The PM, in office for almost two years, told his senior ministerial team during their weekly meeting that he wanted an "orderly" handover and whoever replaces him "to succeed". "The prime minister said he would seek to make the transition as easy as possible, giving his full support to whoever followed in his footsteps," a government readout of the meeting said.

Labour veteran Burnham, 56, is the overwhelming favourite to replace Starmer, despite only becoming eligible for the top job after winning a parliamentary by-election last Thursday. The ex-Manchester mayor was clapped and cheered as some 200 Labour MPs welcomed him back to parliament after a nine-year absence for his swearing in on Monday, hours after Starmer tendered his resignation. Starmer's official spokesman told reporters that meetings between Burnham's team and senior civil servants could begin before nominations to become Labour leader open on July 9.

Nominations close on July 16 and Burnham could be in 10 Downing Street by the following day if he is unchallenged. Former armed forces minister Al Carns told an event Tuesday that he wanted to hear Burnham's "vision" for the country before deciding whether or not to stand. "We'll see where we go from there," he added.

UK media reported that government minister Darren Jones was being encouraged to run by some MPs. A person close to Jones told AFP that he was keeping his options open until Burnham lays out more detailed plans for government, particularly on the economy, but that he considered a run "very unlikely". Burnham is due to begin setting out his policy platform next week with a speech on his economic plans.

Government minister Nick Thomas-Symonds echoed the views of many Labour lawmakers on Tuesday when he told Sky News that a "swift transition" was in "the best interests of the country". A contest would last for several weeks and could be bitterly divisive, but some MPs insist forcing Burnham to win a contest would add legitimacy to his premiership since he would have become prime minister without winning a general election.

The Labour party won a landslide victory at the July 2024 general election and is the biggest party in parliament, meaning its leader automatically has the right to be prime minister. Labour MP John Slinger told BBC radio that the public would think "we'd slightly lost our minds if we didn't go through a process where we subject people who aspire to the highest office in the land to completely normal scrutiny".

Fellow backbencher Nadia Whittome also called for a contest, telling the BBC that "candidates setting out their stall transparently" would make Labour and the government "stronger". Burnham's path to Number 10 looks clear after his nearest rival for the top job, Wes Streeting, announced on Monday he would not compete for the top job.

Any challenger would likely find it difficult to secure the support of the 81 of Labour's 403 MPs needed to join a race. "Andy has such a head of steam it would be quixotic," one Labour MP, who asked not to be named, told AFP, adding that a contest would be "hugely expensive and time-consuming". "We need unity now," he said.

Public health inspectors said on Tuesday they had started to implement guidelines issued by the education ministry this week prohibiting schools from providing food containing high levels of sugar, salt and fat. The ban means hot dogs, burgers, pizzas, doughnuts, ice cream, biscuits, flavoured milk, energy drinks, pastries, deep-fried snacks and even condiments such as tomato sauce are off the menu for the country's four million students.

"Poor eating habits among children directly contribute to the increase in nutritional problems and, later, to the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer," the ministry said in a statement dated Monday. There is no reliable data on juvenile diabetes, cancer or heart problems in Sri Lanka, but authorities say they know anecdotally that the numbers are rising. Twelve percent of schoolchildren between the ages of 13 and 17 were overweight, and another 3 percent were obese, as of 2024, according to government figures.

The ministry asked school managers to encourage students to eat rice, fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, meat, eggs, natural fruit juice, fresh milk and tea or coffee with only small quantities of sugar. It provided recipes for "healthy and highly nutritious" menus prepared with locally available ingredients. Schools also may not permit advertisers of "unhealthy food" to sponsor events, according to a 122-page ministry guide seen by AFP. According to UNICEF, around 17 percent of Sri Lankan children under the age of five experience stunting due to malnutrition. About a quarter of the country's 22 million people lived below the poverty line in 2024, but the proportion will likely fall to about one-fifth this year, according to the World Bank.

They "agreed to maintain their dialogue on this issue through a joint working group between the two foreign ministries", the statement said. The working group was aimed at reaching "agreement on the future administration of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the services that will be provided in this regard and the costs associated with them in accordance with international standards", they said. The statement followed meetings in Muscat between top officials from the two nations.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf met Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi. Last week, Iran's foreign ministry said the country would impose what it called maritime service fees for crossing the strait. Ghalibaf has said the fees will come into effect after a 60-day period without charges that is stipulated in a memorandum of understanding signed with the United States.

The MOU states that Iran and Oman, which border the strait, will discuss its "future administration and maritime services" alongside other Gulf countries. The strait, through which roughly 20 percent of the world's crude oil and liquified natural gas normally transits, was closed by Iran after it came under fire from the United States and Israel. But Iran has since lifted its blockade as part of the deal signed with the US last week.

Prior to the memorandum of understanding, Oman had come under fire from US officials over reports it planned to charge joint tolls with Iran. US President Donald Trump has threatened that if Oman tries to control the waterway alongside Iran he will "blow them up". US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has also said he will sanction Muscat if it helps impose a tolling system. On Tuesday, Omani Foreign Minister Albusaidi said on X following his meeting with Araghchi and Ghalibaf that "we affirmed commitment to international law and toll-free safe passage".

Of those arrested so far, 185 are suspected of belonging to several far-left organisations, including the Revolutionary People's Liberation Party-Front (DHKP-C), which has staged attacks in the past and has been branded a terror group by Ankara. The detainees also included Yildiz Tar, editor-in-chief of LGBTQ journal Kaos GL, the MLSA rights group said on X, while the Progressive Lawyers Association (CHD) said two of its lawyers were detained in Ankara and a third in Istanbul.

Newspaper Gazete Oksijen said an academic from Ankara University's economics department and a union official were also arrested. Erol Onderoglu of Reporters Without Borders (RSF) denounced Tar's arrest as "unacceptable" and demanded his release, saying the summit was no justification for his "arbitrary" detention on security grounds. Authorities said the operations targeted multiple groups as part of broader security measures. In a post late on Monday, the Ankara governor's office announced a ban on all demonstrations from June 28 until the end of the summit in order "to ensure summit security and maintain public order". The summit is expected to bring together leaders from the military alliance's 32 member states.

The operator of the Eiffel Tower, a monument made of latticed steel girders, said the site would "exceptionally close" early on Tuesday at 4 pm (1400 GMT). During the high season, starting in mid-June, the tower is open from 9 am to 12:45 am. "Due to the high temperatures forecast, the Eiffel Tower will be adjusting its operations," said the operator.

It is "very likely" that the monument will close again early on Wednesday, the operator said, adding that visitors would be refunded for their tickets. Seven million tourists pay to visit the 324-metre (1,063-foot) tower each year. Unveiled in 1889 for the World Fair in Paris by engineer Gustave Eiffel, the "Iron Lady" has since become the French capital's symbol. Shortly after the Eiffel Tower announcement, the Louvre management said the world's most visited museum would from Wednesday to Saturday close two hours early at 4 pm due to the heatwave.

Soaring temperatures in Paris have made "visiting and working conditions difficult during the hottest hours of the day", the management said, noting that "it is at the end of the day that heat builds up most, exacerbated by high visitor numbers". Home to iconic pieces of art including Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa", the Louvre receives around nine million visitors a year.

It is housed in a vast palace in central Paris on the banks of the Seine River, built over centuries by various French monarchs and presidents. The management said on Tuesday the historic building is "vulnerable and is not sufficiently adapted to climate change". Its director Christophe Leribault warned last week the museum was "running out of steam" as it struggles to find funding to upgrade its ageing facilities.

The museum has faced a litany of problems that recently included a brazen $100-million jewellery heist, a water leak and other maintenance issues. Other tourist sites have also announced early closures or warnings as more than half of mainland France remains under the weather services' highest alert level. The most visited tourist attraction outside of the capital region, Mont Saint Michel island in Normandy, on Tuesday warned visitors to "put off your visit during the red alert".

At the G7 summit in France earlier this month, leaders -- including Trump -- agreed to increase pressure on the Russian "war economy" by strengthening sanctions, including on energy. Since returning to the White House in 2025, Trump -- who had pledged he would end the Ukraine war within a day of taking office -- has been pushing both sides to engage in negotiations. There has been little progress in the US-brokered shuttle diplomacy, with Kyiv refusing to give in to Moscow's demands to cede territory, limit the size of its army and renounce Western support. Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed and millions in Ukraine forced from their homes since Russia launched its full-scale offensive in February 2022.

In recent months Moscow has grown increasingly critical of Europe's role in supporting Ukraine and trying to stop Trump pushing Kyiv to accept a Russia- friendly peace. Speaking separately on Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Europe was "openly" preparing for war through its massive rearmament programme -- which is being urged on by Trump. "Now in the West they openly say that they are preparing for war with us, and are increasing their military, offensive budgets," the Kremlin chief told a ceremony of newly-qualified military and law enforcement officials. In hawkish remarks he repeated Russia's call for Ukraine to fully withdraw from the eastern Donbas region and said his troops were on the brink of capturing the key fortified town of Kostiantynivka.

Putin also said an escalating wave of Ukrainian retaliatory hits on Russian infrastructure was designed to "shake-up society" and was being done with Western support -- his first such comments since a massive attack on Moscow set an oil refinery ablaze last week, pouring black smoke over the Russian capital.

"Iran has fully and completely agreed to highest level Nuclear inspections long into the future (Infinity!!!). This will insure 'Nuclear Honesty,'" Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, adding that bilateral negotiations are "going well."

"Based on this and other major concessions being made by Iran, I have agreed to allow the Hormuz Strait to remain OPEN, with no further Naval Blockade," he added.

There are 10 permanent centers. In addition, there are a total of 1,778 temporary centers. A total of 3,076 volunteers will be deployed, with two volunteers at each center. The Civil Surgeon emphasized breastfeeding newborns, including colostrum. To meet a child's vitamin requirements, he advised feeding from one breast for at least five minutes before switching to the other. 

He also advised mothers to eat Vitamin A-rich foods such as carrots, red spinach, pumpkin, fish, meat, milk, and eggs. Civil Surgeon Dr. S.I.M Rajiul Karim said, "Those who have received the measles vaccine can also take Vitamin A capsules. There are no side effects." At the meeting, Medical Officer of the Civil Surgeon's office Dr. Bayezid-Ul Islam presented overall information about the campaign.

The program was officially inaugurated on Tuesday afternoon by Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Shahid Hossain Chowdhury. In the first phase, agricultural support materials -- including tree saplings and summer vegetable seeds -- were distributed among approximately 200 farmers.

According to officials, the full program will gradually cover 7,000 farmers and include a total distribution of 20 metric tons of rice and vegetable seeds, 7,000 fruit and forest saplings, 124 metric tons of chemical fertilizers, 42 metric tons of organic fertilizers, and 7,600 bamboo poles. Authorities said the initiative aims to boost agricultural production, promote environmental conservation, and increase farmers’ incomes in the region.

The event was chaired by Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Rakibul Islam. The programme was formally inaugurated via mobile phone from Dhaka by local Member of Parliament Mostafizur Rahman, who joined as the chief guest. Among others, present at the event were Porsha Upazila BNP General Secretary Sadikul Islam, Upazila Project Implementation Officer Mahmudul Hasan Titu, Nitpur LSD Officer-in-Charge Riazul Islam and Porsha Thana Jubo Dal Convener Iqbal Hossain Chowdhury.

Officials said the relief distribution aims to support families impacted by recent natural calamities and ensure basic food assistance during recovery.

Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) Procurement Specialist Joyram Saha, Deputy Director of Social Services Abdul Baten, Principal of Manikganj Technical School and College Zahidul Haque, and GKT Director Uday Chowdhury, among others, spoke at the event. The speakers appreciated the GKT authorities' initiative to organize the job fair, saying it created employment opportunities for unemployed educated youths.

“We want to work together with the people. KCC officials and employees are ready to provide services to citizens within their capacity,” he said while addressing an annual consultation meeting organised by the Community Forum Project of Adams Foundation as the chief guest at the Shaheed Altaf Hossain Auditorium of Khulna City Corporation (KCC).

The KCC administrator added that the city corporation is working on a priority basis to address various civic problems and improve the overall administrative and service delivery systems of KCC.

The project aims to create a platform for underprivileged and low-income people and local residents to enhance their awareness, skills, rights and responsibilities through training and capacity-building initiatives, particularly in socio-economic development.

The meeting was arranged to strengthen cooperation between the city corporation and local government institutions to ensure service delivery, citizens’ rights and accountability.

It also discussed ways to incorporate development priorities and ward-level problems into the annual budget of Khulna City Corporation.

Councillors from 24 wards under the project area, senior KCC officials and members of the Community Forum’s central committee attended the meeting.

KCC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Razib Ahmed and Adams Foundation Executive Director S M Ali Aslam addressed the meeting as special guests, while Secretary General of the Central Community Forum H M Abu Salek presided over it.

Acting on a tip-off, an operational team of RAB-13’s Sadar Company conducted a raid in the village and arrested the man with the contraband drugs from his residence at around 7am. After filing a case in this connection, the elite force handed over the arrested person and the seized drugs to Phulbari Police Station for further legal action.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Mohammad Tajul Islam presided over the programme and formally handed over the recovered mobile phone sets to their owners. Speaking on the occasion, the SP urged citizens to file a General Diary (GD) with the nearest police station immediately after losing a mobile phone or becoming a victim of theft.

He highlighted the professional, skilled and sincere efforts of Khulna District Police in combating technology-based crimes and expressed hope that such recovery operations would continue in the future. Tajul Islam said Bangladesh Police remains committed and vigilant in ensuring citizen services and preventing cybercrime across the country.

The recipients expressed their gratitude to the police for recovering and returning their mobile phones. Among others, Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Ops) Anisuzzaman, Additional Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Abir Siddiquee Shuvro and Assistant Superintendent of Police (Probationer) Opu Mondol were present at the event. 

The KCC administrator made the remarks while addressing a city-level orientation workshop on the “National Urban Policy-2025” as the chief guest at a city hotel this morning. The workshop was organised by the Local Government Division with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Manju described the formulation of the National Urban Policy as a timely and landmark initiative, saying it would bring urban development under an integrated, inclusive and climate-resilient framework. The policy has been formulated to ensure sustainable, inclusive and climate-resilient urban development, considering Bangladesh’s rapid urbanisation, climate change impacts, infrastructural pressures, environmental degradation and social inequalities.

Referring to Khulna’s context, the administrator said the importance of the policy is particularly significant for the city as Khulna is both the economic and administrative hub of the country’s south-western region and one of the urban centres most vulnerable to climate change impacts. He stressed the need for coordinated and effective participation of all stakeholders at national and local levels for successful implementation of the policy.

Manju also emphasised integrated and sustainable urban planning to address challenges such as waterlogging, river erosion, increasing salinity, unplanned urbanisation and urban poverty in Khulna. Urban development experts from home and abroad at the workshop highlighted the importance of identifying local priorities, strengthening institutional capacity and preparing coordinated action plans for implementing the policy’s goals and strategies.
The speakers also noted that strengthening local government institutions, enhancing stakeholder coordination, identifying city-specific priority action plans and integrating the policy principles into local planning processes would be among the key expected outcomes of the initiative.

Among others, British High Commission Climate and Livelihood Adviser and Deputy Team Leader ABM Firoz Ahmed, KCC Chief Engineer Moshiuzzaman Khan, Head of the Urban and Rural Planning Discipline of Khulna University Professor Dr Md Zakir Hossain, and Professor Dr Morshed Monjur of the Urban and Regional Planning Department of Khulna University of Engineering and Technology addressed the workshop as special guests. UNDP Assistant Resident Representative Anwarul Haque delivered the welcome speech, while Professor Dr Shakil Akhtar of the Urban and Regional Planning Department of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology presented the keynote paper. UNDP Project Analyst S.M. Abdullah Al Masum presented a summary of the National Urban Policy-2025.

The Prime Minister said this in his opening remarks at a session titled "Climate Leadership in a Shifting Global Landscape" at the World Economic Forum's (WEF) 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions here at Dalian International Conference Center. 

He underscored that COP31, the upcoming 31st session of the United Nations Climate Change Conference to be held in Turkey in November next, should reaffirm the goals and spirit of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement. In this regard, he said, the WEF provides a valuable platform to foster dialogue, build consensus, and encourage collective action.

Hannan, who served on the BCB's junior selection panel during Bangladesh's victorious 2020 ICC Under-19 World Cup campaign, previously worked as a national team selector before moving into coaching.

The former opener enjoyed success in domestic cricket, guiding Abahani Limited to the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) title and leading Rajshahi Warriors to a Bangladesh Premier League championship. He most recently served as head coach of the Bangladesh Under-17 team.

Five of the six members of the new Under-19 coaching staff are local coaches. Former Bangladesh pacer Dollar Mahmud has been retained as pace bowling coach, while Mohammad Selim will continue as fielding coach. Both were part of the previous Under-19 coaching setup.

The appointments were announced at a press conference at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Monday.

The BCB also confirmed that veteran Bangladesh cricketer Mahmudullah has been appointed mentor for various age-group teams, the High Performance (HP) programme and the national youth setup. Former national opener Imrul Kayes will accompany the Emerging and HP teams as a mentor during their upcoming tour of Australia.

Speaking to reporters after his appointment, Hannan said his priority would be to develop future national team players while maintaining competitive results at the youth level.

"We want to achieve good results, but our main objective is to produce cricketers capable of progressing to higher levels," he said.

Meanwhile, the BCB announced the launch of an analytics laboratory at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. Initially operating from an indoor facility in Mirpur, the lab will maintain a comprehensive video database tracking player’s performances from the Under-14 level through to the national team.

The initiative is expected to strengthen player development, performance analysis and talent identification across Bangladesh's cricket pathway.

With captain Harry Kane scoring twice and Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham netting, England midfielder Declan Rice believes Thomas Tuchel's squad should be a match for any team in the tournament. Rice said Monday the challenge for England will be reproducing the swashbuckling attacking display that marked their second-half performance against Croatia. "We know as players the level, we know what's required, and that second-half performance was probably the benchmark for us in terms of having to start the game at that level," Rice said.

"We believe that if we can do that from the opening minute, with the players that we also have to come on and finish the game, we can beat any opponent in the world. "We want to be confident in our abilities and what we can do on the pitch." England's German manager Tuchel meanwhile says his team are already embracing the pressure that comes with a World Cup campaign. "There are emotions involved and you can at some point feel the tension and feel the pressure. I hope we can cope with it, accept it and turn it around," Tuchel said.

"I heard also a lot about it and I feel of course the excitement and the pressure, but I feel that we have so many winners and so many players who are experienced to cope with the pressure." England though will be wary of the threat posed by Ghana's Antoine Semenyo, the London-born Manchester City winger who is the focal point of the Black Stars attack. Ghana, 1-0 winners over Panama in their opener last week, can also qualify for the knockout rounds on Tuesday with a victory at Foxborough, just outside Boston. Elsewhere, Portugal will attempt to draw a line under a turbulent first week of the tournament when they take on Uzbekistan in Houston.

Portugal arrived at the World Cup as one of the tournament favourites, boasting a team studded with flair players and spearheaded by veteran Cristiano Ronaldo in attack. But Ronaldo's leaden performance in a faltering 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo renewed debate about the captain's place in the starting line-up. Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has continued to offer staunch support of his 41-year-old captain, despite his failure to score in his last 10 matches at major tournaments.

"He's a good example for us, for all of us," Martinez said of Ronaldo. "So he really wants to keep on improving, to contribute to the team, and he's really a role model for our team." Martinez though stopped short of confirming Ronaldo will start against Uzbekistan when asked by reporters on Monday, saying he had not informed his players of the lineup.

Martinez said the disappointment Portugal felt after drawing with the DRC will be motivation against Uzbekistan, who are playing at a World Cup for the first time and will be heavy underdogs. "The feeling of frustration that we all had as a team, the feeling of disappointment after the game, probably that's the best starting point to prepare for the next game," said the Spaniard. 

Messi, who had tied Miroslav Klose's record of 16 goals with a brilliant hat-trick against Algeria last week, bagged the 17th and 18th goals of his World Cup career in a 2-0 win over Austria in Texas. The eight-time Ballon D'Or winner, who turns 39 on Wednesday, had blown a chance to break the record after eight minutes when he dragged a penalty wide of the post in the Group J match. But the Argentina skipper made no mistake seven minutes before half-time, coolly placing his finish beyond the dive of Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager.

He then completed his double in the fifth minute of stoppage time to take his tally for the tournament to five goals. Argentina are now guaranteed top spot in Group J after Algeria came from behind to defeat Jordan 2-1 in Monday's late game in Santa Clara, California. Messi admitted he had been privately seething after missing his penalty early in the game.

"Today there was a moment where I was very angry about the penalty because I missed and I struck it very badly," he told reporters. "Luckily we were able to turn the situation around, take the lead and take three very important points." France meanwhile were made to wait before booking their place in the last 32 with a storm-hit win over Iraq in Philadelphia that took just under four hours to complete.

Kylian Mbappe, making his 100th appearance for France, had fired France into a 1-0 lead with a vicious long-range effort after 14 minutes that ripped past Iraq goalkeeper Ahmed Basil. But as the half progressed, a severe thunderstorm that had prompted tournament organisers to delay opening the stadium doors to fans before kick-off rolled into the region, dumping heavy rain on the venue. As the half-time whistle blew, fans in the 68,324-capacity Lincoln Financial Field were told to take shelter, and scrambled into the stadium concourses.

The weather warning prevented the match resuming after half-time, leaving the two teams to huddle in their respective locker rooms before the second half finally kicked off at approximately 8.00pm local time (0000 GMT), a delay of around two hours. "We stayed calm, (during the suspension of the game), I was joking with the players," France coach Didier Deschamps said of the delay. When play resumed, Mbappe grabbed his second of the match -- and 16th career World Cup goal -- before Ousmane Dembele added France's third in the 66th minute.

The possibility of weather causing disruption to the tournament had been signalled at last year's Club World Cup in the United States, when multiple games were interrupted for several hours. Public safety regulations used widely in the United States mandate that play is halted whenever lightning is recorded near a stadium. "It's a matter of security, I don't blame anyone," Deschamps said. "As soon as there is a risk, we adapt to local laws. These are unusual circumstances, and I hope it won't happen again."

With Messi and Mbappe getting among the goals once more, Norway striker Haaland was in no mood to be left out, helping himself to a double with a rampaging performance in a 3-2 defeat of Senegal in East Rutherford. The Manchester City striker's brace and a Marcus Holmgren Pedersen strike sealed victory for the Norwegians, with Ismaila Sarr scoring twice for Senegal. The win sets up a mouthwatering final Group I game between France and Norway on Friday, where the winner will be assured of topping the group.

Next on the list is Brazilian great Ronaldo, with 15 goals, one ahead of Gerd Muller and current France star Kylian Mbappe. "To enjoy this with my family, with my teammates, the ones who are always there, is a really beautiful moment," Inter Miami star Messi said. "I'm happy." He added: "It's an honour to be there, given what it means to stand alongside Klose or the others.

"Ronaldo is there too but I don't think it means anything -- Mbappe as well, who scored two today (in a 3-1 win against Senegal). "In the end, it's just a statistic and nothing more." Messi's razor-sharp eye for goal augurs well for Argentina's hopes of becoming the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cup titles.

"The squad, it's a very united, very strong group," he said. "I feel good. We were lucky enough to win a tough match. It's important to start off with a win in the first game. "I'm grateful to the fans, because once again they've shown that Argentina is crazy about this -- we packed the stadium again." Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said he no longer had "the words to describe Messi." "For 20 years, he's had us used to seeing things like this, and he inspires everyone who watches him play," he said of Messi's masterclass.

Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister said Messi was still the heartbeat of the team despite his veteran status. "If anyone thought this group was better off without Leo, today it became clear that Leo is the most important of them all," he said. Rodrigo De Paul, who supplied the pass for the first goal on Tuesday, described the former Barcelona star as "a beast".

The win gives Algeria hope of progressing to the knockout round if they can beat Austria in Kansas City on Saturday. Austria lost 2-0 to Argentina earlier on Monday, leaving the South Americans top of Group J on six points. The Austrians and Algeria have three points each. Jordan face Argentina in Arlington, Texas on Saturday in their farewell to the tournament.

However, Haaland cautioned against getting carried away after the team's strong start to their first World Cup since 1998. "To qualify for the first time in 28 years and going through the group stage I would say, yes. To win the World Cup, absolutely not," said Haaland. "We've won 12 competitive games in a row now. I'm part of something special, making history, and I'm extremely proud to be Norwegian."

In this tournament, the Manchester City striker is level with Kylian Mbappe on four goals and one behind Lionel Messi, who has netted all five of Argentina's goals at the tournament so far and in the process has become the World Cup's highest scorer in history with 18 goals. Haaland meanwhile took his international tally to a remarkable 59 goals in 52 games. "I think it's my speciality, to score goals," said Haaland.

"It's like many others things, I'm just really good at scoring goals and I'm quite lucky. I don't know what I'm doing. It's just how it is." Senegal coach Pape Thiaw must hold out hope his team can beat Iraq in their final game to have a chance of reaching the knockout phase. "A tough match against a team that caused us problems; they were very clinical and scored two goals at the worst possible times," said Thiaw.

"After the first goal we regrouped, but we conceded a second. We have to encourage the players because it's not easy. "We need to focus on this last match and give everything to get the three points and keep hoping. It's difficult, but we're not dead yet."

Not the most played outright, because Brazil have faced Sweden seven times including in the 1958 final and in the 1994 semi-finals. There have also been seven meetings of Argentina and Germany or West Germany, three of which have come in finals. But the Selecao and the Scots faced off four times at World Cups between 1974 and 1998, all in the group stage -- after all, Scotland have never gone beyond the first round.

Narey's strike in Seville in 1982 remains an iconic World Cup moment, but it did not really have the desired effect as it simply stirred the Brazil of Socrates and Zico to life -- they came back to win 4-1. In 1974 in West Germany, Kenny Dalglish's Scotland held the Brazil of Jairzinho and Rivellino to a goalless draw, and were ultimately eliminated on goal difference. A late Mueller goal gave the Brazilians a 1-0 victory in Turin at Italia 90, and in 1998 Scotland prevented Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Bebeto from scoring only for Tom Boyd's own goal to decide the contest 2-1 in favour of the World Cup holders.

So can Scotland upset the odds and finally beat the Brazilians at the World Cup? "Brazil have got an amazing history and we obviously want to disrupt that on Wednesday," said defender Jack Hendry, whose namesake Colin captained Scotland in that 1998 game. Scotland are hoping to make history by qualifying for the knockout phase for the first time, after starting their campaign with a 1-0 win over Haiti in Boston.

That was followed by a 1-0 defeat against Morocco, but a draw here will almost certainly take them through as one of the eight best third-placed sides -- in fact they could even yet advance with a defeat, and three points. "If there's a nation to play to get to the next round, we want to do it against these type of teams, so it's going to be a great spectacle," added Hendry.

"Scotland against Brazil in Miami to make some history is something you dream of," said John McGinn, who was just three when the nations last met at the tournament. The fixture perhaps doesn't have quite the same aura for Brazil, the record five-time World Cup winners. They are just focused on getting the job done and advancing to the next round in the best possible position in the group -- a win will be required to make sure of that, as they and Morocco both have four points so far.

Brazil are without Barcelona forward Raphinha due to injury but this could be the occasion for Neymar to finally make his return for the Selecao. The 34-year-old, his country's all-time record scorer, was called up by coach Carlo Ancelotti despite not having appeared for Brazil since October 2023 due to injury. He then, almost inevitably, suffered another injury to his right calf which has kept him out of the team's two games so far in the United States, but the ex-Paris Saint-Germain superstar is now ready to play.

"We saw the quality he has in training, we were speechless," said Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli on Monday. "When you look at the shape he is in you can see that he is desperate to get out there and we are delighted to have him." Brazil's last meeting with Scotland was a friendly in 2011 in London, in which Neymar scored twice on just his third cap. Full-back Aaron Hickey remains a doubt for Scotland after not playing against Morocco.

It was the first time that a match at the tournament has had to be paused due to the weather. Fans at the stadium tried to make the best of the situation, although they were surprised by the strictness of the protocol. After Canadian referee Drew Fischer sent the 22 players back to the dressing rooms for half-time, with France leading 1-0 thanks to a Kylian Mbappe goal, an urgent message flashed up on the scoreboards: "Please exit the open seating area and seek shelter in covered areas of the stadium."

The approximately 70,000 spectators, many already in ponchos and rain coats, filed out and, in little more than 15 minutes, the concourses of "the Linc" resembled a huge train station on a holiday travel day. Antoine Chouraqui, a Frenchman who has lived in the United States for a decade, took the development in stride. "There are storms in the summer here. I've never had to evacuate a stadium, but I play tennis and often we're in the middle of a match when the alarm goes off warning that lightning is coming, and we have to leave the court," he told AFP.

A fan from Paris though was baffled by the order to leave the stands. "We don't really know what to do; we haven't been given many instructions," said the man, who declined to give his name, as he stood with his two sons. "I've never seen that in 40 years of football. In France we don't stop a match for rain."

The rain poured and poured, soaking any fans who lingered in the seats. "We brought the ponchos, we were ready," said Steven Jouan, 32, who had come to Philadelphia from South Carolina with his partner for the game to support France. "We have been to different sporting events before so we knew that delays happen. Most of the other games get cancelled but a World Cup game, you just gotta stick it out."

'With $400 tickets, I'm staying' - Spectators used the interruption to try to dry off, chat, and shop, whether it was food, drinks, jerseys, scarves, or whatever other merchandise they could find. There was no chance of fans leaving though -- with the cost of tickets to this World Cup, they wanted to get their money's worth. "I've already left an interrupted MLS match before," said Axel Francon, who has lived in Colorado for four years. "But here, at $400 a ticket, I'm staying."

Pierre Prondeau and Morgane Granger stayed too, "after travelling 6,000 kilometers" to attend France's first two World Cup matches. "We're making the best of a bad situation, but the match better not be postponed because we won't be able to change our return tickets," Prondeau said. Eventually the lightning stopped flashing and an announcement was made that the game would restart at 8:00 pm local time (0000 GMT Tuesday). France went on to win 3-0.

The Club World Cup in the United States last year, which served as a dress rehearsal for the World Cup, saw six matches delayed because of extreme weather conditions, including eventual winners Chelsea's game against Benfica in the round of 16 in Charlotte, which was halted for four and a half hours. Scientists say this is a phenomenon that could become increasingly common as greenhouse gases continue to warm the planet.

The Climate Financing Budget Report says a key feature of this striving five-year initiative is its potential to generate carbon credit through large-scale afforestation. Under international carbon credit mechanisms, designated planting areas must be registered and reported in advance to relevant international bodies and participating countries. By contributing to carbon sequestration and reducing net greenhouse gas emissions, the initiative can attract financial returns through carbon credit trading, the report observes.

Citing the estimates of the World Bank, it says, successful implementation of the programme could enable Bangladesh to earn nearly US$ 1 billion annually from the sale of carbon credits generated through tree plantation activities alone.  Beyond its economic benefits, the initiative is expected to deliver substantial environmental gains, including lower temperatures, enhanced rainfall patterns, improved soil quality, and increased ecosystem resilience. 

As a result, the programme presents a unique opportunity to advance both sustainable development and climate action while creating new avenues for green economic growth, according to the report. In 2025, the global carbon pricing revenues reached US$ 107 billion, an increase of around two percent from 2024 levels in real terms. The current estimated capacity of the market is US$ 250 billion, with a projected increase to US$ 1 trillion by 2050, where the main source of investment in this area will be the private sector. 

Countries should demonstrably showcase the implementation of these projects to attract additional investment.  If carbon reduction programmes are correctly structured and executed, Bangladesh could generate significant annual revenue from global carbon trading, given its status as one of the world's lowest per-capita greenhouse gas emitters, the report says.

It reveals that despite this potential, Bangladesh is not yet equipped to fully participate in international carbon markets. Key gaps include limited technical knowledge of Article 6 mechanisms, an underdeveloped legal and regulatory framework for carbon credit issuance and trading, and insufficient private and public sector capacity for MRV and project certification. Addressing these gaps through regulatory reform, capacity building, and institutional investment is a strategic priority for unlocking carbon finance as a meaningful contributor to Bangladesh's climate finance portfolio, the report mentions.

A carbon credit represents the verified reduction, removal, or avoidance of one metric tons of CO? or its greenhouse gas equivalent. Carbon credits are generated through mitigation activities such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, afforestation, and methane capture, and can be traded in compliance or voluntary carbon markets. They allow governments, companies, and institutions to offset their emissions by purchasing verified reductions from other entities, thereby creating financial incentives for low-carbon investment. 

These mechanisms operate under international frameworks, including Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and voluntary standards that require robust monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems. Bangladesh has early experience in carbon markets. In 2006, Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL) registered Bangladesh's first Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) project with the UNFCCC.  Since then, IDCOL has sold 2.53 million carbon credits, generating US$ 16.25 million (about Taka 170 crore at current exchange rates) from projects including solar home systems and improved cookstoves. This track record demonstrates Bangladesh's technical capacity for carbon project development and establishes a credible foundation for scaling up carbon market participation.

The minister made the remarks while speaking as chief guest at a consultation workshop held at the CIRDAP auditorium in the city, said a press release. In the workshop, a Development Project Proforma (DPP) was presented for a proposed initiative based on a study titled "Assessment of Competitiveness of Bangladesh's Potential Private Sectors."  The minister underscored that the country's export expansion ambitions are achievable if reforms and sector-specific interventions are implemented in a coordinated and timely manner.

Highlighting Bangladesh's upcoming graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category, the minister noted that maintaining global competitiveness after graduation remains a key challenge. He stressed the need for enhanced industrial skills, stronger innovation capacity, and faster adoption of modern technologies.  He also drew attention to persistent delays in development project implementation, calling for greater efficiency, timely execution, and adaptability to technological change.

On the jute sector, the commerce minister emphasized the importance of shifting from raw jute exports to value-added jute products and diversified jute-based textiles, which offer significantly higher export returns. He also noted that the government plans to advance joint research and innovation initiatives with China to strengthen technological capabilities and expand international cooperation in this sector. Commerce Secretary Md. Ataur Rahman Khan, who chaired the workshop, said the ministry is preparing an integrated project worth around Taka 3,000 crore aimed at boosting export capacity and addressing post-LDC challenges. 

He said the second phase of the initiative will incorporate practical experiences and demands from the private sector to ensure greater effectiveness. The minister added that the project will be aligned with national budget priorities, with a focus on export recovery and reconstruction, improving the ease of doing business through digitalization, and simplifying policy support and administrative procedures. The Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) is being considered as the implementing agency for the initiative, which is expected to strengthen coordination between the government and the business community, he added. The workshop featured a keynote presentation by Dr. M.A. Razzaque, Chairman of Research and Policy Integration for Development (RAPID).

"However, while the judicial process for the crimes against humanity in July-August is ongoing, any kind of political activities of the party will remain banned at the field level. If the party takes to the field with any programme until the trial is over, it will be acting as a lawbreaker and the government will take action in this regard," he said.

The adviser made the remarks while replying to a question at weekly press briefing held at the conference room of the Press Information Department (PID) here this morning. Responding to another question about the Awami League's political programme, he said, "It is necessary to clarify whether the Awami League party will be banned or not. That will be decided by the court. Whether they were involved in crimes against humanity or not will be decided as a result of the trial in the ICT. Until the trial is over, all activities of the party will remain banned."

Zahed warned that if the party tries to hold any programme at the field level, the government would take strict action to this end. He said the Awami League does not have the moral courage to carry out any programme in field politics. "I personally do not think that the Awami League has that kind of moral courage…the way people stood in front of guns in July-August movement, because their minds were clear.

They loved the country. But some looters, mafia, thieves and swindlers of Awami League do not have that moral courage. They don’t have that ability either,” he added. The adviser said although the Awami League does not have the ability to do anything big, they have a lot of illegal money. Army personnel have been deployed in districts, considered risky by the government, so that the AL men cannot create any sabotage or violence by spending the looted money, he said. 

“That does not mean that the Awami League can do a lot. The government has taken this step entirely in the interest of the people’s safety.” Explaining the legal ‘check list’ and democratic perimeter for participating in the elections, Zahed said, “In a democratic situation, a political party has to be democratic. Whether they were involved, as an organisation, in the crimes against humanity committed in July or not is now a matter to be considered. It is a complete judicial process.” 

“However, as citizens of a civilised country, we all have to accept the verdict that the court delivers,” he said. About the scope for Awami League leaders to participate in the local government elections, the information adviser said since the local government elections starting from September-October will be completely non-partisan or without party symbols, there is no legal obstacle. “Even if someone has been an Awami League member in the past, if he/she is not involved in any crime or has no case against him/her, the person can participate as an individual. But, no party banner, slogan or party programme can be brought forward,” he said.

Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Md Yasin and Principal Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmed were present at the briefing.

His directive came at the first meeting of the National Committee on Prevention of Dengue and Other Mosquito-Borne Diseases held at the conference room of the Local Government Division at the Secretariat. Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, also Secretary General of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), chaired the meeting where State Minister for LGRD Mir Shahe Alam was also present. At the meeting, a special taskforce under the supervision of State Minister for LGRD was formed to further strengthen dengue prevention and response activities.

The taskforce will be responsible for monitoring field-level activities, providing necessary directives, enhancing coordination among different agencies and implementing emergency measures. The meeting adopted several important decisions to prevent dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases. These include large-scale distribution of leaflets and awareness materials through various offices and agencies, conducting special dengue awareness campaigns at schools, colleges and madrasas involving teachers, students and guardians, and strengthening cleanliness drives through coordination among local administrations, public representatives and civil society.

The decisions also include regularly testing and monitoring the quality of fogger machines and mosquito control operations, conducting special drives to identify and destroy Aedes mosquito breeding grounds, and increasing inspections of under-construction buildings, rooftop gardens, tyre shops, garages and waterlogged areas. In addition, the meeting decided to intensify awareness campaigns through mass media and social media, strengthen monitoring and supervision activities related to dengue prevention, and rapidly collect and analyse information on dengue patients to identify risk-prone areas and take necessary measures.

Speakers at the meeting said integrated and vigorous preparations are essential from now on as there is a possibility of an increase in dengue infections during the monsoon season. They stressed the need for speedy implementation of the decisions taken by the national committee, acceleration of field-level activities and ensuring the required manpower. Representatives of different ministries, agencies and city corporations attended the meeting. Senior officials of the Local Government Division as well as representatives from Dhaka University, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, WASA, LGED, DPHE and RAJUK also participated.

The meeting was informed that the national committee was recently reconstituted to make the government's activities for preventing dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases more coordinated and effective. The committee, led by LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, comprises representatives from different ministries, divisions and agencies. The meeting also expressed hope that effective progress in controlling dengue would be achieved through implementation of the decisions adopted at the first meeting of the national committee.

At the beginning of the meeting, the WEF president and CEO congratulated the Prime Minister on assuming office as the head of government of Bangladesh. During the discussion, Tarique Rahman praised the WEF's various initiatives to address climate change. 

Highlighting Bangladesh efforts to address climate change effects, he said they have launched an initiative to plant 25 crore trees over the next five years. He also highlighted the country's efforts to restore water flow, reduce flood risks, and protect the environment through the re-excavation of nearly 20,000 kilometers of rivers and canals.

The premier said as part of efforts to encourage renewable energy production, Bangladesh has introduced tax incentives for solar power generation and adopted a plan to generate 20 percent of its total electricity demand from renewable sources by 2030. Alois Zwinggi expressed interest in utilizing Tarique Rahman's experience and initiatives in combating climate change at the global level.

He said Bangladesh's climate resilience and sustainable development initiatives would attract the attention of international financing institutions and investors. Assuring serious consideration of the issues raised by Bangladesh, he pledged that the WEF would continue to provide the necessary support. Alois Zwinggi invited the premier to participate in the WEF's Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland. Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury and Prime Minister's Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman were present on the occasion.

The pre-season tour also includes a match against Bundesliga champion Bayern Munich in Hong Kong on August 7 for the inaugural Audi Football Summit, the club statement added. Manager Unai Emery's men will start their pre-season schedule against English side Walsall on July 21, while they will also face Bundesliga team Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany on August 15, before the start of the new top flight season.

Ahmad Satrio, the head of marketing communication of Sound Rhythm, said the local promoter was "proud" to be able to bring the Europa League holders to Jakarta. "Aston Villa's achievements this season have made them one of the most exciting and talked-about clubs in European football, Ahmad said in a statement on Monday.

"We believe Indonesian football fans deserve the opportunity to experience that excitement directly." The English club finished fourth in the Premier League last season, which bring qualification for the Champions League. The club also won the Europa League final, its first trophy in 30 years.

The 29-year-old will therefore definitely miss Wednesday's last Group C match against Scotland in Miami, which could open the door to a return for superstar Neymar. "We are all sad, especially Rafa, because of the little setback with this injury, but he can count on all of us for support. We are all by his side," Paqueta, of Flamengo, told reporters at Brazil's World Cup base in New Jersey.

"He is a dedicated kid, and I am sure he will do everything possible and impossible to be back as soon as possible. But in terms of how important he is, well, I don't think I need to say anything. "He has had an incredible couple of seasons and has been getting better and better for the national team, so I think that when any player of that importance is missing you are going to have to restructure quickly."

Raphinha's season with Barcelona was regularly impacted by problems with his right hamstring, and he has missed a total of 24 matches for club and country since the campaign began. A starter in both of the Selecao's games so far, he was replaced by the young Bournemouth forward Rayan when he came off late in the opening half against the Haitians.

"We all know his characteristics, his qualities, his pace, his ability to create space and his finishing ability, so I think we are losing a very important player," added ex-West Ham United player Paqueta. "But we are not paying too much attention to how long he is going to be out. We just hope he is back as soon possible." Ancelotti's side have four points from two games so far, and will clinch qualification for the last 32 in one of the top two places in the section if they avoid defeat against the Scots.

Neymar is being tipped to feature against Scotland after overcoming the injury which has stopped him from featuring at the tournament so far. If Brazil's all-time top scorer does play, it will be his first appearance for his country since October 2023. "He is a very important player for the national team, who has a marvellous history with us and can still help us a lot," Paqueta said of the 34-year-old former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward.

He will become the 10th French player to reach a century of caps, but is still a long way away from the record of 145 appearances held by his former teammate, goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. "The importance and the stakes of the match are what really matter and we need a win to go through," insisted Mbappe. He made his debut for France as an 18-year-old in 2017, and on Monday he became his country's leading marksman of all time with a brace in the 3-1 win over Senegal at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

That took him past Olivier Giroud's previous record of 57 goals to set a new mark, with 58. It is fitting that these landmarks have come at the World Cup, a tournament which has defined his career since he revealed himself on the global stage in the France team that won the trophy in Russia in 2018. He scored four goals in that tournament, and eight in Qatar four years ago, including a stunning hat-trick in the final which Les Bleus lost on penalties to Lionel Messi's Argentina.

"I am aware of what it means to be at a World Cup here and representing over 67 million French people," said the 27-year-old Real Madrid forward. "I just want to go down in history for my country. I think a lot of players, given the stakes of a World Cup, don't fully enjoy it, but I just try to enjoy it, I know how lucky I am.

"I know I have the quality but you still need to go out and show it on the biggest stage at a World Cup and I don't think a double in the first game is enough to show the full extent of my talent." That sounded like a warning to outsiders Iraq, against whom another France win will send the tournament favourites on their way to the knockout stages. Mbappe has 14 World Cup goals from just 15 appearances, and he is just two away from matching the overall tournament goals record -- that was held before this year by Germany's Miroslav Klose with 16, and equalled by Messi when he scored a hat-trick for Argentina against Algeria last Tuesday.

"I knew Leo Messi would score goals, he always does. He has the record, I am just behind and I will keep trying to score goals," Mbappe said. "That will bring me closer to the record, but the most important thing is going as far as possible with my team." Mbappe seems to be especially loving being one of the star names at a World Cup in the United States, and he suggested that he might eventually like to play in Major League Soccer later in his career.

"Of course, the culture is different to ours in Europe, and I have always liked that, the fact that people have ambitions with no limits, and are not afraid to say it," he admitted. "Will I come here at the end of my career? I don't know. David Beckham often asks me. We will see, but it is a country I like and I am happy to be here."

However, he did indicate that he might not still be playing at World Cups into his forties, like Cristiano Ronaldo at this year's edition. "I won't be doing this at 40, you will have got rid of me by then," he joked.

But Conceicao on Sunday there was no was question of players feeling obliged to pass to Ronaldo if other team-mates were in better attacking positions. "We don't feel the need to pass him the ball," Conceicao said. "I pass it to whoever I think is in the best position and unmarked." Conceicao said Ronaldo is seen as "just another member of the squad" which needed "every individual for the collective to function".

"Cristiano is an example because of his career and the hunger he still possesses at 41 years of age... An example of leadership and the goals he scores," the Juventus player said during a press conference. "There is no one like him when it comes to scoring goals... He is here to help, just like any other player." Portugal play Uzbekistan in their second Group K match in Houston on Tuesday, desperately looking for three points to get their campaign up and running. "No one takes it harder than we do. We felt firsthand that we didn't do our job in the best possible way," Conceicao said.

"If things don't go well, there will be more pressure and more criticism. We want to show our quality and win the next match."

Ghalenoei praised his players for holding Belgium, ranked 10th in the world, to a stalemate in Los Angeles on Sunday despite facing the strain of considerable visa and travel restrictions in the United States. "This is a great achievement. We've had two games without losing in the World Cup, with the conditions that we've had," he said.

"We had less than 16 hours to get to do training before the game," he said, after his team was not permitted to travel early to the US from their base camp in Mexico. "This is a great achievement, and it will be written about in the history of our football, and future generations will talk about this." Before the game, the Iran anthem was booed by members of Los Angeles' extensive Persian exile community, who oppose the country's hardline regime. But the team itself was vocally supported by a majority of the packed stadium.

"I want to thank all the Iranians, with different attitudes regarding politics. They supported us, and they gave us energy," said Ghalenoei. Ghalenoei said that despite Belgium having Nathan Ngoy sent off in the 66th minute, Iran were "lucky not to lose" given the strength of the opposition. "I don't think any team in the world could have really sustained with such conditions, and played like this -- the conditions have been extremely hard for us," he said.

"Our players are really giving everything, they are playing with their heart." In an evenly poised Group G, Iran must secure at least a point in their final game against Egypt, which will take place in Seattle next Friday. "Tomorrow we need to focus on the game with Egypt. Egypt is a very strong team, they have very good players. Our first and utmost aim is to reach the next round," said the manager.

Iran midfielder Alireza Jahanbakhsh also paid tribute to the team's "spirit" and "amazing performance." He said the team would draw upon the experience of narrowly failing to progress from their group at the last World Cup, when they crashed out after a 1-0 defeat to the United States. "Last World Cup, we tried to do the best thing, but very last minute, we couldn't do it," he said. "But now I think the most important thing is we go to recover well, to make sure that we are ready for the next game."

The Argentina captain was tearful after his first goal, and it later emerged that his father is recovering from an unspecified health issue. Despite his personal travails and a troubled build-up because of a hamstring injury, Messi's mere presence appears to inspire his teammates. "If anyone thought this group was better off without Leo, today it became clear that Leo is the most important of them all," said midfielder Alexis Mac Allister after the win against Algeria.

Argentina can qualify for the next round with a victory and would be assured of finishing top of Group J if Jordan fail to beat Algeria later on Monday. Another player chasing the all-time World Cup scoring record, Kylian Mbappe, will play his 100th game for France when they meet Iraq in Philadelphia. "There is nothing bigger -- one hundred is a historic figure, and to have the chance to reach that tally here at a World Cup means it will be a special match for me," Mbappe told reporters on Sunday.

Mbappe, 27, is tied with West Germany legend Gerd Mueller on 14 goals after he netted twice in France's opening 3-1 win against Senegal in Group I. France, who were beaten by Argentina on penalties in the last final in 2022, will expect to brush aside the Iraqis to guarantee a ticket to the knockout phase.

Norway and their marksman Erling Haaland, who scored twice against Iraq in a 4-1 opening win, will also be guaranteed of going through from Group I if they beat Senegal in New Jersey and France defeat Iraq. In Sunday's action, Spain got their campaign back on track with a 4-0 thrashing of Saudi Arabia and debutants Cape Verde conjured another memorable performance to snatch a 2-2 draw with Uruguay. European champions Spain were frustrated in a 0-0 draw with World cup debutants Cape Verde in their opening game, sparking criticism at home.

But against the Saudis, Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal opened the scoring as he made his first start in two months since recovering from a hamstring problem. Mikel Oyarzabal added two more, before a Hassan al-Tambakti own goal. Spain coach Luis De la Fuente said his squad had been fuelled by the criticism of their opening performance.

"When someone questions your work, it is only human that anyone with courage and pride reacts to prove people wrong," said De la Fuente. The win put Spain top of Group H with four points after two matches. Cape Verde grabbed another point in an entertaining draw with Uruguay in Miami.

Their coach Bubista said his team were now dreaming of a place in the knockout rounds -- a scenario that would have been unthinkable before the tournament. "We want to show the entire world that we are in the condition to fight for qualification, and I think that that's what we showed today in today's match," Bubista said. Belgium are still looking for their first win after being held to a 0-0 draw by Iran in Group G.

The Red Devils, who also drew with Egypt in their opening game, finished the game in Los Angeles with 10 men and struggled to break down a resolute Iranian side. The Egyptians moved to the top of the group on Sunday after coming from behind to claim the first World Cup victory in the country's history, 3-1 win over New Zealand. Mohamed Salah, Mostafa Zico and Trezeguet scored Egypt's goals after Finn Surman had given New Zealand the lead.

"It's incredible, I don't know how to express it in words," former Liverpool star Salah said of the historic first win. "It's a great achievement for all the players and the subs, and hopefully we can make history and qualify first."

Salah's goal came after he exchanged passes with Zico -- named after the Brazilian legend -- and then curled in a shot with his left foot in the 67th minute. Salah then provided the assist for substitute Trezeguet -- who himself is named after former France forward David Trezeguet -- to make the game safe with a low header. "In years to come we will remember that this was one of the achievements in history," Salah said.

He praised the large Egyptian contingent in the crowd, saying: "It feels like we are playing in Egypt. It's a great win and great vibe." Egypt had trailed the Kiwis, who opened the scoring through Surman's towering header after 15 minutes. But Zico equalized when he headed in a cross from Mohamed Hany. Belgium and Iran drew 0-0 earlier in the other Group G game. The Belgians face New Zealand in Vancouver on Friday.

Clark has repeatedly apologized for damaging the locker at Oakmont after missing the cut last year. "I sure hope it closes the door on it," Clark said. "I'll probably always get (hecklers), but I hope I don't become the heel of the PGA." Clark recalled the aftermath the incident as his darkest time, never dreaming he would win the US Open a year after. "After what happened at Oakmont was obviously the lowest point," Clark said. "It was a really tough two, three days for me. I was in a dark place, didn't really go outside much.

"I just felt a lot of my career, world ranking, reputation, everything just dwindling. That's a terrible feeling. "In that moment I definitely didn't think I'd be here this year doing this." While some joked about what Clark might do to his locker had he squandered a six-stroke lead in the last round, Clark said he has much better control of his anger. "I'm not as angry as I used to be," Clark said. "I think I get frustrated. My anger has kind of gone away, which is a huge blessing.

"It's a combination of things off the course being great," he said. "My game feels like it's in a good position. I'm just happier where I'm at in life. "Last year I got too caught up in things that really didn't matter." It didn't help being bypassed for last year's Ryder Cup team. "That was also another just jab to the stomach that I didn't make that," he said. "I'm just happy I'm here on the other side of things."

That helped him handle hecklers, and a gallery that greeted his great shots with silence while cheering his errors. "They definitely didn't want me to win," Clark said. "It's pretty rare in a major to have fans kind of boo against your shots or cheer for bad shots. That was tough. But sometimes being the underdog is nice. "I kind of brought it on myself. I'm proud of myself I battled through. Things really could have gotten away from me. I stood tough."

He joked about his few cheers with caddie Dave Pelekoudas. "If we heard someone cheer for me, I'd go, there's one person that likes me," Clark said. "But it's tough, man. I've played now a Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup on foreign soil and it kind of had that atmosphere a little bit." Scheffler caddie Ted Scott praised him after the finish. "He went out of his way to say, hey, that took a lot of grit. No one was really pulling for you, and to battle through and win, that was impressive," Clark said.

Clark teased the locals at last week's PGA Canadian Open by wearing a USA hockey jersey that brought him boos. "They were pretty harsh on me," Clark said. "It sucks getting rooted against, but I can pull through, and there's nothing like winning an away game."

Yet, the crowd leapt with joy when Iran's Team Melli nearly scored against Belgium's Red Devils, before the referree disallowed the goal for being offside -- earning a chorus of whistles. "Our second team for this World Cup is Iran," Romero told AFP, taking pride in Tijuana managing to host the Iranian team at the last minute, after a series of off-field matters kept them from their US-based training camp.

With the United States and Israel's war against Iran as a backdrop, the Persian squad has voiced complaints of unfair treatment over US visas, travel times and equity with all the teams who have earned their spot in FIFA's vaunted global tournament. Iran's team moved its base camp from Tucson, Arizona to Tijuana after a dozen of its staff members had their US visas denied. The tensions have created an unexpected solidarity between Mexicans and Iranians -- a football friendship already evident during Iran's first match against New Zealand, also held in Los Angeles.

In Los Angeles, a city steeped in Mexican culture, a large portion of the crowd cheered for Iran during their match. The support was so noticable that Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi offered his thanks to Mexican fans. "We're looking forward to the next two matches, we hope they'll keep supporting us this way," he said after the game.

"The support from the Mexican fans has been unbelievable," said Iranian American YouTuber Art Eftekhari, who has a channel devoted to the Iranian national team. The 44-year-old said their support helps make up for all the controversies surrounding Team Melli. Besides, beyond the way the United States has treated the team, the welcome from Los Angeles's large Iranian diaspora community has been mixed: many in the stadium cheered the players, but boorf the Iranian anthem in protest of the Islamic Republic.

"I try not to pay attention to that, I'm just focusing on the match," Eftekhari said. "The warm welcome of Mexican fans makes us forget about what's happening off the pitch." For Latino plans, it's the setbacks and the discord that motivates them to raise their voices for Iran's players.

"I think that they're being treated unfairly," said Nikkole Martinez, a 24-year-old fan of Mexican descent who lives in the Los Angeles area. "At the end of the day, they're just young men trying to play the sport they love, it has nothing to do with their government. They should be treated fairly and equally, as much as everybody else."

The Iranian squad voiced protest this week because the Belgian team was allowed to enter Los Angeles on Friday, but Iran wasn't allowed to travel into the US until Saturday. "For this game, they're at a disadvantage. They absolutely don't deserve that," Martinez said, adding that she likes to root for underdogs.

Another fan who traveled from Tijuana, 25-year-old Jaen Pina, agreed that Iran's treatment was unfair. "The Belgian players are well-rested, while the Iranian team is not, so that's a big disadvantage," Pina said. Pina admits he does not know any Iranian players, but he knows the team faces big Belgian stars and he supports Team Melli on principle, because of the visa and travel issues they have faced.

"To be honest, that's bullshit, why do they do that?" Pina said. "That's why I'm with them, because this World Cup has become political." 

He said, "Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has started his journey from Malaysia to Dalian, China. He will be in Dalian for busy two-day programmes. After that, the Prime Minister will go to the Chinese capital Beijing. The main programme of the Prime Minister's official visit to China will begin there." The Prime Minister will attend the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Dalian, he said. 

Malaysian Religious Affairs Minister Zulkifli Hasan and his wife saw the Prime Minister off at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Bangladesh High Commissioner to Malaysia Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury and Deputy High Commissioner Mosammat Shahanara Monica were present on the occasion. 

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived in Malaysia on a two-day visit on Sunday. This was the Prime Minister's first overseas after assuming office as the head of the government on February 17 last with an absolute majority in the 11th national elections. During this brief visit, a long meeting was held between the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and his Malaysia counterpart Anwar Ibrahim. 

First, a one-to-one meeting was held between the two prime ministers. Later, various important issues related to the bilateral interest were discussed in another meeting.  A discussion was also held on a larger scale with representatives of both sides. He is expected to return home on June 26, wrapping up his first official overseas tour since taking office.

Later, a delegation-level meeting was held between the two countries at 10:30 am local time. In the meeting, the two sides reviewed the overall state of bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. The meeting focused on reopening the labour market for Bangladeshi workers, regularisation and renewal of work permits for illegal Bangladeshi citizens, increasing access to the Malaysian market for Bangladeshi fruits and vegetables, Bangladesh's application to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN, Bangladesh's inclusion in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the Rohingya issue and cooperation in the United Nations and other multilateral forums. After the meeting, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on culture was signed in the presence of the prime ministers of the two countries. Besides, an instrument on cooperation in research and capacity building in counter-terrorism and a bilateral document on investment were exchanged by the foreign ministers of the two countries. Later, Tarique Rahman and Anwar Ibrahim participated in a joint press conference. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived here yesterday (Sunday) on a two-day official visit at the invitation of his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim.

He said, “We are moving toward economic liberalization through the signing of free trade agreements and pursuing deregulation policies. The main objective is to attract investment from different parts of the world. From our perspective, Malaysia is one of the key targets.” Mahdi, also prime minister's expatriates' welfare and overseas employment adviser, said, senior executives of five major Malaysian companies in the meeting with the Prime Minister and they discussed investment opportunities in Bangladesh.” 

He said, “Bangladesh has a large market base, and naturally there is significant consumer demand that the companies can help to meet.” Mahdi further stated that there are tremendous opportunities for employment generation in Bangladesh.  “On the one hand, our market demand is very high, and on the other, we have the capacity to provide a strong workforce. By combining the two strengths, we have assured potential investors that if they invest in Bangladesh, our government will provide policy support as much as possible and create a pro-business, pro-investment framework through deregulation.”

Before departing Malaysia for China, the Prime Minister met with top executives of the Malaysian business groups- Petronas Group, Axiata, AirAsia, Perodua, and MMC Group. Mahadi Amin highlighted the significance of the Bangladeshi Prime Minister’s visit to Malaysia. He said this visit has opened a new chapter in bilateral friendship.  In the meeting the Malaysian prime minister highlighted the unique historical, fraternal, and friendly relationship between Bangladesh and Malaysia. 

The leaders of the two countries held extensive discussions on how to further strengthen and deepen economic cooperation by expanding trade and investment based on mutual interests. Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir, Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman, Deputy Press Secretary Jahidul Islam Rony and Bangladesh Deputy High Commissioner in Malaysia Mosammat Shahanara Monica were present during the press conference. 

The commitment came during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s official visit to Malaysia today at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, according to a joint statement issued following bilateral talks between the two leaders.  

The visit marked Tarique Rahman’s first official foreign trip since assuming office in February this year and his first visit to Malaysia as prime minister.

During the visit, both leaders expressed strong determination to take bilateral relations to “new heights” and witnessed the exchange of several bilateral documents aimed at expanding cooperation, said the joint statement disseminated by the foreign ministry here. 

Prime Minister Anwar congratulated Tarique Rahman on assuming office, describing it as the beginning of a new chapter for Bangladesh with hopes for peace, stability and progress.  

FTA negotiations gain momentum

A major outcome of the visit was the reaffirmation of commitment by both countries to advance negotiations on the proposed Malaysia-Bangladesh Free Trade Agreement (MBFTA), with the aim of concluding the deal in 2027.

The two leaders noted that Bangladesh remains Malaysia’s second-largest trading partner in South Asia and underscored the importance of expanding two-way trade and investment flows. 

They also welcomed progress in establishing the Malaysia-Bangladesh Joint Business Council (JBC), which will serve as a structured platform for engagement between the private sectors of the two countries.  

The leaders identified a broad range of sectors for enhanced collaboration, including telecommunications, energy, infrastructure, ports and logistics, halal industry, agro-processing, education and skills development, digital economy, semiconductors and smart manufacturing.  

Malaysia backs Bangladesh’s RCEP bid

In a significant diplomatic development, Malaysia expressed support for Bangladesh’s aspiration to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the world’s largest trade bloc.

The Malaysian side acknowledged Bangladesh’s growing economic importance and strategic role in the region, saying Dhaka’s future participation in RCEP would strengthen regional economic integration, trade, investment and supply chains. Bangladesh welcomed the support and reaffirmed its commitment to undertaking the necessary measures for accession.  

Support for ASEAN engagement

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman reiterated Bangladesh’s strong desire to formalise its engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) through obtaining Sectoral Dialogue Partner status.

Prime Minister Anwar welcomed Bangladesh’s interest and assured Malaysia’s constructive support for Dhaka’s aspirations within the ASEAN framework.  

Labour migration cooperation to continue

Labour migration featured prominently in the discussions, with both leaders recognising the important contribution of Bangladeshi workers to Malaysia’s economy and development.

Malaysia acknowledged Bangladesh’s proposal regarding worker recruitment while noting that approvals for new foreign worker quotas would continue to be assessed on a case-by-case basis in line with current Malaysian policy.

The two countries agreed to convene a Joint Working Group (JWG) to evaluate the existing labour migration Memorandum of Understanding and prepare a new, updated framework that reflects current realities and requirements. 

They also reiterated their commitment to ensuring transparent, fair and non-discriminatory recruitment processes through credible agencies.  

Cooperation in digital economy, AI and semiconductors

The leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), digital economy, fintech, cybersecurity and digital governance.

They encouraged closer collaboration among government agencies, universities, research institutions and private-sector stakeholders and welcomed greater Malaysian investment in Bangladesh’s digital economy, including technology parks, digital public infrastructure and special economic zones.  

Recognising Malaysia’s global strength in semiconductor packaging and testing, the two sides also discussed a bilateral talent development framework to train and upskill Bangladeshi engineering graduates through expert exchanges and knowledge-sharing programmes.  

Halal industry cooperation

Both leaders acknowledged the growing commercial importance of the global Islamic economy and agreed to strengthen collaboration in developing Bangladesh’s halal sector.

They welcomed ongoing cooperation between Malaysia’s Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM) and Bangladeshi regulatory authorities and pledged enhanced cooperation in halal certification, regulatory frameworks, research, innovation, capacity building and institutional strengthening.  

Education, tourism and skills development

The two prime ministers noted the presence of around 11,000 Bangladeshi students in Malaysia and agreed to expand cooperation in higher education, university partnerships, joint research initiatives and technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

They also emphasised the need for mutual recognition of qualifications, joint degree programmes and stronger alignment of academic curricula with labour market demands.
  
The leaders expressed optimism about expanding tourism cooperation, particularly in the context of Malaysia’s “Visit Malaysia 2026” and “Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026” campaigns, while agreeing to enhance tourism promotion and cultural exchanges.  

Energy sector investment encouraged

Energy cooperation emerged as another key area of engagement. Both sides agreed to maximise the potential of the existing bilateral memorandum on liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply, LNG infrastructure and petroleum products.

Bangladesh invited Malaysian companies to invest in oil and gas exploration in the Bay of Bengal, extraction of untapped mineral resources, including coal and limestone, and renewable energy projects. 

The two countries also encouraged cooperation between national energy companies and private-sector stakeholders to strengthen energy security and sustainability.  
Defence and security ties deepen

The leaders praised the longstanding defence relationship between the two countries and pledged to fully operationalise the existing defence cooperation memorandum.

They agreed to broaden collaboration in military science, technical expertise and defence industry partnerships and looked forward to convening the Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation (JCDC) to formulate a structured roadmap for future cooperation.  

The two sides also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting UN peacekeeping operations through joint training, tactical exercises and knowledge exchanges while strengthening cooperation against terrorism, violent extremism, human trafficking and transnational crime.  

Malaysia reiterates support on Rohingya issue

On regional and international issues, both leaders expressed concern over the protracted Rohingya crisis.

Malaysia commended Bangladesh’s humanitarian efforts in hosting the forcibly displaced Rohingyas and reaffirmed its solidarity with Bangladesh. 

Kuala Lumpur reiterated support for achieving a durable solution through the safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas to Myanmar.

Bangladesh, in turn, appreciated Malaysia’s continued advocacy on the Rohingya issue at bilateral, regional and international forums, including ASEAN, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the United Nations.  

Shared positions on global issues

The two leaders exchanged views on developments in the Middle East and reiterated support for a just and lasting peace for the Palestinian people through continued dialogue and diplomatic efforts.

They also stressed the need for joint action to address climate change, food security, human trafficking, transnational crime and other traditional and non-traditional security challenges.

Both countries pledged closer coordination within international organisations, including the United Nations and the OIC, and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting justice, strengthening the international order and upholding international law.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the Malaysian government for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation during the visit.  

Expressing his sincere gratitude to the Malaysian prime minister, the Malaysian government and its people for their warm welcome and hospitality, Tarique Rahman said Malaysia is a trusted and longstanding partner of Bangladesh. “Our friendship is built on mutual trust, shared values, and strong people-to-people ties,” he said. The Bangladesh premier said they today discussed a wide range of issues including bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and international developments. “Today, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening Bangladesh–Malaysia relations. We agree to enhance engagement through existing mechanisms, including the Joint Commission Meeting and bilateral consultations between our Foreign Ministries.”

“We also welcome the growth of bilateral trade and agree to move forward with negotiations on the Bangladesh–Malaysia Free Trade Agreement,” he added. Tarique Rahman said the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) received a strong mandate in the parliamentary elections of February 2026. With overwhelming support of the people, his government has restored political stability through a democratic process, he said. The Bangladesh prime minister said: “Our priority is to create jobs, attract foreign investment, and accelerate economic growth. We are building a business-friendly environment and creating new opportunities for investors.”

“I see strong potential for Malaysian investment in Bangladesh and warmly invite Malaysian businesses to explore these opportunities,” he added. Tarique Rahman said their discussions covered ICT, energy, infrastructure, manpower, halal industry, agroprocessing, education, skills development, defence, digital economy, semiconductors, and other high-value sectors. “I also raised issues relating to the regularisation of irregular workers, and repatriation of the detained Bangladeshis, if possible. We agree that recruitment should be transparent, fair, and affordable, reducing intermediaries and lower costs for workers,” he said. Bangladeshi workers, students, professionals, and entrepreneurs in Malaysia serve as an important bridge between the two countries, he said, adding that their contributions benefit both their economies and societies.

The prime minister expressed deep concern for the Rohingya people sheltered in Bangladesh and thanked Malaysia for its continued support for their safe, dignified, and sustainable repatriation to Myanmar. “We also discussed regional cooperation. Bangladesh seeks closer engagement with ASEAN and aspires to become an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner. We are also interested in joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). I appreciate Malaysia’s support for Bangladesh’s regional integration efforts,” he said. Tarique Rahman also exchanged views on global issues, including the situation in the Middle East. “We reaffirm our commitment to working together in the United Nations and other international organisations.

I also thank Malaysia for supporting Bangladesh’s candidature for the Presidency of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly,” he said. He said Bangladesh looks forward to continuing its close cooperation on issues of shared interest. “I welcome the signing and exchange of bilateral documents today. These initiatives will further strengthen our cooperation and sustain the positive momentum in our relations. I am confident that today’s discussions will open a new chapter in Bangladesh-Malaysia relations,” the Bangladesh prime minister said.

He said Bangladesh also looks forward to working closely together for shared prosperity, regional peace, and a more inclusive international order. He invited Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time. “The people of Bangladesh will be honoured to welcome you. Once again, I thank His Excellency, the Government, and the people of Malaysia for friendship and hospitality. We return home with sweet memories,” he said.

Tarique Rahman said as he took office as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh in February (2026), one of the first calls he received was from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. “He congratulated and invited me to visit Malaysia. I am honoured to accept his kind invitation. My wife and I are delighted to be here on my first foreign visit as Prime Minister,” he said. The prime minister recalled his father Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, visiting Malaysia in April 1979, while his visit strengthened political ties and laid the foundation for labour cooperation between the two countries. “I also remember my mother, Begum Khaleda Zia, visiting Malaysia as Prime Minister in 1993. Her visit further deepened our friendship and expanded bilateral cooperation,” he added.

They were supposed to stay only briefly before returning to an independent country, as part of negotiations at the time between the Dutch government and Indonesia. However, the Dutch reneged on their promise to repatriate them and they were housed in dire conditions, with little attempt to find them jobs or integrate them into broader Dutch society. Unveiling a monument to commemorate that dark period of Dutch history, a visibly moved Jetten told hundreds of Moluccans gathered in Rotterdam that it was "high time" to apologise. "For the inadequate reception and housing. For being unseen and abandoned. For the unfulfilled longing for home. And for the grief and pain in so many families.

For this, I offer my apologies today on behalf of the Dutch government," said Jetten. The Ulu Kora monument was unveiled on the Lloydkade in Rotterdam, where the first ships transporting Moluccans arrived in the Dutch port. Those who were in the army were immediately discharged and many were sent to former concentration camps used to gather Jews in the Nazi-occupied Netherlands. The 1970s saw a number of violent actions by second-generation Moluccans, who felt betrayed by the Dutch for failing to secure their independent homeland. "I realise the injustice cannot be suddenly removed with apologies. We cannot change the course of history and the reality of today with a few sentences," said Jetten. "But I do hope that the words I just spoke are perceived as a form of recognition and an act of historical justice for you," he told members of the community, many of them clutching family photos of first-generation Moluccans now dead.

The Swiss talks are the first since the United States and Iran signed a preliminary agreement last week to end their war and are expected to open a 60-day negotiation period to address long-running disputes, including Iran's nuclear programme and sanctions.

In a joint statement, the ministers called for a "swift and successful conclusion" to negotiations aimed at reaching a solution to outstanding issues that is "lasting, verifiable and mutually acceptable", while taking into account regional concerns, particularly the security and stability of Gulf states.

Saudi Arabia, which was hit by Iranian attacks during the conflict, joined mediator Pakistan alongside Turkey and Egypt in facilitating negotiations weeks into the Middle East war.

Washington announced a renewed ceasefire there later Friday -- a condition of its agreement with Iran -- but Israeli troops clashed again with Hezbollah fighters on Saturday, with each side accusing the other of breaking the truce. Citing a US "breach of contract" and "the Zionist regime's continuous and relentless violation of the ceasefire in southern Lebanon", Iran's central military command said "the Strait of Hormuz will be closed to vessel traffic."

The Revolutionary Guards' naval force warned vessels not to approach the waterway, saying "their security will be jeopardised". Hormuz, a key conduit for oil and gas shipments, was blockaded by Iran for much of the war, sending shockwaves through global energy markets. Tehran had agreed to reopen it under the preliminary accord signed this week by President Donald Trump and his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian, and shipping traffic had begun to recover.

US Central Command said after Iran's announcement that safe passage through the international waterway had "remained intact" and that US forces were "present and vigilant." Trump later warned that Washington could impose its own tolls on Hormuz if negotiators failed to complete the deal. There would be no tolls "unless they are imposed by and for the United States of America", Trump wrote on Truth Social.

An Iranian delegation left for Switzerland on Saturday afternoon, state media reported, with the official broadcaster saying it included parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said the delegation would "demand implementation of the other party's commitments" under the deal. "Otherwise, the entire understanding will be in trouble," he said, according to official news agency IRNA.

US Vice President JD Vance departed Washington on an afternoon flight for Switzerland to join the talks. "I can only be there for a day or two. I think we're going to hopefully make progress on the nuclear issue, make progress on the Lebanon ceasefire issue. Those are the two big things that I think we're to be focused on. I'm sure the Iranians are going to have issues they'd like to discuss as well," he told reporters before boarding.

US negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff were already there handling "some of the technical elements" and had reported that "things are going well," Vance said in an interview with Fox News earlier Saturday. Mediator Pakistan -- whose interior minister was reportedly in Iran on Saturday for meetings with officials -- said "technical-level talks" were scheduled for Sunday in Burgenstock, Switzerland, with Pakistani and Qatari mediators joining US and Iranian representatives.

The talks are meant to open a two-month negotiation period on issues left unresolved by the initial accord, notably Iran's nuclear programme. Switzerland's foreign ministry confirmed unnamed foreign envoys there were "continuing their efforts to maintain the dialogue", but declined to give details. Israel and Hezbollah continued trading accusations Saturday as fighting persisted in the south. The Israeli military said one soldier was killed in combat, the fifth such fatality since the US-Iran deal was reached.

An Israeli army official later said the military had received orders from the country's political leadership to cease fire, adding that troops were "not conducting proactive strikes" but operating defensively inside a security zone. Earlier, an Israeli military official said fresh attacks were under way after Hezbollah "launched more than 50 projectiles at Israeli forces in southern Lebanon" overnight. Hezbollah accused Israel of carrying out "under the cover of the ceasefire...an infiltration attempt towards the Ali Taher hills", a strategic feature overlooking Nabatieh, and said its fighters had responded "with appropriate weapons".

Lebanese state media reported Israeli air raids on around 20 location, with the country's civil defence agency saying 16 people were killed in the Nabatieh area. Lebanon's health ministry said seven more people were killed and 13 wounded in a strike near Sidon, and reported that the overall death toll from the fighting had surpassed 4,000. Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah said his group retained "the full right to confront this enemy when it attacks us". Israel's US ambassador Yechiel Leiter maintained it was Hezbollah that broke the truce, saying Israel was "defending itself against terrorist attacks".

Negotiations had been planned in Switzerland on Friday, but were postponed at the last minute as Israel carried out a wave of deadly strikes in Lebanon after four of its soldiers were killed in combat. Following more clashes, both Israel and Hezbollah have accused the other of violating the new truce that was part of the preliminary accord signed by the US and Iran this week. Vance said the situation in Lebanon was "actually getting better."

"It's going to be something we're just going to have to continuously manage to ensure that... Israel and Lebanon are both safe and secure," he said. "The big problem is that you have somebody will shoot and then somebody will respond, and you kind of have a chicken and egg problem where you've just got to stop the shooting for long enough to get the ceasefire to keep hold." US negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff were already in Switzerland handling technical elements of the talks, Vance said earlier.

Security issues have dominated a campaign marred by bomb attacks and the murder of a leading conservative presidential candidate in broad daylight in Bogota. De la Espriella, a dual US-Colombian national who calls himself "The Tiger," won May's first-round vote by promising to wage war on drug-running guerrilla groups who refused to sign a 2016 peace accord.

De la Espriella has won President Donald Trump's "complete and total endorsement" and hopes to ride a right-wing wave that has swept rightist candidates to power in Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Honduras. Cepeda is a 63-year-old philosopher-turned-senator and human rights defender and has been a key figure behind the current government's policy of negotiating "total peace" with armed groups. Cepeda is the son of a communist senator killed by right-wing paramilitaries and is the political heir to outgoing President Gustavo Petro -- who is constitutionally barred from running.

"Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir will participate in the High-Level Talks on the implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding," the Prime Minister's Office wrote on X, referring to the US-Iran deal to end the war.

He made these remarks while serving as the chief guest at a seminar entitled "Youth's Tasks and Challenges in Building a Drug-Free Bangladesh", organised by the Narcotics Control Department, Chattogram Metro (South) Office, held at the Government City College Auditorium in the city on Sunday (June 21).

The CMP Commissioner emphasized that the family serves as the primary and most significant institution for social resistance. By instilling moral education, a sense of responsibility, and human values in children from their families, it becomes feasible to effectively combat drug addiction. He further noted that engaging youth in constructive activities can help shield society from the drug menace.

The seminar was presided over by Abu Saleh Mohammad Nayem Uddin, Principal of Government City College while Md. Zahid Hossain Molla, Additional Director of the Chattogram Divisional Office of the Narcotics Control Department, Professor Jasim Uddin Ahmed, Vice-Principal of Government City College, among others, addressed the function as special guests. The discussant for the event was Professor Mohammad Alamgir, head of the Department of Political Science.

Emphasising water resource management, she said river restoration and canal excavation activities should be given priority and that accurate progress reports on canal dredging works must be submitted. She further informed the meeting that compensation cheques for land acquired under the embankment realignment project in Paikgachha would be distributed on June 29. A representative of the Civil Surgeon's Office reported that from March 15 to June 21, a total of 929 patients suspected of measles had been admitted to different hospitals across the district, of whom 884 had recovered and returned home.

Currently, 45 patients with measles symptoms are undergoing treatment, the Civil Surgeon's Office representative added. Deputy Director (DD) of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) Md. Nazrul Islam said financial assistance would be provided to 15,000 farmers during the Aman season. As part of a nationwide programme to plant 25 crore trees over the next five years, 70,450 saplings will be planted in Khulna district.

Aman cultivation prospects were satisfactory and that a three-day fruit fair would be held in Khulna from June 25 to 27, the DAE DD added. District Fisheries Officer Md. Badiuzzaman informed the meeting that 11 drives and three mobile court operations had been conducted under the Fish Conservation Act during the past month, resulting in fines amounting to nearly Taka 1 lakh. The Assistant Director of the Islamic Foundation said construction work on the Paikgachha Model Mosque had reached 97 percent completion. Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Bitaan Kumar Mondal, upazila executive officers, officials from various government departments and committee members attended the meeting.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kazi Shahidul Islam presided over the seminar, saying that to eradicate drugs, “we cannot rely solely on state laws or any single agency.” Addressing parents, the DC said fathers and mothers must be aware of where their children are going, who they are associating with, and why they are behaving abnormally. 

He especially advised parents to monitor their children’s smartphone usage — when and why they use it — and to spend more time with them. Highlighting the role of educational institutions, he said every school and college must form anti-drug committees and ensure regular counseling and awareness sessions. He also stressed actively involving religious leaders, especially mosque imams, in this movement.  Also present at the seminar were Md. Mehedi Hasan, Deputy Director of the Department of Narcotics Control; Dr. S.I.M. Raziul Karim, Civil Surgeon; Belayet Hossain, Additional District Commissioner; and Sabina Yasmin, Additional Superintendent of Police.  Officials and staff from various government and non-government offices, as well as media personnel, attended the event.

Airport Manager Mohammad Golam Murtuza confirmed the incident, saying that suspicious items were detected in the woman's checked luggage during X-ray screening before boarding a Novoair flight to Dhaka. During the search, authorities found several packets hidden inside foam compartments on both sides of a laptop bag. After counting, a total of 9,825 Yaba tablets were recovered, concealed in a sophisticated manner.

Airport authorities immediately detained the woman on the spot and handed her over to the Cox's Bazar Sadar Police Station for legal action. Officer-in-Charge of Sheikh Mohammad Ali confirmed that legal proceedings have been initiated against the accused over possession of illegal drugs.

A total of 160 officers of various Union Parishads of the district participated in the training organized by the National Institute of Local Government (NILG) and implemented by the District Administration, Chattogram. The Deputy Commissioner said that people want change, want a developed society, but many are reluctant to change their thoughts and perspectives. 

“We need to come out of this mentality. He also said that government service is not just a matter of position or benefits; it is a responsibility and commitment to the people. The most important question is what was given to the state with the people's tax ,” he added. The Deputy Commissioner also warned the officials not to have any regrets at the end of their works. He said that people's expectations, service and satisfaction should be given priority while performing their duties.  

Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Md. Sharif Uddin presided over the program. Assistant Commissioner of District Administration SM Amirul Mostafa spoke as the coordinator of the training course. In addition, the concerned officials emphasized on improving the quality of training and services. The training is being provided on office management, financial management, account maintenance, audit procedures, PPR-PPA and use of information technology.

Among those who addressed the event were Editor of Dainik Samachar Golam Mostafa Rafik, Deputy Civil Surgeon Dr. Mukhlesur Rahman Ujjal, senior journalists Mansur Uddin Ahmed Iqbal, Ruhul Hasan Sharif, Chowdhury Mohammad Foriad, Syed Eklachur Rahman Khokon, Ashraful Islam Kohinur and others. Speakers at the briefing informed that under the National Vitamin A Plus Campaign, a target has been set to administer Vitamin A capsules to a total of 356,233 children across the district. This includes 42,069 children aged between 6 and 11 months and 314,164 children aged between 12 and 59 months.

To implement the campaign, services will be provided through 1,931 vaccination centers and 11 permanent centers across the district. A total of 352 supervisors and 3,861 volunteers will be engaged in carrying out the programme. The speakers highlighted the importance of Vitamin A supplementation in strengthening children's immunity, reducing the risk of malnutrition, and lowering child mortality rates. They urged parents and guardians to bring their children to the designated centers to ensure the campaign's success.

The programme was organized by the Habiganj Civil Surgeon's Office and is being implemented with the support of the National Nutrition Services, the Institute of Public Health Nutrition, the Directorate General of Health Services and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The operation uncovered several irregularities at an unnamed food production company, including the presence of toxic plastic materials in food processing, the use of burnt oil in the production of chanachur, chira, and boots, the storage of waste materials in the processing area, failure to adhere to prescribed packaging procedures, the addition of misleading information, and the storage and processing of mango fruit pulp in unsanitary conditions, along with non-compliance with hygiene regulations for food workers.

Consequently, the unnamed company was fined Taka 16 lakh for these violations. In addition, allegations against Madhuban Sweets Industries Limited were substantiated, revealing that the company produced food in unsanitary conditions, allowed the free movement of various insects, manufactured low- quality food products, utilized waste materials in food processing, stored expired food products for sale, and failed to package products according to regulations.

As a result, Madhuban Sweets Industries Limited was fined Taka 15 lakh. Meanwhile, Mymensingh Agro was fined Taka 5 lakh for various irregularities identified in the company, including the processing and storage of food in unsanitary conditions. Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Mostafa stated that the Pure Food Court will regularly conduct such activities to safeguard public health and ensure the availability of safe food. This campaign will persist in the future.

Ismail is the son of Naser Ahmed of Khanpur village in the Sharifpur union of Begumganj upazila, Noakhali district.  Abu Naser, 20, son of Abu Taher from South Salampur village in the Salampur union of Sitakunda upazila was murdered at Alankar Shopping Complex on March 24, 2017 following a dispute. Naser was running a mobile phone repairing shop on the second floor of the Alankar Shopping Complex.  Naser’s mother Momtaz Begum filed the murder case with Pahartali Police Station accusing Ismail.

Acting on a tip-off, a joint team of RAB-13 from Dinajpur Camp and RAB-1 from Gazipur Camp conducted a raid and arrested the accused Mansur Alam from the Signboard Narayanpur area of Gazipur at 7:15pm on Saturday. The arrested accused was handed over to Dinajpur Sadar Police Station for further legal action.

According to the case statement, the accused used to visit the victim's house frequently and made indecent proposals to her at different times. However, she did not agree to the proposals. As a result, the accused prepared a fake marriage registration certificate with the intention of blackmailing the victim. Later, the accused took the victim to a hotel in Thakurgaon town by deception, attempted to rape her forcibly and recorded obscene pictures and videos on his mobile phone.

He threatened the victim that he would force her to marry him after divorcing her husband. However, she did not agree to do so. The accused later sent the pictures and videos to the mobile phones of the victim's husband and several people in her local area. Later, the victim filed an attempted rape and pornography case against the accused at Thakurgaon Sadar Police Station on May 19, 2025.

A tiny tot presented a bouquet to Zubaida Rahman at that time. Bangladesh High Commissioner to Malaysia Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury and Deputy High Commissioner Mosammat Shahanara Monica were also present. The prime minister and his spouse were given a red-carpet reception and a guard of honor. During the ceremonial guard of honor presented by a smartly turned-out contingent, the national anthems of both countries were played.

Afterward, the Prime Minister was escorted from the airport to the Shangri-La Hotel in Kuala Lumpur in a special motorcade. The prime minister, his spouse, and members of the delegation will stay at the hotel during the visit. The route from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to the Shangri-La Hotel, a journey of about 50 minutes by road, was decorated with the national flags of Bangladesh and Malaysia to welcome the Prime Minister. This is Tarique Rahman’s first foreign visit since assuming office as the head of government on February 17 following his party’s landslide victory in the 13th National Parliamentary Election.

The Prime Minister is accompanied by Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit, Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir, Overseas Employment Adviser Mahdi Amin, Defense Adviser Brigadier General (retd) AKM Shamsul Islam, and others. Also accompanying the Prime Minister are his Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman.

Soon after the prime minister formed the government on February 17, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim extended an invitation to him. The Bangladeshi Prime Minister’s current official visit is being undertaken in response to that invitation. After China and India, Bangladesh is Malaysia’s largest trading partner in South Asia. However, Malaysia maintains a significantly larger share in bilateral trade. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman chose Malaysia for his first state visit.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will formally receive the Bangladeshi Prime Minister on Monday morning at his office in Putrajaya. The two leaders will first hold a one-on-one meeting, followed by bilateral talks between high-level delegations led by the two Prime Ministers. They will later address a joint press conference. During the visit, two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on cooperation in tourism and culture may also be signed between Bangladesh and Malaysia.

