Rice prices in Bangladesh have risen sharply ahead of the national budget announcement, with wholesale and retail prices increasing by up to 10 taka per kilogram over the past month. Traders attribute the surge to manipulation by mill owners and corporate groups, citing the suspension of import letters of credit (LCs) as a key factor. Consumers accuse a syndicate of creating an artificial shortage to raise prices, while mill owners claim reduced paddy supply and rising costs are driving the increase. Government officials, however, maintain that no commodity prices have risen due to the budget.

According to the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh, prices of fine, medium, and coarse rice varieties have increased by 1.29%, 2.50%, and 3.70% respectively in a month. Retailers in Dhaka’s major markets report that all rice types, including Miniket, Atash, and Nazirshail, have become costlier, alongside flour and soybean oil. The Consumer Rights Directorate and the Commerce Ministry have been urged to intensify monitoring to prevent hoarding and manipulation.

Officials from the Food Department said the government has sufficient reserves and can stabilize the market through imports and open market sales if necessary. The Commerce Ministry indicated that strict action may follow if syndicate activity is proven.

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha delivered a stunning performance in Atlanta, holding World Cup and European champions Spain to a goalless draw in the nation’s first-ever World Cup appearance. Spain took 27 shots, seven on target, but the 40-year-old goalkeeper repeatedly denied them, including key saves against Ferran Torres, Mikel Oyarzabal, and Aymeric Laporte. His efforts created one of the tournament’s biggest upsets and earned Cape Verde a historic point.

After the match, Vozinha broke down in tears, explaining that his emotion came from personal loss and hardship. He said he was raised by his grandparents, who had passed away years earlier, and that his mother could not attend the match due to visa complications and lack of funds. His story of perseverance and sacrifice resonated widely across the football world.

Former players and analysts praised Vozinha’s performance and composure. BBC analyst Pat Nevin called his display unbelievable, while former England defender Lee Dixon said he was deeply moved by the goalkeeper’s tears and Cape Verde’s deserved result.

Bangladesh’s only super specialized hospital, launched in 2022 in Dhaka’s Shahbagh with promises of world-class treatment at low cost, remains largely nonfunctional due to corruption, mismanagement, and severe staffing shortages. Despite being inaugurated before completion, most specialized services such as kidney and liver transplants, cardiology, and cancer care are inactive. The hospital, built at a cost of about Tk 1,560 crore with South Korean funding, now operates with minimal staff and limited services.

Multiple reports detail irregularities in recruitment, procurement, and training programs. The Anti-Corruption Commission found evidence of misuse of funds, fake recruitment, and sending unnecessary personnel abroad for training. Around 80 percent of medical equipment worth Tk 283 crore has never been used, and some have already deteriorated. Patients complain of high costs comparable to private hospitals despite poor service quality.

Officials say full operation requires new laws and large-scale recruitment. The administration is reviewing previous recruitment processes and exploring ways to engage expatriate Bangladeshi specialists, but no timeline has been set for full activation.

Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, spokesperson of the National Citizens Party (NCP), stated that the media should not serve as a mouthpiece for any ruler, political party, or power center, but remain loyal only to truth and the people. He made the remarks on Tuesday, June 16, through a Facebook post marking Bangladesh’s Press Black Day.

In his statement, Bhuiyan recalled that on this day in 1975, the BAKSAL government under Sheikh Mujibur Rahman shut down all newspapers except four, leaving thousands of journalists and press workers jobless and silencing the nation’s independent voice. He said that even after the fall of BAKSAL, press freedom in Bangladesh has repeatedly come under attack, particularly during the past 17 years under the Awami League government, which he accused of suppressing dissent and controlling the media.

Bhuiyan warned that if the current government continues similar practices, it would repeat past mistakes. He called on all governments to respect press freedom, emphasizing that any attack on media independence is an attack on democracy itself.

The long-delayed Chinese Economic Zone project in Chattogram’s Anwara upazila is being resubmitted for approval at the latest meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), chaired by Prime Minister and ECNEC Chairperson Tareq Rahman. The meeting will also consider five projects worth Tk 7,003.36 crore, including three new and two revised ones. The Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone project, under the Prime Minister’s Office, is among those awaiting approval.

The zone will be developed on about 800 acres in Belchura, near the Karnaphuli Tunnel, Chattogram Port, and Shah Amanat International Airport. Initiated in 2014 and formalized through a government-to-government deal with China in 2016, the project stalled due to financing and administrative delays. The Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) will handle offsite infrastructure, while China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) will manage internal development. The project is scheduled from January 2027 to December 2031, funded by Tk 1,722 crore from the government and Tk 2,467 crore in Chinese credit.

