Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who is visiting Dhaka, is scheduled to meet with Bangladesh’s opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman MP on Friday night. The meeting will take place at 8:30 p.m. at the InterContinental Hotel in the capital. Dr. Rahman will lead a six-member delegation for this courtesy and important meeting.

The delegation will include Jamaat’s Nayeb-e-Ameer and Deputy Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Dr. Syed Abdullah Md. Taher MP, Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar, Assistant Secretary General Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan MP, Central Executive Council members Md. Nurul Islam Bulbul MP and Md. Selim Uddin, and Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Jamaat Ameer Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Kasem Arman MP. The information was confirmed to the media by Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General and Secretary of the Central Publicity and Media Department, Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair.

The meeting is described as both a courtesy call and a significant discussion, though details of the agenda have not been disclosed in the source.

Masuma Hadi, sister of slain Sharif Osman Hadi, has publicly questioned why Abdullah Al Jaber, member secretary of Inkilab Moncho, was made the plaintiff in her brother’s murder case. In a Facebook post on Friday, she alleged that falsehoods and indecent remarks were spreading on social media about the case and described the circumstances surrounding her brother’s shooting and hospitalization at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. She also raised concerns about the role of the administration in obtaining Jaber’s signature on case documents while she was present.

Masuma detailed her continuous presence at the hospital after her brother was shot and questioned why officials took Jaber’s signature instead of consulting the family. She explained that her brother Omar Faruk was deeply affected by the incident and personally arranged for medical treatment abroad before the government later took responsibility. She criticized those spreading misinformation about her family and emphasized her brother’s revolutionary legacy.

Her post sought to clarify misunderstandings about the case’s filing process and to defend her family’s integrity amid ongoing social media controversy.

State Minister for Information Yasser Khan Chowdhury said the government will not interfere in journalists’ freedom. Speaking as chief guest at the inauguration of the Chattogram Metropolitan Journalists Union office at the Chattogram Press Club on Friday, he stated that the current administration has no intention or mindset to pressure the media. He emphasized that the prime minister has directed that the media should operate independently.

The minister contrasted the current government’s stance with what he described as interference and intimidation under previous authoritarian regimes. He urged journalists to ensure accuracy and avoid misinformation, noting that artificial intelligence has made it easier to manipulate images and videos. He also highlighted the government’s efforts to address journalists’ rights and pending payments, while calling on media owners to pay salaries on time.

Land and Hill Affairs State Minister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, who inaugurated the event, said the government welcomes constructive criticism and cooperation to improve governance. Several senior journalists and union leaders also attended the program.

Bangladesh Television (BTV) has secured the broadcasting rights for all 104 matches of the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, ending uncertainty over which channels will air the tournament in Bangladesh. According to the report, BTV purchased the full broadcasting rights from FIFA and has sub-licensed them to two private channels, T-Sports and Somoy TV. This arrangement ensures that Bangladeshi viewers will be able to watch every match live on these three channels.

The report states that BTV acquired the rights for approximately 3.5 million US dollars, equivalent to about 42.7 crore Bangladeshi taka, after extensive discussions and negotiations with FIFA. Initially, FIFA had demanded nearly double that amount. While T-Sports has already received an official partnership letter from BTV, Somoy TV is still working to meet the required technical and encryption standards necessary for international broadcast compliance.

Somoy TV’s broadcast head, Salauddin Selim, said the channel expects to resolve its technical issues within a few days, aiming to be ready before June 11 to join the World Cup telecast.

Israel’s international reputation has continued to decline, according to the latest survey by the Pew Research Center. Conducted across 36 countries, including Bangladesh, the study found that an average of 67 percent of adults hold negative views of Israel, while only 25 percent view the country positively. Most interviews were conducted after February 28, when the United States and Israel began a war against Iran, which has intensified global economic challenges.

The survey revealed particularly strong hostility toward Israel in Muslim-majority countries such as Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Turkey, as well as in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. Pew noted that it was unable to conduct polling in Gaza. European respondents also expressed widespread negativity, with about two-thirds or more adults in Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain reporting highly unfavorable opinions of Israel.

