Two workers died after inhaling toxic gas inside a septic tank at a construction site in Amtali municipality of Barguna on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. at the AK School intersection area. The victims were identified as mason Zahidul Hawlader, 35, from Haldia village, and workshop owner Jafar Hawlader, 50, from Betmor village.

According to the local fire service, Zahidul entered the under-construction building’s septic tank to remove centering materials and soon began shouting for help. Jafar went inside to rescue him but also lost consciousness. Firefighters later neutralized the toxic gas, broke open the tank, and recovered both workers, who were declared dead at Amtali Upazila Health Complex.

Fire Service Inspector Abu Hanif said the tank likely contained carbon monoxide and other harmful gases, and the workers entered without proper safety measures. Police have filed an unnatural death case and sent the bodies to Barguna General Hospital morgue for autopsy.

Former US diplomat and Middle East Institute fellow Alan Eyre has said that the chances of a full peace agreement between the United States and Iran are very slim. In an interview with Al Jazeera, he stated that even if the conflict ends, true peace in the Middle East is unlikely. According to him, the most that can be expected is a long-term ceasefire.

Eyre explained that Iran has been attacked twice and believes both Israel and the United States aim to overthrow its government, making peace improbable. He added that Iran will likely remain in a state of military readiness, rebuild its missile capabilities, and may pursue nuclear weapons in the future, a shift from its previous policy. He noted that Iran was once considered a “nuclear hedging state,” maintaining capability without weaponization, but US pressure has altered that stance.

Analysts cited in the report believe that given the current geopolitical climate, an uncertain yet stable ceasefire appears to be a more realistic outcome than a comprehensive peace deal.

A 45-foot-long baleen whale has drifted near Kuakata in Patuakhali, Bangladesh. Locals spotted the whale around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, about two kilometers from the Zero Point area in the Bay of Bengal. Members of the Coastal Environment Protection Movement (UPORA) confirmed the whale’s presence after reaching the site by speedboat.

UPORA convener K.M. Bachchu stated that the whale’s upper skin had peeled off, suggesting it may have died five to six days earlier. Due to sea currents, it might take some time for the carcass to reach the shore. Mahipur Forest Range Officer Moniruzzaman said the Forest Department is aware of the situation, and field officers have already visited the site.

Authorities are consulting higher officials to determine necessary steps for handling the whale carcass and ensuring environmental safety in the coastal area.

Technology-driven companies worldwide are reassessing their artificial intelligence (AI) strategies as operational costs rise sharply. Experts note that after ChatGPT’s popularity in 2022, AI firms initially offered low-cost services supported by investor funding. Kevin Simback of Delphi Labs described that period as one of 'subsidized intelligence.' Now, leading AI companies such as OpenAI and Anthropic are shifting toward profitability and preparing to attract new investment.

The growing use of AI agents, which perform complex tasks like scheduling, coding, and file management, is driving up token-based costs. Increased demand for chips and data centers is also straining computing infrastructure. Mark Burton of OmniUX observed that AI costs are rising rapidly, especially among software developers. Analysts warn that in some cases, token expenses can equal or exceed an employee’s salary within months.

To curb expenses, many firms are turning to open-source or smaller, specialized AI models. Experts predict AI will become a commodity, where selecting cost-effective models for specific tasks will be key, though demand for high-end systems will persist among advanced users.

Local residents and relatives of a victim held a human chain protest in front of Raipur Police Station in Lakshmipur, demanding justice after the death of twin newborns allegedly caused by an assault on a pregnant woman. The demonstration took place on Wednesday morning, following the incident involving Sabikun Nahar, wife of Wahiduzzaman Rajon of Sonapur Union’s Ward No. 2.

According to the family, on March 16, Sabikun Nahar was attacked with sticks while recording a looting incident on her mobile phone. She was hospitalized with serious injuries, and doctors warned of risks to her unborn children. Her condition reportedly worsened, and on May 22 she was admitted to hospital, where she gave birth prematurely at six months. One baby died shortly after birth, and the other later died in intensive care.

