A joint operation by Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) recovered one one-shooter gun, eleven detonators, and eleven explosives from the border area of Sonasar in Barothakuri Union under Zakiganj upazila of Sylhet. The operation took place on Saturday night, June 27, 2026, following intelligence reports that illegal arms and explosives had been smuggled into Bangladesh and stored near the border. The information was confirmed through a press release issued by the BGB headquarters on Sunday.

According to the BGB, the Zakiganj Battalion (19 BGB) and RAB-9 formed a joint team that conducted a special search operation about 1.5 kilometers inside Bangladesh from the zero line in the Biabail BOP area. The recovered items were found during an extensive search at the Sonasar Bricks Field area. Preliminary assessment suggests the seized weapons and explosives were smuggled into the country.

Authorities stated that enhanced intelligence, operational vigilance, and strict border security measures have enabled the interception of such illegal consignments. Legal proceedings related to the recovery are currently underway.

Lionel Messi reached another milestone at the 2026 FIFA World Cup by scoring in Argentina’s final Group J match against Jordan in Dallas. Coming on as a substitute in the second half, Messi netted a free-kick in the 83rd minute, marking his seventh consecutive World Cup match with a goal. According to international statistical sources, no player in World Cup history had previously achieved such a scoring streak.

Messi’s run began in the knockout stage of the 2022 World Cup, where he scored against Australia, the Netherlands, Croatia, and France. He continued the streak in the 2026 tournament with goals against Austria, Algeria, and Jordan. The Argentine captain’s consistency has become a hallmark of his two-decade international career, with each World Cup adding new records to his name.

Argentina completed the group stage with a perfect record, advancing to the knockout rounds. Messi now enters the next phase of the tournament as the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches, raising anticipation about how far he can extend this record.

Direct flights between Iran and the United Arab Emirates are set to resume on July 1 after several months of suspension caused by regional military tensions. Authorities from both countries have issued the necessary permits to restart operations, according to Majid Akhavan, spokesperson for Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization.

Akhavan stated that Iranian airlines will initially operate the route, with other carriers expected to join following regulatory reviews. He added that the reopening of other international routes remains under consideration and will depend on further approvals. The decision marks a cautious step toward restoring normal air connectivity between the two nations.

Earlier, an Iranian trade official noted that goods previously held at the UAE’s Jebel Ali port due to wartime conditions are now being shipped to Iran, signaling a gradual return of trade to pre-conflict levels. Tehran also reported that cargo unloading has resumed despite recent U.S. strikes on Iranian facilities following an attack on a cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) has found that over a hundred modern CCTV cameras installed at its headquarters in Dhaka are largely ineffective because trees planted by the city corporation obstruct their range. The cameras, installed at a cost of 25 million taka to strengthen security around the Election Building, cannot properly capture footage of surrounding areas. EC officials now consider the project an expensive misstep and are planning to request tree removal to restore visibility.

Environmental experts have criticized the EC’s plan, calling it a sign of administrative incompetence and alleging that the project was driven by misuse of funds. They warned that any official who authorizes tree cutting will be labeled environmentally destructive. The EC’s senior secretary stated that security remains a top priority and that obstacles will be addressed internally or through formal requests to relevant authorities.

The issue follows multiple protests and explosions near the Election Building during the 2025–2026 election period, which had already raised concerns about the EC’s security capacity. Officials fear that without proper maintenance, the new cameras could soon become as ineffective as older units.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned that United States military bases in the Middle East will turn into ‘hell’ following recent US attacks on Iranian territory. The warning came in a statement issued by the IRGC’s naval command after a US strike on the Iranian city of Sirik. The statement said the attack would not solve what it called the ‘mystery’ of Iran’s dominance over the Strait of Hormuz and warned that ships violating agreements would not be spared.

According to the IRGC, the US bases in the region are now a separate matter and will face severe consequences. The group confirmed that Iran has already launched missile and drone attacks on eight US military installations in the Middle East, describing these strikes as the ‘final response’ to renewed US aggression against Iran.

The report, citing Al Jazeera, highlights escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington, with the IRGC signaling readiness for further confrontation if US actions continue.

A BNP leader from the United States has lodged a written complaint with the Prime Minister’s Office, the Home Ministry, and central Jubo Dal authorities, alleging extortion, assault, and harassment by a local Jubo Dal leader in Sylhet’s Beanibazar. The complainant, Moin Uddin, former vice president of the BNP’s Queens branch in New York, accused Kamal Ahmed alias Chakku Kamal, a member of the Beanibazar municipal Jubo Dal convening committee, of demanding money and attacking him after refusal.

