NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday for an unannounced visit following Russia’s recent deadly attacks on Ukraine. NATO and Ukrainian officials confirmed the trip, during which Rutte is expected to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky. The visit comes as Ukraine continues to seek greater assistance from NATO member states to defend against Russian ballistic missile strikes.

A NATO spokesperson said Rutte was accompanied by ambassadors from allied countries. Earlier, Ukraine’s state railway operator Ukrzaliznytsia shared images of his arrival on social media, describing the visit as a significant message of solidarity and support from NATO, though the post was later deleted.

The trip coincides with reports of Ukrainian drone attacks damaging fuel and military facilities in Russia’s northern city of Saint Petersburg, while Russian missile and drone strikes on Kyiv and Dnipro killed at least 23 people. Ukraine has reiterated its call for more advanced air defense systems, particularly U.S.-made Patriot missiles and ammunition, to counter ongoing Russian assaults.

Authorities have removed the crocodile from the pond of Khan Jahan Ali (R.) Shrine in Bagerhat following a fatal incident. On Wednesday afternoon, the animal was taken to the Khulna Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. Earlier in the day, forest department and administrative officials were present at the site, and the crocodile was captured around noon using bait before being transported to Khulna.

The decision to relocate the crocodile came after a child was killed in an attack three days earlier. An emergency meeting held Tuesday night at the district administration office determined that the animal should be removed for public safety. Local residents expressed relief after the removal, saying they had been afraid to approach the pond.

Wildlife expert Azad Kabir confirmed that the female crocodile, weighing about 600 kilograms, was safely rescued and will undergo examination at the rescue center before further decisions are made. The Upazila Nirbahi Officer stated that future steps regarding the crocodile will be decided after discussions.

BNP Secretary General and Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called on citizens to remain alert against any attempts to create unrest in the country. Speaking as the chief guest at a civic reception held on Wednesday afternoon at Ruhia High School field in Thakurgaon, he warned that a certain group seeks to destabilize the nation and urged everyone to stay vigilant. He also encouraged people to contribute to the development of their respective areas.

Fakhrul stated that under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, the government is implementing promises made to the public before the election. These include inaugurating new upazilas, appointing vice-chancellors to public universities, approving new medical colleges, and initiating airport operations. He added that projects such as the Family Card program and canal excavation are progressing due to public support.

He further urged the youth to stay away from drugs and build social movements for a better future. Fakhrul also described Bangladesh’s election as president of the 81st UN General Assembly as a major national achievement and international recognition.

Leaders and activists of the banned Chhatra League organized a protest march in Habiganj on Wednesday morning under the banner of the district unit. The procession, led by district Chhatra League vice president Khan Mohammad Sagor, moved through key streets of the town. According to eyewitnesses, several local leaders, including municipal Chhatra League leader Shawon Al Hasan and Shayestaganj upazila organizational secretary Al Rafi, participated in the march.

Participants in the rally chanted slogans demanding the release of Awami League members. Habiganj Sadar Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Zahidul Hasan stated that they had received reports of the procession and were investigating the matter.

The incident reflects ongoing tensions surrounding the activities of the banned organization in the district, with law enforcement monitoring the situation closely.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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