According to a 120-hour weather outlook issued this morning, the monsoon remains active over the northern part of Bangladesh and fairly active elsewhere, while a trough extending from Gangetic West Bengal to the northwest Bay continues to influence weather conditions.

The Met Office said many places in Rangpur, Mymensingh, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions are likely to experience rain or thundershowers today, while a few places in Rajshahi, Dhaka, Khulna and Barishal divisions may also receive precipitation.
Day temperature may remain nearly unchanged and night temperature may fall slightly over the country, it added.

The highest temperature recorded on Saturday was 36.4 degrees Celsius in Jashore under Khulna division, while today's lowest temperature was 24.2 degrees Celsius in Tetulia under Rangpur division.

The sun will set at 6:49pm today and rise at 5:12am tomorrow in Dhaka.

Moderately heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected at places over Rangpur, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions during the first two days of the forecast period.

On June 22, rain or thundershowers are likely at many places in Rangpur, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions and at a few places in Dhaka and Rajshahi divisions. Heavy rainfall may continue at isolated locations in the northern and northeastern regions.

For June 23, the weather office forecast rain or thundershowers at many places in Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions and at a few places elsewhere in the country, with moderately heavy to heavy rainfall expected in some areas.

Rainfall is expected to decrease slightly on June 24 and 25, with scattered showers and thunderstorms likely over Rangpur, Mymensingh, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions and isolated rainfall elsewhere. However, moderately heavy rainfall may still occur in some places.

The BMD said day temperatures may remain nearly unchanged today before gradually rising slightly during the following days, while night temperatures are expected to fluctuate marginally.

The weather office also indicated that rainfall activity is likely to increase again towards the end of the five-day forecast period.

Bangladesh, however, made three changes to the line-up from the previous game in a bid to avoid a whitewash with Soumya Sarkar, Abdul Gaffar Saqlain and Mustafizur being left out of the squad. Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam and Nurul Hasan Sohan replaced them. Australia squad unchanged from the series-clinching victory in the previous game. 

Line Ups:

Bangladesh: Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon (wk), Towhid Hridoy (capt), Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed

Australia: Mitchell Marsh (capt), Josh Inglis (wk), Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Matt Renshaw, Nikhil Chaudhary, Joel Davies, Aaron Hardie, Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson, Adam Zampa

Gull Feroza scored 23 off 18 balls before being caught by Sobhana Mostary off Nahida, while Muneeba Ali made 25 from 30 deliveries before becoming Nahida's second victim. Ayesha Zafar attempted to keep Pakistan in contention with 11 off 12 balls, but her dismissal by Sanjida Akter triggered the collapse. Sanjida claimed three crucial wickets as Pakistan struggled against Bangladesh's disciplined bowling attack.

Apart from the top three batters, only Fatima Sana reached double figures, scoring 10 runs from 17 balls. Pakistan eventually finished on 100-8 in their allotted 20 overs. Earlier, Bangladesh made a shaky start after electing to bat first, losing three wickets for just 13 runs. The innings was revived through a 35-run partnership between Sobhana Mostary and captain Nigar Sultana Joty.

Sobhana contributed 22 off 19 balls before her dismissal, while Joty anchored the innings with 36 from 38 deliveries. Ritu Moni added seven runs but Bangladesh's scoring rate slowed during the middle overs. The late charge came from Shorna Akter, who hammered an unbeaten 22 ball-39, helping Bangladesh post a competitive 123-6. With two wins from three matches, Bangladesh moved to third place in Group A with four points. They will face India and South Africa in their remaining group-stage fixtures as they continue their pursuit of a semifinal berth.

The European champions arrived in North America as one of the favourites, but with Lamine Yamal only able to appear as a second-half substitute on his return from injury, La Roja were unable to find the target against Cape Verde. De la Fuente, who confidently described his squad as the best in the world before the tournament, said they would show their true colors on Sunday.

"This generation of footballers is highly competitive and really fired up... It's going to be a completely different story," he said at his pre-match press conference on Saturday. "There is no drama or crisis. The bottom line is simply that we need to win tomorrow." Speculation about Yamal's fitness has dominated Spain's camp. The 18-year-old winger is still not ready to complete a full game, but De la Fuente is under pressure to play him from the start. "The most important thing is that he's back," he said. Saudi Arabia also drew their opening game 1-1 with Uruguay. 

Cape Verde, the team that frustrated Spain, will play "without fear" when they face Uruguay in Miami on Sunday, coach Pedro Leitao Brito, known as "Bubista", said. "We didn't come just to take part. We want to play all the matches and to be able to show that we have the level to take on the best teams in the world," he added "Our aim is to play all the games with courage, in an organised way but also without fear." Vozinha, the 40-year-old Cape Verde goalkeeper who held Spain at bay with a remarkable performance, will be watched by his mother on Sunday after she arrived in Miami on a US visa.

Ana Candida Evora travelled from Cape Verde's capital Praia after her son tearfully told reporters she had not been granted a visa in time for the first game, but the US State Department has now provided her with the necessary document. In other games on Sunday, Iran face Belgium in Los Angeles and Egypt face New Zealand in Vancouver. Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said he has been told US travel restrictions on his team will finally be eased for their third group game, against Egypt in Seattle on June 26, but he claimed the treatment they have received so far had adversely affected their on-field performance.

Despite that, Iran remain in contention after drawing 2-2 with New Zealand in their first game. On Saturday, Germany booked their place in the knockout rounds with a dramatic injury-time winner in a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast. Substitute Deniz Undav scored a 68th-minute equalizer before slotting the winner in the fourth minute of stoppage time to settle an enthralling contest in Toronto. It is the first time since 2014 that Germany have reached the last 32. "This is exactly what we hoped for and I'm very happy for my team," coach Julian Nagelsmann said.

Germany's victory was made even sweeter later on Saturday as Curacao -- the smallest country by population ever to qualify for the World Cup with just 160,000 inhabitants -- dug deep to secure a shock 0-0 draw with Ecuador in Kansas City that ensured the Germans will win Group E with a game to spare. Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room was their hero, keeping out a record 15 shots -- the most ever saves in a game that did not involve extra time -- as the underdogs secured their first ever World Cup point. In Houston, the Netherlands stayed firmly on course for qualification with a 5-1 demolition of Sweden in Group F.

Japan are now level on four points with the Dutch after cruising to a comfortable 4-0 victory over Tunisia in Monterrey, Mexico in Saturday's late match -- the 1,000th game in World Cup history.

The Blue Samurai, who held the Netherlands to a 2-2 draw in their Group F opener, were always in control against Tunisia at the Monterrey Stadium. The result marked a losing start for new Tunisia manager Herve Renard, who was hastily appointed to take over the World Cup campaign after predecessor Sabri Lamouchi was sacked in the wake of the Sweden drubbing.

But Renard's team never looked like threatening a technically superior Japanese side that were quickly into their trademark, smooth passing game. Daichi Kamada opened the scoring after just four minutes, finishing from close range after deft interplay from Ao Tanaka and Keito Nakamura.

The Japanese almost scored again moments later, with only a desperate goalline clearance from Dylan Bronn denying the Asian giants a second goal. Tunisia goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen was also working overtime, and had to claw away a shot that just went agonisingly short of crossing the goalline.

Japan though finally added to their tally in the 31st minute, with striker Ueda taking advantage of some hesitant Tunisian defending to surge forward and thunder a low shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the area. The rout continued in the second half, with Junya Ito latching onto a brilliant through ball to calmly finish on 69 minutes before Ueda scored again with a looping header in the 83rd minute.

Group E

In Toronto

Germany 2 (Undav 68, 90+4) Ivory Coast 1 (Kessie 30)

Group E

In Kansas City

Ecuador 0 Curacao 0

Group F

In Houston

Netherlands 5 (Brobbey 5, 17, Gakpo 47, 54, Summerville 89) Sweden 1 (Elanga 59)

Playing later

Group F

In Monterrey, Mexico

Tunisia 0 Japan 4 (Kamada 4, Ueda 31, 83, Ito 69)

The 35-year-old all-rounder narrowly missed out on what would have been his first first-class century in 11 months when he was bowled by Harry Conway just after tea at Chester-le-Street. Stokes hit 18 fours as he helped Second Division leaders Durham reply to Northamptonshire's 450 -- a total which built on a career-best 187 from Ricardo Vasconcelos.

Durham had been struggling at 30-3 but after Stokes's innings, 62 from Will Rhodes saw them reach 302-7 at stumps on the second day. England's decision to omit Stokes at the Oval led to a flurry of speculation over his international future amid fears he might be stripped of the captaincy, stand down by himself, or even walk away from representing his country permanently.

But recent British media reports have indicated Stokes could return to England duty as soon as next week's series finale against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.

But there was a concerning sign for Australia when Mooney pulled up after running two at the end of the 14th over and immediately left the field. Mooney did not return to to keep wicket because of a stiff back and with emergency keeper Phoebe Litchfield also absent due to a quad injury, Georgia Voll took over behind the stumps. Netherlands captain Babette de Leede marked her 100th T20 international with an unbeaten 56 and put on 96 with Sterre Kalis (44) but an upset never looked likely.

Saturday's second Group A match at Southampton saw Bangladesh eliminate border rivals Pakistan with a 23-run win. Bangladesh could only manage 123-6 but spinners Nahida Akter and Sanjida Akther Maghla took three wickets each as Pakistan were restricted to 100-8. Pakistan openers Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza shared a partnership of 49 before a collapse saw eight wickets lost for 31 runs.

Bangladesh, in trouble at 92-6 in their innings, were indebted to Shorna Akter's unbeaten 39 from 22 balls. All-rounder and captain Fatima Sana, who this week became the first Pakistani woman to sign a deal to play in English cricket's Hundred competition, took 2-18 but only managed 10 with the bat. Bangladesh are now third in Group A but, with only the top two in the two pools qualifying the semi-finals, they face a tough task in reaching the knockout stages with games against India and South Africa still to come.

In Group B, England made it three wins out of three with a comfortable 38-run defeat of neighbours Scotland at Headingley despite being without injured captain Nat Sciver-Brunt. Sophia Dunkley (57) and Alice Capsey (40) were the main contributors to a total of 200-5 also featuring all-rounder Freya Kemp's rapid 39 not out. It was too much for Scotland, who finished on 162-7, with England's spinners taking the bulk of the wickets.

That has required frequent cross-border travel, and US authorities have only permitted the team to remain in the country for a few hours after each game, with restrictions frequently shifting last-minute. After playing Belgium in Los Angeles on Sunday, Iran's final group game will take place in Seattle next Friday against Egypt.

Ghalenoei on Saturday said he had been told his team will have more flexibility for their final match, before quickly adding that it would have been "justice" for his team to have the same treatment for its first two games. "They said in Seattle, you can do what you want, you can act the way you want to, and you can come earlier," he told a press conference, without specifying who exactly the information had come from. "But what I want, my problem is, why didn't they let us come earlier for the first two games as well?

"I just know for the last game, yes, they've allowed us to decide, to make our own decisions with regards to planning the travel. "But unfortunately, for the first two games, others made these travel arrangements for us, and the timing for us." Last week Iran drew 2-2 with New Zealand, the tournament's lowest-ranked team, with sloppy defending twice allowing the All Whites to go ahead before Team Melli equalized.

"There were errors, individual ones, and also with regards to this defense we had, and I think we were playing... we were doing too many passes," said Ghalenoei. "And I think, because we have been flying too much, commuting, as a result of this long commute, we've been tired." The manager said restrictions on his team had been even more onerous for Sunday's upcoming game against Belgium, Group G's highest-ranked team.

Ghalenoei said his team had arrived in the US on Saturday less than 24 hours before kickoff, despite being briefly told by FIFA on Friday early afternoon that they may be able to travel that day. "We waited till 7.00pm, nothing happened, and they said, 'Sorry, we weren't able to do that," said the coach. "That's going to affect us mentally, especially me as a head coach, because I want to focus on technical stuff," he said.

Iran had only been able to do half its usual pre-game training session, complained Ghalenoei. All four teams in Group G currently have one point, with only the top two guaranteed to reach the knockout stages. A majority of third-placed teams across all groups will also progress, depending on their performance. 

Stevens, never a PGA Tour winner, sank a seven-foot birdie putt at the first hole and answered a bogey at the third with a 10-foot birdie putt at the fifth. Scheffler, who would complete a career Grand Slam with a victory Sunday on his 30th birthday, birdied four of his first seven holes on the back nine, including three in a row at 14, 15 and 16, to grab a share of third with fellow American Xander Schauffele and South Korean Tom Kim.

Scheffler had opened with back-to-back bogeys, sliding to two-over. But the American birdied the 10th from just inside eight feet, then reeled off three straight birdies -- holing a 65-foot birdie chip at 14, sinking a 12-foot birdie putt at 15 and making a tap-in birdie at the par-five 16th. Second-ranked Rory McIlroy, who won his sixth major at April's Masters, was on two-over.

The six-time major winner from Northern Ireland answered a bogey at the third with three consecutive birdies -- sinking a three-foot birdie putt at the par-five fifth, holing out from the fairway from 66 feet for birdie at six and rolling in a putt from just inside 17 feet. But McIlroy made bogeys on four of the first six holes on the back nine to stumble back.

Follow-up talks had been planned in Switzerland on Friday but were postponed at the last minute after Israel launched deadly strikes in Lebanon following the deaths of four of its soldiers in combat. Washington announced a renewed ceasefire there later Friday -- a condition of its preliminary agreement with Iran -- but Israeli troops clashed again with Hezbollah fighters on Saturday, with each side accusing the other of breaking the truce.

Citing a US "breach of contract" and "the Zionist regime's continuous and relentless violation of the ceasefire in southern Lebanon", Iran's central military command said "the Strait of Hormuz will be closed to vessel traffic". Hormuz, a key conduit for oil and gas shipments, was blockaded by Iran for much of the war, sending shockwaves through global energy markets. Tehran had agreed to reopen it under the preliminary accord signed by US President Donald Trump and his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian, and shipping traffic had begun to recover.

US Central Command said after Iran's announcement that safe passage through the international waterway had "remained intact" and that US forces were "present and vigilant". Trump later warned that Washington could impose its own tolls on Hormuz if negotiators failed to complete the deal. There would be no tolls "unless they are imposed by and for the United States of America", Trump wrote on Truth Social.

An Iranian delegation arrived in Switzerland late Saturday, state media and the Swiss foreign ministry said. Iran's official broadcaster said it included parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said the delegation would "demand implementation of the other party's commitments" under the deal.

"Otherwise, the entire understanding will be in trouble," he said, according to official news agency IRNA. Vance arrived at the Emmen Air Base in Switzerland on Sunday morning, having earlier said he could only stay "a day or two". US negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff were already there handling "some of the technical elements" and had reported that "things are going well", Vance said in an interview with Fox News earlier Saturday.

Pakistan, which has been helping to mediate, said Sunday that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Asim Munir had left for Switzerland to take part in high-level talks involving US and Iranian representatives and other mediators from Qatar. The talks are meant to open a two-month negotiation period on issues left unresolved by the initial accord, notably Iran's nuclear programme. Israel and Hezbollah continued trading accusations Saturday as fighting persisted in southern Lebanon.

The Israeli military said one soldier was killed in combat, the fifth such fatality since the US-Iran deal was reached. An Israeli army official later said the military had received orders from the country's political leadership to cease fire, adding that troops were "not conducting proactive strikes" but operating defensively inside a security zone. Earlier, an Israeli military official said fresh attacks were under way after Hezbollah "launched more than 50 projectiles at Israeli forces in southern Lebanon" overnight.

Hezbollah accused Israel of carrying out "under the cover of the ceasefire... an infiltration attempt towards the Ali Taher hills", a strategic feature overlooking Nabatieh, and said its fighters had responded "with appropriate weapons". Lebanese state media reported Israeli air raids on around 20 locations, with authorities counting more than 30 dead. The overall death toll from the fighting in Lebanon had surpassed 4,000, the health ministry said. Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah said his group retained "the full right to confront this enemy when it attacks us".

Israel's US ambassador Yechiel Leiter maintained it was Hezbollah that broke the truce, saying Israel was "defending itself against terrorist attacks". But Hezbollah said Israel bore "full responsibility". Fadi Zayat, who fled the southern Lebanon town of Tayr Debba, told AFP that "fear dominates" the south. "We returned to the village a few days ago, but our bags are ready to flee again," the 53-year-old said. Hezbollah pulled Lebanon into the wider Middle East conflict in early March when it fired rockets at Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iran's supreme leader in US-Israeli strikes. A previous ceasefire meant to take effect in Lebanon in April was never honoured, with each side justifying its attacks by citing alleged violations by the other.

ICAO GOLD-certified Civil Aviation Academy, Bangladesh, under the guidance of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the overall supervision of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) organized the workshop. The proposed CAMP will serve as a comprehensive national roadmap for the aviation sector, outlining development goals, priorities and strategic directions for the next 20 to 30 years and beyond.

The plan is expected to address key areas including airport infrastructure development, modernization of air navigation services, expansion of the airline industry, development of skilled human resources, enhancement of aviation safety and security, environmental sustainability and technology-driven growth aligned with international standards. Speaking at the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam said the master plan would help ensure coordinated and future-oriented development of Bangladesh’s rapidly growing aviation sector.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat attended the event as special guest, while Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Fahmida Akhtar joined as the guest of honour. CAAB Chairman Air Vice-Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq presided over the workshop. CAAB Member (Operations and Planning) Air Commodore Abu Sayeed Mehboob Khan delivered the address of welcome.

Presenting the keynote paper, ICAO expert Mohamed El Amiri shared international experiences in civil aviation master planning and discussed planning methodologies, strategic priorities and the requirements for developing an effective national aviation master plan for Bangladesh. He highlighted global best practices and emphasized the importance of long-term planning to meet future aviation demands and international compliance requirements.

Officials said Bangladesh currently lacks a comprehensive national Civil Aviation Master Plan. To address this gap, CAAB has undertaken the initiative to formulate the plan, which is expected to be completed within the next one to one-and-a-half years. They noted that ICAO has already agreed to provide the necessary technical and expert assistance for formulation of the master plan.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Air Force and Bangladesh Navy, representatives from the ministries of planning, finance and public administration, managing directors and chief executive officers of various airlines, aviation experts and other stakeholders participated in the workshop. Officials described the initiative as a milestone in Bangladesh’s aviation history, marking the first formal effort to develop an integrated national master plan for the sector.

Member Secretary of “Amra BNP Poribar” Agriculturist Mokhsedul Momin Mithun was present during the commencement of the treatment. Nayan Hossain, a BNP activist and resident of Baghopara, had been living with his injuries for long. He was wounded in police firing on October 29, 2023. Coming from a poor family, he had been facing serious hardship while awaiting proper medical care.

Asadul Habib Dulu said this while speaking as the chief guest at the Partner Congress 2026 organized by the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) at the Sadar Upazila Parishad auditorium in Lalmonirhat on Saturday, a press note issued by the Rangpur Regional PID Office said. The event was organised under the "Program on Agricultural and Rural Transformation for Nutrition, Entrepreneurship and Resilience in Bangladesh (PARTNER)" and attended by local political leaders, farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs.

Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Rashedul Haque Pradhan spoke as the special guest. Presided over by Lalmonirhat DAE Deputy Director Dr Md Saikhul Arifin, the program was also addressed by District Council Administrator AKM Mominul Haque and Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mononita Das. The minister said the present government has plans to commercialize agriculture and ensure fair prices for farmers, so that agriculture becomes more profitable and food production increases.

Bangladesh is an agriculture-dependent country. Therefore, the agricultural sector must be given utmost importance to ensure the country's economic development and food security, he added. The minister said the northern region is one of the country's most agriculturally productive regions, where a large amount of agricultural products are produced. "But farmers do not get fair prices many times. As a result, they lose interest in cultivating those crops," he said. 

On the other hand, due to inadequate prices for other crops, expectation of high profit and influence of various companies, many farmers are turning to tobacco cultivation. He said, "Tobacco is a harmful crop, which poses a serious risk to public health. Farmers should be encouraged to produce alternative profitable crops and also ensure a market for their produce."

Stressing the importance of using natural pesticides, the minister said that chemical pesticides are harmful to human health and agricultural land. To this end, a pilot program has been launched to promote biological pest control and expand organic farming practices as part of efforts to develop an environment-friendly agricultural system. He said if agricultural products from this region can be exported abroad, farmers will get the right price for their products. 

Keeping this goal in mind, the government has a long-term master plan for the development of the agricultural sector. "Under this plan, storage facilities will be established in every union to preserve agricultural produce. In addition, agro-processing industries will be set up across the northern region to help ensure fair prices for farmers," he said. 

Apart from this, the government has taken various practical steps for agricultural development. DAE Deputy Director Dr Md Saikhul Arifin said, "We have come a long way in the production of agricultural products. However, we are still lagging behind in the field of quality production."  "In addition to increasing production for the commercialization of agriculture, efforts are continuing to improve the quality and market competitiveness of agricultural products," he said.

Ahead of the Prime Minister’s two nations’ visit- Malaysia and China-, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam held a media briefing at the foreign ministry yesterday. He said Bangladesh and China are expected to sign 15 to 17 bilateral instruments including 13 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), two agreements, one action plan and one protocol during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s upcoming visit to China, with discussions on the long-awaited Teesta project.

Responding to a query, the foreign secretary said there would also be discussions regarding the Teesta project during the visit. “This is the first overseas visit by the Prime Minister since the government assumed office in February this year,” Siam said. He noted that the delegations accompanying the Prime Minister to Malaysia and China have been kept relatively small, comprising 27 to 28 members respectively. “We tried to keep it at a reasonable level,” he told reporters.

He said that the visits are being viewed as a major diplomatic initiative aimed at strengthening Bangladesh’s economic partnerships, attracting foreign investment and enhancing regional connectivity. On June 25, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang. He will also meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on June 26 as part of his official visit. During his stay in China, the Prime Minister will attend the 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, widely known as the Summer Davos Forum, to be held in Dalian, Liaoning Province, from June 23 to 25.

More than 1,700 participants from over 90 countries and regions are expected to join the forum, themed “Innovating at Scale”, where discussions will focus on global economic trends, technological advancement and innovation-driven growth. The Malaysia leg of the tour would focus on expanding trade, labour market cooperation and investment opportunities, while the China visit would underscore Bangladesh’s commitment to deepening cooperation in infrastructure, technology, connectivity and development sectors.

The Prime Minister is expected to return home on Friday night. Additional Foreign Secretary (Diplomacy and Other Priority Matters) AKM Shahidul Karim and other senior officials of the ministry were present at the briefing. 

Turkey's defeat means they become the second team after Haiti to be eliminated from contention.

After an unconvincing build-up to the World Cup, the Americans have made a dream start to the tournament with Friday's victory following a stylish 4-1 demolition of Paraguay in their opening game last week. A day of celebration for the co-hosts got even better later Friday after Paraguay's 1-0 victory over Turkey confirmed that the US would clinch top spot in Group D, ensuring a theoretically easier draw in the last 32. "It was a fantastic game again, very good first half," Pochettino said. "I think we dominated the game against a very tough team.

"When the draw happened in December I thought it was going to be a really difficult, a really tough game." Paraguay meanwhile remain alive in the tournament after their gritty 1-0 victory in Santa Clara that eliminated Turkey. Matias Galarza's strike after just 63 seconds secured all three points for Paraguay in a game that saw the South Americans' Miguel Almiron become the first player ever to be sent off for covering his mouth while confronting an opponent under new FIFA rules.

Former Newcastle player Almiron was given his marching orders in first half stoppage time after covering his mouth while he appeared to direct a comment at Turkey's Mert Muldur. FIFA announced in April that players who cover their mouths in confrontations with opponents will be given a red card, part of an initiative designed to tackle racism. In other games on Friday, Brazil took control of their destiny in Group C with a 3-0 victory over Haiti that ended the Caribbean nation's chances of reaching the last 32.

Two goals from Manchester United striker Matheus Cunha and a Vinicius Junior strike sealed a comfortable win for the Brazilians in a one-sided game at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field. The result ensured Haiti will finish bottom of Group C and are the first team to be eliminated from contention for a place in the knockout rounds. Brazil's victory though was marred by an apparent injury to star forward Raphinha, who left the game in the 40th minute after an innocuous-looking tussle with Haiti defender Martin Experience.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti was unable to provide an update on Raphinha's injury afterwards, instead preferring to praise his team's "complete" performance. "It was a complete match, much better in the first half," Ancelotti said. "It was what we expected from this game: better quality, fewer mistakes, more effectiveness in attack and more control at the back." Brazil are now level on four points with Morocco in Group C, but lead the North Africans on goal difference.

Morocco secured their first win of the tournament on Friday with a 1-0 defeat of Scotland at Foxborough, Massachusetts. Ismael Saibari scored the games's only goal, lashing home a thunderous angled strike in the second minute to leave the Scots reeling. Morocco will face Haiti in their final Group C game on June 24, while Brazil take on the Scots in Miami.

"Tonight we showed we can compete with the teams in the top 10. Brazil will be a different game, they play with less structure but they have quality that can hurt you at any point," Scotland's John McGinn said. "We will need to be at our best. We know what we need to do to try to get through to the next round."

Group C

In Foxborough, Massachusetts

Scotland 0 Morocco 1 (Saibari 2)

In Philadelphia

Brazil 3 (Cunha 23, 36, Vincius Junior 45+3) Haiti 0

Group D

In Seattle

USA 2 (Burgess 11-og, Freeman 43) Australia 0

In Santa Clara, California

Turkey 0 Paraguay 1 (Galarza 2)

Bangladesh is represented by a 10-member contingent, comprising five senior and five junior gymnasts. In the junior division, Uting Wang Marma produced an outstanding performance to qualify for the Vault final, scoring 12.850 points to finish among the top performers in the 53-member field. He will compete in the final tomorrow (Sunday).

In the senior division, Rajib Chakma delivered a historic performance by scoring 13.366 points to finish ninth among 67 competitors, earning the position of first reserve for the Vault final. He remains in contention for a place in the final should any qualified gymnast withdraw. Rajib's achievement is the best-ever performance by a Bangladeshi gymnast in the senior category at the Asian Gymnastics Championships. He has also secured direct qualification for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan, marking another landmark achievement for Bangladesh gymnastics.

The qualifying tournament will be held in Uzbekistan from August 25 to September 6, 2026, where Bangladesh have been drawn in Group B alongside hosts Uzbekistan, Syria, and India.

Earlier, on Thursday last, the Bangladesh U-20 national football team announced its pre-preliminary squad, marking the first phase of preparations under incoming head coach Gerard Jones (UK) ahead of the continental qualifiers.

The preliminary squad includes Ismail Hossain, SP Rafiz, Nahidul Islam, Raj Chowdhury, Yousuf Ali, Mithu Chowdhury, Abdul Tiyad, Sifat Shahriar, Azam Khan, Sani Das, Ishan Habib Riduan, Sheikh Sangram, Masud Rana, Chandon Roy, Sameul Raksam, Kamal Merdha, Ratul Hasan, Nazmul Huda Faysal, Md. Shafiq Rahman, Shorif Uddin Nirob, Md. Mahe Khan, Md. Manik, Rifat Kazi, Ashik, Joy Ahamed, Safiul Hasan, Moltaza Alam Himel, Ikramul Islam, Opu Rahman, Hadi Rahman, Siam Omit, Shawon Ritghil, Sabbir Islam, Eshan Mallik, Ibrahim Nawaz, Zidane Yousuf, Salah Uddin Shahed, Sree Sumon Soren, Murshed Ali, and Adam Abbas.

In the fifth-round game, played on Friday last with Tahsin registered an impressive victory and secured three points from five matches.

Earlier, in the fourth-round game, he shared the point with Kush Devnani of India after the match ended in a draw.

Progressing to the knockout round would be a relief for the Germans who astonishingly have failed to reach that stage since they won their fourth World Cup in Brazil in 2014. So tight are the margins that Ivory Coast could lock up their place in the next round too, if they beat the Germans. Nagelsmann said his team had to be prepared for Ivory Coast's athleticism. "Their speed is one of their biggest strengths and that's what I think they do best," he told reporters, highlighting the French-born Ivorian winger Nicolas Pepe.

"During the last game, he was everywhere," Nagelsmann said of Pepe. Sweden face the Netherlands in Houston knowing that a win will secure a place in the knockout round -- an extraordinary turnaround for the Scandinavians who only qualified for the World Cup through through the Nations League, essentially the back door. Coach Graham Potter warned that Sweden striker Alexander Isak will get "stronger and stronger" as the tournament goes on.

Isak had a poor season by his standards, interrupted by frequent injuries, after Liverpool paid Newcastle United a British record œ125 million ($165 million) for him. He made a strong start to the World Cup though as the 26-year-old scored one goal and set up two in the 5-1 thrashing of Tunisia. "Alex has had a season that has been interrupted," Potter said. "Most football players would say they need a certain amount of time and games to get up to top, top level, so we've had to try to build Alex up. I think there's more to come from him."

History will be made in another of Saturday's games as Japan face Tunisia in Monterrey, Mexico for the 1,000th game at a World Cup. Hajime Moriyasu warned his Japan side they will need to match the intensity of a Tunisia team fired up by the introduction of coach Herve Renard after Sabri Lamouchi became the first coach in World Cup history to be sacked after one game. On Friday, the United States marched into the knockout round with a 2-0 victory over Australia in Seattle.

A day of raucous celebrations for the co-hosts got even better when Paraguay's 1-0 win against Turkey confirmed that the US would clinch top spot in Group D, ensuring a theoretically easier draw in the last 32. A Cameron Burgess own goal in the 11th minute and a headed effort from Alex Freeman two minutes before half-time sealed a comfortable three points for Mauricio Pochettino's USA side, who have won the group with a game to spare.

After an unconvincing build-up to the World Cup, the Americans have made a dream start to the tournament with Friday's victory following a stylish 4-1 demolition of Paraguay in their opener. "It was a fantastic game again, very good first half," Pochettino said. "I think we dominated the game against a very tough team. "When the draw happened in December I thought it was going to be a really difficult, a really tough game."

At the center of this transformation is the government's decision to nearly double the health sector allocation to Tk 69,409 crore from the revised Tk 35,477 crore in the outgoing fiscal year. The allocation represents about 1.01 percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), marking a significant step toward the government's longer-term commitment to increase health spending. Presenting the budget in parliament on June 11, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury described healthcare investment as a cornerstone of human resource development and national prosperity.

The government believes that strengthening healthcare services is essential not only for improving public health outcomes but also for supporting economic productivity and social welfare. A key feature of the government's health agenda is a strategic shift from a treatment-centered healthcare model to one that prioritizes prevention, early diagnosis and community-based services.

To achieve this goal, the government has begun implementing plans to establish modern primary healthcare units in every union and urban ward across the country.  Each unit will be supported by community clinics and trained health workers providing preventive care, maternal and child health services, nutrition support and basic treatment at the grassroot level. Officials believe the initiative will reduce pressure on overcrowded hospitals, improve access to healthcare in underserved areas and lower out-of-pocket medical expenses for ordinary citizens.

The expansion of the healthcare workforce is another major component of the reform agenda. The government has announced the immediate recruitment of 5,000 MBBS doctors to fill long-standing vacancies in hospitals and health institutions. Besides, plans have been drawn up to recruit 100,000 health workers, around 80 percent of whom are expected to be women. The expanded workforce is expected to strengthen maternal and child healthcare services, disease prevention programmes and community-based healthcare delivery systems. The government has already created hundreds of additional nursing and midwifery positions to support these efforts.

Digital transformation also occupies a central place in the government's healthcare strategy. Under a proposed universal health coverage framework, every citizen will gradually receive a digital Health Card linked to an Integrated Patient Management and Referral System. The platform will enable healthcare providers to access patients' treatment histories, diagnostic records and prescriptions from any healthcare facility across the country.

Health experts believe such a system can improve continuity of care, reduce duplication of medical procedures and strengthen accountability throughout the healthcare network. The government's reform plans extend beyond service delivery to medical education and healthcare human resource development.

A modern competency-based MBBS curriculum incorporating artificial intelligence and advanced clinical training methods is expected to be introduced by 2030. Authorities say the reforms are designed to produce physicians capable of addressing future healthcare challenges while aligning medical education with international standards. The government also plans to introduce student loan and bank loan facilities for medical and dental students. A special financing programme is being considered for talented students pursuing higher studies abroad so that financial constraints do not hinder academic advancement.

Alongside educational reforms, authorities have announced plans to upgrade academic buildings, laboratories, libraries, dormitories and training facilities at government medical colleges throughout the country. The budget also includes measures aimed at reducing treatment costs for patients suffering from chronic illnesses. The withdrawal of taxes and VAT on heart stents, dialysis filters and several other critical medical products will bring significant relief to thousands of patients. Officials estimate that the price of heart stents may decrease by up to Tk 20,000, while the cost of dialysis treatment could fall by around Tk 800 per session.

Healthcare analysts view these measures as important steps toward reducing out-of-pocket expenditure, which remains one of the major challenges facing Bangladesh's health sector. Meanwhile, recent government initiatives indicate that healthcare expansion is already moving beyond policy announcements. One of the most significant ongoing projects involves operationalisation of five specialized 200-bed children's hospitals in Khulna, Barishal, Rangpur, Rajshahi and Cumilla.

According to the Health Ministry, these hospitals are expected to begin operations within the next six months. Equipped with intensive care units, central air-conditioning systems and advanced diagnostic facilities, the hospitals are expected to substantially improve pediatric healthcare services outside the capital. Preparations are progressing rapidly, with procurement of furniture and medical equipment largely completed and recruitment processes underway.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Husain recently said the facilities would provide specialized treatment services closer to patients' homes, reducing the need for families to travel long distances for paediatric care. The planned launch of the children's hospitals also reflects the government's broader effort to activate completed but unused healthcare infrastructure and bring more specialized services to regional populations.

Taken together, the increased budget allocation, workforce expansion, digital health initiatives, medical education reforms, tax relief measures and new specialized hospitals signal an effort to reshape Bangladesh's healthcare landscape. As implementation moves forward, policymakers hope these initiatives will help create a healthcare system that is more equitable, efficient and responsive to the needs of citizens, while ensuring that quality medical care becomes increasingly accessible regardless of location or income.

Speaking at a UN briefing by the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Myanmar yesterday, Bangladesh Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury said the Rohingya crisis originated in Myanmar and its durable solution must also be found there, according to a message received here this morning. 

He said Bangladesh has been sheltering nearly 1.2 million forcibly displaced Rohingyas for almost a decade on humanitarian grounds despite significant social, economic, environmental and security challenges arising from the protracted crisis.

The ambassador stressed that the continued presence of such a large refugee population has placed enormous pressure on local communities and resources in Bangladesh, making an early and sustainable solution imperative.

Reaffirming Bangladesh’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of the crisis, he urged the international community and key regional actors to intensify diplomatic engagement and efforts to create conditions conducive to the safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable return of the Rohingyas to Myanmar.

Chowdhury underscored that the Rohingyas themselves want to return to their homes in Myanmar and reiterated that repatriation remains the only viable long-term solution to the crisis.

He called for stronger international support and sustained attention to the issue to ensure accountability and address the root causes that forced the Rohingyas to flee their homeland.

The Bangladesh envoy also emphasized the importance of concerted global and regional efforts to facilitate the early return of the displaced population and help restore peace, stability and normalcy in Myanmar’s Rakhine State.

Bangladesh has repeatedly urged the international community to take effective measures to enable the repatriation process, maintaining that a durable solution can only be achieved through the return of the Rohingyas to Myanmar in safety and dignity.

Responding to a query, the foreign secretary said there would also be discussions regarding the Teesta project during the visit. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to leave for Kuala Lumpur on Sunday afternoon at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim before travelling to China on Monday afternoon at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang. “This is the first overseas visit by the Prime Minister since the government assumed office in February this year,” Siam said.

He noted that the delegations accompanying the Prime Minister to Malaysia and China have been kept relatively small, comprising 27 to 28 members respectively. “We tried to keep it at a reasonable level,” he told reporters. He said that the visits are being viewed as a major diplomatic initiative aimed at strengthening Bangladesh’s economic partnerships, attracting foreign investment and enhancing regional connectivity. On June 25, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

He will also meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on June 26 as part of  his official visit. During his stay in China, the Prime Minister will attend the 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, widely known as the Summer Davos Forum, to be held in Dalian, Liaoning Province, from June 23 to 25. More than 1,700 participants from over 90 countries and regions are expected to join the forum, themed “Innovating at Scale”, where discussions will focus on global economic trends, technological advancement and innovation-driven growth.

The Malaysia leg of the tour would focus on expanding trade, labour market cooperation and investment opportunities, while the China visit would underscore Bangladesh’s commitment to deepening cooperation in infrastructure, technology, connectivity and development sectors. The Prime Minister is expected to return home on Friday night. Additional Foreign Secretary (Diplomacy and Other Priority Matters) AKM Shahidul Karim and other senior officials of the ministry were present at the briefing.

The move was launched under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, and it comes months after the Trump administration tapped similar authorities to investigate dozens of trading partners over issues like forced labor and industrial overcapacity. A federal register notice released by the USTR charged that "evidence indicates that Germany implements unfair pricing policies and practices with regard to innovative pharmaceutical products."

It added that reduced revenue associated with these practices also appeared to contribute to reduced investment for research and development, among other issues. "As a result, the United States pays a disproportionate share of global R&D costs for innovative pharmaceuticals," the notice said. The probe will look into the means that Germany uses to implement its pricing policies and practices.

"President (Donald) Trump has made clear that American patients should not be shouldering a disproportionate share of global pharmaceutical research and development," said USTR Jamieson Greer in a statement. He expressed concern over Germany's plans to fast-track legislation "that would further reduce its spending on innovative pharmaceuticals."

The trade envoy's office will next receive comments and hold a hearing in September as part of the investigation. Earlier this month, the USTR's office proposed new tariffs of up to 12.5 percent on dozens of economies under its investigation into forced labor concerns. Trump has rolled out sweeping tariffs since returning to the White House last year, although the Supreme Court struck down many of them in February. His administration has since turned to trade probes as officials look to reimpose more lasting duties.

Excluding also energy, the reading was 1.8 percent, down from 1.9 percent and in line with market forecasts. Unadjusted, inflation inched up to 1.5 percent from 1.4, also meeting forecasts. The Bank of Japan (BoJ) raised its benchmark rate on Tuesday by 25 basis points to 1.0 percent, the highest level since 1995 and marking the first increase since December. The United States and Iran have agreed a peace deal to end their three-month conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for oil and gas.

But the full resumption of traffic through the strait back to pre-conflict levels is expected to take considerable time. The European Central Bank hiked rates last week after the war pushed up prices for oil and other goods worldwide. The US Federal Reserve on Wednesday held rates steady. But with US inflation at a three-year high, expectations are growing that its policy rate will rise later this year, despite pressure from President Donald Trump to cut.

Australia's central bank, which has raised borrowing costs three times this year, also held rates steady this week as did the Bank of England. Indonesia has hiked rates three times in four weeks. Before the conflict began on February 28, Japan relied on the Middle East for around 90 percent of its crude supplies. Government subsidies has helped to keep core inflation under the BoJ's target of two percent.

But the BoJ warned on Tuesday that there was a risk that inflation could accelerate past its objective as firms pass higher prices for raw materials onto consumers. Marcel Thieliant at Capital Economics said that "there are no clear signs yet that higher energy costs are lifting prices of other goods and services". "However, that is only a matter of time," he said in a note, forecasting inflation excluding fresh food and energy to rise to around 3.5 percent in the first half of next year. The yen has also come under major pressure in recent weeks, caused by the rise in oil prices and the gap between US and Japanese interest rates, pushing up resource-poor Japan's already colossal import bill.

Takaichi's government spent around 11.7 trillion yen ($72 billion) last month propping up the currency, which has been languishing at around 160 yen against the dollar.

The 27-nation bloc's trade deficit in goods hit around 360 billion euros ($413 billion) last year, meaning Chinese exports sharply exceeded the EU's. During a two-hour summit dinner in Brussels, leaders chewed over how the EU could address the imbalance, and whether the bloc needed to boost its arsenal.

After talks ended early on Friday, an EU official said the leaders tasked the commission with continuing to engage "in a constructive dialogue with our main economic partners" but did not directly say China. They also asked the executive "to develop and eventually complement the toolbox in the area of trade defence" and to make sure the EU has "all the instruments it needs to defend its interests and derisk", the official said.

While EU capitals agree on a common diagnosis, the positions differ on the cure and several leaders on Thursday had called for dialogue as a priority. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez struck a more conciliatory tone than his counterparts before the dinner. "We need friends, we need balanced relationships, we need to be pragmatic, and we need to build bridges both with major economies and potential allies, such as China," Sanchez told reporters.

One way to beef up the EU's arsenal could be creating a new tool to impose sector-specific tariffs such as chemicals or green tech -- taking a page out of President Donald Trump's playbook. French President Emmanuel Macron last month called for a "European equivalent of Section 301" -- the trade tool Trump has employed to set sweeping tariffs -- arguing Europe's "sovereignty is at stake". Germany has until now adopted a cautious posture because its economy is more exposed to potential retaliation, while Spain has sought to avoid tensions as it chases Chinese investment.

But Berlin appeared to be coming around to France's way of thinking. A German official said Berlin was "open" to new tools if they are necessary so long as they were "not targeted at specific recipients". German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, however, would not be drawn on China by reporters in Brussels. Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin said before the dinner he wanted to see "the shape and nature of any mechanisms" introduced but warned Europe had to make sure it understood the consequences.

The EU official did not comment on what any new tools would look like. Concern about Chinese dominance is not limited to the EU. Fears are rising in the West over Beijing's control in the market for rare earth minerals used in everyday electronic appliances, and China was on the agenda of G7 talks in France this week. Brussels often evokes the need for fair competition, pointing to the unfair advantage Chinese companies have because of massive state subsidies.

Between 2005 and 2024, Chinese firms received around three to eight times more government support than firms in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, according to the OECD, which called it "a conservative estimate". Even as its resolve appears to be hardening, the EU has shown no appetite to trigger a broader trade war with China. Fears over Chinese retaliation are not unfounded. After the EU hit Chinese electric cars with higher tariffs in 2024, China imposed anti-dumping duties on European cognac.

And Beijing has vowed to hit back if the EU pushes through rules that would exclude certain products manufactured outside the bloc from public contracts. Sefcovic has invited Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao to Brussels later this month as the bloc still hopes it can prevent escalation through dialogue with China -- but an EU official would not confirm the visit.

Mediators in the conflict -- including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey -- were due to gather for talks in the Egyptian city of Alamein on Sunday to discuss the deal, Cairo and Islamabad said. Preparations had been made to host Iranian and US delegations at the Swiss resort of Burgenstock, overlooking Lake Lucerne, to begin negotiations on implementing the deal signed this week by President Donald Trump and his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian.

Iran's top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that Tehran would deliver a "decisive response" in the event of "breach of contract" or "excessive demands". "They were once slapped during the war; if they wish to head on that path again, they will get an even harder slap," he wrote on X. The signing of the accord was intended to end the US-Israeli campaign against Iran -- which saw five weeks of all-out war until a ceasefire was struck in April -- and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the key shipping bottleneck whose closure caused global energy prices to rise.

The agreement also kicks off a 60-day period for talks on wider issues, including Tehran's nuclear programme. Ghalibaf and US Vice President JD Vance had been expected in Burgenstock along with Pakistani and Qatari mediators on Friday to commence the process. "The planned talks between the US, Iran, Qatar and Pakistan have been postponed," the Swiss foreign ministry said in a message to AFP.

"Switzerland remains ready to facilitate these talks. The relevant preparatory work at Burgenstock is continuing," it added, without providing a new date for the talks. It followed the announcement late Thursday from the White House that Vance's trip was cancelled, with a spokesperson saying the "logistics of these negotiations have never been simple or predictable".

"We look forward to beginning technical talks as soon as possible." The deal was also meant to halt the fighting in Lebanon, but Israel's military announced on Friday new strikes against Hezbollah targets, with 18 people killed, according to the Lebanese health ministry. Israel also said that four of its soldiers were killed in southern Lebanon, the first since the deal was signed.

The soldiers' deaths prompted a furious reaction from far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who demanded that "all of Lebanon must burn". Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said Thursday that he had approved the accord, despite holding a "different view". "But I issued my permission due to the commitment" made by officials including Pezheshkian to "protect the rights of the Iranian nation".

Khamenei -- who has yet to be seen in public since succeeding his father, who was killed in US-Israeli strikes -- said Trump had "used all kinds of levers" to secure the deal "out of desperation". American forces on Thursday lifted their naval blockade of Iranian ports that had prevented ships from sailing to or from the Islamic republic, the US military said, noting that American warships "will remain in the general area".

But activity was still muted in the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic bottleneck for energy shipments that Iran blockaded during the conflict. Iranian state TV, citing a statement from the country's Supreme National Security Council, said that ships "seeking passage through the Strait of Hormuz must submit their request" to a new government body tasked with overseeing the waterway. Under the text of the deal, Washington commits to immediately waive oil sanctions crippling Iran's economy.

And once a final agreement is reached on Iran's nuclear programme, the United States will facilitate the release of a $300 billion reconstruction fund supported by regional nations, the deal says. Trump's decision to end the war, in which 13 US service members were killed and a vast proportion of US ammunition stockpiles was used, has unsettled some of his allies at home. But Trump argued that using military force to wring more concessions out of Tehran would have been counterproductive.

"The only way I can get tougher is if I go in there for another two or three weeks and continue to bomb the hell out of 'em. Right? But what does that get us? The Strait of Hormuz will not be open," he told Axios.

"If the enemy seeks to be excessive, we have proven that our fingers are on the trigger and we have no hesitation in giving a crushing response to the enemy." Tehran and Washington signed a memorandum of understanding this week ending a regional war that erupted on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Ghalibaf's remarks came after Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said he had approved the US-Iran deal despite having a "different view" on the matter, without elaborating.

In a message read out on state television, Khamenei said that direct talks with the United States "will not mean accepting the enemy's point of view". In response to Khamenei's message, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the country's foreign policy apparatus "will be used to secure the sublime interests of Iran" and "protect the rights of the noble Iranian nation". President Masoud Pezeshkian, who signed the deal on behalf of his country, issued a similar statement promising to adhere to Iran's red lines and defend its "dignity, honour and authority".

The US-Iran deal, which US President Donald Trump also signed, lays the groundwork for detailed 60-day negotiations on Iran's nuclear programme and sanctions relief. It remains unclear when talks for a final settlement would start after a first meeting in Switzerland slated for Friday was postponed. The agreement provides for an end to the Middle East war on all fronts, including Lebanon, the lifting of the two-month US naval blockade on Iranian ports, and Tehran's reopening of the Strait of Hormuz "with no charge for 60 days only".

It also includes an Iranian commitment not to procure or develop nuclear weapons -- an ambition Tehran has consistently denied pursuing. Conservatives in Iran appeared deeply sceptical of the deal and US intentions, with some expressing concern that Tehran could be giving up key sources of leverage before securing compensation and sanctions relief. "The Americans do not honour to any commitments, they have not been loyal to any agreements, and they will not be," said Hossein Shariatmadari, editor-in-chief of the ultraconservative Kayhan newspaper, in an interview with state television on Thursday.

He added: "the Strait of Hormuz is the way to get compensation." Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesman for parliament's national security commission, took issue with reports of possible inspections of Iranian nuclear facilities by a UN watchdog. "I hope the government denies this, but if this claim is true... the parliament will stand up to lawlessness and disobedience," he said in a post on X.

When the Sun burns through all of the hydrogen in its core, it will go through two immense expansion phases: first becoming a red giant, then, when its helium is spent, an "AGB" star. This fiery death will bring about some significant changes back here on Earth. As the Sun grows, increasing gravitational forces will pull the Earth towards it. For the Earth and the Moon, this force creates the push and pull of the tides in our oceans. The energy from these tides, which dissipates at the bottom of the ocean, slows Earth's rotation and gradually pushes the Moon away from us. As the Sun expands and its blistering surface approaches Earth, intense tidal waves will stir within the star. When they dissipate, it will pull Earth into its doomed embrace.

However, the growing Sun will also lose a lot of its mass due to stellar wind, which pushes our planet further away. "Earth's fate depends on a delicate balance between these two effects," explained Mats Esseldeurs, the lead author of a study published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics on Friday. "If tidal interactions predominate, Earth is engulfed by the Sun. If the Sun's mass loss predominates, Earth escapes into an orbit larger than the radius of its star," the astrophysicist at Belgium's University of Leuven said in a statement.

Until now, scientists had favoured the first hypothesis. However their calculations relied on relatively simple descriptions of tidal dissipation within giant stars. Advances made in modelling these tides over the last 15 years have enabled the study's authors to show that "the dissipation is lower than previously expected", Stephane Mathis, an astrophysicist at the CEA Paris-Saclay centre in France, told AFP.

To estimate how much mass the Sun could lose, the team focused in particular on a nearby star called L2 Puppis that is like the Sun's "old cousin", the study's co-author said. "A better understanding of tidal physics and the most advanced constraints we have on mass loss allow us to say that -- in the current state of knowledge -- Earth could move away from the Sun, contrary to what was predicted before," Mathis said.

According to the new modelling, Mars also escapes a death spiral into the Sun. But the two planets closest to the Sun, Mercury and Venus, are not so lucky. They will be inexorably swallowed by the expanding fireball. After all this, the Sun will eventually become an extremely dense star called a white dwarf. No longer capable of fusion reactions, it will slowly become dimmer and cooler over time.

He sought to make a virtue of his more measured approach, contrasting what he saw as his pragmatic managerialism with the ideological bombast of previous Tory prime ministers Boris Johnson and Liz Truss. "There's no such thing as Starmerism and there never will be," the man himself is said to have told colleagues, according to "Get In", a book about his leadership of the Labour party written by journalists Patrick Maguire and Gabriel Pogrund.

But soon after entering Downing Street, he struggled to be the safe pair of hands he had portrayed, while his lack of ideology and charisma has left him struggling to sell a story of where he is taking the country. He insisted on Friday that "there's more to do and that's what I'm focusing on" as he faced further calls from some of Labour's approximately 400 MPs to step down to avoid a bitter leadership challenge from Burnham and possibly other contenders. - Successful career - Starmer, born on September 2, 1962, was raised in a small semi-detached house on the outskirts of London by a seriously ill mother and an emotionally distant father who loved animals and rescued donkeys. After university, he enjoyed a successful career as a human rights lawyer and chief state prosecutor which led to him being knighted by then Queen Elizabeth II. A keen flautist and Arsenal fan, Starmer became an MP in 2015, succeeding left-winger Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader five years later, following the party's worst general election defeat since 1935. He showed his ruthless side by purging Corbyn, targeting antisemitism and moving the party back to the more electable centre ground, delivering Labour's biggest election victory in over two decades. On becoming UK leader, Starmer pledged to "fix" Britain after years of sluggish growth, a cost-of-living crisis and public services hollowed out by Tory austerity measures.But he cautioned the road to recovery would be "long and difficult". - Troubles - His premiership got off to a bad start when his government announced a hugely unpopular policy to remove winter fuel payments from millions of elderly people, which had not been in Labour's election manifesto. He later backtracked.

Starmer was also forced into a humiliating climbdown on reforming welfare benefits, backed down in a row with farmers over inheritance tax and angered businesses for increasing a payroll tax and the minimum wage. The early months were also dominated by anger over a free gifts row, while in September 2025, Angela Rayner resigned as deputy prime minister for underpaying a property tax. That same month, Starmer sacked Peter Mandelson as his ambassador to Washington over the depth of the envoy's friendship with late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The appointment, for which Starmer has apologised, led to the departure of two of his closest aides and the most senior civil servant in the foreign ministry. Starmer himself has refused to quit but the scandal haunts him, contributing to a series of humiliating local election results for Labour in May that renewed calls for his departure. - Burnham challenge - While Starmer has been praised for standing up to US President Donald Trump over the Iran war and maintaining European support for Ukraine, he has struggled to fend off support at home for both the left-wing Greens and the populist, hard-right Reform UK party, led by firebrand Nigel Farage.

A key by-election victory on Friday paved the way for an expected leadership challenge from popular Labour veteran Burnham, who decisively beat a Reform candidate on his home soil in the north of England. Starmer has one of the lowest popularity ratings ever among prime ministers at just 19 percent, according to a YouGov poll. On Friday, Starmer vowed not to "walk away" as leader, saying he would run in any leadership contest but warning that this would plunge the country "into chaos".

There were no further deaths during the outbreak -- and all 12 confirmed hantavirus cases were passengers on the ship. With the last remaining passengers soon to leave quarantine, AFP answers key questions about an episode that again highlighted the risk viruses in animals pose to humans. Almost all the passengers of the Dutch-flagged ship quarantined in the Netherlands have been allowed to return home, the World Health Organization said on Thursday. In France, four people quarantined in hospital are set to be released on Sunday. A fifth passenger who became seriously ill will stay in intensive care, however her condition has improved, according to French health authorities.

In other countries, people are also set to leave quarantine -- in Australia, six passengers are scheduled to be set free on Tuesday. There have been no new cases reported in the outbreak for more than three weeks. Given the incubation period for the virus has passed, "the episode can likely be considered over," Nicole Tischler, president of the International Society of Hantaviruses, told AFP. The 12 confirmed cases -- and another considered likely -- pale in comparison to the tens of thousands of hantavirus infections recorded worldwide every year.

However, most of those cases involve humans getting infected while in close contact with a rodent. The concerning factor about the cruise ship outbreak was that the virus was transmitted between humans. The Andes strain that spread on the ship is the only form of hantavirus known to do this, however documented outbreaks have been very rare.

This raised the spectre that the nearly 150 people on the ship could spread the disease in their home countries. This did not happen. The only instances of human-to-human transmission were in the tight confines of the ship -- and even then appear to have been limited. "The conditions were really an accelerator for virus particles," French infectious disease specialist Xavier Lescure told a press briefing on Thursday.

This was evidence that the risk of transmitting hantavirus between humans remains "low," he added. The cases also did not show any "particular novelty" compared to the infections regularly recorded in parts of the Americas, Lescure said. The sudden global spotlight on hantavirus has however spurred some progress in understanding the virus, for which there is no treatment.

"The event highlighted how little is known about the precise timing of infectiousness; specifically whether transmission occurs only after symptom onset or may begin in the days beforehand," Tischler said. She hoped more would be revealed about how the infected people came in contact on the ship. Perhaps the most important piece of the puzzle still missing is how the first person became infected.

It had been thought that a passenger on the ship caught the virus while travelling in regions of Argentina where it is endemic. However the country's health ministry announced last week that an investigation in a second Argentine province had failed to find any virus-carrying rodents. With memories lingering of the Covid-19 pandemic, some countries swiftly enforced a strict six-week quarantine for the ship's passengers and contact cases.

Other nations, such as the UK, allowed passengers to isolate at home. Some of those placed in mandatory quarantine have spoken out. In the United States, passenger Angela Perryman told CNN this week she felt like a "hostage" after Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy overruled an expert's recommendation to release her. Experts have observed that this episode has again illustrated the risks of zoonotic diseases, which are transmitted from animals to humans. Some other examples include Covid and mpox, as well as mosquito-borne scourges such as malaria, chikungunya and dengue.

He also suggested that Meloni might be "happy that I talked to her, I didn't have to talk to her". Meloni called what Trump said "made up", adding: "Neither I nor Italy ever beg." "I don't know why the president of the United States behaves this way with his own allies," the far-right leader wrote on X. "I can only say that it's a pity he doesn't show the same determination with enemies of the West, with enemies of the United States, with leaders with whom, instead, he is far more accommodating," she said.

At the end of the G7 summit in Evian on Wednesday, Meloni had spoken of a "very positive climate" and "no friction" between Trump and other world leaders present. Meloni has positioned herself as a bridge between Europe and the Trump administration, but the relationship came under strain during the Middle East war. Trump turned on Meloni in April after she defended Pope Leo XIV from the US president's harsh criticism of the pontiff's anti-war views.

Meloni condemned Trump's remarks as "unacceptable" -- prompting the president to turn his fire on her. "I'm shocked at her. I thought she had courage, but I was wrong," the US president said in an interview with Italian daily Corriere della Sera at the time. He accused Meloni of failing to help the United States with NATO. Trump has threatened to pull US troops from Italy, saying Rome "has not been of any help to us" in the Iran war.  

The heatwave prompted 784 primary and secondary schools out of the country's 60,000 teaching establishments to adjust their hours, including 150 that closed completely, said Education Minister Edouard Geffray. France's national weather agency has warned the heatwave would be "widespread, prolonged, and intense". Temperatures were expected to peak at around 40C in some regions between Sunday and Tuesday.

Although astronomical summer does not begin until Sunday, this is already France's second heatwave this year, following an unusually hot spell in May that shattered records across half the country. France experienced its hottest spring this year since records began in 1900, with the average nationwide temperature over March to May around 1.7C above the norm. Scientists warn that heatwaves in Europe are becoming more frequent as a result of climate change.

"However, I have seen a response that is growing stronger every day," she told reporters in Geneva, speaking from Bunia, the capital of the DRC's Ituri province. The outbreak was declared on May 15, though transmission had been going undetected for some time. It is caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the virus, for which there is no vaccine.

There have been 896 confirmed cases so far in the DRC, including 232 confirmed deaths, with 21 new cases in the last 24 hours, according to the latest WHO update. More than 90 percent of known cases in the DRC have been in Ituri, a province racked by conflict. The outbreak has also spread to North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. Belizaire said the epidemic was evolving so quickly that the response was racing to keep pace with the virus, which spreads by close contact and infected bodily fluids.

The number of treatment beds available for Ebola patients had gone from zero to more than 500, she said. And surveillance teams were now investigating nearly 400 alerts, and were capable of administering more than 2,000 tests a day, she added. Belizaire also highlighted that efforts to trace contacts of known Ebola cases had ramped up, with 75 percent of all contacts now being reached.

The WHO has said 95 percent of contacts must be traced to get on top of the outbreak. In neighbouring Uganda, the only other country hit, there have been 19 confirmed cases including two deaths, and 10 recovered patients. Uganda has reported no new cases for 12 days.

"Intensive" strikes across Lebanon's south killed 18 people and wounded 33, the country's health ministry said, while in the eastern Baalbek area another three people were killed, with six wounded. Video from AFPTV showed hundreds of cars packing roads in the city of Saida as people attempted to flee southern areas. Israel's military said it hit scores of targets overnight and into the morning.

"The IDF (military) struck more than 80 command centres, terrorists, launch positions, and additional terrorist infrastructure sites in the area of Nabatieh and additional areas in southern Lebanon," an army statement said. "During the strikes, dozens of Hezbollah terrorists operating in the command centres were eliminated." Iran-backed Hezbollah, meanwhile, said it was attacking Israeli forces around the southern town of Nabatieh.

It vowed to defend Lebanon's territory and people, accusing Israel of violating a ceasefire and denying it had itself broken the truce. The group said "the enemy has never complied with any ceasefire agreement". A truce meant to have taken effect in April did little to stop attacks from either side. Israeli strikes also targeted the Baalbek region in the east of Lebanon, which had been largely spared since the start of the conflict on March 2. Israel said its strikes in Baalbek and the Bekaa Valley were in response to "repeated violations of the ceasefire by Hezbollah". Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned Israel's latest attacks, saying they "constitute a dangerous escalation" and undermined "ongoing efforts to consolidate the ceasefire and end the war".

Earlier the Israeli military had announced that Lieutenant Colonel Dor Gedalia Ben Simhon had "fallen in combat" along with three other soldiers whom it did not immediately identify. Israeli military correspondents reported the four were killed when a tank was hit by "a suspected drone or anti-tank missile". In a separate statement the military also reported that a reserve officer was severely wounded by a drone attack, with four other soldiers lightly injured. The soldiers' deaths prompted a strong response from Israeli politicians.

"With all due respect to the Americans, Israel must make it clear to the entire world that the blood of our sons and the security of our citizens are not up for bargaining. All of Lebanon must burn," Ben Gvir said in a statement. "For every tear shed by an Israeli mother, a thousand Lebanese mothers must weep," he added. In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Israel of wanting "permanent war".

"This is not a rant by a random genocidal lunatic. It's a public post by the national security minister of the Israeli regime," he said in a post on X. US officials including President Donald Trump have expressed frustration at Israel's campaign in Lebanon, which it has pursued in spite of Washington's negotiations with Tehran. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday that Israeli troops will stay in Lebanon "as long as necessary", vowing to make Hezbollah pay a "heavy price" for its attacks.

Hassan Tarhini, 57, forced to flee his home in the Nabatieh area with his wife and children after the latest fighting, told AFP that "we have no problem being displaced once, twice, or even 10 times, so long as we return with our heads held high". "Even if Israel were to keep bombing from now until Judgement Day, we would remain committed to the same conviction and would not back down, even if thousands of martyrs fall."

Hezbollah said early Friday that it had targeted Israeli troops "with a barrage of rockets and mortar shells" near the Ali al-Taher hills, a strategic feature overlooking Nabatieh. It also reported attacking Israeli tanks, saying forces "consisting of an armoured platoon and an infantry platoon (tried) to infiltrate towards the northern side of the Ali al-Taher hills". "The clashes are still ongoing," it said.

Hezbollah drew Lebanon into the Middle East war in early March by attacking Israel to avenge the killing of Iran's supreme leader at the start of the US-Israeli military campaign. Israel retaliated with broad strikes across Lebanon and a ground invasion in the south, which borders Israel and has long been under Hezbollah's sway.

Officials said footpath encroachment had been causing inconvenience to pedestrians and contributing to traffic congestion. The drive was conducted to restore normal movement and improve the city environment. The operation was led by Rajshahi district administration Executive Magistrate Jafar Ahmed and RCC Executive Magistrate Nazmul Alam. Nazmul Alam said the drive would continue regularly in different parts of the city to keep footpaths and roads free from illegal occupation. He urged people to cooperate with the authorities.

Police, RAB members and officials from the district administration and RCC were present during the drive. City residents welcomed the initiative, hoping regular operations would help maintain order and ensure safer movement for pedestrians.

They also exchanged views on maintaining a better law and order situation around court premises and ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for justice-seekers. The PPs shared their suggestions for making judicial proceedings more effective and people-friendly. The RMP Commissioner stressed coordinated efforts among all stakeholders of the justice system to ensure quality services for the public.

They made the comments while addressing a daylong orientation on the expansion of girls guiding activities to the technical and madrasa institution to help build a well-organized nation in future. Bangladesh Girls Guide Association, district chapter, arranged the function. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Masudur Rahman Mollah attended the function and addressed it as the chief guest  and district education officer Md. Ataur Rahman and regional commissioner of BGGA Farida Yasmin spoke at the event as the special guests while additional district magistrate AKM Hedayetul Islam presided over the ceremony. 

According to Coast Guard, a fraudulent group was planning to transport the sugar after illegally unloading from a commercial vessel. Acting on a tip off, a coast guard team inspected the truck with 800 kg of sugar, said Sumon Al Mukit, media officer of the coast guard.

The victory means Mexico are guaranteed to finish in top spot in Group A with a game to spare following South Africa's 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic earlier Thursday. Finishing top keeps Mexico at home in the last 32 with a game against a third-placed team in Mexico City. South Korea are second on three points, with the Czech Republic and South Africa also still alive on one.

In other games on Thursday, Canada moved to the brink of the last 32 after overwhelming nine-man Qatar 6-0 to secure their first ever World Cup victory in Group B. Switzerland, also in Group B, reignited their campaign with a resounding defeat of Bosnia-Herzegovina in Los Angeles. Tournament co-hosts Canada had lost all six of their previous matches at the World Cup, at the 1986 and 2022 finals, but brought that run of losses to a halt in spectacular fashion at Vancouver's BC Place stadium.

With Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney -- wearing a replica Canada shirt -- among a fired-up crowd, Jesse Marsch's side ran riot to secure a win that leaves them needing only a point against Switzerland to finish top of Group B. A hat-trick from Juventus striker Jonathan David, one goal apiece from Cyle Larin and Nathan Saliba, and a Mohammad Manai own goal sealed Canada's win.

The victory was marred though by a serious left leg injury to midfielder Ismael Kone, who was stretchered off after being clumsily upended by Qatar's Assim Madibo in the 51st minute. Madibo was initially shown a yellow card for the challenge which was subsequently upgraded to red. The stricken Kone was given oxygen as he was carried off the field, waving to fans.

Canada coach Jesse Marsch revealed afterwards Kone was being treated in hospital for a suspected broken leg, adding that his staff had understood the severity of the injury immediately. "It was right in front of us, and everyone could hear the bone snap," Marsch said. "I haven't spoken to Ismael yet, but he's at the hospital. He will prepare for a surgery.

"Everybody's a little shaken by the whole experience because of the nature of the injury, and also because Ismael is a big part of the heart of our team. It will be a big loss for us." Earlier, Switzerland got their campaign back on track with a 4-1 drubbing of Bosnia-Herzegovina at the SoFi Stadium. Johan Manzambi scored twice while Ruben Vargas and Granit Xhaka were on target in a late flurry of goals for the Swiss, who are dreaming of advancing beyond the last 16 for the first time at this World Cup.

Bosnia, who upset Italy in a playoff to reach this year's tournament, are nearing an early exit after a loss that leaves them with one point from two games. In other games on Thursday, South Africa resurrected their slender qualification hopes with a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic in Atlanta. Teboho Mokoena's penalty earned a point for South Africa after Michal Sadilek opened the scoring for the Czechs. But Mokoena's late spot-kick kept both teams in the hunt for the last 32, although they will almost certainly have to win their final Group A fixture to advance.

Iran wanted to fly from their base camp in Tijuana, Mexico, to the United States two days before their next match, against Belgium in Los Angeles on Sunday. But the Iranian federation claims its request was turned down. "Given that the game will be played at 12:00 pm local time in Los Angeles, the Football Federation of Iran requested that the team be allowed to travel to Los Angeles two days before the match," the spokesman said.

"The aim was to provide sufficient time for players to adapt to the match conditions, complete their final training session, and finalize preparations. "Despite the technical reasons presented by the federation, the request was once again denied."

"Given that the game will be played at 12:00 pm local time in Los Angeles (1900 GMT), the Football Federation of Iran requested that the team be allowed to travel to Los Angeles two days before the match." It said the aim of its request was to allow players "to adapt to the match conditions, complete their final training session, and finalize preparations". "Despite the technical reasons presented by the federation, the request was once again denied," the federation spokesman added. "The federation will formally express its dissatisfaction and lodge an official complaint with FIFA through the appropriate channels."

The Iranians were also angry that they had to leave Los Angeles the night of their first game of the World Cup, a 2-2 draw against New Zealand. The US administration has pushed back against the Iranian claims. Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House FIFA Task Force, said on Monday that Iran had been informed in advance that they would only be allowed to enter the United States on the day before the game. "The team will be allowed to come in, match day minus one, so the day before the match," Giuliani told CBS News.

"They'll be asked to leave the day that the match wraps up, so the evening of the match. And they'll be able to do that again in Los Angeles." He added that the procedure would be the same for Iran's final group game against Egypt in Seattle on June 26. Iran had a troubled buildup to the World Cup due to the war in the Middle East. It switched its training base from Tucson, Arizona to Tijuana on the US-Mexico border shortly before the tournament began and says up to 15 team officials have been refused visas to enter the United States.

South Africa has been gripped for months by protests demanding the departure of undocumented immigrants. The marches have never exceeded a few thousand people, but they have been accompanied by a torrent of xenophobic hatred online and received significant media attention. That has flipped the usual script during the World Cup, when African nations traditionally support each other.

"We support all the other African teams. This is to teach them that there are consequences," said Shahim's friend, Fatma, a 34-year-old farmer. "When you have a superiority complex, you suffer alone," she added. South Africa says it has repatriated 2,745 foreigners following President Cyril Ramaphosa's promise to crack down on illegal immigration. Ghana and Nigeria have repatriated several hundred of their citizens, and some 600 Mozambicans returned home after violence in the southern city of Mossel Bay that left at least two dead.

It has shocked many across the continent and turned football fans against the Bafana Bafana, as the South African team is known. There was joy when the team lost to Mexico last week. A popular social media meme showed a map of the African continent covered with the Mexican flag, excluding South Africa. "The whole continent seems to have become Afro-Mexican," quipped Wode Maya, a popular vlogger in Ghana, asking his fans to reply in Spanish.

Even a spokesperson for the Confederation of African Football, Ibrahim Sannie Daara, joined in, posting on X: "You cannot mistreat Africa and still expect Africa's full blessing on the world stage," though he later moderated his remarks and called on all Africans to wear the South African jersey. The atmosphere remained light-hearted in the Nairobi bar visited by AFP for the Czech Republic match -- which ended in a draw -- where a few South Africans were present.

Edwin, a 50-year-old Kenyan communications professional, said he was determined to support all African teams: "You can't judge a whole country because of a minority." He recalled even harsher times in east Africa, when dictator Idi Amin Dada expelled tens of thousands of Ugandans of Indo-Pakistani origin in 1972.

But others were less forgiving. "It is not because you don't have jobs that you can attack Africans," said Richie, a Tanzanian consultant visiting Nairobi, recalling his country's support for black South Africans during the apartheid era. "Unless they change, we will do it over and over," he added. The South African Football Association issued a statement on Wednesday denouncing the "online harassment and abusive messages" directed at its players, which it said was "unacceptable".

At a press conference on Thursday, Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams admitted "it does hurt". "You want to focus on doing your job, which is being a footballer, but then you get involved in politics and you don't want to get into that space," he said.

The 72-1 against Australia was indeed Bangladesh's fifth highest runs in the first six overs behind 76-4 against New Zealand in 2013 in Mirpur, 74 for no loss against Sri Lanka in Colombo in 2018 and 73 for no loss against Ireland in 2023 in Chattogram. Australia which won the first match by four wickets compiled 196-5, their best T20 total against Bangladesh, thanks to career-best 48 ball-89 not out from Matt Renshaw.

After electing to bat first, captain Mitchell Marsh and Josh Iglis gave the side a fluent start but none of them converted it to big knock. Left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed gave the side first breakthrough, trapping Inglis leg-before for 11 while Mustafizur Rahman sent back Marsh for 20.

Nahid Rana, one of the two changes for Bangladesh, removed Cooper Connolly for 1 before Renshaw and Tim David put on 97 runs from 50 balls to pave the platform for big total. David hammered 45 off 26 with two fours and four sixes before he was dismissed by Abdul Gaffar Saqlain. Renshaw who smashed four fours and five sixes guided the lower order to edge the side closer to 200-run mark.

"Japanese men spend among the least time on housework internationally," read the post, which has been viewed 1.9 million times. "Please do it at home," the post said, with a satirical illustration showing a fan who proudly cleans up the stadium is, in fact, relaxing on a sofa at home, oblivious to the pile of laundry and his wife or mother doing the dishes. Japanese men participate notoriously little in household chores, with women spending 5.5 times more time than men taking on "unpaid work" such as shopping, domestic chores and caregiving, the Cabinet Office says, citing 2021 OECD data. The gap is far greater than in Britain, France and the United States, where women spend 1.8 times, 1.7 times and 1.6 times -- respectively -- longer than men doing unpaid work. While supporters describe the act of cleaning up the stadium as proof of Japan's cultural altruism, others have also seen it as slightly performative. And opinions have been divided on the viral X post. "Wives struggling with husbands who don't clean at all should have them wear Samurai Japan uniforms at home too," one comment said. "This is too much of generalisation -- not all Japanese men are like that," another user wrote.

England's position would have been worse but for tailender Matt Fisher's 50 not out -- his maiden Test half-century. Fisher, on his Surrey home ground, was supported in a last-wicket stand of 53 by Sonny Baker, one of three England debutants, after they came together with the hosts in dire straits at 238-9. England had resumed play on 222-6 on Friday morning. 

Debutant Jordan Cox was 22 not out and he quickly clipped Kyle Jamieson for four as play got underway beneath sunny skies on a pitch of even pace and bounce -- seemingly ideal conditions for batting. But Cox fell for 27 after a full-blooded clip off Henry was caught by diving New Zealand captain Tom Latham. Henry, troubled by back spasms at Lord's, struck again with the aid of another well-executed tactical ploy when Jofra Archer was out for eight after a top-edged cut was brilliantly caught by wicket-keeper Tom Blundell, standing up to the stumps.

Josh Tongue's miscued drive off Henry was well-held one-handed, at the second attempt, by a back-pedalling Nathan Smith at mid-on. Tongue's exit gave Henry his seventh five-wicket haul in 35 Tests. Fisher and Baker then hung on against a succession of bouncers, with fast bowlers on both sides curiously reluctant to test the tail-enders with yorkers instead. Fisher, in just his second Test and first in four years, even hooked the odd short ball for four and, giving himself room outside leg stump expertly cut several deliveries to the boundary.

A pull off Henry, his sixth four in 76 balls faced, saw Fisher to his fifty. By that stage New Zealand had taken the new ball and that did the trick when Baker nicked Jamieson to second slip.

They arrived at the Teesta Barrage area in Lalmonirhat this afternoon and inspected different sections of the barrage and adjoining areas, which play a crucial role in agriculture, irrigation and water management in the country's northern region. The visit was aimed at assessing the overall condition of the Teesta basin, including river erosion, flood control measures and future water management strategies.

Later, the ministers attended an exchange-of-views meeting with officials of the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) at the Teesta Abasar conference room. During the meeting, discussions focused on preventing riverbank erosion along the Teesta, reducing flood risks, maintaining navigability, enhancing the efficiency of irrigation systems and reviewing the progress of ongoing development projects in the region.

The ministers emphasized the importance of taking integrated and long-term measures to ensure effective management of the Teesta River and protect the livelihoods of people living in the river basin. Barrister Hasan Rajib Prodhan, lawmaker for Lalmonirhat-1; Rokon Uddin Babul, lawmaker for Lalmonirhat-2; senior officials of the Ministry of Water Resources and district administration officials from Lalmonirhat and Nilphamari, among others, were present.

She underscored the importance of increased investment in conflict prevention and stronger coordination among humanitarian, peace and development actors to address growing global crises. Shama also highlighted the critical role of women in peacebuilding and humanitarian operations, emphasizing the need to ensure their meaningful participation in conflict resolution and recovery efforts.

Expressing concern over the increasing prevalence of digital harassment, disinformation and cyber abuse targeting women and girls, she reiterated Bangladesh's call for establishing a global platform to address technology-enabled violence. The state minister voiced concern over funding cuts affecting Rohingya women and girls and warned that shrinking humanitarian support could further aggravate vulnerabilities within the displaced community.

Reaffirming Bangladesh's position on the protracted Rohingya crisis, she said the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals to their homeland remains the only sustainable solution to the issue. On the sidelines of the event, the State Minister also met Dr Nguyen Minh Vu, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam and discussed issues of mutual interest.

The minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the opening ceremony of the 'Fruit Festival' organized by the Jatiya Press Club on its premises this morning. The Press Club courtyard became lively in the morning with an array of seasonal fruits and patriotic songs, marking the festive occasion. Emphasising the importance of nurturing healthy values and social harmony, the minister said such traditional cultural events should not remain confined within urban centres but be expanded to grassroots levels.

He described the festival as more than a simple celebration, saying it carries a broader social and cultural philosophy aimed at strengthening mutual bonds through the sharing and consumption of seasonal fruits. Citing examples from different cultures and societies, Zahir Uddin Swapon said that expressions of gratitude towards nature and seasonal produce exist in all religions and communities. He said the diversity of fruits is a blessing of nature and a reflection of divine grace upon the land, and that enjoying seasonal fruits is also a form of gratitude towards nature and the Creator.

Commending the initiative, the minister said that when institutions like the Jatiya Press Club uphold such cultural traditions, the media can help spread their positive impact nationwide. He expressed hope that expanding such healthy cultural practices from the national level to the grassroots would contribute significantly to building a humane and progressive society. This year's festival showcased around 42 varieties of seasonal fruits. Alongside the fruit exhibition, a cultural programme featured patriotic and folk songs performed by artistes Tamanna Haque, Shahriar Rafat, Mini Alauddin and Babu, captivating the audience.

Members of the Jatiya Press Club and their families enjoyed the day-long event, which continued from morning till afternoon. The opening ceremony was chaired by National Press Club President Hasan Hafiz, while General Secretary Ayub Bhuiyan delivered the welcome speech. The programme was conducted by Management Committee Member and Convener of the Special Events and Hospitality Sub-Committee Kader Gani Chowdhury.

Senior journalists and members of the management committee, including Kazi Raunak Hossain, Bakhtiar Rana, Syed Abdal Ahmed, AKM Mohsin and Masumur Rahman Khalili, among others, were present along with their family members.

He described the football tournament as a positive initiative for student development. He said the government is working to modernize the education sector under the “Sobar Agey Bangladesh” election manifesto, including efforts to integrate sports such as football, cricket, chess, karate and swimming into the curriculum from Grade Four to higher secondary level. The Prime Minister noted that students will participate in sports through practical classes and assessments, helping reduce social problems such as drug addiction and excessive mobile phone use.

He added that under the policy guidelines, all 65,569 government primary schools are included in the tournament, involving over 99 lakh students. A total of 123,974 matches have already been held nationwide, making it one of the largest football tournaments in the world. He wished the tournament success and expressed hope that participants would become future sporting talents representing Bangladesh internationally.

The market opened on a firm note and maintained upward momentum throughout the session, driven by sustained buying pressure in large-cap stocks, which played a key role in lifting overall indices. Market participants said the recovery was mainly led by focused accumulation in quality equities, as investors positioned themselves in perceived undervalued stocks following recent market adjustments.

Improved macro sentiment and easing geopolitical concerns also contributed to strengthening risk appetite in equities. Despite the index gain, market turnover slightly declined by 1.2 percent to Taka 12.0 billion from Taka 12.1 billion in the previous session, indicating cautious but selective participation in the market. Sector-wise turnover remained concentrated in key areas, with Pharma (14.3%) leading, followed by Textile (12.7%) and Engineering (11.1%), reflecting continued investor preference for large, liquid, and fundamentally strong sectors.

On the price front, sector performance was mixed. Mutual Funds (4.3%), Cement (2.5%), and Telecom (1.6%) recorded the highest gains, while Miscellaneous (-2.6%), Services (-2.1%), and Ceramic (-1.0%) faced notable corrections, indicating ongoing sector rotation. Market breadth remained slightly negative, with 171 issues advancing, 181 declining, and 44 remaining unchanged out of 396 traded securities, suggesting that the recovery was driven by selective stock performance rather than a broad-based rally.

Meanwhile, the port city bourse also closed higher. The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) indices-CSCX and CASPI-rose by 74.4 points and 116.6 points respectively, mirroring the positive trend in Dhaka.

On June 17, 2026, expatriates sent US $88 million through official banking channels, reflecting the continued contribution of overseas workers to the country's foreign exchange reserves. During the first 17 days of June, remittance inflow totalled US $1816 million.

The adviser made the remarks while addressing a budget discussion as the chief guest at the CIRDAP Auditorium in the capital. The discussion was organized by Research and Policy Integration for Development (RAPID). Titumir said the government has adopted a new development model centred on investment, production, employment generation and enhanced domestic resource mobilization without increasing tax rates.

"We have moved towards a new model - from investment to production, from production to employment, and from employment to increased domestic resource mobilization without raising tax rates. This marks a significant departure from previous approaches," he said. He noted that the government is promoting production-oriented industrialization to help the country cope with emerging global uncertainties and economic challenges.

Referring to recent global disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, he said Bangladesh is pursuing country-specific strategies to strengthen economic resilience and reduce vulnerability to supply chain disruptions. "Our people have placed their trust in us, and every strategy we adopt is designed in line with the country's realities and requirements," he added.

Highlighting the government's energy sector reforms, the adviser said the reform agenda is based on five key priorities. The first priority, he said, is ensuring a livable planet for future generations by gradually shifting from fossil fuels to renewable and nuclear energy sources. Secondly, he noted, the government aims to make energy affordable and keep it within the purchasing capacity of consumers.

He said several initiatives are underway in this regard and their outcomes will become visible in the coming years. Titumir also said that the government has found that gas exploration and extraction activities were neglected in the past and is now working to accelerate exploration and production both onshore and offshore. He also stressed the importance of developing domestic capacity in renewable energy production, particularly solar power, and said the current budget includes a range of measures to support that transition.

The adviser expressed optimism that these initiatives would strengthen the country's productive capacity, create employment opportunities and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

IBFB president said this at a press conference titled “Proposed Budget 2026-27: Expectations and Outcomes,” at Jatiya Press Clubtoday, said a press release. Lutfunnisa Saudia Khan noted that if effectively implemented, these measures could help attract both domestic and foreign investment, generate new employment opportunities, and accelerate overall economic growth. 

However, she also underscored the need to address key challenges, including ambitious revenue targets, inflationary pressures, weaknesses in the banking sector, and limitations in implementation capacity. IBFB also reiterated its long-standing recommendations including full digitalization of tax administration, structural reform of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), improvement of the ease of doing business, expansion of SME financing, attraction of foreign investment, development of the capital market, and ensuring policy continuity.

Former IBFB President Humayun Rashid, Life Member and former Chairman of NBR Dr. Muhammad Abdul Mazid, IBFB Director M.S. Siddiqui, and Vice President Engr. Utpal Kumar Das were present.  Responding to a journalist’s query, Dr. Abdul Mazid stressed that policy continuity and predictability are essential for maintaining an investment-friendly environment and ensuring long-term economic stability. IBFB observed that with effective implementation, strengthened governance, and necessary reforms, the FY 2026-27 Budget could play a significant role in reinforcing the foundation for sustainable economic growth, increased investment, and development in Bangladesh.

Under the new directive, Authorized Dealers (ADs) in foreign exchange are now permitted to process remittances for ship lease rentals on a ‘mutatis mutandis' basis, applying existing aviation-sector rules with necessary adjustments for maritime operations. The policy aligns with Paragraph 53 of FE Circular No. 37 (dated September 30, 2025), which earlier allowed airlines to remit lease payments up to “guaranteed hours” specified in contracts. 

The central bank said the same framework will now be adapted for shipping companies to reduce administrative complexities and support fleet expansion. To qualify for outward remittances, shipping companies incorporated in Bangladesh must meet strict regulatory requirements, including securing all necessary government approvals for vessel operations, maintaining regular submission of financial returns to Bangladesh Bank, and complying with rules on repatriation of surplus earnings under Paragraph 08 of FE Circular No. 08 (dated May 07, 2026) and subsequent updates.

Bangladesh Bank has directed all Authorized Dealers to inform their clients about the updated provisions promptly.  It also clarified that all other existing provisions of the 2025 aviation-related circular will remain unchanged and must be strictly followed by financial institutions.

The notification said that as per the previous decision of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources and the decision of the 1414th General Board Meeting of BPDB, an amount equivalent to 400 units of electricity bill is being paid as electricity allowance to officers and employees. But recently, Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has re-determined the retail price of electricity, so the amount of allowance has been increased in line with the current cost of using 400 units of residential electricity, it said.

The notification, however, said as per latest decision, the BPDB will pay Tk 3,584, per month for a residential connection of one phase with 2 kilowatt load. However, a condition was imposed in order to receive the aforesaid benefit. As per the condition, officers and employees under distribution areas of BPDB will have to ensure collection of outstanding electricity bills.

- Permanent end to hostilities -

The United States, Iran and their respective allies "declare an immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon".

They undertake "not to initiate any war or any military operation against each other and to refrain from the threat or use of force against each other, and ensuring the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lebanon".

- Final agreement within 60 days -

Iran and the United States commit to "negotiating and achieving the final deal in maximum 60 days, extendable with mutual consent".

- Lifting US blockade -

The United States will "immediately" begin the removal of its blockade of Iranian ports, which it imposed on April 13, and will bring it to an end within 30 days.

The United States also undertakes to "remove its forces from the proximity of the Islamic Republic of Iran within 30 days after the final deal".

- Reopening the Strait of Hormuz -

Iran will make best efforts to ensure the "safe passage of commercial vessels with no charge, for 60 days only, from the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Oman, and vice versa. The traffic of commercial vessels will immediately start" and be fully restored within 30 days, once the Hormuz Strait has been cleared of mines.

- $300 billion plan -

The United States and its regional partners will draw up a plan with "at least" $300 billion "for the reconstruction and economic development" of Iran.

- Lifting sanctions -

The United States undertakes to "terminate all types of sanctions against" Iran, and to "make fully available for use the frozen or restricted funds and assets of the Islamic Republic of Iran upon the implementation of this MOU".

The US Treasury will "issue waivers for the export of Iranian crude oil, petroleum products and derivatives, and all associated services, including banking transactions, insurances, (and) transportation" with immediate effect, until the sanctions are lifted.

- Nuclear -

Iran reaffirms that "it shall not procure or develop nuclear weapons".

