Qatar has condemned Iran for launching attacks on civilian targets in Kuwait and Bahrain, describing the incidents as violations of international law. The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the strikes damaged Kuwait International Airport and injured several people, breaching the principles of the 1949 Geneva Conventions and international humanitarian law.

In its statement, Doha emphasized that targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure is strictly prohibited under international law. The ministry reiterated Qatar’s opposition to any assault on civilian facilities and urged all parties involved to de-escalate tensions and restore calm in the region.

Qatar also expressed solidarity with Kuwait and Bahrain, pledging support for any measures they take to protect their sovereignty and security, and wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the attacks.

A reception organized by an Awami League leader for a BNP Member of Parliament in Shahjahanpur, Bogura, has triggered widespread discussion and criticism in the area. The event honored BNP MP Morshed Milton, representing Gabtali-Shahjahanpur, and was arranged by Ali Atowar Talukdar Fazu, former vice president of Shahjahanpur Upazila Awami League and chairman of Gohail Union Parishad. The ceremony took place on Tuesday afternoon at the Gohail Islamia High School and College grounds, which were decorated with banners and posters promoting the Awami League leader’s name.

Local sources said that after the Awami League government lost power following the political shift on August 5, Fazu had announced his withdrawal from active politics through a newspaper notice. However, after the BNP formed a new government following the February 12 election, he was reportedly trying to strengthen his political position under the new circumstances. Despite being the main organizer, Fazu stayed at the Union Parishad office during the event.

The incident has stirred political curiosity and debate in Shahjahanpur and across Bogura, with locals questioning the motives behind a former Awami League leader’s initiative to honor a BNP lawmaker.

A four-year-old boy was killed after being run over by a covered van on the Sylhet–Sunamganj road in Shantiganj upazila of Sunamganj district. The accident occurred around 1 p.m. on Wednesday in the Damodaratapi area of Purba Pagla Union. The deceased was identified as Rik Sutradhar, son of Nantu Sutradhar from the same village.

According to Abdul Motaleb, in-charge of the Joykolos Highway Police Outpost, the child was struck by a courier service’s covered van that had departed from Sunamganj. Police have seized the vehicle, while the driver remains at large. Legal proceedings to file a case are currently underway.

Authorities are continuing efforts to locate the driver and complete the legal process related to the fatal road accident.

Iran has accused the United States and Israel of fueling instability in the Middle East. According to Tehran, the two countries carried out attacks on a commercial ship and a communication tower in the Gulf region, escalating tensions. The Iranian government also warned nations that allow their territories to be used for actions against Iran.

In a statement from the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Tehran said that any country permitting the use of its land, sea, or airspace for military aggression or support against Iran would be violating international law and the principles of good neighborliness. The statement emphasized that the consequences of such actions would fall on the U.S.-Israeli aggressors and those who assist them.

The report, citing Al Jazeera, reflects Iran’s firm stance amid rising regional tensions and its warning to neighboring states about involvement in hostile activities against it.

Two young men were killed and another was seriously injured in a violent clash between two groups in the Pahartali Islampur area of Cox’s Bazar town late Tuesday night. The incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. following an argument that escalated into a knife fight. One victim, Hridoy, died at the scene, while the other, Ashraf alias Asif, succumbed to his injuries at Chittagong Medical College Hospital. The injured man, Ashraful Islam, is currently receiving treatment.

Police said the confrontation stemmed from a previous dispute between the groups. During the altercation, both sides attacked each other with knives, leaving three people critically wounded. Hridoy was declared dead after being taken to the district hospital, and Asif later died while under treatment in Chittagong.

Cox’s Bazar Sadar Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Sheikh Mohammad Ali confirmed the incident and stated that police are working to identify those involved. Legal proceedings are underway, and efforts continue to uncover the exact cause and arrest the perpetrators.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Amir Maulana Mamunul Haque has declared that the party’s movement will continue until the people’s verdict from the recent referendum is fully implemented. He made the announcement while addressing a Hajj gathering organized by the party’s Makkah branch in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.

Haque stated that the foundation of resistance laid in 2013 against fascism led to the 2024 mass uprising, reflecting the people’s aspirations. He emphasized that the full implementation of the July Charter is essential to realize those aspirations, particularly acknowledging the role of expatriate Bangladeshis who supported the uprising despite personal risks. He added that two elections were held in February—a national election and a referendum—and that most political forces supported the “yes” side before the vote. However, he accused the current authorities of delaying the implementation of the referendum’s outcome.

