Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced in parliament that former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, who was arrested in Dubai, will be brought back to the country soon. The police headquarters earlier confirmed his arrest, describing it as a historic success for the Bangladesh Police. The minister said the National Central Bureau (NCB) is working closely with Interpol, and the government was officially informed of the arrest on June 12. Under diplomatic procedures, Bangladesh must request his return within 30 days of the arrest.

A Dhaka court had earlier ordered Interpol to issue a red notice against Benazir Ahmed on February 10, 2025, following a request from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). Another court had issued an arrest warrant on March 8, 2025, in a case alleging illegal wealth accumulation. The ACC filed the case on December 15, 2024, and later submitted a charge sheet on November 30, 2025, accusing him of acquiring assets beyond known income, concealing wealth information, and money laundering.

According to the charge sheet, Benazir declared assets worth about Tk 12.2 crore, while investigators found properties totaling over Tk 15.6 crore.

Bangladesh has been ranked the fourth most peaceful country in South Asia in the Global Peace Index (GPI) 2026, published on June 9 by the Australia-based Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). The country is placed 117th globally among 163 nations and territories, with an overall score of 2.226 out of 5, categorized under the 'medium' level of peace. Bangladesh outperformed India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan in the regional ranking.

The GPI evaluates peace using 23 indicators across three domains: societal safety and security, ongoing domestic and international conflict, and militarization. Bangladesh scored 2.579 in safety and security, 2.237 in ongoing conflict, and 1.615 in militarization. Bhutan retained its position as South Asia’s most peaceful nation, ranking 16th globally, followed by Sri Lanka and Nepal. The report noted that South Asia experienced the largest regional decline in peace in 2026, with an average deterioration of 2.3 percent due to internal instability and border tensions.

The report also highlighted Bangladesh’s economic vulnerability to the Iran war, citing high LNG prices and reduced global demand as potential risks. It warned that prolonged disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could raise Bangladesh’s energy import costs by up to 2.5 percent of GDP.

Bangladesh Bank has provided a special loan of Tk 25 billion to Islami Bank to address its liquidity crisis. The assistance was extended on Sunday, according to information from the bank. The crisis intensified after the appointment of a new chairman following Eid, which triggered protests by a group of customers under the banner of the 'Conscious Customer Forum'. Many depositors began withdrawing their funds, worsening the bank’s liquidity position.

As a result, Islami Bank failed to meet customer withdrawal demands and could not maintain the required cash reserve ratio (CRR) with the central bank. Last week, the bank sought Tk 100 billion in liquidity support from Bangladesh Bank, which responded by providing an initial Tk 25 billion. During a post-budget press conference on Friday, Bangladesh Bank Governor Mostakur Rahman had hinted at such support, assuring that depositors would face no withdrawal problems.

The central bank’s intervention aims to stabilize Islami Bank’s operations and restore depositor confidence amid ongoing unrest over leadership changes.

During his visit to Cox’s Bazar, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman called Chittagong University Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) General Secretary Abdullah Al Noman to inquire about his well-being and campus affairs. The meeting took place on Saturday afternoon after the Prime Minister visited the grave of Wasim Akram, the first martyr of the July movement in Chittagong. Noman was later taken to the home minister’s residence, where Dr. Zubaida Rahman and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed were present.

Following the meeting, Noman said the Prime Minister asked about his health and sought information on various academic and administrative matters at the university. Noman briefed him on student issues, including shuttle train disruptions, severe commuting difficulties, and housing shortages. According to Noman, the Prime Minister listened attentively, instructed his private secretary to take notes, and assured that the problems would be addressed.

Wasim Akram, who was martyred during the July uprising, had been a follower of Noman and was active alongside him in the movement until his death.

Hundreds of people gathered outside Woolwich Crown Court in southeast London to demonstrate in support of Palestine as sentencing was announced for four members linked to the group 'Palestine Action'. Police arrested more than a hundred protesters under anti-terrorism laws, citing support for a banned organization.

Protesters carried placards reading 'Saving lives is not terrorism' and 'I support Palestine Action'. The arrests occurred amid ongoing legal and political disputes over the status of Palestine Action. In February 2026, the UK High Court ruled that the government’s ban on the group was unlawful, but the government has maintained the prohibition while awaiting further proceedings.

The incident highlights continuing tensions in the UK over activism related to Palestine and the legal boundaries of political expression under counterterrorism legislation.