Moin Uddin claimed Kamal and his associates vandalized his business and home boundary wall and later attempted further attacks despite a police case filed in April. He said he was forced to leave his area due to ongoing threats. Local sources reported Kamal began asserting influence under the BNP banner after the fall of the Awami League government in August last year, facing multiple allegations of extortion and organizational misconduct.

Local and district Jubo Dal officials confirmed receiving complaints and recommendations for Kamal’s expulsion, though no decisive action has yet been taken. Kamal denied all allegations, calling them baseless and demanding proof.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced his resignation on Saturday after 18 months of anti-government protests led by students. He also declared that Serbia will hold early presidential and parliamentary elections. The demonstrations began after a railway station roof collapse in Novi Sad in November 2024 killed 16 people, sparking public outrage over alleged corruption and mismanagement in government construction projects.

Vucic, who has been in power for 12 years as president or prime minister, said he would step down within weeks but did not specify a date or when parliament would be dissolved. His term was originally due to end in mid-2027. Analysts believe Vucic’s move could allow him to return as prime minister if his Serbian Progressive Party wins the upcoming elections. Opposition groups and student activists have vowed to challenge him and his party at the polls.

Vucic promised reforms, including anti-corruption measures and social spending increases, while denying accusations of corruption and media suppression. Serbia remains a candidate for European Union membership but continues to balance ties with Russia and China.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s official visit to China has marked the beginning of a new era in Dhaka-Beijing relations. During the visit, Bangladesh and China agreed to form a “Bangladesh-China Community of Shared Future in the New Era,” considered the highest level of bilateral partnership in Chinese diplomacy. The two leaders, Rahman and President Xi Jinping, reaffirmed their long-term commitment to strengthening political, economic, and strategic cooperation. China expressed full political support for Bangladesh’s new government and pledged to reject any foreign interference in the country’s internal affairs.

A 15-point joint declaration outlined cooperation in defense, trade, infrastructure, and water management, including Chinese assistance for the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project. Seventeen agreements and memoranda were signed, covering investment, human resource development, language education, media collaboration, and green development. China also supported Bangladesh’s participation in BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Analysts cited in the report noted that the new framework will shape future cooperation in politics, economy, and security. Both sides emphasized mutual respect for sovereignty and pledged to deepen collaboration under global initiatives such as the Belt and Road and Global Development Initiative.

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to wipe Iran off the face of the earth following renewed American military strikes. In a post on his social media platform X, Trump said the United States had attacked Iran’s missile and drone depots and coastal radar sites for violating a ceasefire agreement. He warned that if the situation continues, the U.S. might be forced to complete militarily what it had started, leaving Iran with no existence.

According to the report, Iran responded by launching missile and drone attacks on eight U.S. military installations across the Middle East. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) described the strikes as the “final response” to what it called renewed American aggression against Iran.

The exchange marks a sharp escalation in hostilities between Washington and Tehran, raising fears of a broader regional conflict if retaliatory actions persist.

Iran carried out missile and drone strikes on eight US military installations across the Middle East, describing the action as a final response to renewed American aggression. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the attacks targeted key US facilities, including Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait and the headquarters of the US Fifth Fleet at Salman Port in Bahrain. The strikes followed US attacks on Iran’s Sirik city and Qeshm Island late Saturday night.

According to an IRGC statement, its naval and aerospace forces jointly conducted the operation. The IRGC accused the United States of breaking promises and violating agreements by attacking five Iranian coastal outposts, which Washington claimed were linked to an Iranian vessel incident in the Strait of Hormuz. The statement also referenced a recent memorandum of understanding, brokered by Pakistan, granting Iran oversight of maritime traffic through the strait.

The IRGC warned that any future violations or aggression would be met with harsher and more destructive retaliation, emphasizing its readiness to enforce stricter measures against noncompliant vessels.

Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday, causing widespread devastation and leaving at least 1,430 people dead and 3,238 injured. According to the latest update from the country’s National Assembly president, around 68,900 people remain missing. The quakes, the strongest in more than a century, reduced numerous buildings to rubble across several regions.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimated that about 6.76 million people may have been affected nationwide, including roughly 2 million in the capital, Caracas. Preliminary satellite analysis indicated that 31.5 percent of buildings in the coastal city of Catia La Mar were damaged. IOM Director General Amy Pope emphasized that the first hours and days after such a disaster are critical for shaping the response.

