British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has condemned comments made by Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who posted on X that “all of Lebanon must burn” following the killing of four Israeli soldiers in a Hezbollah attack. Cooper described the remarks as “horrendous and abhorrent” in her own post on Friday.

Ben-Gvir’s statement also rejected a peace agreement between the United States and Iran, declaring that Israel “is not subordinate to the United States” and calling for Lebanon to be “obliterated.” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded by saying the comments were not a random outburst but a public declaration by a senior Israeli official, calling Israel a “threat to all of humanity.” Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz separately stated that 200,000 displaced residents of southern Lebanon would not be allowed to return, while Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich urged to “open the gates of hell” in Lebanon.

According to Lebanese authorities, Israel’s offensive against Hezbollah, which began on March 2, 2026, has displaced more than 1.2 million people and killed over 1,200 in Lebanon.

The Association of Private Universities of Bangladesh has expressed deep concern over the government's decision to retain the existing 10 percent income tax on private universities in the national budget. In a statement signed by the association’s director Belal Ahmed, the organization called on the government to reconsider the tax policy in the interest of students and the higher education sector.

According to the statement, the association had earlier presented the rationale for withdrawing the tax to the Ministry of Education, the University Grants Commission, the National Board of Revenue, and other policymakers, but no positive response was received. It noted that private universities already pay significant amounts in VAT and other taxes for infrastructure, technology, laboratories, and educational services. The additional 10 percent income tax, the association warned, would hinder institutional development and indirectly increase the cost of higher education for students.

The association emphasized that private universities operate as non-profit entities under existing law, and imposing income tax raises a policy question internationally. It urged authorities to view investment in education as a long-term investment in human resource development rather than an expense.

Prime Minister’s Adviser and Spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office, Mahdi Amin, announced that more than 65,000 schools participated in this year’s Primary School Gold Cup tournament. He made the statement on Saturday at the Army Stadium in Dhaka after the final match of the event. According to him, the tournament saw participation from 1.1 million boys and 1.1 million girls, totaling 2.2 million students, with over 123,000 matches played across the country.

Mahdi Amin described the tournament as possibly the largest football event of its kind in the world. He emphasized that under the Prime Minister’s leadership, the initiative reflects a vision for an education system that encourages both intellectual and moral development. He highlighted the importance of nurturing good citizenship, family values, and creativity through education, sports, and cultural activities.

He further stated that the government will continue to support all participants, ensuring opportunities for every child to express their hidden talents. The adviser congratulated both winners and participants, calling them the future builders of a prosperous Bangladesh.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has drawn renewed international attention as talks on easing economic sanctions between the United States and Iran gain momentum. Reports indicate that despite years of Western restrictions, the IRGC has maintained a strong presence across key sectors of Iran’s economy, including energy, construction, ports, shipping, telecommunications, and infrastructure development.

According to a report by The Times of Israel, any potential agreement between Washington and Tehran could boost foreign investment and oil exports in Iran. However, much of this economic activity is expected to flow through existing domestic networks where the IRGC holds significant influence. Analysts suggest that IRGC-linked companies could become essential partners for foreign investors due to Iran’s joint-venture business structure.

Experts warn that while sanctions relief could expand IRGC-affiliated business networks, Western companies may face legal and diplomatic risks because several countries classify the IRGC as a banned or terrorist organization. The potential deal could therefore reshape both Iran’s political relations and its internal economic power balance.

Road Transport Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam announced that direct train operations on the Pabna-Dhaka route will begin in August. He made the statement on Saturday evening at a meeting with government officials and local dignitaries at the Pabna Circuit House. The minister said locomotives for the route are ready, and new coaches are expected to arrive in July. Once the coaches are received, the direct service will start on a priority basis.

He added that two new train routes are planned to launch in August, starting with the Dhaka-Pabna service followed by the Dhaka-Khulna route. The minister also emphasized restoring discipline in the transport sector through coordinated efforts involving owners, workers, and all stakeholders, prioritizing public interest over any specific group.

Regarding the relocation of the Kazirhat ferry terminal, Robiul Alam stated that preliminary work has begun, including completion of the feasibility study and development project proposal. The government is committed to implementing the project promptly, considering its public importance and long-standing local demand.