Israel’s security cabinet is set to convene an emergency meeting tonight, local time, to discuss developments related to Iran. According to Al Jazeera, the meeting will focus on the potential implications of a possible peace agreement or memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran.

Military analysts cited in the report suggest that such an agreement could pressure Israel to make concessions regarding its operations in Lebanon. Despite these concerns, Israel reportedly maintains a stance of keeping the Iranian and Lebanese fronts separate. The Israeli military has intensified its operations, striking 70 targets in Lebanon overnight, bringing the total to 400 attacks in the past week.

The escalating conflict has become a central issue ahead of Israel’s upcoming elections, with opposition leader Yair Lapid criticizing the government. Meanwhile, residents in northern Israel have expressed anger over what they see as the government’s failure to ensure their safety, saying they had to seek shelter 16 times in one night.

The European Union’s new Asylum and Migration Pact officially took effect across all member states on June 12, 2026, following prolonged discussions and debates. The reform aims to manage irregular migrant inflows like those seen in 2015, strengthen control at the EU’s external borders, and establish a fair solidarity mechanism for sharing responsibilities among member countries.

Under the new system, anyone arriving at EU borders without a valid visa or residence permit will not be allowed direct entry. Their identity, security, and health will be screened within seven days. Applicants will then be divided into two tracks: a fast-track border process for those with low chances of asylum or security risks, and a regular asylum process for those with stronger claims, which can take up to 20 months. The concept of “safe third countries” has been expanded, allowing transfers even without prior links.

The pact also extends biometric data collection to children aged six and above and enforces stricter rules to prevent secondary movement between EU states. A return order issued by one member state will now apply across the entire EU.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and local villagers in Kurigram’s Roumari upazila foiled another push-in attempt by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) early Sunday. The incident occurred around 6 a.m. near the 1060 main pillar at the Bottola border, where BSF allegedly tried to push two children, one woman, and three young men into Bangladesh. BSF claimed the group were residents of Kangshi village in Bhaluka upazila of Mymensingh district.

Following reports of the attempted intrusion, BGB personnel and hundreds of local villagers took up positions along the border to prevent entry. Lieutenant Colonel Hasanur Rahman, commanding officer of Jamalpur 35-BGB Battalion, stated that BGB remains firm in protecting national sovereignty and border security. He added that surveillance and security measures have been further strengthened across the border area.

According to BGB, the force remains on high alert to prevent any illegal entry or subversive activity along the Bangladesh-India frontier.

Heavy rainfall and hill runoff have caused the Maharshi River in Sherpur’s Jhenaigati upazila to overflow, flooding low-lying areas and the main market since Saturday morning. Water entered many shops, disrupting business activities and causing hardship for traders and residents. Several roads were submerged, though immediate information on damage was unavailable.

Local residents blamed the absence of a protective embankment for the recurring floods during the monsoon season. Officials from the Water Development Board reported that the river’s southern bank overflowed in the morning but later subsided. Rainfall was recorded at 24.50 millimeters in Sherpur, 35 millimeters in Nalitabari, and 180 millimeters in Nakugaon. In Nalitabari’s Chellakhali River, water was flowing two centimeters above the danger level, raising concerns about worsening conditions.

Member of Parliament Mahmudul Haque Rubel stated that he had raised the issue of constructing a permanent embankment in the national parliament and expressed hope that a sustainable structure would soon be built to reduce public suffering.

The officer-in-charge of Khulshi Police Station, Md Arifur Rahman, has been withdrawn following an incident in which national team cricketer Nayeem Hasan was allegedly assaulted and harassed in Chattogram city. The order, signed by Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) Commissioner Hasan Mohammad Shawkat Ali, was issued on Saturday night, transferring Arifur Rahman to the police lines.

CMP Assistant Commissioner (Public Relations) Aminur Rashid confirmed the development, adding that Mohammad Solaiman, previously the officer-in-charge of Bakalia Police Station, has been appointed as the new Khulshi OC. Meanwhile, Mohammad Zahidul Kabir, a police inspector from the Counter Terrorism and Special Branch (CTSB), has been assigned as the new OC of Bakalia Police Station.

The CMP has also formed a three-member investigation committee to probe the incident. The police authorities stated that departmental action will be taken against those found responsible based on the investigation report.