The findings indicate that Israel’s image, already damaged by the Gaza conflict, has worsened further since the Iran war. In 13 of the 24 countries tracked, negative sentiment toward Israel has increased, including in Argentina, Australia, Italy, Nigeria, Poland, and the United Kingdom.

Indian Border Security Force (BSF) personnel reportedly attempted to push 17 people, including women and children, into Bangladesh through the Hapania border in Sapahar upazila of Naogaon on Friday morning. The incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. near border pillar 238/MP, but the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) patrol team prevented the group from entering Bangladeshi territory.

According to the Naogaon Battalion (16 BGB), members of the BSF’s Pannachhara camp were involved in the attempt. Upon receiving information, the Hapania Border Outpost (BOP) patrol team identified the group inside India’s zero line and took preventive measures. Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Ariful Islam Masum, commanding officer of 16 BGB, stated that patrols in the area have been increased to prevent illegal entry.

The BGB official added that efforts are underway to ensure the individuals remain within Indian territory and that no unauthorized entry into Bangladesh will be permitted.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has intensified surveillance along the Dinajpur and Thakurgaon borders to prevent possible push-in attempts. The move follows reports in Indian media and allegations of illegal citizens being pushed into Bangladesh, which have heightened security concerns in the northwestern frontier. The Dinajpur Battalion (42 BGB) has increased intelligence monitoring, patrols, and established temporary checkpoints at vulnerable points and river routes. Advanced surveillance tools such as night vision goggles, drones, and binoculars are being used to strengthen border vigilance.

BGB has also engaged local communities to enhance border security. Awareness meetings, public announcements, and direct communication campaigns are being conducted to discourage illegal crossings. Night patrol teams are alerting residents with whistles and flashlights, while small local vigilance groups have been formed to share information on suspicious activities. BGB officials emphasized that public participation is crucial for effective prevention of push-ins, illegal infiltration, and border-related crimes.

The Dinajpur Battalion commander stated that BGB remains uncompromising in preventing illegal push-ins and continues to take all necessary measures to safeguard national sovereignty.

Forty-nine people have died of thirst in Niger’s Sahara Desert after their truck broke down, according to a statement from the Agadez Governorate posted on Facebook. The victims were returning home after attending a Muslim festival when their vehicle malfunctioned in a remote area more than 80 kilometers west of Assamaka, a key transit point between Niger and Algeria near the Mali border.

The governorate said the truck’s driver, assistant, and passengers tried to repair the vehicle but failed. Stranded in extreme heat without water, they faced severe dehydration that led to their deaths. Two survivors managed to walk over 50 kilometers to reach a water source and alert authorities in Assamaka.

Authorities reported that the deceased were buried in a mass grave. The incident highlights the deadly risks faced by travelers crossing the Sahara’s harsh and isolated terrain.

The US Embassy in Dhaka has introduced new social media guidelines for specific categories of non-immigrant visa applicants from Bangladesh. According to an official message posted on the embassy’s Facebook page on Friday, applicants under the affected categories must now keep all their social media profiles set to ‘public’. The rule took effect on March 30 and aims to make the process of verifying applicants’ identities and eligibility for entry into the United States more efficient.

The directive does not apply to all non-immigrant visa applicants. It is mandatory for applicants under categories A-3 and C-3 (if the applicant is a domestic worker), G-5, H-3, and H-4 dependents of H-3 visa holders. It also applies to applicants for K-1, K-2, K-3, Q, R-1, and R-2 dependent visas, as well as S, T, and U visa categories. The embassy stated that reviewing applicants’ social media information will help simplify the identity verification and eligibility assessment process.

Applicants are advised to consult official embassy sources for detailed instructions and to follow the new rule carefully to maintain transparency and avoid complications in the visa process.

A bus that sank at the Daulatdia ferry terminal in Rajbari’s Goalanda upazila was recovered on Friday morning. The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. when the bus fell into the Padma River near the terminal’s No. 7 pontoon. Local administration and fire service teams launched a rescue operation immediately, and the BIWTA salvage vessel ‘Hamza’ arrived at the scene by 10:30 a.m. The bus was successfully recovered by 11:30 a.m.

