Authorities in Dhaka have begun using artificial intelligence (AI) cameras to automatically detect and prosecute traffic law violations across major roads and the elevated expressway. The pilot project, launched in early May 2026, has already processed cases using footage from over 2,000 cameras. The AI system identifies five types of offenses, including red signal violations, driving against traffic, blocking lanes, and stopping outside designated areas. Notices are sent to registered vehicle owners via SMS and post, with 15 days allowed for settlement or appeal. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) reports a sharp decline in overspeeding incidents since the system’s introduction.

Traffic officials express optimism about the initiative’s potential to improve compliance, while drivers and transport experts remain divided. Drivers argue that licensed and registered vehicles face stricter enforcement, whereas unregistered and illegal vehicles continue to operate freely. Experts emphasize that without controlling unregistered vehicles and informal transport, lasting discipline on Dhaka’s roads will remain elusive.

The DMP plans to expand AI features to detect mobile phone use and seatbelt violations. Officials say the government is also considering broader measures to regulate battery-powered rickshaws and unregistered vehicles to sustain traffic improvements.

Mahmudur Rahman, editor of the newspaper Amar Desh, stated that Indian hegemony poses a threat to South Asian security. He urged the people of Bangladesh, along with political parties and the government, to work together to counter this influence. Rahman made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled “Persecution of Muslims in India: Politics, Identity and Minority Rights Conflict,” organized by Friends of Humanity.

The seminar was held at the National Press Club in Dhaka, chaired by Dr. Khondaker Rashedul Haque, chairman of the organizing body. Prominent journalist and academic Md. Shah Alam presented a paper highlighting recent persecution and human rights violations against Muslims and other minorities in India. Other speakers included Professor Dr. Shajahan Khan, AB Party General Secretary Asaduzzaman Fuad, and former army officer Lieutenant Colonel Hasinur Rahman.

The discussion centered on regional security concerns and the implications of minority rights issues in India for neighboring countries, particularly Bangladesh.

The first day of Eid-ul-Azha train travel from Dhaka began on Saturday with relatively low passenger pressure. The Dhaka–Rajshahi-bound Dhumketu Express departed at 6 a.m., marking the start of the holiday exodus. Trains to other destinations left the capital according to schedule, though passengers reported slight delays of 15 to 30 minutes.

According to travelers, the lighter crowd on the first day made the journey smoother, with no major issues in seating or ticketing. The Director General of Bangladesh Railway, Afzal Hossain, visited several platforms at Kamalapur Station to check on passenger conditions and online ticketing performance. Passengers expressed satisfaction with the manageable crowd but called for improved onboard service quality.

Railway officials assured that service issues would be addressed gradually, and the day’s operations proceeded without major disruptions, easing concerns about schedule breakdowns during the Eid rush.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the war with Iran is nearing its end, speaking at a rally in Suffern, New York. He declared that Tehran would never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons and asserted that the conflict would soon be over. Trump also mentioned that Americans would soon see unprecedented positive economic figures, including a decline in car prices.

In a separate interview with CBS News, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said the president remains committed to giving diplomacy more time as talks with Iran continue. She added that Trump keeps all options open and has made clear what consequences Tehran would face if no agreement is reached.

The statements reflect the administration’s dual approach of maintaining diplomatic engagement while signaling readiness for alternative measures should negotiations fail.

At least 24 people have died across Afghanistan following heavy rains and flash floods over the past 48 hours, local and disaster officials confirmed on Friday. The worst-hit area was Baghlan province in the north, where 15 people were killed. Two deaths were reported in Badakhshan in the northeast, and one in Wardak in central Afghanistan.

Farooq Akhpowak, spokesperson for the Baghlan governor, said the floods caused 15 deaths and left many others injured. A local official in Badakhshan reported that two people were missing and more than a hundred houses were destroyed. The flooding followed intense rainfall that began on Wednesday, affecting multiple provinces.

Officials said the heavy downpour triggered landslides and widespread damage to homes and crops, compounding the humanitarian challenges in several regions.

In Shalla upazila of Sunamganj, at least Tk 150 crore worth of Boro rice has been submerged under water this year, along with cattle fodder valued at about Tk 200 crore. The flooding occurred due to inadequate drainage in the haor areas, leaving farmers with extensive crop damage. According to the local agriculture office, 21,700 hectares were cultivated with a production target of 143,368 tons of rice worth Tk 516 crore. Official estimates record losses of Tk 66 crore, but local farmers and social organizations claim the real damage is much higher.

Farmers report that many harvested crops rotted due to lack of sunlight and were later discarded, losses not reflected in official records. The total damage is estimated at 41,666 tons of rice, valued at Tk 150 crore. The government announced three months of continuous assistance for affected farmers, but the support has yet to reach them. Allegations of irregularities and corruption have also surfaced regarding the list of 20,250 affected farmers.

Local leaders urged the government to address both crop and fodder losses, as the haor’s farmers have lost their main source of livelihood and animal feed.

Commerce, Industry and Textiles Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said the textile sector must become competitive and modern to achieve sustainability. He made the remarks on Saturday at a seminar titled “Sustainable Transition in Employment: Preparation and Journey of Textile Students,” held at the Jute Diversification Promotion Center in Dhaka.

The minister stated that the government has no plans to establish or operate new state-owned mills, emphasizing that business operations will remain in the private sector. He said the government will focus on policy support and creating an enabling environment. Muktadir highlighted the need to update curricula at textile institutes and engineering colleges to align with technological changes. He also announced plans to involve BTMA and capable private mills with educational institutions to improve teaching quality and provide practical industrial experience.

He identified energy supply uncertainty, production costs, cost of funds, and technological limitations as major challenges for the textile industry. The government is working to address these issues while promoting man-made fibers, new product development, and value chain upgrades to enhance competitiveness.

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.