Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has called on citizens to remain united to thwart all forms of enemy conspiracies aimed at destabilizing the country. In a message delivered on Thursday, June 4, he emphasized that national solidarity is essential to confront external pressures and internal divisions. The statement was issued on the 37th death anniversary of former Supreme Leader Ruhollah Khomeini, according to Iran’s semi-official Mehr News Agency cited by Anadolu.

Khamenei warned that Iran’s adversaries are waging a hybrid war combining military and psychological tactics. Without naming any country, he suggested that after failing militarily, enemies are now attempting to sow division within Iranian society. He stressed that unity between the people and state institutions is the strongest defense against such threats.

The appeal comes as tensions between Iran and the United States have escalated following recent clashes, described as the most serious since a ceasefire took effect in April. Efforts toward a lasting agreement continue, with U.S. President Donald Trump expressing optimism about progress on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and limiting Iran’s nuclear program.

Education Minister Dr. Ehsanul Haque Milan announced that the upcoming 2026–27 fiscal year budget will allocate two percent of Bangladesh’s GDP to the education sector, amounting to 1.23 trillion taka. He made the statement on Thursday after a meeting with Prime Minister Tareque Rahman at the Secretariat. The minister noted that this is the first time the country’s education sector will receive a full two percent of GDP, covering primary, secondary, madrasa, and higher education.

In the previous budget, education received 1.69 percent of GDP, which included allocations for projects such as the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant and ICT. The minister said the Prime Minister has pledged to gradually raise education spending to five percent of GDP. The government will prioritize teacher training, quality improvement, and technical education to develop skilled human resources. The Prime Minister also instructed that funds be arranged soon for teachers’ welfare and retirement benefits.

A detailed press conference on the allocation and related projects will be held within a few days, according to the minister.

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has withdrawn the increased electricity tariff for residential consumers using up to 75 units, known as lifeline customers. The decision was announced on Thursday afternoon through an official notice, following concerns about the impact of higher rates on marginal consumers.

Earlier, the Power Division had requested BERC to reconsider the revised electricity tariff. The commission had held public hearings on May 20 and 21 after receiving proposals from distribution companies to adjust retail rates. Using its authority under the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission Act, 2003, BERC had redefined wholesale, transmission, and retail tariffs. However, the approved rates did not reflect the Power Development Board’s proposal for lifeline consumers, prompting the Power Division’s intervention.

Citing the government’s commitment to improving living standards for low- and lower-middle-income families, the Power Division argued that the revised tariff conflicted with national policy. In response, BERC decided to restore the previous rate for lifeline consumers based on the Power Development Board’s earlier proposal from May 3, 2026.

A BNP leader was allegedly assaulted by Jubo Dal activists in Narayanganj on Thursday afternoon. The victim, Akil Uddin Bhuiyan, a former joint convener of Siddhirganj Thana BNP, was reportedly attacked in the presence of district Jubo Dal member secretary Mashiur Rahman Roni. The incident occurred around 2 p.m. at the Narayanganj District Council premises during an event marking the 45th death anniversary of Ziaur Rahman.

According to eyewitnesses, a verbal altercation broke out between Bhuiyan and Jubo Dal activists over standing positions during the inauguration ceremony. Although senior leaders initially calmed the situation, tensions later escalated into a physical attack. Bhuiyan sustained injuries, including a split lip and torn clothing. District Council Administrator Professor Mamun Mahmud condemned the assault, stating that video footage would be reviewed to identify the attackers and that no violent behavior would be tolerated within the BNP.

Bhuiyan claimed that despite resolving an earlier argument with Roni, the latter’s followers attacked him afterward. Attempts to contact Roni for comment were unsuccessful.

A court in Lakshmipur has ordered the interrogation of National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Anwar Hossain at the jail gate in connection with a case over spreading defamatory remarks about the Prime Minister on Facebook. The court also granted bail to his brother Imam Hossain on condition of submitting his passport. The order was issued on Thursday, June 4, by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Rezaul Haque.

