Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will embark on his first bilateral visit to China from June 22 to 26, following a stop in Malaysia. The visit, which includes meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, aims to establish a new foundation for Dhaka–Beijing political and strategic relations. More than ten memoranda of understanding and three agreements are expected to be signed, covering cooperation in education, human resource development, agriculture, trade, investment, artificial intelligence, media, communication, and development assistance.

Senior diplomats and analysts describe the trip as highly significant amid ongoing tensions in Dhaka–Delhi relations and debates over a recent trade deal with the United States. Bangladesh is expected to express support for China’s position on Taiwan and may announce participation in the Global Development Initiative. Discussions could also include Bangladesh’s interest in joining RCEP, BRICS, and the SCO, as well as cooperation on the Teesta River project.

Preparations for the visit are ongoing, with multiple meetings held between the Chinese embassy and Bangladesh’s foreign ministry. Observers view the trip as both a strategic and economic opportunity for Bangladesh to secure political backing and potential financial support from China.

At least 25 of Bangladesh’s 59 public universities have seen new vice-chancellors appointed since the BNP government took office, with reports indicating that political considerations have outweighed academic merit. The appointments began within a month of the new administration’s formation, replacing many who were appointed by the post-uprising interim government. Critics claim that the government is prioritizing party loyalty over qualifications, with several new vice-chancellors linked to BNP-affiliated teacher organizations such as Zia Parishad and the Sada Dal.

The Education Ministry’s search committee, reconstituted in April, is formally responsible for recommending candidates, but its procedures have reportedly not been consistently followed. Protests and controversies have erupted at several universities, including Begum Rokeya and Jamalpur Science and Technology, where appointments were quickly reversed. Opposition parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, have condemned the mass replacements as politically motivated.

The BNP’s election manifesto had pledged merit-based recruitment in public institutions, but the recent wave of politically aligned appointments has raised doubts about that commitment. Education experts have urged adherence to ethical and legal standards in university leadership selection.

Former U.S. President Barack Obama has said the current situation in the United States is worse than it was before the start of the Iran war. In an interview with NBC News ahead of the inauguration of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago on Friday, he expressed concern over the heavy costs of the conflict, including billions of dollars spent, pressure on the military, and loss of lives, while achieving no tangible results.

Obama criticized the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the JCPOA, arguing that it allowed Iran to expand its nuclear capabilities. Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President JD Vance claimed that the peace plan has weakened Iran’s conventional military power and reduced fuel prices, though his postponed trip to Switzerland has created uncertainty over new talks. Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that Tehran’s red lines must be respected in any future negotiations.

Oil transport disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have raised global market concerns, with ExxonMobil’s senior vice president Neil Chapman warning that prices could rise to $150–160 per barrel if strategic reserves fall critically low.

Iran and the United States have signed a memorandum of understanding that reopened the Hormuz Strait after months of closure. Despite this development, analysts warn that the global oil crisis is far from over. Data from analytics firm Kpler show that about 1.15 billion barrels of oil have been lost from global supply during the conflict, leaving the market fragile and near collapse.

The International Energy Agency reports that global oil reserves are now at their lowest since 1990, while U.S. emergency reserves have hit a 43-year low. At the G7 summit in Versailles, U.S. President Donald Trump warned that American reserves could run out within four weeks if the strait had remained closed. Although oil prices have dropped below 80 dollars per barrel from a wartime high of 126.41 dollars, experts caution that prices may rise again as supply recovery will be slow.

According to the IEA, even with an additional daily output of five million barrels, it could take nearly a year to restore lost supply. Some analysts, however, believe OPEC Plus members are eager to boost production, suggesting the crisis may ease within weeks.

A 14-year-old school student named Md. Mahim Sheikh died after being electrocuted while putting up a Brazil flag in Gafargaon, Mymensingh. The incident occurred on Friday evening in Dakshin Harina village under Paikbag Union of the upazila’s Pagla Police Station area. Mahim was the son of Md. Nayon Sheikh and a student of class eight at Paikbag Islamia High School.

According to police and family sources, Mahim had earlier erected a bamboo pole to hoist the Brazil flag. A few days later, the pole tilted, and while he was trying to straighten it on Friday, it came into contact with a nearby 33 kV power line. He was electrocuted and collapsed on the ground. Locals rescued him and took him first to Gafargaon Upazila Health Complex and later to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

The report did not mention any further investigation or official statement regarding the incident.