Haque said Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis was the first to take to the streets demanding the implementation of the referendum verdict and announced nationwide programs following a major rally at Suhrawardy Udyan.

Iran’s armed forces have pledged to defend the ideals of the Islamic Revolution until death. The commitment was made in a joint statement issued by the General Staff of the Armed Forces and the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters to mark the death anniversary of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, founder of the Islamic Republic, and the anniversary of the Khordad 16 uprising.

The statement accused the United States and Israel of exposing the true nature of those who falsely claim to uphold human rights. It declared that the Iranian nation would not retreat in the face of threats or aggression and that the armed forces would continue to safeguard revolutionary principles.

The statement further asserted that Washington and Tel Aviv would have no choice but to submit to the divine will of Iran’s armed forces and its enlightened nation, calling on Iranians to unite behind their national leadership.

A crocodile from Khan Jahan Ali (R.) Dighi in Bagerhat was removed on Wednesday afternoon and taken to the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Khulna. The operation began in the morning with forest and administrative officials present at the site. The crocodile was captured around noon using food as bait and then transported to Khulna by the Forest Department.

The decision to remove the animal followed the death of a child three days earlier in an attack by the same crocodile. An emergency meeting held Tuesday night at the district administration office approved the relocation. Local residents expressed relief after the removal, saying they had been fearful of the crocodile.

Wildlife expert Azad Kabir confirmed the rescued female crocodile weighs about 600 kilograms and will undergo examination at the Khulna center before further decisions are made. Bagerhat Sadar Upazila Executive Officer Atia Khatun said the removal was carried out for public safety, and future steps will be determined after discussions.

Canada and Mexico on Tuesday called for renewing the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) for another 16 years. Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc made the proposal in a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamison Greer and Mexican Finance Minister Marcelo Ebrard, emphasizing that the agreement binds the three countries under a unified trade framework. LeBlanc later described a meeting in Washington on the pact’s future as positive and said discussions would continue in the coming days and weeks.

The USMCA is vital for both Canada and Mexico, as the United States is their main trading partner, accounting for roughly 75 and 80 percent of their exports respectively. The countries must inform by July 1 whether they wish to renew the agreement or renegotiate its terms. Although President Donald Trump signed the USMCA during his first term, he has recently questioned its relevance, imposed tariffs on key Canadian sectors, and made controversial remarks about Canada’s economic dependence on the U.S.

U.S. and Mexican officials recently concluded initial talks on possible amendments to the pact. Greer indicated support for retaining parts of the current agreement, while LeBlanc noted that trade among the three nations has grown 32 percent since the USMCA took effect in 2020.

China has called on Iran and the United States to maintain the existing ceasefire as tensions continue to rise in the Middle East. During a regular press briefing, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that renewed conflict would benefit no party and urged all sides to respect the ceasefire and avoid escalation.

The spokesperson emphasized that there remains an opportunity to advance ongoing discussions and diplomatic processes between Tehran and Washington, and that sustaining this momentum is essential. According to the ministry, Beijing is deeply concerned about the growing instability in the region, warning that increasing tensions pose a threat to regional stability.

China reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy are the only effective means to address the current situation, underscoring its position that peaceful engagement is necessary to prevent further deterioration of the Middle East crisis.

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj announced that the government is working to establish a coordinated and accountable framework to ensure quality education for all students in Bangladesh. As part of this effort, all English medium schools across the country will be brought under a unified policy. The initiative aims to ensure educational standards, teaching excellence, student safety, accountability, and alignment with national interests.

Hajjaj made the remarks while visiting The Aga Khan Academy, where he observed a student exhibition showcasing research, innovation projects, and creative presentations. He emphasized that the government seeks to build an education system that fosters critical thinking, innovation, and leadership among students, preparing them to lead the future of Bangladesh. He also highlighted the goal of providing equal opportunities for students from all educational streams—Bangla medium, English version, or English medium—to develop national values, civic responsibility, and global competencies.

During the visit, the state minister praised the academy’s modern teaching methods and leadership development programs and urged other institutions to expand research and creative learning initiatives.

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.