Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman will visit Russia from June 7 to 9 for a three-day official trip, according to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry. The visit follows his election as President of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, which will begin on September 8. He will serve a one-year term in that position.

The Russian statement welcomed Rahman’s stated priorities of promoting the interests of the global South and East, accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, improving the effectiveness of the General Assembly, and strengthening the UN’s role as a central coordinating body in global affairs. Moscow expressed its commitment to constructive and productive cooperation with the newly elected president.

The visit is expected to reinforce diplomatic engagement between Bangladesh and Russia, particularly in the context of Rahman’s upcoming leadership role at the United Nations.

A Gaza-based human rights organization, Ad-Dameer, has reported that more than 9,500 Palestinians have gone missing in the Gaza Strip since Israel’s attacks began in October 2023. The group’s report, released on June 4, 2026, states that around 4,700 of the missing are women and children. It estimates that about 8,100 people may be trapped under rubble, while 250 others disappeared near aid distribution centers. Additionally, over 800 people were detained at Israeli military checkpoints during evacuations from northern to southern Gaza, with no information on their current whereabouts.

The report also notes that the fate of 350 individuals who entered Israel on October 7, 2023, remains unknown. Ad-Dameer described the situation as one of the most complex and painful humanitarian crises caused by the ongoing war. The organization called for urgent international intervention to release Palestinian detainees, return the bodies of the dead, and establish a genetic database to identify the missing.

The report emphasized that these figures are based solely on Ad-Dameer’s findings, and no official response from Israeli authorities was mentioned.

Bangladesh’s State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock, Sultan Salauddin Tuku, announced that a total of 9,367,418 animals were sacrificed across the country during Eid-ul-Azha. The data, presented at a press briefing at the ministry’s conference room on Thursday, showed that Dhaka division recorded the highest number of sacrifices, followed by Rajshahi and Chattogram. Compared to last year, the number of sacrificial animals increased by 231,418.

According to the ministry’s preliminary statistics, the total included 4,864,158 cattle and buffalo, 4,502,233 goats and sheep, and 1,027 other animals. The national demand for sacrificial animals this year was 10,106,334, while availability stood at 12,333,840, leaving a surplus of 2,966,422 animals. The minister stated that Bangladesh is now self-sufficient in livestock production and that the government aims to export surplus animals and meat after meeting domestic demand.

He credited timely government policies, farmers’ dedication, and private investment for achieving self-sufficiency in the livestock sector, which he said contributes to strengthening the rural economy and sustainable development.

FIFA has decided to prohibit spectators from bringing their own water bottles into stadiums during the 2026 World Cup, sparking debate as concerns rise over North America’s extreme heat and humidity. The new directive reverses an earlier rule that allowed fans to carry one-liter transparent, reusable plastic bottles. According to an email obtained by The Athletic, FIFA cited safety reasons, saying bottles could be used as projectiles that might injure players or spectators.

The decision has raised questions about water accessibility and affordability, as fans will no longer be able to refill bottles at stadium dispensers. During last year’s Club World Cup in the United States, bottled water prices ranged from four to six dollars. FIFA’s long-time partner Coca-Cola will sell its Dasani brand water at World Cup venues, though pricing has not yet been announced.

FIFA said it will coordinate with host cities to install misting stations, cooling tents, extra fans, and water supply points to ensure spectator safety. Exceptions will be made for baby food, sterile water, and medically required liquids with proper certification.

A newly constructed ten-storey dormitory at Rajshahi University, named 'Bijoy 71 Hall', has developed cracks on its walls and pillars even before its official inauguration. The Tk 74 crore project was supposed to open in December last year but remains unfinished, with incomplete gas, water, and electricity connections. Students relocated there from older, quake-damaged halls have expressed fear and frustration as plaster continues to fall off despite repairs.

The hall, built by Majid Sons Construction Limited, the same firm previously criticized for irregularities in other projects, began construction in September 2021. Its completion deadline was extended multiple times, and two workers reportedly died from electrocution during the project. The hall includes facilities such as a mosque, auditorium, gym, and library for about 1,100 students.

