Mofiz Uddin, an assistant agriculture officer in Kaliganj upazila of Jhenaidah, has become a symbol of trust and resilience among local farmers. Despite losing his right hand in a road accident on January 11, 2009, he continues to serve farmers with dedication. He visits fields personally to identify crop diseases, advise on treatments, and introduce new technologies, ensuring that government agricultural services reach all 4,553 farmers in the Holidhani block.

Born in Chhoto Mandarbaria village of Jhenaidah Sadar upazila, Mofiz grew up in a large family and faced hardship from an early age. He completed vocational and agricultural education before joining public service. His commitment to farmers goes beyond official duty, reflecting a deep sense of humanity and responsibility.

Local farmers and officials describe him as hardworking, compassionate, and an inspiration to others. His perseverance despite physical disability has made him a role model in the agricultural community of Jhenaidah.

In Rangpur’s Badarganj, reckless movement of illegal sand-carrying tractors has severely disrupted the normal environment of primary education. Students are increasingly avoiding school due to fear of accidents and life-threatening risks. The issue centers around two illegal sand depots located near Kutubpur Sotapir Government Primary School, from where 30 to 40 tractors operate daily at high speed and with loud noise. Teachers report that 15 to 20 students have already stopped attending classes despite repeated efforts to bring them back.

Local residents and teachers accuse a powerful syndicate of sand traders and ruling party leaders of running the illegal operations with impunity. They allege that profits from sand sales are shared among influential figures, preventing administrative action. The continuous noise and dust have also caused severe sound pollution, affecting children’s mental development. Road safety has deteriorated as pedestrians and motorcyclists face frequent accidents.

Officials acknowledge the decline in student attendance and promise action against illegal sand extraction. However, weak enforcement of sand control laws and lack of administrative response have allowed the situation to persist.

DR Congo achieved a historic milestone at the FIFA World Cup by securing their first-ever point after a 1–1 draw against Portugal. The match, held on June 19, 2026, saw 29-year-old forward Yoane Wissa of Newcastle United score a remarkable header in first-half injury time from an Arthur Masuaku cross. His goal not only gave the team a valuable result but also made him DR Congo’s first World Cup goalscorer. Wissa also became the first player in the nation’s history to score in both the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup.

In a post-match interview, Wissa expressed joy over the team’s performance against one of the world’s strongest sides. He reflected on the ongoing armed conflict in eastern DR Congo, where violence and displacement have deeply affected civilians. Wissa dedicated the moment to his compatriots, saying he hoped for peace to return to their lives.

The goal and the draw symbolized more than sporting success for DR Congo, offering a rare moment of unity and hope for a nation enduring prolonged instability.

Activities of the banned Awami League have reportedly increased in Feni, with funding and leadership allegedly coming from fugitive leaders accused in the July killing case. On Wednesday morning, activists and supporters of the party and its affiliated organizations held a sudden procession on Station Road in Feni Sadar upazila. A fugitive accused, Alauddin Nasim, shared a video of the rally on Facebook, thanking participants. Another party page claimed the event was led by the banned Jubo League’s Sadar upazila secretary, Shusen Chandra Shil. Local grassroots leaders of the ruling party expressed frustration over the inaction of law enforcement and blamed local BNP-Jamaat leaders.

The report states that several fugitives, including Nasim and others, have become active on social media, issuing threats and organizing gatherings online. They are allegedly receiving financial support from abroad and operating with the help of some local political and business figures. Police have arrested three participants from the procession, and Feni’s new Superintendent of Police, Pratyush Kumar Majumder, said the matter is being taken seriously and illegal activities will be suppressed firmly.

Late on Friday night, Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) Deputy Commissioner (DC) Amirul Islam learned of his transfer while leading an operation in the Bahaddarhat area. A formal order signed by CMP Commissioner Hasan Md. Shawkat Ali reassigned three deputy commissioners. DC Amirul Islam of the North Division was moved to the Welfare and Force Division, while DC Hasan Mostafa Swapon from that division replaced him. Additionally, Detective Branch (North) DC Md. Habibur Rahman was appointed DC of the South Division.

According to several police officials, the reshuffle is part of a series of ongoing transfers across CMP units. No official reason was given for the changes. DC Amirul Islam stated that he had tried his best to serve the country and people over the past year, prioritizing law and order, crime control, and public service, and pledged to continue his work with dedication in his new post.

Officials noted that the North Division is a key administrative area of Chattogram, and Amirul Islam had been active in maintaining law and order and leading special operations. The timing of his transfer during an active operation drew attention within the police force.

