A fire broke out in the engine room of a tanker near the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The cause of the fire has not been disclosed. Local authorities reported that the incident occurred about 21 nautical miles northeast of Sohar, Oman.

The incident comes shortly after Iran’s central military command declared the strategic Strait of Hormuz completely closed following recent U.S. attacks. Iran warned that any vessel attempting to pass through the waterway would be treated as a target. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime route for global energy transport, and its closure has heightened regional tensions.

The timing of the tanker fire near the closed strait adds to concerns over maritime safety and the potential escalation of conflict in the region, though no link between the fire and the broader tensions has been confirmed.

Abdus Sabur Fakir, central executive member of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and Naib-e-Ameer of Dhaka South, said that if the upcoming national budget imposes additional tax burdens on the public, people will immediately reject it. Speaking at an Eid reunion and unit leaders’ gathering organized by the party’s Wari West Thana unit on Wednesday night, he alleged that signs of an anti-poor budget were already visible and that ruling party-linked traders had begun stockpiling goods ahead of expected price hikes.

Fakir also criticized the government’s handling of Islami Bank, accusing it of allowing politically connected individuals to loot depositors’ money. He claimed that those who once took control of the bank under the ruling party were now trying to do so under the opposition’s influence. He urged the government to cancel the appointment of the current Islami Bank chairman, Khurshid Alam, and replace him with an honest and competent person to restore public confidence.

Other Jamaat leaders at the event, including Dr. Abdul Mannan, also criticized the home minister for focusing on bank control instead of improving law and order and border security.

Three Indian sailors were killed when US forces struck an oil tanker off the coast of Oman, according to India’s Minister of Shipping Sarbananda Sonowal. The minister described the incident as unfortunate and confirmed that the bodies of the three previously missing sailors had been recovered. The attack occurred on Tuesday evening on a vessel named 'Settebello', which the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said was carrying Iranian oil and had failed to comply with US instructions.

The tanker, flying the flag of Palau, had 28 crew members on board, including 24 Indians, two Pakistanis, one Ukrainian, and one Russian. Earlier reports indicated that 21 Indian sailors had been rescued, while three were missing. Following the incident, the Indian government summoned a senior US diplomat in New Delhi. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that Jason Meeks, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy, was called in for discussions.

The event has drawn attention to tensions in the region’s maritime routes, with India seeking clarification from the United States regarding the strike and the loss of its citizens.

In Nilphamari’s Jaldhaka upazila, unscrupulous fishermen are reportedly using improvised power systems known as ‘IPS’ to catch fish in local rivers, putting native species at risk of extinction. The practice is widespread in the Teesta, Buri Teesta, and Charalkata rivers, where electricity generated from IPS devices is released into the water at night, electrocuting fish and other aquatic life within a radius of several meters.

Residents report that the activity intensifies during the monsoon season when river water levels rise. Locals from Dawabari and Golmunda unions said organized groups operate boats at night, killing mother fish and fry alike, leading to a sharp decline in native fish populations. The demand for local fish remains high in markets, but supply from rivers has drastically fallen.

Jaldhaka Upazila Fisheries Officer Ariful Islam confirmed awareness of the issue and said that public awareness campaigns and legal measures are under consideration to curb the illegal practice.

The proposed national budget for fiscal year 2026–27 in Bangladesh includes significant tax and duty increases on several products. The plan raises the price limits for all cigarette categories and proposes a 300 percent supplementary duty on cigarette filter raw materials and 350 percent on nicotine. Locally produced alcohol would face a value-added tax of 500 taka per liter, while domestically produced liquor would also carry a 500 taka supplementary duty per liter. Import duties on cashew nuts are set to rise from 5 percent to 25 percent, which could raise market prices.

The proposal also increases taxes on luxury petrol, octane, and diesel vehicles, particularly those with 1200–1600 cc engines, and doubles the advance income tax on them. In contrast, the budget suggests lowering overall duties and taxes on imported electric vehicles, reducing the current 93 percent rate to 64 percent for EVs priced up to 25,000 dollars and 80 percent for those between 25,000 and 50,000 dollars. Advance tax on EV registration and fitness renewal may also be reduced.

Additional measures include higher VAT on certain steel products, a 20 percent supplementary duty on imported pangas fish fillets, annual advance income tax on helicopters, and an increase in gambling income tax from 20 to 25 percent.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned that any ship approaching the Strait of Hormuz will face severe consequences. The warning came shortly after a US attack in Iran early Thursday, prompting Tehran to close the strategic waterway. The country’s top military command, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, confirmed that the narrow passage has been completely shut down.

The IRGC Navy has instructed all oil tankers and commercial vessels currently operating in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman to remain anchored. It stated that any movement toward the strait would be considered cooperation with the enemy. Citing a violation of ceasefire terms by US forces, the IRGC said the restriction will remain in place until further notice and urged ships to avoid the area for their own safety.