The disposition of Tehran's enriched uranium will be resolved by "a mechanism that will be mutually agreed upon... with the minimum methodology to be down-blending on site under the supervision of the IAEA".

Pending the final deal, Iran will "maintain the current status quo of its nuclear program", and the United States "will not impose any new sanctions, and will not deploy additional forces in the region".

- Signing -

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who was involved in the mediation, said the memorandum was electronically signed on Thursday, Islamabad time, by US President Donald Trump and Iran's leader Masoud Pezeshkian.

A ceremony will be held in Switzerland on Friday to "commemorate this landmark event and commence with the technical level talks", according to Sharif.

- UN resolution -

The final agreement will be endorsed by a binding resolution of the United Nations Security Council.

The United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday meant to end the Middle East war, with fighting halted on all fronts, including in Lebanon. Lebanon was drawn into the conflict when Tehran-backed Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel on March 2 in support of Iran.

Lebanon earlier said Israel's massive campaign of airstrikes and ground invasion has so far killed more than 3,800 people. Israel's side saw 31 soldiers and one civilian contractor killed since March 2.

Pollsters expect Burnham to win the historic contest to represent the Makerfield constituency in northwest England, but he faces a tough fight from the hard-right Reform UK party. "Almost undoubtedly it's in the hands of the voters of Makerfield as to whether or not Burnham becomes prime minister," political scientist John Curtice.

"If Burnham does win, his path to 10 Downing Street looks to be relatively assured. If they deny him the opportunity, it may be that Starmer will survive, at least for the time being," he told AFP. Starmer, in power since July 2024, has been clinging to power by his fingernails since Labour suffered a drubbing in local and regional elections last month. He has been rocked by several policy U-turns and a scandal over his appointment of ex-Jeffrey Epstein associate Peter Mandelson as the UK's ambassador to Washington.

The 63-year-old prime minister has endured several ministerial resignations and rock-bottom personal poll ratings, with Reform leading national surveys for over a year. But Starmer, an ex-lawyer who has refused to quit, insists his landslide election victory over the Conservatives 21 months ago gives him a five-year mandate to govern. Impatience within the centre-left Labour party ramped up in May when Labour MP Josh Simons announced he would stand down so Burnham could try to return to parliament and run for leader.

While Makerfield's 76,000 electorate typically votes Labour, Simons won a majority of only around 5,300 at the 2024 general election. Reform, led by anti-immigrant firebrand Nigel Farage, also won every council ward in the predominantly white, working-class area during last month's council polls. But the personal popularity of Burnham -- a three-term mayor of Greater Manchester nicknamed the "King of the North" -- is likely to see him triumph over Reform candidate Robert Kenyon, polls predict.

Local plumber Kenyon has also been dogged by offensive remarks he previously made about women, while the fringe Restore Britain party is expected to split the hard-right vote. The polls open at 7:00 am (0600GMT) and close at 10:00 pm, with counting to begin straight away. In Ashton-in-Makerfield, 61-year-old Hazel Ellis told AFP she planned to vote for Reform.

"I'm willing to give them a go because this is the last hope for Britain now," she said. In nearby Bryn, twenty-three-year-old Finn Knowles told AFP Burnham was "a better option" than Starmer. "He doesn't really know what he wants to do," the pub worker said of the prime minister. Burnham, who polls show is Labour's most popular politician, hails from the party's so-called soft-left wing and has been an outspoken critic of Starmer's more-centrist rule.

Under Labour party rules, leadership candidates must be an MP, which Burnham was between 2001 and 2017. He would easily muster the support of 81 of Labour's 400-plus MPs needed to launch a contest, which Starmer has vowed to fight. Burnham allies are hopeful Starmer's top ministerial team could persuade him to lay out a timetable for his departure instead, avoiding a bitter contest.

On Wednesday, the prime minister tried to ward off the expected challenge by insisting he wants Burnham to play "a big role" in his government. If Burnham wins in Makerfield, it is unclear when he would make his move against Starmer, particularly when a tricky defence of his vacated mayoral seat would loom for Labour. Ex-health minister Wes Streeting, also manoeuvring for the top job, said Tuesday the prime minister should be given "space over the weekend" to consider his future.

Streeting, from Labour's right wing, has vowed to challenge Starmer if Burnham loses. That could see a left-wing figure like Angela Rayner or Ed Miliband joining any race, Labour's former policy director Andrew Fisher told a think-tank event this week. The outcome of a "three-way contest is far less predictable," he said.

Kyiv has stepped up its drone strikes on Russia in recent months, hitting oil refineries that fund Moscow's war chest, as diplomatic talks on ending the more than four-year conflict remain stalled. "Air defence forces are continuing to repel a large-scale attack. Several drones managed to reach the MNPZ (Moscow Oil Refinery)," Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin wrote on Telegram, with authorities closing traffic on streets near the refinery.

He did not specify damage to the facility, but several Russian media outlets reported that it was on fire. Russia's busiest airport -- Moscow's Sheremetyevo -- announced it had evacuated passengers to "safe locations" during the barrage and was restricting flights. Another drone crashed into an apartment building in the Moscow region district of Zhukovsky, while drone debris sparked a fire at a shopping centre near the capital's suburbs, Moscow region governor Andrey Vorobyov said.

Russian air defences shot down 180 drones on approach to Moscow, Sobyanin said, while the Russian defence ministry reported it had intercepted more than 500 Ukrainian drones overnight. The attack was the largest on Moscow in at least two years, Russia's state TASS news agency reported. Since the war began in 2022, Russia has pummelled Ukraine with near-daily aerial barrages of drones and missiles.

The attack came just hours before Putin was set to host Southeast Asian leaders at a summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the central city of Kazan. Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Singapore sent their prime ministers, while the Philippines sent President Ferdinand Marcos. Putin has long sought to project stability in Russia, despite the economic and social effects of his four-year offensive on Ukraine.

Russia's economy -- on a war footing throughout the conflict -- is struggling with high inflation, a labour shortage and high borrowing costs. The advance of forces on the Ukrainian battlefield has slowed this year, while Kyiv has multiplied attacks on Russian soil. At a summit of the G7 in France earlier this week, US President Donald Trump said Moscow should "make a deal" to end the Ukraine war.

Putin has repeatedly refused offers for face-to-face talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, saying that Moscow intends to capture Ukraine's eastern Donbas region by force. Russia's 2022 offensive on Ukraine has become Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II, with hundreds of thousands killed and large parts of eastern and southern Ukraine ravaged by fighting.

But Trump's return to the United States on Thursday is set to bring him back to reality, with a barrage of criticism expected from both opponents and supporters of the conflict. Even Fox News, the usually Trump-friendly news channel, cited critics who said the agreement gave Iran "huge financial benefits" without requiring the dismantlement of its nuclear program.

The deal is only a temporary arrangement meant to give time for starting detailed negotiations on the far more complex issue of long-term control over the nuclear power ambitions of Iran, which Washington has long suspected of harboring a secret bomb-making program. Once a final agreement is reached on the Islamic republic's nuclear program, the United States will facilitate the release of a $300 billion reconstruction fund supported by regional nations, according to the deal.

Messaging from Trump's inner circle looks unlikely to sway Fox News in giving significant airtime to criticism of the deal. "Despite the administration portraying the agreement as a breakthrough, critics have argued that the concessions offered to Iran far outweigh the commitments secured in return," Fox said. Left-leaning US TV network MS NOW put it this way: "The White House agreed to this ceasefire extension that met none of its prewar objectives while providing enormous financial concessions to Tehran."

"Now, the administration is desperately trying to argue otherwise. Quite simply, Trump got played by the Iranians, and no one is buying his spin job." The agreement is "widely seen as the biggest foreign-policy bet of the president's second term," according to the Wall Street Journal, which noted Trump "will face resistance from Iran policy hawks who say the president is giving up far more than he is getting."

Even the signing of the deal appeared to fall into disarray, with the business daily reporting that Trump inked the agreement for a second time on Wednesday night, surprising some of his aides and derailing plans for a signing ceremony later this week. The New York Times, meanwhile, said Iran could emerge from the conflict with "much to celebrate," noting that the agreement "read nothing like a surrender document."

The Islamic republic "proved they can use economic chaos as a weapon," the Times said. At the start of the conflict, which began with US-Israeli strikes on Tehran on February 28, Trump spoke of the possibility that the Iranian regime could collapse. "If anything, Mr. Trump has propped up the new leadership," the newspaper said. Worse still, Tehran could be closer than ever before to pushing for a nuclear weapon, it added.

"For more than two decades Iran walked right up to the edge of building a nuclear bomb, but never stepped over the line," the Times said. "When Iran's leaders begin to clear the rubble left by 40 days of bombing, and think about how to spend the billions in oil revenue that will soon resume, they may well question whether they had the right nuclear strategy." National Public Radio (NPR) -- whose funding Trump tried to cut before a judge blocked his order -- stressed the human toll of the war, which "pitted the world's most powerful military against a far weaker, yet strategically adept, adversary."

"The resolution sets the minimum age for social media use at 15 years," the official WAM news agency said, citing the cabinet resolution. "Children below this age are prohibited from creating, using, or operating personal accounts on social media platforms." They are also barred from "accessing the full features of such platforms, including social interaction, publishing, commenting, sharing, joining public groups, open channels, or any large-scale interactive spaces", it said.

After Australia began a world-first social media bar for under-16s in December, a number of countries have followed suit including Britain, which announced a ban this week. The UAE's bodies controlling media and telecommunications have "authority to take all necessary measures (against social media platforms in the event of non-compliance", WAM said. These include "warning or partial or full blocking of platforms or the imposition of applicable administrative penalties".

The announcement lifted a veil of uncertainty that had hung over the meeting at the Burgenstock luxury hotel complex near Lucerne in central Switzerland, initially announced on Tuesday. At the time, it had been billed as a signing ceremony of the memorandum of understanding agreed by the United States and Iran to end the regional war that erupted on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes.

But the signing was unexpectedly moved forward, with US President Donald Trump laying down his signature on Wednesday at a candlelit dinner outside Paris, as Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed remotely. Iran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and US Vice President JD Vance were expected to take part in the discussions to flesh out the details of the deal, but the Swiss said they could provide no further information on the agenda.

In a sudden development after uncertainty over when the deal agreed earlier this week would be formally signed, Trump put his name to it in thick black ink at a candlelit dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palace of Versailles outside Paris on Wednesday. Macron -- for whom the signing at the palace, which hosted the signing of the treaty that ended World War I, was an immense coup following his hosting of the G7 summit -- shouted "bravo" as Trump signed.

"These fools, who think I haven't been tough enough on Iran, when the Stock Market Just Hit A RECORD HIGH, and Oil prices are 'tumbling' down, are either jealous, bad people, or stupid," Trump posted on social media hours after signing the deal. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also signed the agreement, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said, adding that "now it is time to test the implementation of the agreement".

Crude fell more than three percent Thursday, extending the losses sustained since news of the deal broke at the weekend. The deal should bring an end to the current US-Israeli conflict with the Islamic republic, which saw five weeks of all-out war until a ceasefire early April and led to shipping being greatly restricted in the Strait of Hormuz, causing a spike in energy prices.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan, which helped mediate the agreement, said it "shall enter into force with immediate effect" and Iran "will instantly reopen the Strait of Hormuz". He also signed the accord. A two-month negotiating period now begins with all eyes on the reopening of Hormuz and if progress can be made in talks over Iran's nuclear programme, which Washington has long suspected of concealing secret bomb-making ambitions.

Macron hailed the deal "which allows for peace, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz without tolls, and 60 days to conclude an agreement on nuclear, ballistic, and regional activities". There remained confusion over the next steps, with the accord originally supposed to have been signed at an exclusive mountain-top resort in Switzerland on Friday by Iran's chief negotiator and parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and US Vice President JD Vance.

Baqaei said an in-person ceremony was no longer needed. But Sharif said an official ceremony will take place on Friday in Switzerland and technical talks will commence. Under the text, Washington commits to immediately waive oil sanctions crippling Iran's economy. And, once a final agreement is reached on Iran's nuclear programme, the United States will also facilitate the release of a $300 billion reconstruction fund supported by regional nations, the deal says.

UN atomic agency chief Rafael Grossi told reporters in Geneva it was ready to begin defining the "concrete steps" that will need to be taken to implement a US-Iran deal. US officials also said Iran will dilute its enriched uranium stocks, possibly by "down-blending on site" under the supervision of the UN watchdog.

Iran's ballistic missile programme was not mentioned in the agreement, despite Israel's longstanding push for its dismantling. "Iranian missiles are only for firing, not for negotiations. Iran's defence capability will not be discussed in any way, in any process or with any party," Baqaei said. There has been some criticism from hardliners within Iran, where the conflict was described as an "imposed war" and compared to the 1980-1988 conflict with Saddam Hussein's Iraq.

But Ghalibaf insisted the deal represented a US "failure", while Pezeshkian called it "historic". And Trump's decision to end the war, in which 13 US service members were killed and a vast proportion of US ammunition stockpiles was used, has unsettled some of his allies at home. Apparently anticipating such criticism, Trump said at the G7 that he was prepared to "bomb the hell" out of Iran if they violated the agreement.

But US Senator Bill Cassidy from Trump's Republican Party described it as the "worst foreign policy blunder in decades". "Iran's nuclear ambitions were not curbed, and they have learned that threatening the Strait of Hormuz works," he said. Even Fox News, the usually Trump-friendly news channel, cited critics who said the agreement gave Iran "huge financial benefits" without requiring the dismantlement of its nuclear programme.

And while the deal specifies that Lebanon should be part of the equation, it is unclear whether the war on that front will be discussed in the next 60 days. Lebanon was drawn into the conflict when Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel on March 2 in support of Iran. Israel responded by launching a massive campaign of strikes and a ground invasion. While violence has declined in Lebanon following the announcement of the deal, an Israeli drone strike in south Lebanon killed one person on Thursday, according to Lebanese state media.

The Gulf state's foreign ministry said in a statement that the deal "represents a solid foundation for advancing to the next stage of negotiations between the American and Iranian parties", ahead of technical talks expected in Switzerland on Friday.

According to police, Rajib went out in the rain to collect a bair-a traditional bamboo fish trap used for catching fish-from a nearby area beside his house. During the process, he was struck by a sudden lightning bolt and died at the scene. Officer-in-Charge (OC) Salah Uddin Karim of Madan Police Station confirmed the incident.

Deputy Commissioner Khandakar Mushfiqur Rahman said that the government has provided immediate financial assistance of Taka 20,000 to the victim's family to help cover funeral expenses.

Acting on a tip-off, personnel from Choto Harina Battalion-12 BGB conducted a raid at Amtala under the battalion's jurisdiction around 11:00 am and recovered 340 kilograms of garlic and 450 kilograms of urea fertilizer.

According to BGB officials, the seized goods have an estimated market value of Taka 129,000. Lieutenant Colonel Imrul Kayes Mehedi, Zone Commander of 12 BGB, said the force remains vigilant in preventing cross-border smuggling activities.  He added that regular patrols and operations are continuing to strengthen border security, curb illegal smuggling, maintain law and order, and protect natural and forest resources in border areas.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Md. Anisuzzaman disclosed this during a press conference held on Thursday afternoon. Acting on confidential intelligence, a specialized DB team intercepted and searched a covered van that initially appeared to be transporting ordinary goods.

"At first glance, the vehicle seemed to be carrying only salt sacks. However, during a detailed search, officers discovered a large quantity of yaba tablets cleverly concealed behind the sacks and in a specially modified section of the vehicle's roof," he said. Following an extensive search operation, DB officers recovered a total of 160,000 yaba tablets from the vehicle. Police have launched an operation to arrest five individuals believed to be connected to the smuggling attempt.

The injured assistant, Hriday, is currently receiving treatment at Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital. Officer-in-Charge Tajlimur Rahman of Dupchanchia Police Station said the accident occurred around 3 am on the Bogura-Naogaon highway in Tishigari area.

A mango-laden truck travelling from Naogaon to Noakhali collided head-on with a sand-laden truck travelling from Bogura to Naogaon. Anwar Hossain, the driver of the mango-laden truck, died on the spot, while his assistant sustained serious injuries. The officer added that the body was recovered in the morning and both trucks involved in the crash have been seized. Legal proceedings in connection with the incident are underway.

Following the incident, railway authorities temporarily suspended train operations on the Kurigram–Teesta route for safety reasons. As a result, the Dhaka-bound Kurigram Express was unable to reach Kurigram Railway Station on schedule, while the movement of the Ramna Commuter train was also disrupted. Railway officials, local administration representatives, and rescue teams rushed to the scene and took efforts to remove the overturned truck and restore the railway line.

Kurigram Railway Station In-charge Kanika confirmed the incident, saying, “A truck loaded with sand overturned on the railway track, blocking the line. Work is underway to remove the vehicle, but it is not yet possible to say exactly when train services will resume.” Railway sources said that once the truck is removed, the track will undergo inspection and safety testing before train operations can restart. As of 4:00 pm on Thursday, train services on the Kurigram–Teesta route had not yet been restored.

Authorities said efforts were continuing to clear the obstruction and normalize rail communication as quickly as possible.

According to the case statement, the victim, Milon Chandra Das, daughter of Ukil Chandra Das of Nishchintapur area under Monohardi upazila in Narsingdi district, had been working as a domestic helper at the ASI’s residence for the last five years. Popy Mitra allegedly assaulted the domestic worker and inflicted burn injuries with a hot frying pan over household chores on Wednesday.

Officer-in-Charge of Sonadanga Police Station Md Rafiqul Islam said police rescued the victim and took her to the victim support centre after the matter came to light. The accused couple was subsequently taken into police custody.

The event was held in the conference room of the Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner. The seminar was chaired by Additional Divisional Commissioner Rezaul Alam Sarkar. Md. Abdul Halim, Joint Director of the Divisional Statistics Office, presented the keynote paper. Professor Rezaul Karim from the Department of Statistics at Rajshahi University and Md. Zakir Hossain, Joint Secretary of the Statistics and Information Management Division, discussed the paper.

According to the seminar, nationwide there are 11.7 million economic units employing about 30.6 million people.  Of these units, 37 percent are in urban areas and 63 percent are in rural areas. At the national level, 83 percent of the employed workforce is male and 17 percent is female. Data for Rajshahi Division shows it has a total of 1.681 million economic units with 3.409 million people employed. 

Among the districts in the division, Bogura ranks first with 337,000 economic units. Joypurhat ranks last with 87,832 economic units. Naogaon and Sirajganj rank second and third, respectively. Rajshahi district ranks fourth in the division. Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mohammad Foyzul Kabir, Additional Divisional Commissioner Mohammad Habibur Rahman, heads of various government and private offices, industry and factory owners, chamber representatives, and civil society members attended the event. 

Speakers at the seminar emphasized the importance of providing accurate information to enumerators to ensure correct statistics.

While inspecting the area, the RCC Administrator requested traders to remove goods placed on the footpaths. He said, “Footpaths are designated for pedestrians’ movement. To ensure unhindered movement of the public, everyone must keep footpaths free from encroachment. I seek the cooperation of traders and all concerned in this regard.”

RCC Chief Executive Officer Md Rezaul Karim, Secretary Sohel Rana, Superintending Engineers Khairul Baker and Ahmad Al Moin Parag, and Executive Engineers Mahmudur Rahman Emon and Nilufar Yasmin, among others, were present.

25 officers and employees from various regions and zones of BMDA in Rajshahi Division participated in the 3-day training under the PARTNER programme. The chief guest at the certificate distribution and closing ceremony was Dr. Md. Abul Kashem, Additional Chief Engineer of BMDA and APD of the PARTNER programme. 

Also present at the event were Superintending Engineers Nazirul Islam and Zinnurain Khan, Executive Engineers Enamul Kader, Moniruzzaman Monir and Atiqur Rahman and Monitoring Officer Shaktiar Jahan, along with other officials.  After the training, the chief guest handed over certificates to the 25 participants.

The Prime Minister made the remarks while addressing a programme organized at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) in the city's Tejgaon area, marking the 40th founding anniversary of the SSF. Addressing SSF members, Tarique Rahman said, "You must give the highest priority to the security of important persons. However, while performing your duties, you must also remain particularly careful so that the public does not become victims of your misbehavior." The Prime Minister said there are huge differences between the time when the SSF was established and the present days. Multidimensional security challenges have emerged due to changes in socio-economic and political conditions, geopolitical realities and the unrestricted development of information technology, he added.

To face these challenges, the premier said, it is essential to remain constantly prepared through modern and timely training. As a specialized force, there is no scope for the SSF to lag behind in courage, efficiency, strategy, and state-of-the-art technology, he added. Tarique Rahman said that although this special security force was established 40 years ago out of necessity, it began its journey under the name "SSF" on September 27, 1991, following a change in name. "On the occasion of the anniversary, I extend my greetings to all those who have been associated with this special security force since its inception, as well as those who are currently performing their duties," he said.

Referring to the outstanding role of the SSF, Tarique Rahman said the force performed its responsibilities with utmost sincerity while former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia served as head of government during different terms and, most recently, while she was undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital during the final days of her life. He said that after the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, the SSF also played an important role as the chief coordinator in organizing one of the largest funeral prayers in the history of not only Bangladesh but the world, he added.

The Prime Minister said that as head of government, he directly observes SSF activities every day and every moment. "My familiarity with the activities of the SSF is not new. I am familiar with SSF activities since my young age, when late Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia served as head of government," he added.  The Prime Minister said that after the BNP received the people's mandate to run the state in the national election held on February 12, the current democratic government has been carrying out the responsibility of running the state since February 17. 

Since then, the SSF took overall security measures for the head of government in accordance with state regulations, he added. The Prime Minister said he has reduced the size of his motorcade in order to ease public suffering and maintain the normal movement of vehicles on roads. "As a result, under the current circumstances, instead of increasing the number of members, the SSF has had to place greater emphasis on efficiency and security strategies. You are carrying out your responsibilities well," he added.

He said that as the head of a democratic government, he frequently participates in public rallies and various state programmes both in Dhaka and in remote areas across the country. Ensuring security amid large public gatherings at such events is somewhat complex, the premier added. "In such situations, the SSF has to formulate its security strategy by maintaining a balance between ensuring the security of the head of government and maintaining the comfort of citizens' daily lives," he said, adding, the professional competence of the SSF becomes evident through its smooth and coordinated performance of duties in such situations. 

Tarique Rahman said, "Just a short while ago, I inaugurated the newly constructed state-of-the-art firing range of the SSF and also witnessed the inaugural exercise. This newly built firing range will undoubtedly play a special role in enhancing professional efficiency." He expressed hope that SSF members would ensure the best use of the firing range in developing security strategies and improving their professional skills.

Highlighting the importance of properly following the directives contained in the 'Red Book', the Prime Minister said that after 2002, the SSF's 'Red Book' has been revised and made more modern and time-appropriate. He said that along with providing guidelines for SSF's operational and working procedures, the 'Red Book' also ensures legal protection for the force. Tarique Rahman said that for a specialized force like the SSF, along with acquiring modern security strategies and technological skills, it is essential for every member to strictly adhere to courage, honesty, loyalty, the highest professionalism, and above all, the 'chain of command'.

He said that ensuring the security of the head of state, the head of government, and other state-declared very important persons at home and abroad is also linked to the country's national security. Therefore, the premier said, the SSF has to ensure security strategies through coordination with other security and law-enforcement agencies, intelligence organizations, and various ministries. "The greater the coordination, the more effectively security arrangements can be carried out," he added.

The Prime Minister said that the SSF is formed by selecting skilled officers from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and Ansar forces. Afterward, he said, members receive advanced training both at home and abroad on the security of important persons. Tarique Rahman assured that the government would continue taking all necessary measures to further enhance the efficiency of the SSF in line with the modern world.

Addressing SSF members, the Prime Minister said, "I conclude my speech with the hope that you will continue to discharge your duties with the utmost professionalism, while respecting democratic norms and values and inspired by the ideals of patriotism." Cabinet members, the chiefs of three services, the SSF chief, and senior government officers were present at the programme.

During the visit, he spoke with patients and their attendants to learn about the overall quality of healthcare services, cleanliness, medicine supply and hospital management. Tuku found that more than 50 doctors, nurses and staff members were absent from duty out of a total workforce of 335. Alleging negligence in supervision, he directed authorities to issue an immediate show-cause notice to the hospital's Deputy Director, Dr. Md. Kamrul Kibria.

He also ordered the cancellation of all types of leave for the next 15 to 20 days and warned that those unwilling to perform their duties properly could seek employment elsewhere. As news of the minister's visit spread, patients and their relatives gathered around him and voiced complaints regarding various irregularities, suffering caused by poor services, the activities of broker syndicates and failure to receive expected medical care.

After hearing the complaints, Tuku expressed frustration over the situation, saying conditions had deteriorated to a level that almost resembled an abandoned institution. The state minister also voiced concern over the unhygienic condition of hospital toilets. He later sought explanations from Hospital Director Dr. Mohammad Abdul Kuddus on several issues and instructed him to undertake an urgent overhaul of the facility.

Tuku also spoke with Ansar personnel on duty and directed them to take a strict stance against the unrestricted entry of drug addicts and unauthorized outsiders into the hospital premises. To ensure discipline and security, he instructed police and executive magistrates to conduct regular mobile court drives on the hospital grounds. Addressing the hospital director, the minister said the purpose of the surprise inspection was to observe the actual situation on the ground.

"We will improve this hospital. There is enough space and potential, but management must be strengthened. If there is an environment for drug abuse inside a hospital, then it ceases to function as a hospital. No one remains safe in such a situation, including patients. This is unacceptable," he said. Talking to journalists after the inspection, Tuku said numerous allegations of irregularities had long surrounded Tangail Medical College Hospital and that his visit had confirmed many of them. "We will ensure better healthcare services for the people by improving cleanliness and eliminating irregularities. Those involved in wrongdoing will face action," he added.

The allocation will be distributed among 4,107 patients in 53 districts, said a letter issued on Monday.

The additional allocation has already been transferred to the accounts of Sonali Bank in the respective district under the financial assistance programme for FY 2025-26.

The allocation will be distributed in the 53 districts including Barishal, Bhola, Jhalokati, Patuakhali, Brahmanbaria, Chandpur, Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Laxmipur, Noakhali, Faridpur, Gazipur, Manikganj, Munshiganj, Narsingdi, Bagerhat, Khulna, Jashore, Kushtia, Satkhira, Mymensingh, Bogura, Natore, Pabna, Rajshahi, Sirajganj, Dinajpur, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Rangpur, Thakurgaon, Habiganj, Moulvibazar, Sylhet and Sunamganj.

Different amounts of money have been allocated considering district-wise needs and applications.

Of the allocation, a maximum of Taka 3 crore has been allocated in Natore district, Taka one crore in Dinajpur, Taka 80 lakh in Narsingdi, Taka 70 lakh in Rangpur, Taka 60 lakh in Pabna and Taka 50 lakh in Bogura and Sirajganj.

The Department of Social Services said the allocated money must be spent according to the 'Financial Assistance Programme Implementation Policy for Patients Affected by Cancer, Kidney, Liver Cirrhosis, Paralysed by Stroke, Congenital Heart Disease and Thalassemia 2019 (Revised).'

Officials at the Department of Social Services said the main objective of this programme is to help poor and helpless patients suffering from serious diseases.

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Ariful Islam fixed the new date for submitting the report, said Sub-Inspector Rafiqul Islam Russell, officer of the court's General Registration Branch for Mirpur Model Police Station. The journalist couple was brutally murdered at their rented flat in the city's West Rajabazar area on February 11, 2012, in the presence of their four-year-old son, Mahir Sarwar Megh. Runi's brother, Nawser Alam, filed the case with Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station.

Initially, the investigation was entrusted to the Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), but it was later transferred to the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). RAB failed to submit the investigation report despite taking time extensions on 111 occasions over the past 12 years.

On September 30, 2024, the High Court ordered the Ministry of Home Affairs to form a high-powered task force to investigate the case, removing RAB from the probe. Following the order, the Home Ministry on October 23, 2024, formed a four-member task force to investigate the double murder and submit its findings within six months.

The High Court on April 26, 2026, granted the task force another six months to complete the investigation and submit its report on the killing of the journalist couple.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to further strengthen and diversify the friendly bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Spain, with particular emphasis on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, renewable energy, infrastructure development, tourism, agriculture, education, technology and skilled human resource development. The ambassador highly appreciated Bangladesh’s ongoing economic progress, investment-friendly environment and strategic geographic location.

She expressed Spain’s interest in enhancing investment and business ties with Bangladesh, especially in the manufacturing sector, renewable energy projects, infrastructure development and technology-based industries. The envoy also discussed opportunities for strengthening collaboration between the private sectors of the two countries to unlock new avenues of trade and investment.

Kobir welcomed Spanish investors to explore opportunities in Bangladesh, highlighting the growing economic and development partnership between the two countries. He said Bangladesh has emerged as a stable and promising destination for foreign investment and reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring a conducive environment for investors.

The adviser underscored the importance of deepening economic cooperation to further boost bilateral relations and create mutually beneficial opportunities. The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation on issues of mutual interest and expressed optimism about elevating Bangladesh-Spain relations to a new height.

The South Asian country is no stranger to scorching summers, but years of scientific research have found climate change is causing heatwaves to become longer, more frequent and more intense. Temperatures in Singh's village of Sanwata hit 45C in early June, as is often during the summer. The highest temperature recorded in the area has been 49C. Singh is worried about the health of his two young sons, aged two and four, playing barefoot in the dust.

In a separate kitchen hut with a thatched roof for ventilation, his wife and mother struggle as they cook on a wood fire. Water is drawn from a nearby well and cooled in bottles wrapped in woven jute string, using evaporation to lower the temperature. Singh's herd of goats and cattle struggles too. "They stay in the shade," he said. "The heat impacts the eating, and that lowers their milk." But temperatures are becoming harder to endure. The family bought their first air cooler, which uses wet fibres, last year.

"We never needed it before, but last year was hot, so we bought one," he said. "Now we have two." A world away, along the lush green banks of the Yamuna river floodplains near the capital, New Delhi, farmer Bhole Shankar faces a different version of the same crisis. New Delhi hit 46.5C this summer, still below the sizzling 49.9C record measured in 2024.

"Living on the floodplain feels cooler than being stuck in the middle of houses," 36-year-old Shankar said, standing outside a hut made of plastic sheeting on bamboo poles. "But on some days, day and night feel the same." Shankar, his wife and their three sons, aged between nine and 16, live beneath the city's power lines -- but their hut is not connected. A solar panel provides enough power to run a small fan, pushing hot air.

The family shifts its routine, working in the fields before dawn, resting in the shade during the fiercest heat, and returning to check crops towards dusk. The family roll up the tent's plastic wall and sleep on traditional rope-lattice beds, which both allow air to circulate. "Each passing year feels hotter," he said. "We try to keep in the shade, but when you are a farmer, that's hard."

He did not specify the timing of the increases, how much or which devices would be impacted. Apple's next major launch is expected in September, with the iPhone 18 lineup. "There's less supply at a time when consumers want devices and the memory guys are passing along huge price increases," Cook said.

The Wall Street Journal report cited an estimate from research firm TechInsights, which said Apple would need to increase the price of its iPhone Pro model by $270 to maintain its current profit margin. The rapid buildout of AI data centers has sent the cost of memory chips and RAM skyrocketing -- as the components are found in nearly all electronic devices -- with the chips undergoing quarterly price increases of at least 50 percent since late 2025.

Cook, who has worked in electronic supply chains throughout his career -- including stints at IBM and Compaq before joining Apple -- said he has never experienced such a spike in prices, calling it a "hundred-year flood."

Besides, the bulletin said, moderately heavy to heavy rainfall may occur at places over the country. "A mild heatwave is sweeping over Khulna division and the districts of Gopalganj, Rajshahi and Pabna and it may abate," the bulletin said. Day and night temperatures may fall slightly over the country.

The highest temperature on Wednesday was recorded at 37.4 degrees Celsius in Jashore, while today's minimum temperature was recorded at 22.5 degrees Celsius in Narsingdi. The sun sets at 6:48 pm today and rises at 5:12 am tomorrow in Dhaka.

The Black Stars didn't attempt a shot on goal through the first half. The second half played out under steady rain at the Toronto Stadium but saw more sustained attacking play. Cristian Martinez triggered a massive roar from the loud Panamanian contingent when he lashed a shot into the side-netting in the 60th minute. But the match looked headed for a scoreless draw until Yirenkyi put the Black Stars ahead. Ghana's veteran coach Carlos Queiroz turned to his side's fans after the goal, urging them on in celebration. Queiroz only took charge of the Black Stars a couple of months before the start of the tournament.

Wednesday's fixture made him only the second coach to appear in five consecutive World Cups, after leading Portugal in 2010 and Iran in 2014, 2018 and 2022. Loud boos rang out across the crowd of nearly 43,000 during a second-half hydration break under pouring rain. Ghana triumphed despite being without Villarreal midfielder Thomas Partey, who is facing trial on rape charges in Britain. Canadian authorities denied him a World Cup visa, over the British case.

"Oh my God, they're amazing. I have enjoyed so much watching them enjoy the city," Cara DiBenedetto, a 54-year-old resident of Boston's North End, told AFP. "It's really kind of renewed my love of Boston because I'm seeing them see things that I take for granted and it's been great." Reports have put the estimated number of Scottish fans in the Massachusetts city for the team's opening World Cup game against Haiti last weekend at 40-50,000, and a fresh wave are expected for Scotland's second match against Morocco on Friday.

The Tartan Army were a welcome feature of many major tournaments towards the end of the last century. But before this year they had not qualified for a World Cup since 1998, and fans jumped at the chance to cross the Atlantic to follow Steve Clarke's team, not remotely put off by the cost of tickets or the current political climate in the United States. "Not at all. If anything that is the sort of thing I will lie to my wife about," joked Jamie Grewar, 42, who came from Edinburgh with two friends for the Haiti game, each paying 500 dollars a ticket plus the considerable cost of travel and accommodation.

He was speaking in New York City, where he was spending the night before taking the train north. On the streets of Manhattan, Scottish fans in replica jerseys and kilts were visible at almost every intersection. They saw their team beat Haiti 1-0 thanks to a John McGinn goal in front of a majority of Scottish fans in the 64,000 crowd at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, 20 miles south of downtown Boston. "I didn't realise until we actually stepped out onto the pitch just quite how many Scottish people were there," said midfielder Lewis Ferguson.

"Our support is never in doubt. They will travel everywhere, they always have and always will." Fans then returned into the city to celebrate the only way they know how -- NBC News said one bar ran out of its local lager over the weekend "because Scottish soccer fans drank it dry". "They're great, man. They're great, great people. They showed us nothing but respect," said Chris Wildt, a 49-year-old bartender at the Black Rose.

"They're a little bigger drinkers than we thought, but we appreciate it." On Sunday, after nursing their hangovers, Scottish fans marched together to Fenway Park to watch the Major League Baseball game between the Boston Red Sox and the Texas Rangers. Instagram is awash with viral reels of those fans creating some very different vibes to those usually seen at baseball, singing favourite songs like "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" by The Proclaimers and "Super John McGinn". "What a night, just a brilliant group of people," says the commentator.

But Scotland don't want to just be remembered for having great supporters. They want to reach the World Cup knockout phase for the very first time. This is Scotland's ninth World Cup, and up to now they have always been eliminated in the group stage. The win against Haiti was only Scotland's fifth in 24 matches at the tournament, and how they needed it given what is to come. Friday's opponents Morocco are ranked seventh in the world and reached the semi-finals in 2022.

Their last Group C game is against record five-time winners Brazil, for which the Boston-based colony of Scots supporters will have to travel south to Miami -- the kilts might weigh a little heavier in the Florida heat. "We know we have the best fan base in the world, we know they follow us in their numbers, we know how long they have been waiting for this moment as well, and we know how excited they all are, and it is up to us to try to give them a good time," said captain Andy Robertson.

Antoine Dupont's Toulouse have reached the last four having finished the regular season at the top of the standings and scored a record 981 points across the campaign.

Manu's Racing booked their place in the semis with a 33-31 win over Pau in last Saturday's play-offs, in the former rugby league star's maiden campaign in the Top 14.

"When I came to France, the boys started talking about how good Toulouse are, they're awesome," Manu told AFP on Wednesday.

"There's respect for them as a team, what they've achieved over the years.

"You don't fear anyone, you don't fear any team," the 29-year-old added with a place in June 27's final on the line.

Manu arrived in the plush western suburbs of Paris after a season in Japan having made the switch after a trophy-laden spell with the Sydney Roosters.

Having started four straight games earlier in the calendar year, Manu has been used off the bench by head coach Patrice Collazo in their end of season run-in.

"Playing rugby league, the backs don't really come on as substitutes," Manu said.

"Then playing rugby, I started trying to get used to coming off the bench and learning that role of how you impact a game.

"I just try to adapt well and try to bring as much intensity as I can from starting or from coming on the last 20 minutes, the last 15," he added.

Manu's game time has been restricted due to the talent that Racing, six-time champions, have at their disposal

- 'Real threat' -

France's experienced midfielder Gael Fickou as well as Fiji pair Vinaya Habosi and Josua Tuisova compete with Manu for a place in the run-on team.

"They've all got different traits," Manu said.

"Naya and Josh are powerful ball runners. I just try to build a connection with them.

"I know that's their strength, so I want to use them up as much as I can.

"They're a real threat, those boys," he added.

Racing's hopes of booking a place in their first Top 14 final since have been handed a boost with Toulouse set to be without full-back Thomas Ramos and his sure-fire boot.

In the other semi, Montpellier, who finished second in the table face Stade Francais 24 hours later at the Stade Velodrome on the Mediterranean coast.

Montpellier, champions in 2022, are unbeaten in their last 10 games across all competitions, including May 21's Challenge Cup final triumph over Ulster.

Fixtures (both 1905GMT)

Friday

Toulouse v Racing 92

Saturday

Montpellier v Stade Francais

With a chaotic game locked 2-2 at the break, Bellingham scored two minutes into the second half to put England on the way to an ultimately fairly comfortable win. It capped an all-action display from Bellingham, who started ahead of Morgan Rogers, and he told the BBC: "For me personally it was nice to put some of the noise aside and show my country, show my team-mates, how committed I am to helping us win football matches." Bellingham, who could play a vital role for England if they want to win their first major trophy since 1966, said it had been "a tougher season" for me.

But he comes to football's biggest stage feeling "fresh and sharp and strong, and ready to give everything". He added: "I've got a little bit of a chip on my shoulder." Asked if that helps him play better, he replied: "I think so. That helps me a lot to find that focus early in the game, to find that intensity. "I know it's part of being a footballer, I don't hold a grudge about anyone that says bad things about me because sometimes I do deserve it. "Today I think it was nice to try and show people and remind people what I'm about."

Tuchel, who once described Bellingham's on-field behaviour as "repulsive", before apologising, challenged him to show the same level for however long England are in the tournament. "A very good player, he deserved to start," said the German coach. "And that's what he needs to do, fight for his place, to keep his place, that's what he did, it was good."

But the Koreans' preparations on Tuesday were interrupted by the incident, which prompted fears of spying, with reports stating that the drone was brought down by Mexico's military. "Yesterday during our training there was a drone in the sky, and we came to know about the fact. But fortunately it was right before we practiced our tactics, so it did not impact us significantly," said the coach. "But, while we were preparing for the match, that was the most important timing. So, what happened was unfortunate," he told a press conference.

Mexican federal authorities did not immediately respond to a request for comment, while officials in the state of Jalisco told AFP they had no formal record of the incident. Drone flights have been banned over stadiums and facilities hosting World Cup matches and events in Mexico, as well as the United States. Korean coach Hong said he expected a challenging clash against Mexico, praising the opponents' "creative" midfield and telling reporters he expected a vocal home crowd to play a role.

"We fully understand that it's going to be a match with the home team, and we know that that's going to give benefits to the home team," he said. "But my players have experienced such matches before, so it will be different tomorrow, and we need to control the rhythm and the flow of the match." Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in the tournament's opening game last week, while South Korea came from behind to defeat Czechia 2-1.

One of the favourites to win the tournament in North America, England conjured up numerous chances after that through Kane, Bellingham and Nico O'Reilly, before substitute Marcus Rashford wrapped up the three points. The victory showed England at their attacking best, but they were flimsy at the back, especially in the first half. Asked how they had pulled away after the break, Kane said of the coach Tuchel: "He gave a great speech to be honest, especially the way we conceded that second goal just before the half-time.

"He just told us to let the shackles off, calm down, what are we scared of? Let's just go. "The way we conceded that second goal, it's not the team we want to be, dropping deep, waiting and conceding anyway. "He kind of just said, what's the worst that can happen? We lose a match, first group game, we get on with it, we move on, let's just go and show the world who we can be. "And I think we've done exactly that second half."

The German Tuchel, tasked with taking England to their first major trophy since 1966, said he thought his side were nervy and passive in the first half. Tuchel called the first 45 minutes "complicated". "I felt a bit nervy," he told ITV. "The decisions we took were basically, we chose to go safe and play too many balls backwards. "We struggled to find the rhythm, didn't have the confidence to go through the gaps and find the rhythm in some short passes and then the switch of play."

Tuchel was much happier after the break as England ran out ultimately fairly comfortable winners. "I love the reaction of the players into the second half, the second half was excellent," he said. "We deserved to win, but it was emotional, a lot of emotions involved and it took us a while to get going, but we did get going, and that's positive."

"It was frightening, because there was an expectation that we would produce a big performance," said the 34-year-old Flamengo defender. "When things don't work out, it's not easy to digest. "We need to find balance. We were unbalanced both tactically and mentally," he added. Danilo acknowledged that Brazil are currently a step behind favourites such as defending champions Argentina and France, but stressed they remain among the leading contenders.

"We have to be clear: we don't yet have the maturity that France or Argentina have today as a team," he said. "That doesn't mean we can't perform well, win matches and go far. "If we can add one more star to the shirt, that would be wonderful." Despite Brazil's clear superiority on paper, Danilo said the team respected Haiti, pointing to surprise results at the tournament such as Cape Verde's 0-0 draw with Spain in Group H. "Everyone saw how Cape Verde defended against Spain," he said. "Talking about thrashing Haiti would be crazy." Danilo also said he hoped injured forward Neymar would be fit to return soon from a calf injury that has kept him out of action since mid-May.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star received a playful guard of honour from his team-mates Wednesday as he trained with them for the first time at this World Cup. "I often talk with players about opponents... If you have a player like Neymar up against you, there's more pressure and you're always asking for help," he explained. "Just by being on the pitch, he can disrupt everything the opponent has prepared."

The Colombians went ahead when Daniel Munoz volleyed in Diaz's superb pass after 40 minutes but Abbosbek Fayzullaev equalized before Diaz settled the contest in the 65th minute and Jaminton Campaz scored a third in the dying seconds.

Attendees, who do not require a ticket, will be required to undergo security screening, with extensive restrictions on permitted items. The parade, which kicks off at 1400 GMT, will see the Knicks travel from Bowling Green at the bottom of Manhattan to City Hall, a 10-block route known as the "Canyon of Heroes." They will be showered with 2,500 pounds (1.1 tonnes) of recycled confetti, according to the city.

After the parade, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani will award keys to the city to the victorious squad at City Hall. "From packed watch parties in our parks to joyous celebrations that spilled out onto our streets, this championship belongs to New York City," said Mamdani. Typically the preserve of the city's "great and good," leftist Mamdani is giving away 600 tickets for the ceremony at City Hall to ordinary Big Apple residents.

"The Knicks brought together New Yorkers from every borough and every walk of life. That's why we're making these tickets free and accessible -- so working-class people have a chance to be part of this historic moment and celebrate the team that brought a championship home," he added. Crowds at the City Hall event will be treated to an all-star show, team owner James Dolan told local media.

"We have everybody from Walt Clyde Frazier from the old team to the new team, the Knicks City Dancers, there's like five marching bands," he said, adding that Grammy winner Alicia Keys will sing "Empire State of Mind" -- the smash hit she recorded with Jay-Z in 2009. Ticker-tape parades trace their origins to the late 1800s with the first such celebration marking the dedication of the Statue of Liberty. The city, already swarming with football fans for the World Cup, faces traffic chaos with a number of street closures enforced across Manhattan from late Wednesday.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei, quoted by the state news agency IRNA, said the document "was finalized with the signatures of the presidents." Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan, which mediated the agreement, said on X that it "shall enter into force with immediate effect." The deal aims to draw a line under the war launched February 28 by the United States and Israel, prompting Iran to counterattack with missile and drone salvos across the region -- and effectively shutting down the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for the world economy. The US responded by blocking shipping to and from Iranian ports.

"As a first step, Islamic Republic of Iran will instantly reopen the Strait of Hormuz and the United States of America will immediately lift the naval blockade," Sharif wrote. Under the text, Washington also commits to immediately waive oil sanctions crippling Iran's economy. And once a final agreement is reached on the Islamic republic's nuclear program, the United States will also facilitate the release of a $300 billion reconstruction fund supported by regional nations, the deal says.

The agreement had earlier been slated for signatures by Iran's chief negotiator and parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and US Vice President JD Vance. Iran said an in-person ceremony was no longer needed. But Sharif said an official ceremony will take place Friday in Switzerland and technical talks will commence. Iran insisted the deal represented a US "failure."

"People will see it and judge," Ghalibaf said on state television late Wednesday, after the text was released by both sides. Highlighting the global impact of any deal, China said Wednesday that its top diplomat had impressed on Tehran that it was "key" for all sides to "genuinely implement" their commitments. But Trump's decision to pull the plug on the war, in which 13 US service members were killed and vast amounts of US ammunition stockpiles were used up, has unsettled some of his own allies at home.

The agreement is only a temporary arrangement meant to give time for starting detailed negotiations on the far more complex issue of long-term control over Iran's nuclear power ambitions, which Washington has long suspected of harboring a secret bomb-making program. Trump said earlier Wednesday that he was prepared to "bomb the hell" out of Iran if they violated the agreement.

But US Senator Bill Cassidy from Trump's own Republican Party was scathing. "Iran's nuclear ambitions were not curbed, and they have learned that threatening the Strait of Hormuz works," he said. "Sanctions will be lifted, and the bombing has stopped. This is the worst foreign policy blunder in decades."

The head of the pro-Tehran Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah, Naim Qassem, on Wednesday described the deal as a "great victory" for Iran. He thanked Tehran for insisting that the truce cover Lebanon, which was drawn into the conflict when Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel on March 2 in support of Iran. A two-month negotiating period now begins, with the much-anticipated reopening of the Strait of Hormuz as the first step.

Under the terms of the deal released by US officials, Iran will dilute its enriched uranium stocks, possibly by "down-blending on site under the supervision of the IAEA" -- the UN's nuclear watchdog. This would lead to more far-reaching economic assistance for Iran. But a US official said Washington would not be required to contribute financially. Oil prices have tumbled in recent days as optimism grew of a lasting Middle East peace agreement, but reversed course on Wednesday.

Prices briefly jumped five percent as uncertainty spread about the signing, before stabilizing later in the day. While violence declined in Lebanon following the announcement of the deal, Israeli strikes on the south have killed at least five people since then, according to state media, which also reported Israeli raids on south Lebanon on Wednesday. Israel's army said five soldiers were wounded on Wednesday, one of them severely, "as a result of an explosive drone impact in southern Lebanon", the first such announcement since the US-Iran deal.

The Israeli military also said its air force intercepted "several rockets" launched toward soldiers operating in south Lebanon, without reporting casualties.

In his budget speech, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury announced a proposed allocation of Tk 10,533 crore for the Ministry of Water Resources, signalling a major investment in the country's rivers, irrigation systems, and flood-control infrastructure.

One River in Every Division to Be Freed from Encroachment

As part of efforts to restore ecological balance and revive dying waterways, the government has undertaken special initiatives to recover at least one river in each division from illegal occupation and encroachment.

Under seven ongoing projects, authorities are implementing measures to remove encroachments and restore the natural flow of eight rivers-Dhaleshwari, Louhajang, Alaikuri, Mogra, Salta, Sutang, Bakkhali, and Barnai.

Officials believe the river restoration drive will help improve biodiversity, strengthen local ecosystems, and reduce waterlogging and drainage problems in surrounding areas.

Technology-Driven Water Management

In a notable shift toward data-based governance, the government has developed a Water Quality Index (WQI) for rivers surrounding Dhaka, enabling more systematic monitoring of river health.

At the same time, an AI and deep learning-based real-time groundwater monitoring dashboard has been introduced. The system is expected to provide continuous information on groundwater levels, helping policymakers make informed decisions on water conservation and sustainable extraction.

Water sector experts view these technological interventions as an important step toward modernizing Bangladesh's water resources management framework amid growing climate and environmental challenges.

Massive Canal Excavation Programme

The Ministry of Water Resources is implementing a nationwide programme titled "Excavation and Re-excavation of Rivers, Canals and Water Reservoirs."

The initiative is linked to the government's broader target of excavating 20,000 kilometres of canals, rivers and drainage channels over the next five years through coordinated efforts of relevant ministries.

For FY2026-27 alone, the ministry plans to excavate and re-excavate 680 kilometres of canals, irrigation channels and drainage canals.

In addition, a major project titled "Identification and Classification of Canals in Bangladesh and Development of a Geo-Informatics Database" will map canals across the country and establish a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based canal network database, creating a comprehensive digital inventory of the nation's waterways.

Flood Protection and River Navigation

The budget outlines extensive flood-management works for the coming fiscal year. Targets have been set to construct, reconstruct and rehabilitate embankments and flood walls covering 309 kilometres and improve river navigability and remove submerged shoals along 484 kilometres of waterways.

Meanwhile, under the government's ongoing 180-Day Programme for Flood Protection, construction and rehabilitation work covering 292 kilometres of embankments and flood walls is already in progress.

The measures are expected to strengthen protection against seasonal flooding while improving water flow and river transport.

Padma Barrage: A Mega Project for the South-West

The centrepiece of the water resources budget is the newly approved Padma Barrage (Phase-I) Project, which policymakers describe as a transformative initiative for agriculture, fisheries and water management in the country's south-western region.

Approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), the project will be implemented from July 2026 to June 2033.

The project includes construction of a 2.1-kilometre-long main barrage on the Padma River at Pangsha in Rajbari; establishment of a hydropower plant and conservation and regulation of Padma River water to ensure dry-season freshwater availability.

According to government estimates, the project will store 2.9 billion cubic metres of water annually, prevent salinity intrusion across the Padma basin, including the Sundarbans, restore navigability in five distributaries and tributaries, provide irrigation support to 2.88 million hectares of agricultural land, increase annual rice production by 20.39 million tonnes, and boost annual fish production by 2.34 million tonnes.

The government expects the project to directly and indirectly benefit residents of 120 upazilas in 19 districts across four divisions, covering nearly 37 percent of Bangladesh's population.

Focus on Teesta Restoration
The budget speech also highlighted concerns over reduced water flows caused by upstream dams on the Teesta and Padma rivers, which have affected agriculture, irrigation, fisheries and biodiversity.

To address these challenges, the government is moving forward with initiatives to implement the Teesta Master Plan, formally known as the Comprehensive Management and Restoration of the Teesta River Project.

The initiative aims to improve livelihoods and living standards across northern Bangladesh through better river management, water conservation and economic development.

A Water-Centric Development Vision

The proposed FY2026-27 budget demonstrates the government's growing emphasis on water security as a foundation for economic growth, climate adaptation and environmental sustainability.

From restoring encroached rivers and deploying artificial intelligence in groundwater monitoring to undertaking one of the country's largest water infrastructure projects through the Padma Barrage, the budget outlines a broad strategy aimed at securing Bangladesh's water future while boosting agricultural production, fisheries, navigation and ecological resilience.

The report shows that adaptation remains the largest component of climate-related expenditure, highlighting the country's focus on addressing climate vulnerabilities while pursuing sustainable and inclusive development. A significant portion of adaptation spending is being financed from domestic resources. Around 70 percent of adaptation projects are funded directly by the Government of Bangladesh (GoB), reflecting a strong national commitment to enhancing resilience and reducing climate-related risks.

The report identifies the local government division, the ministry of agriculture and the ministry of water resources as the principal institutional drivers of climate expenditure. Together, the three entities manage more than 53 percent of the country's total climate-related spending, underscoring their central role in implementing adaptation-focused programmes. Their activities cover a broad range of interventions, including water resource management, climate-resilient agricultural initiatives, local-level infrastructure development and measures aimed at protecting communities from climate-induced hazards.

In the foreword to the Bangladesh Climate Budget Report 2026-27, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury emphasized the growing significance of climate finance in addressing Bangladesh's development and environmental challenges. "Bangladesh stands at a critical juncture where climate vulnerability intersects with the pursuit of sustainable and inclusive development. ... In this context, climate finance is not merely a source of support; it is a key enabler of resilience, innovation, and sustainable development," he said.

The finance minister further said the report "reflects both our challenges and our firm commitment to building a climate-resilient future." The adaptation-focused allocation is in line with the government's broader policy priorities outlined in the national budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27 (FY27).

The finance minister on June 11 placed the Tk 9.38 lakh crore national budget in the parliament for the fiscal year 2026-27. Presenting the budget, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury identified climate resilience and environmental management among the country's major strategic priorities.

"The Budget is built around 10 strategic priorities: ... Management of Life, Nature, Environment, and Water Resources: Protecting the nation from the impacts of climate change and preserving biodiversity... to build a sustainable, green, climate-resilient, and livable future for generations to come," he said. The minister also reaffirmed the government's commitment to tackling climate challenges and safeguarding future generations through sustainable development initiatives.

"One of the key objectives of the government is to address the challenges of climate change and to build a green and sustainable Bangladesh for future generations," he said. The adaptation allocation reflects this policy objective through investments in sectors considered critical to strengthening climate resilience. Flood management and water resource development have received particular attention as part of efforts to improve the country's capacity to cope with climate-related water challenges.

Highlighting the government's approach to water resource management and adaptation, the finance minister said, "The government is formulating and implementing projects on irrigation, flood management, riverbank protection, land reclamation, waterlogging mitigation, salinity control and other aspects of sustainable water resources management." The climate budget's emphasis on flood control, irrigation, riverbank protection and related activities corresponds with these ongoing initiatives.

Disaster risk reduction is another key focus of adaptation spending. The report identifies coastal protection and disaster risk reduction as major sectors receiving climate finance support, with the objective of strengthening preparedness and resilience in areas vulnerable to climate hazards. Addressing the issue in his budget speech, the minister said, "The government has therefore placed greater emphasis on sustainable disaster management and disaster risk reduction."

The adaptation strategy also includes social safety net programmes aimed at supporting populations most vulnerable to climate impacts and helping communities cope with environmental shocks. Particular emphasis has been placed on coastal areas, where climate-related risks continue to pose significant challenges. The climate budget's focus on coastal protection is aligned with broader government efforts to safeguard lives, livelihoods and infrastructure in those regions.

Referring to these initiatives, the finance minister said, "A balanced development approach has been adopted to improve the quality of life of people living in coastal areas. In the medium and long term, plans have been undertaken to... construct sustainable embankments, riverbank protection works and cyclone shelters to mitigate the impacts of cyclones and storm surges." With adaptation accounting for more than three-fourths of total climate-related expenditure and backed substantially by domestic financing, the FY27 climate budget highlights the government's focus on flood management, water resources, coastal protection, disaster risk reduction, climate-resilient agriculture and social protection as major components of Bangladesh's climate resilience efforts.

Reaffirming Bangladesh's commitment to humanitarian principles, the state minister highlighted the country's ongoing initiatives to expand social protection programmes, strengthen disaster preparedness, empower women and support vulnerable communities under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Speaking at the UN Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security (WPS), she underscored the vital role of women in sustaining peace and promoting reconciliation, while commending the contributions of Bangladeshi women peacekeepers serving in various UN missions.

The state minister expressed concern over the suffering of women and children affected by conflicts across different regions and stressed the need to bridge humanitarian financing gaps to ensure adequate support for affected populations. She also called for continued international support for the safe, voluntary and sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar. As part of her engagements at the United Nations, Shama is scheduled to participate today in High-Level Panel Discussion-2 of the 2026 ECOSOC Humanitarian Affairs Segment.

She will also lead the Bangladesh delegation in a bilateral meeting with Sima Bahous, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women, at the UN Headquarters in New York.

Of these, one proposal was submitted by the Ministry of Industries and two by the Prime Minister’s Office. According to official decisions of the meeting, the committee approved a proposal from the Ministry of Industries to import urea fertilizer from Russia through the direct procurement method in a move aimed at ensuring a stable supply of the essential agricultural input.

The committee also endorsed, in principle, a proposal from the Prime Minister’s Office regarding the Development Agreement and Land Lease Agreement signed with Bangladesh CEIZ Company Limited, a Special Purpose Company (SPC), for establishing the CEIZ at Anwara Upazila in Chattogram. The planned economic zone is expected to attract substantial Chinese investment, promote industrialization, create employment opportunities and strengthen economic cooperation between Bangladesh and China.

In another decision, the CCEA approved a proposal related to the establishment of a Free Trade Zone.  The approval covers the specific recommendations put forward by the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) based on the findings of a committee report. The decisions are expected to facilitate foreign investment, enhance industrial development and support the country’s long-term economic growth strategy.

It brought together class representatives, teachers, members of the Board of Studies, syllabus sub-committee members, councilors and syllabus resource persons. The event focused on the revised curriculum covering Certificate, Professional and Advanced levels, highlighting changes introduced since the previous syllabus and discussing implementation strategies. Participants also emphasized the need for continuous curriculum enhancement to develop future-ready chartered accountants.

Welcoming the participants, ICAB Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mostafa Kamal, FCA, said the institute remains committed to providing a globally competitive professional education framework aligned with international standards, technological advancements and evolving business needs. He noted that the revised syllabus reflects ICAB's vision of producing professionals capable of thriving in an increasingly dynamic and digital economy. Speaking on the occasion, ICAB Vice-President (Education and Training) and Chairman of the Board of Studies Md Rokonuzzaman, FCA, underscored the importance of the Revised Syllabus-2025 in developing competent, ethical and innovative chartered accountants. He said the new curriculum is designed to strengthen critical thinking, analytical skills, professional judgment and practical competencies essential for success in today's changing business landscape.

He informed the workshop that the revised syllabus is scheduled to be implemented from the examination sessions due in November-December 2026. He also revealed that another version of the syllabus, aligned with the "Next Generation ACA" model of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), is under consideration and may be introduced between late 2027 and early 2028. ICAB President N K A Mobin, FCA, highlighted the institute's ongoing efforts to modernize its education system and learning methodologies. He described the revised syllabus as a strategic initiative to nurture chartered accountants capable of leading organizations, promoting sustainable growth and contributing to the country's economic development. A detailed presentation on the revised syllabus was delivered by Professor Dr. Ali Noor, Dean of the Faculty of Business Studies at Jagannath University and Convener of the Syllabus Sub-Committee of the ICAB Board of Studies.

The presentation outlined key features of the curriculum, including outcome-based learning, enhanced professional skills development, updated technical content, modern assessment methods and stronger alignment with international best practices. The presentation was followed by an interactive discussion and feedback session where participants shared views and suggestions on various aspects of the curriculum. Questions raised during the session were addressed by syllabus resource persons and policymakers.

Concluding the workshop, Mohammad Redwanur Rahman, FCA, co-chairman of the Board of Studies, thanked participants for their contributions and reaffirmed the board's commitment to the effective implementation of the revised syllabus. The programme ended with a vote of thanks delivered by ICAB Director (Education and Examination) Masud Parvez, FCA. The workshop reflected ICAB's commitment to strengthening chartered accountancy education in Bangladesh and developing highly skilled, ethical and globally competitive professionals. Through the Revised Syllabus-2025, the institute aims to equip aspiring chartered accountants with the knowledge, competencies and leadership qualities needed to contribute meaningfully to the country's economic progress.

"Despite the significant reductions in demand for crude oil and refined products, the buffers in the system continue to erode at a record pace," the agency said. To ease the burden from soaring oil prices due to Tehran's effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the IEA organised coordinated stock releases of 400 million barrels to the global market, of which 252 million have been released as of June 12.

"The flow of emergency stocks is expected to decelerate somewhat in June and July," the agency said, after a deal was announced this week to end the war that began on February 28 with US and Israeli strikes on Iran. But the impact of high prices will weigh heavily on demand through this year, with an expected decline of 1.1 million barrels a day compared to 2025 levels. "We see growth rebounding to 2 mb/d in 2027, as a normalisation of trade flows, lower oil prices and an improving economic outlook contribute to the recovery," the IEA said.

Crude has tumbled more than 10 percent this week on optimism for a lasting agreement between the two countries after more than three months of conflict that rattled energy markets and revived inflation.

The latest drop was boosted by a report in The Wall Street Journal that Washington could ease sanctions on Iranian crude as part of the deal to end the war, allowing Tehran to immediately sell crude and refined oil products.

Attention now turns to Friday's official signing ceremony in Switzerland and the subsequent negotiations that will focus on the fate of Tehran's nuclear programme and a plan for the lifting of international economic sanctions.

US President Donald Trump has said the Strait of Hormuz -- through which a fifth of global crude usually passes -- would "completely open" once the peace agreement is signed.

Both main contracts started Wednesday slightly higher after shedding more than five percent on Tuesday before turning negative, though analysts warned that with so many hurdles ahead prices were likely to be sensitive to developments.

"The risks are skewed to the upside," said Fabien Yip, market analyst at IG.

"Any failure at the 19 June signing to produce a durable and transparent agreement -- particularly on nuclear provisions -- could rapidly reverse the recent decline, as each prior false start has demonstrated.

"A sustained recovery in strait traffic remains the most credible evidence that the deal is holding."

Meanwhile, oil industry experts and shipping companies have cautioned that the restoration of normal operations after the strait's near shutdown will take time.

And on Wednesday the OECD said inventories held by member countries fell in May to their lowest level since 1990 as governments drew down stocks to offset the blockage of Gulf crude shipments during the war.

Equity markets mostly advanced ahead of the Federal Reserve's first policy announcement under new, Trump-appointed boss Kevin Warsh.

Tokyo and Seoul enjoyed their best finishes -- both markets building on their breakneck tech rallies.

Shanghai, Sydney, Singapore, Mumbai and Taipei also rose, though Hong Kong, Wellington, Manila, Bangkok and Jakarta all fell.

Paris rose but London and Frankfurt edged down.

The broad gains came after a mixed day on Wall Street, where the Dow hit a fresh record high but the S&P 500 and Nasdaq retreated.

While expectations are for the Fed to stand pat on interest rates, investors will be keeping a close eye on its post-meeting statement for an idea about the policy committee's thinking in light of surging inflation and a strong jobs market.

Data last week showed US consumer prices rose in May at their highest level for three years owing to the impact of surging oil costs caused by the war.

Some observers predict the Fed will eventually announce an increase before the end of the year, despite Trump's previous demands for cuts.

"Warsh... inherits the most divided committee in more than three decades, with three voting members already dissenting against the easing bias in April, while outgoing governor Stephen Miran again voted in favour of a rate cut," said Michael Krautzberger, chief investment officer for public markets at AllianzGI.

"The minutes suggested that the committee's centre of gravity has shifted in a more hawkish direction as uncertainty about the duration and economic implications of the Middle East conflict continues to mount."

He added that "resilient economic activity and indications that labour-market conditions are stabilising support a less accommodative policy outlook".

"In a rapidly evolving economic and geopolitical environment, we expect the (bank) to remain on hold this year," he said.

"But resilient growth, a stabilising labour market and increasing inflation pressures have shifted the balance of risks in a hawkish direction."

- Key figures around 0810 GMT -

West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 1.1 percent at $75.18 a barrel

Brent North Sea Crude: DOWN 0.9 percent at $78.25 a barrel

Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 0.7 percent at 69,902.25 (close)

Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: DOWN 0.7 percent at 24,312.16 (close)

Shanghai - Composite: UP 0.4 percent at 4,108.08 (close)

Seoul - Kospi: UP 1.6 percent at 8,864.24 (close)

London - FTSE 100: DOWN 0.1 percent at 10,484.22

Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.1606 from $1.1608 on Tuesday

Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.3418 from $1.3427

Dollar/yen: DOWN at 160.17 yen from 160.45 yen

Euro/pound: UP at 86.50 pence from 86.45 pence

However, bargain hunters gradually entered the market and maintained buying support throughout the day. Following active participation from both buyers and sellers, strong buying interest in the final trading hours pushed the index into positive territory at the close. Market turnover also increased by 1.3 percent to Taka 12.1 billion, compared with Taka 12.0 billion in the previous session. Among the sectors, textile stocks accounted for the largest share of turnover at 15.9 percent, followed by engineering at 11.8 percent and pharmaceuticals at 10.1 percent.

Most sectors posted gains during the session. The information technology sector led the advance with a 3.3 percent rise, followed by services with 3.1 percent and ceramics with 2.0 percent. On the other hand, miscellaneous stocks declined by 3.0 percent while life insurance and general insurance sectors fell by 0.9 percent and 0.8 percent respectively. Meanwhile, trading at the port city bourse ended in negative territory. The Chittagong Stock Exchange's Selective Categories Index (CSCX) and All Share Price Index (CASPI) fell by 17.2 points and 22.0 points respectively at the close of trading.

The central bank said that under the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual (BPM-6) accounting standard, the country's reserves were recorded at US$31.24 billion.

Officials noted that the reserve position reflects the country's external sector stability amidst ongoing global economic uncertainties.

The central bank noted that some media reports had calculated so-called distressed loans by adding together classified or non-performing loans, rescheduled loans and written-off loans. It described this method as an inappropriate and technically incorrect approach that led to inflated figures. Bangladesh Bank further stated that there is no internationally recognized or standardized definition of "distressed loans" among global regulatory and policy-making institutions.

While the term is often used to describe loans that are not generating income or are not being serviced regularly, the aggregate calculation used in the reports does not conform to accepted regulatory or accounting practices. Explaining its position, the central bank said rescheduled loans cannot be considered distressed because borrowers continue to make repayments under approved restructuring arrangements. These loans remain active assets that generate cash flow for banks.

It also noted that written-off loans are maintained off-balance sheet in line with international practices and therefore cannot be added to active loan portfolios when assessing the current condition of the banking sector. Bangladesh Bank warned that publication of unverified and technically inaccurate financial data could create negative perceptions about the country's financial stability among domestic and international stakeholders, potentially affecting confidence in the economy. The central bank urged media organisations to exercise greater caution in reporting financial sector data and to verify information with official sources to ensure accuracy and maintain public and investor confidence.

The Canadian premier said he noted a US "change in tone with respect to Ukraine" as Kyiv seeks to end more than four years of conflict following Russia's invasion. This included "a more realistic -- in our view -- expectation of where this war was going to go, and the position against Russia, the tightening of sanctions against Russia, the ability to provide additional defensive support for Ukraine". The leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Britain and the United States also held a "very detailed discussion about Lebanon", he added.

The talks on a final US-Iran settlement to end the conflict, triggered by the February 28 US-Israeli strikes on Tehran, are set to begin Friday immediately after the signing of the accord in Switzerland and continue over a 60-day window to flesh out its details. But fresh Israeli strikes on alleged Iran-backed Hezbollah sites in south Lebanon have dented the optimism surrounding the deal. "Yes, there are risks. Yes, the accord has to be put into place," said Carney.

"But the very fact of it -- and the fact that so many countries were involved in its development and are vested in its development -- does create knock-on effects, positive knock-on effects," he said. In a joint statement late on Tuesday, the G7 hailed "the breakthrough and the opportunity that currently exist in the Middle East". They said the memorandum of understanding "provides an historic opportunity to prevent Iran from acquiring any nuclear weapon and tackling the threats related to its regional and ballistic activities".

Ukraine has in recent months stepped up drone strikes on Russia in retaliation for Moscow's almost daily air raids since the beginning of the four-year war. "The Armed Forces of Ukraine, using airplane-type drones, attacked the bus of the Gomel children's football team, which was going on holiday to Gelendzhik (on Russia's Black Sea coast)," Kovalchuk said on social media.

He added that all wounded were taken to a local hospital and the rest of the passengers would return home soon. Gomel lies in the south-east corner of Moscow-allied Belarus, near the Russian and Ukrainian borders. Russia's Investigative Committee, which handles major crimes, opened a terrorism probe and said the total number of wounded was to be confirmed. The bus carried 44 passengers, 28 of them children, it added.

Both Kyiv and Moscow deny targeting civilians in the conflict that spiralled into Europe's deadliest since World War II. On Monday, a massive Russian drone and missile barrage killed 11 people across Ukraine and damaged a UNESCO-listed monastery in Kyiv. Talks on ending the war remain deadlocked, while fighting at the front was effectively at a standstill.

The operation's success comes after a tough time in the spotlight for the wife of Norway's heir to the throne, and just days after her son from a previous relationship was sentenced to prison for rape in a case that has rocked the country's monarchy. "In accordance with standard practice... the Crown Princess will remain admitted to Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet for several weeks to come," Are Holm, lung specialist at the hospital, said in a palace statement.

Her condition had deteriorated significantly over the past six months and her doctors announced on June 5 that she had been placed on the waiting list for a lung transplant. Doctors said the procedure was a last resort when a patient is believed to have less than two years to live without new lungs. Wednesday's palace statement did not specify when the procedure was done. Scarring of the lungs occurs when the tiny air sacs called alveoli and the tissue between them become damaged and thickened, stiffening the lung and thereby hindering the passage of oxygen into the blood.

Her doctors had previously said that to be placed on the list for a transplant, one must be sick enough to qualify but still in sufficiently good condition to handle such a major procedure and recovery. The crown princess had recently appeared in public with a breathing tube connected to an oxygen device carried by a palace employee. Crown Prince Haakon, who is set to one day succeed his 89-year-old father as king, will cut back his public engagements going forward in order to spend time with his wife, the palace said.

The couple's 22-year-old daughter, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, has also interrupted her social sciences studies at the University of Sydney to be with her mother and plans to continue her studies in Oslo throughout the autumn. The crown prince couple's silver wedding anniversary celebration, which was to take place in August 2026, has been postponed. A single mother when she married Haakon in 2001, Mette-Marit's health woes have coincided with the high-profile trial of her 29-year-old son from a previous relationship, Marius Borg Hoiby, which has damaged the monarchy's standing in the public eye.

On Monday, an Oslo court sentenced Hoiby to four years in prison for two counts of rape and 32 other offences, after a six-week trial in February and March. Hoiby has denied the most serious charges, and his lawyers have said they will appeal. He has been held in custody since February and has repeatedly asked to be released to be at his mother's bedside, requests denied by the courts.

Mette-Marit has also been plagued by revelations about her friendship with convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In January, documents were released revealing her frequent contacts with Epstein between 2011 and 2014 -- after he was convicted of soliciting a minor -- which shocked Norwegians. Shortly afterwards, several opinion polls showed that a majority of Norwegians felt Mette-Marit was no longer suitable to be queen one day.

"I think time will do its work, that Norwegians will forgive (her), and that the sympathy generated by the crown princess's health problems will help turn the tide," Caroline Vagle, royal reporter for celebrity magazine Se og Hor, told AFP. "But even if she has new lungs, her condition is serious and she won't be at 100 percent. It remains to be seen what level of official activity she'll be able to maintain," she said.

The scandals have shaken the monarchy and contributed to declining support, though it remains broadly popular. An opinion poll published in May by public broadcaster NRK showed 64 percent of Norwegians are in favour of maintaining the monarchy. "This has of course been a turbulent period," royal expert Ole-Jorgen Schulsrud-Hansen said, "but overall, the royal family has retained the public's sympathy given the crown princess's condition."

"We are seeing a growing US footprint in Australia, that is important in terms of building our own military capability, but also it's very important for Australia's national security," Marles told reporters in Western Australia. "An American logistics footprint is part of its overall force posture on the continent," he said. "Bandiana is a place which supports logistics, support for the Australian Defence Force, and it makes sense that as America seeks to do that, it would do it at the same place," Marles added.

Australia does not permit foreign military bases on its soil, but hosts US Marines for exercises for six months of the year in the northern city of Darwin. A rotating force of US-commanded submarines will arrive in Western Australia next year. Marles said the "hugely significant American presence" in the Asia Pacific was a balance to China's "very significant military build up".

The US Army left trucks at Bandiana in 2023 after war games with Australia, held every two years, as a trial of prepositioning US military equipment. AFP reported a separate US Marines store in Australia is expected to reach full capacity by 2028, with a global defence contractor employing around 110 engineers and specialists.

A US Marine Corps Forces Pacific spokesperson said the Australian facility will support equipment and supplies for marines operations and exercises across the Indo Pacific. The US Navy has allocated $30 million to build warehouses and offices in Victoria state next year.

Clashes with US President Donald Trump and virulent criticism of Israel have made Sanchez a global progressive star, but the scandals have eroded the domestic standing of one of Europe's few remaining Socialist leaders. Zapatero, who governed Spain from 2004 to 2011, was placed under formal investigation last month for alleged influence peddling in connection with the bailout of small airline Plus Ultra in 2021.

Plus Ultra received 53 million euros ($61.5 million) of public money after the Covid-19 pandemic paralysed global travel. Investigating judge Jose Luis Calama has said Zapatero allegedly headed a "stable and hierarchical" structure that used "opaque financial channels" to conceal the movement of money and obtain bribes for his illicit manoeuvring. Zapatero has denied the allegations, while Sanchez has expressed "full support" for his mentor.

A police search of Zapatero's office found jewellery and luxury watches valued at 1.3 million euros, leading Calama to probe additional alleged offences of tax fraud and smuggling. Zapatero's entourage attributes the hoard to a family inheritance. Zapatero began his hearing at the Audiencia Nacional court in Madrid -- becoming the first former or serving Spanish prime minister to be declared as a suspect in a corruption probe. "What is at stake is the reputation of someone who has become... the moral beacon of Pedro Sanchez and the current Socialist party," Astrid Barrio, a political science professor at the University of Valencia, told AFP. 

Sanchez vowed to clean up Spanish politics when he took power in 2018 after the main conservative Popular Party (PP) was convicted in its own graft affair. But a two-year-long investigation into his wife Begona Gomez for alleged influence peddling had already shaken the government, with a decision to send her to trial potentially coming in days. Verdicts are also due in separate corruption trials of Sanchez's former right-hand man Jose Luis Abalos and his brother David Sanchez.

Recent revelations about an ongoing police probe into a former Socialist activist suspected of leading a plot to sabotage investigations into Sanchez's entourage have piled further pressure on the government. Amid the relentless stream of negative headlines, the Socialists have suffered four regional election drubbings since late 2025, in a possible precursor to next year's national vote. The conservative and far-right opposition have demanded Sanchez's resignation and early elections, saying the scandals have exposed systemic Socialist corruption.

Sanchez insists he will see out his term until 2027, highlighting his government's achievements and declining to directly answer a question about corruption from the PP in parliament on Wednesday. But researcher Barrio said "two very serious issues" could yet bring him down: being placed under investigation himself or a charge of illegal financing against the Socialists.

"Good, thank you," replied Trump, a tycoon before becoming president who famously hosted the TV show "The Apprentice" with its catchphrase "You're fired!", as he finally took his seat. Fresh from clinching an accord to end the war with Iran and celebrating his 80th birthday, Trump's presence has dominated the summit in the spa town of Evian on Lake Geneva. French officials will be satisfied that the mercurial US president has stayed for the entire event and signed on to the G7 communique -- in contrast to the previous gathering in Canada, where he left early.

In an unusual gesture, Macron has invited Trump to dinner at the Palace of Versailles outside Paris after the summit winds down on Wednesday afternoon. Macron, under pressure to show he is not fawning over Trump, has already said the evening at Versailles will not be a "gala" dinner.

In April alone, the gap stood at 31.9 billion euros ($37 billion), according to Eurostat, the EU's statistical office. "Our trading relationship with China has reached a point that requires a reset. Not confrontation, but rebalancing," said European Commissioner for Trade Maros Sefcovic on Monday. China's ambassador to the EU, Cai Run, said last month that Beijing was "fully aware" of the bloc's concerns, adding that it had "never deliberately pursued a trade surplus" and was "willing to... address this issue".

He pointed to measures China had already taken, such as increased market access for European agricultural products, the removal of tax rebates for Chinese solar products exporters, and export restrictions for Chinese electric vehicles (EVs). Beijing rejects the claim that the overseas success of Chinese firms is built on massive state subsidies, arguing it is due to innovation, economies of scale and its industrial base.

EU-China ties have worsened this year as Brussels seeks to strengthen its legislative arsenal to counter Beijing. The EU fears that the dominance of Chinese companies in certain sectors, particularly EVs, chemicals and green technologies, could crush its own industries. The bloc is also demanding more access to the Chinese market, arguing that Beijing does not give reciprocal freedoms to European firms. China, meanwhile, has promised "countermeasures" if the EU pushes through a draft "industrial acceleration" bill that would exclude certain products manufactured outside the bloc from public procurement, and restrict the takeover of European companies.

The European Commission has reviewed its cybersecurity rules, aiming to exclude suppliers deemed high-risk -- such as Chinese firm Huawei -- from telecom networks. And since 2024, Chinese EVs exported to Europe have faced extra customs duties. "Emotions are high and unstable. The risk of a trade war between EU and China is real," said Xu Dingbo, a professor at the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) in Shanghai. Elvire Fabry, a trade geopolitics specialist at the Jacques Delors Institute, an EU-focused think tank, said it was "essential today for Europeans to show their determination and establish a balance of power".

However, both sides have an interest in reconciling, according to Zhu Tian, an economist at CEIBS. "Neither side benefits from escalation: Europe would face higher costs and slower green transition, while China would lose access to a key market," he said. Beijing has a wide range of tools at its disposal if the EU further ratchets up measures to protect its firms. "China could respond with anti-dumping investigations, regulatory scrutiny, restrictions in selected sectors, or pressure on politically sensitive European products," Zhu said.

Beijing has previously imposed anti-dumping duties on European cognac and conducted anti-dumping investigations into pork and dairy products from the bloc. This time, the EU is particularly concerned that China might restrict exports of rare earths essential for high-tech industries. Whatever form it takes, "China is likely to respond in a calibrated way," Zhu said. "Enough to signal that EU measures have costs, but not so much that the whole relationship breaks down." The European Union is China's second-largest trading partner.

China "needs access to the European market as the US market closes", said Fabry, of the Jacques Delors Institute. Zhu noted more Chinese investment into Europe as a way to create jobs and reassure European decision-makers that "China takes European concerns seriously". "China can help by further opening its market and encouraging more imports and investment, but Europe also needs to strengthen its own competitiveness," he added.

Beijing can still avoid a trade war, said Joerg Wuttke, an expert at the DGA-Albright Stonebridge Group and former president of the EU Chamber of Commerce in China. But would require China "being really open and not just pretending", he said, because "China has been talking about opening up (for) about 20 or 30 years".

The name change "honors the command's deep historical roots, fostering a sense of pride and collective spirit among all who serve in the Pacific," the department said, without giving additional details. The US Pacific Command was established by former President Harry Truman after World War II.

It operated under that name for over 70 years before being renamed as the US Indo-Pacific Command in 2018, in a nod to the growing importance of the Indian Ocean in US strategic thinking. The 2018 name change also came as part of broader efforts by Washington to counter China's growing influence across the Asia-Pacific domain.

"If they (the Iranian side) don't behave, we'll go right back to dropping bombs right smack in the middle of their head," Trump said at the G7 summit alongside Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

The court of Judge, Woman and Child repression prevention tribunal-1, Muhammad Abdur Rahim fined Md Rajib Hossain, 27, son of Jasijal Haque at village Baghar Char in Dewanganj Upazila of the district, Tk five lakh.

According to the prosecution, convicted Rajib rape a tenth-grade girl on June 8, 2015. After the incident, the victim filed a case with Dewanganj police station.

Manju said the expansion of solar energy in Bangladesh had slowed in recent years despite earlier widespread adoption, particularly in rural markets and commercial establishments. He attributed the slowdown to a shortage of technically skilled manpower and a lack of adequate policy support in the past. He noted that many small and large shops in rural marketplaces had once adopted solar technology, demonstrating its strong potential as an alternative energy source.

The seminar was organised by the environmental platform Poribesh Surakkha Mancha under the theme "Live with Nature, Save Nature", aiming to revitalise the solar energy training centre and raise awareness on renewable energy. The KCC administrator said recent international tensions, including the Iran-US conflict, had highlighted the importance of reducing dependence on conventional energy sources.

He also said a Chinese company had expressed interest in setting up a solar panel manufacturing plant in Khulna and urged stakeholders to take advantage of such investment opportunities. Calling for coordinated efforts to address the ongoing power shortage, Manju said initiatives should be taken to build not only a green city but also a "solar city." He also announced plans to reactivate the solar energy training centre. Speakers at the seminar said renewable energy is gaining importance globally, while geopolitical instability has made imports of fuel oil, gas, and coal more difficult and expensive.

They warned that energy shortages are affecting industrial production and harming agriculture by disrupting irrigation and water supply. The speakers also highlighted environmental damage caused by fossil fuels, noting that carbon emissions are accelerating climate change and increasing the frequency of cyclones, floods, and storm surges. They welcomed the government's emphasis on solar power, saying that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed relevant authorities to ensure maximum investment in the renewable energy sector. They also noted that solar equipment imports have been exempted from duties in the national budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year.

Advocate Kudrat-e-Khuda presided over the seminar. Former Vice-Chancellor of Chittagong University Professor Dr. Md. Yahia, Chief Engineer of Khulna Development Authority Md. Sabirul Alam, Deputy Director of the Department of Environment Mihir Lal Sardar, and Professor Dr. Salah Uddin Mina of Khulna University's Physics Discipline spoke as special guests.

Earlier in the morning, KCC Administrator Manju inaugurated a day-long preparatory workshop on the Cluster Development Plan (CDP), including the Capital Investment Plan (CIP), at the Shaheed Altaf Auditorium of Nagar Bhaban.

As part of the initiative, the Police Commissioner personally planted saplings of fruit-bearing trees and rare flowering plants within the Police Lines premises. He also released fish fry of various species into the Police Lines pond to support environmental conservation, enhance aquatic biodiversity, and maintain the natural ecological balance of the water body. A total of 326 saplings of different fruit and flowering tree species have so far been planted as part of efforts to transform the Police Lines into a greener and more environmentally friendly establishment.

The KMP press release said such public welfare and eco-friendly initiatives would continue in the future to ensure a healthy and pleasant working environment for police personnel. Among others, Additional Police Commissioner Mohammad Rashidul Islam Khan, Deputy Police Commissioner M. M. Shakiluzzaman, Deputy Police Commissioner Shafiqul Islam, Deputy Police Commissioner Md. Rezaur Rahman, and other officers and force members of various ranks were present at the event.

According to court sources, the trial began on June 9 after charges were framed against the accused in his presence. The verdict was pronounced today, only 10 days after charge framing and within eight working days from the commencement of the trial. The case stemmed from the rape of a four-year-old child in the Chairmanghata area of Baklia on May 21. Police arrested Monir Hossain on the same day.

On May 22, the victim's father filed a case with Baklia Police Station under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act. The accused later gave a confessional statement before the court, while the child's statement was also recorded that day. Investigators completed the inquiry, including the DNA report, within five working days and submitted the charge sheet on June 4.

Between June 10 and June 12, the tribunal recorded and completed the cross-examination of 18 witnesses, including the complainant, the victim, medical experts and the investigating officer. After hearing arguments from both the prosecution and the defence on June 16, the court fixed June 17 for delivering the judgment. Following the verdict, Public Prosecutor Mahmud-ul Alam Chowdhury Maruf said the case had been disposed of within eight working days of the start of the trial, describing it as one of the fastest child rape trials in the metropolitan tribunal.

He expressed hope that the swift disposal of the case would strengthen public confidence in the justice system and serve as a deterrent to similar crimes.

According to local sources, the incident occurred around 11:00 am when Ashraf entered the septic tank to remove wood and bamboo used during construction. After receiving no response from him for some time, his colleague Nuh entered the tank in an attempt to rescue him. Both workers subsequently fell unconscious inside the tank.

Locals rescued them after breaking part of the tank. However, the men had already died by the time they were rescued. Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Patuakhali Sadar Police Station Md. Moniruzzaman confirmed the matter and said that an investigation into the incident is underway and necessary legal steps will be taken.

Acting on a tip-off, a team of RAB-6’s CPC Special Company conducted a drive in front of Textile College on Bishwaroad under Labanchara Police Station around 6:30 pm on Tuesday and arrested him. The arrested person was handed over to Batiaghata Police Station for further legal action.