The United States and Australia will face each other tonight at 1 a.m. Bangladesh time at Seattle Stadium in a Group D World Cup match. Both teams began their campaigns with victories, with co-host United States defeating Paraguay 4-1 and Australia overcoming Turkey 2-0. A win in this match would allow either side to move to the top of the group standings, adding extra significance to the encounter.

Before the tournament, questions surrounded the U.S. team, but coach Mauricio Pochettino’s side silenced critics with an impressive opening performance marked by attacking football. The team is expected to maintain a 4-2-3-2 formation, with Matt Fridge in goal and defenders Robinson, Richards, and Tim Ream playing key roles. Australia’s physical style and strong team coordination could challenge the hosts, though the U.S. attack appears stronger on paper.

Historically, the two nations have met four times across all competitions, with the United States winning twice, Australia once, and one match ending in a draw. Their most recent meeting saw the U.S. win 2-1 in a friendly last October.

Airport authorities at Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram detained a Dubai-bound passenger named Md. Abu Bakkar on Thursday night for carrying a large amount of foreign currency without valid documentation. The seized money, consisting of dirhams and riyals, is valued at approximately Tk 9,491,397 in Bangladeshi currency. Abu Bakkar, a resident of Bhabanipur in Lohagara upazila, was stopped at around 8:15 p.m. in the departure lounge after completing immigration formalities.

According to airport officials, the passenger was traveling on Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG147. Acting on a tip-off, security personnel searched his luggage and body, discovering 253,665 UAE dirhams worth about Tk 6.95 million and 4,790 riyals worth about Tk 1.46 million. The currencies were hidden in a concealed manner, and authorities suspect an attempt to smuggle the money abroad without legal clearance.

Airport authorities confirmed that legal action is underway, and a case is being prepared at the relevant police station regarding the attempted currency smuggling.

South Africa avoided defeat in a crucial World Cup Group A match by scoring a late penalty to draw 1-1 with the Czech Republic. The match, played on June 19, 2026, saw Teboho Mokoena convert a penalty in the 83rd minute to secure one point for his team. Earlier, Michal Sadílek had given the Czech Republic an early lead just five minutes and seven seconds into the game, marking the fastest goal of the tournament.

Despite the early setback, South Africa struggled to create clear chances and managed their first shot on target only in the 74th minute. The turning point came when Thapelo Maseko’s shot struck Czech midfielder Pavel Šulc’s hand, leading to the decisive penalty. Mokoena’s precise finish into the left corner ensured a share of the spoils.

The draw leaves both teams behind Mexico and South Korea in Group A standings. However, under the new World Cup format, the top eight third-placed teams can still advance to the round of 32, keeping both sides’ hopes alive ahead of their final group matches on June 25.

BJP leader and minister Dilip Ghosh has sparked controversy by telling former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to go to Bangladesh. His remarks came on Thursday morning, shortly after authorities replaced Banerjee’s long-time personal security officers following a protest march in Kalighat. Ghosh accused Banerjee of refusing to respect the constitution and government authority, questioning why she remained in India if she did not accept them.

The dispute began when Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’Brien stated in the Rajya Sabha that Banerjee’s security team, which had served her for two decades, was replaced by three new officers. Ghosh defended the government’s right to make such changes, arguing that Banerjee herself had frequently transferred officials during her tenure as chief minister. He also criticized her recent protest activities and blamed her party for the state’s hawker problems.

Ghosh further commented on the arrests of former ministers Udayan Guha and Sushanta Ghosh, alleging corruption and misuse of power by Trinamool leaders. His statements have intensified political tensions in West Bengal.

The Bangladesh government, in its tenth cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on June 18, 2026, granted policy approval to the draft 'Gambling Prevention Act, 2026'. The meeting, held at the National Parliament, also approved drafts of the 'Public Examinations (Offenses) (Amendment) Act, 2026', the 'Bogura University Act, 2026', and the 'Narcotics Control (Amendment) Act, 2026'. The gambling law aims to modernize the outdated Public Gambling Act of 1867 to address both online and offline gambling activities through updated legal and technological measures.

The proposed gambling law defines various gambling-related terms, including digital platforms and betting, and introduces penalties such as fines and imprisonment. The amendment to the Public Examinations Act seeks to curb digital manipulation, cheating, and organized exam fraud, introducing up to five years of imprisonment for digital offenses. The Bogura University Act aims to transform the existing science and technology university into a full-fledged general university covering multiple disciplines.