IOM has expanded its relief operations, distributing pre-positioned emergency supplies in Caracas and working with the Venezuelan government and partners to provide shelter, essential goods, and protection. The agency warned that internal displacement is likely to rise sharply as thousands seek safety after losing their homes.

An investigative report from Purana Dhaka’s Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital reveals that broker syndicates have taken control of patient services. Individuals like Jony Mia, who are not hospital employees, reportedly direct patients to private clinics and diagnostic centers in exchange for commissions. These brokers operate openly across wards, the emergency unit, and outpatient departments, exploiting patients seeking affordable care. Many patients are persuaded to undergo tests or even transfer to private facilities, often paying extra fees.

The hospital, which has 900 beds but accommodates up to 1,500 patients, faces severe overcrowding, staff shortages, and deteriorating infrastructure. Patients complain of long queues, unsanitary conditions, and pressure from brokers and some staff to use specific private services. Hospital authorities acknowledge the existence of these syndicates and confirm that joint forces recently detained 30 brokers. The director, Brigadier General ATMA Rustam, admitted the issue persists despite repeated crackdowns and cited proposals to expand facilities and improve services.

Authorities have requested government approval to increase capacity to 2,000 beds and construct new buildings to ease pressure on the aging hospital infrastructure.

During Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s recent visit to China, a memorandum of understanding was signed to enable the export of jackfruit from Bangladesh to China. The agreement is part of 17 MoUs covering areas such as infrastructure, disaster management, and the digital economy. Officials said the deal marks a formal step toward approving jackfruit exports, reflecting China’s continued interest since it began importing raw mangoes from Bangladesh in May 2025.

Experts noted that Bangladesh, despite being a major jackfruit producer, has a minimal share in the global market. China, the world’s largest jackfruit importer, currently sources most of its supply from Vietnam and Thailand. Economists believe access to the Chinese market could boost Bangladesh’s agricultural exports and create new opportunities for processed jackfruit products. However, challenges remain in maintaining product quality, processing, and packaging standards.

Agricultural economists emphasized that government investment and technical collaboration with China could help overcome logistical and preservation challenges. They also cautioned that local demand and nutritional needs should be balanced alongside export ambitions.

Colombia and Portugal played out a highly entertaining goalless draw in their World Cup group stage match, ensuring both teams advanced to the round of 32. The match, held amid a vibrant atmosphere with strong Colombian support in South Florida, saw Colombia top Group K while Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, finished as runners-up. Despite the lack of goals, the contest was marked by relentless attacking play and intensity from both sides.

Ronaldo struggled to make an impact, while midfielders James Rodríguez and Bruno Fernandes dictated the tempo, driving their teams forward in a match that featured 37 total shots, including a record 24 attempts by Colombia. Rodríguez, playing his 11th World Cup match, impressed with 38 successful passes in the final third and received a standing ovation when substituted.

Colombia will face Ghana in Kansas City on July 4, while Portugal will meet Croatia on July 3 after one day less of rest. Both teams are seen as potential threats in the knockout stage following their strong performances.

Israeli forces carried out drone strikes on tents sheltering displaced Palestinians in Gaza’s Al-Mawasi area on Saturday, killing several people including two siblings, 15-year-old Islam Musa and 30-year-old Abdullah Musa. The attack occurred in a zone previously designated as a ‘safe area’ under a declared ceasefire. Gaza’s Civil Defense reported rescuing seven injured individuals, who were taken to Nasser and Red Cross hospitals. A separate incident in southern Gaza claimed the life of a 10-year-old child who had been wounded earlier in an Israeli strike.

According to Al-Shifa Hospital, another tent sheltering displaced families in western Gaza City was also hit, injuring at least 12 people, mostly women. The Palestinian Red Crescent said two of the injured were in critical condition. Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Gaza reported that Israeli drone activity continues despite the ceasefire.

A recent United Nations report documented the targeting of children in Gaza, noting that nearly 30 percent of those killed since October 2023 were minors. UN Commissioner Chris Sidoti called the findings heartbreaking and urged states to act, while Gaza’s Health Ministry reported over 73,000 Palestinians killed since the conflict began.