Three judges of the International Criminal Court have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in a federal court in Manhattan, alleging that sanctions imposed on them last year targeted their financial and personal interests. The judges—Kimberly Prost of Canada, Solomy Balungi Bossa of Uganda, and Reine Adélaïde Sophie Alapini-Gansou of Benin—accuse the former U.S. president of exerting extrajudicial pressure.

According to the complaint, the sanctions were a response to prior judicial decisions, including the issuance of an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the decision to open a war crimes investigation involving U.S. forces in Afghanistan. The judges claim these measures were intended as punishment for their judicial actions.

The report notes that U.S. sanctions can severely restrict a person’s ability to conduct daily activities, including banking with U.S.-linked institutions and using online services such as Amazon and Google. Such restrictions can make it difficult for affected individuals to receive payments from employers or travel internationally.

Iran has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the funeral of its late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a joint U.S.-Israel airstrike on February 28. According to NDTV, the invitation was sent on behalf of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and delivered to Indian authorities through the Iranian embassy in New Delhi. India has not yet confirmed whether Modi will personally attend or send a delegation.

Iran’s state media reported that the funeral ceremonies will begin on July 4 in Tehran with the first prayer service and three days of national mourning. Khamenei’s body will lie in state at the Grand Mosalla complex on July 4 and 5 for public homage, followed by a state mourning procession on July 6. During the ceremonies, Tehran province will observe a public holiday.

The invitation underscores the diplomatic significance of the event, as Iran prepares for large-scale national observances following the death of its long-serving leader.

A press conference has been scheduled to discuss Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to Beijing, China. According to an announcement from the Prime Minister’s Press Wing, the event will take place on Thursday at 1:00 p.m. local time in China, which corresponds to 11:00 a.m. in Bangladesh. The press conference will be held at the Fang Fei Hall of the Diaoyutai Hotel in central Beijing.

The information was shared with the media through an official message from the Prime Minister’s Press Wing. The announcement did not include further details about the agenda or topics to be addressed during the press conference.

The event is expected to provide updates on the Prime Minister’s engagements and discussions during his visit, though specific subjects or outcomes have not yet been disclosed.

Two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.5 and 7.2 magnitude struck Venezuela, causing severe damage in the capital Caracas. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency following the quakes, which led to the collapse of several buildings. The Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía was closed after sustaining major damage, and all schools, metro, and rail services were suspended. Non-essential activities across the country were also ordered to halt.

Rodríguez announced that the General Staff of the armed forces had been activated, with the commander general of the Bolivarian National Guard leading the response. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the first quake occurred near San Felipe, about 284 kilometers west of Caracas, followed 39 seconds later by a second quake near Yumar, roughly 293 kilometers west of the capital.

The USGS estimated that the death toll could exceed 10,000, citing that most buildings in Venezuela are not constructed with earthquake-resistant technology, which could lead to even higher casualties.

The Bangladesh government has initiated plans to reopen several unused domestic airports without conducting feasibility studies, raising questions about the economic viability of the move. Aviation experts cautioned that while a few airports such as Ishwardi might turn profitable due to local demand, most others could face heavy losses. The government has already approved the construction of an international-standard airport in Bogura and intensified efforts to revive Thakurgaon Airport, despite concerns over infrastructure and passenger demand.

According to officials, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has proposed reopening seven abandoned airports in phases, including Lalmonirhat, Ishwardi, Shamshernagar, Khan Jahan Ali, and Patuakhali. The Bogura airport project, covering 2,050 acres, is expected to feature modern facilities such as dual runways, a four-story terminal, and advanced navigation systems, with a tentative launch in March 2028. The estimated cost may exceed Tk 3,000 crore.

Experts warned that without sustainable planning and proper demand assessment, the projects could become financially risky. However, the government maintains that reopening the airports will enhance regional connectivity, boost trade, and create employment opportunities.

Authorities in Kishoreganj upazila of Nilphamari district have discovered an illegal factory producing banned 'China Duari' fishing nets. Acting on a tip-off, the fisheries department and police conducted a raid at a house in Madhorajib Sayarkaji village, seizing 680 nets, four machines, and other materials valued at approximately Tk 4.4 million. One associate involved in the operation was fined Tk 5,000 by a mobile court, while the factory owner remains at large.

