Leaders of the Independent Ebtedayee Madrasa Teachers’ Alliance have warned of stern action, including a sit-in protest in front of the National Press Club starting August 17, if the government fails to nationalize independent Ebtedayee madrasas. Speaking at a discussion held at the National Press Club on Tuesday, the alliance acknowledged the government’s recent proposal to allocate Tk 728 crore in the upcoming budget for Ebtedayee madrasas, extending their appreciation. However, they stressed that teachers have been facing discrimination and deprivation for the past four decades. They pointed out that despite providing unpaid education for years, the government has yet to grant them fair treatment. The speakers urged the government to initiate the nationalization process by August 15. Failing that, they vowed to launch large-scale protests involving teachers from across the country.

Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed has formed 49 benches to resume judicial proceedings in the High Court Division after the vacation period. The sessions will begin on Sunday, June 22, at 10:30 AM. The Supreme Court’s website published the order on June 17, detailing the composition of 28 division benches and 21 single benches along with their judicial jurisdictions. This move ensures the smooth continuation of court activities following the recess.

At a protest rally in Pallabi, Dhaka, BNP leader Aminul Haque emphasized the party's desire for a democratic environment through fair, festive elections. Citing the 31-point reform plan by acting chairman Tarique Rahman, he called for institutional reforms. Haque highlighted the people’s 17-year struggle for free elections and stressed peaceful coexistence and freedom of expression. He also vowed justice for recent killings if BNP assumes power. The event was organized by SPGRC Kurmitola and the Urdu-Speaking Youth Student Movement.

Bangladesh has reported two more deaths from COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, along with 18 new infections. According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the deceased include one male and one female, aged between 41-50 and 71-80, respectively. So far this year, seven people have died from COVID-19 in Bangladesh, with a total of 331 confirmed cases. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and urge citizens to remain cautious.

Government employees at the Bangladesh Secretariat continued protests on Tuesday, demanding the repeal of the Government Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025. The ordinance allows dismissal without departmental proceedings for certain offenses, which employees call repressive. Protesters, led by the Secretariat Officers and Employees Unity Forum, issued an ultimatum to the government, warning of divisional conferences and a larger movement if demands are unmet. Memorandums were submitted to ministry advisors, and slogans denouncing the law were chanted during rallies and marches inside the Secretariat.

Iran has continued launching missile strikes on Israel even after losing top military commanders, surprising Israeli defense officials. According to U.S. analyst Trita Parsi, Israel underestimated Iran’s ability to recover and maintain operational control. Iranian missiles have reportedly breached multiple layers of Israel’s air defense. Early Monday, fresh attacks on Tel Aviv and Haifa killed at least five people and injured many more. The Middle East remains tense as both nations engage in ongoing, deadly exchanges of fire.

Former US President Donald Trump has claimed that the whereabouts of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei are known to the United States. In a social media post, Trump said, "We know where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ Khamenei is hiding. He’s an easy target, and he’s currently safe there—we won’t kill him, at least not yet." Trump also added that the US does not want missiles fired at civilians or military personnel, warning that America’s patience is wearing thin. "Thank you for paying attention," he concluded. In an earlier post, Trump asserted that the United States has achieved "full control" over Iran's airspace.

In a deeply disturbing incident, police in India’s Odisha state have arrested 10 individuals in connection with the alleged gang rape of a college student at Gopalpur Beach in the Ganjam district. The assault reportedly took place in the presence of the victim’s male friend, who was tied up and restrained during the attack. According to police sources, the student had gone to the beach with her friend when they were ambushed. The shocking nature of the crime has sparked outrage across Odisha, with growing public criticism over the role and preparedness of local law enforcement and administration. Authorities have confirmed that the suspects are currently being interrogated as part of the ongoing investigation.

Ali Mohammad Rashed, the controversial Officer-in-Charge of Gacha Police Station under Gazipur Metropolitan Police, has been transferred after nine months following multiple serious allegations. These include bribery, releasing suspects in exchange for money, case manipulation, extortion, and aiding in illegal land grabs. He has been reassigned to the Detective Branch (DB) North Division. Inspector Aminul Islam will now serve as the new OC. Reports from media and a police intelligence agency confirmed the allegations, prompting the decision by GMP headquarters.

The Supreme Court of Bangladesh has published the full 229-page verdict in the Holey Artisan attack case, sentencing seven militants to life imprisonment until death. Originally sentenced to death in 2019 by a trial court, the High Court commuted their sentences, citing the brutality of the 2016 attack and its global impact on Bangladesh’s image. The militants were part of Neo-JMB and killed 22 people, including foreigners, in the Dhaka café siege. Two police officers also died during the rescue operation.

Iran has announced it intercepted 28 Israeli aircraft over the past 24 hours, including a spy drone allegedly gathering intelligence on sensitive locations. The Iranian military claimed the drone was conducting reconnaissance missions but was successfully neutralized. This follows a series of similar claims by Tehran in recent weeks. However, Israel has consistently denied such reports, stating that no aircraft or crew have been lost during operations. The latest claim was reported by Qatar-based media outlet Al Jazeera on Tuesday night, June 17.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan warned that Israel’s attack on Iran has triggered a spiral of violence, endangering the entire region’s security. In a phone call with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Erdoğan stressed that the region cannot endure another war. He emphasized the importance of diplomacy and urged a return to talks to resolve Iran’s nuclear issue. He also warned that the crisis must not overshadow Gaza’s humanitarian disaster, as it could escalate risks in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed deep concern over Israel's recent attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities, warning of severe long-term health and environmental consequences. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the risk to civilians, especially children, due to rising violence. The IAEA also confirmed damage at Iran’s Natanz nuclear site, though no changes were observed at Isfahan and Fordow facilities. The international agencies are urging restraint to avoid further escalation and to protect public health and environmental safety across the region.

A missile attack by Iran on June 14 severely damaged the Haifa oil refinery, one of Israel's largest fuel processing centers, leading to a looming fuel crisis. Fuel distributor Sonol announced it must significantly reduce or even halt fuel supply due to the situation. The economic impact is already being felt, as vital infrastructure suffers. The Israeli business outlet Calcalist reported that the attack forced Sonol to make this decision, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions.

A Chattogram court has ordered the imprisonment of Narayan Chandra Nath, former secretary of the Chattogram Education Board, in connection with a case involving the forgery of his son's SSC examination results. The court issued the order on Tuesday after rejecting Nath’s bail plea. According to reports, while serving as secretary of the board, Nath’s son, Nakshatra Debnath, sat for the SSC examination in 2023 from a private college. He reportedly obtained a GPA of 5. However, the result raised concerns among several teachers, prompting an investigation. A probe committee later confirmed that the results were manipulated, leading to legal action against the former secretary.