A large-scale International Yoga Day event on Kolkata’s historic Red Road, attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, drew both enthusiasm and political controversy. The event, held on Sunday with thousands of participants, also featured West Bengal Governor C. V. Ananda Bose and opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari. Preparations for the program included setting up a large stage and closing the road for several days.

The main controversy centered on the use of Red Road, with critics alleging unequal treatment in granting permission for public events. They pointed out that while permission for Eid prayers at the same location had previously been denied, the road was closed for an extended period for the yoga celebration. Social and political figures argued that uniform policies should apply to all religious and social gatherings held in public spaces.

During the event, Modi described yoga as a symbol of holistic well-being, mental peace, and social unity. Despite similar programs across West Bengal, the debate over Red Road’s use dominated public discussion that day.

State Minister for Public Administration Md. Abdul Bari has announced that the viva or oral examination in Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) recruitment will continue with a total of 100 marks instead of the previous 200. He made the statement on Sunday during the 11th day of the second session of the 13th National Parliament in response to a question from Noakhali-6 MP Abdul Hannan Masud.

According to the minister, the rule was implemented through a special gazette notification (S.R.O. No. 412-I/2024) issued on December 11, 2024, by the Ministry of Public Administration. The revised system has already been applied from the ongoing 47th BCS examination. The 48th and 49th special BCS exams also followed the 100-mark viva format under the amended 2014 BCS regulations published on May 27, 2025.

The minister stated that this decision aims to make the BCS recruitment process more transparent, dynamic, and free from discrimination. The 100-mark viva system will remain in effect for the upcoming 50th BCS and all subsequent examinations.

US Vice President JD Vance declined to respond when journalists asked if he had a message for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a meeting with Pakistani mediators in Switzerland. The bilateral meeting took place at the Burgenstock Resort near Lucerne, where Vance thanked the Pakistani delegation for attending but made no formal remarks. He is also scheduled to hold important discussions with Iranian officials later in the day.

The report notes that the Trump administration has recently expressed growing dissatisfaction with Israel’s ongoing military operations in Lebanon. Washington believes the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah is undermining fragile ceasefire and diplomatic efforts with Tehran. In a Fox News interview, Vance acknowledged differences between the United States and Israel over how to achieve the goal of ending the Iran war.

Analysts cited in the report suggest that Vance’s recent comments highlight emerging policy divergences between Washington and Tel Aviv over strategies to manage the Middle East crisis.

Talks between Iran and the United States have begun in Switzerland, according to a statement from Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The discussions are being mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, with the aim of addressing key issues between the two nations.

Qatar’s foreign ministry said it hopes the meetings will help both sides reach a comprehensive and lasting agreement covering all matters outlined in a memorandum of understanding. The ministry added that the goal is to create an accord that resolves disputes and ensures long-term stability between Iran and the United States.

The discussions are expected to focus on bilateral relations, regional security, sanctions, and economic matters, which are considered central to the ongoing dialogue, according to the report.

Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee has announced that Bangladesh is reviewing existing treaties and agreements related to transboundary water sharing. Speaking in the National Parliament on Sunday, he said the government is committed to securing the country’s fair share of water from international rivers and has included this issue in its election manifesto. The review aims to strengthen the Joint Rivers Commission and promote integrated management with India, Nepal, Bhutan, and China.

The minister acknowledged that upstream infrastructure in neighboring countries has reduced water flow into Bangladesh during the dry season. He also cited natural and climate change factors as contributing to declining water availability. In response to parliamentary questions, he detailed ongoing and planned projects, including excavation or re-excavation of 366 kilometers of canals by June under a 180-day program and a five-year plan to excavate or re-excavate 9,046 kilometers of waterways nationwide.

Anee further emphasized the importance of the Padma Barrage Project for national interests, water resource management, agriculture, fisheries, environment, and regional economic development, noting that it has been approved after thorough evaluation.

A section of the Teesta embankment near Mahipur Bridge in Gangachara, Rangpur, began collapsing after India opened the gates of the Gajoldoba barrage, causing the river’s water level to approach the danger mark. Between Saturday afternoon and Sunday noon, about 50 meters of the embankment were washed away, creating a hole over 70 meters deep. Local residents warned that without urgent protective measures, the second Teesta Bridge and the Rangpur–Lalmonirhat regional road could face severe damage.