Sabikun Nahar has filed a case in court over the incident. Protesters demanded an impartial investigation, swift legal action against the accused, and justice for the family. The accused could not be reached for comment, and their statements were unavailable.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has made singing 'Vande Mataram' compulsory in all schools and madrasas across the state immediately after assuming office. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has strongly opposed the decision, urging the government to withdraw the order or exempt Muslim students from singing the song. Adhikari, however, has stated that everyone living in the country must show respect to both 'Vande Mataram' and 'Jana Gana Mana'.

In a statement, AIMPLB spokesperson Dr. S Q R Ilyas said that forcing any student to recite a song or text contrary to their religious beliefs constitutes a clear violation of fundamental rights. Adhikari defended his move by asserting that singing the national songs should be mandatory for all citizens. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also backed the West Bengal government’s decision, describing 'Vande Mataram' as a national song that transcends religion or region.

The debate highlights a growing tension between state directives on national symbols and religious freedoms, with both sides holding firm to their positions.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced his support for Colombian far-right presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella ahead of the country's June 21 runoff election, according to AFP. Trump made the endorsement through a post on his Truth Social platform, describing the election as crucial for Colombia’s future and its relationship with the United States. He praised de la Espriella’s achievements and expressed honor in offering his full support.

De la Espriella unexpectedly won the first round of Colombia’s presidential election held the previous weekend. In the upcoming runoff, he will face left-wing senator Iván Cepeda. The endorsement marks a notable intervention by Trump in Latin American politics, highlighting his continued influence beyond U.S. borders.

The runoff outcome is expected to shape Colombia’s political direction and its ties with Washington, as both candidates represent sharply contrasting ideological positions.

BNP Secretary General and Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that a group is making all-out efforts to destabilize the country. He urged everyone to remain alert and cautious to prevent any disruption. He made these remarks on Wednesday afternoon while addressing a civic reception as the chief guest at Ruhia High School field in Thakurgaon.

During his speech, Alamgir said that under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, the government is gradually implementing promises made to the public. These include inaugurating new upazilas, appointing vice-chancellors for public universities, approving new medical colleges, and initiating airport operations.

He added that the government is also working to fulfill development commitments such as the Family Card program and canal excavation projects. According to him, these initiatives are progressing due to the people's votes and support. Alamgir further called on young people to build their skills, avoid drug addiction, and lead social movements.

An attack was carried out on the car of NCP leader Nasiruddin Patwari in Benapole Bazar, Jashore, on Wednesday afternoon around 1:15 p.m. Patwari, along with Joint Member Secretary Faridul Haque and other party leaders, was inside the vehicle but all remained unharmed. The incident was disclosed by Patwari in a Facebook post later that day.

In his post, Patwari stated that after news of their arrival at the border spread, Indian authorities removed families who had allegedly been forcibly pushed in the previous night. He said the team visited the area, spoke with locals, and collected firsthand information about the situation. The attack occurred on their return journey. Patwari reaffirmed his commitment to defending human dignity, citizens’ rights, and Bangladesh’s sovereignty at the border.

The report also mentioned that a group is allegedly attempting to destabilize the country, though no further details were provided.

European Union politicians have pledged to intensify deportations of undocumented migrants under a new, stricter immigration law. The legislation, described as controversial, allows police to enter homes, workplaces, schools, and health centers without judicial authorization to detain suspected undocumented migrants. Detention periods for those defying deportation orders will increase from 18 to 24 months, extendable to 30 months, and benefits may be suspended for those refusing to comply. The regulation also permits the creation of offshore return hubs to hold undocumented individuals outside the EU before repatriation. Those deemed security risks could face lifetime entry bans, replacing the current maximum of ten years.

EU officials have welcomed the law as a major step in managing migration across the bloc. They expect the measures to boost deportations of people denied asylum, overstaying visas, or lacking residence rights.

Human rights organizations have criticized the policy, warning it could fuel fear, racism, and discrimination among migrants and threaten access to essential services such as healthcare and education.

A delegation from Japan’s major trading and investment company Mitsui & Co. met with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Cabinet Division on Wednesday. The meeting focused on exploring and expanding investment opportunities in sectors such as food, agriculture, energy, and ICT.