BEZA expects the project to create about 100,000 direct and 400,000 indirect jobs and attract around USD 500 million in foreign investment, though the Planning Commission has raised concerns over high construction costs.

The appeal hearing against the High Court verdict establishing a separate secretariat for the judiciary is scheduled to begin on September 1. The information was confirmed on June 16. The case stems from a writ petition filed by lawyer Shishir Monir on August 25 of the previous year, challenging Article 116 of the Constitution, which concerns the control and discipline of subordinate courts.

In the writ, the petitioner sought to place the authority over discipline, postings, promotions, and leave of magistrates under the Supreme Court. On September 1, the High Court declared Article 116 unconstitutional and directed the formation of a separate Supreme Court Secretariat within three months. Following the verdict, the secretariat began operating formally.

However, after the current government took office, the ordinance establishing the Supreme Court Secretariat was not enacted into law, resulting in its cancellation. The upcoming appeal hearing will determine the future of the judiciary’s administrative independence.

Australia has pledged to conduct an independent investigation into alleged Israeli abuse of activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, a Gaza-bound aid convoy. The announcement came after a meeting between representatives of the Global Movement to Gaza Aotearoa-Australia and senior Australian officials, including Foreign Minister Penny Wong, International Development Minister Anne Aly, the Australian Federal Police, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

According to the organization, the investigation will examine reports of assault, sexual abuse, and mistreatment of flotilla workers detained by Israeli forces in international waters. The flotilla was reportedly intercepted while en route to Gaza with humanitarian supplies.

Italy and France have already initiated their own investigations into Israel’s treatment of the detained activists. Italy’s inquiry includes far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who appeared in a video showing activists being pushed and forced into painful kneeling positions aboard a detained vessel.

Four members of a single family have died following a house fire in Madanpur, Narayanganj. They had been receiving treatment at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, where three of them died on Monday, June 15, 2026. The victims were identified as Ali Ahmed Mannan, aged 50, who died early in the morning; Md. Sayem, aged 19, who died around 9:45 a.m.; and Meem, aged 13, who passed away around 10:45 p.m. Earlier, on June 12, Sultana, aged 35, had succumbed to her injuries. The deaths were confirmed by resident surgeon Shawon Bin Rahman of the burn institute.

According to the institute, the fire broke out early on June 11 at their home in Madanpur, injuring five people, including the four family members. All were taken to the National Burn Institute that morning. Another child, named Hozrat Ali, received primary treatment and was later released. The condition of the four family members had been critical, with burn injuries ranging from 35 to 90 percent.

The family’s ancestral home is located in Purbadhala upazila of Netrakona district.

Iran began its World Cup campaign amid political and logistical uncertainty but delivered a spirited performance on the field. Facing New Zealand in Los Angeles, the Middle Eastern team twice came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw. New Zealand took an early lead through Chris Wood and Elijah Just’s combination, but Ramin Rezaeian equalized for Iran before halftime. In the second half, Wood scored again to restore New Zealand’s advantage, only for Mohammad Mohebi to level the match with a powerful header.

Before the tournament, Iran’s preparations were overshadowed by visa complications, U.S.-Iran tensions, and entry issues for team officials. Despite these off-field challenges, Iran showed resilience and attacking intent, registering 17 shots compared to New Zealand’s 14. The result left both teams with one point each in Group G, where Egypt and Belgium also drew 1-1 in their match.

The draw demonstrated Iran’s determination to compete strongly despite political pressures and uncertainty surrounding their participation.

Abhijit Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), was attacked by alleged BJP workers in Jaipur just before addressing a protest rally on Monday. Witnesses said the incident occurred around 3 p.m. when Dipke was being carried by supporters toward the venue. Attackers reportedly pulled his scarf and slapped him several times before trying to drag him down. CJP’s national spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka shared photos of the attackers on social media, calling them BJP goons, while the party’s state spokesperson Abhishek Jain Bittu criticized the police and government for failing to prevent the assault.

Dipke later condemned the violence, saying he would not retaliate and that the attack was an attempt to divert attention from their main demand — the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged exam irregularities and student suicides. He vowed to continue the movement peacefully and warned that protests would intensify if the minister did not step down.

The CJP, formed as a satirical front amid public anger over exam controversies, has gained significant online support and backing from activists and artists.