Barishal Metropolitan Police conducted a special operation over the past 24 hours, resulting in the arrest of 77 individuals across the city. The information was confirmed through a press release from the BMP Media Cell. Separate operational teams from four police stations and the Detective Branch carried out the drives in different areas of Barishal.

According to police data, the arrests include 13 individuals with outstanding warrants, 57 in regular cases, six under the Barishal Metropolitan Ordinance, and one under other laws. The operation aimed to maintain law and order and suppress criminal activities within the city.

Barishal Kotwali Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Al Mamun Ul Islam stated that such operations will continue to ensure public safety and control crime in the metropolitan area.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled a new interim Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, a day after retiring the historic Boeing 747 that served U.S. presidents for over three decades. The aircraft, valued at $400 million and gifted by the government of Qatar, has sparked intense political and legal debate in Washington. Critics argue that accepting such a costly gift violates federal rules limiting gifts to $50 per source annually.

Trump dismissed the criticism, calling the offer too significant to reject, while a Pentagon spokesperson said the aircraft was accepted in compliance with federal regulations. The plane, named “VC-25B Bridge,” cost an additional $1 billion to convert for presidential use and will serve temporarily until two new presidential aircraft arrive in 2027 and 2028. Critics warn that the conversion costs could divert funds from the delayed Sentinel ICBM modernization program.

The aircraft, painted in red, white, blue, and gold, will lead a flyover during the July 4 celebrations marking America’s 250th Independence anniversary. It replaces the aging presidential fleet, one of which suffered a mechanical failure earlier this year.

Abdul Monayem Munna, president of Jubo Dal, alleged that Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizens Party (NCP) attempted to monopolize the July uprising, while BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman did not. Speaking at a brief rally before a protest march in Mahakhali, Dhaka, on Saturday, Munna said that during the one and a half years of the interim government, public trust in student organizations had declined. He claimed Jamaat later formed an alliance and portrayed itself as the sole force behind the fall of the fascist government between July 10 and August 5, 2024, though BNP had led the movement for 15 years under Tarique Rahman’s leadership from the UK.

Munna criticized Jamaat for alleged false statements in parliament and misconduct by its activists, asserting that Jubo Dal had always acted as a safeguard for the nation’s independence. He vowed that the organization would continue to confront future political challenges. Jubo Dal General Secretary and MP Nurul Islam Noyon warned that the group would not tolerate offensive remarks about the Prime Minister and urged members to remain alert to protect democracy.

The protest march began at Mahakhali kitchen market and concluded at Tejgaon’s Saat Rasta, featuring slogans against Jamaat-Shibir.

A human chain was held on Saturday, June 20, in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka demanding the arrest of the accused in the Salman Shah murder case and ensuring justice. The event was organized by 'Salman Shah Fans from All Districts' and attended by supporters from various parts of the country.

Speakers at the event alleged that despite the passage of a long time, the true mystery behind the popular actor Salman Shah’s death has not been revealed and justice has not been served. They urged authorities to arrest all accused immediately and conduct a transparent and impartial investigation to uncover the truth. Participants described Salman Shah as a bright star of Dhallywood whose untimely death left a deep void in fans’ hearts.

The human chain ended peacefully, with organizers announcing plans to continue their movement until justice is achieved.

A new erosion has occurred at the Teesta bridge protection embankment in Mahipur area of Gangachara upazila, Rangpur. The bamboo piling, built last year at a cost of Tk 1.4 million after about 100 meters of the embankment were lost to the river, has reportedly failed to prevent further damage. According to the Water Development Board and local sources, the opening of 44 gates of the Dalia Barrage has caused the Teesta River to flow near the danger level, intensifying currents that damaged the piling. Around 20 meters of the embankment have already collapsed, creating a 40-foot-deep crater.

The collapse has placed the second Teesta Bridge and the Rangpur–Lalmonirhat regional road at serious risk. This key route serves 30,000 to 35,000 commuters daily. Residents fear that continued erosion could completely cut off road connectivity, severely disrupting local transport. Locals, including farmers, have expressed frustration that no permanent solution has been implemented despite repeated losses of farmland.

Local officials said the situation is being reviewed and higher authorities have been informed for urgent action. Residents are demanding a durable embankment to protect the bridge and regional road from further destruction.

