Norway made a triumphant return to the FIFA World Cup after 26 years, defeating Iraq 4-1 in a Group I match held in Boston on Tuesday. Star striker Erling Haaland scored twice, marking his first World Cup goals and playing a decisive role in the victory. Haaland opened the scoring in the 29th minute, but Iraq equalized through Aymen Hussein. Before halftime, a goalkeeping error by Jalal Hassan allowed Haaland to restore Norway’s lead.

In the second half, Iraq fought back with several close chances, but Norway extended their advantage when substitute defender Leo Østigård headed in from a Martin Ødegaard corner in the 76th minute. Haaland nearly completed a hat-trick, but his effort was saved. The final goal came when Haaland’s header deflected off Hussein for an own goal, sealing Norway’s 4-1 win.

With this result, Norway topped Group I on goal difference, ahead of France, who beat Senegal 3-1. Norway and France will meet in a key group match on June 22 in New Jersey.

The government has dissolved the board of Islami Bank, Bangladesh’s largest private bank, following escalating political tensions surrounding its ownership and management. The move comes after prolonged disputes between the ruling party and the main opposition over control of the institution. The Association of Bankers Bangladesh (ABB) met with the central bank governor to express concern, and the governor acknowledged the issue had become politicized. The author argues that such politicization undermines governance and could unsettle international confidence.

The article traces the bank’s troubled history, including alleged misuse of state agencies under the previous administration to transfer ownership to businessman S. Alam, accused of large-scale financial misappropriation. The interim government led by Dr. Yunus had restructured the bank, restoring stability, but renewed turmoil has emerged under the current elected government. The author warns that political interference in banking could jeopardize economic recovery and foreign loan negotiations.

The commentary concludes that the government must restore depositor confidence by recovering misappropriated funds, appointing competent management, and ensuring liquidity support. Failure to depoliticize the financial sector could threaten remittance inflows and overall economic stability.

High-speed competitions among long-distance buses, motorcycles, and other vehicles on Bangladesh’s highways are increasingly being filmed and shared on social media platforms such as Facebook and YouTube, according to a June 17, 2026 report. These videos, often recorded by drivers or their assistants seeking online popularity, show reckless overtaking and dangerous driving that have led to a surge in road accidents and casualties. Despite the clear violation of traffic laws, highway police have been criticized for failing to take effective action.

Data from the Bangladesh Passenger Welfare Association and the Road Safety Foundation show a rising trend in accidents and fatalities, with over 600 deaths reported in May alone. Experts, including Road Safety Foundation chief executive Saidur Rahman, cited lack of speed cameras, weak enforcement, and poor coordination among agencies as key factors. Legal experts argue that existing laws already allow police to act on viral videos as digital evidence under the Road Transport Act 2018 and the Cyber Security Act 2026.

They urged authorities to use AI cameras, GPS tracking, and stricter enforcement to curb reckless driving and social media glorification of dangerous behavior.

Police have arrested Arafat Sheikh, the head of former Faridpur-4 MP Nixon Chowdhury’s cyber team and the organizational secretary of Bhanga Upazila Jubo League. The arrest took place in the capital on Tuesday, according to Bhanga Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Md. Mizanur Rahman.

Authorities stated that Arafat Sheikh was a fugitive accused in several cases, including vandalism at Bhanga Police Station and sabotage during an anti-discrimination movement. He was allegedly spreading misleading and objectionable information against the current MP, Shahidul Islam Khan Babul, under the patronage of Nixon Chowdhury. Police described him as one of the most wanted suspects in the area who had been in hiding for a long time.

After an extended period on the run, Arafat Sheikh was captured in Dhaka by the Detective Branch (DB) police, ending his fugitive status.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 begins the trial today of Awami League Presidium member Kamrul Islam and Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon for alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July Revolution. The tribunal, chaired by Justice Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, issued the order on Wednesday. The trial was originally scheduled to start on June 9 but was rescheduled following a prosecution request. Charges were formally framed on April 30.

According to the prosecution, Kamrul and Menon face three charges, including allegations that they conspired to use lethal weapons and impose curfews against unarmed students and civilians while holding senior positions in the Awami League government and the 14-party alliance. The prosecution claims these actions led to the killing of unarmed protesters in areas such as Badda in Dhaka.