Iranian media reported that Iranian oil tankers and other cargo vessels have begun crossing the Strait of Hormuz without any obstruction. According to Fars News Agency, several Iranian ships have started passing through the blockade zone freely. Maritime sources said a large crude oil tanker bound for an Iranian port and another vessel carrying livestock supplies have both crossed the restricted area.

The report indicated that while the naval blockade has not been fully lifted, a process toward easing it has begun. The United States is now allowing Iranian ships to travel through these waters to the open sea and return to Iranian ports. Iranian observers view this as a goodwill gesture from Washington ahead of a scheduled agreement signing ceremony on Friday, a step Tehran had long awaited.

Iranian sources emphasized that this process should continue and be maintained, seeing it as an initial test of U.S. commitment to its promises.

The trial of former Superintendent of Police (SP) Anisur Rahman and seven others begins today at International Crimes Tribunal-1 in Dhaka over the 2016 shooting of two Islami Chhatra Shibir leaders in Jhikargacha, Jashore. The proceedings start with opening statements and the testimony of the first witness. Three accused—then Sub-Inspector Akikul Islam and constables Sajjadur Rahman and Zahurul Haque—are in custody and were presented before the tribunal this morning. The remaining accused, including the then Officer-in-Charge Moshiur Rahman and several sub-inspectors, are absconding.

The tribunal had earlier, on April 20, ordered the commencement of the trial by framing charges against all eight accused. The opening statements and witness examination were initially scheduled for June 1 but were postponed to June 16 following a prosecution request. According to the case details, on August 3, 2016, police allegedly detained two student leaders, Ruhul Amin and Israfil, tortured them for two nights, and shot them in the legs under the direction of SP Anisur Rahman. The victims later suffered severe infections that led to the amputation of their legs.

Former Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed was arrested in Dubai by city police under an Interpol red notice, confirmed by the Abu Dhabi government on June 12. Bangladesh’s Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told parliament that the government is working to bring him back quickly, with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Home, Law, and Foreign ministries preparing necessary documents. Benazir faces six corruption and money laundering cases, one under trial and five under investigation, along with multiple war crimes cases at the International Crimes Tribunal.

News of his arrest has triggered widespread fear among exiled Awami League leaders accused of corruption, money laundering, and murder. Many are reportedly seeking to relocate to safer countries. Analysts described the arrest as a milestone in international legal cooperation and a warning to fugitives abroad. Some noted that extradition may be complex, depending on diplomatic negotiations and host country decisions.

The ACC confirmed that Benazir was detained in connection with money laundering allegations and that documentation is being finalized for his repatriation. Authorities are emphasizing diplomatic efforts to ensure his return to Bangladesh.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing growing political pressure after U.S. President Donald Trump signed a new agreement with Iran that most Israelis oppose. The deal, announced by the White House, aims to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and restrict uranium enrichment. However, it has left Netanyahu politically isolated ahead of Israel’s fall elections, where polls show his support declining sharply. Once relying on his close ties with Trump, Netanyahu now finds that relationship politically costly as Israelis view the accord as undermining their security interests.

The fallout follows months of conflict involving Iran, Hezbollah, and Israel, with thousands killed in southern Lebanon and over a million displaced. Trump reportedly rebuked Netanyahu over Israeli strikes that nearly derailed U.S.-Iran talks. Israeli right-wing ministers and opposition leaders alike have criticized Netanyahu for appearing subservient to Washington. A recent Israel Democracy Institute poll found 61 percent of Israelis believe Netanyahu should not run again, while rivals Gadi Eisenkot and Naftali Bennett are gaining ground.

Netanyahu, battling health issues and corruption charges, insists Israel will defend its own security interests despite U.S. pressure. Analysts say his political survival now depends on managing both domestic discontent and strained ties with Washington.

A US Air Force B-52 bomber crashed in southern California on Monday, killing at least eight people. The aircraft went down shortly after taking off from Edwards Air Force Base, according to a statement from base authorities. The crash occurred at 11:20 a.m. local time, producing a large plume of black smoke visible from several miles away. Emergency rescue teams quickly reached the site, and recovery operations were still underway.

The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress has been in service with the US military since the 1950s. Known by the nickname “The Buff,” the long-range strategic bomber can fly at altitudes up to 50,000 feet and carry up to 70,000 pounds of ordnance, including conventional bombs and nuclear-armed cruise missiles. The aircraft can also be refueled midair, allowing it to operate globally. During the Cold War, it served as a key component of the United States’ nuclear deterrent.

Typically, a B-52 carries a crew of five, including a commander, pilot, radar navigator, navigator, and electronic warfare officer.