Thousands of people demonstrated in Albania’s capital, Tirana, on Wednesday against a luxury resort project linked to Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump. Protesters gathered outside Prime Minister Edi Rama’s office, carrying placards reading “Albania is not for sale,” and their march extended about half a mile along one of the city’s main roads.

The planned $5.8 billion resort, to be built in the southern coastal village of Zvërnec, has sparked widespread anger because of its proximity to a protected wetland that serves as a nesting and resting site for flamingos, seals, and sea turtles. Critics have also raised concerns about a lack of transparency surrounding the project.

The protest, dubbed the “Flamingo Revolution,” originated in Zvërnec, where the resort is planned. Demonstrators said the project reflects long-standing issues in Albania’s governance and environmental protection.

The Cabinet has approved the proposed national budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year in a special meeting held at the National Parliament on Thursday morning. The session, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, began around 10:15 a.m. and endorsed the budget proposal. Following Cabinet approval, President Md. Shahabuddin is expected to sign the authorization schedule before Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury presents the budget at 3 p.m.

This marks the first budget under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s administration and also the first for Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury. The proposed budget size is estimated at Tk 9.38 trillion, with a revenue target of Tk 6.95 trillion and a deficit of Tk 2.43 trillion. The GDP growth target is set at 6.5 percent, while inflation is projected at 7.5 percent.

The proposal includes raising monthly allowances for persons with disabilities to Tk 1,000, requiring tax return certificates for opening bank accounts and purchasing motorcycles, and increasing stipends for families of decorated freedom fighters by Tk 5,000.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has addressed the controversy surrounding Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was denied entry to the United States ahead of officiating the 2026 World Cup opening match. Speaking to reporters in Mexico, Infantino described the incident as unfortunate but emphasized that FIFA has no control over national immigration or visa policies. He urged critics to remain calm and trust that FIFA is working behind the scenes to resolve the issue.

Infantino clarified that his earlier remarks about staying calm did not mean FIFA was inactive, stressing that the organization is seeking a positive solution within the limits of international regulations. He noted that major tournaments like the World Cup require coordination with various national policies and political realities. The FIFA president expressed hope that some positive news would emerge soon.

Somalia’s government has officially expressed regret over the incident and pledged to continue engaging with relevant parties to protect its citizen’s rights. A U.S. official defended the entry restrictions, citing the need to ensure security during the tournament.

At least two people, including a child, were killed when Taliban security forces opened fire on a rare protest in Herat province, western Afghanistan. The demonstration erupted after authorities began mass arrests of women and girls accused of wearing 'improper hijab.' Witnesses said around 70 people gathered in Jibrael district on Tuesday, chanting slogans for education, employment, and freedom, and against arbitrary detentions.

Local sources reported that three others were injured and at least 13 people were beaten and detained. The United Nations confirmed that one of the dead was a child. A video obtained by The Guardian showed armed Taliban fighters firing at protesters as a woman’s voice shouted 'Azadi' amid gunfire. Human Rights Watch’s Fereshta Abbasi said families were protesting what they saw as violations of privacy following the arrests.

Amnesty International’s Samira Hamidi noted that male participation in the protest reflected growing public anger over five years of systematic repression of women and girls. A Taliban spokesperson in Herat denied that any women had been detained over hijab issues, calling such reports baseless.

Heavy rainfall and hill runoff have caused the Teesta River’s water level to rise rapidly in Lalmonirhat, putting nearby low-lying areas at risk of flooding. To manage the situation, the Water Development Board has opened all sluice gates of the local barrage. At the Dalia point, the river was reported to be flowing 35 centimeters below the danger level, with 44 gates kept open to control the flow.

Residents of riverbank and char areas in Hatibandha, Patgram, Aditmari, and Sadar upazilas are living in fear of possible flooding, especially if India releases water from the Gajoldoba Barrage upstream. Locals expressed frustration over recurring flood threats and the lack of visible progress in the long-discussed Teesta Master Plan, urging its quick implementation.

Officials confirmed that while the water level remains below the danger mark, continuous rainfall and upstream inflow could worsen the situation, prompting authorities and residents to remain on alert.

Bangladesh created a remarkable moment in international cricket during the second One Day International against Australia at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. Winning the toss, Australian captain Josh Inglis chose to bat first, but his team suffered a disastrous start. Taskin Ahmed struck in the very first over, dismissing opener Matthew Short for zero. Mustafizur Rahman then took a wicket with his first ball, and before any runs were scored, Australia lost their third wicket, leaving them at 0 for 3.