Around 30,000 to 35,000 people use the Mahipur Teesta road bridge daily, and the sudden erosion has caused widespread fear among locals. Over a thousand families in three villages of Lakshmitari Union are now at direct risk of isolation due to potential road disconnection. Lakshmitari Union Parishad Chairman Abdullah Al Hadi blamed previous negligence by the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) for the worsening situation, saying earlier bamboo piling works had failed.

Gangachara Upazila Executive Officer Jesmin Akter said the site had been inspected and LGED was informed for necessary action.

Authorities have frozen three bank accounts of India’s Trinamool Congress (TMC) containing about ₹440 crore, placing them under a ‘debit freeze’ that prevents any withdrawals or outward transfers. The move followed a formal complaint by ten rebel TMC legislators demanding an investigation into the source of the funds. A senior police officer confirmed that the accounts, held in a private bank, remain operational only for deposits.

The freeze comes amid escalating internal conflict within the TMC after its recent assembly election defeat. Rival factions led by former minister Aroop Biswas and opposition leader Ritabrata Banerjee have been contesting control over the party’s finances and organization. The rebel legislators alleged that the funds may have originated from illegal activities such as misuse of public money or unauthorized collections, urging a full criminal investigation.

Party insiders said they are awaiting official notice of the freeze. Analysts noted that the suspension of account operations could severely disrupt TMC’s routine expenses and political activities until the leadership dispute and investigation are resolved.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced that under a preliminary agreement with the United States aimed at ending conflict, $6 billion in Iranian funds frozen in Qatar will be returned. Citing Iran’s Tasnim news agency, Pezeshkian said all clauses of the memorandum of understanding favor Iran and that the results of the negotiations will soon become clear.

He added that US President Donald Trump, who had previously spoken of imposing restrictions on Iran, has now recognized those same issues as the rights of the Iranian people. Pezeshkian also remarked that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would be the most dissatisfied person with the outcome of the talks held in Switzerland.

According to Pezeshkian, the only condition set by the United States is that Iran must not possess a nuclear bomb. He reiterated that Iran has long opposed developing nuclear weapons, citing a religious decree issued by the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Pezeshkian said Iran accepted and signed the written condition presented by the US.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has sentenced 13 individuals to death in seven cases related to crimes against humanity committed in July 2024. A total of 59 accused were convicted, with the remaining defendants receiving life imprisonment or varying prison terms. The information was presented by Law Minister Anisul Huq during a parliamentary question session on Sunday, chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.

Responding to a question from Jamaat-e-Islami MP Masum Mostafa of Netrakona-5, the minister stated that 80 cases had been filed over the July 2024 atrocities. Of these, verdicts have been delivered in seven cases, while proceedings in 73 others are ongoing. Among the ongoing cases, 22 are at the testimony stage and 51 remain under investigation.

According to the minister, a total of 463 individuals have been accused in these crimes against humanity cases. Of them, 174 have been arrested, 288 remain fugitives, one has died, and one has been acquitted.

Former Member of Parliament for Lakshmipur-4 (Ramgati-Kamalnagar), freedom fighter, and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JASAD) leader Mosharraf Hossain passed away early Saturday night at a private hospital in Dhaka. He was 78 years old. His death was confirmed Sunday morning by Professor Mahbube Elahi Sani of Lakshmipur Government College, who said the deceased was his uncle-in-law. Family sources said Hossain had been suffering from age-related illnesses and was admitted to LabAid Hospital, where he died while undergoing treatment.

According to the family, his funeral prayer will be held Sunday after Asr at Alexander Pilot High School field in Ramgati upazila, followed by burial at the family graveyard. He is survived by his wife, three sons, two daughters, and numerous relatives and admirers.

Mosharraf Hossain was a valiant organizer during Bangladesh’s Liberation War, serving as the zonal commander of the Joy Bangla Bahini (BLF) in Noakhali and Hatiya. He was a former vice president of Dhaka University’s Shahidullah Hall Students’ Union and later became JASAD’s central vice president. Elected to parliament in 1988, he contributed to local development and contested again in the 2024 national election. His death has drawn widespread mourning across political, social, and cultural circles.

