments aligned with inflation.

Host nation United States advanced to the World Cup knockout stage after defeating Australia 2–0 in their second group match. Despite missing star forward Christian Pulisic due to injury, the team maintained strong form to secure two consecutive victories and a perfect six points, ensuring direct qualification to the round of 32.

The match began favorably for the hosts when Australia’s Cameron Burgess scored an own goal in the 11th minute following pressure from Folarin Balogun’s attack down the left wing. Near the end of the first half, 21-year-old Alex Freeman doubled the lead, heading in a rebound from a set-piece after Sergiño Dest’s shot was blocked. The goal was confirmed as valid after a video review, marking Freeman’s first World Cup goal.

With this result, the United States joined Mexico as the second host nation to win its opening two matches and secure early progression, underlining the dominance of the tournament’s co-hosts.

Iran has accused French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot of hypocrisy following his recent comments about the situation in Iran. The accusation was made by Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei in a post on social media platform X, where he criticized Barrot for remaining silent when Iranian cities were bombed and civilians were killed, and even alleged that Barrot was complicit in those events.

Baghaei’s remarks came in response to a video statement by Barrot, in which the French minister said that the Iranian people had been defeated in war and were caught between repression and bombings. The Iranian spokesperson argued that Barrot’s sudden concern for human rights appeared only when it served France’s political interests, accusing him of selective morality.

The exchange highlights growing diplomatic tension between Tehran and Paris, as both sides publicly challenge each other’s positions on human rights and regional conflicts.

Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon MP declared a strict stance against nepotism in the education sector during the orientation ceremony for first-year undergraduate students of Jahangirnagar University’s 2025–26 academic session. The event took place on Friday, June 19, at the Zahir Raihan Auditorium seminar room on the university campus.

In his address as chief guest, the minister emphasized that there would be no room for favoritism or political influence in academic appointments, asserting that merit should guide advancement in education. He criticized previous administrations for allowing politically affiliated individuals to secure teaching positions easily and pledged that such practices would no longer be tolerated. He urged students to remember their parents’ aspirations and to focus on developing knowledge, values, leadership, and humanity.

The minister encouraged students to cultivate patriotism, ethics, and responsibility, highlighting merit, honesty, and hard work as the foundation of success. The event was attended by university officials including the vice-chancellor, pro-vice-chancellors, and treasurer.

Turkey and Paraguay, both defeated in their opening matches of the World Cup, will face each other today in San Francisco at 9 a.m. Bangladesh time. Turkey lost 2–0 to Australia, while Paraguay suffered a 4–1 defeat to host nation the United States. Both teams share the same goal of securing their first victory, as the result will be vital for advancing to the next round.

Turkey entered the tournament as a potential dark horse but failed to score despite taking 30 shots in their first match. The team, coached by Vincenzo Montella, had been in strong form before the World Cup, winning seven and drawing one of their previous eight matches. This is Turkey’s first World Cup appearance since finishing third in 2022, but their return has not gone as planned.

Paraguay, led by coach Gustavo Alfaro, conceded three goals in the first half against the United States and could not recover despite improving after the break. The two nations have met only once before, in a 1995 friendly that ended goalless.

Two individuals, including Feni District Tantidal joint convener Md. Mamun, were arrested during an anti-drug operation in Feni on Friday, June 19. The operation, led by Sub-Inspector Ishtiaq Hossain of the Department of Narcotics Control, took place near the Five Star Hotel in the Daudpul area. Mamun, aged 61, and his associate Md. Abul Hossain, aged 46, were detained with 450 yaba pills. Authorities also seized a motorcycle and two mobile phones during the raid.

According to Assistant Director Mohammad Abdul Hamid of the Department of Narcotics Control, the yaba pills were recovered from Mamun during a search. Following the arrest, Sub-Inspector Ishtiaq Hossain filed a case at Feni Model Police Station. Mamun is the son of Abul Hashem from Darbarpur Union in Phulgazi, while Abul Hossain is from Jagannath Dighi Union in Chauddagram.

Feni District Tantidal convener Sarwar Jahan Shrabon stated that Mamun had submitted his nomination form for the joint convener post, which remains pending.