Presiding over the meeting, Divisional Director (Health) Dr Sheikh Fazle Rabbi said that children aged 6 to 11 months will receive one blue capsule containing 1 lakh IU of Vitamin A, while children aged 12 to 59 months will be given one red capsule containing 2 lakh IU. He stressed the need for maximum vigilance to ensure that no eligible child is left out of the campaign. He said Vitamin A plays a vital role in preventing malnutrition and childhood blindness, supporting normal growth, and reducing the risk of death from measles and diarrhoeal diseases.

Dr Mahmuda Akhter presented the keynote paper at the meeting. Brig Gen Taslim Uddin, Abu Saleh Md Forkan Uddin, and representatives from various government and international organisations also attended as resource persons. According to the Health Department, Vitamin A capsules will be administered from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on June 28 at both permanent and temporary immunisation centres across 11 districts and two city corporations under the division.

As part of preparations, an extensive awareness campaign will be carried out through mosques, temples, educational institutions, markets, bus terminals, and river ports to ensure full coverage of the target group. The campaign aims to cover 6,70,768 children aged 6-11 months and 48,07,761 children aged 12-59 months in Chattogram Division.

Michael Miller praised the current government's initiative to form an independent Media Commission and expressed the European Union's interest in providing all necessary support in this regard. He said the EU has long experience in ensuring media freedom, which Bangladesh could utilise. Responding to the envoy's remarks, the Minister said, "The current government is committed to ensuring media freedom. However, alongside freedom, protecting people from misinformation and disinformation is also one of the government's key responsibilities."

He said the government is working to establish an independent Media Commission keeping these two objectives in mind. The minister said a draft committee would be formed based on the opinions of all stakeholders concerned with the media sector.  The committee would prepare a National Action Plan and submit it to the government. Subsequently, the independent Media Commission would be formed on the basis of that National Action Plan, he added.

The Leader of the House said this while replying to a starred tabled question from treasury bench lawmaker from Tangail-6 constituency, Md Robiul Awal, in the House this afternoon with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, in the chair. The Prime Minister noted that Bangladesh is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world due to its geographical location, dense population, extensive river system, and coastal features. 

He said due to climate change, the frequency and intensity of cyclones, storm surges, floods, flash floods, river erosion, droughts, excessive rainfall, lightning, heatwaves and salinity intrusion increasing, adversely affecting livelihoods, agriculture, infrastructure, the environment and the economy. Highlighting the major initiatives to address climate change, he said the Padma Barrage Project involving Taka 34,347 crore was approved on May 13 this year for implementation in the first phase. 

The Prime Minister informed the House that the project will increase water flow in the Padma River during the dry season through water conservation, revive river systems in Padma-dependent areas, reduce salinity intrusion in the southern region, restore ecological balance in the Sundarbans, improve drainage systems, reduce waterlogging, expand irrigation facilities and enhance water security. The project is also expected to generate 113 megawatts of hydropower and contribute an additional 0.45 percent growth to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), he added. 

Tarique Rahman said in line with the current government's election pledge, the nationwide programme for excavation and re-excavation of rivers, canals and water bodies is going on aimed at increasing use of surface water, improving irrigation and drainage systems, boosting agricultural production and improving environment. As part of efforts to address the impact of climate change, the Prime Minister said, the government has launched a nationwide programme to plant 25 crore trees across the country over the next five years.

Like every year, annual tree fairs are being organized at national, divisional, district and upazila levels while a three-month-long tree plantation campaign will be conducted, he added. Highlighting climate adaptation efforts, Tarique Rahman said the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust has prioritized research, innovation, training and extension activities to address climate risks. Under these initiatives, he said, rural natural reservoirs will be developed in coastal districts to conserve rainwater and ensure safe drinking water supplies.

Special attention will be given to climate adaptation, secure livelihoods and economic inclusion in coastal areas, the premier said, adding, measures will also be taken to protect women, children, fishermen and other vulnerable groups from climate-related risks. The government will further strengthen sustainable embankments, cyclone shelters and early warning systems to reduce the impact of cyclones and storm surges, he said.

The Prime Minister said Bangladesh has also taken an initiative to formulate a National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Investment Roadmap with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to implement long-term climate adaptation measures under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Alongside adaptation efforts, the government has taken a step to prepare the Third Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions responsible for climate change, he added.

Under the plan, the premier said, 25 percent of the total electricity demand will be met from renewable sources by 2035 and four Waste-to-Energy production plants and 26 Integrated Landfill and Resource Recovery Facilities will be established while afforestation and reforestation programmes will be implemented across 100,000 hectares of land in coastal, island and degraded areas. He said work has also begun on preparing Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategies to reduce emissions.

The Leader of the House also said that a comprehensive carbon market framework has been prepared under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which will make the country's participation in international and voluntary carbon markets orderly and transparent. He said the government has transformed disaster management from a relief-based approach to a risk reduction framework, significantly reducing disaster-related casualties and damages. As a result, Bangladesh has earned international recognition as a successful model in disaster risk management, the premier added.

He said the government is expanding multidimensional early warning systems, digital forecasting technologies, community-based alert mechanisms, the Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP), flood forecasting and warning systems, and anticipatory actions for lightning, heatwaves and flash floods. In addition, the Prime Minister said, disaster-related information is being disseminated to people at the grassroots level through Interactive Voice Response (IVR) services.

He said these while speaking as the chief guest at Family Card distribution ceremony at the Victoria High School ground in Sreemangal upazila of the district. The prime minister urged all concerned to remain alert so that none can launder money abroad. When he asked the audience whether everyone was with the government's initiative to change the destiny of the people of the country, thousands of tea workers as well as the men and women of Sreemangal present there responded in unison with a “Yes.”

Referring to BNP as the party of the common people, the Prime Minister said, “BNP has always been on the side of the people; therefore, BNP's greatest strength is the strength of the people. That is why BNP always says that the people are the source of all our power. Whenever the opportunity to vote has come, the people of the country have voted for BNP and brought it to state power.” Remembering former Prime Minister late Begum Khaleda Zia, he said, “We have seen at various times that when the people of the country rose up to protect democracy, many major political leaders left this country and went abroad. But Begum Khaleda Zia did not leave the people of the country and go anywhere. Khaleda Zia had said, ‘Bangladesh is my first address. Bangladesh is our and my last address.”

He said, “We are soldiers of Khaleda Zia. Therefore, this country is our first and last address. We have only one task—to change the destiny of the people of Bangladesh. So come, we ourselves must build this country. We must transform the 40 crore hands of our 20 crore people into the hands of workers. Only then will we be able to change the destiny of Bangladesh.” At the beginning of his speech, addressing the people present, the Prime Minister said, “Today is a very joyful day for me. 

Do you know why? A few months ago, when the first election campaign began, I started that campaign from the sacred soil of Sylhet, and on that very day, from the public rally stage in Sylhet, I said that if BNP is able to form the government, then we will provide Family Cards to all the mothers who work in our tea gardens.” “Today I offer thousands of thanks, hundreds of thousands of thanks to Allah that Allah has given me that opportunity. I have been able to keep my word. Today my government has delivered Family Cards to those women workers in the tea gardens.”

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said that within the next one year, they would deliver Family Cards to almost all female workers and to everyone in the tea gardens. Mentioning that everyone must work together to move the country forward, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said, “If the country is to be taken forward, then all of us must cooperate together. Everyone must work together. Therefore, if alongside men we cannot help women become self-reliant, then it will not be possible to move the country forward.”

He said, “That is why we spoke about this Family Card—to make women self-reliant. There are approximately 40 million families in Bangladesh. We said that if we are able to form the government, then gradually we will deliver Family Cards to all families. Especially to female heads of households—we began implementing this promise within less than one month of the election, immediately after it was held.”

Mentioning that the BNP government is changing the destiny of Bangladesh, the Prime Minister added, “That is why today, in addition to giving Family Cards, we have also provided Taka 200,000 each to female tea garden workers for housing. Here on the stage, I handed over cheques of Tk 200,000 each to three people, and through the administration we will, Inshallah, deliver that money today to all the others who have received it.” Calling upon everyone, the Prime Minister said, “ On this joyful day, our pledge and our promise will be only one thing: work first. And at the same time let me say another new phrase—work for the country, the country first; Bangladesh for everyone; work first; Bangladesh for everyone, for all.”

After the speech, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman planted saplings of a jam (black plum) tree and a krishnachura (royal poinciana/flame tree) there. Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Professor AZM Zahid Hossain chaired the programme while State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin, Convener of the Moulvibazar District BNP Faizul Karim Nayan, Member of Parliament for Moulvibazar-4 Mujibur Rahman Chowdhury, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare Kamal Uddin Biswas, and among the women who received Family Cards, Shiuli Rani Das and Wajeda Begum also spoke.

After more than 20 years, this was the first time that Tarique Rahman came to Sreemangal. The Family Card distribution ceremony began with recitations from the Holy Quran and various other religious scriptures. The Ministry of Social Welfare organized the event. The national anthem was played first, followed by the BNP party song. At the event, the Prime Minister personally handed Family Cards to ten female heads of households. 

Later, by pressing a button on a computer, the Prime Minister inaugurated the third phase of the Family Card programme. At the same time, he also provided grants of Taka 200,000 each to tea workers to help resolve housing problems, awarded scholarships to the children of tea workers, and distributed financial assistance checks to persons with disabilities.

“Those who are saying that BNP should not be given time are speaking for their own interests. We must remain alert against them as the people have decided that BNP will govern the country for the next five years,” he told a rally at Moulvibazar Government High School ground.

Criticizing a political party without naming it, he said, “Many elders are present here. Do you remember what they did in 1971? Do you remember what they did in 1986? During the long years of political struggle in between, we did not see them anywhere.”

Tarique Rahman mentioned that many leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies including Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal and BNP embraced martyrdom, faced jail in false cases during the rule fascist regime. 

Referring to the people’s mandate for the BNP on February 12 general election, Tarique Rahman said the people gave their verdict in the last election in favour of BNP to rebuild the country, guide it in the right direction as the autocrat left the country fragile.

The prime minister arrived in Moulvibazar from Sreemangal at around 3 pm. At the event, he distributed Family Cards among marginalized women.

By pressing a button on a computer, he also formally launched the third phase of the Family Card distribution programme in Moulvibazar’s 19 wards and in various upazilas of 21 other districts through an online connection.

Before distributing the cards, he planted mango and neem saplings at the Government High School grounds in Moulvibazar. Earlier in Sreemangal, he planted jam (black berry) and krishnachura saplings at the Victoria High School grounds.

At the event, the prime minister also handed over housing support for tea workers, scholarships for their children, and cheques of one-time financial assistance to poor, disadvantaged, disabled, and marginalized people.
Noting that Bangladesh won its independence in 1971 through the martyrdom of its people, he said, “Who freed the country from autocratic rule on August 5, 2024? The people of Bangladesh did. Therefore, the people of Bangladesh will also rebuild the country. 

Quoting former premier Khaleda Zia, he said, “When Khaleda Zia was told to leave the country she candidly told that soil of Bangladesh is my first and last address.’ 

“Can you remember that? For all of us, Bangladesh is our first and last address,” Tarique Rahman said adding “So if we want to move the country forward and build it, we must all work together hand in hand.”

Since assuming office February 17, Tarique Rahman said, his government started implementing many electoral pledges such as Family Cards, Farmer Cards, waiving farmers’ loan up to Taka 10,000 each, honorariums for muezzins, imams, and other religious leaders, school uniforms for students, and sports competitions.

He said people from all walks of life, regardless of political affiliation will be benefited from the schemes.

The Prime Minister also recalled the development initiatives carried out in the region by the late Finance Minister M. Saifur Rahman and remarked that the district had seen little development over the past decade and more.

Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Professor AZM Zahid Hossain chaired the meeting while Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin, Whip GK Gaus, Moulvibazar-3 MP M Naser Rahman and BNP Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, who joined online from Keraniganj, also spoke.

After concluding the Moulvibazar event, the prime minister left for Sylhet by road at around 5:30 p.m.

No one can match the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's 143 international goals. But he has failed to net in his last nine matches at major tournaments and offers little in a defensive role when the opposition are in possession.

Martinez, though, has no doubt he remains Portugal's best option up front. "He is an example and a reference for football. For all those children on the street who begin to feel the love for sport, following the example of Cristiano Ronaldo is wonderful," Martinez told a press conference ahead of Portugal's World Cup opener against DR Congo. "It is his sixth World Cup, but I can say that internally it seems to be his first World Cup in terms of intensity, in terms of emotional output, of how important it is for him to be prepared to lead the group.

"Within the team he is a vital player because he is the finisher, he is the player in the penalty area, he is the player who has those movements that can open spaces for other players. Within our attacking game, his numbers reflect the importance he has." Bruno Fernandes said his first experience of a major tournament as a child came on home soil, when a 19-year-old Ronaldo helped Portugal reach the final of Euro 2004.

"All of us in this national team we have grown up watching Cristiano Ronaldo play and for us it's such an honour to play next to him now in the same team," said the Manchester United captain. "We're all here to support him and to support Portugal to go as far as possible." Fresh from winning Premier League player of the year accolades, Fernandes is part of one of the strongest midfields in the World Cup.

Vitinha and Joao Neves have recently won a second consecutive Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain, while Bernardo Silva is set to join Real Madrid after a trophy-laden nine years at Manchester City. "We have a very strong team, great individual quality, and beyond the individual quality and the strengths that we have as individual players, I think we are a very cohesive team, a very united team," added Fernandes.

"Obviously our dream is to be there (winning the World Cup) and I think that dreaming is not forbidden." Portugal will also face tournament debutants Uzbekistan and Colombia in Group K. Martinez, though, warned against looking beyond DR Congo after the shock Spain suffered in being held 0-0 by Cape Verde in their opening match.

"We've got very little to win tomorrow from the outside. If you win against Congo, it's expected. If you win by one, it's a big problem. If you draw, it's a catastrophe. If you lose, this is the end of the world," said the Spaniard. "They come with no expectations, they are enjoying being here. We've seen incredible performances from teams like Qatar, Cape Verde, exemplary performances, that shows you that there are no easy games in a World Cup."

Martinez also confirmed reports he is set to leave his role after the World Cup when his contract expires. "My contract ends after the World Cup. This is not news, this is just a fact," he added. "We're now focused on finishing the work that we've begun three-and-a-half years ago. "When I came to Portugal the focus was to try to win everything, but most importantly to prepare for the World Cup."

Ibrahim Mbaye was on the mark for Senegal. Mendy said that even though they may have had the better of the first-half, the Lions of Teranga had failed to execute their game plan. "We were a bit sluggish in the first-half," the 34-year-old told beIn Sports. "We knew that in the second we had to raise our level, be more cutting edge in attack. "We were at times, although against teams like these, you have to be totally on your game defensively and offensively.

"You cannot take your eye off the ball because you are up against pure talent." Mendy, a Champions League winner with Chelsea in 2021, said he did not believe there was a gaping chasm between the two teams. "We know what our qualities are and that we are capable of playing better," he said. "We were especially lax when it came to retaining possession, we should have been more consistent in keeping it. "But then again we did have a very good team as the opposition today." Mendy, an Africa Cup of Nations winner in 2021, said there was still all to play for in terms of reaching the second round.

The 2002 quarter-finalists have Norway next Monday followed by Iraq four days later. "As I said even if we won this match, the group would still be open," said Mendy, who plays his club football for Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli. "Today we lost but just as in 2022 (when they lost their opening group game but recovered to reach the knockout stages) we must rest and focus on Norway."

And the 38-year-old, who made his first appearance at a World Cup as a teenager in 2006, lit up the occasion with three goals in a clinical display by the reigning champions. "To enjoy this with my family, with my teammates, the ones who are always there, is a really beautiful moment," said the Inter Miami star. "I'm happy." He added: "I'm grateful to the fans, because once again they've shown that Argentina is crazy about this. We packed the stadium again."

Messi produced a majestic finish from distance in the 17th minute, sparking a frenzy among his adoring fans, who had turned the match into a virtual home game. He netted again in the second half from close range, gobbling up a rebound to take him just one goal behind the all-time record held by Germany's Klose. And Messi completed his first hat-trick at a World Cup with an unstoppable finish in the 76th minute. The diminutive genius was substituted shortly afterwards, forcing Argentine fans to wait to see their hero have a shot at the outright record.

The Group J match in the open-air stadium started at a frantic pace and both sides had early goals ruled out for offside, including one from Messi. But Argentina took the lead when Rodrigo De Paul played a beautifully measured through ball, which Messi picked up before driving at goal and unleashing a fierce drive from outside the penalty area that curled away from goalkeeper Luca Zidane.

The South American team were largely in control, fluid in attack with their revered number 10 pulling the strings. But as the clock ticked towards half-time Algeria enjoyed a better spell, with Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez forced to parry a shot from Fares Chaibi. Messi curled another effort over the bar in the early minutes of the second half and Zidane kept out a shot from Lautaro Martinez.

But the crowd did not have to wait long to celebrate another goal from the veteran Inter Miami forward. Zidane failed to deal with a sizzling Alexis Mac Allister strike and Messi was there to sweep home in the 60th minute. Time stood still six minutes later as Messi was through again but this time Zidane pushed the ball over the bar. But he was not to be denied, completing his hat-trick after being set up by substitute Nico Gonzalez.

"I don't have the words to describe Messi," said Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni. "For 20 years, he's had us used to seeing things like this, and he inspires everyone who watches him play." Argentina are seeking to become the first back-to-back winners of the World Cup since Brazil managed the feat in 1962. Earlier, the roads around the stadium were clogged as tens of thousands of Argentine fans streamed towards ground dressed in blue and white, many with Messi's name on the back of their shirts.

Argentina's all-time top-scorer is just the third man to reach 200 caps after Cristiano Ronaldo and Kuwait's Bader Al-Mutawa. Ronaldo will equal Messi's record of six World Cup appearances if he plays for Portugal against DR Congo on Wednesday.

"Following efforts by the Football Federation and coordination with FIFA, the player was issued a new multiple-entry visa today," a team official said. "With this visa now secured, Torabi will have no issues accompanying Iran's national team in its upcoming matches and will be available to travel with the squad throughout the remainder of the tournament." Iran's final group game is against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

The visa issue was the latest complication for the Iranian team in the run up to the World Cup. Team Melli's participation had been in doubt since the United States and Israel launched a bombing campaign against Iran in late February. Tehran hit back at US allies in the region, targeting infrastructure and closing the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a waterway through which 20 percent of the world's oil passes.

A plan to station the team in Arizona was scrubbed at the 11th hour, with a new base camp being established in Tijuana, Mexico instead. US officials denied visas entirely for more than a dozen support staff, meaning they could not travel to the games. Coach Amir Ghalenoei complained Monday that Iran was the "most oppressed team in the World Cup" after his players were suddenly informed they must travel back to Mexico immediately after their opening game ended.

"They delayed our arrivals, (now) they are forcing us to go back early without time for recovery," Ghalenoei told journalists. "They are making the situation more and more difficult, facing us with more hurdles, but we're not going to let that stop us from doing our best."

Croatia face England on Wednesday in Texas in one of the most attractive fixtures of the group stage in North America.

The 40-year-old Modric will lead out Croatia, who beat England in the World Cup semi-finals in 2018, and will pull the strings once more in midfield.

Along with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, this will be the last dance for one of the most acclaimed players in the world over the past 20 years.

Modric, now with AC Milan after more than a decade at the heart of Real Madrid's midfield, is set to win his 200th cap for his country in North America.

"Every game, every tournament is special at 40 with the national team," Modric said on the eve of the England clash.

"My aim in this tournament is to enjoy it, to do my best, but enjoy it," he added.

"I want to enjoy each match, every training with these guys."

Croatia strolled through qualifying but come into the World Cup with little fanfare -- much like at other recent major tournaments.

But England will underestimate them at their peril, even if the Croatia squad is one of the older ones at the tournament.

Another veteran of past campaigns, 37-year-old winger Ivan Perisic, is also in the squad alongside Manchester City pair Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic.

There is excitement about defender Luka Vuskovic, 19, who is expected to start against England, and Modric said: "There are a lot of young players, so I feel rejuvenated with them."

Long-serving coach Zlatko Dalic is looking forward to facing England once more, and seeing how his men stand up to an attack led by the prolific skipper Harry Kane.

"The opponent is high quality," he said.

"We know their quality, we analysed them, and they know us too... they're very dangerous.

"They have the best strikers in the world. They have Kane -- Kane can do a lot, a hell of a lot," he added, saying he was also wary of the threat posed by Thomas Tuchel's side from set-pieces.

"We are quite prepared for that," he said.

Also in Group L are Ghana and Panama.

Brazil's all-time record scorer has yet to return to full training after missing the team's opening 1-1 draw against Morocco on Saturday. Neymar has been an integral part of Brazil's last three World Cup campaigns but there was some surprise at his inclusion this time as injuries have prevented him from playing for his country at all since 2023.

He has featured in just half of his club's games in the Brazilian league, cup and Copa Sudamericana this year due to various fitness issues. Brazil's next game is against Haiti in Philadelphia on Friday. They face Scotland in their final Group C game in Miami on June 24.

Jordan never stopped chasing the game and had the consolation of scoring the first World Cup goal in their history through Ali Olwan.

Real Madrid star Mbappe took his career World Cup goals tally to 14 -- just two behind all-time leader Miroslav Klose -- and Bradley Barcola was also on target as Les Bleus secured all three points for Didier Deschamps' side.

The 38-year-old had started an unforgettable occasion -- his 200th international appearance -- by claiming a piece of history, becoming the first man to play in six World Cups as he led Argentina onto the field for what would become a one-sided Group J clash. Messi, who first played in the World Cup as a teenager during the 2006 finals in Germany, then emphatically stamped his class over proceedings with a memorable hat-trick -- the first of his World Cup career.

A 17th minute curling strike took his World Cup goals tally to 14, putting him alongside German legend Gerd Muller and France superstar Kylian Mbappe in the all-time rankings. He then moved one clear of Muller and Mbappe to join Brazilian great Ronaldo on 15 goals in the 60th minute after pouncing on a rebound from an Alexis Mac Allister shot to make it 2-0. He joined Germany's Klose on 16 goals in the 76th minute, sweeping in a low finish from the edge of the area before departing to deafening applause and a standing ovation from an adoring crowd four minutes later.

Argentina defeated France in an epic 2022 World Cup final in Doha, winning on penalties after a 3-3 draw that saw Les Bleus striker Mbappe score a hat-trick. France -- who could meet Argentina in the final again this year if seedings follow the form book -- launched their tournament on Tuesday with a 3-1 defeat of Senegal, with Mbappe scoring twice to suggest he is more than ready to deliver another big World Cup.

"There are still people out there who will criticise him but he is an extraordinary player," France coach Didier Deschamps said of Mbappe. "Not everything came off for him, but he can win games in one moment." Mbappe's double against the Senegalese also saw him overtake Olivier Giroud as France's leading goalscorer with 58 goals from 99 games.

"I am really pleased for him. He didn't score in the warm-up friendly games but to break the record at the World Cup gives it more impact," Deschamps added. Another potent scorer, Erling Haaland, marked his first World Cup finals appearance with two goals in a 4-1 romp against Iraq in France's Group I. The Manchester City striker pounced from close range on 29 minutes in Foxborough, but Aymen Hussein's header brought Iraq level before Haaland capitalised on an Iraqi defensive error to put Norway ahead again before half-time. He took his international goals tally to 57 in just 51 matches.

Substitute Leo Ostigard headed in a third for Norway and they got a fourth deep in stoppage time through a Hussein own goal to secure three points in their first appearance at a World Cup since 1998. Haaland's goalscoring World Cup debut left Norway coach Stale Solbakken purring with satisfaction. "You could see that he adapted to the occasion, the occasion wasn't too big for him," said Solbakken. "I had a good feeling before the game. I had quite a comfortable feeling that he would do it for us today." In the late game on Tuesday, World Cup debutants Jordan face Austria in Santa Clara, California in Group J.

Presenting the budget in parliament on June 11, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said, "Our goal is to unlock the vast economic potential of the country's creative industries and integrate them into the mainstream economy.” He added, “We believe that this promising sector can make a significant contribution as an investment in human resource development, national branding, and future welfare."

Under the "One-Village, One-Product" initiative, the government plans to identify and promote a wide range of creative economy products unique to different regions of the country. These include handloom and weaving products, pottery, terracotta items, traditional crafts such as shital pati, shataranji and wooden toys, handmade jewellery and other regional specialties. To strengthen product development and enhance competitiveness, the government will establish a "National Pool of Designers" and modernise the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) Design Centre to international standards and global benchmarks.

The budget identified the establishment of Creative Hubs at national and regional levels as a key component of efforts to develop the creative economy. According to the plan, the hubs will serve as both cultural and commercial spaces featuring cultural venues, bookstores with reading facilities, cineplexes, cafeterias and dedicated facilities for displaying, promoting and marketing regional products identified under the "One-Village, One-Product" programme. As part of the initiative, a 10-year investment strategy and a time-bound action plan are being formulated for the development of regional creative hubs across the country.

The government has already initiated feasibility assessments for several potential locations. A world-class central Creative Hub is proposed on 160 acres of land in Purbachal under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Feasibility studies are also underway for establishing hubs on unused land in Karwan Bazar, Tejgaon adjacent to the Office of the Survey General, and vacant industrial plots under the BSCIC. The expansion plan extends beyond the capital, with initiatives being taken to establish Creative Hubs at divisional, district and upazila levels. Similar facilities are also planned within the premises of Bangladesh Shishu Academy and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.

The budget document said the government considers the development of creative hubs essential for building a vibrant creative economy ecosystem and creating opportunities for cultural and economic activities across the country. Alongside the Creative Hub programme, Innovation Hubs have already been established in engineering and technology universities. A roadmap is being prepared to expand these facilities to other universities and undergraduate colleges nationwide. The proposed measures are aimed at strengthening the production, promotion and marketing of creative economy products while creating opportunities for entrepreneurship, cultural activities and employment generation.

In his budget speech, the finance minister said the government seeks to democratise economic opportunities across society by creating new avenues for investment, innovation and employment. We seek to democratise economic opportunities across society, enabling us to harness the Demographic Dividend and the Longevity Dividend and translate them into a Democratic Dividend," he said. Referring to the country's long-term economic vision, the finance minister said, "Going forward, we aim to transform Bangladesh into a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2034, driven by investment, productivity and job creation."

Through the combined implementation of the "One-Village, One-Product" programme, Creative Hubs, Innovation Hubs and design support initiatives, the government expects to expand the contribution of the creative economy sector to national development while creating 500,000 new jobs and raising the sector's contribution to 1.5 percent of GDP.

On his arrival at the Sylhet Osmani International Airport, Tarique Rahman, also ruling BNP chairman, was welcomed by political leaders and senior government officials. From the Sylhet airport, the Prime Minister went straight to the historic Victoria High School ground in Sreemangal and joined a Family Card distribution programme there. According to the tour schedule, Tarique Rahman will join another Family Card distribution programme at Moulvibazar Government High School grounds at 2:30pm.

Later in the afternoon, he will leave Moulvibazar Government High School ground for DuSai Resort. The Prime Minister will join a political meeting with party leaders there. After the meeting, the premier will return to Sylhet and depart for Dhaka from Sylhet Osmani International Airport in the evening. Tarique Rahman last visited Moulvibazar during the 12 February election campaign. This is his first visit to the district as Prime Minister after the BNP formed the government with a landslide victory in the February 12 general election.

This envisages a strengthening of "operational capacity" at the border, including the reinforcing of a new Europol-run centre to fight criminal networks illegally smuggling migrants. A "UK-French joint intelligence cell" in the French city of Calais, on the Channel, would be also beefed up, while EU border agency Frontex would deploy staff and equipment, such as "surveillance assets", the European Commission said. The 27-nation bloc said it will also step up "its migration diplomacy", strengthening cooperation with countries of origin and transit to curb flows -- and promote "EU and UK information campaigns" aimed at dissuading would-be migrants from coming.

More than 41,000 migrants landed on England's southern coast last year -- the second-highest annual number since records were started in 2018. France has long been a launchpad for migrants hoping to cross the Channel and start a better life in Britain. Paying smugglers thousands of dollars, people often board overloaded rubber dinghies to make the dangerous and sometimes deadly journey across one of the world's busiest shipping routes. Across the border from France, Belgian authorities are also concerned about a new, still limited phenomenon of migrant departures towards England, with more than 400 people intercepted attempting to cross the Channel so far this year.

The European Commission said the measures set out in the plan would now be put in place together with member states, cautioning it might take some time for all to be implemented. The EU, which is pressing a broader crackdown on irregular migration, says illegal crossings out of the bloc via the Channel are down 44 percent so far this year.

Both William, formally known as the Prince of Wales, and his younger brother Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, attended the exclusive school in Berkshire, west of London. It has also famously educated 20 past prime ministers, including Boris Johnson and David Cameron, as well as a roll call of other well known people, from actor Tom Hiddleston to James Bond creator Ian Fleming. George's grandfather, King Charles III, went to Gordonstoun, a school in the Scottish Highlands attended by the king's father, the late Duke of Edinburgh.

It is not known if George will board at Eton, with the college only a few kilometres (miles) from his family's Forest Lodge home in Windsor. However, the young prince -- who is second in line to the throne, after his father -- has been boarding at the Lambrook School, the private preparatory school in Berkshire where he has studied since 2022. He has attended there alongside his siblings Princess Charlotte, 11, and eight-year-old Prince Louis. Eton, long a byword for elitism and the class divide in Britain, was founded by King Henry VI in 1440. It educates boys aged 13 to 18, and has preserved many of its traditions, including a distinct uniform comprising a black tailcoat, black waist coat, white shirt and bow tie, and striped trousers. It welcomes nearly 1,350 pupils each year, according to its website.

Earlier this year, however, he was arrested by US immigration authorities, though it was over "the status of his current stay", his lawyers said at the time, rather than his legal woes back home. The former minister was declared a fugitive by Ghana's Office of the Special Prosecutor in February 2025. Interpol issued a "red notice" for him in June that year, and Ghanaian authorities formally charged him with corruption in November.

He was arrested by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in January 2026 while applying to extend his stay in the country. "Ken Ofori-Atta's Green card I-485 petition has been granted by US Immigration Court," his attorney Justice Kusi-Minkah Premo said in a statement. "The Court finds the criminal charges in Ghana not credible," he said, though he added the decision "was focused on whether Mr Ofori-Atta met the legal requirements for adjustment of status".

Ghana's Office of the Special Prosecutor said it was not involved in immigration hearings and that its extradition request was being handled separately. "The credibility or otherwise of the criminal charges against Mr. Ofori-Atta would be determined by the courts in Ghana, who have jurisdiction to determine his guilt or innocence," it said in a statement. Ofori-Atta served as finance minister from 2017 to 2024 under former president Nana Akufo-Addo and oversaw contentious tax reforms and negotiations with the International Monetary Fund.

He faces a sprawling, 78-charge corruption case back home. Current President John Mahama has pursued a crackdown on corruption, though critics say he has unfairly targeted political enemies.

The summit of the G7 group of world powers notably brought Zelensky face-to-face with Trump, who has sought to reach out to Russian President Vladimir Putin but also showed signs of losing patience with Moscow. "Leaders decided today to increase the pressure on Russia through sanctions on gas and oil," a French diplomatic source said after the talks.

The leaders also agreed there "is a dynamic on the ground that benefits Ukraine", added the source, who asked not to be named. Host President Emmanuel Macron has invited Zelensky to stay until the end of the three-day summit on Wednesday so that he can meet Trump and the other G7 leaders. European leaders will be keen to remind Trump of the importance of pushing Russia to accept peace on Ukraine's terms, and not pressure Kyiv into making concessions to Moscow.

"Russia should make a deal" to end the war against Ukraine, Trump said after meeting Zelensky. He pointed to the high casualties on both sides in the conflict, the deadliest on European soil since World War II. "The whole thing is ridiculous. So, yeah, I'm going to do whatever I can," Trump added. Zelensky said in a post on X after meeting G7 leaders that Ukraine's priorities were "clear", including increasing the number of air defence missiles, a winter support package and strengthening pressure on Russia.

"It's great that everybody understands that Russia is not winning, and we have to push Putin to end this war," the Ukrainian leader said at a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Zelensky had Monday urged a "decisive and substantive" response from the G7 leaders after the latest wave of Russian strikes, which killed at least 11 people and sparked a fire at a landmark Kyiv cathedral. He revealed Putin had rejected an offer of a meeting at the G7 but said he had also suggested to Trump that he could meet Putin in the United States.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the United Kingdom is imposing a raft of new sanctions against Russia, including on tankers that transport LNG, in a bid to pressure Moscow into halting the war against Ukraine. "Working with our G7 allies, we will continue to increase the pressure on Putin and his circle of collaborators until Russia's war machine is brought to a halt and peace returns to our continent," said Starmer.

Carney meanwhile said Canada was announcing new sanctions against 160 entities linked to Russia's so-called shadow fleet, used to dodge Western sanctions on Russian fossil fuels and other goods. Iran remains a key topic at the summit, with allies eager to question Trump over his deal with the Islamic republic to end the Middle East war.

Trump said the United States was under "no obligation" to invest in Iran after the deal, adding that its main focus was that Iran would not acquire a nuclear weapon and that "all hell" would "rain down" on the country if it did. After former supreme leader Ali Khamenei was killed on the first day of the war on February 28, Trump described the new leadership in Tehran as "very rational people" who were "nice to deal with" and "not radicalised".

Trump also said he had suggested to Israel that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa should deal with Lebanon's Tehran-backed Hezbollah militia as the Israeli campaign was causing too many casualties. Sharaa "is very good with Hezbollah, does not like them", Trump said, adding that the Syrian leader -- an ex-jihadist -- is "no boy scout".

"Likely on Friday, at a location to be determined... a new round of negotiations between Iran and the United States to reach a final agreement will begin," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said. "In the final agreement, decisions will be made on the nuclear issues and the lifting of sanctions." According to Iran's deputy foreign minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi, the Islamic republic's top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf will attend the signing in Switzerland, which Bern said would take place at the luxury Burgenstock resort overlooking Lake Lucerne.

The mountainside venue "was proposed by Pakistani and Qatari mediators, as well as by the US and Iran," the Swiss foreign ministry told AFP. The US side will be represented by Vice President JD Vance, who said Trump might also attend. The developments came after Trump said an Iranian blockade on the crucial Hormuz strait oil and gas route would be fully lifted by Friday, which would be a major boost to the global economy. "Ships are starting to move, many loaded up with Oil, out of the Strait of Hormuz," Trump said Monday. Optimism over the reopening of Hormuz has sent the price of the international benchmark Brent North Sea crude tumbling below $80 a barrel, a three-month low.

The US had, in retaliation, imposed its own blockade on Iranian ports. Iranian state television said Iranian oil tankers and other vessels had resumed shipping following the deal, with Takht-Ravanchi saying ths US blockade "has been lifted prior to the formal signing". Sporadic episodes of violence since an April ceasefire had threatened a deal, but weeks of indirect negotiations mediated by Pakistan and Qatar built momentum for an interim agreement. Yet a comprehensive agreement on Iran's nuclear ambitions and Western sanctions remains elusive. Washington and close ally Israel are pressing to strip Iran of its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, said to have been buried by US strikes last year, while Iran has insisted on its right to enrichment.

The agreed framework has however paved the way for talks on those key disputes. Asked at the G7 in France when the text would be released, Trump said: "It's a very powerful document, and I want it to be released. So probably pretty soon." Iran's ultraconservative newspaper Vatan-e Emrooz praised the agreement as a "Trump surrender document".

But Araghchi struck a more cautious note. "We have a history of broken commitments... we have a history of agreements being torn up. All of this is present in our minds," he said. A senior US administration official, however, said Trump, Vance and negotiator Ghalibaf had already signed the text electronically. In a flurry of interviews to talk up the deal, Vance said no US taxpayer money would go to Iran under the deal, as Iranian media reported $12 billion of frozen assets would be released.

Vance told NBC that nuclear inspectors would also be allowed to enter Iran. Analysts have warned that the parallel conflict in Lebanon between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah presents the biggest threat to the diplomatic thaw. Lebanon was pulled into the war in March when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel after the killing of Iran's supreme leader, prompting Israeli strikes and a ground invasion.

That theatre of the conflict could be "the biggest ultimate spoiler" of the coming negotiations, said Ross Harrison, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute. Lebanon's president and prime minister on Tuesday discussed preparations for a new round of direct talks with Israel scheduled to begin next week, seeking a permanent truce and withdrawal of Israeli troops from the country's south, according to a presidency statement.

But Israeli figures quickly condemned the US-Iran deal that included Lebanon, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged that the country's forces would remain in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria "for as long as necessary". Araghchi however said ending the war on all fronts including Lebanon was "the most important" issue in the peace deal. "Ending the war in Lebanon is an inseparable part of the complete end of the war".

"Both measures have been taken in the interest of public order, in response to the organised use of the platform by cheating rackets to defraud candidates," India's National Testing Agency (NTA) said in a statement. The National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET) is one of the country's most competitive exams, attracting more than two million aspiring doctors.

The NEET exam was scrapped in May following allegations that the question paper was leaked in advance, including reports that it had been circulated through Telegram channels. Responding to the electronics ministry's decision, Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov said the week-long ban "hasn't stopped anything" but "punishes" 150 million ordinary users of the messaging app in India and "not the insiders who leaked the exam materials". "The leaks just moved to other apps," Durov said in a post on X.

The Internet Freedom Foundation, a digital rights group, said the ban "is a disproportionate answer to exam fraud". The intense pressure to succeed in the national exams has fuelled a lucrative industry, with tens of thousands of coaching centres across the country. Fierce competition means that success often comes at a significant personal and financial cost -- creating opportunities for criminal networks seeking to sell leaked examination papers to the highest bidder.

India's Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested the "kingpin" alleged to be behind the leak, naming him as a chemistry lecturer involved in the examination process for the NTA. The education ministry launched on Monday a website where the public can report "suspicious claims, unauthorised content, or fraudulent activities" related to the NEET exam. Indian air force helicopters on Tuesday were seen readying for the delivery of the test papers, to "prevent any possibility of leak", the Press Trust of India news agency reported, broadcasting images of preparations in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.

Despite rapid economic growth, millions of people in the world's most populous nation still struggle to find stable and well-paying jobs, fuelling discontent. Students spend years preparing for exams in the hope of securing a professional career, with the pressure intensified by limited opportunities and intense competition. Indian media reported suicides of teenagers following the fiasco over the NEET exam. The NEET scandal came on top of another controversy, related to the online marking system used for tests taken by nearly two million high school students.

Many students said the system had assigned incorrect grades or issued results to the wrong candidates. Anger at the exam mishandling has been channelled by the satirical "Cockroach People's Party", which has won millions of followers on social media since its launch in May. The movement emerged after India's Chief Justice Surya Kant reportedly likened young people who criticised the government to "cockroaches" and "parasites" during a court hearing, sparking outrage among the youth. Kant later said his comments were taken out of context.

In a phone conversation ahead of the planned signing on Friday of a US-Iran memorandum of understanding to end their war, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Pakistan's Ishaq Dar that "it is foreseeable that, compared with the first stage, the second stage of negotiations will be more difficult".

Wang added that the United Nations Security Council "should also play a greater role" in supporting these talks, according to a statement from Beijing's foreign ministry.

"The current consensus is far from the final destination, rather it is a new starting point," Wang said.

"Achieving lasting peace in the Middle East and Gulf region still requires unremitting efforts from all parties," Wang said, adding that China was willing to work with Pakistan to promote peace.

"You have transformed the only effective glimmer of hope in ending the Israeli-American aggression on Lebanon into a reality that has proved to the world that Iran is the champion of truth and the resistance," he said, according to the message published by Hezbollah. "We have always said that Iran has given Hezbollah, the resistance and the Lebanese people everything, and has taken nothing in return. It has supported us in our choices and strengthened us to liberate our land," he added.

Hezbollah drew Lebanon into the Middle East war on March 2 with rocket fire at Israel to avenge the killing of Iran's supreme leader in US-Israeli strikes. Israel responded with a massive campaign of airstrikes and a ground invasion that Lebanese authorities say has killed more than 3,800 people. Qassem is due to make a televised address on Wednesday.

“We must change our mindset of revenge,” he said while exchanging views with journalists covering the BNP beat at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in the city this afternoon.

The Prime Minister added: “Let’s try to change our way of thinking. Whatever happened to me in the past cannot be undone through revenge. Instead of dwelling on retaliation, we should think about what we can do for the country. Whether we succeed or not comes later-we should move forward with a mindset of serving the nation.”

Tarique Rahman, also ruling BNP chairman, reiterated his government's commitment to press freedom, saying, “The BNP government has repeatedly demonstrated that it has no hostility with the media. Therefore, the current government wants to ensure the freedom of the mass media. Government can make mistakes, let constructive discussions happen.”

Referring to June 16 as a significant day for Bangladesh’s newspaper industry, the Prime Minister said, “Today is an important day for the country’s media sector. On this day, all newspapers were once shut down except only four. From there, today, we are talking to so many journalist brothers.”

He said this reflected the restoration of press freedom that had once been curtailed.

“The restrictions imposed on the press at that time no longer exist. We witnessed a period when all newspapers except four were closed, and a single-party named BAKSAL was formed abolishing all political parties,” said Tarique Rahman.

He noted that after assuming responsibility for the country, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman restored multiparty democracy and removed restrictions on the media.

June 16 is observed in Bangladesh as the “Black Day for Newspapers”. On this day in 1975, the then BAKSAL government revoked the declarations and publication rights of all newspapers except four state-backed publications. Since then journalists and media workers have been observing the day as the “Black Day for Newspapers”.

Seeking cooperation from the media, the Prime Minister told journalists, “You can help me greatly. The government alone cannot do everything. I need your support. Without your cooperation, I could not know whether our work is progressing in the right direction or not.”

“With everyone's cooperation, we will at least be able to understand whether the work is going well or not. Or you can show the way to do good work. We all should come forward to serve the country. I seek this cooperation from you. If you cooperate, my work will be easy,” he continued.

Highlighting the growing challenge of drug abuse among youth, Tarique Rahman stressed the importance of nationwide sports, cultural activities, and innovation competitions as tools to address the issue.

“One of the major challenges facing our younger generation today is drugs. While the problem exists globally, its impact here is alarming. But the question is, how many people will we arrest, how many will we treat or counsel? We have a limited capacity and resources. So, we must find alternative ways to solve this problem,” he said.

Emphasizing the importance of nurturing future generations, Tarique Rahman said that young people aged 15 to 25 possess tremendous physical and mental energy that should be directed toward positive activities.

“Sports and cultural engagement are among the best ways to channel that energy. Unfortunately, there is a severe shortage of playgrounds across the country, including in Dhaka,” he added.

The Prime Minister referred to several government initiatives aimed at harnessing this energy of the youth, saying, “We have already launched the ‘Notun Kuri sports’ and cultural competition.”
“About 22 lakh boys and girls from across the country participated in an education division event that concluded recently. Children from all families, regardless of party or ideology, have joined in. But unfortunately, such a large-scale initiative did not receive the media attention it deserved,” he continued.

Beyond sports, the premier stressed the need to organize innovation fairs and science fairs at district and divisional levels to encourage creativity and scientific thinking among young people.

He also questioned why cultural and debate competitions are not held throughout the year in educational institutions rather than being limited to special occasions such as Victory Day or International Mother Language Day. These practices must be continued throughout the year to return the youth to a healthy lifestyle, said the Prime Minister.

Underscoring the need to address moral decline and restore social values among young people, Tarique Rahman said, “Nowadays, we see a living animal being beaten to death and 10 people capturing video of it through their mobile phones. This is an abnormal mentality.” 
“We have to increase the practice of social and religious values right from the school level. The ministry of information has been instructed to conduct an awareness campaign on this issue,” he added.

Replying to a question from a journalist, the Prime Minister said that he is feeling ‘huge pressure’ in his role as the head of the government. 

“Here, a (journalist) said in his speech that he is going to different places after the elections and he saw happiness in people's eyes and faces. I think I have seen the same thing. But even after that, I definitely feel a pressure of responsibility. Because, there are a lot of problems and limitations here,” he said. 

At the same time, the expectations of people from different classes and professions are very high, the premier said, adding, “So I feel an impossible pressure in my role.”

Citing President Ziaur Rahman, Tarique Rahman said, “A few days ago, when I was going home from the office, I was telling those in the car with me that my father once told one of his colleagues that if the day had 48 hours, we could have done a little better.”

“Like my father, I was saying one day recently that I also think that if it had been 48 hours, rather than 24 hours, it would have been a little bit better,” he added.

Sharing his jail experiences, the Prime Minister said, “I came from prison, where I was physically and mentally tortured. If I get an X-ray to prove that I was physically tortured, it would probably show that one bone of my back is still a little misaligned.”

“But if I now blame those who are responsible for this, if I blame someone for doing this, my bone will not get healed . . . so instead of thinking about the damage that has been done, we should think about the welfare of the country,” he added.

Addressing journalists, Tarique Rahman said, “I am requesting you to please convey this message to my party leaders and activists.”

Before the discussion session, the Prime Minister attended a luncheon with journalists where he engaged in informal and open conversations with them.

Deputy Press Secretary Jahidul Islam Rony moderated the programme.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon, State Minister Yasser Khan Choudhury, Prime Minister's Adviser Mahdi Amin, Press Secretary AAM Saleh Shibly, Speech Writer Mahfuzur Rahman, Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon, Deputy Press Secretaries Mostafa Zulfiquar Hasan (Hasan Shiplu), Md Suzauddhowla and Shahadat Hossain Shadhin were present at the event.

Bangladesh secured the ODI series 2-1 after outplaying Australia for much of the three-match contest. While the triumph marked Bangladesh's maiden ODI series victory over the Australians, they had previously enjoyed success against them in T20 cricket. Of the 11 T20 Internationals played between the two sides, Bangladesh have won four, all of which came during their memorable 4-1 series victory in Mirpur in 2021, the last T20I series contested between the teams.

Despite concerns over batting depth, Bangladesh captain Liton Das pinned hopes on the side's strong pace-bowling resources ahead of the series. The hosts possess an impressive pace attack featuring Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam and emerging fast bowler Abdul Gaffar Saqlain. Except for Gaffar, all were part of the ODI squad and played key roles in Bangladesh's successful campaign against Australia. "It is good that the pace bowling is very strong. You can play anyone in the best XI. It is a good competition.

It is also good for the Bangladesh team that the bench is getting stronger," Liton said. Liton said the confidence to expect for another series victory stemmed from their ODI series win. "Not only did we win the series, we played very good cricket in all three matches. This is an added bonus. Of course, the format is different, our team is different, their team is also different." "One good thing is that most of our players have played in ODIs. Everyone has confidence. But we have to play very good cricket on a certain day," he said. Australia, meanwhile, avoided a series whitewash with a hard-fought one- wicket victory in the third ODI after losing the opening two matches.

The visitors have been boosted by the return of regular captain Mitchell Marsh, who missed the ODI series due to an ankle injury. Australia have also included all-rounder Nikhil Chaudhary in their T20 squad. If selected in the playing XI, he could become the first Indian-born male cricketer to represent Australia in more than six decades. Chaudhary was brought into the squad amid the continued absence of Travis Head, who has been granted personal leave after initially being named in Australia's limited-overs squads for the Bangladesh tour.

Squad Bangladesh: Liton Das (Captain), Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Saif Hassan, Shamim Patwari, Towhid Hridoy (Vice Captain), Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Abdul Gaffar Saqlain and Soumya Sarkar Australia: Mitchell Marsh(c), Xavier Bartlett, Nikhil Chaudhary, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Joel Davies, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Matthew Kuhnemann, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, Matthew Renshaw and Adam Zampa.

Zahed Ur Rahman said the government is giving special importance to expanding medical facilities at the district and upazila levels to make the country's healthcare system more effective and people-friendly. He said Intensive Care Unit (ICU) services have recently been inaugurated in 10 district hospitals of the country. Under a project, implemented by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and funded by the World Bank, modern medical equipment has been installed in hospitals, he added.

"We have not only launched ICUs, but also arranged special pediatric ventilators and oxygen concentrators for children in each unit," the information adviser said. "This is an important step in ensuring improved healthcare services at the district level," he added. The adviser said the government is considering the decentralisation of healthcare sector with great importance. Initiatives have already been taken to upgrade the upazila hospitals to 101 beds in phases, Zahed Ur Rahman said. 

As a result, he said, the general people will not have to rush to the capital or divisional cities for treatment. "Many people think that this initiative is being taken to reduce the pressure on Dhaka. It is not just that. The main goal is for a common citizen to get fast and quality medical services in his own area," he said. He said when a poor or lower-middle person comes to Dhaka for treatment, the medical expenses, travel cost, accommodation and accompanying relatives create additional pressure on him. "We want to reduce that suffering."

Zahed Ur Rahman also said in the medical field, quick decisions and immediate treatment are very important to save lives, so ensuring improved healthcare at the local level is one of the government's priorities. At the press conference, he also highlighted a new pilot project aimed at bringing healthcare to people's doorsteps. He said this programme was recently inaugurated in Monohardi Upazila of Narsingdi.

Under this project, trained health workers will directly visit people's homes to provide primary healthcare, he said. After assessing the patient's physical condition, he/she will be referred to the concerned hospital or specialised health center if necessary, the information adviser said. "This is a very important initiative. Many people in our society do not give importance to the early signs of the disease," he said.

"As a result, the disease becomes complex. Then the medical expenses increase, the patient's suffering increases and additional pressure is created on the overall health system. We want to identify the disease at the initial stage and take necessary measures," Zahed Ur Rahman said. He said the government's health policy is now not limited to treating the disease only; rather, equal importance is being given to preventive healthcare.

The adviser said the government is working to build a healthy population by increasing awareness among the people, identifying the disease at the initial stage and ensuring prompt treatment. He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has spoken about the importance of preventive healthcare on several occasions. When the state takes responsibility for the healthcare of the people, one of its goals should be to identify the disease as soon as possible and ensure necessary treatment, Zahed Ur Rahman said. "We are working towards that goal."

He said the government is taking a strict stance against irregularities and mismanagement in the health sector. The adviser said necessary measures are being taken to ensure public trust and security and the institutions concerned are being held accountable for improving the quality of healthcare. He said the government is also working on infrastructure development, increasing manpower, adding modern medical technology and expanding the scope of services at the local level so that every citizen of the country can get easy, fast and quality medical services.

Zahed Ur Rahman hoped that through the ongoing initiatives of the government, healthcare will become more people-oriented and the marginalised people of the country will also get access to better healthcare. He said all the institutions concerned are working in a coordinated manner to implement the goal set by the government of delivering healthcare at the doorsteps of the people. 

The information minister made the remarks while speaking as a special speaker at a discussion titled ‘Black Day of Newspapers’ organised at Jatiya Press Club in the capital. Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) organised the discussion.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir spoke at the meeting as the chief guest with DUJ President Md Shahidul Islam in the chair. DUJ Acting General Secretary Didarul Alam Didar moderated the event, and BFUJ Secretary General Quader Gani Chowdhury presented the keynote address. Drawing on the historical context, Swapon said by incorporating the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution in January 1975, the original spirit of the great War of Liberation was destroyed and a one-party rule was established. 

He said the dictatorial rulers understood that to prevent the voice and anger of the people, the media would have to be strangled; otherwise, they would not be saved and that is why they officially killed the voice of the newspapers on June 16, 1975. "We need to read the biography of this virus of fascism that escaped in the past well, which will act as an 'antivirus' against any dictatorial mentality hidden in our own minds," he said.

Highlighting the current character of information technology, Swapon said 50 years ago, there was only the printed media but now artificial intelligence (AI) is constantly producing distorted information from home and it is being spread 24 hours a day through social media. Giving examples of the misuse of current technology, he said: "We need to understand and solve the technological crisis of artificial intelligence. Beyond this, there is no room for denying the reality of 'citizen journalism' spreading around the world, but rather it needs to be structured." 

He also mentioned that Australia, the United Kingdom and the European Union (EU) have already enacted new laws to this end. The minister said no matter how much freedom the government provides, if media owners do not provide freedom and proper salaries and allowances and do not provide a dignified environment, journalists will not be able to be independent. 

The state must ensure the professional financial security and social status of journalists, he said. Swapon warned that the media that claims to be an 'industrial institution' must be operated according to the existing laws of the country.  “At the same time, 100 percent security of employees must be ensured. However, the state will provide special incentives and cooperation to media that are only engaged in public welfare outside the profit-based industry,” he said.

The information minister said the government has already exchanged views with all stakeholders, including the Editors Council and the Television Association. “Very soon, a strong 'Media Commission' with quasi-judicial powers will be formed, which will be the most powerful institution in post-fascist Bangladesh,” he said. Swapon said to implement the promise of media freedom, it is necessary to have a high-level important 'policy-making forum' within the government, which will guide the Ministry of Information regularly. 

He said if the media can always keep the state facing questions through the right policy, then the state and the government will not be able to make any mistakes and the country will move forward on the right path. Among others, the discussion was addressed by Jatiya Press Club President  Hasan afiz, Television Editors Council Convener and Bangla Vision Editor-in-Chief Dr Abdul Hai Siddique, Pratidin Bangladesh Editor and prominent journalist Maruf Kamal Khan Sohel.

Besides, BFUJ Vice Presidents Khairul Bashar and AKM Mohsin, Assistant Secretary General Dr Sadiqul Islam, Publicity Secretary Shahjahan Saju, Organising Secretary Erfanul Haque Nahid and leaders of journalist organisations also spoke at the event. 

"These media outlets have historical and traditional values. Therefore, they should be reorganised to create new employment opportunities," he said. Mirza Fakhrul, also BNP Secretary General, made the remarks while addressing a discussion as the chief guest marking the "Black Day of Newspapers" at the Tofazzal Hossain Manik Miah Auditorium of the National Press Club in the capital this afternoon.

The Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and the Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) jointly organised the discussion. Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon also spoke at the event as a special speaker. With DUJ President Md Shahidul Islam in the chair, Acting General Secretary Didarul Alam Didar moderated the discussion, while BFUJ Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury presented the keynote paper.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said although many aspects of society and technology have changed over time, adequate employment opportunities for all journalists have not been created, which is extremely unfortunate. "We have a competent information minister. I hope he will take necessary state initiatives to relaunch these traditionally important closed media houses," he said.

He also called for creating new media platforms, if necessary with the involvement of stakeholders, to ensure the livelihoods of journalists. Criticising the political history of the Awami League, the BNP secretary general said a review of history shows that the Awami League and democracy never go together. It did not happen during the one-party BAKSAL rule in 1975, and it was again proven during the terrible fascist misrule of the past 15 years.

Mentioning that no joint or comprehensive book documenting of the dreadful misrule of the last 15 years has yet been published, he urged journalists and researchers to work quickly on the issue and requested the information minister to oversee the matter. Highlighting that an environment is being created to protect media freedom during the tenure of the incumbent government, Mirza Fakhrul said that while the government is making efforts, some owners of corporate media houses are continuing to oppress journalists unjustly.

Presenting his party's perspective, the Secretary General said BNP is not a revolutionary party; rather it is a liberal democratic party and BNP always practises politics that tolerates differing opinions. As a result, it is the safest political party in the country where journalists and professionals from other sectors can always remain completely safe, he said, adding that whenever BNP came to power in the past, incidents of repression against journalists were the lowest in the country.

He said the dark chapter of newspaper closures that began on June 16, 1975, must never return to the country, and ensuring this remains the responsibility of the present generation. Among others, National Press Club President Poet Hasan Hafiz, Television Editors' Council Convener and Bangla Vision Editor-in-Chief Dr Abdul Hai Siddique, and Protidiner Bangladesh Editor and veteran journalist Maruf Kamal Khan Sohel addressed the discussion.

BFUJ Vice-Presidents Khairul Bashar and AKM Mohsin, Assistant Secretary General Dr Sadikul Islam, Publicity Secretary Shahjahan Saju, Organising Secretary Erfanul Haque Nahid, and leaders of different journalists' organisations also spoke at the programme.

The approval came from the 13th ECNEC meeting of the current fiscal year (FY26) held at the Cabinet Division conference room at the Bangladesh Secretariat here with ECNEC Chairperson and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in the chair.  Among the approved projects, three are new while two are revised schemes. The approved projects include one project under the Prime Minister's Office titled 'Supporting Infrastructure Project for Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone.'

Three projects under the Ministry of Water Resources were also approved. These are: Rehabilitation of Muhuri-Kahua Flood Control, Drainage and Irrigation Project in Feni District (Phase-I); Karatoya River System Development Project, and the first revised project for protecting Talbaria area under Mirpur upazila and Komorkandi area of Shilaidaha Union under Kumarkhali upazila in Kushtia district from erosion by the Padma River.

In addition, ECNEC approved the third revised project titled 'Establishment of One Technical School and College in Each of 100 Upazilas.'  The project is being implemented under the Ministry of Education. The meeting was also informed about four projects involving costs below Tk 50 crore that had already been approved by the Planning Minister. These projects are: construction of an Airmen Barrack Complex at Bangladesh Air Force Base Cox's Bazar; establishment of Navy School and College at Savar; construction of physical infrastructure for improving educational standards and teaching capacity at BAF Shaheen College under Bangladesh Air Force Station Shamshernagar; and the fourth phase of the Pagoda-based Pre-primary and Tripitaka Education Programme.

The meeting was attended by Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury; LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir; Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman; Industries, Textiles and Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir; Road Transport, Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam; Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed; Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milon; Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee; State Minister for Planning Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki and senior government officials.

State Minister for Planning Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki disclosed the information while briefing reporters at NEC Conference room in the city following the ECNEC meeting held at the Cabinet Division in the city. The ECNEC approved the "Supporting Infrastructure Project for Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone" at an estimated cost of Tk 4,189.4597 crore, aimed at accelerating industrialization and attracting foreign investment.

Of the total project cost of Tk 4,189.4597 crore, the government will provide Tk 1,722.1985 crore, while Tk 2,467.2612 crore will come from project loans and grants. During the review of the project proposal, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to strengthen environmental safeguards and instructed the implementing agencies to incorporate several key measures before execution. He directed the establishment of a full-fledged waste management system to ensure that all industrial waste is handled in accordance with modern environmental standards and protocols.

The Prime Minister also ordered the installation of an advanced Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP), stressing that the treated water must be reusable after purification. He instructed officials to address shortcomings in the original proposal and ensure that no environmental gaps remain in the project design. In addition, he made the integration of solar-based renewable energy a mandatory component of the project.

He directed that solar panels be installed across the industrial zone to promote the use of clean and sustainable energy. The State Minister for Planning said the project has been approved subject to the incorporation of the Prime Minister’s directives regarding waste management, advanced water treatment and reuse facilities, and renewable energy integration during the implementation phase. He added that the implementing agencies would be required to reflect these environmental and sustainability measures in the final project execution plan.

"We will have a respectful but firm discussion," Macron told French television on Monday ahead of the meeting. "Tariffs don't do anyone any good, especially tariffs between G7 countries," Macron said, calling for trade "stability". In the Post interview, Trump said he had asked Macron "not to charge American companies"."If they do, I have no choice but to charge a 100 percent tariff on all champagnes and all wines coming out  of France," he was quoted as saying.

"All he has to do is get rid of the sales tax, and he wouldn't have that kind of pressure," he said of Macron. Gabriel Picard, president of the French Federation of Wine and Spirits Exporters (FEVS), called for preserving a "balanced and constructive trade relationship between France and the United States in the interest of both economies." The dispute "concerns issues that fall outside our scope of action, even though our companies could directly suffer the consequences... This new threat is bad news for our highly export-orientated sector," Picard told AFP. The United States is the biggest importer of French wines and spirits, according to the FEVS, accounting for 21 percent of the overall export market  last year.

French and European wines exported to the United States already face a 15 percent tariff, up from an earlier 10 percent. FEVS said exports of French wines and spirits to the United States slumped by 21 percent last year.

- Repeated threats -

According to the French customs agency, the United States imported 2.9 billion euros ($3.4 billion) of wines and spirits between May 2025 and April 2026, representing 18 percent of total exports. That made it by far the biggest single market for French producers, ahead of the UK (11 percent) and Germany (six percent). Champagne and cognac accounted for 40 percent of the export values, at around 600 million euros each.

Red wines from Bordeaux were next, at 220 million euros, followed by whites from Burgundy at 170 million euros. But some French regions are especially dependent on the US market. Producers of Loire Valley whites send 45 percent of their exports to the United States and Beaujolais sends 30 percent, whereas just 16 percent of  champagne exports go to the US market. In January, Trump threatened 200 percent tariffs on French wine over France's intention to decline an invitation to join his "Board of Peace" aimed at  resolving international conflicts. Canada decided to scrap its digital services tax last year in order to salvage trade talks with the United States, following pressure from Trump.

Proponents for special taxes on big tech firms say the goal is to force them to pay taxes where they carry out business, as well as to counter tax  optimisation strategies. During his first term Trump also threatened to set tariffs on US imports of champagne and French cheese.

On June 14 alone, expatriate Bangladeshis sent home US$179.08 million through official banking channels. The steady inflow of remittances has also strengthened the country's external sector performance during the current fiscal year.

According to the data, total remittance inflows stood at US$34.30 billion during the period from July 2025 to June 14, 2026, compared with US$28.69 billion received during the corresponding period of fiscal year 2024-25. As a result, remittance earnings recorded a robust 19.54 percent growth during the current fiscal year up to June 14, 2026.

Opening the session, AmCham President Syed Mohammad Kamal welcomed several budget measures, including VAT exemption on recycled cotton, zero-percent turnover tax incentives for startups and technology-driven businesses, and continued support for renewable energy through tax exemptions and rebates. While appreciating these initiatives, he said some concerns of the business community remain unresolved and stressed the need for further tax rationalization to encourage investment, business expansion, and long-term economic development.

Delivering the keynote presentation, Chairman and CEO of Policy Exchange Bangladesh Dr. M. Masrur Reaz described the proposed FY2026-27 budget as a pragmatic effort aimed at supporting economic recovery while laying the foundation for long-term transformation. He said the budget sends positive signals for private sector-led growth through measures designed to ease business costs, promote investment, and strengthen social protection programmes.

However, Dr. Reaz noted that achieving the budget's objectives would require addressing several challenges, including the ambitious 6.5 percent GDP growth target, significant revenue mobilization requirements, persistent inflationary pressures, and vulnerabilities in the banking and energy sectors. He emphasized that effective implementation would be crucial to translating policy intentions into tangible outcomes. The panel discussion, moderated by MetLife Bangladesh Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Ala Uddin Ahmad, featured Syed Mohammad Kamal, former Standard Chartered Bank Bangladesh CEO Naser Ezaz Bijoy, Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Executive Director Dr. Fahmida Khatun, and PRAN-RFL Group Chairman and CEO Ahsan Khan Chowdhury.

Panelists identified weak revenue mobilization as a major challenge for the FY2026-27 budget, noting that revenue targets remain ambitious amid a subdued economic environment. They warned that increased government borrowing from the banking sector to finance fiscal deficits could crowd out private sector credit, raise interest rates, and limit businesses' access to financing. Such pressures, they said, could constrain investment, business expansion, and job creation, ultimately slowing economic growth. Responding to a question on inflation's impact on vulnerable groups, speakers acknowledged the government's efforts to expand social protection programmes but stressed the need for stronger governance and improved targeting mechanisms.

They observed that weaknesses in beneficiary selection often result in support reaching less needy individuals, while many vulnerable households remain excluded, reducing the effectiveness of social safety net programmes in addressing rising living costs. AmCham Bangladesh welcomed several positive measures in the proposed budget, particularly those promoting sustainability, entrepreneurship, digitalization, and renewable energy. The chamber, however, noted that several of its recommendations remain unaddressed and called for continued reforms to enhance competitiveness, strengthen investor confidence, and accelerate private sector-led economic growth.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by AmCham Treasurer Reza-Ur-Rahman Mahmud. The discussion was attended by AmCham Executive Committee members, former AmCham presidents, officials of the US Embassy, senior government representatives, business leaders, media professionals, and AmCham Executive Director Chowdhury Kaiser Mohammad Riyadh.

The central bank said that under the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual (BPM-6) accounting standard, the country's reserves were recorded at US$31.08 billion.

Officials noted that the reserve position reflects the country's external sector stability amidst ongoing global economic uncertainties.

Another team of RAB-13 from Nilphamari Camp arrested one Md Humayun Kabir, 54, of village Dakshin Rajib under Kishoreganj police station of Nilphamari with 88 pieces of Yaba tablets from the nearby Uttarpushna village at 4:35 pm on Sunday. In a separate operation, a RAB-13 team from Nilphamari Camp arrested Saiful Islam, 55, from his house in Pathanpara village under Nilphamari Sadar police station with 40 bottles of illegal ESkuf syrup at 9:15 pm on Sunday.

After filing separate cases, the elite force handed over the arrested persons and seized drugs to Pirganj, Kishoreganj and Nilphamari Sadar police stations respectively for further legal actions.

The injured were Mohammad Siraj, 42, and Mohammad Shahed, 22, both residents of Harinafari area in Pekua municipality, Pakhi Begum, 55, wife of deceased Hasan Ali and their son Mohammad Ramim, 10. According to eyewitnesses, the Chattogram-bound auto-rickshaw reached the Toitong Bazar area when it collided head-on with a bus. The impact left the auto-rickshaw severely mangled and critically injured all its passengers.

Local residents rescued the victims and took them to Pekua Upazila Health Complex. Doctors on duty referred two critically injured passengers to Chattogram Medical College Hospital, where they succumbed to their injuries. Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Mehedi Hasan of Pekua Police Station confirmed the matter and said further investigation into the incident is underway.

He placed special emphasis on making the city fully livable for its citizens. Outlining his main goals, he said Rajshahi will be shaped in such a way that the people of this city can live in comfort and breathe freely. The new chairman expressed his determination to ensure that people can get services very easily and find joy in participating in development work. 

Announcing a 'zero tolerance' policy against corruption, he said all forms of corruption will be uprooted from society and the institution. He called on the general public and journalists to submit specific complaints about who committed what kind of irregularities or corruption in the past. Earlier, Abul Kalam Azad Sweet officially assumed his duties by signing the documents. Later, he planted a tree sapling on the RDA office premises.

During the visit, Manju inspected the Narkelbaria Canal, Khetrakhali Canal and Matiakhali Canal in Ward No. 31, the Gora Canal in Ward No. 30, and Sluice Gates No. 2 and 3 in Ward No. 22. He directed the concerned officials to remove waste materials and water hyacinths from the canals on an urgent basis to ensure smooth water flow and  improve drainage capacity.

Among others, KCC Chief Executive Officer Rajib Ahmed, Executive Engineer Sheikh Md. Masud Karim, Chief Waste Management Officer Engineer Md. Anisur  Rahman, Ward No. 31 Officer-in-Charge Sheikh Shafiqul Hasan Didar, social workers Afsar Uddin Master, Aslam Hossain, Nazmul Hasan Nasim and Sakhawat  Hossain, as well as local dignitaries, were present during the inspection. 

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Prime Minister's Press Secretary AAM Saleh Shibly said the premier underlined the need for focusing economy, social issues, and humanitarian values instead of talking about politics all the time everywhere. Shibly said Tarique Rahman highlighted the erosion of social sensitivity, noting that people often record incidents on video instead of helping victims. 

Referring to incidents like a dog was being beaten or a person was being killed, the premier said instead of intervening, people were seen simply filming the incidents. “We need to revive our sense of humanity and social responsibility. Journalists have an important role to play in this regard,” he added.

According to Saleh Shibly, the prime minister listened to the views and concerns of media representatives and expressed his intention to maintain regular engagement with the media in the future. Abdul Hai Siddiqui of Bangla Vision, Zubayer Babu of Somoy TV, Loton Ekram of DBC News, Rashedul Haque of Mohona Television, Shafik Ahmed of Ekattor TV, Gausul Azam Bipu of GTV, Mohiuddin of Desh TV, Shariful Islam of News24, Zahirul Alam of Channel 24, Fahim Ahmed of Jamuna TV, Irfanul Haque Nahid of Nagorik TV, Ilias Hossain of RTV, and M.M. Badsha of Bangla TV, among others, also spoke.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon and Prime Minister’s Press Secretary AAM Saleh Shibly also addressed the meeting. State Minister for Information Yaser Khan Chowdhury, Prime Minister’s advisers Zahed Ur Rahman and Mahadi Amin, Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman and Prime Minister’s Speech Writer Mahfuzur Rahman were present. The prime minister later hosted a luncheon for the senior media officials.

The US and Iran said they reached a deal to end the war on all fronts including Lebanon, and to reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz, though they offered little indication on the thorny question of Tehran's nuclear programme.

"Egypt welcomes the agreement reached between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, considering it a highly significant development that will restore security and stability at both the regional and international levels," Cairo's foreign ministry said.

Egypt, it said, "hopes that this agreement will constitute a major turning point toward strengthening mutual trust, laying new foundations for cooperation, creating a supportive environment for peace and advancing diplomatic efforts aimed at addressing remaining regional issues".

"Today, the world has seen a historic step towards peace. After the darkness of war, the sun of peace has risen," Sharif told Pakistani lawmakers after earlier announcing the deal would be signed in Geneva on June 19.

"China welcomes the agreement... and expresses appreciation for the mediation efforts made by Pakistan," foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a news briefing, adding that Beijing hopes the deal would be signed as scheduled. China "hopes that safe and free passage through the strait will be restored as soon as possible", Lin added.

The air force said Moscow had launched 70 missiles and 611 drones, mainly targeting the capital, adding that Ukrainian air defence units had downed 50 missiles and 582 drones.

Trump then took his place on the South Lawn, beside the mesh-fenced cage called the Octagon where 14 fighters will beat each other bloody in the first professional sporting event ever held at the White House. He was cageside as the first fighter, Brazil's Diego Lopes, won by a knockout. The icing on the cake for the birthday festivities of the oldest US president ever to take office had come earlier as he said a peace deal with Iran was now "complete." But there could still be rain on Trump's parade, with thunderstorms over Washington causing at least a one delay to the $60 million mixed martial arts tournament.

The "UFC Freedom 250" event is linked to this year's festivities for the 250th anniversary of US independence -- but it also happens to fall not only on the US public holiday of Flag Day, but on the same day that Trump enters his ninth decade. Critics have derided the cage fight, saying it is a tacky debasement of the White House by a president who has repeatedly shattered norms during his time in power.

Billionaire Trump has also faced criticism for staging the event amid a war with Iran that has sent global energy prices soaring and caused a major knock-on effect for US consumers. But fans gathered to watch the violent extravaganza on a giant screen on the Ellipse outside the White House defended the event. "I do think maybe it's like a little bit of selfishness, but he is the leader, so he has a say," Nyles Rife, a 35-year-old sports performance coach from Virginia, told AFP. "If I was a president, if I were to have a UFC event on my birthday, and it fell on the 250th anniversary/Flag day, I'd do the same. Why not?"

Mark Toone, a 50-year-old US Marine Corps veteran, said the fight was "totally emblematic and representative of American culture." "I think that it's unfortunate that the opposition is spreading lots of lies and untruths about this event," he said. The billionaire president -- who has deep ties with a sport whose young male fans reflect his own political base -- has defended the UFC event as a unique spectacle.

"This is going to be an event you're really gonna like," Trump said as he hosted some of the muscle-bound fighters in the Oval Office in May. The White House says the UFC is bearing the entire cost. But there has also been criticism of the commercialization of the event in the home of American democracy, with sponsors including Bud Light beer and betting market Polymarket having their logos emblazoned on the Octagon.

The fight is also being broadcast exclusively by Paramount, the US broadcaster run by Trump ally David Ellison. The macho spectacle has meanwhile distracted from questions about Trump's health as he ages. Trump loves to compare his virility to Democratic predecessor Joe Biden, who also turned 80 in office, but was forced to drop his bid for a second term after a disastrous debate with the Republican. But from bruised hands to a vein condition in his legs and apparent sleepiness in meetings, Trump has also had a number of issues, even though his doctor says he's in excellent health.

Trump admitted that he was "not happy about that birthday that I'm having," in a video posted by one of his officials this week. "It's not a number I like, but I'm here nevertheless." For his last birthday, Trump oversaw an unprecedented military parade in Washington, marking the 250th anniversary of the US army.

"In the ensuing chaos, the officer involved mistakenly assessed that the suspects were attempting to flee in the victims' vehicle and discharged his weapon," said the Punjab Police's Crime Control Department in a statement on Sunday. "This erroneous decision resulted in the tragic death of 10-year-old Hania and injuries to her father and brother," it added.

Punjab police said they had registered a criminal complaint from the victim's father and had arrested the officer involved, who appeared before a court and was remanded in custody. Australian media reported the family, from the western city of Perth, were visiting relatives in Pakistan when the incident took place.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese -- who said the child killed was nine years old -- told journalists that his government "expects there to be transparency and a proper investigation of these circumstances." "My understanding is that not only has a young girl lost her life but there have been other members of the family injured as well in circumstances which are dire indeed," he said.

Australia's foreign affairs ministry said it was providing assistance to the family of an Australian citizen who been killed and two others injured. Punjab Police said it was conducting "a thorough, impartial investigation to ensure that justice is served." "We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. While our personnel operate in high-risk environments, there is no justification for a departure from our protocols," it added.

The kingdom welcomed "the agreement reached between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran to end military operations and initiate detailed negotiations within 60 days to reach a permanent agreement," the ministry of foreign affairs said in a statement on social media.

It also insisted that a lasting peace deal would be one "that takes into consideration the security interests of regional states, sticking to the principle of non-interference in the interior affairs of other countries".

France is keen to expand the reach of the G7 beyond its membership of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. President Volodymyr Zelensky will arrive Tuesday for a session on Ukraine, while Arab leaders including Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi will be there to discuss Iran. The leaders of Brazil, Egypt, India, Kenya and South Korea are also attending.

After the announcement on the eve of the summit of the US-Iran agreement to end the war, Macron said G7 leaders would on Monday discuss its hoped-for "consequences", including the long-term reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Beyond politics, Sam Altman, the head of artificial intelligence giant OpenAI, Anthropic chief Dario Amodei and Arthur Mensch of their European rival Mistral AI, will attend a lunch on Wednesday on protecting minors in the digital sphere.

A vast security lockdown is in place, mobilising thousands of police and troops, an operation that extends to neighbouring Switzerland on the other side of the lake. On Sunday, police and people protesting the G7 summit clashed in the Swiss city of Geneva. Protesters threw bottles, stones, pieces of cement and firecrackers near the United Nations headquarters at the police, who responded with tear gas and water cannons.

Trump arrives Monday fresh from his 80th birthday the day before, which included mixed martial arts fights on the White House lawn -- an event that forced France to shift the dates of the entire summit. Against the backdrop of the placid sheen of Lake Geneva in the hometown of the Evian water brand, the other G7 leaders will seek to find common ground with Trump after a sometimes stormy year for Transatlantic ties. The G7 leaders are impatient to see the Strait of Hormuz reopened and an easing in the global pricing pressure.

"The aim will be to see the consequences of this agreement, support for Lebanon, the lasting reopening of Hormuz and of course the concluding of an accord on nuclear and ballistic activities in Iran," Macron said. "We will also look at the ways and means of diversifying energy routes from the region, to get away from our dependence," he added. The European leaders and Canada will also be keen to remind Trump of the importance of pushing Russia to accept a peace on Ukraine's terms, more than four years after the invasion of its neighbour.

Zelensky said on Sunday he would be meeting with Trump to discuss "good ideas that could help advance peace and protect lives". Trump's G7 stay will begin with talks with Macron on Monday from 1500 GMT, followed by a working dinner with all the participants. Unusually, he is to extend his stay in France by dining with Macron at the Palace of Versailles outside Paris on Wednesday after the G7 finishes. For Macron, the summit will be one of his last chances to burnish his international standing and promote his cherished idea of European strategic autonomy before he leaves office next year.

In contrast, Britain's beleaguered leader Prime Minister Keir Starmer will be attending days after his hitherto loyal defence minister resigned over military spending. He also faces the possible return to parliament of a rival who may seek to oust him. China, as so often at G7 meetings, will be conspicuous by its absence. But leaders will discuss issues including Beijing's dominance and control in the market for rare earth minerals used in everyday electronic appliances.

Despite their proud record in the competition, Germany have struggled in recent editions and this was the first time they had won their first opening match at a World Cup since they lifted the trophy in 2014. "It took us a few minutes to get back into the game after they equalized. Curacao can play football too, as we saw, and I'm curious to see how they'll fare in the group going forward," said Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann. "I'm very satisfied with us scoring seven goals and our performance for the most part. A winning start is always important and we're glad we managed it," he added.

Curacao will hope they can get more out of their remaining Group E games against Ecuador and Ivory Coast. "It is not embarrassing to lose like that against such a team," said their 78-year-old Dutch coach Dick Advocaat. In other games on Sunday, Japan fought back twice to seal a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands.

Skipper Virgil van Dijk had put the Dutch ahead with a fine header at the home of the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, only for Keito Nakamura to quickly level, before winger Crysencio Summerville's sumptuous curled finish into the bottom corner just after the hour. Japan earned a point with an 89th-minute deflected equalizer attributed to Daichi Kamada. In Philadelphia, a last-gasp 90th-minute goal from Manchester United's Amad Diallo gave Ivory Coast a precious 1-0 victory over Ecuador in Group E.

An entertaining battle between two evenly matched sides looked to be heading for a draw until Diallo popped up to side-foot home a finish from Wilfried Singo's low cross. In the late game on Sunday, Sweden face Tunisia in Group F. Off the field, all eyes turned to Los Angeles where Iran's footballers finally arrived on US soil after months of uncertainty in the build-up to the tournament following the United States and Israel's military assault on the Islamic Republic.

Iran, who relocated their team training camp to Tijuana in Mexico from Arizona due to diplomatic wrangling, take on New Zealand in Group G on Monday. The Iran team has had to leave some of its support team in Tijuana after the US refused to grant visas to administrative and management staff. At an eve-of-game press conference that got under way just over an hour after Tehran and Washington announced a peace deal to end the conflict, Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said political tensions and visa issues had hampered his team's World Cup preparations.

But Ghalenoei insisted his players would not "pay attention to any of the hype." Protests are planned outside the SoFi Stadium on Monday by members of the Iranian diaspora opposed to the nation's hardline regime, and there have been threats that the Iran team could walk off the pitch if anti-government banners are displayed. "We are here to perform a good match, a high-quality match. We don't pay attention to any of the hype and anything that goes on around us," Ghalenoei said in a press conference in response to a question from AFP.

"Naturally, all teams have their own problems, and in many countries, many things happen that have nothing to do with football." The coach said his team are simply at the World Cup to "represent the respectful people of Iran, be it the Iranians inside Iran or the Iranian diaspora." "We are not political people... football is separate from politics," said Ghalenoei. 

The former Liverpool captain said the Real Madrid star had made huge progress since his international debut as a 17-year-old in 2020. "How much he's grown as a player and as a person since then is incredible, really," said Henderson. "I had a good idea when I first saw him playing and training and the way he was. But what he's done so far at such a young age, I think everybody forgets how young he is, even me really sometimes."

The Brentford player added: "I honestly couldn't speak highly enough of him. I know a lot gets written in the media. I find it hard to read sometimes, really, because I just know how big an influence he is on this team, how good a teammate he is off the field. "And what he gives us is just something really special, really. I think he really gives us the X factor in our team. "He's had big moments in his career. He's a big-game player. He's got experience in tournaments. So he's a huge, huge player for us in this tournament."

Henderson, speaking a day after England arrived at their World Cup base in the Midwest, also spoke highly of Tuchel. The German, who has managed a string of top clubs including Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, took charge at the beginning of last year with a brief to win England's first World Cup since 1966. "I feel as though in the space of maybe just over a year, year-and-a-half he's changed quite a bit to be honest and created a really good environment, really good culture with the group," said Henderson. "But then it's up to the players to then lead that and take that forward, which I feel as though we have done and it's just about building that now.

"We've got a lot in the bank, how well we've worked over the past year or so to get to this point." England face a stiff test against Croatia in their Group L opener in Arlington, Texas, on Wednesday, before matches against Ghana and Panama. Henderson, 35, picked out the threat of fellow veteran Luka Modric, who is 40.

"For me, he's probably the best I've played against in my career midfield-wise," he said of the AC Milan man. "I think his career speaks for itself. "I think he's a top world-class player, so hard to play against... I'm a big, big fan of his and hopefully he doesn't perform as well as we know he can against us."

It is Ivory Coast's first win at a World Cup in exactly 12 years, since they beat Japan in Brazil in 2014, and they can now be confident of making the knockout phase at the tournament for the first time. It was a disappointing way to start for Ecuador, who had the majority of the 68,274 crowd at the packed Philadelphia stadium kitted out in yellow and backing them. They hit the bar twice in the first half, through John Yeboah and Alan Minda, while Elye Wahi struck the same crossbar for the Ivorians after half-time.

Ivory Coast, African champions in 2024, will now hope to build on this when they play Germany in their next game in Group E in Toronto on Saturday. The Ecuadorians will look to bounce back when they head to Kansas City the same day to play Curacao, the debutant minnows who were hammered 7-1 by Germany earlier in Houston. Ecuador, coached by Argentinian Sebastian Beccacece, had a remarkable record in South American qualifying as they finished second behind Argentina.

With a defence marshalled by Paris Saint-Germain's Willian Pacho and Chelsea's Moises Caicedo patrolling the midfield, they conceded a miserly five goals in 18 qualifying games, but scored only 14. Remarkably, eight of their 18 matches ended in 0-0 draws, and six featured a single goal. Ivory Coast were nevertheless confident of causing their opponents problems with exciting young RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande a danger on the flanks and recent French-born recruit Wahi leading the line. A match watched by US rap mogul Jay-Z was cagey at times but came to life midway through the first half as the frame of the goal was rattled for the first time.

Yeboah, the former German youth international who plays in Italy's Serie B for Venezia, pounced on uncertain defending at the edge of the box and crashed a shot off Yahia Fofana's bar. The Ivory Coast goal was living a charmed life as Ecuador struck the woodwork again on the half-hour mark, Pedro Vite slipping in Minda to be denied this time. Emerse Fae's Ivorians looked dangerous intermittently, notably when Nicolas Pepe was denied by a last-ditch challenge after Diomande had raced away from Piero Hincapie.

The Elephants had never reached the World Cup knockout phase in their three previous appearances but surely knew a win here would practically secure their passage to the next round. Wahi, who finished the club season at Nice in France, turned a Diomande cross from the right onto the bar shortly after the restart. Seko Fofana forced a save from Hernan Galindez in the Ecuador goal, but the match seemed to be petering out to a goalless conclusion until the late drama. Wilfried Singo went on a rampaging run from defence down the Ivorian right, before delivering a low centre for Diallo to score with a sidefoot finish, and silence the Ecuador support.

Protests are planned outside the stadium by members of the Iranian diaspora opposed to the nation's hardline regime, and there have been threats that the Iran team could walk off the pitch if anti-government banners are displayed. "We are here to perform a good match, a high-quality match. We don't pay attention to any of the hype and anything that goes on around us," Ghalenoei said in a press conference in response to a question from AFP. "Naturally, all teams have their own problems, and in many countries, many things happen that have nothing to do with football."

The coach said his team are simply at the World Cup to "represent the respectful people of Iran, be it the Iranians inside Iran or the Iranian diaspora." "We are not political people... football is separate from politics," said Ghalenoei. The press conference took place barely an hour after a peace deal between the US and Iran was announced, bringing an "immediate and permanent" end to miltary operations on all fronts. Controversy surrounding the Iran team has drawn headlines but is far from the only political issue affecting the World Cup that the US is co-hosting with Mexico and Canada.

Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the US for the World Cup, as have been many fans. "It's not just Iran that has been impacted, as you know," said star striker Mehdi Taremi. "Others, including a referee, have been impacted." He said the tension surrounding the tournament "undermines that joy and it undermines the message of FIFA or people, which is about football that brings about peace." "I have felt the tension from the first moment we arrived at this World Cup, and whenever at any tournament there is tension, of course, we don't have the same beautiful experience that we always talk about, about peace, joy for the people of every country."

Iran was originally supposed to base their training camp in the US, but switched to Tijuana in Mexico at late notice. "We arrived late, and we didn't have enough time to adjust... it will affect us, but God willing, I know that my players are very determined to do their utmost and show the highest quality," said Ghalenoei. "Of course, our camp was changed twice, first it was in the United States, then we were transferred to Mexico and of course that impacts us," the coach added. "But we Iranians make opportunities out of hardship, and we don't think about anything other than bringing joy to our people, and we will do our utmost, and the rest is up to God the Almighty." Iran has never reached the knockout rounds of a World Cup. Their Group G also contains Belgium and Egypt.