Bangladesh has formally begun work on its first integrated National Civil Aviation Master Plan (CAMP), marking a major step in long-term aviation sector planning. The initiative was launched on Sunday at a workshop titled “Civil Aviation Master Planning Overview” held at Hotel Intercontinental in Dhaka. Organized by the ICAO Gold-certified Civil Aviation Academy under the supervision of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) and with technical support from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the event was inaugurated by Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam (Rita).

According to the workshop, the proposed master plan will outline development goals, priorities, and strategic directions for the next 20 to 30 years or more. It will cover airport infrastructure upgrades, modernization of air navigation services, airline expansion, human resource development, safety improvements, and environmental sustainability. Minister Afroza Khanam said the government aims to make Bangladesh a leading aviation hub in South and Southeast Asia by 2034 under its “Bangladesh First” election manifesto.

Officials stated that the plan is expected to be finalized within the next one to one and a half years, with the workshop’s guidance contributing to sustainable aviation growth, trade, tourism, and economic progress.

Gonoshasthaya Kendra has expressed solidarity with Ad-Din Medical College Hospital after its operations were halted, saying the closure has deprived low-income people of affordable healthcare. The organization called for the hospital’s normal activities to resume promptly, describing Ad-Din as a patient-friendly institution serving limited-income communities. The statement was issued through a letter signed by Gonoshasthaya Kendra Chairperson Shireen Parvin Haque.

In the letter, Gonoshasthaya Kendra noted that Ad-Din Hospital has long provided low-cost medical services to millions of poor and lower-income patients. It described the government’s decision to suspend the hospital’s operations following a recent accident as regrettable and lacking prudence. The organization affirmed its support for Ad-Din during this difficult time and urged all concerned authorities to act wisely and constructively to resolve the situation.

The letter concluded with a call for the lawful and swift reopening of Ad-Din Hospital to ensure continued healthcare for underprivileged people and uphold the institution’s commitment to humanitarian service.

Chief Prosecutor Md. Aminul Islam of the International Crimes Tribunal has identified retired Major General Ziaul Ahsan as responsible for the abduction of BNP leader Ilias Ali during the Awami League government. He made the statement on Sunday at a press briefing held at his office, asserting that evidence and investigation findings confirmed Ahsan’s involvement in the disappearance.

Earlier, the International Crimes Tribunal-1 had accepted charges against Ziaul Ahsan in a case involving enforced disappearances and the killing of over a hundred people. The charges include three specific murder incidents in Gazipur and Barguna’s Patharghata area, as well as staged gunfights in the Sundarbans under the guise of anti-bandit operations.

In the same case, former army officer Imrul Kayes testified before a two-member judicial panel led by Justice Md. Shafiul Alam Mahmood, describing the abduction of Ilias Ali. The testimony was recorded by the tribunal as part of the ongoing proceedings.

Sylhet’s Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Md. Sarwar Alam has been suddenly withdrawn from his post and attached to the Ministry of Public Administration as a deputy secretary. The decision was issued on Sunday through an order signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Jeti Pru, confirming his removal from the Sylhet DC position. The order did not specify the reason for the withdrawal or name his replacement. Sarwar Alam stated that he has been asked to join the ministry on Monday.

After taking charge in Sylhet, Sarwar Alam initially received praise for his administrative activities. However, he recently faced criticism following administrative actions aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in the income and expenditure of the Hazrat Shahjalal (R.) shrine. It is believed that this controversy may have influenced the decision to transfer him.

Earlier, Sarwar Alam had sealed the shrine’s donation cauldron and installed a donation box under district administration supervision, with Ansar guards and CCTV cameras deployed for monitoring.

A recent public opinion survey found that a vast majority of Israelis believe Iran has become stronger following the recent war and subsequent agreement with the United States. The poll, conducted jointly by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Agam Institute between June 17 and 20, included 3,644 respondents. Released on Sunday, the results highlight widespread dissatisfaction and concern among Israelis over the US-Iran deal.

According to the survey, 92.1 percent of participants said Iran was the winner or main beneficiary of the conflict, while 82.9 percent believed Israel’s long-term security had been weakened. Even among Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing voter base, 93.1 percent shared the view that Iran had prevailed in the war.

The poll also revealed strong opposition to the US-Iran agreement, with 63.2 percent of respondents rejecting it and only 12.1 percent expressing support. The findings underscore growing public unease in Israel regarding the regional balance of power following the deal.