According to the Assistant Public Prosecutor Abdul Ahad Shakil Patwari, the investigating officer, Sub-Inspector Mahbub Alam of Raipur Police Station, had sought a five-day remand for the accused. The court allowed one day of jail-gate interrogation for Anwar under the Penal Code and Cyber Security Act. The case was filed by Ruhul Amin, general secretary of Sonapur Union Jubo Dal, following allegations that Anwar posted offensive content against several political leaders on Facebook.

The case states that the posts caused public outrage and that Anwar and his associates later attacked Ruhul Amin and witnesses when questioned about the incident. Local residents handed Anwar over to police, and the case was registered on May 31 at Raipur Police Station.

Five police personnel, including Officer-in-Charge Azad Rahman, have been withdrawn from Rangpur Metropolitan Kotwali Police Station following the assault of a volunteer wing leader inside the station. The officers—Azad Rahman, constable Lima Soren, Basudev, duty officer Meherunnesa, and sub-inspector Masud Rana—were transferred to the police lines. The Metropolitan Police’s media cell confirmed the action on Thursday afternoon and announced the formation of a three-member investigation committee.

According to the official statement, the withdrawal was made in connection with the incident that occurred the previous night, when Rakibul Islam, member secretary of the Sadar Upazila volunteer wing, was beaten and injured inside the station. The police authorities stated that departmental measures will follow after the investigation report is received.

The incident has prompted internal scrutiny within the Rangpur Metropolitan Police, with the inquiry expected to determine responsibility and recommend further disciplinary action.

A views exchange meeting was held at the Jamiat party office in Sunamganj between the party’s Secretary General Maulana Manjurul Islam Afendi and local leaders. The meeting took place on Thursday at 11 a.m., presided over by district president Maulana Tafazzul Haque Aziz and conducted by general secretary Maulana Taiyyibur Rahman Chowdhury. Afendi emphasized the growing need for ideal-based politics in the current national context and said the party had contested the last election in understanding with the BNP. He alleged that Jamiat faced defeat due to opposition from domestic and foreign forces.

He called on Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam to play a more organized and effective role in establishing Islamic values, justice, and a humane society. District president Tafazzul Haque Aziz reaffirmed the district unit’s commitment to party ideals and said efforts were underway to strengthen and mobilize the organization across all levels. He added that under central leadership guidance, every district unit would be made more active and people-oriented.

Several district and metropolitan Jamiat leaders attended the meeting, including vice presidents, secretaries, and youth and student representatives.

Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has claimed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not be able to remain in power for more than one year. Speaking at an event in New Delhi, Gandhi alleged that the administrative and institutional structures supporting the government are weakening from within. He also warned that Modi might resort to emergency-like measures to retain political control as dissatisfaction grows inside key institutions.

Gandhi stated that information about Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, and their families is being shared with him by insiders. He further alleged that even officials from the Election Commission and intelligence agencies are providing him with updates. The Congress leader expressed concern about India’s economic situation, claiming that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has dismantled safeguards needed to withstand global instability.

The report noted that Gandhi did not present evidence to support his claims, and there was no immediate response from the central government or the BJP. Questions have also been raised about the legality and credibility of the alleged internal information leaks.

Police recovered the decomposed body of a woman named Selina Afroz, aged 55, from a flat in Pallabi, Dhaka, early Wednesday after receiving a call through the national emergency service 999. Officers found the body on the dining room floor of her third-floor apartment, with blood on her face and head injuries. Initial police assessment suggests she may have slipped and fallen after bathing, as the bathroom tap was still running. An unnatural death case has been filed, and she was buried the same day at Jannatul Mawa cemetery.

According to police and local sources, Selina had been living alone in the flat she inherited from her father. Her husband, Mominul Haque, and their children live in Canada and reportedly had little contact with her. She returned to Bangladesh 12 years ago following family disputes and led a solitary life since then.

The incident follows another recent case in the same Pallabi section, where 75-year-old Nurjahan Begum’s body was found days after her death, sparking national debate about neglect of elderly parents.

Cuba’s central bank announced that starting June 6, Visa and Mastercard transactions will no longer be processed in the country. The move follows new US trade sanctions imposed by the Trump administration, which have intensified economic pressure on Cuba’s already struggling economy. According to Reuters, several foreign companies have begun limiting or ending business ties with Cuba after a US executive order issued on May 1.