The draft Narcotics Control amendment proposes establishing drug crime tribunals, adding cybercrime control provisions, and enhancing border operations. All drafts will undergo vetting by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division before final approval.

Lionel Messi’s family has confirmed that his father, Jorge Messi, is currently facing a health issue and is under medical supervision. The announcement came just hours after Messi’s emotional hat-trick performance against Algeria in the World Cup, which ended in a 3–0 victory for Argentina. The family stated that Jorge Messi’s condition is improving and expressed concern over recent rumors and misinformation about his health.

In their official statement, the family urged the public to rely only on verified information from them and to disregard unconfirmed reports. The emotional celebration following Messi’s first goal, where he looked skyward and appeared tearful, drew widespread attention on social media. Many fans interpreted the gesture as a prayer for his father’s recovery, though neither Messi nor his family has confirmed this interpretation.

The family’s clarification has added a personal dimension to Messi’s on-field triumph, highlighting the emotional balance between professional glory and private concern.

Police in Khagrachhari’s Guimara upazila have arrested a 38-year-old man named Mrasa Marma for allegedly raping a hill woman. The arrest took place on Thursday in the Kukichhara area of Hafchhari Union with the help of local residents. The victim’s younger brother filed a case at Guimara Police Station following the incident.

According to the complaint, on June 13, Mrasa Marma and two unidentified accomplices took the woman to Chattogram’s Hathazari area, promising her a job at a company under Akij Group. She was allegedly raped there that night. The next day, she received treatment at Matiranga Upazila Health Complex but did not disclose the assault. Her condition later worsened, and after the incident spread on social media, she was admitted to Khagrachhari Modern District Hospital, where she remains under treatment in the gynecology ward.

The victim is a resident of a hilly area in the upazila, while the accused lives in the same region’s Baraitali area.

Two young men were killed when a train struck their motorcycle while they were crossing the railway line in Dudhpatila village of Damurhuda upazila, Chuadanga, on Thursday evening. Witnesses and local sources said the speeding train hit the motorcycle as it attempted to cross the tracks, killing both riders instantly at the scene.

Sub-inspector Jagadish Chandra Basu of Chuadanga Railway Police confirmed the incident, stating that two people died in the collision between the train and the motorcycle. The identities of the deceased were not immediately known. Police arrived at the scene to collect information and initiate necessary legal procedures.

In the same incident, a man named Abdul Kader, son of Rahidul Islam from Dudhpatila village, was injured. Details about his condition were not yet available at the time of reporting.

A Youth Dal activist named Shahidullah Russell, aged 41, died on Wednesday afternoon while receiving treatment under prison custody at Comilla Medical College Hospital. He had been arrested on May 10 from Shasanpara village in Lalmai upazila with 102 yaba pills and was sent to Comilla Central Jail the following day. Prison authorities stated that Russell had been suffering from pneumonia and other illnesses before his incarceration. After his condition worsened, he was transferred to the hospital on June 17, where he died around 3 p.m. The body was handed over to his family after autopsy.

Russell was a resident of Perul Uttar Union in Lalmai upazila and an active member of the local Youth Dal. His wife, Halima Akter, alleged that he had been falsely implicated in the drug case and denied proper care. Lalmai Upazila BNP General Secretary Yusuf Ali Mir Pintu described Russell as a dedicated party worker and called for an investigation into any irregularities or conspiracy surrounding his arrest and death.

Authorities have not yet announced any formal inquiry into the circumstances of his death.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis leaders have strongly condemned remarks made in the National Parliament about their party chief Allama Mamunul Haque by a BNP-aligned Member of Parliament and subsequent comments by the Speaker. In a joint statement issued on Thursday night, Senior Nayeb-e-Ameer Maulana Yusuf Ashraf and Secretary General Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmad said the discussion about Haque in Parliament, despite his absence, reflected political fear and attempts to revive old propaganda.

The leaders stated that Haque had been acquitted by a court in a politically motivated case filed during the Awami League government and that national newspapers had reported on his innocence. They criticized the Speaker for calling the matter an “extramarital affair” and a “dark chapter,” describing the remarks as uninformed and contradictory to her constitutional neutrality. They urged the Speaker to withdraw her comments, issue a public clarification, and apologize to the nation.

The statement warned that failure to do so would make the Speaker responsible for public outrage. Youth Majlis also planned protest marches in Dhaka and other areas against the remarks made in Parliament.