According to the upazila fisheries officer Abdus Salam, the factory had been supplying illegal nets to various areas in the Rangpur region. During the operation, three net-making platforms were destroyed, and 80 nets were burned. The seized items were taken to the local police station for further action. The upazila executive officer and executive magistrate Arifur Rahman were present during the raid.

Officials stated that the discovery is significant for protecting native fish species, and operations against illegal fishing nets will continue in the area.

Two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.5 and 7.2 magnitude struck Venezuela, causing widespread devastation across several regions. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the death toll could surpass 10,000 due to the poor earthquake resistance of most buildings. The first quake hit near San Felipe, about 284 kilometers west of Caracas, followed 39 seconds later by a stronger tremor near Yumar, roughly 293 kilometers west of the capital. A tsunami warning was initially issued but later withdrawn.

Severe damage has been reported in Trujillo, Carabobo, Miranda, and La Guaira states, where numerous buildings collapsed. A resident of La Guaira said the airport sustained major damage, though it was not completely destroyed, and roads cracked, disrupting transportation. Miranda’s Chacao mayor feared heavy casualties but did not specify numbers. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello confirmed extensive destruction nationwide and said authorities were still assessing the full extent of the damage.

The government has prioritized rescue operations as assessments continue to determine the total human and infrastructural losses.

Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain inaugurated canal and stream re-excavation works in the city’s South Pahartali area on Wednesday as part of an ongoing initiative to reduce waterlogging, improve the environment, and restore natural water flow. The mayor visited Dhulunia Dhala, Khagria, and Khoshal Shah canals during the launch and urged those occupying canal areas illegally to remove their structures voluntarily, warning that legal measures would follow if they failed to comply.

He noted that slabs and structures built over canals obstruct cleaning operations and said the city authority is identifying such problems to make the canal system clean and functional. Work is being carried out ward by ward to identify causes of waterlogging and implement planned solutions. The mayor added that development plans for 40 canals are being prepared, including deepening, constructing retaining walls, removing illegal encroachments, and building modern walkways.

Dr. Hossain emphasized that protecting the Halda River requires ensuring the natural flow of its connected canals and streams. He called for active participation from residents in monitoring the quality of ongoing excavation and renovation work to build a clean, environmentally friendly, and waterlogging-free Chattogram.

A series of reports and eyewitness accounts describe escalating violence, discrimination, and state-backed repression against Muslims across India in 2026. In Purulia, West Bengal, a Muslim street vendor was killed by extremist mobs, while others faced police harassment and false charges. Human rights organizations documented widespread attacks, including the demolition of at least 23 mosques, madrasas, and shrines in BJP-ruled states such as Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. The demolitions often occurred without legal notice, targeting centuries-old religious sites.

Post-election violence in West Bengal reportedly intensified under the new BJP government, with bulldozer operations destroying Muslim homes and businesses. The Association for Protection of Civil Rights recorded dozens of violent incidents and property attacks across multiple districts. Human Rights Watch and international observers accused Indian authorities of using collective punishment, unlawful demolitions, and public beatings of Muslim men. U.S. human rights envoy Stephen J. Rapp warned that the persecution could amount to crimes against humanity, citing forced evictions and extrajudicial killings in Assam and Uttar Pradesh.

The reports collectively depict a deteriorating human rights environment for India’s 250 million Muslims, with growing fear, displacement, and erosion of religious freedom.

A powerful earthquake measuring 6.9 on the Richter scale struck northeastern Japan shortly after two strong quakes hit Venezuela, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake occurred 35 kilometers northeast of Kuji at a depth of 51.7 kilometers. No tsunami warning was issued following the tremor.

Authorities reported no immediate major damage or casualties. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi instructed the government to urgently assess the extent of the damage. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara confirmed there was no risk of a tsunami and said evaluations of possible damage were ongoing. He also noted that no irregularities had been detected at nuclear facilities.

Following the quake, East Japan Railway Company (JR East) suspended bullet train services between Shin-Aomori and Tokyo as a precautionary measure. Officials continue to monitor the situation closely.