"We've been discussing how much we want to enjoy the match and the World Cup," Bubista told a press conference. "It is an amazing opportunity to show our country to the world. We are very much happy to face Spain in the opener, this is a dream coming true." Cape Verde were one of 13 football federations to hit out at UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin on Sunday over remarks that an expanded tournament would lead to "completely uninteresting" matches. In remarks by Ceferin reportedly made before the tournament to Slovenian newspaper Delo, the UEFA chief said the expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams this year -- up from 32 in 2022 -- would dilute the quality of the competition.

"We are happy to be here, I believe it is an opportunity for teams from smaller countries to have a chance to participate and play and compete, so to us we are proud of being here," Bubista told AFP. "Our flag will be flying, that is the most important thing, among the best football nations in the world. "There is no greater joy than that because we are a small country and we will do our very best so that every Cabo Verdian may feel proud of our participation."

Spanish superstar Lamine Yamal is set to only make his World Cup debut from the bench as he is eased back into action from a hamstring injury. The Barcelona winger lit up Euro 2024 as La Roja romped to success in Germany and is hoping to make similar impact on the World Cup at just 18 years of age. "If it is the World Cup of Lamine I don't know. There are many great players from many different countries," said Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes. "We are up against one of the best teams in the world, we can just hope it is our day and get the best result possible."

"We know Ecuador is a big team. We had to be patient and wait for our opportunity and we got the goal." The West Africans are appearing at their fourth World Cup but the first since 2014. They have never made it past the group stage but are well placed to do so with games still to come against Germany and Curacao. "We haven't come here just to be part of it all. We want to make history," said Diomande. He will face some familiar faces when the Ivorians take on four-time World Cup winners Germany, packed with Bundesliga stars, in Toronto on June 20. Germany thrashed Curacao 7-1 to open their account on Sunday.

"We'll do everything we can to win the next match," said Diomande. "We know that playing against Germany is a tough game and they are one of the biggest teams in the world. We're waiting for them, but the most important thing is to stay calm and be humble." Ivory Coast coach Emerse Fae credited his side for the way in which they overcame their World Cup nerves as they rode their luck in the first half when Ecuador twice hit the bar.

"The players were a bit on edge. It was a first World Cup for everyone, so there was a bit of tension. They were afraid to take risks," said Fae, who guided the Elephants to an Africa Cup of Nations title on home soil two years ago. "We managed to hold on and dig in," he added. "In the second half we were a lot more focused... and we have attacking players who can make the difference at any moment." The loss snapped a 19-match unbeaten run for Ecuador dating back to September.

"It's difficult to start with a loss," admitted captain Enner Valencia. "This squad has a history of coming through difficult situations. This will be just another one. I'm sure we'll pull through."

"Japanese people think that when we use a certain place, we were told that you have to make that place look tidier when you leave than it was when you arrived," said the 20-year-old, clasping a beer and a couple of cups, and wearing Japan's blue shirt. "For example, at school in our classrooms we tidy it up after ourselves without our teacher telling us." Japan are appearing at their eighth straight World Cup and their fans' cleanliness has become their international calling card.

NFL quarterback Jameis Winston could even be seen joining in the clean-up after Sunday's game, wearing a blue Japan shirt with his name on the back. Japan fan Futo Hagiwara said he was proud that the behaviour of his countrymen had been recognised in a positive light. "This is our culture, that means everywhere we go we need to clean it after ourselves, it's our spiritual way, our attitude," he said.

Sociologist and philosopher Masachi Ohsawa believes a mix of social responsibility and peer pressure is behind the fans' behaviour. "While Japanese people tend not to take much interest in justice on a large scale -- issues like global inequality, conflict or climate change -- they are extremely sensitive to moral considerations on a smaller scale," he said. "When it comes to people who they share the same space with or have direct personal contact with, they feel a strong desire not to cause them any trouble or make them feel uncomfortable."

Cleaning chores are a part of Japanese education from an early age, and children can be seen scrubbing floors and tables at schools every day. Public waste bins are scarce in the country, and people are expected to take their rubbish home with them. Getting rid of household waste can be a labyrinthine task that involves separating rubbish into different categories. Scott North, emeritus professor of sociology at the University of Osaka, said he and his neighbours get together twice a year to pull out weeds and rake up cuttings.

He said such groups are organised into leaders and followers, and operate in a similar way to Japanese football supporters. "Since everyone comes together, there's an expectation that they'll act as a group," said North, an American who has lived in Japan for about 40 years. "And when the leaders break out the bags and say here you go, nobody is going to say no." Sociologist Ohsawa said such behaviour could be explained by what Japanese people refer to as "reading the air".

"In Japan, even if one person starts picking up litter, those around them feel they simply cannot help but join in," he said. "That's because if they don't, the people they are with will think they are a bad person." He said peer pressure was a powerful social force. "In this case, the primary motivation isn't so much a desire to keep the stadium clean or to avoid causing trouble for the people who have to clean the stadium afterwards," he said. "It's more a desire not to be seen as a nuisance in one's own group."

Whatever the reasons, Japan's fans will keep tidying up for as long as they stay in the tournament. Their next game is against Tunisia in Mexico on Saturday, and fan Hagiwara is happy to keep leading by example. "We usually don't tell children they should do it," he said. "We just show our actions and behaviour, and other people follow."

Iran were initially to be based in Tucson, Arizona for the tournament, but switched their training base to Tijuana, Mexico at the 11th hour as a result of ongoing tensions with World Cup co-hosts the United States over visa issues. US authorities have refused to grant visas for several members of the Iranian delegation.

Protests are planned outside the stadium by members of the Iranian diaspora opposed to the nation's hardline regime, and there have been threats that the Iran team could walk off the pitch if anti-government banners are displayed during the Group G clash. Speaking to reporters at a press conference on Sunday, Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said he hoped his team's performances at the World Cup could unite all Iranians at home and overseas.

"We are here to perform a good match, a high-quality match. We don't pay attention to any of the hype and anything that goes on around us," Ghalenoei said in response to a question from AFP. "Naturally, all teams have their own problems, and in many countries, many things happen that have nothing to do with football." The coach said his team are at the World Cup to "represent the respectful people of Iran, be it the Iranians inside Iran or the Iranian diaspora."

"We are not political people... football is separate from politics," said Ghalenoei. Iran's World Cup debut comes just a day after Washington and Tehran announced a permanent deal to end their ongoing conflict. In other games on Monday, European champions Spain launch their quest for a second World Cup crown in Group H against Cape Verde, the 2,500-1 outsiders from the Atlantic archipelago who are making their first appearance in the World Cup.

Spain are regarded as one of the favourites for this year's World Cup, boasting a squad bristling with talent that defeated England in the final of the European Championship in Germany two years ago. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente did little to dampen the expectation surrounding his players on Sunday, confidently describing his squad as the best in the tournament. "For me, with all due respect to the rest, it is the best team in the world. The best players," he said.

"To see the level of footballers we have, you only have to see the ones I leave out.

"But the players understand their role and accept it. That is the luck this team has."

Cape Verde coach Bubista insists the African qualifiers are not just making up the numbers in the World Cup as they prepare for the opener in Atlanta.

"We've been discussing how much we want to enjoy the match and the World Cup," Bubista said. "It is an amazing opportunity to show our country to the world. We are very much happy to face Spain in the opener, this is a dream coming true."

In other games on Monday, Saudi Arabia face Uruguay in Group H in Miami, while in the other Group G game, Belgium face Mohamed Salah's Egypt in Seattle.

In Sunday's games, Germany opened their tournament with a 7-1 drubbing of Curacao in Group E while Japan twice came from behind to grab a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in Group F in Arlington, Texas.

In Philadelphia, a last-gasp 90th-minute goal from Manchester United's Amad Diallo gave Ivory Coast a precious 1-0 victory over Ecuador in Group E.

Sweden opened their campaign in Group F with a swashbuckling 5-1 rout of Tunisia in Monterrey, Mexico.

Sweden, who only squeezed into the World Cup via the playoffs thanks to their performances in the Nations League, ran the North Africans ragged and romped to an impressive victory thanks to two goals from Yasin Ayari and one apiece from Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres and Mattias Svanberg.

The Dutch looked like they would hold on, but Japan levelled at the death with Crystal Palace midfielder Daichi Kamada credited with the goal after a deflection. "We are not completely satisfied with the draw," said Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu, whose side face Tunisia on Saturday in a competitive-looking Group F. "But the Netherlands are a top-class team and we tried to compete at the same level.

"We were tenacious but patient and kept calm." Japan and the Netherlands are missing key players through injury, but on paper this was still one of the more attractive fixtures in the group stage. Both have been touted as dark horses capable of going far at the tournament -- the Dutch have been runners-up three times whereas Japan have never gone beyond the last 16. Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman, the former defender charged with finally delivering World Cup glory, was given a grilling by Dutch media afterwards especially for his substitutions.

"I am disappointed that we did not win," said Koeman, who pointed the finger at his side's defending. "But I am not that negative," he said to one line of questioning that he took exception to. "I saw a team that has made great progress," he added of his men. "Of course we can perform better and need to grow during the tournament." The Netherlands made a confident start and nearly took the lead after three minutes, Donyell Malen swivelling and forcing a smart save from Zion Suzuki.

The impressive air-conditioned arena is usually home to the Dallas Cowboys, and at the hydration break the NFL team's cheerleaders were shown on the massive screen hanging over the pitch performing one of their routines. The stoppage seemed to help the Dutch and Roma forward Malen again worked Suzuki with a header from a corner.

Japan's fans, who had hardly stopped singing and outnumbered the Dutch contingent, were briefly silenced. The first real chance for Moriyasu's team came a few minutes before the break when a cross evaded the backtracking Summerville but Nakamura pulled his effort wide. The Dutch had looked most threatening in the air, so it was no surprise when Liverpool talisman Van Dijk rose to plant a well-placed header into the bottom corner after a pinpoint cross from his club team-mate Ryan Gravenberch on 51 minutes.

The lead lasted just six minutes, Nakamura wriggling free and firing low past goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, the ball taking a small deflection off Jan Paul van Hecke. In a madcap period of play, the Dutch forged ahead once more on 64 minutes when West Ham's Summerville beat his man on the right wing and curled into Suzuki's bottom-right corner with his left foot. Both teams rang the changes and had chances to score again, before Kamada's chaotic leveller from a corner. Sweden face Tunisia later Sunday in the other Group F game of the day.

The Hajj office said so far, 4,313 Hajis returned under government management, while 52,555 under private travel agencies' arrangements in 134 flights. Besides, 52 Bangladeshi pilgrims have passed away in Saudi Arabia during Hajj, with 35 males and 17 females. Of them, 37 died in Makkah, 14 in Madinah, and one in Jeddah. 

No deaths have been reported in Mina or Muzdalifah. According to the Hajj bulletin, a total of 415 Hajis received treatment from various hospitals in Saudi Arabia due to diseases, while 16 Hajis were hospitalized. Saudi Arabian medical centres provided treatment to 64,149, while the IT help desk gave services to 27,890 Hajis in Makkah and Madinah.

This year's Hajj operations began with the first outbound flight on April 18 and concluded on May 21. The return Hajj flights started on May 30 and will continue until July 1.

According to the notification, individual taxpayers who make donations to the approved organisations will be eligible for tax rebates in line with the provisions of the Income Tax Act. The approved organisations include ASHIC Foundation for Childhood Cancer, Bangladesh Cancer Aid Trust, Al-Markazul Islami, Disabled Child Foundation, Sherpur Diabetic Association, Mawna Diabetic Association, Bangladesh Thalassemia Samity, Autism Welfare Foundation, BRAC, Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, and Dhaka and Chittagong Maa-O-Shishu Hospital. The notification will come into effect on July 1, 2026, and remain valid until June 30, 2030.

Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain (Kaikobad) will chair the meeting. If the moon of the holy Muharram month is seen anywhere on the sky of the country, people have been requested to inform the authorities concerned by dialing the telephone numbers - 02-41053294, 02-226640510 and 02-223383397 or inform the concerned deputy commissioner (DC) or upazila nirbahi officers.

"The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete," US President Donald Trump swiftly confirmed with his own statement on Sunday. Trump also announced that the strategic Strait of Hormuz -- a vital maritime chokepoint through which roughly 20 percent of the world's crude oil supply transits -- would reopen. "I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade. Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!"

Soon after, Iran said that the newly announced agreement with the United States put an "immediate end" to the countries' war. "This is a first step deal, not a final peace settlement," Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management said. "The market will now trade verification," he said including the official signing in Switzerland, mine clearance and Israeli restraint. "It is a marketable ceasefire framework that kicks the hard problems down the road. Iranian compliance, and Hezbollah quiet."

But they were soon outclassed as Felix Nmecha opened the scoring for the Germans and Kai Havertz grabbed a goal in each half, including a penalty. Despite their proud record in the competition, Germany have struggled in recent editions and this was the first time they had won their first opening match at a World Cup since they lifted the trophy in 2014. "It took us a few minutes to get back into the game after they equalized. Curacao can play football too, as we saw, and I'm curious to see how they'll fare in the group going forward," said Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann.

"I'm very satisfied with us scoring seven goals and our performance for the most part. A winning start is always important and we're glad we managed it," he added. Curacao will hope they can get more out of their remaining Group E games against Ecuador and Ivory Coast. "It is not embarrassing to lose like that against such a team," said their 78-year-old Dutch coach Dick Advocaat. In other games on Sunday, Japan fought back twice to seal a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands.

Skipper Virgil van Dijk had put the Dutch ahead with a fine header at the home of the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, only for Keito Nakamura to quickly level, before winger Crysencio Summerville's sumptuous curled finish into the bottom corner just after the hour. Japan earned a point with an 89th-minute deflected equalizer attributed to Daichi Kamada. In Philadelphia, a last-gasp 90th-minute goal from Manchester United's Amad Diallo gave Ivory Coast a precious 1-0 victory over Ecuador in Group E.

An entertaining battle between two evenly matched sides looked to be heading for a draw until Diallo popped up to side-foot home a finish from Wilfried Singo's low cross. In the late game on Sunday, Sweden face Tunisia in Group F. Off the field, all eyes turned to Los Angeles where Iran's footballers finally arrived on US soil after months of uncertainty in the build-up to the tournament following the United States and Israel's military assault on the Islamic Republic.

Iran, who relocated their team training camp to Tijuana in Mexico from Arizona due to diplomatic wrangling, take on New Zealand in Group G on Monday. The Iran team has had to leave some of its support team in Tijuana after the US refused to grant visas to administrative and management staff. At an eve-of-game press conference that got under way just over an hour after Tehran and Washington announced a peace deal to end the conflict, Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said political tensions and visa issues had hampered his team's World Cup preparations.

But Ghalenoei insisted his players would not "pay attention to any of the hype." Protests are planned outside the SoFi Stadium on Monday by members of the Iranian diaspora opposed to the nation's hardline regime, and there have been threats that the Iran team could walk off the pitch if anti-government banners are displayed.

"We are here to perform a good match, a high-quality match. We don't pay attention to any of the hype and anything that goes on around us," Ghalenoei said in a press conference in response to a question from AFP. "Naturally, all teams have their own problems, and in many countries, many things happen that have nothing to do with football." The coach said his team are simply at the World Cup to "represent the respectful people of Iran, be it the Iranians inside Iran or the Iranian diaspora." "We are not political people... football is separate from politics," said Ghalenoei.

The Liverpool forward raced forward and cut inside before unleashing a shot, which goalkeeper Mouhib Chamakh failed to keep out, even though he got a hand to the ball. Tunisia did not concede a single goal in qualifying, becoming the first side to achieve that feat, subsequently matched by Ivory Coast and England. Sweden threatened to overwhelm their opponents but the match changed complexion minutes before half-time when Omar Rekik headed home Hannibal Mejbri's teasing cross.

However, the Scandinavian nation restored their two-goal cushion in the 59th minute after another defensive calamity for Tunisia. Midfielder Ellyes Skhiri was caught in possession on the edge of the box by Isak, who fed Viktor Gyokeres and the Arsenal man fired home. Substitute Mattias Svanberg made it 4-1 late on after VAR ruled he was onside.

And there was still time for another stunning goal from Ayari from outside the penalty box. Sweden reached the quarter-finals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia but did not qualify for the tournament in Qatar four years later. Tunisia were the first African team to win a World Cup match when they beat Mexico in 1978, but they have never progressed beyond the group stages. Earlier in Group F, Japan scored late to draw 2-2 against the Netherlands.

Few of the details were made public, but US President Donald Trump said the Strait of Hormuz -- a key conduit for global oil supplies -- would reopen after the planned signing of the deal on Friday. "The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete," US President Donald Trump posted Sunday on social media as he marked his 80th birthday. "Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!"

Soon after, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said in televised comments that the deal put an "immediate end" to the countries' war and that they would hold talks within two months to seek a "final agreement." Just hours earlier, Tehran had vowed to retaliate against a strike by Israel against Iranian ally Hezbollah in the suburbs of Beirut which threatened to push back an agreement. But later in the day, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made the announcement: "Both sides have declared the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon."

He added thanks to leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey for their support in the mediation effort. The content of the agreement, which follows weeks of fraught negotiations and periodic threats from Trump of fresh hostilities unless Iran reached a deal, remained unclear. Iran's Mehr news agency reported that the US would release $12 billion in frozen assets to Iran before the start of negotiations.

It quoted a 14-point "memorandum of understanding" between the two nations, which it said stipulated "the release of 24 billion dollars in frozen Iranian assets during the 60?day negotiation period" that begins after the MoU is signed. The Trump administration didn't immediately comment on the details of the agreement, which may prove contentious as the US presses its effort to end Tehran's nuclear ambitions and deal with its stockpile of highly enriched uranium -- believed to have been buried by US strikes last year.

In an interview with the New York Times on Sunday, Trump said Washington was still negotiating whether Iran would suspend its enrichment for 20 years. The US leader hinted that he might settle for a 15-year suspension, but said he did not want to negotiate via the press. The announcement of the deal was greeted with international relief and hope for an enduring end to the conflict. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said it was a "critical step" toward resolving the war in the Middle East. The United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy said they were prepared to lift sanctions imposed on Iran and will work "with the US, Iran and regional partners to seize this moment, maintain momentum and achieve a long-term diplomatic settlement."

The announcement also brought relief at market opening on Monday. Oil prices plunged more than four percent in Tokyo, and Japan's Nikkei stock index jumped three percent. The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has had a worldwide economic impact, from inflated gas prices that have fueled inflation in the US and many other countries and congested supply chains for goods like fertiliser key to food production in areas far beyond the Middle East.

"What we're going to be able to do is drive down the cost of energy, not just now but for the long term, and create a real engine of prosperity in the Middle East," US Vice President JD Vance told Fox News. He said that he planned to attend the signing of the peace deal, which was slated to take place in Geneva, and that it was possible Trump could also go. It was a rollercoaster Sunday, with Trump in the morning angrily blaming Israel for delaying its signing with the airstrike on Beirut, which he said had delayed the agreement.

In an expletive-laden phone interview with US news outlet Axios, Trump had fumed about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying: "I was so pissed off. I let him know." The last time Israel hit the Beirut suburbs, it sparked one of the strongest jolts yet to a ceasefire that has largely held since April, with Iran firing off a retaliatory missile barrage and Israel responding with strikes. Tehran has long demanded that any agreement to halt the war must include the parallel conflict in Lebanon, where Israel has been pursuing a campaign against Iran-backed Hezbollah.

The meeting was held at the Public Administration Conference Room of the Cabinet Division in the Bangladesh Secretariat here this morning, said Prime Minister's Deputy Press Secretary Jahidul Islam Rony.

The meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s Cabinet Division office at the Bangladesh Secretariat here this afternoon, according to a press release of the Prime Minister’s Press Wing.

During the meeting, the progress, implementation process and potential benefits of the BRT project, which stretches from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Joydebpur in Gazipur, were discussed in detail.

Experts attending the meeting shared their views on various aspects of the project. In particular, they presented their observations and recommendations regarding the BRT design, station management, passenger services, operational structure and overall effectiveness.

Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam, State Minister for Road Transport and Highways and Railways Habibur Rashid, Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Dr Mohammed Ziaul Haque, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) teachers Md Shamsul Hoque, Mosleh Uddin Hasan, Md Hadiuzzaman and Rakib Ahsan, Chief Engineer of the Roads and Highways Department Syed Moinul Hasan and other relevant officials were present at the meeting.

The North's statement came after a trilateral meeting between South Korea, Japan and the United States in Tokyo on Friday, at which the allies reaffirmed their commitment to the "complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula", according to Seoul's foreign ministry. "The US and its vassal forces' meaningless rhetoric against the DPRK... can never affect the irreversible position of the DPRK as a nuclear weapons state," the unnamed spokesperson said in a statement published by the official Korean Central News Agency on Sunday, using the acronym for the North's official name. "The 'denuclearisation' is an irreversibly finalised matter," the official added.

The spokesperson also cited Washington's sales of weapons systems to Seoul and Tokyo as justification for Pyongyang's pursuit of its nuclear programme, describing it as " a strong security guarantee for regional stability and peace". "No matter how hard the US, Japan and the ROK may quibble, they will never change the present position of the DPRK as a nuclear weapons state," the official said, referring to the South by the acronym of its official name.

North Korea has accelerated its nuclear weapons programme since talks with Washington broke down in 2019, when a summit between Kim and US President Donald Trump in Hanoi ended without agreement. In a possible reference to the failed negotiations, the spokesperson said "no one can recover the 'denuclearisation' permanently missed in the trend of the times".

Kim recently hosted China's President Xi Jinping in Pyongyang, after the Chinese leader held back-to-back summits in Beijing with Trump and Putin. Neither side made any mention of denuclearisation, according to their official media reports.

Geneva -- about 40 kilometres (25 miles) southwest of the French spa town of Evian -- is on edge. The authorities there are anxious to avoid any repeat of the mayhem of 2003, when anti-G7 rioters caused millions of dollars worth of damage in the Swiss city. The violence, looting and clashes live long in the memory and shops, supermarkets, theatres and university buildings, some of them far from the protest route, are taking no chances and have boarded up their facades.

Several other events in the city have been scrapped, and the main hospital has set up tents in case there is an influx of casualties. The Swiss authorities have permitted a march around a lengthy loop on the north side of the city -- well away from the city centre and its luxury boutiques. They are deploying a significant number of police and security equipment. Due to conditions imposed by the French authorities, the No-G7 coalition abandoned plans for a counter-summit and demonstration Sunday in the French border town of Annemasse.

"What we fundamentally regret is that France did not create the conditions conducive to a kind of summit, counter-summit, village, forum or discussion" on its side of the border, Geneva's Security Minister Carole-Anne Kast told reporters during the week. "We hope to have a wonderful weekend with some lovely moments," Alice Lefrancois, spokesperson for the coalition, told reporters.

"There will be security personnel, particularly to protect demonstrators from any form of external aggression, and there will also be a family area. "We think it's going to be a rather pleasant experience," she added. Geneva is almost entirely surrounded by France: nowhere in the Geneva canton is more than 5.5 kilometres (3.5 miles) from the French border.

Around 115,000 people work in Geneva but live in France, where the cost of living is cheaper. Nonetheless, the Swiss authorities began closing 25 of the 35 road crossings on Thursday ahead of the protest and the summit, causing traffic jams in both directions. The G7 summit will be one of the first major international gatherings since the United States and its ally Israel began a war against Iran in late February, upending the Middle East and widening transatlantic tensions.

The Group of Seven brings together the heads of government of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States, along with invited leaders from several other countries. Nearly 16,000 French police, gendarmes, troops, firefighters and border guards will be deployed, using boats, motorcycles and drones, alongside mounted police and dog-handling units, France's Haute-Savoie regional prefecture said.

Most of the leaders will be arriving at Geneva Airport, before making the journey to Evian. Switzerland has approved the deployment of 2,000-5,000 military personnel to "support" the cantonal police. Around 4,000 Swiss troops will be on duty on land, on Lake Geneva and in the air, coordinating with the French military.

The protest comes as the peace deal touted by US President Donald Trump and mediator Pakistan faces opposition from hardline Iranian figures. They argue that it does not serve Iran's interests and would deprive Tehran of leverage over the Strait of Hormuz. They also accuse Iranian negotiators of having made too many concessions to secure the deal. In an interview with state television Friday, Araghchi had said the deal on the table called for the lifting of the US naval blockade on Iranian ports, imposed in response to Iran's own blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.

"The administration of Strait of Hormuz will no longer be the same as before," he added, calling the waterway one of Iran's "main instruments of deterrence". Other videos on social media that AFP could not independently verify showed people in front of the foreign ministry building in Tehran chanting "Araghchi, resign" and "Ghalibaf, resign", in reference to parliament speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Trump and Pakistan on Saturday said the deal to end the war could be signed as early as Sunday, though Tehran was more circumspect regarding the timing.

The state-run National News Agency (NNA) said Israeli airstrikes had hit several areas, particularly around the southern city of Nabatieh. An AFP photojournalist in the Nabatieh area heard blasts around Kfar Remman, which has been repeatedly targeted, and saw a plume of smoke rising from Kfar Tebnit, which was not included in the evacuation warnings.

The Lebanese army later said one of its soldiers had been severely wounded after being hit by an Israeli drone on the road between Kfar Remman and Nabatieh. That had followed an initial attempt to target him as he was moving near a hospital close to the city. NNA also said an Israeli strike killed a local official in Rihan, the southern region of Jezzine. An AFP correspondent in Nabatieh said the city was almost deserted, reporting artillery shelling there and in nearby areas overnight and on Saturday.

The Israeli military had issued two warnings to residents of 24 locations -- both in and around Nabatieh, and nearer to the coast -- to "evacuate your homes immediately and move to the north of the Zahrani River", around 45 kilometres (28 miles) from the southern border with Israel. Last month Israel declared all areas south of the river "combat zones", and has since been heavily striking the area.

Hezbollah, which has kept up attacks on invading Israeli troops, said its fighters launched drone attacks on Israeli military vehicles in the south. It said it had thwarted an overnight "infiltration" attempt by Israeli forces in the Kfar Tebrnit area near Nabaiteh after ambushing them and engaging in a "firefight with medium weapons".

The group also reported clashes with Israeli soldiers in the vicinity of Majdal Zoun, closer to the border with Israel. Israel's military also said it "intercepted a suspicious aerial target that crossed from Lebanon into Israeli territory". It later announced that "over the past 24 hours, more than 70 Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure sites were struck".

Fresh strikes hit two areas in Lebanon's eastern Baalbek area later Saturday, NNA reported. Iran insists that Lebanon must be part of any agreement to end the wider Middle East war, and a senior US official said Friday that a draft peace deal "includes Lebanon". Neither Israel nor Hezbollah have respected a ceasefire meant to take effect in April, and a conditional truce deal announced this month after Lebanese-Israeli negotiations in Washington also failed to halt the fighting.

Hezbollah rejected both the direct talks and the conditional agreement, which requires it to cease attacks but makes no mention of Israel doing so or withdrawing troops from Lebanon. Lebanon says Israel's massive campaign of airstrikes and ground invasion have so far killed 3,756 people. Lebanon's leaders, meanwhile, have accused Tehran of treating their country as a "bargaining chip". Hezbollah lawmaker Ali Fayyad said on Saturday Lebanon should make do with any US-Iran deal that included the country.

"We want the Lebanese state to negotiate for itself, and nobody is suggesting forfeiting this role," Fayyad said. "However, the state must abandon the policy of being crushed in the face of the Israelis and submission to the Americans." The prime minister of Pakistan, which has mediated between Tehran and Washington, insisted Saturday that a deal was closer "than ever before".

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said in a statement that Lebanon faced "a fateful test. "Either its people unite around a sovereign state that monopolises weapons, upholds the law and protects citizens irrespective of their affiliation or position, or it remains hostage to the logic of militias," he said. Further Israel-Lebanon talks are scheduled for later this month.

"In Oaxaca, we will not allow violence to prevail over the law or over the will of our communities," state Governor Salomon Jara said in a post on X, condemning the killing. Prosecutors said the police presence in the area had been stepped up and a tactical team deployed, in cooperation with federal forces, in order to track down the assailants. The Jalisco Nueva Generacion and Sinaloa cartels are both active in Oaxaca, which borders the Pacific Ocean. Nearly 100 mayors have been assassinated in Mexico since 2006, when drug violence exploded in the country.

At the time of the accident, there were 118 passengers and seven crew members on the passenger vessel, while eight people were on the sailboat, three of whom were killed, the statement added. One person was still missing while the remaining four were rescued from the sea. The nationality of the victims and circumstances that led to the collision were not yet known. The regional Slobodna Dalmacija daily reported, quoting unofficial sources, that the victims were Czech nationals. Local media published pictures of the the several dozen metre (feet) long catamaran and the sinking sailboat.

After weeks of stalled negotiations on the terms for an initial memorandum of understanding, both Washington and Tehran have signalled in recent days they were nearing an agreement. Tensions, however, persisted as the United States said it downed multiple Iranian drones targeting commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz early Saturday. Iran's state broadcaster IRIB also quoted Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as saying that until a complete agreement was reached on all issues, "it cannot be said with certainty that an understanding has been achieved with the United States".

Pakistan has been pushing both nations to come to an agreement after a fragile ceasefire was struck in April and Islamabad hosted talks between the warring sides which ended with no deal to resolve the conflict that erupted in late February with US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Sharif said in his post on Saturday that he was "confident that this historic peace deal will form a strong foundation for lasting peace", thanking both Washington and Tehran "for their ongoing commitment".

"In the first UK-led operation of its kind, the vessel SMYRTOS was boarded by Royal Marine Commandos and specially trained law enforcement officers from the National Crime Agency, despite Russia's best efforts to evade sanctions and continue fuelling its barbaric war with Ukraine," the ministry statement said.

The vessel will now be moved to an anchorage off the south coast of England and monitored, it added.

In the wake of the strikes, two far-right Israeli ministers called for retaliatory strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold known as Dahiyeh. "The shooting at northern communities is a test of the Dahiyeh Doctrine that the prime minister declared. I call on him to implement it decisively and firmly, and to bring down buildings in Dahiyeh," Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on X.

"For every drone -- a missile; for every violation -- fire; for every UAV -- Dahiyeh must tremble," wrote National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir on X. Israeli officials including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have previously warned that Israel would strike Dahiyeh should the Iran-backed Hezbollah group target northern Israeli communities, a position they say has the backing of Washington.

"Mr. Eugen Tomac withdrew his candidacy this morning, and under these circumstances, I am appointing Mr. Adrian Vestea as prime minister," Dan said in a statement. Vestea, 52, a leader of the Liberal party, has been tasked with forming a new pro-Western parliamentary majority after a technocratic solution proposed by EU deputy Tomac did not find the necessary support. "Neither Mr. Tomac nor I have been playing at governing," Dan said. "At this point, however, it is clear that a political solution is the appropriate one."

Dan praised Vestea's experience as a mayor, county council president and development minister in a previous government. "I want a political government that will undertake real reforms and keep Romania on a pro-Western course," Vestea said. "I am taking on this responsibility at a time of political crisis," he added, saying he will negotiate with "the pro-Western democratic political parties in the Romanian Parliament".

Liberal party leader Bolojan said on Sunday that he had not been informed in advance of the move and accused the president of "a hostile act and a clear attempt to split" the party.

Iran's ISNA news agency reported that an adviser to Qatar's foreign minister had been dispatched to the Islamic republic, while another Iranian news agency Tasnim said the purpose of the visit was to "go over the latest developments regarding the diplomatic process".

Following US sanctions imposed in 2019, Huawei’s new devices lost access to Google Mobile Services (GMS) licenses. As a result, users are unable to directly use popular Google services such as the Play Store, Gmail, YouTube, and Google Maps. To overcome this limitation, some Huawei devices reportedly allow users to access Google-based applications through GBox, a third-party application.

The arrangement has raised concerns among technology analysts and users. They argue that smartphone buyers naturally expect widely used applications to function seamlessly. Reliance on alternative platforms in devices lacking official Google licenses may complicate the user experience and create uncertainty regarding app performance.

User complaints have already surfaced. In the Facebook group “Huawei Mobile User Community in Bangladesh,” a user identified as S.M. Sabbir Hossain Noman reported experiencing repeated problems while using the bKash mobile financial service app through GBox on his Huawei Y90 smartphone. According to his post, the application frequently stops functioning properly after a period of use. He sought assistance from fellow users in finding a permanent solution.

Technology experts note that stability is particularly critical for banking and financial transaction applications. If users must rely on alternative platforms to access such services, questions regarding security, reliability, and long-term support are likely to arise.

Huawei Bangladesh was contacted for its official position on the matter. However, Faruk Rahman, Marketing Manager (Devices) at Huawei Bangladesh, declined to comment. As a result, the company’s stance on the necessity of GBox, its limitations, security measures, and user complaints remains unclear.

According to industry analysts, Huawei’s biggest challenge in Bangladesh is no longer limited to selling new devices. Rather, it must regain consumer confidence and demonstrate its technological capability and transparency in a post-Google environment.

The raid reportedly occurred a few days ago, according to local media but was only reported over the weekend after the Kebbi state deputy governor visited the area. No exact date was given. The attack happened after a lull in violence by Lakurawa in the past months, suggesting a resurgence of violence by the jihadist group, the report said, adding it may be intended to show its capability to stage complex operations in the face of intensified military offensives.

The US military struck parts of northwestern Nigeria on December 25, which the Nigerian government said targeted Islamic State group fighters, the Lakurawa jihadist group and "bandit" criminal gangs. It is unknown how many were killed, and from which groups. The motive of the latest attack was unclear.

However, jihadists and criminal gangs of kidnappers and cattle thieves called bandits have in recent weeks been attacking and kidnapping farmers who fail to pay levies they impose on communities to allow them cultivate their fields in northern and central Nigeria. Lakurawa has remained active in communities along the Nigeria-Niger border despite efforts by security efforts for push them out of Kebbi state.

The report warned that the Lakurawa violence could transform into a "transnational threat" due to the group's multinational composition, which complicates counterterrorism efforts. Some researchers link Lakurawa to the Islamic State in the Sahel, which is primarily active in Mali and neighbouring Niger, although others remain sceptical. The jihadist insurgency in Nigeria, led primarily by Boko Haram and its rival faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), has left tens of thousands dead and displaced millions.

On a tip off, a smart team of the RAB-13’s Dinajpur Camp in a raid seized 133 ampoules of illegal Buprenorphine injections packed in a plastic bag and arrested the man from Masterpara village at 11:30 pm. The arrestee is Md Ariful Islam, 40, son of Md Nurul Islam of North Basudebpur (Masterpara) village under Hakimpur police station of Dinajpur district. The release further said that the arrested person along with the seized drugs has been handed over to Hakimpur police station for further legal action.

According to the release, a team of RAB-13 conducted a drive in Masterpara village in the early hours of today. During the operation, the elite force searched the house of Sangram Hossain and recovered 133 ampoules of Buprenorphine injections from a plastic bag carried by a suspect. The detainee was identified as Md Ariful Islam, 40, son of Md Nurul Islam of Masterpara village. He was handed over to Hakimpur Police Station along with the seized drugs. A case was filed against him under the Narcotics Control Act, the RAB official added.

The decision was taken at an emergency meeting held on Saturday afternoon at the Deputy Commissioner's conference room. Deputy Commissioner Kazi Shahidul Islam presided over the meeting.

Police Superintendent Mohammad Naimul Hasan, Additional Deputy Commissioners Sabur Ali and Mohinul Hasan, Rajshahi Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Hasen Ali, and representatives of the Rajshahi Cold Storage Association and the Rajshahi District Potato and Raw Materials Traders' Cooperative Association, among others, attended the meeting.

The incident occurred around 2.00 pm in Megha Field, adjacent to the Bhaluka Press Club. At the time of the incident, Faisal was returning home through the field after completing work when he was suddenly struck by lightning, leaving him critically injured. Local residents rushed him to Bhaluka Upazila Health Complex where the attending doctor declared him dead. Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Bhaluka Model Police Station Md. Zahidul Islam confirmed the matter.

Students from grades 6 to 12 from various educational institutions across the district took part in the programme, which falls under the Secondary Education Development Program. With the theme ‘Talent-Science-Innovation for the Nation, Bangladesh First’, the programme was inaugurated by Rajshahi Deputy Commissioner Kazi Shahidul Islam, who released balloons and festoons as the chief guest. The event was presided over by Additional Deputy Commissioner Tuktuk Talukder. A total of 13 teams participated in the competition — 9 teams from Rajshahi's nine upazilas and 4 teams from the metropolitan area. 

At the stalls, students showcased business initiatives using local resources, practical applications of scientific theories from textbooks, and realistic innovative ideas to solve people's everyday problems. The event generated widespread enthusiasm among students, teachers, and visitors. At the exhibition, students of River View Collectorate School presented a mobile application named ‘Jotno’ (Care). They highlighted the idea of easily delivering essential services to people through the app. The water-cleaning boat project by students of Nowhata Girls' High School caught the attention of visitors. The project presented a concept for removing floating waste from ponds and rivers.

In addition, students from Mahishalbari Al Islah Islami Academy in Godagari upazila displayed a project to generate free electricity from plastic waste. The students said they created the project with the idea of utilizing plastic waste, which is harmful to the environment, to produce electricity. They explained the project's effectiveness, practical aspects, and future potential to visitors and judges. In his speech as chief guest, Deputy Commissioner Kazi Shahidul Islam said today's students are the main force for building a Smart Bangladesh of tomorrow. The practice of science and innovative thinking makes students courageous in finding solutions to real problems. 

The organizers said that such competitions will foster scientific mindset, teamwork skills, and an entrepreneurial mentality among students. The Member Secretary of the district-level program was District Education Officer Md. Zayedur Rahman. Present at the time were River View Collectorate School Headmaster Monowara Parveen, Rajshahi Press Club General Secretary Golam Mostofa Mamun, along with teachers, students, parents, and visitors from various educational institutions.

The parade was held to improve professional standards, discipline, physical fitness and operational readiness of the force. RpMP members from different units participated in an orderly manner, while Assistant Police Commissioner Shakil commanded the parade and presented the salute to the commissioner. The commissioner inspected the parade, dress code, discipline and turnout of personnel.

He also awarded police members in recognition of cleanliness and good turnout, and later instructed them to maintain honesty, dedication and professionalism in maintaining law and order and delivering citizen services. Additional Police Commissioners Naresh Chakma and Md Tofail Ahmed, along with deputy commissioners and other officers, were present.

Quoting the statement of the case filed by victim Md Masud Rana, the release said that the accused forcibly took him to the godown of accused No 1 Shahidul Islam alias Shahid while he was staying at Bajlar Rahman Shishu Niketan in the nearby area.  There, the accused beat the victim and snatched away Taka 30,000 from him and asked him to bring another Taka 10,000 from his house. 

When the victim refused to pay the money, they beat him again, snatched his motorcycle and mobile phone and threw him out of the godown. Later, victim Md Masud Rana filed a case with Kaliganj police station of Lalmonirhat district on charges of extortion, kidnapping and assault on November 16, 2026.

Based on secret information, a special team of RAB-13 from Rangpur conducted a raid in Bhotmari village of Lalmonirhat and arrested the main accused Md Shahidul Islam alias Shahid at 9.40 pm on Saturday. The accused has been handed over to Kaliganj police station for further legal action.

On the occasion, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education and ICT) M. Rakibul Hasan attended as special guest. Students from various educational institutions across the district showcased their innovative projects and ideas during the fair. In his remarks, the chief guest said that each project displayed at the fair had the potential to inspire a separate exhibition. Many renowned organisations around the world were established from a single innovative idea, he added.

He emphasized that the primary objective of innovation is to save time, simplify life, and ensure the best use of human talent and resources for the welfare of society. Among the projects exhibited, Khatkora High School of Kaliganj and Union High School of Kapasia jointly secured first place. Afaz Uddin Memorial School of Kaliakair won second place while Swapnachhoya High School of Sreepur achieved third place. The programme was organised by the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) and the Education Excellence Support System and International Educational Development Programme (IEDP) under the Ministry of Education. The event was implemented with support from the Gazipur District Administration and the District Education Office.

Nagelsmann brought him out of international retirement after he helped Bayern win the Bundesliga title and reach the Champions League semi-finals this season. The 2014 World Cup-winner has had to nurse a calf injury in the buildup to the 2026 tournament and played no part in the 4-0 friendly win against Finland and the 2-0 victory against the USA. Nagelsmann compared the meeting of the four-time World Cup winners with the team from the tiny Caribbean island to a domestic club match.

"This is a German Cup situation. David versus Goliath," he said. The Curacao players "are all well-trained and can go into the tournament without pressure. That always makes an opponent dangerous," Nagelsmann said. "You never win a match just because you're favourites. We will win a match only if we produce a perfect performance. "We're going to try to show our best level."

Fitness problems had been a persistent problem after he burst onto the scene as a teenager. After a superb breakthrough season in 2020/21, Pedri's starring role as Spain reached the semi-finals of Euro 2020 meant he played 73 matches for club and country, a toll which was too much for his developing body. Barcelona turned to a specialist myopathy laboratory in the USA for solutions and a study of Pedri's genetics helped create an individual plan that has brought him back to among the world's best midfielders.

Alongside Lamine Yamal, Gavi, Fermin Lopez and Pau Cubarsi he is part of another hugely talented generation of Barca youngsters that have helped the club overcome financial difficulties to remain La Liga's dominant force. Unlike the others, Pedri was not a product of Barca's fabled La Masia academy. He made his breakthrough at Las Palmas as a 16-year-old and quickly broke into the first team after joining Barca in 2020.

Yet, his ability to keep possession and vision to cut defences open is reminiscent of Xavi and Iniesta in their prime. "With Xavi or Iniesta I realised that they are prepared before they receive the ball," Pedri said in a recent documentary on his rise to stardom. "I learned that from a very young age and it was natural to me. What makes a good move is knowing what you are going to before you get the ball."

He will be central to Spain's attempt to match the feats of the golden generation that won the 2010 World Cup, in between two triumphs at Euro 2008 and 2012. Back then Pedri watched on admiringly from a bar, founded by his grandad and run by his parents, in Tenerife that was also the first Barcelona supporters' club on the Canary Island. "Thanks to God I am living the dream that he had," Pedri added of his Barcelona fanatic grandfather, who never got to see him play at the Camp Nou. "It's like something from a movie."

The next step on the Hollywood script would be for Pedri to make his mark on the World Cup and propel himself into the conversation to win the Ballon d'Or -- the prize for the best player on the planet. Spain boss Luis de la Fuente certainly has no doubt that Pedri deserves to be recognised among the world's best. "We don't know what his best version is because he's so good," said De la Fuente, whose side are unbeaten in 31 competitive games heading into the World Cup. "He is limitless."

Spain begin their World Cup campaign against debutants Cape Verde in Atlanta on Monday. They will also face Saudi Arabia and two-time winners Uruguay in Group H. 

Vice-captain Jackson Irvine was also dropped in favour of 21-year-old midfielder Paul Okon-Engstler in a starting XI that featured 10 World Cup debutants. Both of those selections proved to be inspired, with Beach pulling off a string of fine saves to deny Turkey, who dominated possession and territory but could not find a way past the Australian goalkeeper. Okon-Engstler meanwhile was instrumental in setting up the opening goal in the first half, unfurling a long ball that split the Turkish defence and sent Irankunda racing in on goal to score. Turkey -- playing in the World Cup for the first time since finishing third at the 2002 tournament -- arrived in North America dreaming of making a serious run in the knockout rounds.

But their talented team made up largely of players who regularly compete in the European Champions League were unable to get to grips with a well-organised Socceroos line-up. One of Turkey's best chances came in the 27th minute when Real Madrid's Arda Guler forced a smart save from Beach with a rasping shot. Just seconds after that chance though Australia took the lead. Beach picked out Okon-Engstler deep in the Australia half, and the 21-year-old midfielder pumped the ball upfield for Irankunda.

The Australia winger still had plenty to do but a clever first touch took him clear of the covering defence before he tucked away a low finish. Irankunda celebrated by sprinting to the edge of the pitch and pretending to box the corner flag, mimicking former Australia skipper Tim Cahill's signature goal celebration. Turkey thought they had equalised three minutes later after Abdulkerim Bardakci's piledriver from outside of the area hurtled towards goal.

But Beach got the slightest of fingertips to divert the ball onto the post and Australia survived again. Beach kept up his commanding form in the second half, turning a Guler free-kick wide for a corner on 57 minutes. With Beach continuing to make save after save, Australia made the game safe in the 75th minute when Metcalfe picked the ball up in midfield, advanced on goal and shot home from 25 yards.

The win leaves Australia level on three points with Group D leaders the United States, with the two teams due to meet in Seattle on Friday.

“He is okay but has been monitored by the doctors,” Shanto said at the toss, disclosing the current condition of Miraz. Bangladesh won the first match by 86 runs and second game by five wickets, both on DLS method to register its first ever ODI series victory against Australia. The hosts also rested fast bowler Nahid Rana, brining in offspinner Mahedi Hasan for the series final. Australia, too, made two changes to avoid a humiliating whitewash at the hands of Bangladesh.

Pacer Ben Dwarshuis and allrounder Oliver Peake were included, replacing opener Matthew Short and pacer Nathan Ellis. “It has obviously been a disappointing series for us so far. We really want to put in a good performance today and finish it 2-1,” Australia stand in captain Josh Inglis said.

Line Ups:
Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Litton Das (w), Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mosaddek Hossain Saikot, Taskin Ahmed, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam

Australia: Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis (w/c), Matt Renshaw, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Oliver Peake, Xavier Bartlett, Ben Dwarshuis, Adam Zampa, Riley Meredith

Scotland meanwhile marked their return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence with a nervy 1-0 win over Caribbean minnows Haiti in Foxborough, outside Boston. The meeting of Brazil and 2022 semi-finalists Morocco at the MetLife Stadium just outside New York City promised to be one of the early highlights. Ismael Saibari ran through to give Morocco a 21st-minute lead with a clever scoop in the Group C opener, but Vinicius produced a moment of magic to ensure Brazil came away with a point, cutting in from the left and unleashing a thunderous shot to level on 32 minutes.

Brazil are chasing a record sixth World Cup title, 24 years after last lifting the trophy, but Saturday's performance suggests there Carlo Ancelotti's side have a lot of work to do. "I think this was a tough match, especially in the beginning. I think the team was a bit anxious and nerves were all over the place," said Ancelotti. "We didn't play well, but we cannot lose heart. This is the first match in the World Cup and we can't... think the team is doing perfectly from the get-go."

In Group C's other game on Saturday, Scotland -- playing in the World Cup for the first time since 1998 -- were roared on to a hard-fought win over Haiti, themselves playing in their first World Cup since 1974. Hordes of Scotland's famous "Tartan Army" travelling supporters packed the Gillette Stadium, to watch manager Steve Clarke's side claim their first victory in a World Cup game since the 1990 finals in Italy. After a deafening rendition of "Flower of Scotland", the Scots started a physical contest on the front foot, and scored the game's only goal on 28 minutes when midfielder John McGinn's deflected shot flew past Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide.

"Everyone said it was a must-win game - we won the game," said Scotland manager Clarke, whose team face Morocco on Friday in their second game. In the shock of the day, Australia sent Turkey spinning to a 2-0 defeat in their Group D clash in Vancouver in the late game. The result was dazzling vindication for Australia coach Tony Popovic, who had made the huge call to drop experienced captain and goalkeeper Maty Ryan in favour of rookie shot-stopper Patrick Beach. Beach repaid Popovic's faith in him with an unforgettable performance, making save-after-save to deny the Turks, who enjoyed 72 percent possession and spent long periods camped in Australian territory.

At the other end, Australia took the few chances that came their way with clinical precision, the goals coming from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe. Another of Popovic's selection calls also proved to be inspired, with Paul Okon-Engstler -- starting in place of vice-captain Jackson Irvine -- setting up Irankunda's opener in the 27th minute. Metcalfe made the game safe for the Australians with an individual strike in the 75th minute.

"Proud to be here as head coach, to experience this...and just happy for a wonderful young group of men," Popovic said afterwards, before praising the contribution of inexperienced goalkeeper Beach. "It's something that we've always seen, and I've got a lot of belief in the young man. He stood up today, so very happy for him," Popovic added. Earlier, Switzerland had taken the lead against Qatar in Santa Clara, California in Group B when Breel Embolo converted a first-half penalty, but Muheim's injury-time own goal secured a share of the spoils.

"I am very proud of the team," said Qatar's Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui. "I told them that even if we hadn't scored the goal and didn't draw I would have been proud of the mentality and discipline that they showed today. But fortunately we scored and that was history." 

The Curacao players' carefree attitude has already won admirers with players singing and dancing bare-chested on the team bus in a viral social media post. "We are a nation that loves to have a little bit of a party as well," said captain Leandro Bacuna. "We love to have fun." Advocaat, 78, is the oldest coach in World Cup history. Despite his vast experience at both club and international level -- he has also taken charge of the Netherlands and South Korea at a World Cup -- the Dutchman said the team spirit that carried Curacao to the tournament was unique.

"The team spirit in this team is something I've never seen before. As a country we will give everything to win for the island, but we're not the favourite," he said on Saturday. Nagelsmann compared the match to a domestic club clash. "This is a German Cup situation. David versus Goliath," he said, and warned his team: "You never win a match just because you're favourites." Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will start in his fifth World Cup. Iran's participation in the tournament was shrouded in doubt for months after the United States and Israel launched an aerial assault on the Islamic Republic that became a wider Middle East war.

But on Sunday the team is due to fly into Los Angeles from its training camp in Mexico on the eve of its first game. Iran take on New Zealand in the city on Monday, marking the first time that a World Cup host has hosted a country it is at war with. But the Iran team has had to leave many of its support team in Tijuana after the US refused to grant visas to 15 administrative and management staff.

In other games on Sunday, the Netherlands play a Japan team weakened by the absence of their injured captain Wataru Endo who announced on Thursday that his international career was over. Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu on Saturday described Liverpool midfielder Endo as "hurt" and apologised after saying it had been his call that the 33-year-old should not be involved following a foot injury. In Philadelphia, Ivory Coast face Ecuador and Sweden play Tunisia in the final match of the day.

Sweden had a curious route to the tournament, having failed to win a single match in the qualifying group phase. They only obtained a ticket thanks to their UEFA Nations League performance. Sweden do though boast a strikeforce featuring Premier League stars Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres. Five-time champions Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw by a powerful Morocco side as they lit the touchpaper on their challenge on Saturday.

Scotland got their first World Cup win since 1990 as John McGinn's deflected strike gave them a 1-0 win against Haiti. And Australia stunned Turkey 2-0 to give the Socceroos a strong chance of progressing from Group D. 

Hridoy was the top-scorer for the side, hitting an 88 ball-83, a knock laced with eight fours. Liton Das made an unbeaten 58 while Mosaddek was on 56, brining up his second half-century in the series. Najmul Hossain Shanto who led the side in absence of Mehidy Hasan Miraz opted to bat first after winning toss but Bangladesh lost Soumya Sarkar in the fourth ball of the innings, as Xavier Bartlett rattled his stump with searing pace.

Unfazed by the early wicket loss, Bangladesh recovered from Shanto and Taznid Hasan Tamim, who added 51 runs for the second wicket. Matt Renshaw removed both of the batters in quick succession leaving Bangladesh 61-3 in 15th over, with Shanto making 24 and Tanzid scoring 19. Hridoy and Liton Das steadied the innings with 92-run for the fourth wicket and it was only broken when Liton had to retire following a minor injury when he was on 48.

However, Mosaddek joined Liton Das in giving the innings further pace as they combined for a 93-run partnership. Hridoy appeared to be on course of his second century but he miscued a shot to deep mid wicket off Ben Dwarshuis, one of the two changes of Australia for avoiding a series-sweep. Mosaddek who hammered a career-best 80 not out in the first match to script Bangladesh’s first victory against Australia since 2005, raised his fifth half-century from 43 balls with a single. However Liton returned to the field after the dismissal of Mahedi Hasan (3) and completed his 14th fifty to help Bangladesh post a competitive total.

Montgomery, 21, had been ranked a career high 95th in June 2025. The 30-year-old Krejcikova, who won the French Open in 2021 and Wimbledon in 2024 had been seeded eighth and was attempting to win her first title of the season in a first-time matchup against the American.

Yet, a fifty in ODI cricket at Mirpur remained elusive. That wait ended against Australia as Liton reached the landmark in dramatic fashion. After suffering a leg-muscle strain and retiring hurt on 48, he returned later in the innings and completed his half-century with a two-run shot off the final ball of the 49th over. The wicketkeeper-batter eventually finished unbeaten on 58, registering not only his maiden ODI fifty at Mirpur but also his first half century against Australia.

Before the match, Liton's record at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium had been surprisingly modest. In 28 ODI innings at the venue, he had failed to score a fifty, accumulating just 439 runs at an average slightly above 17. A batter renowned for his fluent strokeplay and career strike rate of around 85, he had also struggled to maintain a strike rate of 70 in Mirpur. Although his unbeaten 58 came at a strike rate of 74, the innings carried far greater significance than the numbers suggested.

Liton had shown signs of regaining form at the venue in recent months, producing several scores above 40 during series against Pakistan and New Zealand. However, he repeatedly fell short of converting those starts into a fifty. Against Australia, he finally erased that blemish. Bangladesh were under pressure at 61-3 when Liton joined forces with Towhid Hridoy. The pair added a crucial 92-run partnership that steadied the innings and restored momentum. Their stand laid the foundation for a competitive total in fact.

"The media of Bangladesh should remember Shaheed Ziaur Rahman with respect for ages, because he worked as the main patron of independent media," he said. The information minister made the remarks while speaking as a special speaker at a discussion titled 'Mass Media and Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman' organised at Jatiya Press Club here marking the martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.

BNP Secretary General and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir addressed the meeting as the chief guest with Jatiya Press Club President Hasan Hafiz in the chair. Jatiya Press Club General Secretary Ayub Bhuiyan moderated it. Recalling the historic leadership of Shaheed Zia, Swapon said on March 25, 1971, at 2 am, a 36-year-old Bangali major declared independence against an established military power without any instructions or provocation. 

Relying only on his own honesty, values, consciousness and patriotism, Ziaur Rahman appeared before the cantonment and the country’s people as a man of solution in times of crisis, he said. The information minister said those who are aware of history know that if he had not declared war on that night of March 25, the nation would have been directionless. “Similarly, if the soldiers-people had not freed him from captivity on November 7, there would have been no peace in the country,” he said.

Swapon said despite being a military officer, Ziaur Rahman's mentality and attitude proved that he was a great statesman. "The way he digested the disrespectful behaviour towards him at Dhaka University like a statesman and paved the way for all the different opinions of the country to criticise based on democratic values ??is unprecedented," he said.

The minister further said Shahid Zia brought the deprived political parties into the political arena and gave a chance for constructive debate. He said Shaheed Zia broke all the barriers of the Fourth Amendment and gave a new life to the buried parliament. Respecting different opinions and determining the pace of development through multidimensional thinking were his statesmanlike characteristics, Swapon said.

Highlighting Shahid Zia's view on the media, he said no leader in the world can be a popular statesman unless he practices the right approach towards the media. He said Shahid Zia not only provided the media with infrastructural or financial facilities, but also ensured that freedom so that the media could work as a clean mirror of the state and society. “Because of his contribution, today society and the state are constantly reflected in the eyes of the people,” the minister said.

Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) Secretary General Quader Gani Chowdhury, Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) President Shahidul Islam and Daily Jugantor Editor poet Abdul Hye  Sikder also spoke at the event, among others. 

The BNP secretary general made the remarks while addressing a discussion titled 'Mass Media and Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman' at Jatiya Press Club here. Jatiya Press Club organised the discussion on the occasion of the martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. Chaired by Jatiya Press Club President Hasan Hafiz and moderated by General Secretary Ayub Bhuiyan, the meeting was also addressed by Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon as a special guest.

Speaking as the chief guest, Mirza Fakhrul said apart from the book written by the late eminent journalist Mahfuzullah, there is no such information-rich and research-based work on Shaheed Zia. He said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting now has the scope to conduct a major research project as a state initiative to properly present the contribution of this great leader to the new generation. Shaheed Zia, in just three and a half to four years of rule, had taken measures in every fundamental field of a state and initiated success, Fakhrul said. 

He said the biggest contribution of Shaheed Zia was to establish the own and distinct geographical identity or entity of the people through the philosophy of 'Bangladeshi nationalism'. Recalling Shaheed Zia's deep faith in democratic values, the LGRD minister said after the changeover in 1975, Ziaur Rahman introduced a multi-party democracy by uniting all the political parties together from the ruins. He said Shaheed Zia rehabilitated various political parties, including the Muslim League, in politics and formed the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to ensure a 'liberal democracy' or a liberal democratic system.

Citing the 1974 famine, which he termed a man-made disaster, Mirza Fakhrul said Shaheed Zia, through his hard work and leadership, revived a fragile economy that was then referred to as a "bottomless basket" by the international community. Shaheed Zia walked all over the country and went to the doors of farmers to illuminate a light of hope in the peoples' minds, he said. Reminiscing about his experience, the BNP secretary general said during his visit to Dinajpur, President Zia suddenly stopped his car and entered the cottage of a poor mother to drink water.

As a result of such solidarity with the common people despite being a statesman, lakhs of people spontaneously joined the namaz-e-janaza after his martyrdom and broke down in tears, he said.  Fakhrul said Time magazine had also highlighted this unprecedented and emotional display of public affection for Shaheed Zia in one of its reports. Mentioning Ziaur Rahman's groundbreaking steps in agriculture, education, culture, sports and foreign relations, the minister said his contribution to the modernisation of the Rice Research Institute, Agricultural Research Institute and Sugarcane Institute along with the canal digging programme was undeniable. 

Besides, he took the unique initiative of arranging a tour of the Bay of Bengal and Bangladesh on the ship 'Hizbul Bahar' to make the young people and students patriotic, Fakhrul said. Criticising the flattery of a section of the media during the previous regime, he said the media has now become a representative of corporate or business houses.  The struggle of journalists for a free journalism and democracy, free from the flattery of the previous regime, will have the full support of the incumbent government and the patriotic people, he said.

Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) Secretary General Quader Gani Chowdhury, Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) President Shahidul Islam and Daily Jugantor Editor poet Abdul Hai Sikder, among others, spoke at the event. Speakers discussed Shaheed Zia's state philosophy in protecting the freedom of the press and various aspects of his contribution to nation-building.

Prime Minister's Deputy Press Secretary Jahidul Islam Rony said Sajjadul Islam briefed the Prime Minister on his innovations, including biodegradable polythene made from rotten and discarded vegetables, and corrugated sheets, tiles, and boards produced from banana fibers. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman highly appreciated these environment-friendly innovations using local raw materials, he added. The Prime Minister assured government support for Sajjadul Islam's innovative works and encouraged him to continue his research and development activities.

"I am informing this august parliament and the entire nation that former IGP Benazir Ahmed, who is accused in corruption cases, has been arrested by the police authorities of the United Arab Emirates and is currently being held in custody there," he said, making a statement under Rule 300 of the Rules of Procedure at the beginning of the day's proceedings in the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) today.

According to information provided by NCB Abu Dhabi, he said, the arrest was made in compliance with international legal procedures following the Interpol notice.

The Home Minister described the arrest as a "historic success" of Bangladesh Police and said the development would help the country emerge from the longstanding culture of impunity and lawlessness.

"This is a historic success of Bangladesh Police. Through this achievement, we will be able to come out of the culture of impunity and lawlessness," he told the House amid desk thumping by the lawmakers across the board.

The minister said the government, after assuming office, had taken determined steps to ensure that Benazir Ahmed, accused in corruption cases, could not evade justice despite remaining abroad.

"After the current government assumed office, the National Central Bureau (NCB) Dhaka under Police Headquarters was assigned to work closely with Interpol to secure the arrest of former IGP Benazir Ahmed, who is accused in corruption cases," he said.

He informed Parliament that NCB Dhaka formally requested Interpol on April 11, 2025, to issue a Red Notice against Benazir Ahmed. Following extensive coordination, Interpol issued the Red Notice and requested the UAE Ministry of Interior to take necessary action for his arrest.

The Home Minister said Bangladesh received official confirmation of the arrest on June 12, 2026, through an email sent by the Directorate General of Federal Criminal Police, National Central Bureau (NCB) Abu Dhabi.

He further said UAE authorities had informed Bangladesh that under the UAE Federal Law No. 39 of 2006, a formal extradition request must be submitted through diplomatic channels within 30 days from the date of arrest.

He said Benazir Ahmed is facing a number of criminal proceedings in Bangladesh under sections 420, 467, 468 and 471 of the Penal Code, relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947, and Section 11 of the Bangladesh Passport Order, 1973.

The Home Minister said all relevant government agencies were already working in close coordination to complete the legal and diplomatic formalities required for his return.

He noted that NCB Dhaka had successfully completed a series of complex international coordination activities, including obtaining the Interpol Red Notice, maintaining communication with foreign authorities, and carrying out follow-up actions after the arrest.

"The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is preparing all necessary case records, arrest warrants and investigation documents required for extradition. The Ministry of Home Affairs will prepare and approve the extradition proposal, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will transmit the formal request to the UAE authorities through diplomatic channels," he said.

"Through close coordination with NCB Abu Dhabi and the relevant authorities of the UAE, we will bring him back to Bangladesh as quickly as possible," he added.

The minister said the arrest sends a strong message that no individual, regardless of status, position or influence, would be allowed to remain beyond the reach of the law.

"We want to assure the nation that no criminal is above the law, no matter how powerful he or she may be. This action demonstrates the government's commitment to ensuring accountability and justice," he said.

Describing the development as a landmark achievement for the country's law enforcement agencies, Salahuddin Ahmed said the arrest would strengthen public confidence in the justice system.

"This will remain a historic milestone in establishing the rule of law in Bangladesh. It proves that those accused of serious crimes and corruption cannot escape justice simply by leaving the country," he said.

The Home Minister said the government's determination to pursue the case internationally reflects its broader commitment to combating corruption, strengthening institutions and ensuring equal application of the law.

In a separate statement under Rule 300, the Home Minister also briefed the parliament on the reported disappearance of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir central leader Mohammad Jisan Mia Pradhan, saying police investigations had revealed that the matter was unrelated to any enforced disappearance or government action.

He said a General Diary (GD) was lodged at Daudkandi Model Police Station in Cumilla on June 12 after Jisan was reported missing. Following the complaint, multiple police teams launched an investigation and search operation.

According to findings presented by the minister, Jisan had developed a relationship with a woman through Facebook several months ago and allegedly promised to marry her. Police investigations found that he had physical relations with the woman on multiple occasions, resulting in her pregnancy.

The Home Minister said investigators learned that Jisan subsequently pressured the woman to terminate the pregnancy and allegedly arranged abortion medication through associates.

When the woman later demanded marriage, Jisan reportedly agreed to marry her on June 12. However, according to the investigation, he went into hiding on June 11 and a missing diary was subsequently filed on his behalf.

Police later located and recovered him from Laksham in Cumilla district.

The minister said the woman subsequently filed a case against Jisan and three others on several allegations, including rape, abetment of rape, criminal intimidation and causing miscarriage. The co-accused were arrested and later gave confessional statements before a magistrate under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

The investigation into the case is continuing, he said.

The Home Minister said that as some social media accounts had attempted to portray the disappearance differently and blame the government, it was necessary to place the verified facts before Parliament and the nation.

The announcement was made during the foundation’s grand inauguration ceremony held on Friday evening at Mintu Bhai Shooting House on Dhaka’s 300 Feet Road. The event was attended by prominent cultural personalities, media professionals, artists, and well-wishers from various sectors.

A new organization, Shekor Cultural Foundation, officially began its journey with the objective of promoting media and cultural practices rooted in Bangladeshi nationalism and progressive values.

The foundation was formally launched through a colorful and well-attended ceremony held at Mintu Bhai Shooting House on the 300 Feet Road in Dhaka on Friday evening (June 12).

The event commenced with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by the singing of the National Anthem in chorus.

At the outset of the program, participants observed a one-minute silence in memory of the martyrs of the Great Liberation War, the martyrs of the anti-autocracy movement of 1990, and the martyrs of the 2024 mass uprising. The gathering also paid tribute to the late cultural personalities who made significant contributions to Bangladesh’s cultural landscape.

Delivering the welcome address, Syed Shakil, Convener of Shekor Cultural Foundation, greeted the guests and outlined the significance of the initiative. Member Secretary Riazul Riju presented a detailed overview of the organization’s goals, objectives, and future plans.

To ensure the smooth operation of the foundation’s activities, an 11-member convening committee has been formed for a period of 90 days, with Syed Shakil serving as Convener and Riazul Riju as Member Secretary.

Several distinguished guests addressed the event and shared their views on the future of the organization. Among them were Mozammel Haque Khan, Shahed Sharif Khan, Zahidul Islam Mintu, Kazi Riaz Hossain, Mousumi Hamid, Tabassum Mithila, Mihi Ahsan, Ashraf Tulu, Syed Hasan Junnurain, Ashraful Alam Bablu, Tushar Mahmud, Aminul Babu, M.A. Hossain Monju, and Saifur Rahman Evan.

The program concluded with an engaging cultural performance featuring Baul songs, folk music, poetry recitations, patriotic songs, and traditional musical presentations. Speakers and guests welcomed the foundation’s initiative and expressed optimism that Shekor Cultural Foundation would play a significant role in promoting healthy cultural values and enriching Bangladesh’s cultural sphere in the years to come.

"Our position has always been that the only way to deal with the stockpile of enriched material is to dilute it inside Iran," said Araghchi in an interview with state television.

He added that at least three people were wounded, according to first reports, and that 96 people had been drafted to fight the blaze. The Russian army said it had shot down a total of 177 Ukrainian drones overnight. Ukraine has stepped up its campaign of attacks within Russia in recent months, claiming fair retaliation for Moscow's own massive bombardments across the more than four-year-long conflict. Kyiv insists that the Ukrainian army first and foremost targets military installations and energy infrastructure, in a bid to deprive the Kremlin's war chest of vital fossil fuel revenues.

US Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees operations in the region, posted on X that Iran had "launched multiple one-way attack drones in an attempt to strike commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz". "US forces have downed all of them in recent hours as traffic flow through the strait continues unimpeded," it said.

CENTCOM added that the Strait of Hormuz -- a key maritime trade route for oil and gas from the Gulf -- "remains open for transit", despite an Iranian-enforced blockade since the start of the war. Disagreements between the two sides have persisted, with Iranian state media publishing a breakdown of what was purportedly on the table that was at odds with Washington's account. "The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding has never been closer," Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, wrote in a social media post, referring to the Pakistani capital that hosted previous US-Iran talks.

Trump -- who on Friday morning accused the Iranians of negotiating in bad faith and misrepresenting the terms that had been agreed -- posted a screenshot of Araghchi's message on his own feed just hours later. But state broadcaster IRIB reported Araghchi as saying that until a complete agreement was reached on all issues, "it cannot be said with certainty that an understanding has been achieved with the United States". Araghchi provided some details on the agreement in an interview with state television, saying it calls for the lifting of the US naval blockade of Iran's ports and unspecified changes to the administration of the Strait of Hormuz.

He also said the only way to deal with the country's enriched uranium -- which Washington alleges is part of a nuclear weapons programme -- "is to dilute it inside Iran". Disputing Trump's "bad faith" accusation, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said an agreement had now been reached with Washington "on most points". Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose country has been a key mediator since the initial talks, confirmed that "a final, agreed-upon text of the peace deal has been reached".

"Peace has never been as close as it is now," Sharif said, while acknowledging "incessant misinformation" surrounding the deal. A senior US official also voiced optimism that the parties would be "signing this agreement over the next few days". "If I were to give you a confidence that we were going to be signing this agreement, I maybe would have said 75 percent this morning, it's probably more like 80-85 percent now, but it's not 100 percent," the official told reporters in a call.

The Swiss foreign ministry on Friday said it had been in contact with both the United States and Iran, and had "proposed Switzerland as the venue for a possible signing, should the parties agree to it". But Araghchi said that upon finalisation, a draft deal with the United States would be signed "remotely", adding that this could happen "in the coming days". US ally Israel has said that Trump had promised it that any agreement would see Iran stripped of its enriched nuclear material, but Tehran's official IRNA news agency said this was not even on the table. 

According to IRNA's account, after an initial agreement is signed, Iran and the United States would hold 60 more days of talks and "Iran's right to enrich uranium and the retention of enriched material... will be emphasised with a view to their inclusion in the final agreement". Beyond this, according to IRNA, Iran would insist on managing traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran has blockaded since the outbreak of the war, causing major disruptions to the global economy. On Friday, Iran's Mehr news agency, quoting a source close to the country's negotiating team, said the deal would also see the release of $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets.

But those details clashed with a summary offered by a senior White House official, who told AFP Iran had agreed to dismantle its nuclear programme, destroy its enriched uranium stockpile and reopen the strait -- and that Tehran would not see any of its frozen funds returned until it had honoured these commitments. US Vice President JD Vance likewise said Iran was "not receiving any cash, and no funds are being released for simply signing a deal or attending a meeting". But, he added, if "Iran meets its obligations, then economic benefits will flow to them and to the entire region".

"An IAF An-32 aircraft met with an accident today while landing at Jorhat. A court of inquiry is being constituted, to ascertain the cause of the accident," the statement said, without giving any details about causalities.

News channel NDTV broadcast images of the crash site, showing a thick black plume of smoke and the aircraft apparently broken into pieces.

Almost all of them were Congolese nationals who had crossed the border from their home country, where more than 676 cases have been confirmed and 136 people have died since May 15. "Today, the Ugandan Health Ministry, together with the Civil Aviation Authority, Ambassadors, and airline operators serving Uganda, discussed the unfair travel restrictions imposed on Uganda due to the current Ebola situation," Diana Atwine, permanent secretary for the health ministry, said on X on Friday.

"While we appreciate the need for vigilance, blanket restrictions undermine confidence in countries that report outbreaks openly, and are not commensurate with the actual risk." Besides the United States, Canada and the United Arab Emirates are among the countries to have imposed entry bans on travellers from Uganda, the DRC and neighbouring South Sudan as a result of the outbreak.

While the World Health Organization's chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised Kampala's strategy on a visit to Uganda on Monday, the United Nations health agency warned on Friday that the outbreak was spreading to new areas in the neighbouring DRC. No vaccine nor specific treatment exists for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola responsible for the latest outbreak, the 17th to hit the vast central African country. Spread by close contact and infected bodily fluids, the disease has killed more than 15,000 people in Africa over the past 50 years.

The US State Department advisory for the impoverished, violence-wracked CAR reads: "Do not travel to Central African Republic for any reason." Trump has described Iran, with whom Washington is currently at war, as a "terrorist regime" but is nonetheless deporting nationals who have fled the country, including at least two Iranian women slated for the flight, their lawyer said. The Iranians had been granted "withholding of removal" -- a status that carries weaker rights than asylum but has been considered a "win" in immigration court under previous administrations.

"We fear they will ultimately be forced to return to the countries they originally fled," as has repeatedly happened with other deportees sent across Africa, their attorney, Emily Trostle, told AFP. The flight took off from Alexandria, Louisiana, on Thursday evening, according to the ICE Flight Monitor, affiliated with non-profit Human Rights First. It then made a scheduled stopover in Ghana -- which is itself a hub for third-country deportations -- Friday afternoon and landed in Central African capital Bangui around 2100 GMT.

It was unclear if some people were to be taken off the plane in Ghana or if they were all sent to the Central African Republic, said Alma David, a US immigration lawyer familiar with the case. Ghanaian immigration authorities did not respond to a request for comment. She said those headed to the Central African Republic "are mainly withholding grantees from a variety of countries, including Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey, Georgia".

In recent years, a United Nations peacekeeping mission, Rwandan troops and Russian mercenaries from the notorious Wagner group have helped to improve the Central African Republic's security situation. But anti-government fighters and armed groups are still present throughout the unstable, mineral-rich country. - Previous allegations of abuse - As part of its crackdown, the Trump administration has expanded who is targeted for deportation and where they can be sent.

Washington has argued it is only barred from sending people with "withholding of removal" to their country of origin -- and thus can send them anywhere else, even if those countries then send them home. Deportees and lawyers have described unsanitary holding conditions in Ghana and indefinite detention in Eswatini, among other alleged abuses. From Ghana and Equatorial Guinea, another African hub, some people have been sent back home to countries in which US judges ruled they faced danger.

It was not clear what would happen to the deportees upon arrival in the Central African Republic. It appears to be Bangui's first accord with Washington, which has made a slew of opaque deportation deals in Africa and elsewhere. "We don't know if these migrants who are coming to and will be received on Central African soil are in transit or if they are entitled to apply for asylum," Paul Crescent Beninga, a political scientist and civil society leader, told AFP.

"The government doesn't want to provide any answers, the government isn't communicating." A State Department spokesman said "we remain unwavering in our commitment to end illegal and mass immigration" but did not answer questions about the terms of the deal. Central African authorities did not respond to a request for comment.

"These individuals are being removed from the United States and abandoned in a country where they have no status, no connection and no support network," Trostle said. Last week, a lawsuit was filed with the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights -- the continent's top human rights body -- to halt US deportations to Equatorial Guinea, a small, authoritarian petro-state that has served as a waystation for African deportees. The lawsuit also seeks to stop Equatorial Guinea's onward expulsion of the deportees to their home countries.

Celebrations for the golden jubilee were held on June 13 to avoid coinciding with Sweden's Midsummer's Eve holiday, which falls this year on June 19. The king and queen, aged 80 and 82 respectively, kicked off the day with a morning thanksgiving service, called a Te Deum, in the palace chapel. After a palace lunch, they boarded the royal barge Vasaorden, with the queen dressed in a coral-red suit and a pillbox hat.

Under sunny skies, they were rowed across the water before transferring to a horse-drawn carriage for a procession through the capital. Thousands of Swedes gathered along the route, waving and cheering as the couple made their way to a love-themed concert in central Kungstradgarden park. A special jubilee concert was also scheduled at the Royal Opera, before a private dinner at the palace for friends and family.

In an interview with newspaper Dagens Nyheter at their royal residence ahead of the jubilee, the couple spoke candidly about their relationship. The queen praised the king's "humour", "sense of duty" and "honesty", while he described her as "unbelievably considerate". Asked what irritates them about each other, the queen joked: "There are so many things!" The king, in turn, teased her habit of shutting herself away in rooms "all the time".

"Yes, so no one can find you. We have quite a few rooms out here so there are lots of possibilities," he said. Reflecting more seriously, the king said successful relationships for couples just starting out take work. "You have to be prepared that it may not be as rosy as you imagined. You have to be humble and accept that there may be uphill struggles." Sweden has marked several royal milestones recently, including an 80th birthday bash for the king in April and his 50th anniversary on the throne in September 2023.

A keen hunter and sportsman, the king is the longest-reigning Swedish monarch and also the European monarch with the longest reign, 52 years. The royal couple have three children: Crown Princess Victoria, 48, Prince Carl Philip, 47, and Princess Madeleine, 44. Despite occasional scandals -- notably claims in a 2010 book alleging he frequented sex clubs and had numerous affairs -- the king remains broadly popular. A recent poll by the Novus institute found that 69 percent of Swedes believe he represents the country well.

July 4, the start date of the national funeral, will coincide with the United States' Independence Day, which this year celebrates its 250th anniversary. Ali Khamenei's son, Mojtaba, succeeded him as supreme leader in early March, the third since the establishment of the Islamic republic in 1979. Mojtaba Khamenei, wounded in the strikes that killed his father and numerous other officials, has not appeared in public since his appointment and communicates only through statements attributed to him.

"We have to wait and see about the exact time of signing; although it will not be tomorrow," ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said, according to the IRNA news agency.

"The possibility of this happening in the coming days cannot be ruled out," he added, after mediator Pakistan said Iran and the United States could finalise the deal within 24 hours.

Speaking at the programme, MP Sarwar said he felt "deeply pleased and proud" to be able to distribute financial assistance to poor and helpless people. He emphasized that working for the welfare of marginalized, disadvantaged, and underprivileged people is both a moral and social responsibility. He added that although such assistance cannot provide a permanent solution to their problems, it can bring some relief during difficult times. He also highlighted that the government is continuously working to improve the living standards of ordinary people through initiatives in education, healthcare, social security, and poverty alleviation.

"This programme is part of that ongoing effort to ensure public welfare," he said. The programme was presided over by Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mosammat Farida Sultana. Nurul Amin, convenor of the Sadar Upazila BNP, also spoke at the event. Local BNP leaders were present on the occasion.

Among those present as special guests were Administrator of the District Council Principal Alamgir Hossain, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Alauddin Bhuiyan Jony, Additional District Magistrate Tanzila Kabir Tropa, Joint Director of the National Security Intelligence (NSI) Md. Mizanur Rahman, and Acting Divisional Forest Officer Sheikh Yakub Ali.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Commissioner Abu Sayeed said that various species of forest, fruit-bearing, and medicinal trees would be planted across different areas of the district. During the programme, more than one hundred forest, fruit-bearing, and medicinal saplings were planted on the Deputy Commissioner's Office premises and its surrounding areas.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony as chief guest, Manju said the government is implementing various commitments made to the people, including the introduction of Family Cards, Farmers’ Cards and Health Cards, alongside reforms in the education and healthcare sectors. He said the tree plantation initiative was undertaken by KCC following the nationwide launch of the programme by Prime Minister Tareq Rahman at Dulahazara in Cox’s Bazar.

Under the initiative, KCC has set a target of planting 60,000 trees across the metropolitan area within 180 days. Seeking cooperation from all sections of society, the administrator said KCC is committed to expanding urban greenery and creating a more environmentally sustainable city. KCC Chief Revenue Officer Rahima Sultana Bushra chaired the programme. Former KCC Mayor Mohammad Moniruzzaman and former Member of Parliament Syeda Nargis Ali, among others, attended the event.

Earlier in the day, Manju inaugurated a photo exhibition titled “Voice of the Coast: Journey of Climate Resilience” at Shaheed Hadis Park. Speaking at the opening ceremony, he said climate change has created persistent challenges for people living in coastal areas, particularly in the aftermath of natural disasters such as Cyclones Sidr and Amphan and the devastating impact of Aila.

He noted that coastal communities continue to struggle with the loss of homes, livelihoods and biodiversity, forcing many residents to wage a constant battle against adverse natural conditions. The exhibition was organised by the Department of Women Affairs, Khulna, highlighting activities implemented under a project financed by the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs and UNDP Bangladesh are jointly implementing the project in five upazilas of Khulna and Satkhira districts.

The initiative aims to strengthen the adaptive capacity of coastal communities, particularly women, improve access to safe drinking water and help residents cope with the impacts of salinity caused by climate change. Officials said that upon completion, the project is expected to directly and indirectly benefit 7, 19,229 people across the five upazilas.

Police and local sources said the accident occurred in the Kuwaiti Mosque area of Ranishankail municipality when a tractor approaching from behind struck her bicycle. She fell onto the road and sustained severe injuries, dying on the spot.

She was returning home on a bicycle from coaching classes. Officer-in-Charge (OC) Amanullah Al Bari of Ranishankail Police Station confirmed the incident, saying the driver and vehicle are in custody and legal action is underway.

Under the initiative, 24 beneficiaries from 12 unions received two-goat each, totaling 48 goats, while 12 persons with disabilities were each given a wheelchair. Earlier in the day, Whip Akhtaruzzaman Mia attended the Upazila Law and Order Committee meeting, a rally, and a discussion session marking World No Tobacco Day at Ichamati Hall of the upazila Parishad as the chief guest.

Addressing the gathering, Akhtaruzzaman said that Prime Minister's election commitments are being implemented through various development initiatives across the country. Referring to the nationwide tree plantation campaign launched on Saturday, he expressed hope that collective efforts would help transform the country into a greener Bangladesh over the next five years. Later, he inaugurated a tree plantation program aimed at planting 10,000 saplings in Chrirbandar upazila. 

The programs were chaired by Chrirbandar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Fatema-Tuz-Zohra. Among those present were - Assistant Commissioner (Land) Shahana Afroze, Upazila Livestock Officer Md. Raihan Ali, Upazila Agriculture Officer Agriculturist Johora Sultana, Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Md. Moazzem Hossain Sarkar, Officer-in-Charge of Chrirbandar Police Station Mahmudun Nabi, Upazila Social Services Officer Hamidur Rahman and Press Club President Akhtar Hossain.

Speaking at the time, RCC Administrator Mahfuzur Rahman Riton said, as part of implementing the election manifesto of the present government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, a programme to plant 250,000 trees across Rajshahi city has been undertaken. In the first phase, the planting of about 53,000 trees has already begun. Various species of flowering, fruit, timber and medicinal trees are being planted with the aim of increasing greening in the city, maintaining ecological balance and enhancing beauty. 

Calling upon city residents to plant trees, the RCC administrator said, "Let each of us plant at least one sapling. Let us all together build Rajshahi metropolis into a greener, cleaner, environment-friendly and healthier city."  Also present at the tree plantation programme were RCC Chief Executive Officer Md. Rezaul Karim, Secretary Sohel Rana, Superintending Engineer Ahmad Al Moin Parag, along with other officials of the city corporation.

State Minister for Public Administration and Food Abdul Bari distributed the financial support to the victim's families as the chief guest. According to officials, the Trust Fund provides Taka 5 lakh to the families of those killed in road accidents, Taka 3 lakh for critically injured victims and Taka 1 lakh for injured individuals.

Among others present at the ceremony were Joypurhat Deputy Commissioner Md. Al Mamun Mia, Zila Parishad Administrator Masud Rana Pradhan and BRTA Inspector Ram Krishna Poddar, along with government and private officials, political representatives, civil society members, and beneficiaries.

Police said Mahim was riding a motorcycle from Monirampur towards Kuada Bazar when he lost control of the bike near Atmail area. The motorcycle then crashed into a roadside electricity pole, leaving Mahim dead on the spot. Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Monirampur Police Station Abu Sayeed confirmed the incident and said highway police are taking legal steps regarding the case.

Under the month-long programme, 50,000 fruit, forest and medicinal tree saplings will be planted along roads, at educational institutions, places of worship and open spaces in all 33 wards of the city. Addressing the programme, Mahfuz Un Nabi Chowdhury Don said, "Tree plantation must be turned into a social movement to create a greener environment, mitigate the impacts of climate change and maintain ecological balance."

He urged residents from all walks of life, especially youths, to plant trees in every vacant space and in their homesteads and take proper care of the saplings to make the city greener and protect the environment.  RpCC Executive Engineer (Region-2) Abdus Selim Jewel, Rangpur Metropolitan BNP members Mohsin Ali, Mozahar Hossain Batul, Rangpur Metropolitan Jubo Dal Senior Joint Convener Jahir Alam Nayan, Member Secretary Atiqul Islam Lelin, Rangpur Metropolitan Swechchasebak Dal Convener Imran Hossain, Member Secretary Nur Hasan Sumon, among others, were present. 

Asked what he will do to celebrate, he replied: "To be honest, I think I'll probably just, you know, watch some Netflix." Balogun was born in New York but moved to England as a one-month-old and raised in London. He has family across both nations, many of who were in attendance. "Too many, you know!" he joked, adding that he had been charged with procuring countless tickets for relatives on both sides of the pond.

"But I'm happy to do it, because this is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion," he said. Balogun came up through the Arsenal academy ranks, representing both England and the United States in age-group teams. He went on loan to Reims, where his career came to life. Last year Balogun top-scored for Monaco with 19 goals after a reported 40-million-euro transfer. His first season in France's Ligue 1 sparked interest from the US, which lacked a world-class striker, and he was famously courted by scouts, receiving the red-carpet treatment with trips to Florida and NBA ringside tickets.

American soccer fans tracked his every move, before he formally switched allegiance to the US in 2023. "When I committed, and throughout the whole cycle, and the whole journey to me being at this point, I've always said the fans gave me so much motivation and showed me so much support," he said Friday. "For me the most important thing has always been to be able to repay that, so I feel like today's a great opportunity... I just want to continue to show the fans I made the right decision."

Balogun's teammate Christian Pulisic said the US side is "really lucky to have him." "The kid's insane. He's lethal right now in front of goal... Let's just hope it keeps going like this."

But any doubts about their ability to progress past the first round were obliterated in a dazzling first-half display which saw them roar into a 3-0 lead to all but seal victory in the opening 45 minutes. "Just a great start from the guys," US star Christian Pulisic said afterwards. "The guys came out with so much energy, just a great performance and a deserved win. "It's just the start of a long journey. We've got a lot more to do. It's really, really great start and we should be proud but we've got to keep pushing and be ready for the next game."

Pop star Katy Perry got the party started with a rousing performance just before kick-off while Hollywood royalty including Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio and Halle Berry were amongst a 70,492 crowd. The US men rose to the occasion with a performance of flair and precision that will ignite dreams of a deep run in the tournament by the co-hosts, with group games against Australia and Turkey to come. Wave after wave of US pressure led to Bobadilla's opening goal after just seven minutes before Balogun -- who grew up in London and represented England youth teams before pledging allegiance to the United States -- bagged his brace.

