Bangladesh’s opposition party Jamaat-e-Islami has finalized its mayoral candidates for eight city corporations ahead of the upcoming local government elections. The decision was made at the party’s central executive council meeting held on Monday at its headquarters in Moghbazar, Dhaka, presided over by party chief and opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman. Party sources said the selected candidates have been instructed to begin groundwork, and the full list will be officially announced after the election schedule is released.

The finalized candidates include Selim Uddin for Dhaka North, Sadiq Kayem for Dhaka South, Muhammad Shamsuzzaman Helali for Chattogram, Muazzam Hossain Helal for Barishal, Mahfuzur Rahman for Khulna, ATM Azam Khan for Rangpur, Abdul Jabbar for Narayanganj, and Hafizur Rahman for Gazipur. The meeting also reviewed the party’s 2025 organizational report and discussed political, parliamentary, and local election issues.

According to a party statement, the council discussed national political and law-and-order issues, the proposed 2026–2027 budget, border concerns, and the 11-party alliance’s programs, adopting several policy decisions.

Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman said the Prime Minister’s recent visit to Malaysia was fruitful and that the labor market between the two countries is expected to reopen soon. He made the remarks at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, noting that local government elections could begin in September and all elections would be completed within a year.

According to the adviser, Bangladesh and Malaysia have signed a free trade agreement, which he described as significant. He added that Malaysia will assist Bangladesh in addressing the Rohingya crisis and in joining the ASEAN regional bloc. The adviser also commented on political matters, saying that decisions regarding the Awami League would be made by the International Crimes Tribunal.

The statements indicate that bilateral cooperation between Bangladesh and Malaysia is set to expand in trade and labor relations, with potential implications for Bangladesh’s foreign employment sector and regional engagement.

Former UK Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn has reintroduced a bill in the House of Commons demanding an independent public inquiry into what he described as Britain's involvement in genocide. The move came shortly after Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation. Corbyn criticized Starmer, saying that although he was stepping down, the government's role in what Corbyn called one of the greatest crimes of the time should not be forgotten.

Corbyn had first introduced the bill last year, seeking an investigation into the UK's alleged participation in Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The proposed inquiry covered issues such as arms supplies to Israel, the use of British intelligence aircraft, and the use of Royal Air Force bases. Starmer’s government had rejected the bill during its second reading.

Following that rejection, Corbyn organized a two-day tribunal on Gaza, where testimonies were heard from Palestinian civilians, doctors, aid workers, and legal experts, according to the report sourced from Al Jazeera.

After years of global and domestic challenges, Chattogram’s shipbuilding industry is showing renewed momentum. Western Marine Shipyard, one of Bangladesh’s largest private shipbuilders, has overcome the pandemic and economic downturn to resume full-scale operations. Located on 34 acres along the Karnaphuli River in Patiya, the company is currently constructing 15 vessels for both domestic and international clients, including oil tankers, landing crafts, cargo ships, and fishing vessels.

Western Marine has exported 39 ships to countries such as Finland, Denmark, the UAE, and India, earning Bangladesh about 141 million US dollars in foreign exchange. The company employs around 1,000 workers and is listed on both the Dhaka and Chattogram stock exchanges. Industry representatives say the shipyard’s revival could strengthen Bangladesh’s position in the global market and stimulate local employment.

Stakeholders have urged the government to provide policy support and incentives for the sector in the 2026–2027 budget. They believe that with proper financing and modern technology, Bangladesh could further expand its shipbuilding exports and reduce import dependence.

Dhaka University has temporarily suspended four professors and one administrative officer following allegations of controversial actions during the July uprising. The decision was made on Monday at a syndicate meeting chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A. B. M. Obaidul Islam, according to several members present at the meeting. The suspended professors are Dr. Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah from the Department of Public Administration, Dr. A. K. M. Jamal Uddin from Sociology, Shibli Rubaiyat-ul-Islam from Banking and Insurance, and Dr. Mohammad Azmal Hossain Bhuiya from Botany. Officer Muhammad Lavlu Molla Shishir was also suspended under similar allegations.

The suspensions stem from accusations that the individuals played a controversial role during the July movement, including labeling protesting students as “razakars” and issuing threats. The university administration took the decision after reviewing the complaints and discussions held in the syndicate meeting.

The university has not yet announced the duration of the suspensions or any further disciplinary measures, leaving the next steps in the process unclear.

A sudden surge of water from upstream caused the Teesta embankment to collapse, flooding large areas across northern Bangladesh. The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre issued a new alert on Monday, warning that within 72 hours, short-term flooding could occur in low-lying areas of Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Rangpur, Sylhet, and Sunamganj districts, with temporary inundation possible in parts of Netrakona, Mymensingh, and Sherpur. Local residents and water experts attributed the flooding to heavy rainfall in India and uncoordinated water releases from upstream.

Abdullah Al Hadi, chairman of Lakshmitari Union in Rangpur’s Gangachara, said the sudden flood broke the Teesta embankment, submerging vast farmland and damaging crops of about 50,000 people. He blamed India’s unilateral water management for repeated losses in Teesta basin areas. The Water Development Board confirmed that the floods were caused by heavy rainfall in India’s upstream regions, not domestic rain, and warned that the situation could persist for five days.