Intelligence agencies have reported that the banned Awami League is allegedly planning nationwide unrest and sabotage on June 23, coinciding with its founding anniversary. The group is accused of preparing flash processions, cocktail explosions, and attacks in Dhaka, Savar, and Chattogram to create panic and disrupt public order. Security sources said at least 15 key points in Dhaka, including Motijheel, Dhanmondi, and Mirpur, have been identified for coordinated disturbances.

According to the report, 16 individuals, including former leaders of affiliated organizations such as the Chhatra League, Jubo League, and Krishak League, are coordinating the plan, with a Dhaka city councillor named as a main financier. Recent small-scale explosions in Dhaka, Chattogram, and Meherpur are described as trial runs. A parallel attempt to stir religious tension through a Ram Mandir issue in Gaibandha’s Palashbari has also been linked to the alleged plan.

Police officials stated that strict security measures are in place, with checkpoints and additional forces deployed across the capital. Law enforcement has adopted a zero-tolerance policy to prevent any banned organization from taking to the streets.

The Bangladesh Azad Party organized a peaceful torch procession in Dhaka on Friday, June 19, protesting what it described as India’s continued anti-Bangladesh activities. The march began at 7:30 p.m. in front of the RAOWA Convention Hall in Mohakhali and proceeded along Felani Avenue toward the Indian High Commission. Participants included the party’s central leaders, representatives from various political, social, and professional organizations, and a large number of citizens.

Speakers at the rally included Hasinur Rahman, president of the Bangladesh Azad Party; Colonel (Retd.) Oli Ahmed, president of the Liberal Democratic Party; Rashed Pradhan, spokesperson of JAGPA; Major Akhtaruzzaman; Barrister Shahriar Kabir; A.B. Zobayer; and DAKSU representatives. They declared that the people of Bangladesh would not accept any form of foreign dominance or interference in the country’s sovereignty and called for national unity to safeguard national interests.

The speakers emphasized the need to implement the Azad Party’s declared 11-point demands and urged patriotic citizens to actively participate in future programs aimed at establishing an independent and dignified Bangladesh.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has canceled his planned visit to the United States following remarks made by U.S. President Donald Trump about Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Tajani described Trump’s comments as insulting and withdrew from a scheduled meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The meeting was intended to strengthen cooperation on economic security and critical minerals. Meloni also rejected Trump’s claims, calling them completely fabricated and expressing surprise at his behavior toward allies.

The diplomatic tension arose after Trump told Italy’s La7 TV that Meloni had pleaded with him for a photo during the recent G7 summit in France. Meloni responded in a video message posted on social media, saying that neither she nor Italy ever begs anyone. She criticized Trump for showing leniency toward adversaries while being harsh on Western allies.

This dispute follows earlier public disagreements between the two right-wing leaders over international issues, including the Iran conflict, which had already strained their once-close relationship.

Norwegian football star Erling Braut Haaland was spotted roaming the streets of New York in disguise after his team’s emphatic 4–1 win over Iraq in their first World Cup match. The 25-year-old striker, known for his trademark long blond hair, hid his identity with a light-colored baseball cap and dark sunglasses while visiting Times Square and Katz’s Deli with his girlfriend, Isabel Haugseng Johansen. Few recognized the Manchester City forward as he blended in among tourists and locals.

Following Norway’s return to the World Cup after 28 years, coach Ståle Solbakken granted players two days off to relieve mental pressure before their next match against Senegal at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Haaland shared photos of his disguised outing on Snapchat, joking that hiding his hair worked best. Solbakken viewed the relaxed mood of his players positively, emphasizing the importance of short breaks for mental refreshment.

Fans have responded with delight to Haaland’s playful adventure, which added a lighthearted moment to Norway’s promising World Cup campaign.

ATM Azharul Islam, central committee member and Nayeb-e-Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, alleged that government ministers are spreading false information in the national parliament. Speaking on Friday night at a gathering organized by the Lohani Para Union Jamaat in Badarganj, Rangpur, he said ministers often present untrue statements and defend them with misleading arguments. He warned that such actions could erode public trust in elected representatives and urged all lawmakers to speak truthfully both inside and outside parliament.

Azharul Islam also criticized the government’s handling of Islami Bank, claiming that previous and current administrations attempted to take control of the bank and misuse its funds. He accused a minister of presenting false information in parliament regarding the bank’s loans. Additionally, he alleged election manipulation by the Election Commission, failure to meet promises made to the July Movement, and widespread extortion by ruling party activists that he said was driving up commodity prices.

