The Karatulab Khan Mosque, located in Begumbazar of Old Dhaka, stands as a significant example of Mughal-era architecture in Bengal. Built between 1701 and 1704 by Murshid Quli Khan, who was appointed as the Diwan of Bengal by Emperor Aurangzeb in 1700, the mosque is notable for its five domes, octagonal corner towers, and a rare 'baoli' or stepwell. The structure, made of brick, sand, and lime, combines religious function with architectural artistry.

Researchers note that Murshid Quli Khan’s long service in the Deccan region before arriving in Bengal influenced the mosque’s design, particularly the inclusion of the baoli, which is uncommon in Bengal’s mosque architecture. The mosque’s balanced proportions, decorative arches, and restrained ornamentation emphasize structural beauty over lavish embellishment.

More than three centuries old, the Karatulab Khan Mosque remains a valuable monument of Dhaka’s history and Mughal heritage. Its unique architectural blend and historical significance make it an enduring symbol of the city’s cultural and artistic legacy.

Algeria delivered a major statement ahead of the upcoming World Cup by defeating the Netherlands 1-0 in their final preparation match. The game, held just before the tournament, saw winger Anis Haj Moussa score the decisive goal in the 86th minute after a solo effort from the right flank. It was the 24-year-old’s first international goal, achieved against players from his club’s home country, as he represents Dutch side Feyenoord.

Goalkeeper Luca Zidane, son of football legend Zinedine Zidane, was instrumental in the victory, producing a flawless performance by saving all five shots on target from the Dutch. Wearing a protective mask due to a recent facial injury, his display may have settled Algeria’s debate over their first-choice goalkeeper. The Netherlands dominated the first half, but Algeria turned the tide after the break, inspired by their supporters.

Algeria will open their World Cup campaign against defending champions Argentina, with Austria and Jordan also in their group. The Netherlands, meanwhile, will play Uzbekistan in another friendly before the tournament.

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza over the past 24 hours have killed 11 people and injured 32 others, according to a statement from Gaza’s Health Ministry. The ministry said that many victims remain trapped under rubble or stranded on roadsides, where ambulances and civil defense teams have been unable to reach them.

Since the ceasefire took effect in October 2025, Israeli attacks have killed 947 people and injured 2,935, while 781 bodies have been recovered from the ruins across the Gaza Strip. The ongoing violence continues to strain emergency services and worsen humanitarian conditions in the enclave.

A Gaza-based human rights group, Ad-Damir, reported that more than 9,500 Palestinians have gone missing since Israeli assaults began in October 2023, including around 4,700 women and children, highlighting the scale of the crisis.

Cracks have appeared in several parts of the Valuka Model Mosque and Islamic Cultural Center in Mymensingh before its official inauguration, sparking anger and concern among local residents and worshippers. The mosque is part of a national project under the Ministry of Religious Affairs to build 560 model mosques and cultural centers across Bangladesh, with each costing around 15 to 17 crore taka depending on design and location. The Valuka mosque was built by contractor Rajib Chowdhury of Naima Rahman Construction.

On-site inspection revealed multiple cracks and raised questions about construction quality. Locals alleged that the contractor attempted to conceal the cracks through surface repairs before handover. The mosque’s verification committee, led by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Firoz Hossain, has not yet accepted the building. The Upazila Engineer reported finding several defects and said repairs were underway before a final report is submitted.

Officials from the Public Works Department stated that the contractor was instructed to fix the flaws and that handover will proceed only after the structure is verified as defect-free.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat has dismissed as false the allegations that valuables were stolen from 150 pieces of luggage belonging to returning Hajj pilgrims at Dhaka airport. Speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat’s PID conference room, he said an investigation found no evidence of theft or irregularities. The allegations had surfaced on social media, prompting immediate instructions from the Prime Minister to verify the claims.

Millat stated that CCTV footage showed no mishandling of luggage, and the entire offloading and distribution process was completed within an hour. He emphasized that the ministry called the press briefing to clarify misinformation spread online and to ensure factual reporting. The minister added that the aviation authority submitted a report and video evidence confirming that no theft occurred.