Portugal’s national football team has announced a special tribute to late forward Diogo Jota ahead of their opening World Cup match. The players, including captain Cristiano Ronaldo, will wear specially designed wristbands throughout the tournament to honor Jota, who died in a car accident last year in northwestern Spain. Midfielder Vitinha said the wristbands were gifted by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and include the names of all current squad members along with Jota’s name.

Vitinha explained that wearing the wristbands was not mandatory, but all players chose to do so out of love and respect for their former teammate. He emphasized that the team accepted the gesture wholeheartedly and decided to wear them during matches. Jota had scored 14 goals in 49 appearances for Portugal, and his absence continues to be felt by his teammates.

Portugal will begin their World Cup campaign against DR Congo on Wednesday. Vitinha added that while the team has strong potential, they do not consider themselves favorites and must remain humble and focused to succeed.

Two worshippers were injured in a shooting during Fajr prayer at a mosque in Khulna city on Sunday morning. The incident occurred at the Jame Mosque of the West Zone Power Distribution Company center on BL College Road under Daulatpur Police Station. The injured were identified as mosque committee secretary Lokman Hakim, 45, and Alam Mondol, 55. According to police and locals, several armed men entered the mosque around 5:30 a.m. and opened fire targeting Lokman Hakim, hitting him in the head. Alam Mondol, who was praying nearby, was also shot. The attackers fled immediately after the shooting.

Locals rushed to the scene upon hearing gunfire and screams and took the injured to Khulna Medical College Hospital. Due to his critical condition, Lokman Hakim was later transferred to Dhaka for advanced treatment, while Alam Mondol remains under care in Khulna. Khulna Metropolitan Police confirmed the incident and said an investigation has begun to identify the attackers and determine the motive.

Police stated that further details will be provided after the ongoing investigation.

Swiss citizens are voting on Sunday in two major and contentious referendums, one proposing to limit immigration to keep the national population below 10 million by 2050, and another to tighten access to civilian service as an alternative to military duty. The votes, held under Switzerland’s direct democracy system, are expected to be closely contested, with polls showing narrow margins. Most ballots were cast by mail, and early results are expected by Sunday afternoon.

The far-right Swiss People’s Party (SVP) initiated the “No to a 10 Million Switzerland” proposal, arguing that excessive immigration has caused housing shortages, rising rents, crowded trains, and traffic congestion. Critics, including the government, parliament, and business sectors, warn that the measure could harm the economy and strain relations with the European Union. Justice Minister Beat Jans described the vote as highly significant, cautioning that it could trigger a “Brexit-like” scenario for Switzerland.

Recent surveys indicate that opponents of the immigration cap hold a slight lead, but for the proposal to pass, it must win both a majority of votes and support from more than half of Switzerland’s 26 cantons.

The International Crimes Tribunal on Sunday released the full verdict in the case concerning the murder of Abu Sayeed, a student of Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur and the first martyr of the July uprising. The tribunal upheld the death sentences of former Assistant Sub-Inspector Amir Hossain and former Constable Sujon Chandra Roy, both currently in prison. The case involves 30 accused individuals, including former university officials and police officers, with six in custody and 24 still absconding.

The tribunal’s decision follows the 2024 killing of Abu Sayeed during an anti-discrimination student movement in Rangpur. Video footage of the incident, showing police firing at Sayeed as he stood with his arms outstretched, sparked nationwide outrage and intensified the movement. The tribunal also noted that verdicts in three other cases are expected later this month.

Meanwhile, in a separate case related to a body-burning incident in Ashulia, the convicted defendants have appealed, arguing that prosecution evidence and witness statements were inconsistent and insufficient to prove their involvement.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that an agreement with Iran would be signed on Sunday, but Iranian officials have not yet issued a final decision. According to Al Jazeera, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that Tehran is still reviewing the draft memorandum of understanding. More than 24 hours have passed since his statement, yet no official confirmation has been made.

Araghchi explained that the proposed agreement consists of two phases. The first phase focuses on ending the ongoing war, while key issues such as nuclear matters and sanctions will be addressed in a second, 60-day phase. He added that both supporters and opponents of the deal exist within Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, and a collective decision will ultimately be reached.

Araghchi also noted that Lebanon would not be excluded from the agreement and that discussions include lifting the naval blockade and establishing new management for the Strait of Hormuz. Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Tehran reported that the deal could be completed on Sunday or within the next few days.