A major burglary took place at 'Karushree Jewellers' in Rajshahi’s Saheb Bazar Swarnapatti area, where thieves cut through a wall and stole around 200 tola of gold, 1,200 tola of silver, and Tk 2.5 million in cash. The incident is believed to have occurred sometime between Thursday night and Friday night. The burglars entered through a neighboring shop, 'Afiya Jewellers', by unlocking its shutter and then breaking through the adjoining wall to access Karushree Jewellers.

Following the theft, the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) announced an indefinite closure of all jewelry shops in Rajshahi, demanding the arrest of those involved and recovery of the stolen goods. BAJUS district president Md. Ashraful Islam Apu condemned the incident and called for immediate police action.

Police and forensic teams from Rajshahi Metropolitan Police visited the scene, collected evidence, and began analyzing CCTV footage. Boalia Model Police Station’s officer-in-charge Rabiul Islam said the investigation is being conducted seriously, with efforts underway to identify and apprehend the culprits using forensic and technological support.

A heated exchange broke out between Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon and senior United Nations officials during a high-level meeting in New York marking the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. The confrontation escalated when Danon demanded the resignation of Pramila Patten, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative, after a recent report listed Israel for the first time among countries accused of conflict-related sexual violence.

Vanessa Frazier, another UN official and author of a separate report on children and armed conflict, objected to Danon’s remarks, urging him to refrain from personal attacks. She defended the report’s findings as evidence-based. Frazier’s report highlighted violence and rights violations against Palestinian children and warned that Israeli settler groups could also face future blacklisting. UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the rise in such violations as deeply concerning.

Earlier, Israel had already been included in the UN’s so-called “list of shame” for violations against children, intensifying diplomatic tensions over the reports’ findings.

A violent dispute erupted among siblings over the burial site and inheritance following the death of Abdul Jalil Pandit in Rasulpur Union under Shashibhushan Police Station of Charfassion upazila, Bhola. The conflict involved the children of his five wives, leading to repeated clashes. Police were eventually deployed to ensure the burial took place under security at the family homestead on Wednesday night.

Local sources reported that Jalil Pandit died suddenly around 3 a.m. His children from previous marriages arrived demanding their share of inheritance, while his youngest daughter, Khadija Akter Smriti, claimed no property remained for division. The dispute intensified when Smriti’s former brother-in-law, Khokon, alleged that his earnings and gold were held by Jalil and Smriti, and he refused to allow burial until his assets were returned.

Police intervened after renewed clashes during the burial preparations. The body was buried under police guard in front of the house, as per the claim of the elder siblings. Authorities confirmed no written complaint had been filed yet but said legal action would follow if one is received.

At a divisional rally of an eleven-party alliance held at Khulna Circuit House grounds on Saturday, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish Amir Maulana Mamunul Haque said that the current government is burdened by the influence of Hasina and the Awami League. The event focused on demands to implement the referendum verdict, reduce public suffering, and control commodity prices.

Maulana Mamunul Haque accused the BNP of deceiving the public over the July certificate and referendum issue, claiming the party campaigned for a ‘no’ vote. He emphasized that political parties have a moral duty to implement the reform-oriented mandate given by the people. National Citizen Party chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari stated that Bangladesh faces three major struggles: implementing state reforms, protecting national sovereignty, and ensuring justice for the Awami League. He urged citizens to unite against corruption, extortion, and partisanship.

Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that the next revolution will aim to make Bangladesh stand tall as an independent and sovereign state.

At least 18 people were injured in a clash between supporters of the Awami League and the BNP in Boalia village of Falsi Union under Harinakundu upazila in Jhenaidah on Saturday morning. The confrontation reportedly stemmed from a dispute over fishing rights in a local pond and long-standing local rivalries. Police and local sources said the conflict first erupted on Friday afternoon when Rakibul Islam, brother of Falsi Union Parishad chairman and upazila Awami League vice-president Advocate Bazlur Rahman, was seriously injured.

Tensions flared again the next morning, leading to violent clashes between supporters of Bazlur Rahman and those of former UP member and BNP leader Mashiur Rahman. Both sides used local weapons, resulting in repeated chases and counter-chases that spread panic in the area. The injured were taken to Harinakundu Upazila Health Complex, Jhenaidah Sadar Hospital, and Kushtia Sadar Hospital, with several reported in critical condition.

Police later brought the situation under control and deployed additional forces to prevent further violence. Authorities said the situation is now stable and an investigation is underway.