According to reports, the SB Paribahan bus had no passengers on board at the time of the accident, only the driver, his assistant, and a supervisor. They were rescued and sent to the Goalanda Upazila Health Complex. Officials said that as all passengers had been disembarked before boarding the ferry, a major tragedy was averted.

A similar accident occurred earlier on March 25, when a bus from Kumarkhali, Kushtia, fell into the river at the same terminal’s No. 3 pontoon, resulting in 26 deaths.

The United Arab Emirates has strongly condemned the intrusion of Israeli settlers into the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the continued illegal settlement activities and forced evictions of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. The condemnation was made during a joint press conference with the Arab Group and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

In a statement posted on social media platform X, the UAE Mission to the United Nations said that such actions violate international law and aim to alter the historical, legal, and demographic character of the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem. The statement further noted that these activities provoke instability and undermine efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution.

The UAE’s remarks reflect growing regional concern over escalating tensions in the occupied territories and reinforce calls for adherence to international law and renewed peace efforts.

US President Donald Trump stated on June 4 in Washington that the United States could seize Iran’s uranium reserves if it wished, though he described such an action as unreasonable. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said Iran would be unable to stop the US if it decided to take control of the uranium stockpile, but he saw no need for such a move. He also indicated openness to meeting Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei if a peace agreement were reached.

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran possesses 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity. The US accuses Tehran of secretly advancing its nuclear weapons program under the guise of peaceful research, while Iran insists its nuclear activities are for civilian purposes. The location of the enriched uranium remains unknown, and Washington has demanded that Tehran hand it over.

The report notes that a US military operation launched in Iran on February 28 was partly aimed at securing this uranium, underscoring the ongoing nuclear tensions between the two nations.

The Israeli military has claimed responsibility for killing Abd Harb, a commander of Hezbollah’s engineering unit, in an operation in southern Lebanon. The announcement was made through a post on social media platform X, where the Israeli army stated that Harb had been involved in preparing and activating explosives used in attacks against Israeli forces. Hezbollah has not yet confirmed his death.

According to the Israeli military statement, Harb was described as a senior Hezbollah commander who had participated in attacks against Israeli forces since the 2006 Lebanon war. The army also reported that its air force destroyed a launcher overnight, which it alleged Hezbollah fighters had used to fire rockets toward Israeli positions in southern Lebanon.

The report, citing Al Jazeera as its source, did not include any confirmation or response from Hezbollah, leaving uncertainty about the claimed killing and the broader situation on the ground.

Germany has failed to secure a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. Following the vote, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said the outcome reflected growing global outrage over Berlin’s policies on Gaza and Iran. In a post on social media platform X, he described Germany as “irresponsible and hypocritical.”

Baghaei accused Germany of consistently supporting what he called the genocide of Palestinians and being one of Israel’s largest suppliers of lethal weapons. He also criticized Berlin for refusing to condemn Israel’s aggression against Iran. According to him, the world is changing, and nations are now judged by their actions rather than rhetoric about international law.

Baghaei warned that countries ignoring this shift would inevitably pay a significant diplomatic price. His remarks were reported by Al Jazeera and reflect Tehran’s sharp criticism of Germany’s stance on Middle East conflicts.

A passenger bus from Kushtia to Dhaka fell into the Padma River at Daulatdia ferry ghat on Friday morning, but no casualties occurred due to strict adherence to passenger safety rules. The incident took place around 9:30 a.m. when the SB Paribahan bus lost control while boarding the ferry Kabari at ghat number 7 and broke through the opposite ramp before plunging into the river.

Following the Ministry of Shipping’s directive requiring all passengers to disembark before vehicles board ferries, all passengers had left the bus, preventing any loss of life. Rescue operations began immediately, and both the driver and assistant were rescued alive and are receiving treatment at a hospital.

The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority’s salvage vessel Hamza recovered the bus with coordinated support from the Ministry of Shipping, BIWTA, BIWTC, naval police, fire service, coast guard, and local administration. The shipping minister and state minister monitored the operation and issued further safety instructions to prevent future ferry terminal accidents.