The central bank stated that due to these restrictions, payments for goods and services through international cards can no longer be received. Analysts described the development as a major blow to Cuba’s economy, particularly its tourism sector, which was already in distress. The sanctions also target GAESA, a military-controlled business group accused of secretly managing revenues from tourism, financial transactions, and remittances.

Cuba’s government has denied the allegations, asserting that GAESA contributes to the country’s economic and social development. In recent weeks, several foreign hotels, airlines, and shipping companies have reportedly begun withdrawing from Cuba amid the tightening sanctions.

A complaint has been raised regarding a discrepancy in blood group determination at Jaldhaka Upazila Health Complex in Nilphamari. According to the report, the wife of Motaleb Hossain from Dakshin Kazirhat area was admitted to the health complex on Monday, where her blood group was identified as O negative. Later, at Rangpur Technologist Diagnostic Center, her blood group was reported as A negative.

Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Nanda Sen Gupta stated that applying O negative blood to an A negative patient generally poses no risk. However, the patient’s husband alleged that when he questioned the discrepancy, Dr. Gupta behaved discourteously and asked if he was trying to intimidate him. Office-in-Charge Mominul Islam explained that reagent issues had hindered the accuracy of the report.

The incident has raised concerns about testing reliability at the local health complex, with officials citing technical limitations as the cause of the error.

Two people, including a child, were killed in a collision between a truck and an autorickshaw in Meherpur district. The accident occurred around noon on Thursday at Olingar in Gangni upazila. According to local sources, autorickshaw driver Ariful Islam was traveling from Shalika toward Bamondi with passengers when a truck coming from the opposite direction collided with his vehicle. Ariful Islam was taken to the upazila health complex, where the attending doctor declared him dead. The child, Afrin, later died while receiving treatment at Kushtia General Hospital.

Gangni Police Station Officer-in-Charge Uttam Kumar Das said that the truck, autorickshaw, and the bodies have been taken into police custody. Legal procedures related to the incident are currently underway.

Authorities have not yet provided further details about the cause of the accident or any potential charges against the truck driver.

The U.S. Department of Defense is facing growing financial pressure as fuel prices surge due to the ongoing Iran war. According to Pentagon data, the average refined fuel price for the military rose from 154.14 dollars per barrel in October to 195.72 dollars in April. The increase could lead to more than one billion dollars in unexpected additional costs this year, as the department consumes about 80 million barrels of fuel annually.

Military leaders are also struggling with rising civilian fuel and commercial flight costs. Since troops often rely on commercial flights, rental cars, and private vehicles for training and other activities, the higher fuel prices are placing extra strain on the defense budget.

As a result, travel expenses have come under strict review. Reports indicate that since at least April, some units have significantly reduced or canceled travel for training and other events to control spending.

A university student named Ahnaf Tajuan, aged 22, was found dead at his residence in the Karwan Bazar area of Dhaka early Thursday morning. Family members discovered him and took him to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. He had been living with his family on Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue in Tejgaon.

According to relatives, Ahnaf was an honours student at a private university and had been suffering from mental health issues for some time. Tejgaon Police Sub-Inspector Syed Baizid confirmed the incident, stating that preliminary information suggested the young man had been struggling with psychological distress and sleep problems. Police have collected information from the family regarding his condition.

Authorities said the body has been kept at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital morgue following legal procedures. The incident is under investigation, and necessary legal steps will be taken once inquiries are complete.

Dinajpur recorded its highest temperature at 38.6 degrees Celsius on Thursday afternoon, according to the district meteorological office. The temperature was measured at 3 p.m., marking a slight increase from Wednesday, when Dinajpur also registered the highest temperature in the country at 38.5 degrees Celsius.

Officials from the Dinajpur regional meteorological office reported that the combination of rising temperatures and increased moisture in the air has intensified the feeling of heat across the area. The data indicates a continuing trend of high temperatures in the region, with humidity contributing significantly to discomfort among residents.

The sustained heat and humidity suggest that the region may continue to experience intense weather conditions in the near term, though no forecast details were provided in the report.