The only blemish on the US performance was the conceding of a Paraguay goal from Brazil-born Mauricio in the 73rd minute after hesitancy in the hosts' defence. Canada grab first point - In Friday's other game, co-hosts Canada earned the first World Cup point in its history when Cyle Larin grabbed a second-half equaliser in Toronto to make it 1-1 after Bosnia-Herzegovina had taken the lead with a close-range header from Jovo Lukic.

"It was special for me. I was ready to come and help the team. I thought the goals would come. I score when Canada needs me, and always have done," Larin said. Canadian film stars Ryan Reynolds and Mike Myers were in the packed crowd to watch the first-ever World Cup match on Canadian soil. But former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau skipped the game in favour of the USA opener in Los Angeles -- where his girlfriend Katy Perry was performing. Partey blocked by Canada -

Off the pitch, Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey, who is facing trial in Britain on rape charges, has been denied a visa to enter Canada. FIFA said Partey "will be unable to travel from Ghana's team base camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, 17 June, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government." The 32-year-old will be eligible to play in Ghana's subsequent Group L games against England and Croatia, both taking place in the United States.

Trump's immigration policies have created problems for nationals from certain countries. Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States despite having a valid visa. And US authorities have refused visas to some members of the Iran team's support staff as well as Senegalese and Ivory Coast fans. Friday's games in Los Angeles and Toronto were the precursor to a packed slate of World Cup fixtures on Saturday, with eight teams in action.

Five-time world champions Brazil will launch their bid for a sixth title with a testing game against Morocco in East Rutherford in Group C while Scotland make their long-awaited return to World Cup football against Haiti. Australia will take on Turkey in Vancouver while Qatar play Switzerland in Santa Clara, California. The World Cup, expanded to 48 teams, will culminate in the final in New Jersey on July 19.

Major (retd) Sheikh Jihaduzzaman Jihad was present there as the special guest in the opening ceremony.  Speaking as the chief guest in the opening ceremony, the chief guest said, sports not only ensure physical fitness, it also plays an important role in developing discipline, brotherhood and leadership qualities.  A large number of spectators and local sports enthusiasts were present at the event and enjoyed the match. 

Pressed by a journalist at his post-game conference about the performance of US talisman Christian Pulisic, Pochettino refused to budge. "You push me to talk about names, and it's about the team, it's a collective performance. Of course, he was amazing," said the coach. He then went on to name nearly every member of the US lineup, praising each as also "amazing." Pochettino was also effusive in his praise for the 70,000 crowd in Los Angeles. Despite some media reports suggesting that the US public is not as invested in the tournament as other World Cup hosts -- particularly with the ongoing NBA Finals drawing eyeballs away from the soccer -- the atmosphere was raucous in the Los Angeles Stadium.

"On behalf of the whole team, massive thank you to the fans, because the energy that they relate to the team was amazing, and we can do amazing things with if the fans are in this way," said Pochettino. The US is now in a strong position to progress from Group D, which also contains next Friday's opposition Australia, and Turkey.

"We are so happy, but this is only the start," said Pochettino. "It's still two games to play. We need to enjoy this start to the tournament, but know that we need to keep going and try to improve and try to do better in the next game, because all the games are very competitive."

Bangladesh registered a commanding 39-25 win over Nepal in the Under-18 category, with the Quantum Cosmo School and College student playing a key role by scoring seven goals. Despite receiving individual recognition, Jebe remained focused on the team's success rather than personal achievements. "I would give myself 5 out of 10 for my performance. To be honest, I played for the team and for Bangladesh. I never play for myself. Today, I wanted someone else to win the award," he said after the match.

Reflecting on Bangladesh's narrow defeat to India, Jebe admitted the loss was particularly painful. "Losing that match felt really bad because the margin was only four goals. We could have closed that gap and won the game if we had performed a little better," he said. Looking ahead to the final group match, Jebe described Afghanistan as a strong opponent and stressed the importance of maintaining the same level of intensity shown against India and Nepal.

"Afghanistan is a strong team. I want us to play against them the same way we played against India and the way we played today. If we can maintain that level of performance, we'll have a good chance of achieving a positive result," he added. Bangladesh will now take on Afghanistan in their final match of the tournament as they seek to finish their campaign on a high note.

Soumya endorsed that mindset, saying Bangladesh must continue looking ahead if they want to become a major force in world cricket. "When a World Cup ends, you have to start thinking about the next one and how to perform better. What Mustafizur said is absolutely right," Soumya said. "If you want to become a big team, you have to do these things. If you don't perform in ICC events or major tournaments, it doesn't count. We want to become a team that can achieve something in any big tournament and take Bangladesh cricket to a much higher level."

At the same time, Soumya acknowledged that a 3-0 whitewash of Australia would rank among the greatest achievements in Bangladesh's ODI history as the Tigers prepare for the third and final match of the series. Bangladesh had waited 21 years for only their second ODI victory over Australia following the famous Cardiff upset in 2005. That drought ended in the opening match of the ongoing series before the hosts secured a maiden ODI series victory against Australia with a five-wicket win in the second game. Now Bangladesh stand on the verge of another landmark achievement - their first-ever ODI series whitewash of Australia. "It will be very big.

When we won the series, it was a very big achievement. We should have celebrated this in a bigger way. If we can win 3-0, it will be an even bigger achievement for us," Soumya said. "We all have the same goal, which is to play positive cricket." Bangladesh have previously whitewashed Kenya, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, West Indies and Zimbabwe in ODI bilateral series but have never managed the feat against Australia. Before this series, they had not won a single match in either of the two previous bilateral ODI series against the five-time world champions.

A major reason behind Bangladesh's recent success has been the emergence of a potent pace-bowling unit led by Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur and rising fast bowler Nahid Rana. Mustafizur was named Player of the Match in the second ODI after combining with Taskin to leave Australia reeling at 3 for no score early in their innings. Soumya described the current pace attack as one of the strongest Bangladesh have ever assembled. "We have one of the best pace bowling departments I have ever seen. It doesn't matter which condition or country we play in. Any team playing against us will definitely think about our pace attack," he said. "Even when we play overseas, opponents will have to consider whether they should prepare fast-bowling-friendly wickets. We are going through a very good period in pace bowling right now."

The 31-year-old Mahedi has played 11 ODIs for Bangladesh with his last appearance being against the same opposition in November 2023 during the ICC Cricket World Cup in India. His inclusion came after captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz was hospitalized following being hit on his head by a bouncer of Australian pacer Nathan Ellis in the second ODI.

He was released from the hospital yesterday and rejoined the team. BCB, however, confirmed that Miraz is in good health but will undergo further assessment tomorrow to determine his fitness for the third game. Squad: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Captain), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (Vice Captain), Tawhid Hridoy, Litto Das, Mosaddek Hossain Saikot, Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana and Mahedi Hasan.

This was Bangladesh's second victory in three matches in the tournament. Bangladesh will face Afghanistan in its final match of the round-robin league scheduled for tomorrow (Sunday) at 1 p.m.

Jebe Dai Bom was instrumental in Bangladesh's win over Nepal. He shared top-scoring honors with David Bom, with both players scoring seven goals apiece in the match.

Bangladesh maintained its dominance throughout the match. 
However, Jebe Dai Bom, who scored 18 goals against India in the previous game, was unable to score as freely in this match and did not meet the high expectations set by his earlier performance.

On both occasions, Bangladesh thoroughly dominated the cricketing powerhouse Australia, sending the fans into delirium. The manner in which they won those games instilled a belief that a series-sweep is not just a mere imagination rather it's a realistic goal if they can replicate the performances. Standin on the brink of the history opener Soumya Sarkar has urged the team management to field its strongest possible XI in the final ODI against, saying the Bangladesh should focus on completing a historic whitewash rather than testing new combinations.

"It is a matter for the management, but if you ask me, I would say it is better not to test. We are playing against a very big team. Winning 3-0 would be a huge achievement. So only the best XI should be played," he said. However, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who was hit on his head by a bouncer of Australian pacer Nathan Ellis in the second game still looks uncertain despite recovering fast. "Miraz has joined the team. The doctors are still monitoring him. There is time until tomorrow. He is with the team and doing well," he said. Considering Miraz's condition, Bangladesh added offspinner Mahedi Hasan into the squad. However, Soumya believes Bangladesh's landmark series triumph deserved greater recognition and celebration. "The series we won should have been celebrated in a bigger way because it is a major achievement. I don't know how much we celebrated it, but it should have been done more," Soumya remarked. Looking ahead to the final match, he said a whitewash would elevate the accomplishment even further. "A 3-0 victory would definitely be even bigger.

That will be our goal. We will play positive cricket, and the team that performs well in all three departments will win," he added. The two sides so far met 24 times in ODI format, with Bangladesh winning three. Bangladesh's success against Australia also marked their 20th bilateral ODI series triumph. England remain the only major side against whom Bangladesh have yet to win an ODI bilateral series. Should Bangladesh complete the sweep, it would become the country's 15th ODI bilateral series whitewash and one of the most memorable achievements in its cricket history. Squads: Bangladesh: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Captain), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Liton Das, Musaddek Hossain Saikat, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana and Mahedi Hasan Australia: Josh Inglis, Oliver Peake, Cooper Connolly, Liam Scott, Tanveer Sangha, Nathan Ellis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Ben Dwarshuis, Xavier Bartlett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Riley Meredith, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa, Billy Stanlake, Alex Carey, Matt Renshaw, Mitchell Marsh and Marnus Labuschagne.

The foreign minister outlined a series of global economic headwinds affecting developing economies, including Bangladesh, and called for a renewed focus on economic diplomacy to transform challenges into opportunities. The conference, jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), brought together senior government leaders, heads of diplomatic missions, development partners, and representatives from the private sector to chart a forward-looking agenda for Bangladesh’s economic engagement.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir and Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam also spoke at the event. Dr Rahman, the President-elect of the 81st UN General Assembly, noted that growth prospects in Bangladesh's major export markets remain positive but moderate, a situation likely to dampen consumer demand and affect exports.

The foreign minister said the new government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman assumed office at a time when the world economy is confronting slowing economic and trade growth, geopolitical tensions, trade policy uncertainties, climate vulnerabilities, rising trade barriers and major shifts in global supply chains. "Moreover, the ongoing energy crisis has added a new layer of complications," he said. Dr. Khalilur said Bangladesh cannot remain isolated from these developments, which carry significant implications for national policymaking and economic diplomacy.

He said today's conference was convened to facilitate open and purposeful discussions among policymakers, diplomats, development partners and business leaders to support informed decision-making on trade and economic engagement. Highlighting financial vulnerabilities faced by developing countries, the foreign minister said international financial markets and institutions increasingly influence production, trade and investment flows. "Countries like Bangladesh find it harder to raise capital, pay significantly higher borrowing costs and remain acutely vulnerable to swings in market sentiment," he said.

He noted that while advanced economies generally borrow at interest rates between one and four percent, emerging and developing economies often face borrowing costs ranging from six to twelve percent or more. "As a result, our access to affordable and secure financing remains significantly restricted," he added. The foreign minister also underscored the growing nexus between climate vulnerability and financing challenges. Referring to findings from a recent Investment Policy Review conducted by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), he said some climate-vulnerable countries are paying an additional US$20 billion annually in interest because of climate-related risks. "External debt and climate crisis are become intertwined," he observed.

Dr. Rahman warned that the ongoing global energy crisis has already increased Bangladesh's expenditure on imported fuel, affecting production costs and overall competitiveness. He said higher energy prices could also divert resources away from development programmes, potentially creating long-term economic consequences. Citing the International Energy Agency, he noted that the current energy crisis could surpass the scale of the oil shocks of the 1970s, which contributed to a "lost decade" of development for many developing nations during the 1980s.

Drawing lessons from history, the foreign minister recalled that Bangladesh had largely avoided the worst effects of that period due to the foresight of then President Ziaur Rahman, who prioritized agricultural modernization, market liberalization and laid the foundation for the country's ready-made garment industry. The foreign minister also highlighted the transformative impact of emerging technologies on global trade and investment.

He said Trade Tech – the convergence of trade, investment and technology – is reshaping international commerce through innovations such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, blockchain and 5G connectivity. "This poses both a challenge and an opportunity depending on how quickly and effectively countries can take advantage of the fast moving Trade Tech landscape," he said.

Dr. Khalilur said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's vision for addressing the current global challenges rests on three strategic goals – "stabilize, reform and elevate". "We need to convert his vision into concrete action as it comes to our work on economic and trade diplomacy," he said. The foreign minister stressed that the government's immediate priority is to restore confidence and trust among citizens, businesses and international partners.

"We want to assure our citizens, our local business community, and most importantly our international partners, that Bangladesh is stable, predictable, and open for business," he said. Reaffirming Bangladesh's commitment to its longstanding foreign policy principle of friendship towards all, Dr. Khalilur said the country would continue to pursue mutually beneficial bilateral and multilateral partnerships aimed at promoting shared growth and prosperity. He said Bangladesh's embassies and high commissions abroad are being restructured to serve as proactive facilitators of trade and investment while helping modernize trade agreements, pursue reciprocal market access and support economic integration.

Addressing the business community, the foreign minister pledged comprehensive reforms to improve the ease of doing business and remove systemic obstacles to investment and entrepreneurship. "You are the driving force of our economic progress, and this government stands fully ready to power your growth," he said. He added that the government is committed to replacing bottlenecks with policy predictability, transparency and a level playing field for businesses ranging from small and medium enterprises to major industrial conglomerates.

The foreign minister said the government has already received an encouraging response from domestic and international stakeholders during its first 100 days in office. Describing political transition as an opportunity for transformation, he said the government possesses the political will, strategic vision and commitment necessary to position Bangladesh as the most competitive investment destination in South Asia.

He urged diplomats and business leaders to become active partners in Bangladesh's development journey and called for sustained dialogue to strengthen trust and unlock the country's economic potential. "Measure us by our actions, hold us to our commitments, and walk with us as we rebuild trust and unlock the true, vibrant potential of Bangladesh," he said.

The conference features three thematic sessions: "The Policy Compass – Advancing Trade & Investment," focusing on policy predictability, market access and investor confidence; "Capital for Growth – Finance, Commerce and Trade," which examines financing reforms and investment mobilization; and "The New Stage – Government Policy, AI, Creative Industries and Sport," highlighting emerging growth sectors and opportunities for economic diversification. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the "Roadmap for Trade, Growth & Economic Diplomacy 2026" conference is being held at a critical time marked by global transitions, mounting risks and growing uncertainties.

The conference seeks to strengthen the link between policymaking and implementation, enhance Bangladesh's economic diplomacy efforts, and foster stronger partnerships with the international community to support sustainable trade and economic growth.

The premier said this while addressing a brief rally after inaugurating the re-excavation work of the Patli canal in Pmkhali Union in the district this morning. Stating that BNP always pursue the people’s welfare-oriented politics, the Prime Minister said, “I have seen in the newspapers, Alhamdulillah, that no prices of essential commodities have increased so far after the announcement of budget this year.”

“Because, the government removed taxes on 60 products in the budget announced two days ago. The products include rice, lentils, edible oil, salt and other daily necessities, so that prices do not rise. The objective is simple: to ensure that people can live well,” he continued. Alleging that the opposition party is opposing the proposed budget in an attempt to create instability in the country, the BNP chairman said, “The opposition says they do not accept this budget and call it anti-people.”

“I want to leave a question to you. The opposition party cannot not accept the budget that reduces taxes...They also do not like the budget that increases the prices of alcohol and cigarettes. Can you now understand the opposition party’s intention?” “Their (opposition party’s) target is not to stand beside the people. Their objective is to create instability and unrest in the country and to mislead the public,” he added.

On Thursday, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury placed the proposed national budget for the 2026–27 fiscal in the Jatiya Sangsad. Referring to the re-excavation of Patli canal, the prime minister said, “This canal was excavated 50 years ago by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. The re-excavation of this canal now will benefit 40,000 people. About 8,500 farmers will also be benefited. For this reason, we will excavate and re-excavate 20,000 kilometers of canals across the country in the next 5 years.” 

Noting that Bangladesh is an agriculture-based country, he said, “But alongside agriculture, we must develop industry and commerce. If industries and businesses grow, employment opportunities will be created for our children. They will be able to find jobs and engage in business.” “Therefore, we have increased taxes on imported goods that compete with products already manufactured in Bangladesh. This is to support local producers and industries. Yet this, too, is not acceptable to the opposition party,” Tarique Rahman said.

“I want to say that you are the owners of this country. The ownership of the country does not belong to any political party.  The ownership of the country does not belong to any family. The true owners of the country are the 20 crore people of Bangladesh,” he said. Stating that the BNP government wants to change the people’s fate, the prime minister said, “We work to change the fate of this country and its people as Bangladesh is the BNP’s first and last destinations” 

“This country belongs to all of us. This country is our first and last destinations. Therefore, we say, if we build this country, we ourselves will live better lives, and our children will live in peace,” he added. “If we fail to build this country, our children will suffer. Does anyone want their children to suffer? None of us do. That is why we say: Korbo Kaj Gorbo Desh, Sobar Agee Bangladesh (We will work, we will build the nation, Bangladesh comes first),” the premier said.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, State Minister for Water Resources Forhad Hossain Azad, lawmaker from Cox’s Bazar-3 constituency Lutfur Rahman Kajal and local BNP leader Harunur Rashid spoke on the occasion with Cox’s Bazar Sadar Upazila BNP President Abdul Mabud in the chair. Earlier, after arriving here from Dhaka by air this morning, the Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the re-excavation work of the historic ‘Patli Khal’ (canal) at Pmkhali Union in Sadar Upazila here, which is closely linked to the memory of his father Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.

Braving heavy rain, Tarique Rahman proceeded from the airport to Pmkhali by road and formally launched the programme by cutting soil with a spade. He later planted a date palm sapling on the bank of the canal. Patli canal is regarded as a historic canal. In November 1979, President Ziaur Rahman visited Pmkhali and he himself inaugurated its excavation work by using a spade. During the visit, he also planted a date palm tree on the canal bank, which still stands as a witness to that historic event 48 years ago.

Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) and Ministry of Science and Technology jointly organized the roundtable titled 'High-Level Strategic Roundtable Discussion on Nuclear Energy: Strategy, Realities and Bangladesh's Path Forward' from June 12 to 13. The roundtable was held with assistance of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) aimed at strengthening long-term development, good governance, policy preparedness and stakeholder engagement with nuclear power programme.

Speaking as the chief guest the minister said that Bangladesh achieved a historic milestone with loading of nuclear fuel at the first unit of the plant on April 28, which was presided over by secretary of the ministry Md Anwar Hossain. “After completing various tests, a 300 MW of electricity from the first unit is expected to be connected to the national grid by end of August. In addition, nuclear fuel loading will be completed in the second unit in April 2027,” he said.

The minister said that one of the main foundations of a successful nuclear programme is public trust, adding, “Continuous involvement, open communication and responsible leadership are required to inform the public about the importance of nuclear energy, safety measures and risk management.” Mahbub expressed his gratitude to the IAEA for its important contribution in technical assistance, expert guidance and capacity building in the development of Bangladesh's nuclear programme.

Participants discussed the current status and future prospects of Bangladesh's nuclear power programme, global nuclear energy trends, legal and regulatory framework, nuclear safety culture, public involvement and strategies to increase domestic participation in the nuclear industry. Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Dr M Moinul Islam presented a power point on nuclear power. Mehmet Ceyhan, as the Technical Lead of the IAEA's Nuclear Infrastructure Development Section, spoke at the roundtable.

Lawmakers Abu Taleb Mandal and Advocate Selim Reza Habib and Pabna District BNP Convener Habibur Rahman Habib, along with political, business and professionals spoke at the event. Officials concerned with the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project, ministries, departments, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority, universities, industries, security forces participated in the roundtable discussion.

Under the proposed framework, the government will introduce internationally recognised credit transfer systems, student exchange programmes, summer schools, visiting scholar schemes and joint research initiatives. The measures are intended to provide Bangladeshi students with direct access to world-class education, research opportunities and professional networks without leaving the country.

"We are working to transform 'brain drain' into 'brain circulation'," Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said while placing a historic Tk 9.38 trillion national budget for FY 2026-27 in Parliament on Thursday. He emphasized the government's intention to create stronger links between the Bangladeshi diaspora and local academic institutions.

The budget also underscored a renewed commitment to research and innovation, with the government pledging greater support for domestic research activities aimed at addressing Bangladesh's socioeconomic challenges through practical and sustainable solutions. Alongside internationalisation efforts, the government plans to harmonise the country's diverse education streams and strengthen the implementation of qualification equivalency standards. 

Improving educational quality across all levels - from primary and mass education to madrasah, technical, secondary and higher education - has been identified as a national priority. The minister said the government aims to develop students into globally competent citizens equipped with knowledge of human rights, democratic values, religious and cultural tolerance, environmental stewardship and international cooperation.

Special emphasis has also been placed on modernising madrasah education. The government plans to strengthen science, mathematics, English language and information technology instruction alongside religious studies, while introducing employment-oriented training programmes to improve graduates' competitiveness in higher education and the job market.  Expanding access to digital learning tools and modern educational materials will also be prioritised.

Recognising teachers as the cornerstone of educational reform, the government announced plans for regular teacher training and retraining programmes, enhanced professional development opportunities and improved welfare measures. Additional incentives will be provided to teachers serving in rural and remote areas. Framing youth development as central to Bangladesh's future, Chowdhury said today's children and young people would become the driving force behind the country's next phase of growth. He stressed the state's responsibility to create an environment where talent can flourish and opportunities are not limited by circumstance.

Invoking the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the minister said the government seeks to build a generation capable not only of shaping its own future but also creating jobs, driving innovation and leading social change. "The generation we aspire to build will not wait for opportunity; it will create opportunity," he said, outlining a vision of youth-led economic transformation and national progress.

The Finance minister proposed to increase the allocation for the education sector to 2 percent of GDP in the upcoming fiscal year, with a total allocation of Tk 1 lakh 36 thousand and 606 crore.  In the fiscal year 2025-26, the allocation for the education sector was Tk 87 thousand and 206 crore, equivalent to 1.39 percent of GDP.

Earlier, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo and State Minister Shaikh Faridul Islam welcomed the prime minister at Dulahazara Safari Park. In the morning, Tarique Rahman landed at the Cox's Bazar airport and drove himself to the canal excavation site. He was accompanied in the front passenger seat by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed. Afterward, the he drove himself from there to the Dulahazara Safari Park.

Throughout the route, thousands of local residents as well as party leaders and activists warmly welcomed the Prime Minister by waving hands, scattering flowers, and chanting slogans. Although Cox's Bazar is best known for its sea beach, this safari park is one of the district's major attractions and is the country's first safari park. It features a unique wildlife environment with hills, forests, water bodies, and hundreds of animals roaming in open natural surroundings. The park is located in Dulahazara, under Chakaria Upazila. It is approximately 107 kilometers from Chattogram and about 47 kilometers from Cox's Bazar.

The safari park origins date back to the 1980-81 fiscal year, when the Forest Department established a deer breeding center on 42.5 hectares of forest land. Later, an initiative was taken to develop the country's first safari park at the site.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and other ministers and lawmakers simultaneously planted saplings of 11 different species. The Prime Minister personally visited the plantation sites and observed the activities. Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo presided over the inaugural ceremony of the tree plantation programme, organized by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam, State Minister for Water Resources Forhad Hossain Azad, State Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs and Land Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin, State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md Shariful Alam and Secretary of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ministry Mohammed Rayhan Kaosar were present on the occasion, among others. The BNP had pledged in its election manifesto to plant 25 crore trees across the country over five years after assuming office. By launching the programme at Malumghat here, the Prime Minister initiated the implementation of another electoral commitment.

According to official sources, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change will implement the massive tree plantation programme over the next five years to help protect the environment and address the impacts of climate change. In the first phase, 1.5 crore saplings will be planted in 149 upazilas across 49 districts.

Following the BNP's landslide victory in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad elections and the formation of the Tarique Rahman government on February 17, several pilot programmes were launched across the country, including the Family Card programme in Korail slum in Dhaka, the Farmers' Card programme in Tangail, and the Notun Kuri Sports Programme in Sylhet, in line with electoral pledges. Simultaneously, the government introduced honorarium allowances for imams, muezzins, and religious leaders of different faiths, along with honorariums and sports cards for athletes.

The Minister made the remarks as the chief guest at a discussion on "Tarique Rahman's Vision for Future's Bangladesh" at National Press Club today. Swapan said, among the major political changes in Bangladesh's history since the Liberation War, the anti-autocracy movement of 1990 and the July uprising in 2024 are the most discussed. He claimed that after the death of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, there was a conspiracy to prolong military rule, and a vested quarter supported that process at the time.

“Those who fear the people's verdict, elections, democracy, and parliamentary politics are the ones who repeatedly seek paths of conspiracy outside the democratic process,” added the minister. Swapan further said that the greatest achievement of the 1990 uprising was the establishment of a neutral caretaker government system and ensuring free and fair elections.  Through that movement, Begum Khaleda Zia transformed from an ordinary housewife into a national leader and later became the people's elected Prime Minister, he said.

Referring to the Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the Minister said that just like Begum Khaleda Zia received spontaneous public support in 1991, Tarique Rahman has also garnered widespread public support in 2026.  The movement of 1990 and the July movement are part of the same democratic course. Swapan said those who only talk about the July uprising but deny the importance of the 1990 movement are not presenting the full picture of the history. He called on everyone to speak out against the distortion of the history.

Accurate history must be presented across the country and the true narrative of democratic movements must be focused before the new generation, he said. The Minister further mentioned that the central theme of all movements in Bangladesh is one ‘Sobar Agge Bangladesh.’ The Language Movement, 1969 uprising, great Liberation War, 1990 movement, and July uprising- all are historic chronicles Bangladesh democratic journey, the minister said.

At around 0030 GMT the Nikkei 225 was up 3.91 percent, after briefly jumping above four percent, while South Korea's benchmark Kospi index surged 7.80 percent.

Trump's announcement fuelled a rally on Wall Street on Thursday and oil prices tumbled, although Iran's position was unclear, with foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei saying Tehran "had not reached a final conclusion on the agreement".

Claiming that talks with Iran had been "brought to the highest level of Iranian leadership and approved," Trump said he had "cancelled the scheduled strikes and bombings against Iran this evening."

"Time and place of the signing to be announced shortly," he said.

first 10 days of June as expatriate Bangladeshis continued to send higher amounts of money through

formal banking channels.

According to the latest data, the country received US$1,203.15 million in remittances during the

period from June 1 to June 10, 2026, compared to $956.19 million during the corresponding period of

June last year.

The inflow registered a significant 25.83 percent year-on-year growth, reflecting sustained

confidence among expatriate workers in the country's formal financial system.

On June 10 alone, remittance inflow amounted to $104.84 million, indicating steady momentum in

foreign currency earnings.

Banking sector experts said the continued rise in remittance inflow is playing a vital role in

easing pressure on the foreign exchange market and strengthening the country's external sector.

They said various policy supports, including cash incentives for remitters, simplified banking

services and stricter monitoring against illegal money transfer channels, contributed to the

encouraging growth trend.

Meanwhile, total remittance inflow during the current fiscal year from July 2025 to June 10, 2026

reached $33.96 billion, up from $28.46 billion during the same period of the previous fiscal year,

marking a 19.31 percent growth.

"The underlying philosophy of the proposed FY27 budget appears to be one of economic recovery through human development, private-sector-led growth, and social protection. Alongside physical infrastructure, this budget also emphasises jobs, entrepreneurship, education, healthcare, and welfare," she said. She said that this orientation broadly aligns with the BNP's election manifesto, which stressed employment generation, private investment, business-friendly policies, deregulation, and improvements in the social sector.

Fahmida Khatun made the remarks today while speaking at a media briefing session titled 'CPD's Analysis of the National Budget FY2026-27' at a hotel in the city. She welcomed the introduction of a five-year roadmap for Personal Income Tax (PIT), saying it would provide taxpayers with greater predictability regarding future tax obligations. Fahmida Khatun also praised the proposed incentive-and-penalty mechanism for tax return submissions, including a five percent incentive for early filing, which she believes will strengthen compliance and reduce the need for repeated extensions of filing deadlines.

She highlighted the reduction of corporate tax for private universities, medical colleges and IT-based educational institutions from 15 percent to 10 percent, noting that it had previously recommended such a move to support the education sector. She termed it inspiring that health and education remain among the top five sectors in the Annual Development Programme (ADP).

According to her, the health sector allocation has increased by around 50 percent to Tk 62,852 crore, while education received Tk 1,22,495 crore, marking a 28 percent rise from the previous fiscal year. She also welcomed the introduction of the Family Card and Farmer's Card programmes under the government's social protection framework. The Family Card Programme will support around 41 lakh beneficiaries, including female-headed and landless households, making it the largest women-focused social protection initiative in the proposed budget, she added.

She said that the Farmer's Card Programme is expected to benefit about 42.5 lakh marginal farmers through direct cash assistance and subsidised agricultural inputs, contributing to food security and rural development. Dr. Khatun further praised a number of green and technology-oriented fiscal measures included in the budget. These include a zero percent tax rate for the solar power sector until 2035, reduced annual income tax on electric vehicles (EVs), and the withdrawal of import duties on EV charging equipment.

She also noted the extension of VAT exemptions on locally manufactured computers and ICT products until 2030 and the proposal to remove SIM card taxes, which could help expand digital access. She said the budget offers additional support to domestic industries through VAT exemptions on agricultural fertilisers and raw materials used in medicine production. Fahmida Khatun also welcomed VAT exemptions on imported heart rings and intraocular lenses, saying the measures would help lower healthcare costs for patients.

In her concluding remarks, Dr. Khatun said the larger budget presents an important opportunity for the government to accelerate economic recovery. She added that the strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, education and social welfare provides a solid foundation for building a more humane and inclusive economy, provided that implementation is effective and efficient. CPD Distinguished Fellow Professor Mustafizur Rahman, among others, spoke on the occasion.

International benchmark, Brent North Sea crude, shed 5.0 percent to $85.86 a barrel, on hopes of unblocking the waterway through which large amounts of the world's oil and gas are shipped.

The main US contract, West Texas Intermediate, lost 5.0 percent to $83.32 a barrel.

He said the proposed reforms would have a positive long-term impact on the country's industrial sector and contribute to economic recovery at a time of global uncertainty, persistent inflationary pressures, energy challenges and sluggish investment. The BCI president also welcomed the government's emphasis on developing ten priority sectors, the creative economy and the blue economy, saying these initiatives would help diversify the economy and create new opportunities for sustainable growth.

The chamber appreciated budgetary measures aimed at supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), reopening closed industrial units and expanding the tax net, which it believes will strengthen the industrial base and improve revenue collection. Highlighting the need for export diversification, Chowdhury urged the government to include halal products among the country's priority export sectors. 

He said Bangladesh has significant potential to capture a larger share of the rapidly expanding global halal market due to its production capacity and competitive advantages. The BCI also lauded the government's deregulation initiatives aimed at improving the ease of doing business, although it stressed that the success of such measures would depend on effective implementation. While describing the budget as necessary for meeting the development aspirations of a nation of nearly 190 million people, the chamber noted that implementation capacity remains a major challenge.

To ensure successful execution of the budget, BCI recommended preparing detailed action plans and implementation timelines from the beginning of the fiscal year and ensuring active participation of stakeholders throughout the process. The chamber expressed hope that the proposed budget would contribute to the overall development of the economy through reforms, export diversification and industrial expansion, provided the announced measures are implemented effectively.

The chamber noted that the budget has been formulated amid significant economic challenges, including persistent inflationary pressure, global geopolitical uncertainties, elevated interest rates and sluggish investment growth. MCCI welcomed the government's targets of achieving 6.5 percent GDP growth and reducing inflation to 7.5 percent in the coming fiscal year. 

It also appreciated the identification of 10 priority areas aimed at restoring economic discipline and providing relief to citizens. MCCI also welcomed the proposed allocation of Taka 144,338 crore for social safety net programmes, a 13.89 percent increase from the previous fiscal year. 

It particularly appreciated initiatives such as family cards for low-income households and farmer cards that will provide financial assistance through mobile banking channels. The chamber also praised the increased allocations for education and health sectors, with education spending projected to rise to 2.0 percent of GDP and health expenditure to 1.01 percent of GDP. On taxation, MCCI appreciated several business-friendly measures, including raising the tax-free income threshold for individuals to Taka 375,000, introducing a tax calendar under the Income Tax Act 2023, reducing tax payment requirements for appeals, recognizing labour as an input for VAT purposes and shifting VAT return submission from monthly to quarterly.

At the same time, it urged the government to reconsider the proposed increase in the minimum tax rate from 5 percent to 10 percent and the reduction of the investment tax rebate from 15 percent to 10 percent, warning that these measures could discourage savings and penalize compliant taxpayers. The chamber also expressed disappointment over the absence of a refund mechanism for the Minimum Turnover Tax and stressed the need for strong legal and technological safeguards to protect data privacy under new digital connectivity initiatives.

MCCI emphasized that the ultimate success of the budget would depend on institutional good governance, a harassment-free tax regime and efficient revenue administration. It called for full digitalization of tax management and the adoption of risk-based audit systems to improve compliance while fostering a more business-friendly environment. The chamber reaffirmed its commitment to working with the government to ensure economic stability, sustainable growth and inclusive development.

Speaking at a post-budget press conference at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital this afternoon, following the presentation of the FY2026-27 national budget on Thursday, the finance minister acknowledged that inflation remains one of the country’s biggest economic challenges and warned that the problem cannot be solved through short-term administrative measures alone.

“Inflation is not a three-month issue. It has been building up for years, and over the last three years it has become a persistent challenge. On top of that, the Middle East conflict has added a new external pressure,” he said.

The finance minister noted that Bangladesh is facing both domestic and international inflationary pressures. He said rising global fuel prices, supply disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions and increasing import costs continue to affect local markets.

At the same time, he pointed to structural weaknesses within the economy, including inefficiencies in business operations, logistics and financing.

“Banks are carrying huge capital shortages because of years of looting and money laundering. As a result, the cost of funds remains very high, and that cost is ultimately reflected in prices,” he said.

The finance minister explained that obtaining business permits often takes months, while inefficiencies at ports, customs and regulatory agencies increase costs throughout the production and distribution chain.

“From obtaining a licence to receiving goods from the port and transporting them to factories, costs continue to rise at every stage. All these costs are eventually added to the price consumers pay,” he said.

He stressed that inflation cannot be controlled by market raids or law enforcement actions alone.

“Prices cannot be controlled by deploying police, RAB or government officials. Inflation must be controlled through sound policies and efficient management,” he added.

The government, he said, plans to reduce business costs through deregulation, digitalisation, improved logistics and greater transparency. It also intends to move away from excessive reliance on spot purchases of fuel and essential commodities and instead adopt long-term procurement strategies.

“If we can reduce our domestic cost of doing business, it will have a positive impact on inflation. We want to build reserves and maintain better planning in fuel, food and fertiliser procurement,” he said.

On the issue of government salaries, the minister defended the decision to introduce a new pay scale, noting that public servants have not received a major salary revision for nearly 11 years despite significant increases in living costs.

“The government employees have also been suffering from inflation. While wages in the private sector have adjusted over time, government employees have not had a pay-scale revision for more than a decade,” he said.

Asked whether higher salaries would reduce corruption, the minister replied: “When people face financial hardship, there is naturally a tendency to seek unethical means. We hope that as incomes rise and living standards improve, corruption will decline.”

He added that improving the quality of public services and strengthening accountability would remain essential alongside salary adjustments.

The proposed budget projects inflation at 7.5 percent in FY2026-27 and places strong emphasis on reforms aimed at lowering structural business costs and improving economic efficiency.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood, Education minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milon, Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Husain, Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid, State Minister for Planning Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki, Adviser to the Honorable Prime Minister on Post, Telecommunication and Information Technology Rehan Asif Asad, Prime Minister's Adviser and PMO Spokesperson Dr Mahdi Amin, Prime Minister's Special Assistant on Investment and Capital Market Tanvir Gani, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister A B M Abdus Sattar, Bangladesh Bank Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman, Finance Secretary Dr. Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder, chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) Md. Abdur Rahman Khan were present on the dais.

“We have to move towards an investment-driven economy. If we continue to rely excessively on borrowings, especially from local banks, sustainable growth will be difficult to achieve,” he said. Addressing a post-budget press conference at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital this afternoon, the minister said government borrowings from domestic banks have historically crowded out private-sector investment and limited economic dynamism.

The finance minister noted that the government has already reduced planned bank borrowings compared with the previous fiscal year and intends to further diversify financing sources. “We are gradually moving from a debt-dependent economy towards equity and investment-driven economy,” he said. A central pillar of the government’s strategy, he said, is a broad deregulation agenda aimed at reducing bureaucratic barriers and improving the overall investment climate.

“If we cannot implement deregulation effectively, neither local nor foreign investors will invest in Bangladesh,” he warned. To ensure implementation, the government plans to establish a high-powered oversight mechanism and digital monitoring system to track delays and hold officials accountable. The minister said investment reforms would be accompanied by extensive social protection programmes to ensure that economic growth remains inclusive.

Highlighting the Family Card programme, he said the initiative is designed to support vulnerable households without any political discrimination. “We are providing services to citizens, not to political parties. The budget is for every citizen of Bangladesh,” he said. According to the minister, a pilot phase involving around 37,000 beneficiaries has already produced encouraging results. “We were surprised by the success of the pilot programme. The error rate was only over one percent, and we are correcting those issues before expansion,” he said.

The government plans to expand the programme significantly, eventually covering around 4.1 million women across the country in the next fiscal year. The finance minister stressed that beneficiaries are selected through objective criteria rather than political considerations. He also highlighted other major initiatives, including Farmer Card, universal healthcare programmes, skills-development projects and investments in the creative economy.

Referring to the creative economy initiative, the minister said the government aims to support rural artisans, musicians, performers, designers and cultural entrepreneurs by providing financing, design support, training and market access. “Bangladesh has enormous untapped potential in culture, tourism and creative industries. We want to monetise these opportunities and bring millions of people into the economic mainstream,” he said.

The minister said creative industries would also complement tourism development and strengthen Bangladesh’s cultural presence internationally. Reiterating the philosophy behind the budget, he said the government’s objective is to ensure that every segment of society—from farmers and workers to entrepreneurs and artists—benefits from economic growth. “Bangladesh comes first. This budget has been designed for all citizens, regardless of background or political affiliation,” he said, adding that they have already taken decision that there would be no political appointment in the financial sector.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood, Education minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milon, Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Husain, Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid, State Minister for Planning Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Post, Telecommunication and Information Technology Rehan Asif Asad, Prime Minister's Adviser and PMO Spokesperson Dr Mahdi Amin, Prime Minister's Special Assistant on Investment and Capital Market Tanvir Gani, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister A B M Abdus Sattar, Bangladesh Bank Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman, Finance Secretary Dr. Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder, chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) Md. Abdur Rahman Khan were present at the dais.

The reduction to KFOR comes at a time when Washington is pushing to cut its military presence in Europe. European diplomats said prior to the announcement that the United States had signalled it wanted to reduce its forces in KFOR. NATO did not give any further details on which troops will be withdrawn.

The United States has just under 600 troops in the mission, according to figures from April. NATO deployed an additional 1,000 troops to KFOR in 2023 following a rise in violence. The US-led defence alliance said that deployment was already halted earlier this year after the situation stabilised. While tensions persist in the majority-Serb north, the last major incident was in September 2023 when a Kosovo police officer was killed during a gun battle with Serb separatists.

The Southeast Asian nation has been diplomatically isolated since a 2021 military coup that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. Myanmar's armed forces have been battling an array of opposition factions since the coup. Fearing political collapse in Myanmar -- with which it shares a porous, 2,100-kilometre (1,300-mile) border -- China has sought to rein in rebel groups fighting the military.

Beijing also enthusiastically backed elections that delivered a walkover win this year for the military's allies in civilian politics. After five years ruling as armed forces chief, Min Aung Hlaing was sworn in as civilian president in April, in a transition democracy monitors dismissed as a rebranding of military rule. His government has revived discussions with China of long-stalled energy and transport infrastructure projects.

Surging energy prices triggered by the war, which began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, have reignited inflationary pressures and threatened to derail growth. "Before the conflict in the Middle East, growth was higher than expected and inflation was falling," finance minister Rachel Reeves said in response to the figures. "This is not a war we wanted or joined, but one that will have an impact at home," she said. The weak economic showing dealt a fresh blow to Starmer, who is facing calls to step down.

Britain's defence and armed forces ministers quit Thursday in a row over military spending, further weakening Starmer's authority just a week before a by-election that could prompt a bid to replace him. Defence Secretary John Healey resigned warning that Starmer's long-awaited Defence Investment Plan for funding over the next decade -- which the leader has yet to publish -- risked making Britain "less safe". "The effects of the conflict in the Middle East are now well and truly showing up in the economic data, and it isn't pretty reading for the UK," said Stuart Clark, portfolio manager at Quilter. "We expect the economy to continue to fade as the year goes on, and particularly for as long as there is no lasting peace deal in the Middle East," he added.

Suresh Patni, a driver, came to the site where the plane exploded in a ball of flame, engulfing his teenage son Akash at his family's tea stall. "We are here today only to remember him on his first death anniversary," Patni told AFP. "He was a good student and could have done really well for himself." Patni commemorated Akash with a framed photograph and a life-size cutout, decorated with flowers and surrounded by scattered rose petals and lit lamps.

The crash killed 241 people on board the plane and 19 people on the ground. Fragments of bags, clothes, and a melted shoe lie half-buried in the charred earth at the site, alongside dead trees with burned trunks. "It pains us when we hear an aeroplane flying overhead," Patni said, adding that their home was near the flight path of the airport in Ahmedabad, the main city in the state of Gujarat. "Our house is still at the same location," he said. "But we don't feel like staying here... we are reminded of the same faces and memories." Nearby, a woman wept as she embraced a framed picture of her deceased relatives, while another family scattered rose petals at the ruins of the hostel in honour of their son.

Relatives of the victims had expected a final report by Friday to explain why the disaster happened. But with investigations continuing, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is expected to issue only an interim report. As required by international law, the AAIB published a preliminary report a month after the disaster.

That 15-page document said the fuel supply to the jet's engines was cut off moments before impact, raising questions about possible pilot error. It also published a conversation between the captain and his co-pilot about the fuel supply being cut off -- two brief sentences that sparked theories of pilot suicide.

The report was met with strong criticism. It did not say why the fuel switches were turned off -- whether it was the fault of a pilot, or a result of a malfunction. Relatives of the victims are meeting at a conference organised by lawyers, along with aviation and air safety experts in Ahmedabad. They are due to hold a candlelight vigil after sunset. "Why are authorities taking so much time to assess the crash?" asked Nilesh Joshi, whose wife Kaminiben Nilesh Joshi was killed, while returning home to Britain after attending a wedding in India.

"The release of the report is important for closure, for people like me who have lost their loved ones," Joshi, who had come from London to attend the conference, told AFP. Only one passenger survived, Briton Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, who has said he has "significant psychological scars" following the crash -- in which his brother died -- and "constant unanswered questions" about why it took place. Vijay Sengal still remembers the deafening sound when the plane came down. Sengal, a sanitation inspector at a nearby hospital, was one of the first to try to rescue the injured.

"When we tried to pick up bodies, the body wouldn't come... instead, it was someone's hand, someone's leg," he said. He said that he, like many others, avoids the area after dark, fearing it is haunted. "We believe in gods and also in souls," he said. "Those passengers sitting in the plane, maybe they still have some work stuck, their last wish still unfulfilled."

The Falcon 9 has now completed more than 600 flights, making it the workhorse of the commercial and military satellite launch industry. The rocket and tech company is set for an initial public offering raising $75 billion on a total valuation of $1.77 trillion. The company will put more than 555 million shares up for sale at a price of $135 each, according to US Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

Iran, which has only allowed a trickle of ships to pass through the strait, has insisted that vessels obtain permission from its armed forces before transiting. On Thursday, US President Donald Trump said he had called off planned strikes on Iran and claimed a deal to end the war could be signed in the coming days.

But Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said the country has "not reached a final conclusion" on an agreement. On Friday, Iran's Mehr news agency, quoting a source close to Iran's negotiating team, published what it said was the text of a draft deal being finalised. The draft, it said, would end the war on all fronts including Lebanon, see the release of $24 billion in Iran's frozen assets, and set a 60-day period for negotiations on Tehran's nuclear programme.

It also includes the "suspension of sanctions on the sale" of Iran's oil and petrochemical products, and "the complete lifting of the US naval blockade" on Iranian ports, which has been in place since April 13. Mehr said the draft underscores the necessity for the US and its allies to pay Iran reparations for damage caused by the war and "to present reconstruction plans for Iran amounting to at least $300 billion". "Final negotiations will not begin before the release of half of Iran's blocked funds, suspension of Iran's oil sanctions, and lifting of the naval blockade," it added.

Iran's nuclear programme has been a contentious issue for Washington, which has long insisted Tehran should give up its enrichment capabilities and transfer its stockpile of highly enriched uranium abroad. The official IRNA news agency in a separate report said Iran would "negotiate only the nuclear programme solely within the framework of the Islamic republic's fundamental principles". "Issues such as Iran's right to enrich uranium and the retention of enriched material by the Islamic Republic of Iran will be emphasised with a view to their inclusion in the final agreement," it said.

"As long as I am prime minister of Israel, Iran will not have nuclear weapons. There is full agreement between me and President Trump on this issue," Netanyahu said in a statement.

Iran and the United States have engaged in weeks of indirect negotiations seeking to bring to an end the war sparked by US-Israeli strikes on the Islamic republic on February 28. A ceasefire took effect in April, but sporadic episodes of violence have occurred, each time sparking new fears of a return to all-out war, despite Trump repeatedly stating a deal was within reach.

After inking an initial memorandum of understanding, IRNA said, Iran the US would hold 60 days of talks and that "Iran's right to enrich uranium and the retention of enriched material... will be emphasised with a view to their inclusion in the final agreement". Beyond this, according to IRNA, Iran would insist on managing traffic though the Strait of Hormuz, the key maritime trade route carrying oil and gas from the Gulf. Tehran has blockaded the international waterway since the outbreak of war with the US and Israel.

Iran, which has only allowed a trickle of ships to pass through the strait, has insisted that vessels obtain permission from its armed forces before transiting. In Tehran, some ordinary Iranians feared a deal with the United States would entrench the authorities' rule. "I am not sure how I feel," a 29-year-old who works at a cafe in the Iranian capital told AFP on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution.

"I don't know if it will be good or bad for us. The main purpose of this war was for the US to remove the system and this did not happen. So what does a deal do?" "Iran makes no commitment in this text to cede the management of the strait or the restoration of conditions that existed prior to the American and Israeli military aggression," IRNA said, confirming that "the broad outlines of the current text" was being finalised.

Iran's demands could further delay the signing of an accord, despite Trump's optimism spurring a stock market rally and a sharp drop in oil prices. Claiming that a draft deal had been "brought to the highest level of Iranian leadership and approved," Trump cancelled on Thursday a threatened wave of bombings against targets in Iran, adding: "Time and place of the signing to be announced shortly."

Trump said the finer points of the arrangement had been approved by the US and its allies in the region, including Israel. On Friday, Iran's Mehr news agency, quoting a source close to Iran's negotiating team, published what it said was the text of a draft deal being finalised. The draft, it said, would end the war on all fronts including Lebanon, see the release of $24 billion in Iran's frozen assets, and set a 60-day period for negotiations on Tehran's nuclear programme.

It also includes the suspension of sanctions on the sale of Iran's oil and petrochemical products, and the complete lifting of the US naval blockade on Iranian ports, in place since April 13. Mehr said the draft says the US and its allies should pay Iran reparations for damage caused by the war and would "present reconstruction plans for Iran amounting to at least $300 billion". "Final negotiations will not begin before the release of half of Iran's blocked funds, suspension of Iran's oil sanctions, and lifting of the naval blockade," the report added.

Asked about Iran's apparent reluctance to sign up to the deal, Trump doubled down. When asked if Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei had approved the deal, he replied: "I understand the answer is yes." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the Israeli leader had spoken to Trump, who vowed any agreement would include the removal of Tehran's enriched nuclear material as well as the dismantling of its missile infrastructure. "As long as I am the Prime Minister of Israel, Iran will not have nuclear weapons," Netanyahu reiterated on Friday.

Police conducted the drive around 5:30 pm on Thursday and arrested Tanvir Bhuiyan from the area. The 1,550 yaba tablets were recovered from his possession. Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Narsingdi Sadar Model Police Station ARM Mamun confirmed the matter. He said a case will be filed against the arrestee under the Narcotics Control Act.

During the operation, 1,134 litres of lube oil, four batteries, Tk 2,225 in cash and three indigenous weapons (knives), stolen from a commercial ship, were recovered. The estimated value of the seized items is Tk 4,66,900. Two persons were arrested along with the boat used in the theft. In another operation at around 4 am today, Coast Guard Outpost Patenga conducted a drive near Ghat No. 11 in Patenga, recovering 700 litres of diesel and two tons of scrap stolen from a commercial vessel. The estimated value of the recovered items is Tk 1,80,500.

A wooden boat used in smuggling was also seized. However, no arrests were made in this incident as the suspects fled sensing the presence of the Coast Guard. Legal procedures against the detainees and the process of handing over the seized items are underway. Such operations will continue to curb smuggling and theft, the release added. 

Paba Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Ibnul Abedin handed over the incentive packages to the selected farmers. According to the Upazila Agriculture Office, the assistance has been provided to the farmers to support winter onion seed production. Each selected farmer received 160 kilograms of onion seed bulbs, 20 kilograms of DAP fertilizer, 20 kilograms of MOP fertilizer, and one seed storage container for cultivating onion seeds on 20 decimals of land.

Speaking at the event, UNO Ibnul Abedin said that the government continues to stand by farmers in order to increase agricultural production. He noted that rehabilitation and incentive programs play an important role in addressing challenges arising from climate change, natural disasters, and market uncertainties. Increased onion seed production, he added, would benefit local farmers and positively contribute to the country's agricultural economy.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Agriculturist M A Mannan said through the incentive program, farmers will have the opportunity to produce onion seeds at a lower cost, which will not only increase their income but also reduce dependence on imported onion seeds in the future. According to the Agriculture Office, a total of 1,000 farmers across Rajshahi District will receive assistance under the program.

Among others present at the event were Assistant Commissioner (Land) Mohammad Mehedi Hasan, Upazila Election Officer Matiur Rahman, Upazila Fisheries Officer Waliullah Shah, Joint Convener of Paba Upazila BNP Sultan Ahmed, officials from the Agriculture Department, and local farmers.

The facility will provide students with practical training in computer operation, internet use, document preparation, bookkeeping, email communication and other digital skills. Speaking at the event, the UNO said the lab would help students acquire technological skills and enhance their employment prospects. Principal Abu Sayeed Mohammad Siddiq said the facility would help bridge the gap in practical technology education and better prepare students for future careers.

The Rangpur Development Authority was formed under the Rangpur Development Authority Ordinance, 2025. The Ministry of Housing and Public Works issued a notification on the formation of the authority on January 12 this year, while an amendment ordinance was promulgated on January 20. Following his appointment, newly appointed RpDA Chairman Shamsuzzaman Samu thanked Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. He expressed his determination to build a modern and planned city with the participation of people from all walks of life.

In Ukraine, a 44-year-old woman working as a rail station operator died on her way to a shelter during a drone attack in the border region of Sumy, the head of Ukrainian Railways said. Another woman, a station attendant, was wounded in the attack, Oleksandr Pertsovkyi said.

Three people were wounded in separate strikes on Ukraine's southern Mykolaiv region. In recent months, Kyiv has carried out an increasing number of attacks on Russian territory, in response to nearly daily bombardments by Moscow since it sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022.

As a result, the prices of essential commodities and medical expenses will come down. Such initiatives are great relief for the people of low and middle incoming group. Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury yesterday unveiled a record Taka 9.38 lakh crore national budget for 2026-27 fiscal outlining the BNP government’s comprehensive roadmap to build a humane economy.

The budget has announced reduction of source tax on 60 essential products, tax concessions on kidney dialysis filter dialysis, heart stent and eye lenses. Also, an allocation of Taka 1,44,338 crore has been proposed for the social protection sector. It not only expands the scope of the existing allowance programme, but also proposed to add several new programmes including family-based assistance, cash incentives for farmers, honorariums for workers of religious institutions, ensuring social security for workers and special allowances for victims of the July uprising.

A number of economic analysts said in the budget special importance was given to make Bangladesh as a welfare-oriented state. To control skyrocketing prices of daily commodities the government has proposed major tax cut on import and supply. Source tax has been reduced on import of rice, pulse, wheat, potato, onion, garlic, ginger, edible oil, sugar and salt. Earlier, the source tax on these products was 2 to 5 percent. Now it is proposed to reduce to just 0.5 percent. As a result, the prices of the products in the market are expected to drop quickly.

Afsana Begum, a domestic worker from Azimpur area in the capital, said, "We do not understand the budget. We want the prices of goods to go down. We want to take to meals daily and live in peace. We are happy if the government do this.” Kaya Akhter, a mother of two children, said she heard that the prices of baby food will be reduced, which is a great news for mothers like her.

“It was becoming difficult for us to provide nutritious food to children. Thanks to the government for thinking about it,” she said. Cost of dialysis will be reduced by about Taka 800. Besides, tax exemption has been announced to reduce the price of heart stent by around Taka 20,000 and the price of eye lenses up to Taka 5,000. The finance minister in the budget speech said the government wants to build discrimination free, humanitarian and welfare-based state through social security programmes. 

With this aim, support has been increased for women's economic empowerment, senior citizens, disabled people, freedom fighters, families affected by the July uprising and various vulnerable groups. For the fiscal 2026-27, he proposed to allocate Taka 1,44,338 crore to the social security sector. When asked about the government's special attention to the social security sector, Dhaka University's Business Administration Institute Professor Md Mohiuddin said the government led, by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has been giving special importance to make Bangladesh a welfare-oriented state.

“A reflection of this is also visible in the next year budget. Allocation for social welfare sector will directly benefit the common people. We welcome such a decision of the government,” he said.

Aguirre though revealed his team had had to set aside some opening day nerves to achieve the result. "When you're starting out the World Cup, of course your legs will shake," Aguirre said. "Never in 25 years had anyone had any cramps but three of them had cramps today. "We were in awe when we saw the stadium and they got a little bit of stage fright. But we never suffered. We could have scored four and it would have been completely different." The final minutes of Thursday's game saw some sections of the restless home crowd boo the World Cup co-hosts.

Aguirre said while he hadn't heard the catcalls, the crowd were entitled to vent. "I didn't hear boos. But it could have been a 4-0 game. 2-0, is not so much. But we got three points, which is amazing," Aguirre said. "If someone is booing, it's the Mexico players' obligation to make sure that doesn't happen again. But it didn't have an impact on us." Mexico now look ahead to games against South Korea and the Czech Republic -- but Aguirre snuffed out any suggestion that his team were targeting finishing first in their group.

"We're zero obsessed to win the group," he said. "Today we're just focused on Korea. It's not relevant. It's not our priority. Our priority is to focus on Korea, to keep going step by step and prepare for the future." South Africa coach Hugo Broos meanwhile had no complaint with the red card that saw Sphephelo Sithole dismissed after half-time, but took issue with the dismissal of substitute Themba Zwane late in the game. "The first red card, I don't think we have to say something about it but the second red card I think the Mexican player blocked my player, the referee decides something else," he said. "So it is a pity that we have to finish this game with nine players.

"I think my team played a good game, some moments in the game Mexico even desperate, they didn't know how to find the spaces. But we must try and be better in the next game when we have the ball."

The 29-year-old struck in the ninth minute, his powerful shot going between the legs of the South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to send the 80,000 spectators wild. It was the earliest first goal at a World Cup since 2006, when Philipp Lahm netted for Germany against Costa Rica after six minutes

The former US international had been tipped as a possible head coach for his home country after he was sacked by Leeds United in 2023. But he ended up north of the border, with a chance to secure Canada's first ever World Cup victory. Canada qualified for two previous World Cups, 1986 and 2022, but lost all six of its matches. Hopes are higher this year with a roster that includes several players competing in top European leagues.

But Marsch said Canada's top player, Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies, remains unavailable for the Bosnia match because of a hamstring issue. "We did an MRI with him yesterday. It showed very positive signs that he's healing incredibly well," Marsch said, confirming Davies "will not be available tomorrow." Stephen Eustaquio will captain the home side in the first ever World Cup match in Canada. "It's a dream come true," said Eustaquio, who plays for Los Angeles FC of the MLS. Marsch was asked about nerves within his squad, which is facing unprecedented expectations to advance out of the group stage, but said the environment has been "pretty normal."

"There wasn't really a need for big mental and psychological messages. We're all aware of the World Cup. We're all aware of it being at home. We're all excited," Marsch said. Bosnia-Herzegovina beat Italy to qualify for its second World Cup, and coach Sergej Barbarez said his side had plenty of experience playing higher-ranked countries. "We are, of course, sort of an underdog here," Barbarez said, adding: "the road (to the tournament) was by no means easy.

But he noted that his team's ability to surprise rivals has limits. "I love this game between David and Goliath, but the world gets to know you after a while." 

Of the 26 members of "Team Melli," only a dozen players were present, with star striker Mehdi Taremi among those who did not show. Dressed in green jerseys, the players did some light jogging on the training pitch of the Xolos, Tijuana's local club. They then performed stretching and core-strengthening exercises on foam mats. Iran is scheduled to play its first match on Monday in Los Angeles against New Zealand.

A team official confirmed to AFP that the squad is set to enter the United States on Sunday and spend the night there ahead of the match. Last week, Iran's ambassador to Mexico told journalists the squad would only be allowed into the US on the day of their games and would have to leave straight afterwards. Iran's participation in the tournament, which is being jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, comes three months after the US and Israel launched attacks on the country of around 93 million people, setting off hostilities that saw a large swathe of the Middle East drawn in, and the global economy shaken.

Thursday's open practice came as US President Donald Trump announced what he said was a "great settlement" to end the war with Iran, saying he expected a deal to be signed in Europe as soon as this weekend.

Three players were sent off -- two from South Africa and one from Mexico -- in front of a capacity crowd of 80,000 spectators. South Africa had Sphephelo Sithole dismissed for denying a goalscoring opportunity before Themba Zwane was shown a red card for a slap. Mexico's Cesar Montes was also sent off, for a late foul. Mexico coach Javier Aguirre revealed his players had overcome a serious case of first-day nerves.

"When you're starting out the World Cup, of course your legs will shake," Aguirre said. "Never in 25 years had anyone had any cramps but three of them had cramps today. "We were in awe when we saw the stadium and they got a little bit of stage fright. But we never suffered." Mexico's victory launched a 48-team tournament also hosted by the United States and Canada that will last nearly six weeks, culminating in the final in New Jersey on July 19. Before kickoff, Colombian superstar Shakira and Nigerian singer Burna Boy performed "Dai Dai", the official song of the tournament and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli rounded off the opening ceremony.

There was a festive atmosphere inside the stadium, but outside dozens of protesters clashed with police. Groups of teachers, relatives of Mexicans who have gone missing, and student activists gathered outside the stadium amid a heavy police presence. Some protesters breached barriers and traded blows with officers guarding the stadium's perimeter moments after Mexico scored their opening goal.

Tens of thousands of fans crammed into a fan zone in central Mexico City to watch the game, which was also enthusiastically followed by a large crowd of fans from Los Angeles' Mexican community on giant screens at the Coliseum. South Korea and the Czech Republic play the second game of the opening day later in Guadalajara. The start of the action on the pitch will come as a welcome relief to football's world governing body FIFA, which has faced stinging criticism over the eye-watering costs of tickets.

In addition, Donald Trump's immigration crackdown has seen a top referee, Iranian team officials and fans refused entry to the United States. On the eve of the tournament, FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the organization and brushed off criticism over visa issues. Infantino insisted that tickets -- which in some cases have topped $30,000 -- had been priced appropriately, citing a small number of $60 tickets that were made available in response to criticism. He added: "Our average price which is below 500 dollars is again the lowest of the American sports on average."

Infantino also played down the controversy surrounding Somali World Cup referee Omar Artan, who was refused entry after arriving in Miami, suggesting reporters should "chill, relax". US authorities said he was refused entry because he was "associated with suspected members of terrorist organizations". On Thursday, European football's governing body UEFA announced that Artan had been selected to referee its European Super Cup, between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in August. Infantino also portrayed Iran's participation at the World Cup in the midst of its military conflict with the US as a victory for his organization, saying "I don't know who else would have been able to ensure in these circumstances -- which we could not influence -- Iran could come and play," he said.

The Iran team took to the training pitch in front of journalists Thursday at their base camp in Mexico. Meanwhile, the World Cup squad from the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has been hit by an outbreak of Ebola, was allowed to enter the United States. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who plays in England for West Ham, said after coming through immigration at Houston airport after a flight from Paris that the team had faced "no problems" and had left the airport an hour after touching down.

US authorities had insisted the squad serve a 21-day quarantine period before entering US soil. Spain, France and England are the favourites to win the World Cup, while reigning champions Argentina will look to their 38-year-old talisman Lionel Messi to drive them to the final. 

The former Tottenham star blasted one effort over the bar before making a driving run to his left and evading two Czech defenders only to shoot wide. An entertaining second half began with the Czechs scoring against the run of play as Ladislav Krejci rose at the front post to power a header past Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu. Hwang In-beom finally made the Korean pressure pay with a clever equalizer as he faked a shot and then caressed the ball over Czech 'keeper Matek Kovar on 67 minutes.

The Czechs had a goal disallowed before Hwang added to his goal with an assist, crossing from the right for Oh to slot home. When the final whistle sounded after a frantic end to the game, Son sank to the turf in joy. South Korea face co-hosts Mexico, who beat South Africa 2-0 in the tournament's opening Group A game earlier Thursday, on June 18. The Czechs play the South Africans in Atlanta on the same day.

"We adapted to the situation," said Desabre. "We had to focus, as we have had to adapt often. "That is what we did. We worked well, we played two tough friendlies and here we are. Now, it is another step for us." DR Congo -- who have qualified for their first World Cup since they featured in the 1974 edition as Zaire -- cancelled a planned pre-World Cup training camp at home after the country was hit by the Ebola outbreak last month and were based in Belgium instead.

Desabre, 49, said the people back home had had to be patient to see the team appear at another World Cup. "It has been a while since the people have seen the team at the World Cup," said the Frenchman. "We already had the honour of qualifying for the finals. Now, it is up to us to put up a good showing in this tournament." They are to be based in Houston during the competition, where they will play their first Group K match on June 17 against Portugal. DR Congo are then scheduled to head to Guadalajara in Mexico to face Colombia on June 23 before playing Uzbekistan in Atlanta on June 28.

"For me, successful is to win. Is to win tomorrow. And win after," the former Tottenham coach said on Thursday. "If we don't arrive to the final and we don't win the World Cup, to talk about 'successful'? I don't know." A talented crop of US players led by Christian Pulisic need to prove themselves against the world's best, while dealing with the pressures of playing in front of their own fans.

Pulisic insisted the squad around him is "able to compete with anyone." "We want to be a real force in this tournament," he told AFP. "We've got three really good games to show everyone what we're all about." Pochettino, an Argentine, has insisted his team need to be equal to the streetwise South Americans. "We know we have to be ready to battle. It's not about just playing beautiful football," said Pulisic. US Secretary of State Mario Rubio will attend the opening match. President Donald Trump has said he would be present at other games in the tournament, without specifying which.

The game in Los Angeles will be preceded by a Hollywood-style opening ceremony featuring Katy Perry and a host of music stars. In Friday's other game, co-hosts Canada go in search of the first World Cup win in their history as they tackle Bosnia-Herzegovina in Toronto. Canada must do without their star player Alphonso Davies, who is still recovering from a hamstring issue. The World Cup kicked off in dramatic fashion in Mexico City on Thursday where Shakira and Nigerian singer Burna Boy got the packed 80,000 crowd at the Estadio Azteca on their feet.

Co-hosts Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in a game that featured three red cards. Julian Quinones scored the opening goal of the tournament after nine minutes and 35-year-old striker Raul Jimenez headed in Mexico's second at the Azteca, which became the first stadium in the world to host games at three World Cups. There was a festive atmosphere inside the stadium, but outside dozens of protesters clashed with police in chaotic scenes.

Groups of teachers, relatives of Mexicans who have gone missing, and student activists gathered outside the stadium. Some protesters broke through barriers and traded blows with police officers guarding the stadium's perimeter moments after Mexico scored their opening goal. Mexico's victory launched a 48-team tournament that will culminate in the final in New Jersey on July 19. South Korea got their World Cup campaign off to a winning start by beating the Czech Republic 2-1 in the opening day's second game.

Until the 80th-minute mark, it seemed that the Czechs would punish the Koreans' wastefulness in front of goal, but substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu notched the decisive goal in a Guadalajara stadium that was far from full. The start of the action on the pitch will have come as a welcome relief to football's world governing body FIFA, which has faced stinging criticism over the eye-watering cost of tickets. In addition, Donald Trump's immigration crackdown has seen a top referee, Iranian team officials and fans refused entry to the United States,

Infantino portrayed Iran's participation at the World Cup in the midst of its military conflict with the US as a victory for his organization, claiming he did not know if any other body could have pulled it off. Four days after they arrived at their base camp in Mexico, the Iran players finally allowed reporters to watch them train Thursday. They face New Zealand in Los Angeles in their first game Monday.

"From the moment I took over, I have tried to factor in the long-term interests of the Socceroos while ensuring that we achieve the short-term results, which in the first instance was qualifying for the World Cup." The Asian Cup is due to be held in Saudi Arabia from January 7 to February 5. "Securing Tony's contract extension on the eve of the World Cup is a fantastic outcome," said Football Australia chief Martin Kugeler.

"While the immediate focus is on the World Cup, this extension provides clarity and enables Football Australia to plan with absolute confidence for the period following the tournament, leading into the Asian Cup." Australia, who are at their sixth successive World Cup, are also grouped with co-hosts the United States and Paraguay.

At a courtesy meeting organized on the occasion, leaders of the Supply Unit presented him with bouquets and extended their heartfelt congratulations, wishing him success in his new role. Prominent social organizer Kamrul Hasan Chowdhury Shahin was present at the event. Leaders from both the district and metropolitan units also attended the program.

The speakers said that Abdul Kaiyum Chowdhury's election as a BCB Director is a matter of pride for the people of Sylhet. They expressed hope that his leadership, experience, and commitment would play a significant role in the development of cricket in Bangladesh. During the ceremony, the leaders of the Supply Unit once again greeted Abdul Kaiyum Chowdhury with flowers and conveyed their best wishes for his future endeavors. They expressed confidence that he would contribute effectively to the advancement of the country's cricket sector.

Among those present were social organizer Kamrul Hasan Chowdhury Shahin, Daily BartaX Editor Masud Ahmed Mumit, and leaders from various levels of the district and metropolitan organizations. The speakers further stated that Abdul Kaiyum Chowdhury's election is not only a personal achievement but also a proud moment for the people of Sylhet. They believe his administrative expertise, leadership qualities, and dedication to sports will add a new dimension to the progress of Bangladesh cricket, particularly in infrastructure development and nurturing young talents.

Expressing his gratitude, Abdul Kaiyum Chowdhury thanked everyone for their warm wishes and support. He said he would carry out his responsibilities with sincerity and dedication for the overall development of cricket and the country's sports sector. The program concluded in a cordial atmosphere, with participants wishing the newly elected BCB Director good health, long life, and continued success in his future endeavors.

Din Md Rajib 

Big names include American pop singer Katy Perry, Canadian artist Alanis Morissette, US rapper Future, Brazilian urban pop figure Anitta, Thai K-pop icon Lisa, and Nigerian afrobeats star Rema. They will perform alongside artists with strong home country followings, such as Mexican institution Los Angeles Azules Bollywood singer Nora Fatehi, and French rapper Vegedream. "There's a concerted effort around the FIFA World Cup and their marketing team to leverage music as a through line to connect different audiences from around the world," said Clayton Durant, a music industry entrepreneur and New York University professor.

This initiative is not new: in 2021, the organization launched its FIFA Sound program, describing it as "a strategy to connect with audiences worldwide through shared passions of football and music." The most striking event will be the halftime of the final, on July 19 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. For the first time, the show will feature a concert with three global headliners: American singer Madonna, Colombian star Shakira, and South Korean group BTS.

That lineup was conceived in the "spirit of trying to unite the whole world," said Hugh Evans, head of the NGO Global Citizen, which is producing the show. Imagined by Chris Martin, the frontman of Coldplay, the halftime performance is designed to highlight "the best of humanity" and "all the things that unite us," Evans told AFP.

He said the amount spent on producing the event is comparable to the Super Bowl halftime show -- the final of the American football championship. That is somewhere between $10 and $20 million, according to sources. The artists themselves will be performing for free. The show is intended to support an education fund that FIFA -- regularly accused of putting financial profits first -- has set up with Global Citizen.

For the official World Cup song, FIFA turned to a safe bet: Shakira. She was behind "Waka Waka," the 2010 World Cup anthem that became a global sensation. Her new track "Dai Dai," performed with Nigerian singer Burna Boy, blends Latin pop and afrobeats. It appears on an official 18-track album that includes the electro group Major Lazer, reggaeton artist Daddy Yankee, and the Rolling Stones -- once again heavily mixing genres. The artists featured in these globally broadcast concerts stand to gain a great deal in visibility.

Durant said those performing will see "fans who have maybe never heard of them and really start to gain a ton of new attention and fandom and consumption on their music and their intellectual property." The World Cup also creates opportunities for more seasoned musicians like Madonna, who at 67 has not had a major success since "Confessions on a Dance Floor" in 2005. The July 19 concert represents a chance for her to rekindle the spark during the promotion of her new album "Confessions II," scheduled for release on July 3.

Hajj office said, so far, 4,289 Hajis returned under government management, while 45,693 under private travel agencies arrangements, in 116 flights. A total of 49 Bangladeshi pilgrims - 33 males and 16 females - passed away in Saudi Arabia during this year's Hajj. Of them, 35 died in Makkah, 13 in Madinah and one in Jeddah, while no deaths were reported in Mina or Muzdalifah.

Besides, a total 401 Hajis received treatment from various hospitals in Saudi Arabia, while 25 Hajis were hospitalized. Saudi Arabian medical centres provided treatment to 61,473, while IT help desk gave services to 27,315 Hajis in Makkah and Madinah. This year's Hajj operations began with the first outbound flight on April 18 and concluded on May 21. The return Hajj flights started on May 30 and will continue until July 1.

The finance minister said that the proposed 'Probashi Card' will digitally store workers' personal information, skills and employment details. The card will be linked to banking payment gateways to facilitate faster, safer and more efficient remittance transfers, he added. Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury mentioned that it will also provide access to expatriate welfare services, insurance coverage, banking facilities and emergency support. The government plans to expand overseas employment through easier access to migration loans, risk-free migration arrangements and improved governance in migration management, he continued.

To broaden labour market opportunities, the minister said, Bangladesh has already initiated efforts to sign bilateral agreements with Russia, Portugal, Romania, Brazil, Greece, Serbia and North Macedonia. Efforts are also underway to reopen labour markets in Malaysia, Oman, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, he added. To improve the quality and credibility of Bangladeshi workers abroad, Khosru said, the government will introduce a Skill Verification Programme. Under the initiative, he said, workers' skills, experience and certifications will be verified through a Smart Skill Bank database, while internationally recognised digital certificates will be issued to qualified workers, enabling foreign employers to recruit skilled manpower directly.

The finance minister said from FY27 practical projects will be launched to strengthen technical and vocational training facilities. The government plans to engage 7,500 domestic trainers and 1,000 foreign expert trainers in polytechnic institutes, Technical Training Centres (TTCs) and Bangladesh Technical Education Board (BTEB) institutions, he added. Another 1,000 language instructors and native speakers will be recruited to expand foreign language education, he said. He also announced plans to establish a Foreign Language e-Learning Centre and a Migration Market Research Institute under the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment.

To support Bangladeshi workers facing difficulties abroad, Khosru said, Bangladesh Support Centres will be established at embassies in major destination countries. He said that these centres will provide legal aid, rescue services, employment assistance and rehabilitation support for distressed migrant workers. The minister further said the government would simplify the repatriation process for the mortal remains of Bangladeshi workers who die abroad to ensure their dignified return home. Highlighting ongoing reforms, he noted that the migration process has already been fully digitised through the Overseas Employment Platform (OEP).

To strengthen skills development, the finance minister said, initiatives have been taken to enhance the capacity of the existing 110 TTCs across districts and upazilas and to build 50 new TTCs in additional upazilas. Under the project titled "Providing Driving Training for Employment at Home and Abroad (1st Revised)," the finance minister said, training is currently being provided to 102,400 people to create a pool of skilled drivers for employment opportunities in Europe, Japan and the Middle East. The minister also said that low-interest migration loans of up to Taka 10 lakh through Probashi Kallyan Bank would continue and the scope of the programme would be expanded further.

Through this card, the finance minister said, landless, marginal, and small farmers will receive an annual one-time cash assistance of Taka 2,500, along with an additional 10 types of multifaceted benefits with this card as per our electoral commitments.”  To bring about a fundamental transformation in the agricultural sector and deliver services to the doorsteps of marginalized communities, the government has formally launched the Krishak Card Program, he said.

Initially some 22,065 farmers have been provided with the cards across 11 blocks in 11 upazilas of 10 districts under 8 divisions of the country, he said. Fish farmers, livestock farmers, and salt producers have also been brought under the coverage of this special card, he said. In accordance with the commitment declared in our electoral manifesto, the program for waiving agricultural loans up to Taka 10 thousand including interest in the crop, fisheries, and livestock sectors has already been implemented, and an allocation of Taka 1,567 crore 96 lakh has been provided in the current fiscal year for this purpose, he said.

As a result, in addition to a positive impact on agricultural production, new momentum has been injected into the rural economy, he said. Khosru said there are plans to introduce agricultural insurance to address risks arising from natural disasters and ensure stability in agricultural production.

The IFF Centre plays a vital role in maritime security and surveillance by collecting, analyzing and preserving information on vessel movements within the country's maritime domain. The CNRD conducts research and production activities in areas such as fuel refining technology, drone development and advanced communication systems, the release said. As part of his programme, the Defence Adviser also visited Chittagong Dry Dock Limited, which contributes significantly to the country's maritime industry through the repair, maintenance and construction of naval and civilian vessels. During the visit, he stressed the need to enhance the capacity and efficiency of the organisation.

He said CDDL has immense importance in implementing the government's "Made in Bangladesh" policy in the defence industry and highly appreciated the institution's professional and technical expertise. Later, the Defence Adviser visited Karnaphuli Ship Builders Limited and Western Marine Limited where he was apprised of their existing capabilities, ongoing projects and future development plans. At the end of the visit, Dr Islam praised the technological capabilities, operational progress and skilled workforce of the organisations concerned. He also called upon all stakeholders to work with dedication and sincerity for the sustainable development of the country's maritime security, shipbuilding industry and defence sector.

Issues of law and order, security sector reforms, prevention of irregular migration, strengthening the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the upcoming visit of the EU Commissioner for Home Affairs to Bangladesh were discussed. Welcoming the delegation, Salahuddin Ahmed said European Union is one of the most reliable and trusted development partners of Bangladesh. He expressed optimism that bilateral and strategic relations between Bangladesh and the EU would continue to deepen in the coming years. 

During the discussions, the home minister briefed the delegation on the present government's reform initiatives aimed at establishing a stronger National Human Rights Commission and ensuring the full independence of the judiciary. “We assumed office at a time when the country was facing fragile law-and-order and economy,” Ahmed said. “Over the past four months, timely and effective measures undertaken by the present government have led to a satisfactory improvement in the overall law-and-order,” he said.

He added that consultations with stakeholders and experts were underway to establish a human rights commission of international standard.  According to Salahuddin Ahmed, the institution is being restructured in a manner that takes into account Bangladesh’s religious and social context while strengthening the rule of law. Migration and mobility issues featured prominently in the discussions. Ahmed reiterated the government’s commitment to a “zero-tolerance” policy against human trafficking, migrant smuggling and all forms of irregular migration.

He said Bangladesh and the EU would further strengthen cooperation under the 2017 EU–Bangladesh Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) framework to facilitate the safe return of irregular migrants and combat human trafficking. The two sides also discussed the European Union’s new Asylum and Return Border Procedure, which is scheduled to take effect on June 12, 2026. 

Salahuddin Ahmed assured the EU of Bangladesh’s full cooperation regarding the implementation of the new framework. Nielsen urged Bangladesh to adopt more effective measures to promote regular migration channels and curb illegal migration and migrant smuggling. He also reaffirmed the EU’s support for Bangladesh’s ongoing security sector reforms. The meeting further highlighted the importance of a potential visit EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Magnus Brunner to Bangladesh in October this year. Home Minister hoped that the visit would elevate bilateral relations to a new level.

Among others, EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller, Head of the International Affairs and Migration Sector at the European Commission Aleksandra Domanska and senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the European Union, were present.

Dr. Md. Moksed Ali, Joint Secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Division, and Song Yang, Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective sides at a ceremony held in the conference room of the Road Transport and Highways Division.

The bridge is expected to play a vital role in the overall socio-economic development of the southern region and significantly contribute to the national economy.

The proposed 9th Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge will be constructed over the Lohalia River, downstream of the Baga Ferry Ghat, at the 14th kilometer of the Lebukhali-Bauphal-Galachipa-Amragachia District Highway in Patuakhali district.

The total length of the proposed project is approximately 2.62 kilometers. This includes a main bridge structure spanning about 1.348 kilometers and an approach road of around 1.272 kilometers.

Under the project, the Government of China will provide grants to fund the construction of the main bridge and the approach road. On the other hand, the Government of Bangladesh will bear the expenses for land acquisition, utility shifting, and other incidental costs. Following the signing of the agreement, China's nominated institution will complete the detailed design formulation and finalization of the bridge.

Dr. Mohammad Ziaul Haque, Secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Division, and Yao Wen, the Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, were present at the ceremony.

Senior representatives from the Economic Relations Division, the Roads and Highways Department, the Road Transport and Highways Division, and the Chinese Government also attended the event.

In his brief comments, ICAB President N K A Mobin FCA congratulated the government led by the Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and appreciated Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury MP for presenting a budget sized at TK  9,38,000 crore, equivalent to 13.7 percent of GDP.

He noted that despite global economic pressures—including geopolitical tensions, inflation, and investment slowdown—the government’s decision to implement a development budget of Tk 3,16,075 crore, including TK  3,00,000 crore under the Annual Development Programme, was a positive signal for growth.

ICAB expressed concern that TK  112,000 crore of development spending is expected to be financed through bank borrowing, warning that it could reduce credit availability for the private sector and hinder investment.

The organization also cautioned that new taxes, including a 0.2 percent levy on retail businesses and 0.5 percent on agricultural products, may contribute to inflationary pressures.

ICAB welcomed several proposed reforms in the Income Tax Act, including fixation of tax rates for five years, removal of minimum tax provisions, and expansion of self-assessment systems, start up tax incentives, and mandatory Withholding Identification Number (WIN) for compliance improvement.

The institute also praised the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and ICAB collaboration on the Document Verification System (DVS) and corporate tax return digitalisation, saying it would help expand the tax base and improve revenue collection.

ICAB appreciated VAT-related reforms such as excluding labour from input definition, VAT on actual value addition for exempt goods, and exemptions for content creators and freelancers. Reduced appeal deposit requirements and simplified dispute resolution mechanisms were also welcomed.

Under the Customs Act 2023, ICAB highlighted the introduction of the “Importer on Record” framework, Free Trade Zones, operational flexibility, and reduced appeal deposits as measures that could improve trade efficiency and ease business operations.

ICAB urged the government to reconsider provisions such as the 30 percent dividend distribution requirement for listed companies, advance tax collection from retailers, and higher minimum turnover tax burdens. It also raised concerns over VAT return restructuring and mandatory BIN requirements for small businesses.

ICAB concluded that the budget is broadly business-friendly and has the potential to support Bangladesh’s transition toward a developed economy. 

The institute thanked the government for incorporating several of its recommendations, noting that the reforms could enhance revenue, employment, and economic stability.

"Soaring costs affect many individuals and families, as more and more people cannot afford their homes and risk becoming homeless," said FRA director Sirpa Rautio in the report. "Young people and vulnerable groups face hardships that undermine their access to the basic right to adequate housing and many remain unprotected against eviction."

There are indications that homelessness is on the rise, the report said, with the European Federation of National Organisations Working with the Homeless (Feantsa) estimating nearly 1.3 million people were homeless in the EU in 2025. The EU is also "increasingly tested in upholding rules-based governance and fundamental rights" given "intense geopolitical instability and security threats", Rautio noted.

"The unpredictable international environment and ongoing wars are having an impact here at home -- not least on people's sense of safety and wellbeing," she said. Online hate is spreading, FRA said, finding more than one in three people in the EU had come across content online that they found to be harmful. Enforcing EU laws to regulate the internet "has faced challenges including holding tech platforms to account", according to Rautio.

The report also identified "serious employment-related challenges affecting third-country workers in the EU", including "overqualification, discrimination and labour exploitation". Yet the EU is facing major labour shortages, FRA noted. The report covers all 27 EU member states, as well as Albania, North Macedonia and Serbia.

An exchange of fire that took place overnight into Wednesday morning -- despite a ceasefire that went into effect on April 8 -- saw US strikes hit two water reservoirs in the town of Sirik, cutting off nearly 20,000 people from access to drinking water. "The water distribution network of the affected areas has been restored," said Abdolhamid Hamzehpour, general manager of the Hormozgan Water and Wastewater Company, according to state television on Thursday.

He said the repair process took "less than 12 hours" and "the intermittent supply problems for subscribers in the city of Kouhestak and the villages of the Bemani district were fully resolved". Washington had said the strikes were carried out in response to Iran's downing of a US Army Apache helicopter over Gulf waters. Tehran dismissed the justification as a "false pretext" and responded with missile and drone attacks targeting US bases in Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait.

The strikes on the reservoirs prompted Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei on Wednesday to describe the attack as "a calculated war crime and flagrant violation of human rights". "The US must be held accountable for committing such systematic brutal attacks on civilian life-sustaining infrastructure," he said in a post on X. The head of Hormozgan province's judiciary, Mojtaba Ghahremani, was also quoted by state television as saying the attack "constituted a war crime".

On March 7, at the height of the war, Iran said US strikes hit a desalination plant on Qeshm Island near the Strait of Hormuz. The following day, Bahrain reported an Iranian strike on a water facility, in what appeared to be retaliation for the US attack on Qeshm.

"I don't have much trust," said Charanvir Randhawa, president of the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP), which has more than 5,000 members. "I will be very honest; they are not transparent at all," Randhawa told AFP. His organisation has criticised the composition of the initial investigation team, and its decision to question the family of one of the deceased pilots.

On Friday, relatives of the victims will meet in Ahmedabad at a conference organised by lawyers, along with aviation and air safety experts, to "discuss the path toward answers and safer skies". It also plans to hold a candlelight vigil in memory of those who died -- 241 of the 242 people on board, and 19 on the ground. Among the dead were 200 Indians, 52 British citizens, seven Portuguese and one Canadian. Only one passenger survived, Briton Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, who told the Press Association news agency that he continued to "live with the significant psychological scars" following the crash, in which his brother died, and "the constant unanswered questions" about why it took place.

"Those questions are not just on my mind -- they are on the minds of every affected family," he said. "Nothing will ever change what happened, but families deserve clarity." As required by international law, the AAIB published a preliminary report on July 12, 2025, a month after the disaster. That 15-page document said the fuel supply to the jet's engines was cut off moments before impact, raising questions about possible pilot error.

- 'Flawed' report

It also published a conversation between the captain and his co-pilot about the fuel supply being cut off -- two brief sentences that sparked theories of pilot suicide. The report was met with strong criticism. It did not say why the fuel switches were turned off -- whether that was the fault of a pilot or a result of a malfunction. Pushkaraj Sabharwal, 91, father of pilot Sumeet Sabharwal, called that report "profoundly flawed" and filed a petition at India's Supreme Court. He argued it focused on the dead pilots "while failing to examine or eliminate other more plausible technical and procedural causes of the crash".

Randhawa worries another inconclusive finding could result in "far more speculations" rather than understanding the disaster. "You have to give an indication. Why did the crash occur?" In May, the FIP pilot group submitted a letter to the aviation ministry calling for further investigation to rule out electrical failure. "Even if they are going to take more than one year, they should say: 'We are still investigating'," he said. "They should publish the full investigation report."