This was the first time in Australia’s long ODI history that they lost their first three wickets without scoring a run. Bangladesh also achieved this for the first time in their own ODI history. Previously, Australia’s worst early collapse had been at 5 for 3. The event is extremely rare in world cricket, having occurred only three times before, involving Pakistan twice and Bangladesh once.

The performance followed Bangladesh’s historic win in the first ODI, boosting their confidence and marking one of the most memorable starts in the nation’s cricket history.

Researchers have discovered the oldest, deepest, and most extensive whale graveyard ever found, located in the Indian Ocean. The site contains fossils more than five million years old and extends over hundreds of miles, reaching depths beyond seven kilometers. The international research team from China, Italy, and New Zealand used a submersible to explore the Diamantina Fracture Zone, where they identified 485 fossil sites and five modern whale fall locations.

Dr. Giovanni Bianucci of the University of Pisa said the discovery shows that extreme and unexplored environments can host unknown species and ecosystems, revealing how life adapts and evolves under high pressure and low light. Stephen J. Godfrey of the Calvert Marine Museum described the find as unique, suggesting it could lead to further discoveries.

The study, published in the journal Nature, also reported the discovery of a five‑meter Antarctic minke whale skeleton and a fossilized skull of an extinct beaked whale species estimated to be 5.3 million years old. Professor Jon Copley of the University of Southampton noted that finding around 800 skeletons per square kilometer is astonishing.

Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the United States dropped sharply by 17.21% in April 2026 compared with the same month a year earlier, according to data from the US Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA). The decline follows earlier signs of recovery in the sector, which contributes over 80% of Bangladesh’s total export earnings. Between January and April 2026, total apparel exports to the US reached USD 2.98 billion, down 11.24% year-on-year, with both unit prices and export volumes decreasing.

Industry representatives attributed the fall mainly to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, which raised costs and reduced consumer demand. Analysts noted that overall US apparel imports fell 12% due to high inflation and interest rates, while Vietnam and Cambodia increased their exports to the US by 1.31% and 14.07%, respectively. In contrast, China’s and India’s exports to the US dropped by 50.21% and 28.03%.

Export Promotion Bureau data showed Bangladesh’s total exports in May 2026 fell 7.07% year-on-year to USD 4.4 billion, with apparel exports down 8.29%. Industry leaders warned that it remains uncertain when export growth will resume under current global conditions.

Prime Minister Tarek Rahman unveiled a commemorative postage stamp valued at 10 taka to mark the World Cup. The unveiling took place on Thursday morning at his office in the National Parliament Secretariat. Alongside the stamp, he also released a souvenir sheet containing a 50-taka envelope and a 5-taka data card. A special seal was used during the ceremony.

The event was attended by Post, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam, Ministry Secretary Bilkis Jahan Rimi, the Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman, and Additional Director General of the Postal Department S M Harunur Rashid. The ceremony highlighted the government’s initiative to commemorate major global events through national postal releases.

The commemorative items are expected to attract collectors and football enthusiasts, reflecting national enthusiasm for the World Cup celebration.

The United States government has come under sharp criticism from immigration and human rights experts over visa complications and entry denials affecting athletes, officials, and fans attending the FIFA World Cup. The controversy intensified after Somali referee Omar Artan, who was set to officiate in the tournament, was denied entry at Miami airport despite holding a valid visa. The Department of Homeland Security cited “vetting concerns,” while the incident reignited debate about discrimination and immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump’s administration.

Other affected participants include members of Iran’s football delegation, some of whom were denied visas and forced to base their team in Mexico, entering the US only for match days. Iraqi striker Aymen Hussein and photographer Talal Salah faced lengthy detentions, while Haiti’s Woodensky Pierre received a delayed visa. Swiss forward Breel Embolo also faced a temporary travel block due to a prior conviction. UN human rights chief Volker Turk called for a “massive rethink” of US immigration policies, warning against racial profiling and surveillance.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the organization cannot override government decisions, emphasizing that FIFA remains a sports body focused on finding solutions within its limited authority.

The government has revived the process of leasing Chattogram Port’s New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to a foreign operator, DP World, after receiving a directive from the Ministry of Shipping. The port authority has sought approval to form a new seven-member committee to complete tender evaluation and negotiations under the public-private partnership model. This move comes three months after a major protest during the interim government period forced a suspension of the same process.