He further urged parents to monitor their children’s activities and called for stronger action against drug syndicates allegedly linked to ruling party figures.

Police in Jhenaidah arrested three individuals, including the headteacher of AJ International School and a local BNP leader, with 300 yaba pills during a raid on Friday afternoon. The operation took place in the Dakbangla Bazar area of Jhenaidah Sadar upazila following a tip-off about drug trading activities.

The detainees were identified as Abdul Malek, 45, headteacher of AJ International School and joint secretary of Saghanna Union BNP; Ayub Hossain, 46, from the same village; and Tanvir Ahmed alias Rupom, 35, son of Saduhati Union BNP vice-president Abdur Rahman Kamal. Police said they observed the suspects’ movements before conducting the raid and apprehending them with the yaba tablets.

According to local sources, Abdul Malek is also a former leader of the Jhenaidah Government KC College unit of the BNP’s student wing. The arrests link local political figures to alleged drug trading activities in the district.

Maulana Abdul Halim, Assistant Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and regional director for Rangpur-Dinajpur, has called on the government to quickly implement the promises made to the public regarding the referendum held before the national election. Speaking on Friday afternoon at the closing session of a two-day workers’ training camp in Syedpur, Nilphamari, he warned that failure to act could lead to renewed public movements demanding enforcement of the people’s verdict.

Halim stated that both the national election and the referendum were conducted under the same presidential order, and ignoring the 70 percent public mandate for reform would amount to deception and insult to the people. He added that government ministers and lawmakers were becoming disconnected from citizens due to disregard for public opinion. Addressing party workers, he urged them to verify information before reacting and to remain vigilant against misinformation.

The event was presided over by Syedpur city Jamaat chief Sharafuddin Khan and attended by several regional and national Jamaat leaders, including MPs and organizational secretaries from Nilphamari.

Dr. Abdul Moin Khan, chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Planning Ministry, said that former president Ziaur Rahman initiated the continuity of agricultural production in Bangladesh. Speaking on Friday morning at the Farmers’ Partner Congress organized by the Department of Agriculture in Palash, Narsingdi, he stated that Ziaur Rahman made the country self-sufficient in food and created the capacity to export after meeting domestic demand.

Moin Khan added that the modernization of agriculture, the increase in high-yield rice production, and the achievement of food self-sufficiency were possible due to initiatives started by Ziaur Rahman. He also mentioned that the current generation of leadership is advancing the country following Ziaur Rahman’s development philosophy. To improve farmers’ livelihoods, a canal excavation program has been relaunched to boost agricultural output.

He further noted that the obstruction of river and canal flows has affected agricultural production, and efforts are underway to restore these flows to enrich agriculture. The event concluded with certificate distribution, seed and fertilizer handouts, and financial aid for farmers’ medical support.

Football fans in Mongla, Bagerhat, have launched festive celebrations ahead of the World Cup. On Friday afternoon, supporters of Brazil organized a colorful rally in the Mongla Port Municipality area to express their love and support for their favorite team. The rally, which began at 5 p.m., paraded through key streets of the town, creating a lively and joyous atmosphere.

Participants carried Brazil’s national flags, jerseys, and colorful banners while chanting slogans and singing in support of the team. Fans of all ages joined the event, turning the town into a vibrant sea of yellow and green. Several supporters said Brazil represents beauty, creativity, and joy in football, and they expressed hope for the team’s strong performance in the tournament.

The rally concluded with fans wishing success for Brazil in the World Cup and expressing optimism that the festive spirit would continue throughout the tournament.

At least 47 people were killed and 97 others injured in a series of Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. The attacks took place from midnight until Friday afternoon, with the deadliest strike reported in the Harouf area, where nine people, including three women, were killed and 14 others wounded.

Additional casualties were reported in several other areas. Six people, including a woman and a child, were killed in Al-Duweire, seven in Habboush, and three, including a child, in Arab Salim. Three more deaths occurred near Baalbek in Tal Abyad. Other affected locations included Al-Sharkiyah, Kfarsir, Al-Qatrani, Nabatieh, Deir Al-Zahrani, Kfar Roummane, Kfar Jawz, Jebchit, Kakaiyat Al-Jisr, Adshit, Al-Raihan, Abba, Al-Abbasiya, and Ain Bourday.

The Health Ministry further reported that since Israeli attacks began on March 2, a total of 3,980 people have been killed and 12,001 injured across Lebanon.