During the discussion, the Bangladesh government informed the delegation that it is pursuing investment-friendly policies and will provide maximum cooperation to attract and expand foreign investment. The government also highlighted its initiative to bring various agency services under a ‘one-stop service’ system to simplify business operations and approval processes, ensuring faster and smoother investment activities.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, the Prime Minister’s Economic and Planning Adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Special Assistant Dr. Shakirul Islam Khan, and Finance Secretary Md. Khairuzzaman Mozumder were present. The Mitsui delegation was led by Makato Sato, CEO and Executive Vice President for the Asia-Pacific region.

A 51-member convening committee of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has been announced for Parbatipur upazila in Dinajpur. The committee, approved on Tuesday by the district convening committee, will serve for six months. Engineer Md Shahidul Islam has been appointed as convener, while Md Sadikul Islam Alam will serve as senior joint convener. Several others have been assigned as joint conveners, member secretaries, and organizational secretaries.

Md Lokman Hossain (Khokon) has been named member secretary, and Md Zainal Abedin will act as senior joint member secretary. The committee also includes multiple joint member secretaries and assistant organizational secretaries. Palash Chandra Roy has been appointed organizational secretary, with several others serving as assistant organizational secretaries.

The approval letter was signed by district convening committee convener A H M Shamsul Muktadir, organizational secretary Md Zahid Hasan, and acting member secretary Md Imran Chowdhury Nishad.

Professor Dr. M. Fakhrul Islam, speaking in the 'Hello Doctor' segment of Amader Desh on June 3, 2026, discussed the growing prevalence of kidney and urinary tract diseases in Bangladesh. He explained that while diagnostic improvements have increased detection rates, the actual incidence may not have risen proportionally. However, he noted a concerning rise in kidney stone cases among teenagers.

According to Dr. Islam, one of the main reasons behind this trend is the widespread consumption of junk food, which causes metabolic changes leading to higher uric acid levels. He added that urban migration and reduced physical activity among youth have contributed to obesity and related metabolic problems. Dehydration among workers, particularly those employed abroad in Middle Eastern countries, also increases the risk of kidney stones.

Dr. Islam further highlighted that laser technology has made kidney stone removal safer and more effective, especially for smaller stones, while ultrasonic devices are preferred for larger ones. He emphasized early diagnosis and treatment of urinary problems in children to prevent long-term kidney damage.

Seven students from Quantum Cosmo School and College in Lama, a remote hill area of Bandarban, have been selected to represent Bangladesh at the Junior and Senior Artistic Gymnastics Singapore Open Championship (SGP) 2026. The event will take place in Singapore from June 1 to 8, and the Bangladesh Gymnastics Federation confirmed the final team through an official letter on June 3. The selected gymnasts are Uhai Mong Marma, Prenthai Mro, Mongching Pru Tripura, Menton Tony Mro, Utingwang Marma, Rajib Chakma, and Oye Oye Sai Marma.

Quantum Cosmo School and College has long been promoting both education and sports development in the region. According to officials, the students’ success is the result of regular training, disciplined practice, and a supportive sports environment. Salah Ahmed, in charge of Quantum Education Services, said their goal is to produce world-class gymnasts from the grassroots level and expressed pride in the students’ achievement.

Lama Upazila Sports Association convener and Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Moin Uddin praised the institution’s contribution to developing national and international athletes. The local community in Lama has expressed joy and hope that the young gymnasts will bring honor to Bangladesh through their performance in Singapore.

Kuwait’s military announced on Wednesday that its air defense systems intercepted incoming missiles and drones launched by what it described as an enemy force. The explosions heard across the country were attributed to the interception process, according to a statement posted on social media platform X. The state news agency KUNA reported that warning sirens sounded nationwide for the second time that night.

The oil-rich Gulf nation, a close ally of the United States, has faced repeated attacks since late February, following U.S. and Israeli strikes that killed senior Iranian military and political leaders. Earlier this week, Kuwaiti authorities confirmed they had downed several missiles and drones, while the country’s foreign ministry blamed Iran for the assaults, calling them heinous acts.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) also stated that its forces in Kuwait intercepted two Iranian ballistic missiles aimed at American troops stationed there, adding that both missiles were neutralized without any casualties.