He further noted that over 78,000 pilgrims traveled smoothly this year, with no major issues reported. The government expressed satisfaction with the successful management of Hajj operations and apologized for any minor inconveniences faced by returning pilgrims.

The government of Bangladesh is considering exempting two categories of electricity consumers—lifeline (marginal) and first-step users—from the recently announced price increase. The Power Development Board (PDB) has already applied to the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) to keep electricity rates unchanged for these groups. BERC sources confirmed that a revised decision on this matter could be issued soon.

On Wednesday, BERC had announced a record hike in electricity prices across all consumer categories. The wholesale rate was raised by an average of 19.85 percent, transmission charges by 23.96 percent, and retail consumer rates by 16.68 percent. Under the new rates, lifeline users consuming 0–50 units were to pay Tk 5.32 per unit, while first-step users consuming 0–75 units were to pay Tk 6.18 per unit, effective from June.

If approved, the exemption would maintain previous rates for these two consumer groups, providing relief to lower-income households affected by the recent price adjustments.

BNP Secretary General and Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the party aims to move forward following the path shown by late President Ziaur Rahman. He made the remarks on Thursday at a discussion and newspaper exhibition titled “Ziaur Rahman’s Independent and Neutral Diplomacy in the Current Context,” organized by the Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB) at its auditorium to mark the 45th anniversary of Ziaur Rahman’s death. Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan presided over the event.

Mirza Fakhrul stated that Ziaur Rahman rebuilt the nation during a time of crisis by uniting political forces and promoting national unity. He emphasized that Ziaur Rahman wanted Bangladesh to be self-reliant and not dependent on any other country, which made him popular among ordinary citizens. Fakhrul added that current BNP leadership under Tarique Rahman reflects Ziaur Rahman’s ideals.

Speakers including economist Dr. Mushtaq Khan and journalist Abu Rushd discussed Ziaur Rahman’s political philosophy, foreign policy, and contributions to state-building during the event.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has accused the United States and Israel of conspiring to sow internal division in Iran after failing in military confrontations. In a written message delivered on Thursday to mark the 37th death anniversary of Imam Khomeini, founder of the Islamic Republic, Khamenei urged national unity to thwart what he described as enemy plots. The commemoration event took place at Imam Khomeini’s mausoleum in southern Tehran, attended by millions of people.

Khamenei said the US-led “oppressive system” cannot tolerate a strong and independent Iran, describing Israel as a “fabricated base” of that system. He claimed that the enemies, humiliated by military failures, are now waging a hybrid war using doubt, despair, fear, and division as their main tools. He warned that any speech or action spreading frustration or confusion among the public indirectly serves enemy objectives.

The message, reported by Al Jazeera, emphasized unity as essential to counter external interference and maintain Iran’s internal stability.

An article published on June 4, 2026, highlights the life and scholarship of historian Abdul Karim, who reshaped the understanding of medieval Bengal. Rejecting royal chronicles as the sole focus of history, Karim explored the lived experiences of people, the evolution of language, and the transformation of Bengal’s society during the Muslim rule. His research drew from inscriptions, manuscripts, and travel accounts to reveal a vibrant, complex medieval Bengal rather than a dark or foreign-dominated era.

Karim’s balanced approach challenged two dominant narratives—one portraying the medieval period as an age of conquest and another as pure glory. He emphasized coexistence, cultural fusion, and the local character of Bengal’s development. His works, including studies on national, regional, social, and literary history, as well as numismatics and translations, have become essential references for researchers and students.

The article notes that in today’s polarized debates over history, revisiting Karim’s work is crucial. His method of truth-seeking over partisanship continues to inspire new generations to view Bangladesh’s past through its own soil and people.

Bangladeshi-origin American musician and DJ Sanjoy has been selected to perform at the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2026. He is also featured on the tournament’s official album, marking a proud moment for Bangladesh. Sanjoy shared the news on his social media, describing it as the realization of a long-cherished dream. Raised in San Jose, United States, he said he spent countless hours practicing music while growing up between two cultures.

Sanjoy expressed pride in being part of the official World Cup album, saying one of his songs will be included in the soundtrack of the world’s biggest sporting event. He described the achievement as incredible and viewed it not only as a personal success but also as an inspiration for young dreamers. The song, titled “Sir Sir,” features Bollywood star Nora Fatehi and French artist Vezedric.