The tribunal’s proceedings mark a significant step in addressing alleged crimes linked to the July Revolution, with hearings expected to continue under the current judicial panel.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived in Sylhet on Wednesday morning as part of his first visit to Moulvibazar since assuming office. He traveled from Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on a US-Bangla Airlines flight and landed at Sylhet Osmani International Airport around 10:15 a.m.

Special security measures were implemented in and around the airport to ensure safety during the Prime Minister’s arrival. Members of law enforcement agencies and various administrative bodies were seen on high alert to manage the situation and maintain order.

The visit marks the beginning of Tarique Rahman’s official engagements in Moulvibazar, though details of his schedule or meetings were not disclosed in the report.

France began their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 3-1 victory over Senegal at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. After a disappointing first half, the defending champions responded strongly in the second half. Captain Kylian Mbappé scored twice, becoming France’s all-time leading goalscorer with 58 goals in national colors. Bradley Barcola added another from the bench, while Senegal’s Ibrahima Mbaye netted a late consolation goal.

Didier Deschamps’ side struggled for rhythm in the opening 45 minutes, with Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, and Désiré Doué repeatedly dropping deep to collect the ball. Senegal created the better chances early on, as Nicolas Jackson hit the post and Ismaïla Sarr missed a clear opportunity. Deschamps’ tactical adjustment after halftime—moving Olise into midfield and Dembélé to the wing—transformed the match.

France’s dominant second-half display reaffirmed their status as one of the leading contenders for the World Cup title, showcasing both resilience and attacking depth after a shaky start.

Bangladesh enters the three-match T20 series against Australia with renewed confidence after winning the ODI series. The first T20 match begins today at 2 p.m. at the Birshreshtha Flight Lieutenant Sipahi Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram. Bangladesh and Australia have faced each other in 11 T20 matches so far, with Australia winning seven and Bangladesh four. The last time they met in 2021, Bangladesh claimed a 4–1 series victory at home.

Australia is missing several key players, including Travis Head, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Glenn Maxwell, and Cameron Green, with Mitchell Marsh leading a younger squad. Bangladesh’s pace attack, featuring Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana, and Shoriful Islam, remains a major threat. However, Bangladesh captain Liton Das’s participation in the opening match is uncertain due to fitness concerns, while Parvez Hossain Emon is also unwell. Soumya Sarkar has been added to the squad as cover.

Liton Das said the team’s confidence from the ODI series win is a major boost, but emphasized the need to perform well on the day to secure the T20 series.

Dhaka University has formed a five-member investigation committee to examine allegations of plagiarism against Dr. Md. Ridwanul Haque, a professor at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA). The committee, established on Tuesday by Vice-Chancellor Professor A. B. M. Obaidul Islam, has been instructed to submit its report within 30 working days. Members include the deans of the Law and Science faculties, the university proctor, the principal of Dhaka Medical College, and a representative nominated by the accused professor.

According to university sources, the allegations date back to 2018, when two of Dr. Haque’s research papers submitted for promotion were found to be nearly identical. The issue resurfaced after the teachers’ group “Sada Dal” submitted a memorandum last year urging a full investigation. The current administration acted following recommendations from the Business Faculty dean and the university’s legal adviser.

The report notes that Dr. Haque has faced previous allegations involving political ties, administrative privileges, and unauthorized foreign travel. Discussions are ongoing about his possible appointment to key national positions, prompting discontent among some faculty members. The university administration stated that further action will depend on the committee’s findings.

Global crude oil prices dropped sharply to their lowest level in three months following reports of a potential peace agreement between Iran and the United States. For the first time since the Iran war began, the benchmark Brent crude price fell below 80 dollars per barrel, reaching 79.96 dollars on Tuesday. Traders expect a lasting agreement to ease tensions between Washington and Tehran, which has driven a 15-dollar decline in Brent prices since last Thursday.

Iran’s state media reported that its oil tankers have resumed operations at sea after progress in talks with the United States. Three Iranian oil tankers were said to be sailing in the northern Indian Ocean, while two others carrying essential goods and livestock feed were heading to southern ports. The report also indicated that the naval blockade on Iran has begun to be lifted, suggesting a relaxation of US naval restrictions.

At the G7 summit, European leaders expressed less certainty than US President Donald Trump about the Strait of Hormuz reopening by Friday, reflecting differing levels of optimism among allies.