"We call on all parties in this conflict to exercise restraint and return to the negotiating table," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, when asked by AFP about fresh attacks. He added that the escalation risks more "negative consequences for the situation in the region and the global economy."

An exchange of fire that took place overnight into Wednesday morning -- despite a ceasefire that went into effect on April 8 -- saw US strikes hit two water reservoirs in the town of Sirik, cutting off nearly 20,000 people from access to drinking water. "The water distribution network of the affected areas has been restored," said Abdolhamid Hamzehpour, general manager of the Hormozgan Water and Wastewater Company, according to state television on Thursday.

He said the repair process took "less than 12 hours" and "the intermittent supply problems for subscribers in the city of Kouhestak and the villages of the Bemani district were fully resolved". Washington had said the strikes were carried out in response to Iran's downing of a US Army Apache helicopter over Gulf waters.

Tehran dismissed the justification as a "false pretext" and responded with missile and drone attacks targeting US bases in Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait. The strikes on the reservoirs prompted Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei on Wednesday to describe the attack as "a calculated war crime and flagrant violation of human rights".

"The US must be held accountable for committing such systematic brutal attacks on civilian life-sustaining infrastructure," he said in a post on X. The head of Hormozgan province's judiciary, Mojtaba Ghahremani, was also quoted by state television as saying the attack "constituted a war crime". On March 7, at the height of the war, Iran said US strikes hit a desalination plant on Qeshm Island near the Strait of Hormuz. The following day, Bahrain reported an Iranian strike on a water facility, in what appeared to be retaliation for the US attack on Qeshm.

"Pakistan remains deeply concerned at the situation in the region marked by recent escalation... we are of the view that diplomacy and dialogue should be the guiding principles for achieving a negotiated settlement of all contentious issues," foreign ministry spokesman Tahir Andrabi told journalists.

"You have been unable, and the Treasury has been unwilling, to commit the resources that the nation needs to defend the country at this time of rising threats," he wrote in a resignation letter to Starmer.

The government has delayed a long-awaited Defence Investment Plan that sets out funding over the next decade, amid reports that funding would fall far short of what had been requested.

"A few minutes ago, an explosion was heard in the Sirik area at sea," a state television reporter said from the area, without providing further information.

Despite repeated notices from the authorities, the occupiers failed to remove their establishments from the railway land, he added. Later, the higher authorities decided to remove the establishments through eviction; accordingly, the illegal establishments were evicted from the rail station area on Wednesday. District police also helped with the eviction work, he added.

During the operation, the team seized six cannabis plants, each about 12 feet tall, from a betel leaf garden. The recovered plants weighed approximately 8.5 kilograms in total. The arrested person was identified as Sahabur Molla, 35, son of Momin Molla, a resident of the same village. RAB said that during preliminary interrogation, the arrestee admitted to cultivating cannabis illegally for a long time and selling it in the local area and elsewhere.

He also confessed that the seized plants had been cultivated for commercial purposes, the RAB statement added. A case is being processed against the accused under the Narcotics Control Act with Puthia Police Station, RAB-5 said.

As part of the initiative, BDRCS officials also visited temporary rest shelters set up for pedestrians in the area. Among others, BDRCS Vice-Chairman Rezaul Karim Raju, former RCC ward councilor Robiul Alam Milu, RCC Superintending Engineer Ahmad Al Moeen Parag, Unit Level Officer Mirza Shamim Ahsan, BDRCS Senior Technical Officer Asma Akter, German Red Cross Project Officer Tania Akter and Project Officer Abu Md Zubair were present on the occasion.

To help people cope with the scorching weather, the BDRCS Rajshahi City Unit has established temporary rest centres at Railgate, Saheb Bazar Zero Point and Laxmipur intersection. The centres are providing free health check-ups, safe drinking water, hand fans and umbrellas for pedestrians and other city dwellers affected by the intense heat.

The absence of complaints against traffic police personnel in recent times is a positive achievement and an encouraging example that must be maintained in the future, he added. The commissioner instructed officers and personnel to refrain from any discourteous behaviour towards rickshaw pullers, drivers or ordinary citizens and to continue serving the public with responsibility, empathy and dedication. Highlighting the importance of the Traffic Division, he said the activities of traffic police are directly witnessed by the public, making integrity, commitment, efficiency and patience essential qualities for every member of the unit.

As recognition of commendable performance during the past month, financial rewards and certificates were presented to one Inspector (City and Traffic), five Traffic Sergeants Inspectors (TSIs), five Assistant Traffic Sub- Inspectors (ATSIs) and 20 constables. The police commissioner said the recognition and reward programme would continue in the future to inspire and motivate police personnel in carrying out their duties more effectively. Additional Police Commissioner (Traffic and Protocol) Muhammad Shahnewaz Khaled, Deputy Police Commissioner (Traffic) Shafiqul Islam and police personnel of different ranks were present at the programme.

Manikganj Deputy Commissioner Nazmun Ara Sultana inaugurated the corners as the chief guest. The institutions include Manikganj Kamil Madrasah, Khan Bahadur Awlad Hossain Khan High School and Afroza Ramjan School and College.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education and ICT) Farjana Priyanka, heads of the concerned institutions and guardians were present on the occasion. According to institutional sources, girl students will be able to collect essential hygienic products from these corners. First aid services will also be available when needed.

Special guests included Abu Saif, District Cooperative Officer of Rajshahi, and Abdullah-Hil-Abid, District Cooperative Officer of Naogaon. Around 40 women cooperative leaders and representatives from different implementing organizations took part in the workshop. They shared their experiences and best practices, which are expected to contribute to strengthening cooperative activities in the future.

The closing remarks were delivered by David Gomez, Director of Programs at Heifer International Bangladesh. He thanked the participants for their active involvement and highlighted the importance of collective efforts to further advance the cooperative sector. Organizers said the conference is expected to serve as an effective platform for enhancing the capacity of cooperative leaders, expanding networking opportunities, and facilitating the exchange of experiences among participants.

The exercise was conducted under the supervision of Station Officer Sheikh Mamunur Rashid. Participants received hands-on training on modern firefighting techniques, rescue operations, use of fire extinguishers, and basic first aid procedures. Speaking on the occasion, Sheikh Mamunur Rashid said awareness and basic skills are essential in responding to disasters such as fire incidents. He added that regular training and practical exercises enhance the capacity of individuals and organisations, helping to protect lives and property.

During the programme, the emergency hotline number 102 of the Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence was widely publicised, with an appeal to contact the number immediately in case of emergency. At the end of the training, participants expressed their determination to apply the acquired knowledge and skills in real-life emergency situations.

The distribution ceremony was held on Thursday morning at the premises of the Upazila Livestock Office and Veterinary Hospital.

Under the government's project titled “Socio-Economic and Living Standards Development of Backward Small Ethnic Groups Living in the Plains,” each beneficiary family received two corrugated tin sheets, four cement poles, and five floor mats for housing support. Earlier, each family had also been provided with two goats under the same project.

The event was presided over by Upazila Livestock Officer Dr. Kanika Sarkar. Among others, present were Veterinary Surgeon Dr. Md. Lutful Kabir, Deputy Assistant Livestock Officer Md. Delwar Hossain Chowdhury, Field Worker Achinta Hajong, Kalmakanda Press Club President Sheikh Shamim, General Secretary Obaidul Haque Pathan, and local dignitaries.

Speakers at the programme highlighted that various government initiatives aimed at strengthening the economic capacity and ensuring sustainable livelihoods of small ethnic communities are already producing positive outcomes. They said that housing assistance, alongside livestock-based income-generating activities, would further help beneficiaries achieve self-reliance.

According to sources from the Department of Livestock Services, a range of support activities is being implemented under the project to ensure nutritional security, expand income-generating opportunities, and enhance the economic capacity of marginalized communities.

Headmaster of Teesta Khalilur Rahman Khadem High School Md Ekramul Haque Sarkar spoke as a special guest in the meeting moderated by Assistant Information Officer of Rangpur Regional Information Office Md Rupal Mia. Information Officer of Rangpur Regional Information Office Md Farhad Ahmed presented a documentary on the 'Right to Information Act, 2009' at the meeting. In his speech, the chief guest said that the proper implementation of the RTI Act plays an important role in empowering the people, besides ensuring transparency and accountability in government services.

"It is necessary to ensure the free flow of information through government and private institutions and organisations to establish good governance and ensure sustainable development," he added. He also expressed hope that such an event would have a positive impact on the personal and social lives of the students. In his closing speech, Senior Information Officer Md Shahjahan Ali said that effective implementation of the RTI Act is essential for establishing good governance in society and increasing transparency and accountability at all levels of government services.

"Proactive disclosure of information on development activities at the grassroots level will ensure proper utilization of resources and also play a helpful role in preventing corruption," he said. Addressing the students, Shahjahan Ali said that to acquire information-based knowledge, one should develop the habit of knowing and learning more from now on. He also urged the students to be aware of the RTI Act and to motivate others in this regard. Later, he answered various questions from the participant students.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury today announced the national budget for the FY 2026-27 in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. 
Presenting the budget, the minister said enhancing legal and scientific capacity to protect women and children remains one of its highest priorities which will strengthen women’s empowerment, child protection, social security and rehabilitation initiatives across the country.

Under the multi-sectoral programme to prevent violence against women, a National Forensic DNA Profiling Laboratory and seven divisional DNA screening laboratories have already been established to strengthen investigation and justice mechanisms.

To bring emerging and aspiring women entrepreneurs under a formal state framework, the government is compiling a comprehensive national database. The initiative is expected to facilitate training opportunities, access to credit and stronger market linkages for women entrepreneurs.

The budget speech also highlighted specialised adaptation projects for women living in coastal regions to enhance resilience and strengthen their capacity to cope with climate change challenges.

To increase women’s economic self-reliance, the second phase of the Income-Generating Activities (IGA) Training Project for Women is being implemented successfully at the upazila level.
Under the Vulnerable Women Benefit (VWB) programme, 1,040,000 women across 4,586 unions in 493 upazilas are currently receiving 30 kilograms of rice and fortified rice every month.

The government is also implementing extensive social awareness and parenting programmes to ensure the proper development, protection and social security of children from conception to eight years of age.

A ‘Quick Response Team’ has been formed to respond immediately to incidents of violence against women as well as children and strengthen integrated support services.

To support working women, the government has undertaken an initiative to establish 20 modern daycare centres in the first phase, followed by an additional 60 centres in the next phase to facilitate greater participation of women in the workforce.

Specific projects have also been adopted to ensure social security and rehabilitation support for returnee female migrant workers with the aim of reducing migration-related vulnerabilities.

The government announced special long-term rehabilitation initiatives for street children and children at risk. Measures include reintegrating educated and trained children into their families and providing financial assistance to those households.

For girl children in conflict with the law, Child Development Centers are currently providing accommodation for an average of 350 girls annually while ensuring legal aid, social protection and access to justice.

At present, 33 Integrated Child Rehabilitation Centers are operating across 17 districts, offering separate accommodation and livelihood facilities for 3,300 boys and 3,300 girls through government support.

Special action plans are also being implemented for children with speech, hearing and visual impairments as well as children with autism.

The budget speech further recognised the sacrifice of children who lost their lives during the July Mass Uprising. As part of government support measures, financial assistance was provided to 84 affected families during World Children’s Day and Children’s Rights Week, including a one-time award of Tk 50,000 in prize bonds and a crest of honour.

“A total of Taka 28,881 crore have been proposed for the agriculture sector where Taka 20,935 crore for operating expenditure and Taka 7,946 crore for development”, according to the proposed budget. In 2025-26, the budgetary allocation for the agriculture sector was Taka 27,224 crore and Taka 24,825 crore was in the revised budget. Of the total proposed budget, Taka 22,963.47 crore has been allocated under the head of recurrent expenditure and Taka 5,917.91 crore for capital expenditure. 

Of these allocations, Taka 1671 crore will be spent for wages and salaries, Taka 255.55 crore for administrative expense and Taka 17,001 crore for public nonfinancial corporations subsidies. In the revised budget of 2025-26, Taka 1550.89 crore earmarked for wages and salaries in cash and over Taka 200 crore for administrative expenses. While presenting the national budget of 2026-27, the finance minister said, “We are committed to developing the agricultural sector, which is the foundation of the country's economy and food security, into a self-reliant, climate-resilient and technology driven modern system”. 

The finance minister said special priority was given to ensure affordable price of agricultural inputs including fertilizers, seeds, and irrigation aimed at reducing production costs at farmers’ level, as well as to promoting agricultural mechanization. One of the principal commitments of the present government is to transform agriculture into a key driver of national prosperity, he said. Above all, our objective is to ensure safe food and nutritional security through good agricultural practices and achieve the sustainable transformation of the rural economy, said the finance minister.

For the welfare of the farmers, he said, fishermen, livestock farmers, and salt cultivators have also been brought under the coverage of this special Farmer Card programme which was launched on April 14, this year. As a pre-pilot for the 2025–26 fiscal year, 22,065 farmers have been provided with cards across 11 blocks in 11 upazilas of 10 districts, he said. In the 2026–27 fiscal year, 42.5 lakh cards will be distributed across 100 upazilas, with plans to gradually provide Farmer Card to all farmers in the country.

Through this card, landless, marginal, and small farmers will receive an annual one-time cash assistance of Taka 2,500, along with an additional 10 types of multifaceted benefits as per electoral commitments of BNP. The minister said to strengthen the agricultural sector, agricultural and rural credit programs will be expanded through scheduled banks. Loans at a 4 percent concessional interest rate for the cultivation of pulses, oilseeds, spices, and maize will continue in order to reduce import dependency. In order to address the impacts of climate change, initiatives have been taken to strengthen agricultural research for the development of salt-tolerant and drought-resistant crop varieties, the minister added.

In addition, to create employment opportunities for youth, initiatives have been taken to formulate an “Agropreneurship Start-up Policy” and an “Agricultural Cooperative Policy” to ensure the balanced distribution of modern agricultural technology and agricultural credit on a large scale. 

 “Of this amount, I propose to collect Tk 6 lakh 4 thousand crore through the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and Tk 91 thousand crore from other sources,” he said. Meanwhile, the proposed total expenditure for the upcoming FY 2026-27 is estimated at Tk 9.38 lakh crore, which represents 13.7 percent of GDP and is Tk 1.48 lakh crore higher than the budget of the previous financial year. “Of this amount, I propose an allocation of Tk 3 lakh 16 thousand 75 crore for development expenditure, including Tk 3 lakh crore for the Annual Development Programme(ADP), and  Tk 6 lakh 21 thousand and 925 crore for operating and other expenditures,” he said. 

The Finance Minister said the government has adopted a plan to gradually increase the share of development expenditure in the budget. “In line with that objective, it has been proposed to raise the share of total development expenditure in the fiscal year 2026–27 from 27.27 percent in the current fiscal year (revised) to 33.70 percent and to reduce operating expenditure from 72.73 percent in the current fiscal year to 66.30 percent in the upcoming fiscal year,” the minister said.  He said the total expenditure includes Tk 1 lakh 5 thousand crore for interest payments on domestic debt and Tk 22 thousand 5 hundred crore for interest payments on foreign debt.

In the proposed budget, utmost importance has been given to ensuring social protection for marginalised and low-income groups to achieve the development goals.  At the same time, in allocating resources for the Annual Development Programme (ADP), priority has been given to human resource development and education, health, science, research, and technology which are vital for building a knowledge-based society.

In addition, special emphasis has been placed on the development of physical infrastructure necessary for investment and sustainable development. In the proposed budget, a total allocation of Tk 2 lakh 79 thousand 1 crore has been proposed for the social infrastructure sector, which accounts for 29.74 percent of the total allocation. An allocation of Tk 1 lakh 74 thousand and 988 crore has been proposed for the physical infrastructure sector, representing 18.66 percent of the total budget. For the general services sector, Tk 2 lakh 45 thousand and 117crore has been proposed, which is 26.13 percent of the total allocation. “The increased and highest allocation for the social sector reflects the government’s electoral commitment to giving priority to education, healthcare, and social safety net programmes.” added the Finance Minister.

According to the budget document, the government is undertaking multifaceted initiatives, including the development of railway infrastructure, introduction of modern technologies and establishment of an integrated transportation system. Efforts are underway to strengthen the country's communication network by bringing all districts and major cities under railway connectivity, expanding rail links with seaports and land ports, improving regional and cross-border railway communication and increasing commuter train services.

The document said work is progressing on the construction of dual-gauge double lines, gauge unification, modern signalling systems and the introduction of electric traction. A chord line will be constructed on the Dhaka-Cumilla section of the Dhaka-Chattogram railway corridor. Once completed, the proposed new chord line will reduce the distance between Dhaka and Chattogram by approximately 80 kilometres, bringing the total route length down from 320 kilometres to 240 kilometres.

As a result, train travel time between Dhaka and Chattogram is expected to decrease from the current five hours to only three hours, bringing a transformative improvement to the communication system in the region. The budget document said freight trains carrying goods from Chattogram Port, the Bay Terminal and the Matarbari Deep Sea Port will be able to connect directly to the proposed Dhirashram Inland Container Depot (ICD) through the existing Chattogram-Feni-Cumilla-Brahmanbaria-Bhairab-Narsingdi railway line, further strengthening the country's economy and logistics sector.

Integrated development activities in the railway sector will be further strengthened with greater priority during the tenure of the present government. To this end, initiatives are being undertaken for the construction of new railway lines and rail bridges, procurement of modern locomotives, coaches and wagons and strengthening the maintenance of existing railway tracks and bridges. Measures are also being taken to enhance the capacity of the railway workshops at Saidpur and Pahartali to facilitate the local assembly of coaches and locomotives.

Furthermore, the quality of passenger and freight transport services will be improved through the introduction of new train services, modernization of signalling systems and expansion of optical fibre-based communication networks. To transform Bangladesh Railway into a commercially viable institution, greater emphasis is being placed on freight transport services alongside passenger services, while private investment is also being encouraged.

The document said plans have been undertaken to introduce electric trains, establish high-speed rail connectivity and procure new rolling stock as part of the sector's modernization, while railway infrastructure development will be carried out through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements.

He said remittance inflows reached a historic milestone in March this year, when expatriate Bangladeshis sent US$ 3.75 billion through official channels, the highest amount ever received in a single month in the country's history. The Finance minister said the record remittance inflow came just one month after the government assumed office and reflected the confidence and trust of expatriate Bangladeshis in the country's democratic administration.

"We expect this positive trend to continue in the coming years," he said. To maintain the momentum in remittance growth, the government will continue to encourage the use of formal channels for money transfers and retain the existing 2.5 percent cash incentive for remittances sent through legal means, he added. The minister expressed optimism that the ongoing measures would further strengthen foreign exchange earnings and contribute to the country's overall economic stability.

The minister also outlined a set of taxpayer-friendly reforms accompanying the budget, including simplifying corporate tax compliance, enabling online income tax return filing and payment, reducing regulatory burden on businesses, expanding allowable business expenditures, and scrapping provisions that disallow costs when withholding tax is not deducted. He added that the process of selecting tax cases for audit and withholding tax verification would be made fully transparent and automated.

Under existing rates, now carried forward, general companies defined under the income tax law face a flat rate of 27.5 percent. Listed companies that transfer more than 10 percent of paid-up capital through IPO are taxed at 22.5 percent, reducible to 20 percent upon meeting additional conditions. Publicly traded banks, insurance companies, and non-bank financial institutions face a 37.5 percent rate, while their non-listed counterparts pay 40 percent. Merchant banks are taxed at 27.5 percent.

Tobacco product manufacturers, including cigarettes, bidis, zarda and gul, face the steepest burden at 45 percent plus a 2.5 percent surcharge. Publicly traded mobile phone operators with at least 10 percent IPO shareholding are taxed at 40 percent, while non-listed operators face a 45 percent rate. Co-operative societies are taxed at 20 percent. Private universities, medical, dental and engineering colleges, and IT-focused private institutions enjoy a concessional rate of 10 percent.

This is the first budget of the current BNP government after it took office through the February 12, general election.

Prices likely to go down

The FY27 budget is likely to reduce prices of Kidney dialysis equipment, heart stents or rings, intraocular lenses (for eye surgery), special assistive devices for persons with disabilities, cancer medicines, active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API), other life-saving medicines, medical equipment, laptop computers, desktop computers, computer printers, computer monitors, computer accessories, SSD (Solid State Drive), Point of Sale (POS) machines, baby food, all types of spices, all types of dates, all types of fertilizers, veterinary medicines, insecticides and pesticides, poultry, dairy, and fish feed, Electric vehicles (EVs) up to $50,000, Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) up to 2000 cc, electric buses and trucks, E-bikes, EV chargers/stations, solar panels / photovoltaic cells, solar inverters, calcium battery packs, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), solar panel mounting structures, smart cards (banking cards), Sewage Treatment Plants (STP), mortuary refrigerators, cosmetic and beauty products, musical instruments (e.g., piano, guitar, violin, etc.), cinematography cameras and projector accessories, hair care and beauty products, jewelry, SIM cards, electric cookers, induction cookers, infrared cookers, water purifiers, water heaters, irons, locally produced products, mobile phones, refrigerators, freezers, Washing machines, ATM machines and CCTV cameras.

Prices likely to go up

On the other hand, prices are likely to increase for Cigarettes and tobacco products nicotine pouches, locally produced alcoholic beverages in Bangladesh, passenger vehicles with 1200–1600 cc engine capacity, imported washing machines, imported copper tubes, imported cold-rolled and coated coils/sheets, imported transformers (1 kVA capacity), imported DC motors up to 1200 watt capacity, imported honey, imported coffee, imported cashew nuts, imported toys, imported tiles, imported toilets and basins, imported paints and sanitary fixtures, imported mayonnaise and edible oils, imported potato chips, imported leather and leather products and MS (mild steel) products.

Placing the national budget in the parliament, the finance minister said the proposed health allocation would account for 1.01 percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), up from 0.58 percent of GDP in the revised budget of the outgoing fiscal year.

“I propose an allocation of Tk 69 thousand and 409 crore for the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in the fiscal year 2026-27, which is equivalent to 1.02 percent of GDP. In the revised budget for fiscal year 2025-26, the allocation for this sector was Tk 35 thousand and 477 crore, representing 0.58 percent of GDP,” he told parliament while unveiling a Tk 9.38 lakh crore national budget.

The minister described the increased allocation as the first major step towards fulfilling the BNP government's electoral commitment to gradually raise health spending to 5 percent of GDP within the next five years.

“Building a healthy nation is the prerequisite for sustainable development and a prosperous Bangladesh,” he said, adding that years of neglect, corruption, political interference and lack of accountability had weakened the country's healthcare system.

Outlining the government's policy direction, Khosru said the administration aims to transform Bangladesh's healthcare system from a treatment-centred model to a prevention-focused one by strengthening primary healthcare, expanding immunisation, improving maternal and child health services, enhancing nutrition programmes and ensuring early detection of non-communicable diseases.

A key feature of the government’s plan is the establishment of modern primary healthcare units in every union and urban ward, a commitment included in the BNP manifesto. The government has already begun implementing the initiative, with each unit to be supported by three community clinics providing preventive healthcare, maternal and child services, nutrition support and primary medical care at the grassroots level.

The minister also announced plans to introduce a nationwide Health Card system under universal health coverage. Linked to an Integrated Patient Management System and Referral System, the digital platform will allow healthcare providers across the country to instantly access patients' medical histories, prescriptions and diagnostic records.

To strengthen secondary healthcare, district hospitals and upazila health complexes will be integrated into comprehensive healthcare units, while complex surgeries and specialised treatment will be concentrated at district headquarters hospitals. A National Ambulance Pool and Emergency Services Network will also be established to improve patient transportation.

The minister said the government would continue strengthening immunisation programmes after successfully administering measles-rubella vaccines to nearly all eligible children within its first 100 days in office following a nationwide measles outbreak.

Significant emphasis was also placed on healthcare workforce expansion. The government has initiated the recruitment of 5,000 MBBS doctors to fill long-vacant positions and launched the process of hiring 100,000 additional health workers, around 80 percent of whom are planned to be women, to strengthen preventive and community healthcare services.

The budget also outlines reforms in medical education, including the introduction of a modern competency-based MBBS curriculum by 2030, enhanced use of artificial intelligence in medical training and expansion of nursing and midwifery education.

Alongside healthcare delivery reforms, the government announced support for pharmaceutical exports, development of an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) industrial park, expansion of vaccine and medicine supply networks and initiatives to develop a domestic medical equipment manufacturing industry.

Calling healthcare investment a cornerstone of human resource development, Khosru said the increased allocation marked “the beginning of a people-centred, accountable and future-oriented healthcare system”.

The proposed budget, he added, seeks not only to improve healthcare services but also to ensure that “no poor family is ruined by the cost of medical treatment”, reflecting one of the BNP government's central electoral commitments.

The total outlay of the budget has been set at Tk 9.38 lakh crore, the largest national budget in the country's history. This is the first budget of the BNP government this time following a landslide victory in parliamentary election held on February 12 this year. A BNP-led government had last presented its national budget for the fiscal year 2006-'07 under then Finance Minister M. Saifur Rahman. The proposed budget, the largest in the country's history, reflects the government's commitment to economic recovery, investment promotion, human resource development and improved public service delivery.

According to budget documents, the total expenditure outlay has been estimated at Tk 9.38 lakh crore, while domestic revenue mobilisation is projected at around Tk 6.95 lakh crore. The overall budget deficit is expected to stand at Tk 2.43 lakh crore, equivalent to 3.6 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The government has set a GDP growth target of 6.5 percent and an inflation target of 7.5 percent for FY27, with the projected size of the economy estimated at Tk 68.30 lakh crore. In his budget speech, the finance minister highlighted the government's priorities in education, healthcare, employment generation, private-sector-led investment and social protection. He reiterated the government's pledge to build a knowledge-based economy and expand opportunities for the country's growing youth population.

The budget speech also featured a series of deregulation and business facilitation measures, including simplification of licensing procedures, modernisation of tax administration and expansion of digital services to improve the ease of doing business and attract both local and foreign investment. Officials said the FY27 budget has been framed in line with the government's electoral commitments and long-term development vision, placing greater emphasis on human capital development alongside macroeconomic stability. The proposed budget will be discussed in parliament before its passage and implementation from July 1, 2026.

Following the authentication of the Finance Bill by President Mohammed Shahabuddin, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury is set to unveil the national budget in the Jatiya Sangsad at 3:00 pm today. This is the first national budget to be presented in parliament under the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. During the tenure of the interim government, in the absence of parliament, government expenditure and revised financial ordinances were approved by the Advisory Council. 

The financial ordinance was later published in the form of a gazette notification as a specification ordinance after receiving the President’s assent. The ordinance became effective immediately upon issuance.

Broos is bracing for more of the same on Thursday in a game that he regards as pivotal to South Africa's chances of advancing beyond the group stage. "There will be a big crowd and there will not be so much South African support," Broos said. "So that is a big help for them (Mexico). "They will have 85,000 Mexicans shouting and singing. But we have to focus on our game. And if we can do that, if we are not too influenced by the noise of 85,000 Mexicans, then we can have a good game." Broos believes Mexico are the team to beat in Group A.

"I think they've won nearly all of their last 10 games," Broos said of "El Tri". "So they'll be a team with confidence...they're the best team in the group. "So tomorrow it will be a very tough game. We need to be at our best level, but I can assure you our team is ready to fight for every metre and every ball." Broos meanwhile admits he is no fan of the expanded 48-team World Cup, citing the gruelling travel schedule his team faces that includes games in Atlanta and Monterrey.

"It's a bit too big when you play with 48 countries," he said. "Forty years ago it was a World Cup in Mexico, but now it is modern times, and we have to adapt. "It's more exhausting than the previous World Cup, when you are with less countries but we have to accept it." Mexico have played in seven World Cup opening matches but have never won one -- a run that coach Javier Aguirre said he was determined to put right.

"We have to break the statistic," Aguirre said at his pre-match press conference. "I didn't know that fact; I'm going to share it with the players. It will be another source of motivation." On Thursday, Aguirre will relive the experience of playing a World Cup on home soil 40 years after doing so as a player in 1986. "Since I arrived 22 months ago, I have had no greater emotion than experiencing a World Cup at home again," said the 67-year-old coach.

Infantino and FIFA have come in for stinging criticism over the eye-watering costs of World Cup tickets while Donald Trump's immigration crackdown has seen a top referee, Iranian team officials and fans refused entry to the United States. Infantino insisted that tickets to the tournament -- which in some cases have topped $30,000 -- had been priced appropriately, citing a small number of $60 tickets that were made available in response to criticism.

"Let me just say that our entry price, which is 60 dollars, is the lowest entry price of any of the American sports in the play-off phases," Infantino said. "Our average price which is below 500 dollars is again the lowest of the American sports on average." Infantino also played down the controversy surrounding Somali World Cup referee Omar Artan, who was refused entry to the United States after arriving in Miami last Saturday following security concerns raised by US immigration authorities.

FIFA has since confirmed Artan, who the US State Department later said had "associated with suspected members of terrorist organizations," will play no part in the tournament. "It is unfortunate what happened to the referee from Somalia," Infantino said. "We don't control everything... Sometimes it's good to chill, relax, we work on everything, we try to solve everything.

"Sometimes to immediately start screaming and shouting has the opposite effect of finding a solution." The FIFA leader also portrayed Iran's participation at the World Cup in the midst of its military conflict with the US as a victory for his organization. "People were saying Iran couldn't come to the World Cup," Trump said. "There are challenges, it's not easy, but I don't know who else would have been able to ensure in these circumstances -- which we could not influence -- Iran could come and play."

Infantino's close relationship with US President Trump has also come under scrutiny in the build-up to the tournament. But Infantino maintained Trump had played a critical role in World Cup preparations. "Without his engagement and involvement, I think it would have been, simple as that, impossible to organise a World Cup in the United States," Infantino said of Trump. In Washington on Wednesday, Trump confirmed he plans to attend some World Cup matches, without providing details.

"I spoke to Gianni this morning... he said there's never been anything close" to the success of the coming tournament, the US leader said. Meanwhile, concerns were rising that Thursday's opener between hosts Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City could be disrupted by social unrest.

Protesters Tuesday blocked an avenue leading to the Estadio Azteca although lines of police prevented the demonstrators from reaching the stadium. Thousands took part in the demonstration following a week of action that Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has called a "provocation." Sheinbaum insisted Wednesday that "everything is under control" for the curtainraiser. The spectre of Mother Nature disrupting the tournament also reared up on Wednesday, with England's final World Cup warm-up game against Costa Rica delayed after a thunderstorm hit Orlando, Florida.

Torrential rain and lightning flashes forced the kick-off to be delayed, echoing the problems that marred last year's Club World Cup, where several games were disrupted by weather. When the action started, England eased to a 3-0 win with new Barcelona signing Anthony Gordon starring with a goal and an assist, making his case for a starting spot for his side's World Cup opener against Croatia on June 17. Portugal wrapped up their preparations by beating Nigeria 2-1, with goals from Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceicao making up for an off night for Cristiano Ronaldo.

On the sidelines of the match, Rubio will meet with Paraguayan President Santiago Pena "to advance the US-Paraguay strategic partnership spanning regional security, trade and investment, and emerging technology," Piggott added. The United States is co-hosting the tournament with Canada and Mexico, with the first match kicking off Thursday in Mexico City. President Donald Trump said Wednesday he plans to attend the World Cup, but did not specify which match or matches.

FIFA boss Gianni Infantino has said he expects Trump to present the trophy to the winning team at the final on July 19 just outside New York City, as he did during last year's Club World Cup.

He also featured in the Barcelona teams that beat Ancelotti's Real in the finals of the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup. "What he has achieved in football is admirable, not just to those who worked with him but also his opponents," Raphinha told reporters Wednesday at the Brazil team's World Cup base in New Jersey. "It was always very difficult coming up against him, but I was lucky to come out smiling a lot of the time.

"Now I hope to do for him all the things I did against him. To help get good results for him and for the team, because they really deserve it." Ancelotti is leading Brazil as they attempt to end a 24-year wait to win a record-extending sixth World Cup at the tournament in North America. The former AC Milan and Chelsea coach celebrated his 67th birthday on Wednesday, three days before the Selecao begin their World Cup campaign against Morocco in Group C at the MetLife Stadium, just outside New York City.

Brazil are set to go into that game without Neymar, who was called up for the tournament despite not being capped since 2023 because of injuries and is now set to miss Saturday's match due to a calf problem. Raphinha may need to step up in Neymar's absence, four years after his first World Cup in which he appeared in every game but failed to score as the Selecao went out to Croatia on penalties in the quarter-finals in Qatar.

"I think I felt more pressure in 2022, because I was more immature. I was quite new to the national team and had just arrived at Barcelona," said the former Leeds United winger. "I didn't feel completely settled in the Brazil squad. I feel much more ready now." He is coming off a season in which he scored 21 goals and set up eight more in all competitions as Barcelona won La Liga.

But he missed five of Brazil's six friendly games between October and March due to injuries. He and Vinicius Junior, who played under Ancelotti in Madrid, were the only two Brazilians ranked in the top 30 in last year's Ballon d'Or and carry much of the attacking responsibility for their country going into the World Cup. "We are the only nation to have won five World Cups. You can't play in a tournament like this if you are not ready to handle the pressure," he said.

"We are very confident. We have had years of frustration, because we had teams that were capable of winning and did not. And none of us want more frustration." Brazil will also play Haiti and Scotland in the group stage.

"Today's game against Costa Rica has been delayed due to weather conditions in Orlando," the English Football Association said in a statement. "Following a pitch inspection at the stadium, today's match against Costa Rica will now kick off at 5pm ET - subject to there being no further lightning strikes in the area." Delays were prominent feature of the Club World Cup in the United States 12 months ago and could have a major impact on the largest ever World Cup, which begins on Thursday.

England chose to have two friendlies in Florida to acclimatise to the searing heat they will face once the tournament gets underway. The Three Lions will then travel to their base camp in Kansas City. Considered among the favourites despite not winning a major tournament for 60 years, England begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 17. Thomas Tuchel's side also face Ghana and Panama in Group L.

OG Anunoby's tip-in basket with 1.2 seconds left sealed the thrilling win to give the Knicks a 3-1 stranglehold on the best-of-seven championship series, which shifts back to San Antonio for game five on Saturday.

He joked that there are grievances within his community -- men who pray together but do not get along -- but when Bosnia's victory was secured, those rivalries evaporated. "That day everybody was hugging. I even showed some of them, I showed the picture, 'Oh my God, look who you are hugging here.'" Few had anticipated the first-ever World Cup in Canada would feature the home side against Bosnia-Herzegovina. For Toronto's huge, well-established Italian community, the 2026 World Cup looked set to offer a battle of loyalties.

Over decades, Italian-Canadians have blared horns and partied through Toronto's streets after World Cup and Euro successes. For this World Cup, Canada's largest city was poised for a historic and divisive clash. Bars in Toronto's Little Italy were packed for the March qualifier and, when the Azzurri lost, the devastation was palpable. "I was so excited thinking about watching Italy playing here in Canada," Alessandro Aureli told the Canadian Press after the match. "I'm going to go home and cry for the rest of the day."

But sadness for the Italian community created an opening for Toronto's several thousand Bosnians -- a chance to reaffirm a shared identity that Dzumhur concedes has faded over the years. People used to be "more dedicated to the community," he said. "These days, I feel that now it has a little bit whittled down," he added, voicing hope that the tournament would offer a rare opportunity for everyone to gather as Bosnians.

Toronto's Bosnian community began organizing in the 1980s, but the conflict in the former Yugoslavia through the 1990s marked a turning point. As refugees began arriving, institutions were set up to welcome them, and the mosque became a focal point for community life. The mosque's former library has been converted to a youth activity room, and a big screen was brought in for the World Cup qualifiers. As people crammed in for the Italy match, Dzumhur said he believed victory was possible. "They had issues," he said of the Italian side. "But still, Italy is Italy...yet we've come out on top."

Mirza Durak, a Bosnian-born Canadian, travelled to Zenica for the Italy match. He's the president of Toronto's Bosnian Cultural Association and said that for his national team "to come to Toronto, in our neighborhood, it's a dream come true." He does not intend to let the moment pass.

He got tickets to Friday's match and has organized a series of events to celebrate Bosnia-Herzegovina's presence in Toronto, including a party before the match, a march to the stadium on match day, and an after-party. Thousands of Bosnians from across North America, and some from Europe, are converging on the city, he said. "We wanted to show Toronto a bit of a different culture, how usually European soccer fans do this," Durak said. "It's going to be really cool to see for Canadians."

"The final design presented by Saeta was intended as a tribute to the men and women who contribute every day to Haiti's future and was not intended as a political statement," Saeta said in a statement posted on Instagram. "During the review process, FIFA determined that certain visual elements could be interpreted differently under its equipment regulations and ultimately requested modifications to the design. "While this interpretation differed from our intention, Saeta respected the process and implemented the final requirements communicated by FIFA."

Haiti begin their first World Cup campaign in 52 years against Scotland in Boston on Saturday. The Caribbean minnows, ranked 83rd in the world, then face the might of five-time winners Brazil and African champions Morocco in Group C. Haiti's qualification is one of the most inspiring tales of the tournament.

Despite a backdrop of domestic chaos, with the impoverished nation grappling with gang violence that meant they were unable to play home qualifiers in the country, they have reached just a second World Cup in their history. "We know people might have a bad image of our country, that it has lots of problems, but this will do the country, the people, my family so much good," star midfielder Jean-Ricner Bellegarde told AFP.

Speaking in Mexico City on Wednesday, FIFA President Gianni Infantino launched a spirited defense of the organization of the tournament and brushed off criticism over visa issues. Infantino insisted that tickets -- which in some cases have topped $30,000 -- had been priced appropriately, citing a small number of $60 tickets that were made available in response to criticism. "Let me just say that our entry price, which is 60 dollars, is the lowest entry price of any of the American sports in the play-off phases," Infantino said.

"Our average price which is below 500 dollars is again the lowest of the American sports on average." Infantino also played down the controversy surrounding Somali World Cup referee Omar Artan, who was refused entry to the United States after arriving in Miami last Saturday following security concerns raised by US immigration authorities. FIFA has since confirmed Artan, who the US State Department said had "associated with suspected members of terrorist organizations," will play no part in the tournament.

"It is unfortunate what happened to the referee from Somalia," Infantino said. "We don't control everything... Sometimes it's good to chill, relax, we work on everything, we try to solve everything. "Sometimes to immediately start screaming and shouting has the opposite effect of finding a solution." The FIFA leader also portrayed Iran's participation at the World Cup in the midst of its military conflict with the US as a victory for his organization.

"People were saying Iran couldn't come to the World Cup," Infantino said. "There are challenges, it's not easy, but I don't know who else would have been able to ensure in these circumstances -- which we could not influence -- Iran could come and play." Infantino's close relationship with US President Trump has also come under scrutiny but the FIFA chief maintained that without Trump, there would not have been a World Cup in the United States. "Without his engagement and involvement, I think it would have been, simple as that, impossible to organize a World Cup in the United States," Infantino said of Trump.

Trump confirmed on Wednesday he plans to attend some World Cup matches, without providing details. "I spoke to Gianni this morning... he said there's never been anything close" to the success of the coming tournament, the US leader said. South Africa coach Hugo Broos warned his players they will have to block out a wall of sound during the curtainraiser in the Estadio Azteca, a legendary venue that hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals.

"They will have 85,000 Mexicans shouting and singing. But we have to focus on our game. And if we can do that... then we can have a good game," the Belgian said. Mexico have never won the opening game of a World Cup despite appearing in one seven times and coach Javier Aguirre said he was determined to put that right.

"We have to break the statistic," Aguirre said. "I'm going to share (that fact) with the players. It will be another source of motivation." South Korea and the Czech Republic play the second game of the opening day, in Guadalajara. Spain, France and England are the bookmakers' favourites while reigning champions Argentina will look to their 38-year-old talisman Lionel Messi to drive them to the final.

Reaffirming Bangladesh's commitment to working closely with UNDP under its Strategic Plan for 2026-2029, the ambassador underscored the country's development priorities and the importance of sustained international support during its transition from LDC status. He highlighted Bangladesh's recent national elections and appreciated UNDP's assistance through the BALLOT Project, which helped facilitate voter participation in the democratic process.

Referring to Bangladesh's acute vulnerability to climate change, the envoy urged UNDP to expand technical support for accessing international climate finance, including resources from the Green Climate Fund and the Global Environment Facility. He stressed that enhanced access to climate financing would be critical for strengthening resilience and supporting sustainable development efforts in one of the countries most exposed to the adverse impacts of climate change. The ambassador also emphasized the need for continued cooperation between Bangladesh and UNDP to ensure that the country's graduation from the LDC category remains smooth, sustainable and inclusive.

NCTB Chairman Md Mahbubul Haq Patwari, who is serving in additional charge, confirmed the plan and said all textbooks for every class would reach field-level distribution points by November 30. “On January 1, every student across the country will receive 100 percent of their new, quality textbooks on the first day of the academic year,” he said.

Scale and Cost

The total print run for 2027 stands at 307,198,101 copies across pre-primary, primary, Ebtedayee, Secondary, Dakhil, Vocational and Technical levels at an estimated cost of Tk 1,643 crore 24 lakh 70 thousand 514. At the primary level, including pre-primary and ethnic minority students, a total of 85,155,178 copies will be printed across 143 lots at an estimated cost of Tk 459 crore 85 lakhs. For secondary and technical levels (Classes I-IX), 221,042,923 copies will be printed across 441 lots at an estimated cost of Tk 1,183 crore 39 lakhs.

Procurement Timeline

Following PPR-2025 guidelines, NCTB has set a 206- 220-day tender schedule.

Tender invitations began on 3 June; submission and opening is set for 28 June; evaluation by 28 July; approval by 27 August; work orders by 30 August; and contracts with printers by 20 September. Printing and binding must be completed and books delivered to the field by 29 November. "Our firm target is 30 November for field delivery. Even in the most delayed cases, 15 December is the outer limit, but we guarantee every student will have their books by 1 January," the NCTB Chairman said.

Curriculum Revision

A total of 601 textbooks across all levels, including English versions, are being revised, with around 320 subject-based specialists working on 97 secondary and 36 primary titles. All revision work is expected to be completed by July, ahead of final printing. The Chairman noted that inaccuracies in previous editions are being corrected through an independent expert committee. From the 2027 academic year, three new books will be introduced in Classes IV and VI. A new sports textbook for Class IV will cover seven disciplines, including football, cricket, chess, badminton, swimming, athletics and karate, with initial content developed between 19-23 April.

For Class VI, a Learning with Happiness book and a motivational textbook on technical and vocational education (TVET) will be introduced around vocational careers and inspire students through real-world success stories. Secondary and Higher Education Division Secretary Abdul Khalek said NCTB has been given strict instructions to ensure the entire exercise of printing and distributing approximately 310 million books proceeds without complications.

This will be the first budget of the BNP government this time following a landslide victory in parliamentary election held on February 12 this year. A BNP-led government had last presented its national budget for the fiscal year 2006-'07 under then Finance Minister M. Saifur Rahman. According to Finance Division officials, the budget is being prepared under the broad theme of "Economic Democratization and Deregulation: Bangladesh's Journey Towards a Trillion-Dollar Economy".

The budget is set to place strong emphasis on human resource development aligning with its "Bangladesh First" vision. The budget prioritizes education, health, employment, social protection, and entrepreneurship to build long-term economic capacity and foster a modern, knowledge-based, and inclusive economy. The budgetary allocation shifts focus away from physical infrastructure towards human capital development, with the highest allocations in education and health sectors.

The probable key highlights of the budget are: high education and health sector allocation, entrepreneurship development fund: Tk 225 crore, SME entrepreneurship fund: Tk 2,000 crore, possible partial implementation of the new pay scale for the public servants, possible introduction of an "E-Health Card" programme for 2.5 million citizens aiming to strengthen universal health coverage through digitalization of health services, allocations in different social safety net programmes including in farmer cards, family cards, and a target of creation of overseas employment opportunities for 10 million people. Besides, the government has put an emphasis on creative economic activities to keep the country's youth away from drugs, terrorism, and extremism. As part of this, an allocation of Tk 300 crore is likely to be set aside in the upcoming national budget.

Officials said the budget reflects the government's electoral commitments and the future demand of the economy. The next budget is being described as a shift toward human capital-driven growth, aiming to support a knowledge-based economy and expand employment opportunities both at home and abroad. Record Budget Size and Key Fiscal Indicators: The FY27 budget is likely to propose an expenditure of Tk 9.38 lakh crore, reflecting continued expansionary fiscal planning amid ongoing macroeconomic pressures. 

Of the total outlay, Tk 6.95 lakh crore is expected to be financed through domestic revenue sources, while the remainder will come from borrowing and external assistance. The overall fiscal deficit is likely to be projected at Tk 2.51 lakh crore, equivalent to 3.6 percent of GDP, which remains within internationally recommended thresholds for developing economies. Finance ministry officials estimate the gross domestic product (GDP) size for FY27 at Tk 68.30 lakh crore, with a growth target of 6.5 percent and an inflation target of 7.5 percent.
Economists note that while the growth projection reflects optimism, maintaining macroeconomic stability-particularly controlling inflation and improving revenue mobilisation-will remain a key challenge.

Policy Shift Towards Deregulation and Investment Facilitation: A central feature of the upcoming budget is a significant push toward deregulation aimed at improving the ease of doing business and attracting both domestic and foreign investment. The government is expected to introduce reforms to simplify licensing procedures, accelerate business approvals and modernise tax administration. 

The budget speech will reportedly include a dedicated chapter on "Ease of Doing Business through Deregulation," highlighting efforts to reduce bureaucratic delays, eliminate duplication of documentation, and streamline investment processes. Officials said a "Digital Application Platform" and a unified "One-Stop Service" system branded as "Banglabiz" is likely to be introduced to centralise licensing, certification, and approval procedures. These reforms aim to reduce face-to-face interactions between businesses and regulatory authorities.

He said that Bangladesh's upcoming national budget is being formulated prioritising inclusive development, revenue mobilisation, and revitalisation of the rural economy while maintaining macroeconomic stability. "The priorities are aligned with the government's manifesto. The issues emphasized there are being given top priority in this budget," Dr Hossain said, adding that the government has translated its election commitments into actionable policy measures within a short time frame.

Tax Administration Modernization: The National Board of Revenue (NBR) is expected to undergo extensive automation under the new fiscal framework. Key initiatives include full online corporate tax return filing, year-round submission facilities, and direct electronic tax refunds into taxpayers' bank accounts. Late filers may face higher tax rates, while early filers could receive incentives. The reforms also include a mobile application to facilitate e-return submissions and reduce procedural delays.

In addition, tax dispute resolution mechanisms are expected to be streamlined through faster processes in tribunals, appellate bodies, and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) systems.

Financing the Budget Deficit:

The FY27 budget deficit is likely to be projected at Tk 2.51 lakh crore, which will be financed through a combination of domestic and external borrowing.

According to official estimates, Tk 1.16 lakh crore (46 percent) will come from foreign sources, while Tk 1.35 lakh crore (54 percent) will be mobilised domestically.

Domestic borrowing includes an estimated Tk 1.20 lakh crore from the banking system and Tk 15,000 crore from savings instruments.

Inflation and Economic Stability Concerns:

Inflation remains a key concern in the lead-up to the budget. Recent data indicates point-to-point inflation at 9.42 percent in May, significantly above the government's target level.

Policy analysts suggest that achieving the 7.5 percent inflation target for FY27 will require coordinated monetary and fiscal tightening, alongside improved supply chain management and stronger market oversight of essential commodities.

Investment, Growth and Structural Reforms:

The budget places strong emphasis on boosting investment as the main driver of future growth. Experts note that private sector confidence, infrastructure development and regulatory predictability will be essential to achieving the projected GDP growth rate.

According to policy analysts, improving the ease of doing business, strengthening financial sector stability, and accelerating project implementation will play a critical role in sustaining economic momentum.

Special focus is expected on agriculture, export-oriented industries, manufacturing expansion, remittance inflows, and infrastructure connectivity.

Implementation Challenges and Outlook:

Despite ambitious targets, the success of the FY27 budget will depend heavily on effective implementation capacity, revenue performance, and macroeconomic stability.
Challenges such as sluggish private investment, limited revenue mobilisation, and global economic uncertainty continue to pose risks to fiscal projections.

However, policymakers remain optimistic that ongoing structural reforms and improved governance mechanisms will help unlock new investment opportunities and support medium-term growth ambitions.

As the Finance Minister prepares to place the budget before the national parliament tomorrow, attention now turns to how the government balances expansionary development goals with the need for fiscal prudence and inflation control in a challenging economic environment.

As per the tradition, the special cabinet meeting is held prior to placing the national budget in the Jatiya Sangsad. The cabinet formally approves the budget proposal at the meeting. After the meeting, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to join the JS sitting at 3:00pm along with Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury. Later, the finance minister will place the national budget for FY27 in the Jatiya Sanghsad.

A special canceller was used on the occasion. Post and Telecommunication and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam, Secretary of the Ministry Bilquis Jahan Rimi, Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman and Additional Director General of Directorate of Posts SM Harunur Rashid were present on the occasion.

The FIFA World Cup 2026, featuring a record 48 teams for the first time in history, is set to begin today. The 23rd edition of the tournament will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, marking the first time that three countries have co-hosted a FIFA World Cup.

The promise of democracy rests on a simple principle: the people govern themselves through institutions that are accountable to them. However, when electoral systems function within boundaries established by unelected centres of power, democracy gradually transforms into a managed process rather than an expression of popular sovereignty. Elections continue, governments change, and political rhetoric flourishes, yet the fundamental architecture of power often remains remarkably stable.

This phenomenon is commonly described as limited democracy. It is not outright authoritarianism, nor is it a fully functioning liberal democracy. Instead, it occupies a grey zone where democratic institutions operate but their capacity to influence the deeper structures of power remains restricted. Alongside this reality stands the concept of the deep state, an informal network of military establishments, intelligence agencies, bureaucratic elites, economic interests and institutional actors whose influence frequently extends beyond electoral cycles and partisan politics.

The relationship between these two forces has profound implications for politics, society and culture. While supporters argue that strong unelected institutions provide continuity and stability in fragile states, critics contend that they weaken democratic development and erode public trust. The consequences of this tension are visible across nearly every aspect of public life.

Politically, limited democracy creates an environment in which citizens participate in elections while simultaneously suspecting that electoral outcomes may not significantly alter the direction of governance. This contradiction gradually undermines confidence in democratic institutions. Voters begin to question whether their participation genuinely influences policy or merely legitimises decisions that have already been shaped elsewhere.

As faith in institutions declines, politics increasingly becomes a contest for access to power rather than a competition of ideas. Political parties devote considerable energy to maintaining relationships with influential actors outside the electoral process. Parliamentary debate loses significance, public policy becomes less responsive to citizen demands, and democratic accountability weakens. Over time, the distinction between formal authority and actual authority becomes increasingly blurred.

The effects are particularly visible during periods of political crisis. In mature democracies, institutional mechanisms generally provide pathways for resolving disputes through constitutional procedures. In limited democracies, uncertainty regarding the true location of power often complicates conflict resolution. Political actors may seek support from unelected institutions rather than relying solely on democratic processes. This tendency reinforces public perceptions that power ultimately resides beyond the reach of ordinary citizens.

Yet the influence of limited democracy extends far beyond the political arena. It shapes social behaviour in subtle but profound ways. When citizens observe that official rules and actual outcomes do not always align, they adapt accordingly. Informal relationships become more valuable than formal procedures. Personal connections often appear more effective than institutional channels. Patronage networks emerge as practical alternatives to impartial systems of governance.

This adaptation creates a culture in which access frequently matters more than merit. Opportunities in education, employment and business may become linked to networks of influence rather than transparent standards. Young people entering public life learn quickly that success often depends not only on talent and effort but also on understanding the informal mechanisms through which power operates.

Such realities inevitably affect public trust. Citizens become increasingly sceptical of institutions while placing greater confidence in personal relationships and informal arrangements. Although these networks may provide short-term security, they weaken the foundations of equal citizenship and the rule of law. Trust shifts away from the state and towards private circles of influence.

Perhaps the most damaging consequence is the gradual normalisation of political cynicism. Over time, citizens lower their expectations of democratic governance. Transparency is viewed as unrealistic, accountability as selective, and reform as temporary. Political participation continues, but optimism diminishes. Democracy becomes something people tolerate rather than something they genuinely believe in.

This cynicism inevitably shapes civic culture. Independent organisations, professional associations and civil society groups struggle to maintain influence in environments where power is concentrated elsewhere. Public debate becomes increasingly polarised because politics is perceived as a struggle for control rather than a shared search for solutions. Compromise is often interpreted as weakness, while confrontation becomes a measure of strength.

The media landscape also reflects these dynamics. In many developing countries, journalists operate within systems where direct censorship may be limited, yet indirect pressures remain substantial. Sensitive topics often encounter resistance. Investigative reporting faces obstacles. Self-censorship emerges not necessarily because it is imposed, but because it becomes understood as prudent.

The result is an information environment characterised by uncertainty and distrust. Citizens consume news while simultaneously questioning its credibility. Rumours and conspiracy theories thrive in spaces where transparency is insufficient and public confidence remains fragile. A society that cannot agree on basic facts inevitably struggles to build consensus regarding its future.

Cultural life offers perhaps the most revealing mirror of these tensions. Literature, cinema, music and the arts frequently become arenas where societies attempt to understand the contradictions surrounding them. In environments shaped by visible governments and invisible power structures, artists often explore themes of identity, authority, resistance and freedom.

Many of the most compelling cultural works emerging from the developing world reflect precisely this struggle. They speak of institutions that appear powerful yet fragile, of citizens who are simultaneously hopeful and disillusioned, and of societies searching for authenticity amid competing narratives of authority. Art becomes both a reflection of political reality and a form of resistance against intellectual conformity.

Educational institutions are equally affected. Universities are expected to cultivate critical thinking and independent inquiry. However, where entrenched power structures exert significant influence, intellectual freedom may encounter subtle constraints. Academic debates become cautious. Research priorities may be shaped by political sensitivities. As a result, societies risk limiting their capacity for innovation and self-correction.

Defenders of strong institutional guardianship often point to the challenges faced by developing nations. Economic instability, ethnic tensions, security concerns and weak governance structures can create vulnerabilities that threaten democratic order. From this perspective, powerful institutions provide continuity where elected governments may struggle to do so.

There is validity in acknowledging these concerns. History contains numerous examples of fragile democracies collapsing under the weight of instability and political fragmentation. Yet stability alone cannot serve as the ultimate measure of political success. Stability without accountability may produce order, but it rarely generates legitimacy. Stability without participation may create calm, but it seldom inspires trust.

The long-term health of any nation depends not merely on effective governance but on governance that is perceived as legitimate by its citizens. Economic growth, infrastructure development and administrative efficiency are undeniably important. Yet sustainable national progress ultimately requires institutions that command public confidence because they are transparent, accountable and responsive.

The digital age has intensified these demands. Information now travels across borders with unprecedented speed. Citizens compare their experiences with those of other societies. Younger generations are increasingly informed, connected and politically aware. They seek systems that combine stability with freedom, authority with accountability and governance with genuine representation.

The challenge facing the developing world is therefore not simply a choice between democracy and stability. It is the far more complex task of creating political systems capable of delivering both. Nations prosper when citizens believe that institutions belong to them rather than to hidden networks of influence. They flourish when public authority derives its strength from legitimacy rather than opacity.

The persistence of limited democracy and deep-state influence reflects historical legacies, institutional realities and contemporary challenges. Yet history also demonstrates that political systems are not immutable. Societies evolve. Institutions adapt. Expectations change. Democratic maturity is rarely achieved through sudden transformation. More often, it emerges through a gradual expansion of accountability, transparency and public participation.

Ultimately, the future of the developing world will be shaped not by the existence of power, but by the question of who controls it and in whose name it is exercised. The strength of a nation is measured not merely by the stability of its institutions, but by the confidence of its citizens that those institutions genuinely serve the public good. When that confidence exists, democracy becomes more than a procedure. It becomes a living expression of national purpose and collective aspiration.

The defining challenge of the twenty-first century will not be whether developing nations can hold elections, but whether they can build institutions that ensure power remains accountable to the citizens from whom legitimacy ultimately derives. Until that balance is achieved, the tension between democratic aspiration and invisible authority will continue to shape politics, society and culture across much of the developing world.

Being informed, the police led by the officer in charge (OC) of Bonarpara Govt. railway Thana Mamun Hasan went to the spot and recovered the body of the victim. Measures have been taken to hand over the body to the close relatives of the victim, the OC added.

A former student of Dhaka University, Sheikh Ruhul Amin is a resident of village Baradia in Rampal upazila. He is the eldest son of former teacher Alhaj Mohammad Ali. He is also the cousin of State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam. Along with business activities, he has been involved in various social and public welfare activities for a long time.

According to local sources, he has been regularly assisting in the development of mosques, madrasas and religious-social institutions in different parts of the country, including Rampal. Leaders of various political, social and professional organizations have congratulated him in separate statements, welcoming his appointment to this important position in the cricket arena of Bangladesh.

In their congratulatory messages, they expressed hope that Sheikh Ruhul Amin's experience, leadership qualities and organizational skills will play an important role in the development of cricket in the country and further enriching Bangladeshi cricket in the international arena. Among the congratulators are Rampal Upazila Development Forum convener former district judge Sheikh Jalal Uddin, senior convener former headmaster freedom fighter Sheikh Sultan Ahmed, joint convener Rampal Government College principal A. Hannan, former headmaster Sheikh A. Mannan, Major (Retd.) Mallik Moniruzzaman and member secretary M. A. Sabur Rana.

In addition, Rampal Press Club convener Motahar Hossain Mallik, member secretary Md. Mehedi Hasan, members Md. Rizaul Islam, A. H. Nantu, Sujan Majumder, Md. Tariqul Islam, Molla Hafizur Rahman, Md. Kabir Akbar Pintu, Laila Sultana and Murshida Parvin, along with the leaders of the organization, also congratulated him. 

Fakirhat Upazila Executive Officer, Md. Roknuz Zaman, Upazila Fisheries Officer, Sheikh Asadullah and officials from various departments were present and distributed goats, food and medicine among the registered fishermen. At this time, the speakers said that many fishing families face a financial crisis due to the ban on fishing in rivers and water bodies during the fish breeding season. Such support programs have been taken by the government to improve their living standards and create alternative income opportunities.

The speakers also said that goat farming is a profitable and easily accessible venture. With proper care, it can become a permanent source of income for fishing families. As a result, on the one hand, the families will benefit financially, and on the other hand, their path to self-reliance will also be smooth.  The beneficiary fishermen welcomed the government's initiative and said that goat farming will create an additional source of income for their families and will play a helpful role in becoming economically self-reliant. According to the Fisheries Department, such support programs will continue in the future to ensure the sustainable livelihood of registered fishermen.

Officer-in-Charge of Muksudpur Police Station Abdullah Al Mamun said a Khulna-bound truck from Dhaka collided head-on with a pickup van coming from the opposite direction, leaving Masud critically injured. Locals rescued and took him to Muksudpur Upazila Health Complex, where the on-duty doctor declared him dead.

On information, members of Muksudpur Police Station and Bhanga Highway Police Station rushed to the spot and seized the two vehicles involved in the accident, the OC said. The body was handed over to the family after completion of legal formalities.

Local residents rescued him and rushed him to Nawabganj Upazila Health Complex, where the on duty doctors declared him dead. Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Nawabganj Police Station Md. Abdul Quddus confirmed the incident.

Police and local sources said the pickup van, carrying chickens, crashed into the rear of a bamboo-laden truck that had been parked on the roadside, leaving four occupants of the pickup van dead on the spot. Confirming the incident, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Sakhipur Police Station Helal Uddin confirmed the incident. The bodies were recovered and brought to Sakhipur Police Station, the OC said, adding that efforts were underway to contact the victims' family members. The bodies would be handed over to the families after completion of the necessary legal formalities, he added.

She urged young people not to be influenced by the inducements of tobacco companies and called for strict compliance with tobacco control laws to ensure a healthy environment for future generations. Khulna Civil Surgeon Dr Mahfuza Khatun presided over the meeting while Additional District Magistrate Nurul Hai Mohammad Anas delivered the welcome speech. Among others, officials from government and non-government organisations, law enforcement agencies and civil society representatives addressed the programme.

On the occasion, honours were awarded to Koyra Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Abdullah Al Baki and Assistant Commissioner Md Mehedi Hasan for their contributions to anti-tobacco enforcement activities. Earlier, a colourful rally was brought out from Shaheed Hadis Park and concluded at the Deputy Commissioner's office after marching through different city streets.

According to BWDB officials, approximately 7 kilometers of a 13-kilometer canal network constructed by the Water Development Board in Rupganj have been illegally occupied. At least 12 large organizations, along with several influential individuals, have allegedly built structures on the canal, obstructing natural water flow. As a result, drainage systems become ineffective during the monsoon season, causing severe waterlogging in nearly 20 villages. Officials estimate that around 30,000 families have been suffering from the recurring problem for years.

Speaking during the eviction drive, BWDB Executive Engineer Shuvo Ahmed said the government has prioritized the recovery of encroached water bodies across the country. “The Prime Minister has directed the restoration of encroached canals nationwide. In line with that directive, the Water Development Board has initiated this campaign to reclaim the canal. Our efforts will continue until the canal is completely freed from illegal occupation,” he said.

Executive Magistrate Marjanul Islam emphasized the administration’s commitment to resolving the area's waterlogging issues. “We are determined to recover government canals and restore their natural flow to reduce public suffering. Such eviction drives will continue in the future,” he said.

Deputy Director of the district DAE Dr. Md. Amanul Islam said there are currently 47,250 jackfruit trees in the district. With a population of approximately 2.75 million, the estimated annual demand for jackfruit is around 27,511 metric tons, based on a per capita requirement of 10 kilograms per year.  However, current production stands at only 4,362 metric tons, leaving a yearly deficit of about 23,149 metric tons.

Agricultural experts view this gap as a major opportunity for expansion. They suggest that planting jackfruit trees on fallow land, homestead areas, and roadside spaces could substantially increase production within the next few years. “Jackfruit is not only a delicious fruit but also highly nutritious and economically profitable,” said Dr. Amanul Islam. “Market demand for jackfruit is increasing steadily. Moreover, processed products such as jackfruit chips, juice, and other value-added foods are creating new market opportunities. Farmers should be encouraged to engage in commercial jackfruit cultivation.”

He added that the district’s soil and climate are highly suitable for jackfruit farming and that production could increase several times through modern cultivation practices and proper farmer training. Farmers across the district are already showing increased interest in the crop. Md. Rafiqul Islam, a farmer from Kanakdia union in Baufal upazila, said he has expanded his jackfruit plantation after receiving favorable market prices.

“Previously, I had only a few jackfruit trees near my home. As demand and prices have increased, I have planted many more trees,” he said. Nutritionists also emphasize the health benefits of jackfruit. Rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, dietary fiber, and antioxidants, the fruit helps strengthen immunity and contributes to addressing nutritional deficiencies.

The Agriculture Department believes that raising public awareness and improving market management are essential to promoting jackfruit consumption and cultivation. Officials also stress the importance of government and private-sector initiatives, including sapling distribution, farmer training programs, and the development of processing industries. Experts believe that with proper planning and increased farmer participation, jackfruit production in Patuakhali could grow significantly in the coming years. Such growth would not only help meet the district’s nutritional needs but also create new income opportunities for farmers, contributing to the local economy.

The association noted that on May 4, 2026, it had submitted a formal letter to BSEC seeking the removal of the floor prices in order to eliminate market stagnation and restore normal trading activities.  The letter, signed by DBA President Saiful Islam, highlighted that the prolonged floor price restrictions on the shares of Islami Bank and Beximco had hindered normal trading activities for sellers and disrupted the market's price discovery mechanism.

The DBA also pointed out that the floor price system increased the risk of negative equity for investors who had taken margin loans and created a negative perception of Bangladesh's capital market among international investors. Considering the DBA's proposal and the overall market situation, the newly constituted BSEC commission decided to withdraw the floor prices on the shares of Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC and Beximco Limited. Welcoming the decision, DBA President Saiful Islam expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to Chairman Masud Khan and the commission under his leadership.

The DBA believes that the timely decision will play a significant role in removing long-standing market stagnation, restoring normal trading activities and strengthening investor confidence.  It also said the move would help make the market-based price determination system more effective, transparent and dynamic. The association further expressed hope that under the leadership of Masud Khan, the new commission would undertake necessary reforms to remove regulations and barriers that have long been considered inconsistent with a business- and investment-friendly environment, and take effective steps to build a transparent, modern, sustainable and confidence-based capital market.

Saiful Islam also welcomed and congratulated the newly appointed chairman and all commission members, reaffirming the DBA's commitment to working closely with the regulator and providing full cooperation in promoting capital market development, protecting investors' interests and ensuring market stability.

Stung by surging energy costs, the rupiah has fallen to more than 18,000 to the dollar, a record low. The country's stock market has lost a third of its value in 2026. "This increase is a further step to strengthen the stability of the rupiah exchange rate against the impact of high global volatility due to the war in the Middle East," the central bank said in a statement. It called the move a "preemptive measure to maintain inflation in 2026 and 2027 within the government's target range of 2.5 +/- 1.0 percent".

The hike "is also intended to increase returns and attract foreign portfolio investment inflows into Indonesia". Despite recently tightening the rules for dollar purchases, the central bank has been unable to halt the exchange rate rout. Last week, parliament passed a bill expanding the central bank's mandate to include responsibility for economic growth, and increasing lawmakers' oversight of the institution -- raising fears for its independence.

The rupiah has tumbled more than seven percent this year and has been Asia's worst-performing currency, according to financial outlet Bloomberg News. The global oil price surge caused by the Middle East war has also had a strong impact on Indonesia, a net oil importer. Despite the country's struggles with high crude costs, the government has insisted on leaving heavily subsidised fuel prices unchanged.

The country's trade surplus narrowed to just $89 million in April from $3.3 billion a month before, according to government data. Further fuelling investor concerns, President Prabowo Subianto announced commodity export controls last month, sending a tremor through the markets with investors concerned over "resource nationalism" in the world's largest palm oil producer.

The launch follows a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between BDBL and the National Pension Authority on July 14, 2025. To facilitate the service, the bank opened a special SND account at its Principal Branch and integrated its Core Banking System (CBS) with the authority's software platform. Speaking at the function, Dr. Suratuzzaman underscored the growing importance of a comprehensive pension system in the face of changing demographic trends.

 Referring to data from the United Nations Population Fund, he said life expectancy in Bangladesh is projected to increase from the current 73 years to 84.3 years by 2075, while the elderly dependency ratio is expected to rise sharply from 8.6 percent in 2022 to 48 percent by 2075. He said the Universal Pension Scheme is designed to provide social security to the country's 77.4 million labour force, around 85 percent of whom are engaged in the informal sector and remain outside formal pension and provident fund coverage.

 The government aims to bring at least one member from each of the country's 40 million families under the scheme by 2030. Currently, the Universal Pension Scheme offers four packages: Probash for expatriate Bangladeshis, Progati for private-sector employees, Surokkha for self-employed and informal-sector workers, and Somota for low-income citizens. Monthly contributions range from Tk 1,000 to Tk 15,000, with pension benefits determined by the amount and duration of contributions.

The programme has also attracted international support. The Asian Development Bank has pledged a soft loan of US$100 million to strengthen universal pension activities, and a feasibility study is currently underway. Officials said future plans include introducing Shariah-compliant versions of all pension packages to better serve the country's Muslim-majority population, as well as considering lifelong pension benefits for nominees. These initiatives are in line with the government's 2026 election manifesto commitment to establishing pension funds for private-sector workers.

BDBL Managing Director and CEO Md. Jasim Uddin said the bank's involvement in the Universal Pension Scheme would add a new dimension to the country's socio-economic development. Following the inauguration, a special training programme was held for BDBL officials on customer registration, subscription collection and the operation of the integrated CBS software. Citizens can obtain further information and register for the scheme through the official website, (Universal Pension Scheme Portal) (https://www.upension.gov.bd?utm_source=chatgpt.com), or by visiting any BDBL branch.

The 15-member Forum held its inaugural meeting at CA Bhaban in the city on Sunday, marking a new chapter in ICAB’s engagement with policymakers, regulators, business leaders, academics, development partners, and civil society representatives, said a press release. According to ICAB, the initiative reflects its commitment to serving the public interest and promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance across Bangladesh’s financial reporting and business ecosystem.

Participants at the meeting welcomed the initiative and expressed optimism that the Forum would strengthen ICAB’s public-interest and self-regulatory role, enhance confidence in the accountancy profession, and help the Institute better address growing expectations regarding corporate governance, transparency, and accountability. Members emphasized that stronger governance and credible financial reporting are essential for restoring trust, attracting local and foreign investment, and supporting sustainable economic growth.

The establishment of the Forum was also viewed as a key component of ICAB’s Reform Strategy 2025–2030. Members noted that the structured stakeholder engagement mechanism would generate valuable perspectives, strengthen policy dialogue, and contribute to effective institutional reforms and national development outcomes. The Forum brings together prominent business leaders, economists, academics, and professionals, including Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) President Kamran T. Rahman, Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) President Taskeen Ahmed, Apex Footwear Limited Managing Director Syed Nasim Manzur, Berger Paints Bangladesh Limited Managing Director and Foreign Investors’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) President Rupali Chowdhury, CPD Distinguished Fellow Professor Mustafizur Rahman, CPD Executive Director Dr. Fahmida Khatun, Policy Research Institute Chairman Dr. Zaidi Sattar, Policy Exchange Bangladesh Chairman and CEO Dr. M. Masrur Reaz, FICCI Executive Director T.I.M. Nurul Kabir, Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) Commissioner Tanwir Habib Rahman CPA, and DSE Brokers Association of Bangladesh (DBA) President Saiful Islam.

Former Comptroller and Auditor General of Bangladesh Mohammad Muslim Chowdhury, along with senior representatives from the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Finance, also joined the Forum. Speaking at the event, ICAB President NKA Mobin FCA said the Public Interest Forum would serve as a valuable platform for informed dialogue and collaboration among key stakeholders. “It will enable ICAB to better anticipate emerging challenges, contribute meaningfully to national policy discussions, and further strengthen its public-interest mandate in support of Bangladesh’s development aspirations,” he said.

ICAB Vice President (Reform Strategy) Suraiya Zannath FCA presented an overview of the Institute’s Reform Strategy 2025–2030, highlighting stakeholder engagement, thought leadership, policy development, and institutional reform as key priorities to support Bangladesh’s journey toward sustainable, inclusive, and resilient economic growth. ICAB Vice Presidents Md. Rokonuzzaman FCA and Md. Moniruzzaman FCA, along with Council Member Sabbir Ahmed FCA, also attended the meeting.

The market maintained positive momentum throughout the session, supported by broad-based gains across most sectors. Continued accumulation of insurance shares reflected investors' preference for momentum-driven stocks and expectations of short-term returns. Investor sentiment also remained resilient despite the recent withdrawal of floor price restrictions on the remaining two heavyweight stocks, helping the market sustain its upward trend.

Turnover on the DSE increased significantly by 29.4 percent to Tk 13.9 billion, up from Tk 10.7 billion in the previous session. Among sectors, general insurance stocks dominated turnover with 24.4 percent of total transactions, followed by engineering (11.8 percent) and pharmaceuticals (9.4 percent). Sector-wise performance remained mixed. Services advanced by 4.4 percent, financial institutions by 3.1 percent and general insurance by 2.6 percent. In contrast, miscellaneous stocks declined by 4.4 percent, while cement and food sectors fell by 1.2 percent and 0.7 percent, respectively. Out of 396 traded issues, 241 gained, 94 lost ground and 61 remained unchanged.

Meanwhile, the Chittagong Stock Exchange also ended the day in positive territory. The Selective Categories Index (CSCX) edged up by 0.8 point, while the All Share Price Index (CASPI) gained 3.0 points.

During the same ceremony, an Exchange of Notes (E/N) was signed by Siddiky and Saida Shinichi, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh, on behalf of their respective governments. Under the agreement, JICA will provide a Development Policy Loan to support Bangladesh in enhancing its economic and energy resilience. The programme is the first Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan initiative under the Partnership on Wide Energy and Resources Resilience Asia (POWERR Asia), a Japanese initiative aimed at addressing energy supply vulnerabilities and supply-chain disruptions across the region.

The programme is structured around two key pillars—strengthening energy resilience and enhancing economic management and governance. Under the energy resilience component, the programme will support policy measures aimed at diversifying energy sources and improving energy efficiency.  It is expected to contribute to a stable power and energy supply through the sustainability of high-efficiency power generation facilities, strengthened grid system planning and increased energy conservation efforts.

The second pillar focuses on economic management and governance reforms and will be co-financed in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Officials said the initiative is expected to help maintain macroeconomic stability, strengthen the resilience of the energy sector and improve the country's overall economic structure. The support comes as Bangladesh continues implementing reforms to ensure sustainable and inclusive growth amid growing uncertainties in the global economy.

The successful conclusion of the agreement before the end of the current fiscal year reflects the strong partnership between Bangladesh and Japan and reaffirms JICA's commitment to supporting Bangladesh's long-term development priorities. The initiative is also expected to further strengthen bilateral friendship and cooperation while contributing to Bangladesh's journey towards resilient and sustainable economic growth.

According to the latest data from Bangladesh Bank released today, remittance inflow reached $33.74 billion till June 8 of FY2025-26, up from $28.41 billion received during the same period of FY2024-25. On June 8, 2026, expatriates sent $107.94 million through official banking channels, reflecting the continued contribution of overseas workers to the country's foreign exchange reserves.

Inflow of remittances also witnessed a year-on-year growth of 7.92 percent reaching US$979.09 million in the first eight days of June. Last year, during the same period, the country's remittance inflow was $907.20 million. 

Dominique Kuhling, Director for Asia and Oceania at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who is visiting Bangladesh from June 8-10, also attended the meeting. During the meeting, the state minister appreciated the Netherlands’ longstanding support for Bangladesh’s development journey, particularly in the areas of democratic transition, trade and investment, sustainability in the industrial sector, agriculture and water management.

The two sides held extensive discussions on political and economic developments, Bangladesh’s graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category, the proposed Bangladesh-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), migration cooperation, human capital development, women’s empowerment, semiconductor technology, and education, sports and people-to-people exchanges. They also exchanged views on regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest. Both sides underscored the importance of further strengthening the longstanding partnership between the two countries through closer cooperation in bilateral and multilateral forums.

Shama thanked the Netherlands for its continued support to the Rohingyas and host communities in Bangladesh and stressed the need for ensuring the safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable repatriation of the displaced Rohingyas to Myanmar. Earlier in the day, the visiting Dutch delegation met Secretary (East, West) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Md Nazrul Islam and discussed ways to advance Bangladesh-Netherlands cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Issues relating to Bangladesh’s civil administration were discussed. Zabihullah expressed gratitude and appreciation to the government and people of the United Kingdom, describing the UK as one of Bangladesh’s largest development partners. Highlighting the challenges confronting the current administration, the adviser said that during the tenure of the previous Awami League government, politicization and corruption had become widespread within the administration. As a result, the civil service had lost much of its prestige and effectiveness, he added.

He said the current government is working toward building a Bangladesh of meritocracy. The Adviser proposed training opportunities in the UK for government officials modeled on the “Managing at the Top” programme and sought British support for strengthening the capacity of the Bangladesh Public Administration Training Centre (BPATC) and other regional training institutes.  The British delegation responded positively to these proposals. Dr. Delwar Hossain, Director General of the Governance Innovation Unit at the Prime Minister’s Office, and Md. Monirul Islam Patwary, Director of the unit were present.

The attorney general said his office has appointed lawyers for the hearing of this case, adding, “We expect that the appeal will be disposed of as soon as possible, so that the process of executing the verdict can move forward.” Kazal further said that he expects the preparation of the paper book in the case at the High Court will be completed within the next two working days. 

“Once the paper book is ready, steps will be taken to place the Ramisa case for hearing before the special bench which the Chief Justice has said will start functioning from Sunday. Efforts will be made to list the case for hearing before that bench,” he added. The death reference and judgment of the relevant tribunal in the case filed over the rape and murder of second-grade student Ramisa Akter reached the High Court earlier in the day.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Children’s Violence Suppression Tribunal, which pronounced the verdict in the case on June 7, sent the three-page death reference along with the 69-page judgment to the High Court this afternoon, office assistant Shahidul Islam carried the documents, bench official Pankaj Peter Gomez told .

The Dhaka Metropolitan Children's Violence Suppression Tribunal on June 7 convicted Sohel Rana and his wife Swapna Akter and sentenced them to death in child Ramisa rape and murder case, which is among the fastest-disposed major rape-murder cases in the country's judicial history. It also fined Sohel Rana Taka five lakh and Swapna Akter Taka two lakh. Ramisa, a class-II student of Popular Model High School, was raped and beheaded by her neighbour, Sohel Rana, at his flat in the Millat Camp area of Pallabi on May 19. Her father filed the case the following day.

German Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Rüdiger Lotz accompanied the visiting official during the meeting. During the talks, the two sides underscored the importance of advancing the longstanding partnership between Bangladesh and Germany, which they said has brought mutual benefits to both countries.

They discussed opportunities for diversifying and strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, supply chains, skills development, migration, people-to-people exchanges, and peace and security. Hartmann stressed the need to broaden and enhance bilateral trade relations, saying stronger economic ties could help stimulate cooperation in other sectors. The two sides also discussed the possibility of holding bilateral consultations and exchanging high-level visits to inject further momentum into the growing partnership.

The German official congratulated Bangladesh on its election to the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for the 2026-27 term. Shama highlighted the importance of intensifying cooperation at the multilateral level and reiterated the need for stronger and sustained international attention and support to resolve the Rohingya crisis. Both sides emphasized the significance of concluding a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and the European Union to facilitate greater trade and economic engagement.

The discussions also covered regional and global developments, with both countries stressing the importance of peace, stability and enhanced international cooperation. Earlier, Hartmann met Secretary (East and West) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam and exchanged views on ways to strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

State minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury and the Prime Minister's Adviser on Information and Broadcasting Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman also spoke at the briefing and elaborated on various aspects of the broadcast arrangements. "Bangladeshis' passion and enthusiasm for the Football World Cup are well known. A cloud of uncertainty had been created regarding the telecast of the matches over the past few days, but that has now been completely cleared," Aminul said. "People across the country will be able to watch the World Cup through BTV and other broadcasters that have acquired the rights," he added.

Referring to the late-night and early-morning match schedules, the state minister said special measures are being taken to facilitate public viewing. Responding to a question from journalists, he said several private companies have already contacted the government regarding the initiative. "The matches will mostly be held at midnight or in the early hours of the morning. We have encouraged private companies to arrange public screenings, and the government will provide overall support. Large monitors and digital billboards will be installed at different locations in Dhaka and across the country to show the matches live," he said. Highlighting the transparency of the broadcast process and the government's cost-saving approach, Aminul said the previous government had spent around Taka 100 crore to acquire World Cup broadcasting rights, whereas the current government secured the rights for Taka 47 crore through a transparent process.

He said the expenditure would be recovered through the sale of advertisement rights, resulting in significant savings of public funds. The state minister added that the broadcast arrangements are being carried out in line with the Prime Minister's directive to ensure transparency and accountability. He sought the cooperation of the media in informing the public about the initiative and helping football enthusiasts across the country become part of the World Cup celebration.

Upon their arrival, a smartly turned-out contingent of the President Guard Regiment accorded them a guard of honour. Ambassador of Morocco, Lalla Bouthaina El Kerdoudi El Koulali, first presented her credentials, followed by South Korean Ambassador Kim Ji-joon.  The President welcomed both the envoys to Bangladesh. During the meeting with the South Korean ambassador, President Shahabuddin said South Korea is one of the largest investors in Bangladesh.

More than a hundred Korean companies, including globally renowned technology firms Samsung and Hyundai, are operating and investing in the Korean EPZ of the Youngone Group in Chattogram as well as in other EPZs across the country, he noted. The Head of State said Bangladesh currently enjoys an excellent business- and investment-friendly environment following the assumption of office by a democratically elected government through a free and fair election.

He urged the new envoy to take initiatives to further expand Korean investment in Bangladesh's light engineering, electronics, shipbuilding, agro-processing, information technology, ready-made garments and infrastructure sectors. Expressing satisfaction over the growing commercial ties between the two countries, the President requested South Korea to continue the existing duty-free and quota-free market access facility for 95 percent of Bangladeshi products for at least four more years after Bangladesh's graduation from the LDC category.

He also expressed deep satisfaction over the overall progress towards signing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two countries. The President described South Korea as one of Bangladesh's key development partners and appreciated the contributions of Korean development agencies, saying their loan assistance has significantly contributed to the country's socio-economic development.

Praising South Korea's Employment Permit System (EPS), he sought the ambassador's cooperation in recruiting more Bangladeshi workers in the country's shipbuilding, ICT and other industrial sectors. The South Korean ambassador said his country is keen to enhance bilateral trade and investment with Bangladesh and expressed commitment to strengthening cooperation in trade, culture, education and other areas. Earlier, during a meeting with the Moroccan ambassador, President Shahabuddin said bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Morocco are excellent and steadily progressing. 

He recalled the 1981 visit of late President Ziaur Rahman to Morocco and expressed gratitude to the Moroccan people for naming a road in Rabat after him. The President urged the Moroccan envoy to work for recruiting skilled and semi-skilled Bangladeshi workers in Morocco's healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure construction, ready-made garments, textiles, ICT and other sectors.

He said there remains significant scope for strengthening trade and investment relations between the two friendly countries and stressed the importance of exchanging high-level government and private-sector trade and investment delegations to further enhance bilateral ties.

The newly appointed ambassadors sought the President's cooperation in discharging their responsibilities in Bangladesh. Secretaries concerned to the Bangabhaban and foreign ministry and senior officials concerned were present there.

He said the UN peacekeeping mission is a unique initiative in ensuring global peace, stability and human security.  Tarique Rahman hoped peacekeepers continue to work with great courage, patience and dedication to restore peace in regions affected by conflict, violence and humanitarian crisis. He said Bangladesh has long been making significant contributions to United Nations peacekeeping operations. 

“Our peacekeepers have enhanced the reputation of our country by demonstrating professionalism, competence and humanitarian values in various missions across the globe. Their responsible role has further strengthened Bangladesh’s dignity and image in the international arena,” he said. The prime minister said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman adopted a balanced position in foreign policy, which increased Bangladesh’s acceptability in the United Nations. 

During his time, Bangladesh stood in favour of international peace and cooperation, said Tarique Rahman adding that because of Ziaur Rahman’s active diplomatic initiatives, Bangladesh became one of the largest troops contributing countries to United Nations peacekeeping operations. He paid profound tribute to all the brave peacekeepers who made the ultimate sacrifice while carrying out the noble responsibility of establishing world peace.  Their contributions will remain forever memorable in the history of our nation, he added. 

At the same time, he expressed his sympathy to injured peacekeepers and their family members. Women peacekeepers from Bangladesh are also playing an important role in international peacekeeping operations, he said adding that through their skills, leadership and professional excellence, they have earned global appreciation. 

This reflects women’s empowerment and stands as a bright example of Bangladesh's development and progress, he said. On the occasion of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, the prime minister extended his heartfelt greetings and deep respect to all peacekeepers serving around the world.

Once one of the world’s leading smartphone manufacturers, Huawei faced a major setback in 2019 when the United States government placed the company on its Entity List, citing national security concerns. Washington alleged that Huawei’s technology and telecommunications infrastructure could pose security risks, claims the company has consistently denied.

Following the US sanctions, Google suspended Huawei’s access to Google Mobile Services (GMS) for new devices. As a result, Huawei smartphones lost official access to key services such as the Google Play Store, Gmail, YouTube, Google Maps, and Google Drive. Industry analysts viewed this as one of the most significant blows to the company’s global smartphone business.

Beyond software restrictions, Huawei also encountered severe challenges in obtaining advanced semiconductors and chip technologies due to US export controls. These limitations affected the company’s ability to use cutting-edge chipsets, contributing to a sharp decline in its position within the global smartphone market.

The impact of the sanctions extended to the telecommunications sector as well. Several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Sweden, imposed bans or strict restrictions on the use of Huawei equipment in their 5G networks. Citing concerns over cybersecurity and data protection, these measures further damaged the company’s international reputation.

Against this backdrop, Huawei’s return to Bangladesh is being closely scrutinized. Industry observers question how the company plans to compete in a market where consumers rely heavily on Google-based applications and services.