University engineers have attributed the cracks to temperature effects and assured that they are repairable. However, student leaders have demanded a formal investigation, alleging negligence and corruption in the construction process. The university administration has pledged to review the matter and ensure safety before opening the facility.

U.S. President Donald Trump posted a meme on his social media platform Truth Social portraying himself as British secret agent James Bond. In another post on Tuesday, he described himself as “The Greatest Attraction.” The meme used an archival photo of a young Trump standing before a mirror with the caption “Trump 007.” The White House had earlier humorously nominated Trump for the Bond role after Amazon MGM, owned by his friend Jeff Bezos, announced a casting call to replace actor Daniel Craig.

Speculation continues over who will play the next James Bond, with actors Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Tom Holland, Harris Dickinson, Jacob Elordi, and Callum Turner reportedly under discussion. Daniel Craig last portrayed the character in the 2021 film “No Time to Die.”

Trump also shared a photo of himself with late pop star Whitney Houston and praised Republican candidates who won Tuesday’s state elections, though he remained silent on the Iowa governor race where his preferred candidate Randy Feenstra lost to businessman Jack Lann in the Republican primary.

Police recovered the body of a raw materials trader about 30 hours after he went missing in Sreepur upazila of Gazipur. The body of the victim, identified as 27-year-old Nayeem from Baranal village under Boromi Union, was found on Thursday in the Shekherghat area. Nayeem was known for trading raw materials at Boromi market every Wednesday and also managed a fish farm near his home.

According to his father, Jamal Uddin, Nayeem left home around 11:45 p.m. on Tuesday to check his fish project with a torchlight but did not return. Family members tried to reach him several times by phone; the first call was disconnected, and later the phone was found switched off. Despite extensive searching the next morning, he remained missing until police discovered his body.

Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Shahinur Alam of Sreepur Police Station said the body was sent to Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital morgue for autopsy, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of death.

A gym owner in Kerala’s Palakkad district has sparked controversy after promoting his fitness center as 'Islam-friendly'. Nawaz Muthu T, who runs the gym in Puthunagaram, released a promotional video stating that the facility would operate without loud music and would have separate workout times and spaces for men and women. He described it as possibly the first of its kind in Kerala and invited people to visit the center, which has been operating for 15 years and is currently being renovated.

The video drew widespread criticism on social media, with some questioning whether the initiative was intended only for Muslims. In response, the original video was removed, and Nawaz released a new clip clarifying that the gym is open to people of all faiths. He explained that 'Islam-friendly' refers to the gym’s operational style, catering to those who prefer gender-segregated spaces and a quieter environment. Nawaz emphasized that membership would not be restricted by religion, though loud music would not be allowed.

Reactions have been mixed, with some praising the effort to create separate workout areas for men and women.

UNDP Bangladesh’s Resident Representative, Stefan Liller, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday, June 4, 2026. The meeting took place in the Cabinet Division at the Bangladesh Secretariat in Dhaka. The information was confirmed to journalists by the Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary, Zahidul Islam Rony.

The courtesy meeting reflected ongoing engagement between the Government of Bangladesh and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The report did not include details of the discussion or any specific agenda items addressed during the meeting.

No further information was provided regarding outcomes or future cooperation plans between the Prime Minister’s Office and UNDP Bangladesh.

U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at simplifying the process of dismissing senior federal officials. The order, issued on Wednesday as part of a broader civil service reform, could affect around 8,000 of the highest-paid government employees, each earning up to $200,000 annually. The directive, jointly released by the White House and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), removes job protections for officials deemed to have significant influence over policy decisions.

Scott Cooper, director of the OPM, stated that only those willing and able to implement the administration’s policy priorities should remain in their roles. He added that agencies would now have the authority to dismiss employees who refuse to carry out lawful directives due to personal political beliefs.