Two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.5 and 7.2 magnitude struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, causing widespread damage and fears of heavy casualties. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the first quake of 7.2 magnitude hit near San Felipe, about 284 kilometers west of Caracas, at 6:04 p.m. local time. Just 39 seconds later, a second 7.5 magnitude quake struck near Yumar, roughly 293 kilometers west of the capital. Several buildings in Caracas collapsed as a result.

The USGS reported that the second quake’s epicenter was 23 kilometers southeast of Yumar at a depth of about 10 kilometers. The agency warned that the disaster likely affected a large area and that strong aftershocks could follow. Venezuela’s Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello urged residents to stay outside their homes and said gas connections in several buildings had been cut off as a precaution. Reuters reported that residents in Caracas rushed outdoors, while AFP images showed a collapsed building believed to be a bank.

Authorities are assessing the extent of the damage as emergency measures continue across affected regions.

A college student and a farmer were killed by lightning strikes in Fulbaria upazila of Mymensingh on Wednesday evening, according to family and hospital sources. The victims were identified as Tuli Rani Sen, 16, daughter of Jhutan Chandra Sen of Debgram in Putijana Union, and Abdul Khalek, 58, of Nijpara village in the same upazila.

Tuli Rani Sen, a first-year student at Fulbaria Government Women’s College, was near her home when lightning struck during light rain, causing her to lose consciousness. She was taken to the Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared her dead. In a separate incident, Abdul Khalek collapsed after being struck by lightning while walking to Kaladah Bazar after Asr prayers. Locals rushed him to the same health complex, where he was also pronounced dead.

Both deaths occurred within the same evening under similar weather conditions, highlighting the recurring risk of lightning strikes during seasonal storms in the area.

The US Department of Homeland Security has partially eased travel restrictions on Iran’s national football team during the ongoing World Cup. Under the new decision, the Iranian squad is allowed to enter the United States two days before their final group-stage match against Egypt. However, the team must leave the country immediately after the match on Saturday morning. Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House FIFA Taskforce, said the move was preplanned and aimed at reducing travel fatigue after observing the team’s earlier travel arrangements.

Iran had previously expressed frustration over strict travel limits that allowed entry only one day before matches, hindering player fitness and adaptation. Due to regional conflict, the team faced administrative and logistical challenges, including relocating its base camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico. Several support staff and federation officials were also denied US visas. Following the new decision, the team departed Tijuana for Seattle.

Iran currently sits second in Group G with two points from two draws and will face Egypt in a decisive match for a knockout-stage berth.

An income tax lawyer named Shyamal Chandra Das, aged 45, lost vision in one eye after being struck by a stone thrown at a moving train in Ashuganj, Brahmanbaria. The incident occurred late Monday night near Talshahar Railway Station when miscreants hurled stones at the Chattogram-bound Turna Express. Despite undergoing several hours of surgery at the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital on Tuesday, doctors could not save his injured eye.

According to family sources, Shyamal had traveled to Dhaka earlier that day for personal work and was returning home when the attack took place. Railway police confirmed they had contacted the victim’s family and launched an investigation to identify those responsible. Legal proceedings are currently underway.

Just days earlier, another passenger named Naimul Hasan Rabbi was injured in a similar stone-throwing incident near Brahmanbaria Station’s outer area, highlighting growing concerns over passenger safety on trains in the region.

The government has appointed Professor Lal Mohammad, currently an OSD at the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) and principal of Kushtia Government College, as the new principal of Ideal School and College in Motijheel. The appointment, made from the education cadre, was announced through a DSHE circular issued on Wednesday. Two new experts were also appointed to the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB), and several officials were transferred on deputation to new posts. All appointed officials must be released from their current positions by June 28.

In a separate circular, the DSHE assigned five education cadre officials as branch heads for five campuses of Monipur School and College in Dhaka. The move aims to improve educational standards and address irregularities and mismanagement. Each branch head will also serve as the income-expenditure officer and oversee academic and administrative activities.

The Parents’ Unity Forum congratulated the newly appointed principal of Ideal School and College, expressing hope that his leadership will enhance educational quality and restore a positive academic environment. The forum also called for a similar appointment at Viqarunnisa Noon School and College.