United News of Bangladesh

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Bangladesh Football Federation, organised a friendly football match between members of the Diplomatic Corps in Dhaka and a team comprising officials of the two ministries and former national footballers at the Dhaka Army Stadium on Tuesday evening. The team of the diplomatic corps was represented by Brunei Darussalam, China, Indonesia, Italy, Iran, Malaysia, Norway, Republic of Korea, Sweden and Vietnam. The event was organised under the auspices of the ministry’s newly established Cultural and Sports Diplomacy Wing as part of ongoing efforts to promote sports diplomacy, foster friendship, and strengthen people-to-people contacts between Bangladesh and the international community. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque were present at the opening ceremony. Ambassadors, high commissioners, foreign diplomats, senior government officials, former national footballers and officers of different ministries attended the event. The friendly match was played in an atmosphere of friendship and goodwill, reflecting the shared commitment of Bangladesh and its diplomatic partners to strengthening bilateral relations through cultural and sporting exchanges, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. At the end of the event, the two state ministers presented mementos to the team members of the diplomatic corps.

Football fans worldwide are gearing up for the biggest edition of the FIFA World Cup as the tournament gets underway on June 11, 2026. As World Cup fever grips Bangladesh, a government doctor in Patuakhali announced discounted medical consultation services for Argentina supporters, drawing widespread attention on social media. Dr Saiful Islam Rony, a medical officer at Mirzaganj Upazila Health Complex, made the announcement in a Facebook post on Sunday evening. According to the post, Argentina supporters visiting his private chamber during the World Cup and on match days of the Argentine national team will receive treatment at half the usual consultation fee. Patients wearing the team's jersey will be treated free of charge. Dr Rony said the initiative was intended to celebrate the spirit of football and show support for his favourite team. “During the 2026 World Cup, Argentina supporters will receive treatment at half the regular consultation fee at my diagnostic centre chamber, while those wearing the team’s jersey will receive treatment free of charge,” he wrote. He also said patients would receive special discounts on necessary medical services. “We have taken this exceptional initiative to express our love for football and support for our beloved team,” Dr Rony said. He added that sports promote friendship, harmony and joy among people, and the special arrangement was made to allow Argentina fans to share in that spirit. “Let us all support our beloved team and take care of our own health as well,” he said. Earlier, Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman, a pain management specialist and assistant professor of anesthesiology at Patuakhali Medical College Hospital, captured public attention by offering a 50 percent discount on consultation fees to patients who visit his chamber wearing an Argentina jersey. Dr. Habibur, who currently charges Tk 600 per consultation at Greenview Hospital in the town’s Kazipara area, said Argentina supporters will pay only Tk 300 during the World Cup period.  

Alexander Zverev captured his maiden Grand Slam title on Sunday, defeating Italy’s Flavio Cobolli in a five-set thriller to win the French Open at Roland Garros. The third-seeded German secured a 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-1 victory in more than four hours to claim the first major title of his career in his fourth Grand Slam final. With top rivals Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz absent from the final, Zverev made the most of the opportunity on the Paris clay. The 28-year-old sealed the victory when Cobolli missed an overhead shot on the second championship point. Overcome with emotion, Zverev fell to the court and celebrated his long-awaited breakthrough. Receiving the Coupe des Mousquetaires trophy, Zverev dedicated the triumph to years of perseverance, recalling both his success and heartbreak at Roland Garros. “This court is so special to me,” he said after the match, referring to the serious ankle injury he suffered during the 2022 French Open semifinal against Rafael Nadal and his defeat in the 2024 final. Zverev now joins a select group of players who won their first Grand Slam title in their fourth major final, including Andre Agassi, Goran Ivanisevic and Dominic Thiem. The victory marks a significant milestone for Zverev, who had long been regarded as one of the best players yet to win a Grand Slam title.

Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva claimed her maiden Grand Slam title on Saturday, defeating Poland’s Maja Chwalinska in straight sets to win the French Open women’s singles crown. The 19-year-old eighth seed secured a 6-3, 6-2 victory over the 114th-ranked Polish qualifier in the Roland Garros final. With the triumph, Andreeva became the youngest player to win the French Open women’s singles title since Monica Seles captured her third consecutive crown at the age of 18 in 1992. Andreeva, who emerged as one of tennis’ brightest prospects at the age of 15, completed a dominant run in Paris to lift her first major trophy. Chwalinska, meanwhile, was aiming to make history as the first qualifier to win the French Open women’s singles title but fell short in the championship match. The tournament will conclude on Sunday with the men’s singles final between Germany’s Alexander Zverev and Italy’s Flavio Cobolli.

History is guaranteed to be made when Poland's Maja Chwalinska takes on Russia's Mirra Andreeva in the French Open women's singles final on Saturday. World No. 114 Chwalinska is aiming to become the first qualifier in history to win the Roland Garros women's title. Meanwhile, 19-year-old Andreeva, ranked eighth in the world, is seeking to become the youngest French Open women's champion since Monica Seles captured her third consecutive title at the age of 18 in 1992. The championship match is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. local time on Court Philippe-Chatrier. The French Open will conclude on Sunday with the men's singles final, where Germany's Alexander Zverev will face Italy's Flavio Cobolli. The tournament has been widely regarded as one of the most unpredictable Grand Slam events in recent years.

Tennis great Serena Williams is set to make a return to professional tennis at the age of 44, nearly four years after stepping away from the sport she dominated for more than two decades. The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) announced on Monday that the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion has accepted a wild-card entry for the doubles event at next week’s Queen’s Club tournament in London, marking her first competitive appearance since the 2022 US Open. Williams, a seven-time Wimbledon singles champion and six-time US Open winner, said Queen’s Club was the ideal venue to begin “this next chapter” of her career. Her doubles partner has yet to be announced. The development has fueled speculation about possible appearances at Wimbledon, which begins on June 28, and the US Open later this year. Former world No. 1 Lindsay Davenport said the comeback could be part of a gradual return aimed at competing in singles again, while tennis legend John McEnroe suggested Williams could be a contender at Wimbledon despite her age. Current world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka welcomed the news, describing Williams as an inspiration and saying her return would be good for the sport. Williams has not played competitively since the 2022 US Open, when she described her departure from tennis as an “evolution” rather than retirement. The American great became eligible to return earlier this year after re-entering tennis’ mandatory anti-doping program, a key requirement for any professional comeback. Williams owns 14 Grand Slam doubles titles, many of them won alongside her sister, Venus Williams.

World number one Jannik Sinner suffered a shock second-round exit at the French Open, ending his impressive winning streak. Sinner, who had not lost a match since the Qatar Open quarterfinals on February 19, came into the tournament after winning five consecutive Masters titles and dropping very few sets in recent months. The Italian star has previously struggled in hot conditions. Earlier this year at the Australian Open, he admitted he was fortunate to turn around his third-round match against Eliot Spizzirri after the stadium roof was closed. He also retired from a match in Shanghai last October because of extreme heat conditions. Last year on Court Philippe Chatrier, Sinner missed three match points against Carlos Alcaraz before losing a memorable final. Elsewhere at Roland Garros, 17-year-old French player Moise Kouame became the youngest man to reach the third round of a Grand Slam since Rafael Nadal achieved the feat at Wimbledon in 2003. Kouame defeated Adolfo Daniel Vallejo in a five-set thriller. Meanwhile, Francisco Cerundolo advanced to the next round after beating Hugo Gaston in four sets. In the women’s draw, Naomi Osaka defeated Donna Vekic 7-6 (1), 6-4 after making another stylish on-court entrance.

Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka once again grabbed attention for her fashion as she appeared in a striking outfit at the French Open on Tuesday. Osaka entered Court Suzanne-Lenglen wearing a stylish black skirt and a sleeveless beaded top, which she later removed to reveal a glittering gold dress for her opening match. After the match, Osaka said the outfit was inspired by the sparkling lights of the Eiffel Tower at night. “It’s very couture. When the Eiffel Tower shines at night, it kind of looks like this. I feel like I look a bit like that,” she said. She started the match in a layered look, including a structured top designed like armor and a long pleated skirt. After taking them off, she played in the gold dress and defeated Germany’s Laura Siegemund 6-3, 7-6 (3). Osaka said the gold playing dress was designed by Nike, while the outer outfit was created by Swiss designer Kevin Germanier. The four-time Grand Slam winner has become known for her bold fashion choices. Earlier this year at the Australian Open, she wore a wide hat, a veil and carried a parasol. At last year’s US Open, she styled her look with sparkling red roses in her hair and even brought a matching accessory. She also recently made headlines with a standout appearance at the Met Gala in New York. Speaking about balancing fashion and performance, Osaka said she has grown used to making dramatic entrances before matches. She believes athletes are also entertainers, and Grand Slam events give her a chance to express that side. However, she admitted she was slightly concerned that the dress might reflect too much sunlight during the match, joking that she worried the umpire might ask her to change. She said she kept backup outfits ready just in case. Elsewhere at the tournament, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka also drew attention by wearing diamond necklaces during her match. Osaka said she enjoys expressing herself through fashion, adding that since she does not speak much, her clothes help her communicate her personality.

Olympic figure skating champion Alysa Liu got her first taste of the Met Gala’s grandeur — and her own rising fame — as she mingled with celebrities at the star-studded event in New York. Attending the gala for the first time, Liu described the experience as “big,” while appearing in a striking red custom gown by Louis Vuitton. What surprised her most, however, was how widely she was recognized among the elite crowd gathered at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Still adjusting to her rapid rise after winning Olympic gold, Liu expressed amazement at the sudden global recognition. She was later seen socializing with fellow guests, including Connor Storrie. The gala setting transformed the museum’s Great Hall into a Northern Italian-style garden, complete with floral displays, a suspended moon installation, and live harp music. Guests lined up to greet co-chairs such as Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams and Anna Wintour, while Beyoncé arrived later in the evening. Attendees enjoyed gourmet snacks while mingling. Celebrities including Zoë Kravitz, Bradley Cooper, Gigi Hadid, Hugh Jackman and Lindsey Vonn were among those seen interacting throughout the venue. The presence of billionaire Jeff Bezos as an honorary chair drew some criticism, though civil rights leader Al Sharpton dismissed concerns, noting such figures have long been part of the gala’s history. Musician Jon Batiste attended as a guest this year, enjoying the evening as a personal outing with his wife rather than performing. The event also highlighted efforts toward inclusivity. Activist Sinéad Burke worked with organizers to ensure accessibility, while model Lauren Wasser emphasized the need for broader diversity beyond the gala. Later in the evening, high-profile arrivals included Beyoncé alongside Jay-Z. The night concluded with the much-anticipated appearance of Rihanna and A$AP Rocky, who shared a lighthearted moment with Heidi Klum. The event once again showcased a blend of fashion, celebrity culture and cultural conversation under one roof.

Dane Cleaver and Katene Clarke scored rapid half-centuries to propel New Zealand to 182-6 against Bangladesh in the first Twenty20 international on Monday. Bangladesh needs 183 runs to secure a victory. After Bangladesh won the toss and elected to field at the Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium, the hosts' bowling attack, led by leg-spinner Rishad Hossain (2-32), successfully pulled back the scoring rate following a dominant New Zealand powerplay. New Zealand suffered an early setback when Tim Robinson was run out for a duck in the second over. However, Cleaver quickly shifted the momentum, playing a creative innings featuring scoops and classical shots. He struck seven boundaries and a six in his 28-ball 51. Clarke, who survived a dropped catch by Saif Hassan on 44, anchored the other end to score 51 off 37 deliveries. The pair built an 88-run partnership before Rishad broke through, trapping Cleaver lbw. Both set batters were dismissed shortly after reaching their half-centuries while attempting reverse sweeps. Following the breakthrough, Bangladesh restricted New Zealand's middle order as wickets fell at regular intervals. Captain Nick Kelly attempted to rebuild with a composed 39 off 27 balls, but his departure in the 18th over, caught off Shoriful Islam (1-36), stalled the visitors' push for a 200-plus total. Josh Clarkson added an unbeaten 27 from 14 balls in the final overs to ensure a competitive score. Mahedi Hasan and Tanzim Hasan Sakib claimed one wicket apiece. Ripon Mondol delivered a precise final over, utilizing yorkers to concede only six runs. However, he ended up giving up 39 runs in four overs.