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has ordered the High Court to dispose of the rule concerning BNP candidate Sarwar Alamgir’s candidacy for the Chattogram-2 constituency within two weeks. Until the rule is resolved, the gazette notification and oath-taking related to his election victory will remain suspended. The order was issued on Tuesday by a five-member bench led by the Chief Justice.

Sarwar Alamgir’s nomination had initially been rejected by the Election Commission over allegations of loan default. He later filed a writ petition with the High Court, which allowed him to contest the 13th parliamentary election and granted him the BNP’s electoral symbol. Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Muhammad Nurul Amin appealed against that decision, citing the same loan default allegation.

Following the appeal, the Appellate Division had earlier ruled that if Alamgir were declared elected, the result and related procedures would remain suspended until the appeal’s final disposal. The latest order maintains that suspension until the High Court completes its hearing on the rule.

Brazil began their FIFA World Cup campaign with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Morocco. Fans expressed frustration after coach Carlo Ancelotti kept 19-year-old forward Endrick on the bench for the entire match, despite his decisive goal in a recent friendly against Egypt. In response, Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazário publicly defended the young striker, emphasizing his talent and assuring that Endrick will get his chance.

Speaking on the show ‘Resenha da Copa,’ Ronaldo explained that Endrick currently ranks as the third attacking option behind Igor Thiago and Matheus Cunha, who are both in good form. He added that Ancelotti might have fielded Endrick if not for an unexpected injury to Bruno Guimarães, which forced a tactical adjustment during the Morocco match.

Looking ahead, Brazil’s next group-stage opponent is Haiti. Ronaldo described the upcoming game as an opportunity not only to secure victory but also to win by a large margin, improve goal difference, and rebuild team confidence. He urged supporters to stay calm and continue trusting the team.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has drawn widespread criticism for using a private jet to attend multiple matches each day during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The tournament’s 16 host cities have created significant travel challenges, prompting Infantino to rely on private air travel to manage his schedule. The organizing committee is covering the costs of his flights, which are permitted under FIFA’s official travel arrangements for top officials and guests.

In response to the controversy, FIFA issued a statement explaining that its travel policy allows for both commercial and charter flights depending on efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Anonymous FIFA sources said Infantino’s presence at as many matches as possible is essential, and private jets are the most practical option given the vast distances between venues.

Environmental groups, including Greenpeace USA, condemned the practice as irresponsible amid the global climate crisis. Critics argued that such luxury travel sends a negative message during a tournament already challenged by extreme heat conditions.

Bangladesh has started preparing the necessary documents to bring back former Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed, who was arrested in Dubai. A formal letter has been sent to Interpol by the National Central Bureau (NCB) of Bangladesh, marking the first official notification regarding the case. The letter stated that legal procedures are being followed to return him within the stipulated time, and that preparations for extradition are underway.

According to police headquarters, Bangladesh aims to complete the process before the deadline. Although there is no prisoner exchange treaty with the United Arab Emirates, officials said repatriation could still be possible based on bilateral relations, though legal complexities may arise. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), police headquarters, and the Ministry of Home Affairs have begun coordinated efforts to facilitate the process.

The ACC confirmed that it has initiated the required procedures under the extradition framework and handed over case documents, court orders, and related materials to the NCB. These will be sent through diplomatic channels via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the UAE as part of Bangladesh’s effort to bring Benazir Ahmed back.

After the dissolution of Islami Bank’s chairman and entire board, the bank’s operations have begun returning to normal. Customer anxiety and cash withdrawal pressure have eased, while fixed deposit accounts are being reopened. ATM booths and online banking services, previously inactive, are now operational again. On Tuesday, deposits exceeded withdrawals by 964 crore taka, though electronic transfers kept the bank’s net position negative by about 450 crore taka.

Bank officials reported that pending electronic fund transfers and real-time settlements are being cleared, contributing to some remaining pressure. However, overall liquidity conditions are improving. About 502 customers have reopened their fixed deposit accounts, adding 45 crore taka in new deposits. The bank announced that customers who prematurely encashed deposits between June 1 and 15 may reactivate accounts within seven working days with previous benefits intact.

Senior management stated that ATM and online services are functioning, and full normalization may take another week. The interim board, led by Bangladesh Bank’s executive director Mohammad Zahir Hossain, is working to form a new five-member board to restore stability and depositor confidence.