The order follows a year after billionaire Elon Musk stepped down from overseeing government spending and workforce reduction efforts. It underscores Trump’s continued determination to control and, if necessary, remove career officials he believes obstruct his political agenda. Although earlier estimates suggested up to 50,000 officials might be affected, the current order covers far fewer. Federal labor unions had already filed lawsuits in January to block the policy before its finalization.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that around 1.5 million people die each year from consuming food contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, or chemicals. The agency’s latest analysis, covering data from 194 countries between 2000 and 2021, found that about 886 million people suffer from foodborne illnesses annually, with children under five facing nearly three times higher risk than others.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that food safety is directly linked to daily life and family well-being. The report noted that although global rates of foodborne illness have declined slightly since 2000, regional disparities remain severe. Africa and Southeast Asia account for roughly 75 percent of foodborne disease cases and 60 percent of related deaths. In 2021, biological contamination caused most infections, while chemical pollutants such as arsenic and lead were the leading causes of death.

WHO technical officer Yuki Minato added that climate change and antimicrobial resistance are worsening the problem. The report also estimated that foodborne diseases caused a global economic loss of about 647 billion US dollars in 2021 due to reduced productivity.

A push-in attempt by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) involving 28 people at the Bangabari border in Gomostapur upazila of Chapainawabganj was thwarted by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) early Wednesday night. The incident occurred around 3 a.m. when BSF personnel from the Ashrafpur camp of the 12th Battalion reportedly tried to push the group from Indian territory into Bangladesh. BGB members intervened promptly, preventing their entry.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Ariful Islam Masum, commanding officer of BGB’s 16th Battalion, the group consisted of 12 men, 10 women, and 6 children. Following the failed attempt, the individuals remained stranded on the zero line of the border. BGB has been urging them to return to Indian territory and warned that a push-back will be attempted if they do not comply.

BGB has strengthened patrols and surveillance along the border, while reports indicate that BSF has also increased manpower at its nearby outposts.

Thirty people were injured in a violent clash on Thursday morning in Bishnupur village of Shailkupa upazila, Jhenaidah. The confrontation erupted over a long-standing rivalry between groups led by Tashir Biswas and Chairman Matiar regarding local dominance. According to local sources, more than three hundred people from both sides attacked each other with traditional weapons, leaving around thirty injured. The wounded were taken to Jhenaidah Sadar Hospital and Shailkupa Upazila Health Complex for treatment.

Dr. Mostafizur Rahman, the residential medical officer at Jhenaidah Sadar Hospital, confirmed that the seriously injured were admitted to the hospital while others received primary treatment. Shailkupa Police Station Officer-in-Charge Humayun Kabir Molla verified the incident and stated that the situation was now under control. Additional police forces have been deployed, and surveillance has been increased in key areas of Bishnupur village to prevent further unrest.

Authorities are maintaining heightened security in the area to ensure peace following the large-scale clash.

Elon Musk’s rocket company SpaceX is preparing for what could become the largest initial public offering in history, targeting a market valuation of about $177 trillion. According to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, SpaceX plans to sell 556 million shares at $135 each, aiming to raise roughly $75 billion. Trading is expected to begin on June 12 on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange in New York.

The IPO would make SpaceX the world’s seventh-largest company by market capitalization, surpassing Tesla and Meta, and ranking just behind Taiwan’s TSMC. The listing is also set to break Saudi Aramco’s 2019 IPO record. Despite going public, Musk will retain effective control of SpaceX through a dual-class share structure granting him over 82% of voting rights. The company’s decision to set a fixed share price before launch is considered unusual compared to standard IPO practices.

Founded in 2002, SpaceX designs and launches rockets and spacecraft for NASA and private clients, and also operates its Starlink and xAI divisions. The IPO will test investor confidence in Musk’s long-term vision, as SpaceX reported heavy losses in 2025 and early 2026.

The Directorate of Primary Education has announced that the results of the fifth-grade scholarship examination will be published by June 15, 2026. Although the results were initially expected before Eid, officials said additional time is needed to verify data accurately due to the large number of candidates. The exam, delayed several times because of legal complications, was held from April 15 to 18, 2026.

This year, about 650,000 students participated nationwide, with 82,500 to be selected for scholarships. Of these, 66,000 will come from government primary schools under an 80 percent quota, and 16,500 from private or kindergarten institutions under a 20 percent quota. The gender ratio will remain equal, and scholarships will be divided into talent pool and general categories, each with specific monthly and annual allowances.

Results will be accessible online through the IPEMIS portal or via SMS to 16222. The government is also considering a proposal to increase scholarship amounts by two to four times in the future.