The IRGC described US forces in the region as a “terrorist army” and said the growing insecurity in the area necessitated the move. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategic chokepoints, through which about one-fifth of global petroleum supply passes.

Abeer Kawas, a Palestinian-American activist, is running as a Democratic Socialist candidate in the June 23 primary election for New York State Senate District 12, representing Queens. If successful, she would become the first Palestinian elected to the New York Senate. Her opponent is Filipino-American legislator Steven Raga, with the winner advancing to the November election and assuming office in Albany next January. Kawas has received the endorsement of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who previously ran a progressive campaign emphasizing housing and transit reforms and a strong stance on Palestine.

Kawas’s candidacy reflects her long-standing community activism and her personal history as the daughter of a Palestinian immigrant detained and deported after the September 11 attacks. She has worked with organizations focused on immigrant rights, language access, and police reform. Her campaign emphasizes the need for diverse, progressive voices in the Democratic Party and legislative system.

The race takes place amid heightened anti-Muslim incidents in the United States, with advocacy groups reporting a sharp rise in attacks on Muslim Americans and institutions under the Trump administration.

A Thai court has sentenced two Uyghur men to death for their involvement in the 2015 bombing at a shrine in Bangkok that killed 20 people. The attack occurred on August 17, 2015, at the Erawan Shrine located in the city’s commercial center. Several Chinese tourists were among the victims, and the incident is considered the deadliest bombing in Thailand’s history.

The convicted men, Yusufu Mieraili and Bilal Mohammed, were found guilty of premeditated murder related to the explosion. Both defendants denied the charges brought against them. The court’s decision marks the conclusion of a long-running case tied to one of Thailand’s most shocking acts of violence in recent years.

The ruling underscores Thailand’s continued pursuit of justice for the 2015 attack, though the defendants’ denial of guilt leaves questions about the full circumstances surrounding the bombing.

Somali football referee Omar Artan, who had been selected by FIFA to officiate at the World Cup, was denied entry into the United States despite holding all valid documents and a visa. After a long journey from Istanbul, Artan arrived at Miami International Airport, where US border officials detained and questioned him for about 11 hours before refusing him entry. FIFA later confirmed that Artan would not be able to participate in any training or match duties for the tournament.

Upon returning to Somalia, Artan expressed disappointment, saying he believed the issue was related to his nationality. His arrival at Mogadishu airport turned into an emotional scene as hundreds of supporters greeted him with national flags, celebrating him as a national hero despite his missed opportunity.

Artan encouraged Somali youth not to lose hope in their country, vowing to aim for the next World Cup. His resilience and patriotism have resonated deeply with football fans around the world.

Bangladesh and China have signed an implementation agreement to construct the 9th Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge, aimed at improving road connectivity and regional economic activity in the southern region. The signing ceremony took place on Thursday at the conference room of the Road Transport and Highways Division. Dr. Md. Mokhsed Ali, Joint Secretary of the division, signed on behalf of Bangladesh, while Mr. Song Yang, Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka, signed for China. Senior officials from both governments attended the event.

The proposed bridge will be built over the Lohalia River near Boga Ferry Ghat in Patuakhali district, along the Lebukhali–Bauphal–Galachipa–Amragachia highway. The total project length is about 2.62 kilometers, including a 1.348-kilometer main bridge and a 1.272-kilometer approach road. China will provide grant funding for the bridge and approach road construction, while Bangladesh will cover land acquisition and utility relocation costs.

Following the agreement, a Chinese-designated institution will prepare the detailed design and finalize the development project proposal. Once completed, the bridge is expected to significantly reduce travel time and costs, enhance trade and transport, and contribute to the socio-economic growth of southern Bangladesh.

US President Donald Trump said he 'likes inflation' as the country experiences its fastest price rise in three years. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Consumer Price Index rose 4.2 percent in May compared to a year earlier, up from 3.8 percent in April. The increase was mainly driven by higher energy costs linked to the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran. Speaking at the White House, Trump said he liked the numbers and promised that prices would fall sharply once the war with Iran ends.

On the same day, Trump announced that US forces had seized millions of barrels of oil from Iran in overnight operations, which slightly reduced oil prices. Later, he told the New York Post that his remarks were taken out of context and that he meant inflation was lower than expected despite the war. Inflation has now risen for three consecutive months, with energy bills up nearly 25 percent from a year earlier. Opposition leaders, including Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, sharply criticized Trump’s comments.

Economists warned that even if the war ends soon, supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz could persist until 2027. The Federal Reserve faces pressure ahead of its rate-setting meeting next week, though analysts expect rates to remain between 3.5 and 3.75 percent.

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.