Shamim, a customer visiting Police Plaza to purchase a mobile phone, said Huawei’s name is now often associated with US sanctions, the loss of Google services, and ongoing security controversies. “Huawei once held a strong position in the market, but consumer confidence has weakened. Simply returning to Bangladesh does not guarantee acceptance. The company will have to undergo a tough test to regain the trust it has lost,” he said.

Technology market stakeholders also question whether a smartphone brand that lacks official Google services can successfully survive in Bangladesh’s highly competitive market, where such services remain essential for many users.

"The pilots are fine, yeah. Nobody injured," said Trump, speaking to reporters before departing New York after attending an NBA finals game. "We are going to issue a report on that tomorrow," he added, without commenting on what may have caused the incident. Trump also said Tuesday that negotiators were in the "final throes" of talks for a peace deal in the Middle East, after Iran and Israel halted fresh hostilities that threatened to reignite the months-long war.

Dozens gathered near the air base, some wearing protective equipment and carrying a coffin with "Ebola" written on it. AFP journalists saw several people arrested by police, who also fired tear gas to disperse the small crowds. "We don't have that disease in this country... they are bringing a virus into our country," said Zipporah Wachira, 30.

The centre is due to have 50 isolation beds and be managed by US staff, and was nearing completion late last week. It had already sparked protests on June 1. Rights groups said two people died, though the circumstances of their deaths remain unclear.

Construction of the facility was under a temporary pause order from Kenya's High Court and has been opposed by local politicians in Laikipia. But the government of President William Ruto has vowed to press ahead, saying it owes Washington for years of aid support. "The American people and government have been partners with us on matters of health for close to 25-30 years," Ruto said last week.

"It would be most unfortunate if on one request by the Americans to set up a facility at their cost, we would refuse. We would look very inhuman." Kenya's health minister has insisted the facility will be for Kenyans as well as Americans. Washington has pledged $13.5 million to Kenya's Ebola preparedness efforts.

It follows a controversial health deal between the two countries last year, in which Kenya agreed to hand over vast amounts of health data to the US in exchange for billions of dollars in aid. The World Health Organization has declared an international health emergency over the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has seen 515 confirmed infections, including 91 deaths. Despite fears of spread to neighbouring countries, only Uganda has recorded cases. It has confirmed 19 so far, almost all Congolese nationals who crossed the border.

"Urgent warning to the residents of the city of Tyre, including the Christian quarter, and the camps and surrounding neighbourhoods," read a message posted on X by the Israeli military's Arabic-language spokesman Avichay Adraee.

"For your safety, we ask you to immediately evacuate your homes... and move north of the Zahrani River."

GSK said it could complete the deal this year, which may allow it to launch the two late-stage drugs, zidesamtinib and neladalkib, before the end of 2026 subject to approvals. "GSK's proven track record, infrastructure, and expertise will support the successful commercialisation of zidesamtinib and neladalkib, as well as accelerate advancement of our broader discovery pipeline," Nuvalent CEO James Porter said in the statement.

The pharmaceutical industry has faced turbulence from US President Donald Trump's tariff threats last year, aimed at encouraging investment in the United States and reducing drug prices. GSK, along with other non-US pharmaceutical giants, agreed in December to lower the cost of its prescription medicines for American patients, in exchange for tariff exemptions for three years. Miels took the helm at GSK in January, replacing Emma Walmley after almost nine years as CEO. Miels was previously the group's chief commercial officer.

The two military commanders discussed "matters of mutual interest, (the) evolving regional security environment, defence cooperation and prospects for enhancing bilateral military relations", a statement from the media wing of the Pakistani military said on Tuesday. Munir "underscored (the) Pakistan Army's commitment to expanding defence collaboration with the Lebanese Armed Forces," it said, after Haykal received a guard of honour ahead of the meeting in the city of Rawalpindi.

Conflict in Lebanon has become a centrepiece of weeks of stop-start efforts to bring a formal end to the war. Armed hostilities flared further during Haykal's visit, though both Iran and Israel indicated on Monday that they had halted the fighting. US President Donald Trump, who has expressed frustration at the slow progress of peace talks, said on Tuesday that negotiators were in the "final throes" of reaching a deal.

Lebanon was drawn into the war when Hezbollah militants fired rockets at Israel on March 2 to avenge the US-Israeli killing of Iran's supreme leader. Israel responded with an extensive campaign of airstrikes and a ground invasion that have killed nearly 3,600 people. Exchanges of fire with Hezbollah have not stopped despite an ongoing truce. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said a US-Iranian agreement to end the war was "about to be achieved" when fresh fighting between Iran and Israel erupted on Sunday.

Even after an April 17 ceasefire agreement began, the Israeli military announced a so-called Yellow Line inside Lebanese territory about a dozen kilometres from its northern border where its ground troops are fighting with Hezbollah, who have fired rockets at Israel.

Multiple US media outlets, including CNN and NBC News, projected Raman had secured enough votes to advance to the runoff despite the primary ballot count remaining ongoing. The second-place candidate will go head-to-head in November with incumbent Bass, a Democratic former congresswoman first elected to lead the second-largest US city in 2022, who has come under fire during her time in office.

"I'm incredibly honored that voters have given us the opportunity to advance to the general election for Mayor of Los Angeles," Raman said in a statement posted on X. "Now our fight for a healthier, safer, more affordable, and more joyful Los Angeles continues," she added. Bass announced her win in a post on X, saying that "LA rejected Spencer Pratt and the MAGA agenda."

Pratt, a onetime reality TV villain whose house burned down in the devastating 2025 fires that hit the Los Angeles area, centered his campaign on widespread anger over the city's slow rebuild process, LA's potholed roads, its drug-addled homeless and a city hall seen as inefficient and in thrall to special interests. His candidacy sat in second place after polls closed last Tuesday, but it has since slipped in the standings as mail-in votes have been counted. Ballots in California are mailed out to all registered voters and are valid if they are postmarked by Election Day, meaning some do not even arrive at the counting center until several days after polls close.

The process -- and the sheer size of the state of 40 million residents -- means California is always slow to finalize results, a fact that frustrates voters of all stripes. A US federal prosecutor appointed by Trump, Bill Essayli, said he was investigating alleged fraud in the state's primary election, announcing his office would "follow the evidence wherever it leads and prosecute any violations of federal election law to the fullest extent." The LA mayoral runoff vote will take place with the rest of the US midterm elections on Tuesday, November 3.

In the Gaza Strip, "ordinary Palestinians find themselves trapped between the structural violence and mass atrocities of Israeli forces and the predatory, fear-based rule of Hamas", the report said. And in the West Bank, which has seen soaring violence since Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel triggered the Gaza war, it described how Palestinian civilians were increasingly targeted by Israeli settler attacks. "Violence by settlers is the direct outcome of Israeli policies that support, enable and protect their actions," commission chair Srinivasan Muralidhar said in a statement. Hamas-affiliated forces, he added, had meanwhile "exploited the vacuum created by relentless Israeli attacks and widespread destruction of Gaza".

"What is alarmingly similar is the deliberate infliction of suffering on Palestinian civilians. While their origins and motivations differ, both operate within environments engineered by Israel," said Muralidhar, an Indian judge. The three-person commission was established by the UN Human Rights Council in May 2021 to investigate alleged rights violations in Israel and the Palestinian territories.

Tuesday's report focused heavily on the situation in the West Bank, which has been occupied by Israel since 1967. In the territory, Israeli soldiers or settlers have killed at least 1,080 Palestinians since October 2023, according to an AFP tally based on Palestinian health ministry data. Official Israeli figures show that at least 46 Israelis, both civilians and soldiers, have been killed in Palestinian attacks or during Israeli military operations in the same period.

The inquiry found that at least 26 Palestinians were killed and at least 1,570 were injured by settlers between January 2023 and December 2025. "This trend continues in 2026 with attacks carried out on a daily basis," the investigators said. The report, which will be presented to the rights council on Monday, concluded that Israel was responsible for enabling the settlers' action.

Settler violence "functions as a means of implementing Israeli state policy", it charged, with both focused on "entrenchment of Israeli settlements, annexation of Palestinian territory and displacement of Palestinians from their land". The report called on Israel, which has long accused the commission of "systematic anti-Israel discrimination", to stop the violence.

Israel, it said, must "immediately end the unlawful occupation of Palestinian territory", stop all new settlement activities and remove all settlers and settlements. The commission also determined that Hamas-affiliated forces were responsible for serious rights abuses, including the "war crimes of murder and torture" in Gaza.

It identified 249 cases of executions and severe physical violence in 2024-2025, resulting in at least 108 deaths and 384 people injured. The commission found that Hamas-affiliated forces were involved in at least 60 such incidents. The investigators found among other things that Hamas members had "tortured Palestinian civilians in the Nasser Medical Complex" in Gaza.

It stressed though that such conduct "does not result in the loss of special protection of the hospital against attacks under international humanitarian law". The commission recommended "that the de facto authorities in Gaza immediately stop all extrajudicial punishments of civilians, including executions, torture, and mental, physical and sexual violence". They should also "refrain from using civilian objects, including hospitals, for any purpose incompatible with their humanitarian and civilian functions", it added.

Sri Lanka is waging an anti-graft campaign targeting political figures, particularly allies of the Rajapaksa family that dominated the South Asian island country's politics for years. Mass protests in 2022 toppled then-president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who was accused of mismanagement and corruption. Sarana Gunawardena was charged with financial misconduct for pocketing kickbacks from vendors after overpaying them 11.5 million rupees ($115,000 at the time) for renting vehicles and buildings nearly two decades ago. The High Court rejected appeals by Gunawardena's lawyers for leniency and said that a jail sentence was necessary to deter public sector corruption.

It also fined him 1.8 million rupees. Gunawardena is the latest member of the Rajapaksa administration to be jailed in the past year, following the imprisonment of former ministers Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Nalin Fernando, who received lengthy prison terms ranging from 20 to 25 years. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's leftist government, which came to power after Sri Lanka's crippling financial meltdown, has strengthened the powers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.

Anti-Rajapaksa protesters blamed entrenched corruption within state institutions for contributing to the 2022 economic crisis. The International Monetary Fund's $2.9 billion bailout programme requires governance reforms and stronger action against financial misconduct. Authorities have also stepped up investigations into several high-profile criminal cases allegedly involving former political leaders.

A court imposed a foreign travel ban last week on toppled president Gotabaya Rajapaksa over allegations linked to the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, which killed 279 people. Gotabaya's intelligence chief Suresh Sallay is already in custody, accused of masterminding the attacks to create chaos and pave the way for Gotabaya's return to power, an allegation Sallay has denied.

"Six personnel of the Federal Constabulary (FC) were martyred and four others wounded in an attack carried out by armed militants," said a second security official, referring to Pakistan's paramilitary force which contributes to much of the frontline security in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which borders Afghanistan. "The militants abducted eight FC personnel and took them to an undisclosed location," the second source said.

Pakistan's military did not immediately respond to request for comment. The TTP posted an image of the men it had abducted on its social media channel and claimed responsibility for the attack.

Pakistan has been fighting growing insurgencies in its western regions that border Afghanistan, which Islamabad accuses of harbouring militants -- an assertion the Afghan Taliban government in Kabul has repeatedly denied. Last month, militants killed 26 people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in several attacks.

Relations between Kabul and Islamabad have deteriorated sharply in recent months over the militancy allegations, with diplomatic tensions escalating into deadly cross-border clashes including Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghanistan.

Williams is one of tennis' all-time greats with 23 Grand Slam singles titles to her credit. The 44-year-old American last played at the 2022 US Open when she said she was "evolving away from tennis". Williams' return is fuelled by a desire for her two young daughters with husband Alexis Ohanian to see her in a competitive environment before she finally hangs up her racquet for good. "It's really about the kids seeing me play," Williams told reporters at Queen's on Sunday. "Olympia is a little bit older, Adira is very young. It's components like that."

After competing at Queen's, Williams will take part in the doubles at the Berlin Open from June 15-21. In her first press conference since announcing her return, Williams played down suggestions she would extend her return to singles competition. But, with Wimbledon looming later in June, she did not completely rule out the possibility of featuring at a tournament she has won seven times.

"For singles, I can't say 'yeah' and I can't say 'no'," explained Williams. "Right now, no. I feel like I probably need to train a little bit more if I want to play singles. "We will see if I get there and if not, it is not my journey right now." 

"I think with all the respect of what I did last year, I was pretty sure to get a wild card or I was hoping to get a wildcard," Maria told reporters having beaten Briton Lily Miyazaki and Uzkbek Kamilla Rakhimova to reach the first round. "It was not, like, five years ago, it was last year and especially this tournament and to come back like a champion, I hoped and I thought I would get a wildcard. "I was surprised when I got the message from (tournament director) Laura Robson saying all the wild cards would go to the British players, which I understand of course but you know as a champion, it's tough for me (to accept)."

Maria added her two daughters were a particular inspiration before she plays Greek player Maria Sakkari in the opening round on Tuesday. "Yesterday I wanted to win also for my girls to stay as long as possible because they really love to be here and they love the tournament," she said. "A lot of members here (Queen's) came to me and said, 'really we don't understand why you didn't get the wildcard', so it was super nice," she added. On court, Romania's Jaqueline Cristian defeated Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen 6-4, 7-6 (4), as the Chinese player suffered an early exit following her run to last year's semi-finals at Queen's.

"In consultation with the medical staff, it has therefore been decided that Timber will leave the national team's pre-camp in New York after the game against Uzbekistan," the KNVB said. "Ronald Koeman has called up Lutsharel Geertruida as Timber's replacement," it added. Koeman's side begin their campaign against Japan on Sunday before facing Sweden and Tunisia in Group F.

"Nobody else has five stars on their chest. We have great players who play for top teams, like Vini and Raphinha. We need to give our players the respect they deserve," Newcastle United midfielder Guimaraes told reporters at the Brazil team's base in New Jersey. Carlo Ancelotti's side, who finished fifth in the 10-team South American qualifying group, 10 points behind first-placed Argentina, begin their World Cup bid against Morocco on Saturday at the MetLife Stadium just outside New York City.

They completed preparations for the tournament with back-to-back friendly wins, hammering Panama 6-2 in Rio de Janeiro and then defeating Egypt 2-1 in Cleveland, Ohio on Saturday. "We couldn't be feeling better. We won and played well in the two friendly matches. We have another few days to work on things but we feel ready," said Guimaraes, who scored his team's opener against Egypt. "Once the World Cup begins, everyone will forget what has happened before. Hopefully we can start with a victory, and that will give us something to build on."

Brazil will also play Haiti and Scotland in Group C and are currently waiting to see if Neymar will be able to play any part in their group games. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward, now 34, is currently playing for Santos in his homeland and has not been capped by his country since 2023. Despite that, Ancelotti took a gamble by including Neymar in his squad, and he has since been hit by a calf problem.

Brazil have already been forced to make a change to their squad, with Roma full-back Wesley being ruled out of the tournament at the weekend due to a thigh injury. He has been replaced by Ederson, the 26-year-old midfielder with Atalanta in Italy who is expected to join Manchester United after the World Cup. "Playing at a World Cup is the apex of our careers as footballers. We hope Wesley recovers quickly," said Guimaraes.

An Israeli police spokesperson told AFP that "the court has ordered that the suspect remain under house arrest," and stressed that "this ruling does not indicate or determine the outcome of any future legal proceedings." Police had said last week that Halawani was arrested along with an 18-year-old man in relation to an incident in Jerusalem in which objects were allegedly thrown from a balcony at demonstrators marching on a street below. "The investigation remains ongoing, and evidentiary material continues to be collected and assessed," police told AFP.

The Palestinian Football Association celebrated Halawani's release in a statement late Sunday. "Rand Halawani breathes freedom," the association said in a social media post, accompanied by an image showing her wearing the Palestinian national team's red kit. The Palestinian Prisoners Club, the main rights group for Palestinian prisoners, said Monday that that the number of women in Israeli prisons and detention camps has risen to around 95. The number of Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons stands at around 9,500, according to figures released by the organisation last week.

Bournemouth will play in a major European competition for the first time in their history next season when they take part in the Europa League under new head coach Marco Rose after finishing sixth in the Premier League during the reign of his predecessor, Andoni Iraola. "It's with a great amount of gratitude that I return in such a successful era," Ritchie told Bournemouth's website. "I look forward to working alongside Marco and his technical staff, supporting them in every way possible as we aim to create even more history together."

Bournemouth announced in April that German manager Rose would succeed Iraola, shortly after the Spaniard revealed his intention to leave the south coast club at the end of the 2025/26 season. Iraola was appointed manager of English giants Liverpool last week after the Reds sacked Arne Slot following a woeful defence of their Premier League title.

A former student of Dhaka University, Sheikh Ruhul Amin is a resident of village Baradia in Rampal upazila. He is the eldest son of former teacher Alhaj Mohammad Ali. He is also the cousin of State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam. Along with business activities, he has been involved in various social and public welfare activities for a long time.

According to local sources, he has been regularly assisting in the development of mosques, madrasas and religious-social institutions in different parts of the country, including Rampal. Leaders of various political, social and professional organizations have congratulated him in separate statements, welcoming his appointment to this important position in the cricket arena of Bangladesh.

In their congratulatory messages, they expressed hope that Sheikh Ruhul Amin's experience, leadership qualities and organizational skills will play an important role in the development of cricket in the country and further enriching Bangladeshi cricket in the international arena. Among the congratulators are Rampal Upazila Development Forum convener former district judge Sheikh Jalal Uddin, senior convener former headmaster freedom fighter Sheikh Sultan Ahmed, joint convener Rampal Government College principal A. Hannan, former headmaster Sheikh A. Mannan, Major (Retd.) Mallik Moniruzzaman and member secretary M. A. Sabur Rana.

In addition, Rampal Press Club convener Motahar Hossain Mallik, member secretary Md. Mehedi Hasan, members Md. Rizaul Islam, A. H. Nantu, Sujan Majumder, Md. Tariqul Islam, Molla Hafizur Rahman, Md. Kabir Akbar Pintu, Laila Sultana and Murshida Parvin, along with the leaders of the organization, also congratulated him. 

According to the WHO, there have been more than 500 confirmed cases, including dozens of deaths, recorded in the DRC and neighbouring Uganda. Despite the concerns, Congolese football officials insist that none of the players called up for the national team are based in the country. The squad has been training in Marbella, southern Spain in recent days and set off on Monday for Orleans in central France.

Chile published a video on social media of its players, saying that they had already arrived in Paris. DR Congo recently drew 0-0 with Denmark in Belgium, where a large ethnic Congolese support was visible in the 23,000-strong crowd. Congo's preparations for the upcoming World Cup have been affected by the outbreak, forcing them to cancel a planned training camp at home and base themselves in Europe instead. The Congolese side are preparing for their first World Cup appearance since 1974, when they competed as Zaire.

They play in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan. With matches scheduled across the United States and Mexico, US authorities have required the team to undergo a 21-day isolation period before entering the country.

The 18-year-old Yamal and fellow winger Nico Williams are expected to be available for Spain's World Cup opener against debutants Cape Verde on June 15. Luis de la Fuente's team took the lead after just two minutes in Puebla, Mexico, when Real Sociedad's Mikel Oyarzabal rifled into the top corner from outside the box.

Barcelona midfielder Pedri doubled Spain's lead on 32 minutes, and a Pedro Gallese own goal eight minutes after half-time made it 3-0 when the goalkeeper flapped a cross into his own net. Jairo Velez scored a consolation after 66 minutes in front of a crowd of 46,000.

Apart from Mosaddek's inclusion, Bangladesh almost retained the side that played in their most recent ODI assignment against New Zealand in April. Rishad Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, Shoriful Islam and Nurul Hasan Sohan were left out from the starting XI.

The series marks Australia's first ODI tour of Bangladesh in 15 years. During their previous visit in 2011, Australia completed a 3-0 whitewash over the hosts.

Bangladesh have struggled against Australia in the 50-over format, winning just one of their 22 ODIs. Their lone victory came at Cardiff in 2005, inspired by a memorable century from Mohammad Ashraful, who now serves as Bangladesh's batting coach.

Australia remain the only major cricketing nation against whom Bangladesh have yet to register more than one ODI victory.

Despite the unfavourable record, Bangladesh enter the series with renewed confidence following an impressive run of form at home. Over the past six months, they have secured ODI series victories against West Indies, Pakistan and New Zealand, reinforcing their reputation as a formidable side in home conditions.

The last ODI meeting between the two sides came during the 2023 World Cup when Mitchell Marsh smashed 177 off 132 balls to guide Australia to a successful chase of Bangladesh's 306-run total.

Bangladesh have won three of their last five ODIs, compared to Australia's two victories in the same period. The visitors arrived in Dhaka following a 2-1 ODI series defeat to Pakistan.

Australia are also missing several key players. Marsh and Travis Head, who missed the Pakistan series, were initially expected to feature in Bangladesh but were ruled out shortly before the tour. Marsh continues to recover from an ankle injury, while Head is on personal leave.

Australia handed a debut to South Australian allrounder Liam Scott as they are searching for a suitable squad ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup, according to stand-in captain Josh Inglis.

Line Ups: 

Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Saif Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Litton Das (wk), Mosaddek Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (capt), Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana, Tanvir Islam

Australia: Matthew Short, Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis (capt/wk), Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Matthew Renshaw, Liam Scott, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa

A hashtag related to Ma's trip to the tournament has received more than 3.6 million views on social media platform Weibo, while the referee's RedNote account has gained 195,000 followers in less than two weeks. Ma has also appeared in collaborations with brands such as laptop maker Lenovo, electronics manufacturer Hisense and dairy product firm Mengniu. Ma's first post on the RedNote app showed him drawing a little red book from his referee's front pocket in a play on the platform's Chinese name.

Another showed him at an airport in China as he prepared to depart for the footballing extravaganza in Mexico, Canada and the United States. "His luggage is probably all filled with yellow and red cards," one Weibo user commented under Ma's airport post. Ma gained his "Card Master" moniker after dishing out nine yellow cards and three reds in an ill-tempered Shanghai derby in 2015.

Others revelled in the prospect of Ma officiating a match between the United States and Iran, fulfilling China's role as a peace-broker in the conflict. "The whole country is behind you (though no one from the Chinese football team)," another social media user commented in a jibe at the national team's failure to qualify. Ma is the only Chinese match referee at the tournament, where he is making his second World Cup appearance, having debuted as a fourth official in Qatar in 2022. He is joined in North America by assistant referee Zhou Fei and VAR official Fu Ming.

"With less than three days remaining until the start of the 2026 World Cup... the United States has once again acted to obstruct the presence of Iranian supporters at the stadiums hosting the national team's three group stage matches," the federation said in a statement. The Iranian football body said FIFA regulations dictate that it should be allocated eight percent of tickets for each match, which are given to participating federations for distribution to their supporters through official channels.

According to the statement, Iran had already begun ticket sales for group stage matches against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt -- all to be held in the US -- after receiving its quota, with some fans having already made necessary arrangements. "However, in an unexpected move, the allocation granted to the Iranian Football Federation has been withdrawn, and under the current circumstances, the federation is unable to provide even a single ticket to supporters of the national team," it said.

The federation described the move as "contrary to the spirit governing international competitions and the principle of equality among participating countries". It also called on FIFA and tournament organisers "to uphold the principles of neutrality, fairness, and established regulations, to provide the necessary conditions for Iranian supporters". Neither FIFA nor US organisers have publicly commented on the Iranian accusation.

The complaint is the latest dispute regarding Iran's participation in the World Cup, following visa issues that Tehran says have prevented some 15 administrative and management staff in its delegation from entering the United States. Rising tensions also prompted Iran to announce that it was moving its World Cup training base to the Mexican border city of Tijuana rather than Tuscon, Arizona, as originally planned. Iran open their campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, before facing Belgium in the same city on June 21 and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

The Education Minister said, "There has been no discussion at any of our policy-making levels about removing Bangla, philosophy and history from honours courses in higher education. As far as I know, there is not even any such proposal. These are completely baseless claims."

Referring to the government's current reforms and priorities in the education sector, he said, "We are mainly emphasizing career-oriented and technical education. New subjects and courses are being incorporated into the curriculum in line with the demands of the time and the global market. Work is underway to strengthen the linkage between industry and academia."

The minister further said that inclusion of new courses based on market demand or modernization of the curriculum has no relation to excluding traditional and fundamental subjects. He said curriculum revision and efforts to address teacher shortages are continuing in a regular manner through the respective academic councils of universities. The Education Minister urged all concerned not to pay heed to baseless and misleading information.

That triggered another round of Iranian missiles, before Tehran announced it would cease fire. Iran has sought to tie its truce with the United States -- in place since April 8 despite repeated attacks by both sides -- to Israel's war against Hezbollah, warning that attacks on Lebanon would force it to act.

Tehran said on Monday it would attack again if Israel persisted with its strikes in Lebanon, while Netanyahu warned in turn that should Iran "make the mistake of resuming attacks against us, we will respond with full force". Earlier, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz insisted that the campaign in Lebanon would carry on regardless and said Israel would strike the Hezbollah-dominated southern suburbs of Beirut in retaliation for each attack on northern Israel by the militant group.

Trump, who has reportedly grown increasingly exasperated with Netanyahu, had earlier urged both sides to stop "shooting" and said that "final negotiations" towards peace would proceed "subject to ignorance or stupidity getting in its way". The Israeli premier, though, said in a televised statement he had told Trump that "Israel has a full right to self-defence, and we are exercising it as required". Iran fired nearly 30 missiles at Israel overnight, according to the Israeli military, and Israel targeted military sites in the Islamic republic.

No casualties have been reported in either Israel or Iran after the exchange of fire. But violence continued in southern Lebanon on Monday, with an Israeli strike killing five people in the city of Tyre while another in the Nabatieh district left seven dead and a third in Marwanieh killed two, the Lebanese health ministry said. The Israeli military said it had identified projectiles launched towards its soldiers operating in southern Lebanon, some of which were intercepted while one landed near troops without causing casualties.

It later said that a "suspicious aerial target" from Yemen had been intercepted without any reported injuries. On Monday in Tehran, there was little sign of any return to war, with cafe terraces packed. Traffic seemed lighter than usual for a weekday, suggesting that some people had stayed home and there were also many more people queueing at petrol stations.

Maryam, 41, an accountant in Tehran, described "a sense of uncertainty and confusion." "You don't know if there's going to be a war, nor do you know if the peace agreement will last. Nothing is clear. People are frustrated," she said. Residents of Tel Aviv meanwhile went to shelters as sirens went off. "I hope it will be short, but you can never know. Last time we thought it will be short and then it was a month, so I don't know," said Jonathan Ariel, 30.

Iranian news agencies reported early Tuesday that the capital's international airport -- shut down over the renewed missile launches -- had reopened, allowing flights carrying hajj pilgrims from Saudi Arabia to land. The world's main crude contracts, Brent North Sea and West Texas Intermediate, surged by more than five percent in Asian trading hours on worries that the war would resume but eased later in the day, logging gains of 1.3 percent and 0.8 percent respectively.

The conflict has seen Tehran all but halt shipments of the Gulf's oil and gas through the Strait of Hormuz while Washington has imposed a blockade on Iran's ports. The US military said it struck and disabled an unladen oil tanker Monday that violated the ports blockade. The exchange of fire between Iran and Israel came at a critical moment for diplomatic efforts to end the conflict involving mediator Pakistan.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei warned at a press conference in Tehran on Monday that diplomacy was continuing but could be affected by the fighting. As he was speaking at the foreign ministry, a huge explosion shook the building, followed by repeated explosions believed to be from air defence systems, an AFP reporter said. Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Tehran to deliver what he said was a "special letter" to Iran's supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, according to Iranian state television.

He has since returned to Pakistan, an official Pakistani source said on Monday. Iranian President Masoud Pezehskian posted on X that Tehran was still "at the negotiating table". 

They also discussed in detail the issues of enhancing mutual cooperation at the military level, exchange of experiences and expansion of training activities between the two countries. The Defense Adviser recalled the long-standing friendly relations between Bangladesh and the United States, and expressed that this cooperation in the defense sector will further accelerate in the coming days.  During the meeting, the US Ambassador highly appreciated the professionalism of the Bangladesh Armed Forces and their contribution to UN peacekeeping missions.

It is expected that this meeting would further strengthen and expand the defense cooperation between Bangladesh and the United States and the friendly relations between the two countries in future.

The proposed tenfold increase in Bangladeshi manpower exports emerged as a key outcome of the discussions between the two countries. Besides manpower cooperation, Bangladesh and Russia agreed that bilateral trade remains well below its potential and should be expanded significantly. Dr Rahman highlighted the prospects for rapidly increasing Bangladeshi exports to the Russian market, particularly readymade garments and pharmaceutical products.

The Russian side welcomed Bangladesh's proposal to send a business delegation to Russia in the coming weeks to explore new trade opportunities and strengthen commercial ties. Cooperation in technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI), also featured prominently in the discussions. The foreign minister proposed a visit by a Russian delegation to Bangladesh to share expertise on the application of AI in agriculture and healthcare, a proposal that received an immediate positive response.

Russia also expressed interest in assisting Bangladesh in formulating its national AI policy and establishing centres of excellence in artificial intelligence. Dr Rahman is visiting Russia from June 7 to 9 and is accompanied by Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir.

The meeting began this morning at the Public Administration Meeting Room of the Cabinet Division at Bangladesh Secretariat here, said Prime Minister's Deputy Press Secretary Jahidul Islam Rony.

Organized by the Bangladesh Squash Federation and sponsored by Turaag Active, a concern of Urmi Group, the national-level championship will feature talented players from different regions of the country competing for the prestigious title.

The announcement was made at a press conference held on Monday (June 8) at the Bangladesh Olympic Association Bhaban in Dhaka by Brigadier General (Retd.) G M Kamrul Islam, SPP, NDC, PSC, MBA, MPhil, General Secretary of Bangladesh Squash Federation.

The press conference was attended by Major General Md. Hasan Uz Zaman, NDU, AFWC, PSC, MSc, Engg ( evn) MPhil, FIEB President of Bangladesh Squash Federation, who was present as the chief guest.

Also present were Major (Retd.) Imruz Ahmed, Vice President of Bangladesh Olympic Association; Zubaidur Rahman, Secretary General of Bangladesh Olympic Association; officials of Bangladesh Squash Federation; members of the organising committee; and representatives of Turaag Active, the title sponsor of the championship.

During the event, the championship trophy of Turaag Active 6th National Squash Championship 2026 was unveiled. The official trophy unveiling ceremony, attended by federation officials and Turaag Active representatives, marked the beginning of the final countdown to the tournament.

Speaking at the press conference, Major General Md. Hasan Uz Zaman said players from different regions, sports institutions, universities, and clubs across Bangladesh will participate in this year’s championship.

He said the selection process is already at its final stage in several regions and institutions, including Khagrachhari, Bandarban, Chattogram, Gopalganj, Thakurgaon, Sylhet, Cumilla, Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP), Independent University Bangladesh (IUB), and various clubs and organization’s in Dhaka.

The federation president said the competition will be held across nine categories, including men’s and women’s open categories, amateur and university student categories, as well as separate boys’ and girls’ categories in Under-11, Under-13, and Under-15 age groups.

The matches will be played at three venues in Dhaka — Army Squash Complex, Bashundhara Sports City, and Army Officers’ Mess

Inaugurating the fair Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Shahidul Islam stressed on practical application of science education. New invention is very important for progress of the humanity, he said. He urged the students to be more attentive on scientific practice and innovative activities to prepare them to serve the nation.   Additional Divisional Commissioner Abdul Motaleb, senior government officials, teachers, students, guardians, and journalists were present at the inauguration ceremony.

The scheme will provide refinancing facilities for the establishment of green industries and green factory buildings under Bangladesh Bank's broader sustainable financing framework that covers 70 environmentally friendly products and projects. Under the scheme, participating financial institutions (PFIs) will receive refinance support from Bangladesh Bank at an interest or profit rate of 2 percent per annum, while the maximum lending rate for customers has been capped at 5 percent.

The refinance tenure will range from three to ten years, with a grace period of up to one year. All repayments will be made under the Fixed Principal Method. The circular also prohibits PFIs from imposing any hidden charges or additional fees on borrowers beyond applicable government taxes and duties. The facility will be available to all conventional banks, Islamic banks and financial institutions.  State-owned banks and finance companies are automatically eligible, while private and foreign commercial banks must maintain a classified loan ratio below 10 percent. 

The central bank may relax the threshold up to 15 percent in special cases, depending on institutional performance. Interested financial institutions will be required to sign participation agreements with Bangladesh Bank's Sustainable Finance Department before accessing the fund. To qualify for financing, borrowers must not be loan defaulters according to Credit Information Bureau (CIB) records and must maintain a minimum debt-equity ratio of 70:30. The maximum refinance limit for an individual borrower has been fixed at Tk 100 crore.

For green factory building projects, Bangladesh Bank will recognize certifications from LEED, EDGE, BEEER and GreenARCH in the absence of a dedicated national certification framework.  Foreign certification agencies must collaborate with local partners to ensure compliance with domestic requirements. The circular also requires PFIs to ensure that financed projects comply with standards and regulations prescribed by relevant authorities, including the Department of Environment, Fire Service and Civil Defence, Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA), Directorate General of Health Services and the Office of the Chief Inspector of Boilers.

Bangladesh Bank said the initiative is aligned with several national and international development commitments, including the Perspective Plan of Bangladesh, National Sustainable Development Strategy, Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs), Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Sustainable Finance Department will oversee implementation of the scheme. Participating institutions must submit refinance applications through Bangladesh Bank's E-Refinance Software and provide quarterly utilization reports.

Repayment installments, including interest or profit, will be automatically deducted from the participating institutions' current accounts maintained with Bangladesh Bank every quarter. Failure to maintain sufficient balances will result in penalties based on the applicable refinance rate plus the prevailing bank rate. The central bank warned that submission of false information or failure to submit reports on time may result in financial penalties and exclusion from the refinance programme. 

Bangladesh Bank also reserves the right to conduct on-site inspections to verify proper utilization of funds.

The circular was issued under Section 45 of the Bank Company Act, 1991 (amended 2023) and Section 41 of the Finance Company Act, 2023, and came into effect immediately.

Market operators said investors opted to lock in profits following the recent rally, while many remained watchful of market momentum amid pre-budget uncertainties. The market opened on a volatile note and remained in negative territory throughout the session as selling pressure persisted across major stocks.

Turnover on the premier bourse also fell significantly, dropping 29.9 percent to Tk 10.7 billion from Tk 15.3 billion in the previous session. Among sectors, General Insurance dominated turnover with a 19.2 percent share, followed by Engineering at 13.2 percent and Pharmaceuticals at 12.1 percent.

Most sectors posted losses during the session, with Services, Cement and Financial Institutions registering the sharpest declines. However, General Insurance gained 1.9 percent, while Paper and Tannery sectors rose by 0.7 percent and 0.4 percent respectively. Out of 396 issues traded on the DSE, 98 advanced, 246 declined and 52 remained unchanged, reflecting the prevailing bearish sentiment. The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also closed lower. The Selective Categories' Index (CSCX) fell by 56.5 points, while the All Share Price Index (CASPI) declined by 84.7 points at the close of trading.

According to the circular, the fund aims to strengthen production activities, revive economic momentum and create direct and indirect employment opportunities by providing working capital support to active CMSMEs facing financial constraints. Under the scheme, Bangladesh Bank will provide refinance to participating banks at an interest or profit rate of 4 percent, while banks may charge a maximum interest or profit rate of 9 percent to end borrowers. The revolving nature of the fund will ensure continued liquidity as repayments are recycled into new financing. Interest will be calculated quarterly in March, June, September and December.

Borrowers will be eligible for a grace period of three to six months before repayment of installments begins. The circular directs Shariah-based banks and Islamic banking windows of conventional banks to provide financing under approved Shariah-compliant models while maintaining the maximum profit rate of 9 percent and complying with all conditions of the scheme.

Active CMSMEs experiencing production or service disruptions due to working capital shortages will be eligible for financing under the fund. Refinance facilities will also be available against renewed working capital loans. However, borrowers classified as defaulters by the Credit Information Bureau (CIB) will not qualify for the facility. Bangladesh Bank said clients already benefiting from other refinance schemes may also be considered for financing under the new fund, subject to banks' assessment and credit limits.

All scheduled banks will be eligible to participate after signing a Participation Agreement with Bangladesh Bank's SME and Special Programmes Department. Banks maintaining an advance-to-deposit ratio (ADR) or investment-to-deposit ratio (IDR) above 70 percent will receive priority in accessing the fund, although they must remain within overall regulatory limits. The central bank said participating banks would bear full responsibility for loan recovery and would be required to repay Bangladesh Bank regardless of whether funds are recovered from borrowers.

To mitigate credit risk, banks may obtain collateral from clients but will not be allowed to charge any fees beyond the approved Schedule of Charges. Bangladesh Bank expects the fund to contribute to income growth, employment generation and the development of import-substituting products and services, while supporting small entrepreneurs and stimulating industrial activity. Issued under Section 45 of the Bank Company Act, 1991, the circular takes immediate effect. Bangladesh Bank also reserved the authority to inspect loan utilization and seek relevant documents from participating banks to ensure compliance with the scheme's provisions.

President of the Sampadak Parishad and New Age Editor Nurul Kabir, General Secretary and Bonik Barta Editor Dewan Hanif Mahmud, The Financial Express Editor Shamsul Huq Zahid, Manab Zamin Editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, Prothom Alo Editor Maitur Rahman, Daily Inqilab Editor AMM Bahauddin , The Daily Samakal Editor Shahed Mohammad Ali and Agamir Shomoy Editor Mustafa Mamun attended at the meeting.

During the discussion, the governor highlighted the central bank's efforts to strengthen governance in the banking sector, address challenges facing weak banks and accelerate modernization initiatives. Referring to the merger of weak banks, Rahman said the process was progressing steadily, with a number of administrative and management reforms already completed.  He added that the restructuring efforts would gain further momentum once the integration and development of the banks' Core Banking Systems (CBS) are finalized.

On the issue of non-performing loans (NPLs), the governor said amendments to the Money Loan Court Act are being prepared to expedite the settlement of loan-related cases. He also informed the editors that a new Distressed Asset Management Company Act is being formulated to deal with irrecoverable loans more effectively. The governor further disclosed that $25 million in stolen assets had already been seized in the United Kingdom and that efforts were underway to repatriate the funds to Bangladesh at the earliest opportunity.

Emphasizing the need to keep the banking sector free from political influence, Rahman said the reform initiatives are aimed at ensuring professionalism, accountability and sound governance in bank management and loan disbursement.  He also briefed the delegation on measures taken to safeguard depositors' interests through the reconstitution of boards and management changes at several major banks, including Islami Bank.

Highlighting the central bank's digitalization agenda, the governor said BB envisions an integrated digital financial ecosystem featuring digital nano-loans, artificial intelligence-based credit assessment and the concept of "One Citizen, One Identity, One Wallet." He said wider adoption of Bangla QR would promote cashless transactions and improve revenue collection by bringing customer transactions into the formal reporting framework.

The governor also assured that Bangladesh Bank is providing prompt approval for foreign currency requirements exceeding authorized limits for overseas medical treatment, provided applications are submitted through the relevant banks. In addition, he said the reduction in interest rates for fund discounting under the Usance Payable at Sight (UPAS) facility is expected to help lower the cost of imported goods. The editors offered a number of constructive suggestions during the meeting, while both sides expressed their commitment to continued cooperation for the development and stability of the country's banking sector.

The envoy made the remarks at a meeting between the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and a high-level Indonesian business delegation held at Motijheel in the capital, said a press release. Highlighting the upcoming “D-8 Halal Expo 2026,” scheduled to be held in Jakarta from July 8 to 12, Listyowati  urged Bangladeshi businesses to participate in the exhibition with their products. 

She expressed hope that a high-level Bangladeshi business delegation would attend the event and assured that the Indonesian Embassy in Dhaka would provide all necessary support. Listyowati noted that halal products extend far beyond halal meat and food, encompassing clothing, cosmetics, medicines, healthcare, medical equipment, halal finance and tourism. She described the D-8 Halal Expo as more than a conventional trade exhibition, saying it would serve as a unique platform for strengthening the halal ecosystem among D-8 member countries while promoting trade, investment and business partnerships across multiple sectors.

At the meeting, Director General of Indonesia’s National Committee for Islamic Economy and Finance (KNEKS), Putu Rahwidhiyasa, presented a report on the D-8 Halal Expo 2026. He said Indonesia is not only focused on exporting halal products but is also working to develop a comprehensive halal value chain. Rahwidhiyasa expressed optimism that Bangladesh and Indonesia could further expand bilateral trade by leveraging opportunities within the halal value chain.

According to the report, Indonesia ranked among the top 10 exporters in intra-OIC trade in 2022, trailing only Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) among OIC member countries. Indonesia currently ranks sixth globally in the Halal Economy Trade and Investment Index.  The country holds the fourth position in the halal food sector and sixth place in fashion and apparel, demonstrating the strength and diversity of its halal market.

The report also noted that halal food remains the largest contributor to the global halal economy.  Consumer spending on halal food in OIC countries reached approximately US$1.24 trillion in 2023, with an estimated annual growth rate of 6.2 percent.  Spending on halal clothing, the second-largest segment, stood at US$277.9 billion, with an annual growth rate projected at 6.8 percent.

President of the Indonesia-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCCI) and former FBCCI director Mohammad Riyad Ali said the D-8 Halal Expo would provide an important opportunity to observe how D-8 countries incorporate halal practices into daily life and commerce. He added that Bangladesh could also learn from their experiences in improving halal certification systems. Earlier, FBCCI Secretary General Md. Alamgir, in his welcome remarks, said Bangladesh and Indonesia enjoy strong trade relations, although Bangladesh still faces a trade imbalance. 

He expressed the view that participation in large international platforms such as the D-8 Halal Expo would help diversify bilateral trade and unlock new opportunities in the halal economy. He also assured the Indonesian delegation that FBCCI would work sincerely to facilitate the participation of a Bangladeshi business delegation in the D-8 Halal Expo 2026. Among others present at the meeting were former FBCCI directors and business leaders Abdul Haque, Gias Uddin Chowdhury (Khokon) and Md. Abul Hashem, along with representatives from various chambers and associations, members of the FBCCI General Council, and officials from the ministries of foreign affairs, industries and livestock, as well as representatives from BSTI, BIDA, EPB and the Islamic Foundation.

According to the statement, the party has recently noticed the announcement and promotion of unauthorized committees in several districts claiming to represent the BNP Media Cell.  It also alleged that a number of fake pages, groups, and online communities are operating on various social media platforms using the name of the BNP Media Cell. The press release clarified that no district-level or metropolitan committees have been formed under the BNP Media Cell anywhere in the country apart from its central committee.

It said individuals or groups claiming to be members of approved BNP Media Cell committees have no affiliation with the organization. The BNP Media Cell urged party leaders, activists, supporters, and the general public to remain cautious about misleading information and unauthorized committee lists being circulated online and elsewhere. The statement also warned that those involved in forming or promoting unauthorized committees could face allegations of violating party discipline.

“Rockstar” began screening last Friday in 41 cinemas across North America and Europe. The film’s international distribution is being handled by Swapna Scarecrow. Starring Shakib Khan, “Rockstar” centres on the life of a musician, exploring his journey through fame, personal struggles, and the complexities that accompany success. The film also stars Sabila Nur and Tangia Zaman Methila.

Meanwhile, Mejbaur Rahman Sumon’s “Roid”, was released in Sydney and Melbourne on June 5. The film is scheduled to expand gradually to audiences in Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and Canberra. Distribution in Australia and New Zealand is being managed by Screen Xcope and Deshi Events.

Set against the backdrop of rural life and local traditions, “Roid” follows Sadhu, a young man living in a remote area with his mentally unstable wife. Overwhelmed by her unpredictable behaviour, he attempts to leave her behind in a distant place. Yet each time, a mysterious turn of events leads her back home. Through this narrative, the filmmaker explores themes of human connection, guilt, responsibility, and love. The film features Mostafizur Noor Imran and Nazifa Tushi in the lead roles.

The third Eid release, “Malik”, is set to be screened in Bankstown, New South Wales, on June 13 and 14. The film’s international distribution is being overseen by Bongoj Films. Organisers have confirmed that advance ticket sales are already underway. To coincide with the special screenings, the film’s lead actor, Arifin Shuvoo, will travel to Australia to engage with audiences. Directed by Saif Chandan, “Malik” also stars Bidya Sinha Mim. With growing demand for Bangladeshi cinema among expatriate communities, the international releases of these Eid films reflect the industry's continued efforts to reach wider global audiences.

Hinting at the film’s central theme, the caption read: “In this journey of life, when time becomes a formidable opponent.” The post also confirmed that the Chorki Original film will be released soon.

The announcement has sparked curiosity among viewers, particularly fans eager to see Mim in a new role on the streaming platform. While the poster offers a glimpse of the film’s atmosphere, details regarding the plot and the rest of the cast have not yet been disclosed. The project marks Mim’s latest screen appearance following the release of Saif Chandan’s “Malik” during Eid-ul-Azha, in which she played a key role.

According to the official poster, the project features a lineup of guest appearances including Arca, Archie Madekwe, Benedict Cumberbatch, Cole Palmer, Debi Mazar, Gwendoline Christie, Honey Dijon, João Pedro, Julia Garner, Kate Moss, Odessa A’zion, Richard E Grant, Shygirl, and Madonna’s daughter, Lourdes Leon.

The festival website describes “Confessions II” as an ambitious visual work running for more than 10 minutes, built around the first six tracks of Madonna’s upcoming album, including “I Feel So Free” and “Bring Your Love” featuring Sabrina Carpenter. Presented as a single continuous sequence, the film blends interconnected, music-driven segments into an immersive cinematic experience. It is said to bring a physical dimension to the music while exploring themes of control and surrender, as well as visibility and anonymity within a crowd.

Madonna is currently in the midst of a busy promotional campaign for “Confessions II”, which is scheduled for release on July 3 via Warner Records. 

In April, she unveiled the era’s lead single, “I Feel So Free”, ahead of a surprise appearance during Sabrina Carpenter’s Coachella headlining set on Weekend Two. During the performance, they also debuted their duet “Bring Your Love”, which was later released on streaming platforms.

The award ceremony, titled “Timeless Voice, Respect and Love for Syed Abdul Hadi”, will be held on June 12 at 6:00pm at the main auditorium of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. The event will feature performances by contemporary artistes, who will present some of Syed Abdul Hadi’s most popular and enduring songs. In addition, various aspects of his long and illustrious musical journey will be highlighted.

Organised under the patronage of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the programme will be attended by prominent cultural personalities from across the country.

Syed Abdul Hadi remains one of the most celebrated figures in Bangladesh’s music industry. Since the 1960s, he has achieved widespread popularity across modern songs, patriotic numbers, and film music. His iconic tracks, including “Ekbar Jodi Keu Bhalobasto”, “Shob Kota Janala Khule Dao Na”, and “Je Matir Buke Ghumiye Ache”, have cemented his status as a musical legend.
In recognition of his contributions, he has received numerous accolades over the years, including multiple National Film Awards.

It is also worth noting that, as part of its ongoing tradition of honouring eminent artistes, the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy previously conferred a special award on renowned singer Sabina Yasmin.

The party had earlier announced its first list of 100 candidates for the posts on May 10, at an emergency press conference held at its central office in Banglamotor, Dhaka. Prior to that, on March 29, NCP had announced mayoral candidates for the upcoming elections to five city corporations, including Dhaka South and Dhaka North.

The arrested individuals are Md. Abdur Rahman Dabloo, 36, son of the late Salauddin of Sapura village under Boalia Police Station, and Abu Sadat Md. Sayem alias Milon, 48, son of the late Hasan from the Mirzapur area under Motihar Police Station. At a press briefing held at the city DB office this afternoon, RMP spokesperson and Additional Deputy Police Commissioner Gaziur Rahman said that on April 14 at around 10:00 am., Md. Masud Rana, an employee of Pabna Dairy Farm, arrived at the Sapura Sales Center in Rajshahi from Pabna carrying 2,000 liters of chilled liquid milk. 

After unloading the milk, the center manager handed him Taka 165,600 to deposit at the company's head office. He placed the money behind the driver's seat of the truck and began his return journey to Pabna. At around 2:30 p.m., when the truck reached North Kazirpara in the Belpukur Police Station area, a group of robbers riding an unregistered blue motorcycle blocked its path by creating a barricade. 

The criminals then smashed the truck's window, threatened the driver with a sharp weapon held to his throat, and forcibly took the Taka 165,600 from inside the vehicle before fleeing the scene. Following the incident, a case was filed with Belpukur Police Station. A special DB team launched a shadow investigation. Using information technology, intelligence reports, and confidential sources, investigators were able to identify those involved in the robbery.

After the case was transferred to the DB, a special operation led to the arrest of the alleged mastermind, Abdur Rahman Dabloo, and direct participant Abu Sadat Md. Sayem alias Milon. According to the DB, Taka 26,000 of the stolen money was recovered from Dabloo, while a pistol-like object used during the robbery and Taka 7,000 were recovered from Sayem alias Milon. The total amount of recovered cash stands at Taka 33,000. Police also seized two mobile phones used by the suspects. The two accused are currently in DB custody. The RMP spokesperson added that efforts are continuing to recover the remaining stolen money.

According to the case record four-year-old child was raped in a warehouse located adjacent to Balurmat of the Baklia thana on May 21 last. Child's father Mehedi Hasan filed a complaint with the Baklia police accusing Monir as the lone criminal following the incident. Monir Hossain (30) who was living at Miakhannagar area under Baklia thana is a resident of Gharghata area of Muradnagar upazila in Comilla. Police said accused Monir Hossain has given a confessional statement in the court. Based on the statement police has submitted the charge sheet to the court under Section 9(1) of the Prevention of Oppression of Women and Children Act, 2000.

 Citing the statement of the murder case filed by victim’s maternal uncle Zahidul Islam, the release said that an enmity arose with the victim of the same area over the sale of illegal drugs by the arrested accused.  In continuation of this, arrested accused Md Rafiqul Islam tactfully took the victim and his three friends to his fruit garden and made them drink excessive amounts of poisoned liquor at 11.30pm on May 30, 2026.  Later, victim Md Saju Mia, 55, and others became seriously ill when Zahidul Islam admitted the victim to Rangpur Medical College Hospital. 

 On June 1, 2026, victim Md Saju Mia died at the said hospital at 2.10 pm.  In this incident, the victim’s three friends also died at different times.  Later, Zahidul Islam filed a murder case against the accused at Mithapukur police station in this incident on June 2, 2026. On a tip off, a joint team of RAB-13 from Rangpur and RAB-04 from Savar in Dhaka conducted a raid in the Niribili area under Ashulia police station and arrested the two fugitive main accused from there at 6.15 pm on Sunday.  The arrestees have been handed over to Mithapukur police station for further legal action, the release added. 

An AFP journalist in Jerusalem witnessed at least one interception as residents hurried to shelters in the city. Israel's emergency service provider Magen David Adom said there were no reports of any casualties. Iran has launched multiple waves of missiles towards Israel since Sunday evening, rattling a fragile truce between the two countries engulfed in the Middle East war.

"No passengers were reported" on board, its statement said. "The aircraft declared an emergency while approximately 16 nautical miles (30 kilometers) southwest of La Romana" and crashed as it was attempting to land there, it added. The authority said an investigation has been opened to determine the cause of the crash of the Gulfstream G200 jet, which can seat up to 18 passengers.

Molina -- a former catcher for Major League Baseball's St. Louis Cardinals -- said the plane had been bound for Texas to pick up him and his family and fly them to his native Puerto Rico. "My condolences to the pilots and their families," he wrote in a post on Instagram, accompanied by a video of a plane crash-landing at the airport and bursting into flames. Molina is considered one of the best defensive catchers in MLB history. He won two World Series titles with the Cardinals over his 2004-2022 career.

The airport serves the tourist city of La Romana. Tourism is key to the economy of the Dominican Republic, a country of 11.6 million people located in the Caribbean. In 2021, nine people died in a private plane crash after departing from Las Americas International Airport in the capital, Santo Domingo.

"We declare a complete and total ban on Israeli maritime navigation in the Red Sea," said a statement from the Houthis' armed forces. "We consider all enemy movements to be legitimate military targets for our armed forces from the moment this statement is issued." The Houthis, who joined the Middle East war in support of Iran in March, had not announced a missile attack on Israel since a fragile ceasefire began on April 8.

They said they "launched a missile barrage targeting sensitive Israeli enemy targets", claiming the strikes "achieved their objectives with precision". The Israeli military earlier wrote on Telegram that it "has identified the launch of a missile from Yemen toward Israeli territory, aerial defense systems are operating to intercept the threat". The Houthis' attack came as Israel and Iran traded fire on Monday, putting the ceasefire under renewed strain and threatening hopes for a peace deal.

The Houthis and Lebanon-based Hezbollah form part of the "Axis of Resistance" grouping of pro-Iran forces opposed to Israel and the United States. The rebels from Yemen's rugged north have controlled much of the country for more than a decade after they seized the capital and forced out the government in September 2014. A Saudi-led international military intervention from March 2015 triggered a brutal civil war that left hundreds of thousands dead from direct and indirect causes.

"We have vehicles out to areas where a bear was seen to make people aware and to urge people to stay indoors or in vehicles," a city official told AFP, adding that dozens of hunters, police and local officials have been looking for the animal. It was not clear whether there is one bear or more, he said, speaking on the customary condition of anonymity.

In recent years, Japan has seen an increasing number of bear sightings and attacks, especially in urban areas. A record 13 people were killed by bears in Japan last year, and there has been a jump in encounters as the animals emerge hungry from hibernation. In the last year to March, bear sightings nationwide topped 50,000 -- more than double the previous record set two years earlier, according to official data.

In Utsunomiya, a regional capital and home to 510,000 residents, there were just two unconfirmed bear sightings in the previous year. The bear now being hunted was first spotted Saturday morning, north of the city centre, and was described as being around one metre (three feet) long. A series of sightings followed, including in a residential neighbourhood that day, at a shopping arcade on Sunday, and at a park, a high school and a junior school. Early Monday, residents spotted a bear close to a wholesale market, the city official said.

"Resuming hostilities is not in any party's interest," foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a news briefing, adding: "It is hoped all relevant parties will fulfil their commitment to a ceasefire."

No casualties have been reported so far in either Israel or Iran. The attacks included a strike on an Iranian petrochemical complex and a missile attack on Israel by Yemen's Houthi rebels. The Israeli military said it struck and dismantled Iranian defence systems deployed across several areas in the country. AFP journalists in Jerusalem and the West Bank city of Ramallah heard a series of explosions and the Israeli army said it worked to intercept a new wave of Iranian missiles.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they had struck Israel's Nevatim and Tel Nof air bases "in response to a missile attack launched by the Zionist regime". Tehran blamed Washington for the resumption of fighting and said the flare-up would affect peace talks. "No one believes that the Zionist regime would carry out any action without prior coordination and cooperation with the United States," foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said at a press conference in Tehran attended by AFP.

"It is perfectly natural that the diplomatic process initiated to put an end to this imposed war would be affected." Nonetheless, "diplomatic consultations are naturally continuing in all circumstances", Baqaei added. Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels meanwhile announced a missile attack on Israel on Monday, the first since early April, and declared a ban on Israeli shipping in the Red Sea, raising the spectre of a return to major disruption on the key route.

"We declare a complete and total ban on Israeli maritime navigation in the Red Sea," said a statement from the Houthis' armed forces. Trump called for calm from both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Iranians, but Israel accused Tehran of making a "grave mistake". "I call the shots. I call all the shots. He doesn't call the shots," Trump said in an interview with the Financial Times on Sunday, referring to Netanyahu.

In an interview with Fox News, Trump said: "What I would suggest to Iran: You've shot your missiles, that's enough, get back to the table and make a deal." "The European Union's top diplomat Kaja Kallas urged calm Monday and called on both sides to "sit down to a negotiation table and agree". China also called on the two sides to refrain from fighting, with foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian saying that "resuming hostilities is not in any party's interest".

Tehran has insisted any deal to permanently end the war must also halt the parallel conflict in Lebanon, where Israel was pursuing a campaign against Hezbollah. Iran's Revolutionary Guards called the attack a "warning" after Israel struck Beirut's southern suburbs earlier in the day, threatening wider strikes in the event of repeated aggression. On Sunday, Netanyahu's office announced the army had "struck a militant command centre in Beirut's Dahiyeh district, in response to Hezbollah's fire towards Israeli territory".

The raid killed two people and wounded 20 more, Lebanon's health ministry said. Israel had warned it would hit the area should Hezbollah attack northern Israel, with the Iran-backed group later confirming having launched missiles and drones at a pair of Israeli army barracks early Sunday. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran's parliament speaker and its chief negotiator in talks with Washington, accused the United States of having given a "green light" for the Beirut attack, saying US and Israeli assets were now "legitimate targets".

The head of Iran's military central command said Israel had "crossed all red lines" with the Beirut strike. The attacks sent crude prices surging more than five percent as hopes dimmed on any imminent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the crucial waterway for oil and gas transit which Iran has blockaded.

Iranians were also already feeling the strain of weeks of uncertainty. "I really have gone numb," fitness trainer Elaheh from Ahvaz told AFP. "Daily life? It's a joke. Everything is horrible. We only try to survive," the 32-year-old added, pointing to rising prices. There were some weekend signs of ongoing diplomatic efforts, with Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visiting Tehran to deliver what he said was a "special letter" to Iran's supreme leader, according to Iranian state television.

He has since travelled back to Pakistan, an official Pakistani source said on Monday. Iran said that "diplomatic consultations are naturally continuing" with Pakistan to end the war with the US, even after fighting resumed with Israel. 

According to the source, mediators were due to meet a Hamas delegation before midday on Monday, followed by a wider meeting including all participating factions. Egypt's state-linked Al-Qahera News channel said Sunday's talks focused on "the proposed roadmap for completing the implementation of the agreement". "It was held in a positive atmosphere," the channel reported, adding that there was agreement on the need to continue implementing US President Donald Trump's plan.

The talks come amid rising regional tensions, after Israel and Iran traded fire on Monday, in a serious test of another fragile truce and a potential threat to hopes for a deal to end the wider Middle East war. Despite the Gaza truce technically in effect since October, daily violence has rocked the territory, over half of which is under Israeli military control in defiance of the ceasefire's terms. Israel has killed at least 936 people since the ceasefire began, according to Gaza's health ministry, which operates under Hamas authority and whose figures are considered reliable by the UN.

Both Hamas and Israel accuse each other of violating the truce. The first phase of the ceasefire involved the release of the last Israeli hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinians detained by Israel. A transition to the second phase, which was supposed to involve Hamas's disarmament and a gradual withdrawal of the Israeli military, has been stalled for months. The question of Gaza's post-war governance also remains one of the main sticking points in negotiations on implementing the provisions of phase two.

Israel rejects any return of Hamas to power, but also rejects a direct takeover by the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority at this stage. Hamas, meanwhile, demands the establishment of a Palestinian administration before considering handing over part of its arsenal -- a key stipulation for the second phase, along with Israel's withdrawal.

Israel's military said earlier Monday it had struck several targets at a petrochemical complex in Mahshahr in southwestern Iran in retaliation. "In this complex, chemical materials are produced and used for ballistic missiles that are fired towards here, towards the state of Israel," the official said. "The strikes and the damage to the complex disrupts their ability to manufacture various types of weapons."

The Israeli military said it also struck Iranian air defence systems. The official said the Israeli military chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir had spoken twice to the head of US Central Command (CENTCOM) over the past day. "Over the past day, the IDF chief of the general staff has spoken twice to the commander of CENTCOM and they are discussing the situation," the official said, without elaborating.

Air raid sirens sounded across large areas of northern and central Israel, with explosions heard over Jerusalem earlier on Monday, AFP journalists reported. The exchange of fire between the two countries is the first such since a truce was announced on April 8 in the Middle East War.

A series of powerful aftershocks rocked the area from about two hours after the first quake, according to the United States Geological Survey, with the largest measuring 6.5 magnitude. In General Santos, an AFP journalist watched Monday afternoon as rescue workers dug through the rubble of a popular grocery store chain in a desperate bid to reach the bodies of two employees buried beneath.

Rene Punzalan, disaster chief for hard-hit Sarangani province, told AFP 14 people had died in Glan municipality alone when a landslide buried their homes at the foot of a mountain. "The landslide happened immediately after the earthquake, so many lives were lost," he said, adding that some areas had yet to report if they had sustained casualties. "The greatest challenge is communication. The power was cut, so it's hard to get updates," Punzalan said.

"We're worried about aftershocks," he added. "We can feel the fear of the residents." Videos posted to social media and verified by AFP showed a shopping centre with a Jollibee fast food restaurant reduced to rubble in General Santos City, while a school building that officials said was unoccupied crumpled in another. "Lord, it has really collapsed! ... The building has really collapsed!" someone can be heard shouting as the abandoned school structure topples.

In another video verified by AFP, young schoolchildren could be seen screaming in the arms of their teachers as the quake violently swayed them back and forth on the ground. A flimsy metal structure in the background collapsed as the video uploaded to the school's official Facebook page came to an end. An accompanying caption said no one was under the structure when it fell. Punzalan, the Sarangani disaster chief, told AFP that more than 2,000 people evacuated due to a morning tsunami warning were now awaiting a green light to return to their homes.

"(Authorities) are still assessing the situation now if it will be OK to send them home," he said. A notice from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center had said tsunami waves were possible along the coasts of the Philippines, Indonesia, Palau, Taiwan and Papua New Guinea. But by mid-afternoon, the Philippines and other countries had cancelled their warnings.

Waves that did reach the Pacific coast of Japan, where authorities had issued a tsunami advisory, were reported to be no higher than 20 centimetres (about eight inches). Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, who suspended classes across Mindanao island on what was to have been the first day of school, had called on residents in coastal areas to evacuate immediately. "Move to higher ground now. Do not wait," he said. "Your life is more important than anything left behind."

The airport in General Santos, meanwhile, has been closed until further notice, officials said. A video verified by AFP showed what appeared to be chunks of ceiling that had collapsed onto the baggage claim area. Earthquakes are a near-daily occurrence in the Philippines, which is situated on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", an arc of intense seismic activity stretching from Japan through Southeast Asia and across the Pacific basin.

Eastern Mindanao was rocked by a pair of earthquakes of 7.4 and 6.7 magnitude in October that killed at least eight people. These followed a magnitude 6.9 quake days earlier that killed 76 people and destroyed or damaged 72,000 buildings in Cebu province in central Philippines, according to government figures.

The 27-nation bloc said it was blacklisting Mohammad Akbarzadeh, spokesperson for the Guards' naval wing, and the organisation's Hormozgan Provincial Command. It also said it was placing Hamid Hosseini, a representative of Iran's oil exporters union, under an asset freeze and visa ban.

European nations, spearheaded by France and Britain, are working on plans to send a naval mission to Hormuz once the fighting stops. EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas has said the bloc's naval mission, currently in the Red Sea, could take part in the operation.

With Israel's response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu apparently defied calls by his ally Trump for restraint, against the background of reports of an increasingly testy relationship between the two men. "Israel and Iran must immediately stop 'shooting.' President DONALD J. TRUMP," the US leader wrote on his Truth Social network. Minutes later, he added in a new post that "final negotiations" towards peace were proceeding "subject to ignorance or stupidity getting in its way."

Tehran's strikes followed attacks by Israel against targets of the Iran-backed Lebanese Shia group Hezbollah in the southern suburbs of Beirut. Iran had repeatedly warned it would strike Israel if the Lebanese capital was targeted. Oil prices surged more than five percent on worries that war could break out again, with hopes now punctured of a rapid end to the standoff that has seen shipping limited through the key Strait of Hormuz trade bottleneck amid fears of global energy and goods shortages.

The strikes also came at a critical moment with diplomatic efforts to end the conflict involving mediator Pakistan on a knife-edge. Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei warned at a press conference in Tehran attended by AFP that is was "perfectly natural that the diplomatic process initiated to put an end to this imposed war would be affected." But he added: "Diplomatic consultations are naturally continuing in all circumstances."

As he was speaking at the foreign ministry, a huge explosion shook the building, followed by repeated explosions believed to be from air defence systems, the AFP reporter said. Local media in Iran that a "hostile drone" was shot down over Tehran by air defences. Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Tehran to deliver what he said was a "special letter" to Iran's supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, according to Iranian state television. He has since travelled back to Pakistan, an official Pakistani source said on Monday.

Tehran has insisted any deal to permanently end the war must also halt the parallel conflict in Lebanon, where Israel was pursuing a campaign against Hezbollah. No casualties have been reported in either Israel or Iran. The Israeli military said it struck and dismantled Iranian defence systems deployed across several areas in the country. Iran fired nearly 30 missiles towards Israel since Sunday night, an Israeli military official said.

AFP journalists in Jerusalem and the West Bank city of Ramallah heard a series of explosions and the Israeli army said it worked to intercept a new wave of Iranian missiles. Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they had struck Israel's Nevatim and Tel Nof air bases and had also targeted a petrochemical facility in Israel in retaliation for an attack on a similar site in southwestern Iran. The Guards warned that Israel "has initiated a dangerous game, the scope of which will encompass all energy-related targets in the region".

A military source told the Tasnim news agency that "Iran is prepared for a long-term war with the Zionist regime and for strikes against US interests" in the region. Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels meanwhile announced a missile attack on Israel on Monday, the first since early April, and declared a ban on Israeli shipping in the Red Sea. The European Union's top diplomat Kaja Kallas called on both sides to "sit down to a negotiation table and agree", adding that "the region does not need an escalation."

It also remains unclear who is leading decision-making in Tehran with Mojtaba Khamenei, said to have been wounded in a US-Israeli strike, yet to appear in public after taking over from his father Ali Khamenei who was killed on the first day of the war on February 28. On Monday in Tehran, there was little sign of any return to war. Under sunny skies, cafe terraces were packed, while motorcycles weaved at high speed through the lunchtime traffic, an AFP correspondent in the capital said. But the traffic seemed lighter than usual for a weekday, suggesting that some people had stayed home and there were also many more people queueing at gas stations.

In an interview with the Financial Times on Sunday, referring to Netanyahu, Trump insisted he held sway in their relationship. "I call the shots. I call all the shots. He doesn't call the shots," he said.

Iran had delivered a "painful response" to Israel and "accordingly, the cessation of armed forces operations is hereby announced", the Khatam al-Anbiya command said in a statement carried by state television.

"However, it is emphasised that should acts of aggression and hostility continue, including in southern Lebanon, much more severe and crushing measures than before will follow," it added.

Following the discussion, the meeting recommended that the amended Act and Policy should be submitted to the main committee for finalization, said a press release. Concerned officials of the Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat were present at the meeting.

Hajjaj said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will inaugurate the programme before the government completes its first 180 days in office. He said this in a press conference held this afternoon in the conference room of the Ministry of Textiles and Jute at the Secretariat. State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md Shariful Alam and State Minister for LGRD and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam were present. 

Earlier, an inter-ministerial preparatory meeting titled “Pilot Distribution of Environment-Friendly Jute School Bags Among Primary School Students,” was held. At the press conference, Hajjaj stated that the pilot project will be implemented in several phases. In the first phase, the distribution of these materials will begin with at least 100,000 students. Subsequently, through August, September, and October, school bags, uniforms, shoes, and socks will be distributed to more than 350,000 students in total, he added.

He further noted that multiple government primary schools from each upazila have been included in the pilot project to ensure no upazila is deprived of this benefit. More than 25,000 primary schools nationwide will participate in the programme, he said. “Prime Minister Tarique Rahman firmly believes that if we can build education on a proper and modern foundation, only then will it be possible to create the Bangladesh of our dreams. Other ministries have now come forward to help realize this far-sighted vision,” said Hajjaj.

He said the Textiles and Jute Ministry is providing 500,000 specialized eco-friendly jute school bags free of cost for the pilot project. Meanwhile, the LGRD and Cooperatives Ministry will provide major logistical and administrative support to ensure the rapid and efficient delivery of these materials to schools in upazilas and remote areas. Considering Bangladesh’s riverine geography and heavy rainfall, the bags are being produced using special technology, he mentioned. 

Hajjaj said the Textiles and Jute Ministry has assured that these jute school bags will be completely waterproof.  As a result, students’ books and notebooks will remain dry even during rain, he said adding that if any technical shortcomings or errors are identified during the pilot phase, they will be corrected before the full-scale project is launched.

He said based on the success of the pilot project, free distribution of these materials to all students nationwide will begin simultaneously from January 2027. The initiative will be implemented under the Fifth Primary Education Development Program (PEDP-5), he said. He said PEDP-5 is set to become the largest education program in Bangladesh’s history, with direct leadership from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Through this initiative, the entire primary education system of the country is expected to undergo a fundamental transformation, he said.

Shama also reiterated the need for stronger and sustained international attention and support to resolve the protracted Rohingya crisis. The Spanish envoy congratulated Bangladesh on its election to the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for the term 2026-2027. Both sides underscored the importance of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and the European Union to boost trade and economic cooperation.

The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the mutually beneficial partnership between Bangladesh and Spain and explored avenues for expanding cooperation in trade, investment, supply chains, railway connectivity, education, skills development, migration, sports, culture and people-to-people exchanges. They also discussed the possibility of holding bilateral consultations and arranging high-level visits to further strengthen bilateral relations.

The discussions also covered regional and global developments, with both sides emphasizing the importance of peace, stability and enhanced international cooperation.

The minister said Bangladesh's pharmaceutical export market would expand further once the country achieves self-sufficiency in vaccine production. Referring to the healthcare sector's development, he said sufficient progress had not been made in the production and supply of medical equipment and vaccines during previous governments. “There were shortages even in essential medical products such as ventilators and syringes. However, the country was able to overcome health-related challenges later with support from the private sector,” he added.

About the dengue situation, the minister said the Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (BAPI) has donated 100,000 units of intravenous (IV) saline to support treatment of dengue patients. He said the Central Medical Store currently has a stock of 100,000 units of saline, while another 20,000 to 25,000 units are available at the upazila level across the country. “We are prepared to ensure additional supplies if demand increases,” he added.

Regarding the recent child deaths at Ad-din Hospital, the minister said the hospital authorities have been given two more days to respond to a show-cause notice issued by the government. “If the authorities fail to provide a satisfactory response within the stipulated time, further legal action will be taken,” he said. Speaking on the occasion, State Minister for Health Dr M A Muhit said the government had taken advance preparations ahead of the dengue season and was implementing various measures to reduce infection rates.

He said the health sector remains fully prepared to ensure prompt treatment for dengue patients. “All stakeholders must work together to strengthen the public health system. Coordinated initiatives are being undertaken to control dengue and further improve the country's healthcare sector,” he added. 

Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain (Kaikobad) attended the programme as an invited guest. On the occasion, Saudi Assistant Minister for Hajj and Umrah Dr Al Hassan bin Yahya Al Manakhrah formally handed over the Hajj roadmap to him. According to the roadmap, the bilateral Hajj agreement between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia will be signed on November 8, 2026.

The issuance of Hajj visas will begin on January 28, 2027, while Hajj flight operations are scheduled to start on April 8, 2027. The holy Hajj is expected to be observed on May 15, 2027 (9 Jilhaj), subject to the sighting of the moon. The release said the transfer of Saudi-side expenses to the e-wallet of the Masar Nusuk platform will continue from July 15 to December 24 this year.

The process of signing agreements for overall service packages, including tents, accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, catering and transportation through the Masar Nusuk platform, will begin on July 29, 2026 and continue until January 23, 2027. Pilgrims' information will have to be uploaded to the Masar Nusuk system between August 14, 2026 and January 28, 2027.

Meanwhile, agreements with airlines designated to transport Hajj pilgrims and the completion of necessary documentation in the Masar Nusuk system will be carried out between July 29 and November 8 this year. The Ministry of Religious Affairs has urged all concerned to complete the Hajj-related activities in accordance with the announced roadmap.

During the meeting, the state minister sought TIKA's specialized cooperation in advancing educational initiatives for homeless street children and supporting sustainable climate resilience efforts in areas most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. TIKA has been implementing a range of socioeconomic and humanitarian projects in Bangladesh since 2014, contributing to development efforts in several key sectors.

Acknowledging Bangladesh's vulnerability to climate change, Dr Ercan recommended Bangladesh’s high-level participation in the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP), which will be hosted by Türkiye in November next. He reaffirmed TIKA's continued commitment to supporting Bangladesh's national development priorities, particularly in education, disaster management and capacity-building initiatives.

The two sides also discussed avenues for expanding bilateral development cooperation and strengthening institutional partnerships between Bangladesh and Türkiye. Both sides expressed optimism that the visit would further deepen the longstanding friendship between the two countries and pave the way for focused collaboration in areas of mutual interest in the future. 

Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milon, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj, senior government officials, heads of various directorates, and National University vice chancellor were present at the event. Mahdi said Bangladesh’s education system will be restructured in such a way that students can acquire practical skills needed for real life rather than relying solely on academic certificates.

 “We want students to advance not only through examination results and certificates but also through sports, culture, leadership, technology, and practical skills,” he said. He said several important subjects are being incorporated into the new curriculum as part of broader education reforms. These include sports education, cultural education, technical and vocational education, and a new subject “Learning with Happiness”, he said adding that through these subjects, students will be taught moral values, civic responsibility, social behavior, and practical life skills.

“Learning with Happiness” subject will teach morality, values, responsibility, and the qualities needed to become good citizens, he mentioned. “We plan to introduce sports as a separate subject. Cultural studies will also be included in the curriculum,” said Mahdi. He said greater emphasis would also be placed on learning a third language in line with global trends. Through an expanded chapter within the existing educational structure, students will have opportunities to strengthen their international communication skills, he said.

Regarding the new curriculum, Mahdi said introducing a completely new curriculum is a long-term process. After assuming office, the government had only three to four months to prepare and print new textbooks, making it impossible to implement all changes at once, he said, adding that however, the ongoing reform process will be expanded further next year. He said the government plans to provide a large number of tablets to primary and secondary school students over the next few years.

“We will need approximately 1.4 million tablets. This is a major project for primary and secondary students, and plans for it have been included in the upcoming fiscal year’s budget,” he said. Mahdi also highlighted various government initiatives to promote sports and cultural development among students. He said more than 2.2 million students participated in this year’s Primary School Gold Cup Football Tournament, describing the combined participation of boys and girls as a significant achievement in the country’s sporting history.

“Through the football tournament, we want to instill discipline, teamwork, leadership, and self-confidence among children. Competitions are being held from the union level up to the national level, and the national final is planned for June 20,” he said. He also announced the launch of a national programme titled ‘Startup, Science Project and Innovation Idea Showcasing’ to encourage scientific thinking and innovation among students. 

Under the initiative, students from secondary and higher educational institutions will have opportunities to present innovative solutions to local and national challenges, he said. “Students who come up with strong innovative ideas will be provided with seed funding. We want young people to grow as entrepreneurs and contribute to the country’s development,” he said. Speaking about the expansion of technical education, he said vocational education would be established as an integral part of mainstream education. 

To achieve this, national skills competitions, career fairs, and direct employment opportunities will be created. “In our view, technical education should become a respected educational pathway. Arrangements will be made so that students can access employment opportunities directly from educational institutions,” he said. He also announced plans to distribute one sapling to every student under the ‘One Student, One Tree’ programme to promote environmental conservation. As part of the government’s five-year initiative to plant 250 million trees, all educational institutions across the country will be involved in the programme, he said.

A Bangladeshi delegation led by Bangladesh Semiconductor Industry Association (BSIA) President M A Jabbar held meetings on June 5 with senior executives of major semiconductor companies, including AMD, NXP Semiconductors and Tokyo Electron, said a press release today. The discussions focused on Bangladesh's long-term semiconductor development strategy, talent development programmes, innovation ecosystem and prospects for future collaboration.

Professor Muhammad Mustafa Hussain of Purdue University, who serves as Chief Architect of the Silicon River Bangladesh Initiative, presented Bangladesh's progress and future aspirations in the semiconductor sector. He highlighted the country's potential to contribute to the global semiconductor industry through a skilled workforce, innovation-driven solutions, artificial intelligence-based semiconductor applications, digital twin technologies, advanced packaging capabilities and stronger industry-academia collaboration.

Representatives of Bangladeshi firms Dynamic Solution Innovators (DSi), iTest Bangladesh Limited, Neural Semiconductor Limited and SILICONOVA Limited also showcased their technological capabilities and business expertise during the meetings. According to organisers, representatives of the host companies appreciated Bangladesh's technology-focused vision and expressed interest in exploring greater engagement, technical cooperation, exchange visits and participation in the country's emerging semiconductor ecosystem.

On June 6, the Austin BRAINGAIN Reception brought together around 75 Bangladeshi-origin semiconductor professionals with a combined industry experience of more than 1,500 years. Participants were briefed on the Silicon River vision and Bangladesh's ongoing efforts to build a sustainable semiconductor ecosystem through talent development, research, entrepreneurship and international partnerships.

Many attendees described the initiative as the first coordinated and technically grounded roadmap aimed at positioning Bangladesh as a future deep-technology hub. The reception, initially scheduled for two hours, continued for nearly three hours as participants engaged in extensive discussions on semiconductor strategy, workforce development, advanced packaging, startup opportunities and diaspora involvement.

Organisers said the event demonstrated the growing willingness of Bangladeshi-origin professionals abroad to contribute their expertise, professional networks and leadership to support Bangladesh's technological advancement. The Austin programme received support from several semiconductor industry professionals, including Dr Sayeed Badrudduza of NXP, Samiul Khan of AMD and Joel Barnett of Tokyo Electron. The Silicon River and BRAINGAIN USA Roadshow 2026 will continue in several other US cities to further strengthen cooperation between Bangladesh, the global semiconductor industry and the Bangladeshi diaspora, organisers added.

The selected Bangladeshi participants are Prem Junior T. Hansdak of Tulip International School and College, Dinajpur; Ahnaf Kawsar and Jahran Kawsar of Motijheel Government Boys' High School, Dhaka; Md. Daiyan Rahman and Md. Ayaan Rahman of Government Mohammadpur Model School and College, Dhaka; and Chowdhury Mahtasim Masrafi of Dhaka Residential Model College, Dhaka. The conference will bring together young representatives aged between 14 and 17 from different countries to promote friendship, intercultural understanding and peace building among children and youth.

According to the organisers, the initiative builds on the success of the 2025 "Children's Declaration of Peace", which was adopted by more than 3,200 children from 67 countries during a previous gathering at Artek and was later presented to the United Nations General Assembly. The programme aims to inspire a new generation of young diplomats and future peacemakers through discussions, cultural exchanges, educational activities and collaborative projects focused on global peace and international cooperation.

The initiative also draws inspiration from historic child peace ambassadors Samantha Smith of the United States and Katya Lycheva of Russia, who became symbols of friendship and mutual understanding during the Cold War era. Selected participants have been instructed to complete their registration through the official Artek online system and prepare for travel in mid-June. Their participation is expected to further strengthen youth engagement in international dialogue, cultural exchange and peace building efforts.

A Bangladeshi delegation led by Bangladesh Semiconductor Industry Association (BSIA) President M A Jabbar held meetings with senior executives of leading semiconductor companies, including AMD, NXP and Tokyo Electron (TEL). The discussions focused on Bangladesh's long-term semiconductor strategy, talent development initiatives, innovation ecosystem and opportunities for technical and business collaboration.

Professor Muhammad Mustafa Hussain of Purdue University and Chief Architect of the Silicon River Bangladesh Initiative presented Bangladesh's progress and future aspirations, highlighting the country's strengths in talent development, innovation, artificial intelligence-driven semiconductor solutions, digital twin technologies, advanced packaging and industry-academia collaboration. Representatives of Bangladeshi technology firms, including Dynamic Solution Innovators (DSi), iTest Bangladesh Limited, Neural Semiconductor Limited and SILICONOVA Limited, also showcased their technical capabilities and business offerings.

According to the organizers, participating companies expressed appreciation for Bangladesh's technology-focused approach and agreed to explore greater engagement, technical cooperation, industry visits and broader participation in the country's developing semiconductor sector. On June 6, the Austin BRAINGAIN Reception brought together around 75 Bangladeshi-origin semiconductor professionals representing more than 1,500 years of combined industry experience.

Participants were briefed on the Silicon River vision and Bangladesh's efforts to develop a sustainable semiconductor ecosystem through research, entrepreneurship, workforce development and international partnerships. The Austin programme was supported by a number of Bangladeshi-origin semiconductor professionals, including Dr Sayeed Badrudduza of NXP, Samiul Khan of AMD and Joel Barnett of Tokyo Electron. The Silicon River and BRAINGAIN USA Roadshow is scheduled to continue in several US cities as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration among Bangladesh, the global semiconductor industry and the Bangladeshi diaspora, said the release. 

During the inspection, he reviewed service activities, attendance records and overall administrative operations at the two revenue circles. At the Aminbazar Assistant Commissioner (Land) Office, the state minister found that Assistant Commissioner (Land) Shahadat Hossain Khan was absent from the office at the scheduled reporting time and arrived about 15 to 20 minutes after his visit began.

The inspection also revealed that only two out of eight officials and a mutation assistant, were present at their workstations on time. Several service seekers waiting outside the office told the state minister that they had repeatedly visited the land office over a prolonged period without receiving the required services. He expressed dissatisfaction over delays in service delivery after speaking with them.

Helal Uddin later reviewed CCTV footage to verify officials’ attendance and questioned the inadequate infrastructure and management of the information centre-cum-help desk. While speaking with members of the record-keeping and data-entry team, he found that officials in the unit were present on time and carrying out their duties. He also inspected several record rooms. Officials informed him that mutation services were being disrupted due to server-related problems. In response, the state minister directed authorities to issue show-cause notices to those responsible for server management.

He also instructed officials to operate the information centre with dedicated manpower and stressed the need to prioritise service quality and effectiveness over mere adherence to schedules. Later, the state minister visited the Ashulia Revenue Circle Office at Palashbari in Savar, where he noticed unlicensed mutation-related activities and illegal shops operating near the office premises.

He immediately informed the concerned Assistant Commissioner (Land) and directed authorities to take necessary legal action against the illegal activities. According to the state minister, the surprise inspections at both the Aminbazar and Ashulia revenue circles exposed multiple shortcomings and irregularities in service delivery, attendance discipline and administrative operations.

The United Nations designated June 8 as World Oceans Day in 2008, with annual observance beginning in 2009, to raise awareness of the essential role of oceans in sustaining life on Earth and the challenges they face. According to the United Nations, oceans regulate the global climate, produce much of the oxygen we breathe, support biodiversity, and provide food and livelihoods for billions of people worldwide. 

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that a significant share of global fish stocks are overexploited or depleted due to unsustainable fishing practices. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has also warned that coral reef ecosystems are under severe threat from climate change, pollution, and ocean warming, with large portions already degraded or lost. 

On the occasion, the UN Secretary-General has urged stronger global cooperation, emphasizing the need for science-based action, international cooperation and sustainable management to restore ocean health and secure a livable future for coming generations. The theme ‘Reimagine’ encourages people, governments and institutions to rethink their relationship with the ocean and move from being passive beneficiaries of marine resources to active guardians of ocean health. It also underscores the importance of international cooperation in protecting marine biodiversity and ensuring the sustainable management of ocean resources. 

Various government agencies, environmental organisations and educational institutions are expected to mark the day through awareness programmes, discussions and campaigns focusing on ocean conservation and the sustainable use of marine resources.

Besides, 48 Bangladeshi pilgrims have died in Saudi Arabia during the Hajj, including 32 men and 16 women. Of them, 35 died in Makkah, 12 in Madinah and one in Jeddah. No deaths have been reported in Mina or Muzdalifah.

According to the Hajj bulletin, a total of 401 Hajis received treatment at various hospitals in Saudi Arabia, while 13 Hajis were hospitalised. Saudi Arabian medical centres provided treatment to 58,990 pilgrims, while the IT help desk provided services to 26,790 Hajis in Makkah and Madinah. This year's Hajj operations began with the first outbound flight on April 18 and concluded on May 21. The return Hajj flights started on May 30 and will continue until July 1.

A case under the Narcotics Control Act was filed against Jamal Hossain after he was arrested by Hakimpur Police on November 20, 2011. At that time, law enforcers recovered a large quantity of narcotics from his residence. Three years ago, the Dinajpur Additional District and Sessions Judge Court convicted Jamal in absentia and sentenced him to life imprisonment along with a fine of Taka 10,000. The court also ordered an additional three months of imprisonment in default of payment of the fine.

Jamal, son of the late Rafiq Hossain of Madhyabasudebpur village under Hakimpur upazila, had long been evading law enforcement despite the court's sentence. Police officials said Jamal Hossain is expected to be produced before the Dinajpur Senior Judicial Magistrate Court and subsequently sent to the district jail.