Previously, workers’ unions and port users had united under the Nationalist Workers Party and allied groups to halt port operations for six days, opposing the lease to a foreign company on national security grounds. However, despite the renewed process, those same groups have remained notably silent, prompting speculation among port stakeholders. A consortium involving companies owned by two BNP lawmakers has also submitted a new proposal offering better terms than DP World’s.

Civil society representatives have questioned why successive governments—Awami League, interim, and now BNP—have all supported foreign operation of the terminal. Labor leaders have warned that if the government ignores their concerns, protests could resume to protect national interests.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported that at least 117.8 million people globally, or one in every 70 individuals, have been forcibly displaced. The report, released in 2026, noted that for the first time in a decade, the global rate of forced displacement declined. In 2025, the number of displaced people fell by about 4 percent, though this progress was offset by Lebanon’s worsening displacement crisis, where over one million people were uprooted due to Israeli attacks. Additionally, 3.2 million people were internally displaced within Iran.

According to the report, 68.6 million people remain internally displaced due to conflict or other crises, while 28.5 million refugees fall under UNHCR’s mandate. Another nine million are asylum seekers awaiting decisions, and 7.2 million people require international protection. Six million Palestinian refugees are under UNRWA’s mandate. Nearly 72 percent of all refugees come from just seven countries: Venezuela, Palestine, Ukraine, Syria, Afghanistan, Sudan, and South Sudan.

The report also identified the top host countries for refugees: Colombia, Germany, Turkey, Uganda, Iran, Chad, and Pakistan, with most refugees in Iran and Pakistan originating from Afghanistan.

More than 4,400 current and former SpaceX employees are set to become millionaires as the company, founded by Elon Musk, prepares for its initial public offering this week at a share price of $135. The IPO marks the largest public debut ever by a private space company, valuing SpaceX at $1.77 trillion—five times the market capitalization of General Electric. Former launch engineer Trevor Heis, who joined SpaceX in 2011, holds over 100,000 shares now worth at least $13.5 million.

According to San Francisco-based investment platform Hill.com, around 400 of these employees will see their wealth exceed $100 million. Hill.com CEO Andrew Benson described this as an unusual outcome, noting that such wealth creation typically benefits only founders. The IPO is expected to transform the financial lives of thousands of SpaceX workers, both current and former.

Some early employees sold their shares years ago, doubting that SpaceX would ever go public. Others, like former supply manager Helvin Bacariza, plan to hold onto their shares even after the IPO, anticipating further growth.

The government of Bangladesh is set to allow individuals to legalize undeclared or black money in specific sectors without facing any questioning. According to the proposal for the 2026–27 fiscal year budget, taxpayers will be able to declare unreported funds used in real estate transactions—such as land, buildings, or flats—if the actual value exceeds the deed value. Both buyers and sellers will be eligible for this opportunity by paying regular income tax on the undeclared portion.

The Ministry of Finance has proposed adding a new clause to the Finance Bill to formalize this provision. If approved, taxpayers can voluntarily pay income tax at the applicable rate for individuals on the undeclared amount, and no authority will raise questions or take action regarding the source of that money, regardless of existing laws.

The initiative is part of the upcoming national budget, which aims to provide relief to citizens within limited resources while addressing a large revenue collection target for the National Board of Revenue.

The Bangladesh government has set a revenue collection target of Tk 6.95 trillion for the upcoming fiscal year, assigning the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to collect Tk 6.04 trillion. This represents an increase of more than 21 percent from the current year, despite NBR facing a shortfall of over Tk 1 trillion in the first ten months. Officials and analysts doubt the feasibility of achieving the new target, citing a decade-long pattern of missed goals.

According to NBR sources, Tk 2.23 trillion is expected from VAT, income tax, and travel tax, accounting for 74 percent of total revenue, while Tk 2.57 trillion is projected from customs duties. Policy Exchange of Bangladesh Chairman Dr. M Masrur Reaz described the target as unrealistic, pointing to weak economic growth, widespread tax exemptions, and structural weaknesses in the tax system. Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury attributed current shortfalls to slow economic activity, political instability, high inflation, and import duty waivers.

The government aims to raise the tax-to-GDP ratio from 6.6 percent to 10 percent in the medium term and 15 percent by 2035. NBR is pursuing digitalization and compliance reforms, supported by a World Bank–funded project, to reduce tax evasion and expand the tax base.