With this inclusion, Bangladesh’s name will be represented on the global stage of football and music through Sanjoy’s contribution.

Education Minister Dr. Ehsanul Haque Milan announced that the government is implementing multiple initiatives to make children’s education more enjoyable. Speaking on Thursday at the inauguration of the National Primary School Gold Cup Football Tournament 2026 in Mirpur, Dhaka, he said every primary school in the country will provide mid-day meals within this year to prevent malnutrition among students. He also stated that within two months, all schoolchildren will receive uniforms.

The minister emphasized that the Prime Minister envisions a joyful education system where children learn through play and creativity. To support this, sports are being integrated into the curriculum to encourage physical activity and enthusiasm among students. He highlighted that over 65,000 institutions are participating in the tournament, which he described as a record-setting event.

Dr. Milan added that under the fifth primary education plan, no school will remain without a building, mid-day meal, or student uniform. He expressed hope that these measures will help build the future Bangladesh envisioned by the Prime Minister.

US Senator Chris Van Hollen has called for the release of a 20-year-old American citizen, Sama Safi, who was detained by Israeli forces from Birzeit University in the occupied West Bank. According to Van Hollen, Israeli security personnel entered Safi’s home around 3 a.m. and took her away without explanation, despite her informing them of her US citizenship.

In a video message posted on X, Van Hollen criticized the Israeli government and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration for their treatment of US citizens while receiving American taxpayer funding. He also alleged that previous incidents involving the deaths of US citizens at the hands of Israeli settlers and soldiers had gone without accountability.

Human rights organizations described the arrests of Palestinian students as part of an intimidation campaign aimed at pressuring Palestinian communities. Israeli authorities have not yet issued any response to the senator’s statement or the reported detentions.

Police in Dhaka’s Mirpur area recovered the decomposed body of 75-year-old Nurjahan Begum from a filthy apartment on Sunday. The flat, filled with garbage and fungus, belonged to her daughter, a schoolteacher who lived with her. Officers said the daughter’s speech appeared incoherent, raising questions about her mental health. Nurjahan’s other children include a joint secretary and a university teacher. The body was later handed over to her son after autopsy.

Images and videos of the unhygienic room went viral on social media, prompting widespread anger and calls for punishment of the children for alleged neglect. A High Court petition has been filed seeking an investigation into possible human rights violations. State Minister for Public Administration Md Abdul Bari said the joint secretary son has been removed from his post pending inquiry.

The incident has renewed discussion about Bangladesh’s 2013 Parents Maintenance Act, which mandates that capable children must provide food, shelter, medical care, and companionship to their parents or face fines or imprisonment.

Four migrant workers were burned alive on Monday at a gas station in Calabria, southern Italy. Surveillance footage captured two individuals pouring petrol into a car, locking the doors, and setting it on fire. One person managed to escape and later spoke to Italian media about the attack, which has shocked the country.

The survivor, 35-year-old Mohammad Taj Alamayar from Afghanistan, said he and four others from Afghanistan and Pakistan worked in the region picking strawberries. He claimed the violence erupted after they asked their employers about unpaid wages. Alamayar alleged that the attackers were Pakistani drug traffickers linked to Italian organized crime groups.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the killings in a social media post on Wednesday, stating that the government would not back down in the face of violence and that all responsible must be brought to justice.

At least three people were killed and seven others injured in a Ukrainian attack on Russian-controlled Crimea, according to Moscow-backed local authorities on Thursday. The strike occurred in Simferopol, where several non-residential buildings were hit. Emergency services were deployed to the site, said Sergei Aksyonov, the Moscow-appointed head of Crimea’s administration.

The attack came a day after Ukraine targeted fuel and military facilities in Russia’s St. Petersburg, where the annual St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) was underway. The event was expected to host around 20,000 delegates from 130 countries, with Russian President Vladimir Putin scheduled to deliver a keynote speech on Friday.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov warned of a “systematic” response to Ukraine’s strikes. Black smoke was seen over St. Petersburg following Wednesday’s attack, visible even from the forum venue.