Meteorologists forecast below-average rainfall in June but expect heavier rain in Rangpur, Mymensingh, and Sylhet from June 27, which could worsen flooding in affected regions.

Bangladesh Bank’s latest statistics reveal that 4,899 large borrowers, each with loans exceeding Tk 50 crore, collectively hold Tk 5.75 trillion—over 32 percent of the country’s total bank loans. This concentration has grown from 27.6 percent in March 2024, indicating a rising dominance of large corporate clients in the banking sector. Each of these accounts now averages around Tk 117 crore in loans.

The report highlights that this growing concentration poses significant risks to the banking system, as defaults by a few large borrowers could directly affect banks’ capital, liquidity, and profitability. Despite existing exposure limits, many large industrial groups have exceeded them, and Bangladesh Bank has recently relaxed these limits further, allowing banks to lend up to 25 percent of their capital to a single client until June 2028.

Meanwhile, small borrowers remain largely excluded. Over 93 percent of loan accounts hold less than Tk 10 lakh, yet together they receive only 9.19 percent of total loans. State-owned banks face the highest risk, with nearly half their loans concentrated among about 1,000 clients.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday for a one-day state visit, accompanied by senior ministers and officials. The trip follows recent US-Iran peace discussions mediated by Pakistan and is viewed as a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties. Islamabad has imposed traffic restrictions and work-from-home directives in the Red Zone during the visit. Pezeshkian is scheduled to meet Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The visit comes after the February joint US-Israel attack on Iran, which triggered weeks of conflict. Pakistan played a key mediating role that led to the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding” earlier this month, paving the way for high-level US-Iran talks in Switzerland. Both sides are expected to discuss trade, energy cooperation, border security, and regional connectivity.

According to official statements, the visit provides an opportunity to review all aspects of bilateral relations and advance cooperation in economic and security fields. It also reinforces Pakistan’s growing diplomatic role in regional stability and conflict resolution.

Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has described the recent talks between Iran and the United States in Switzerland as a success, saying the discussions produced significant achievements. He said the dialogue covered key topics including the Hormuz Strait, the situation in Lebanon, suspension of oil sanctions, and the release of frozen Iranian funds. Ghalibaf confirmed that two installments totaling six billion dollars of previously blocked funds have already been released.

He noted that while no final agreement has yet been reached, sanctions on Iran’s oil sector remain in place. However, he said Iran has now secured temporary relief allowing oil sales and banking operations, with related agreements signed. On Lebanon, Ghalibaf said both sides agreed to establish a coordination center to manage disputes and prevent renewed conflict, ensure normal life for citizens, and uphold Lebanon’s sovereignty.

Regarding the Hormuz Strait, Ghalibaf stated that its management will not return to pre-war conditions and that a coordination mechanism, including a hotline and a center, has been agreed to handle any future misunderstandings or disputes.

Law enforcement agencies have taken strict security measures in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi 32 area and its surroundings. From Tuesday morning, additional personnel from the police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Detective Branch (DB), and other security units have been deployed to maintain order and prevent any acts of sabotage.

The heightened security comes in connection with the 77th founding anniversary of the banned Awami League. Authorities have set up barricades at entry points to Dhanmondi 32, with officers stationed nearby to monitor movement. Public access in the area has been restricted as part of the precautionary measures.

These steps are aimed at ensuring stability and preventing any disruption to law and order during the politically sensitive period.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has suspended the oral examination for clearing and forwarding (C&F) agent licenses, which was scheduled between June 21 and 24, 2026. The suspension came a day after the schedule was announced, citing unavoidable reasons. Earlier, the Customs, Excise and VAT Training Academy (CEVTA) conducted the first-ever written test for the licenses in Chattogram, where 2,521 candidates participated out of nearly 3,000 shortlisted applicants. Only 210 passed, and most politically affiliated candidates reportedly failed, leading to pressure on NBR.

Officials involved said the written test was part of the new C&F Agent Licensing Rules 2026, designed to ensure transparency in the licensing process. They alleged that political influence had previously dominated license distribution. After the results excluded most ruling party activists, discontent spread among political circles, and attempts were made to alter the results. A list of 110 candidates was reportedly sent to CEVTA for inclusion, but officials refused to comply.

The CEVTA director confirmed that the oral test was postponed following NBR’s directive but said he was unaware of the specific reasons. The NBR chairman did not respond to requests for comment.

The government of Bangladesh is moving toward implementing a new national pay scale for public servants after more than a decade, following the 2026–27 budget announcement. Although the pay scale is set to take effect on July 1, the full implementation strategy has not yet been finalized, leaving government employees both hopeful and anxious. A secretary-level committee led by the cabinet secretary has discussed recommendations from the National Pay Commission and other bodies, but no final decision has been reached. Another meeting is scheduled for June 24 to determine the next steps.

According to official sources, employees may not receive the increased salary until September or October due to administrative preparations such as regulation updates and software adjustments. Discussions are ongoing about whether to implement the pay scale in phases, with an initial 50 percent adjustment possible in the first year. Employee groups are demanding full implementation from July, citing rising living costs. The government has allocated Tk 89,836 crore for salaries and allowances in the new budget, with a significant portion reserved for pay scale implementation.

Analysts note that the main challenge for the government is balancing employee expectations with fiscal capacity amid inflationary pressures.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and Prime Minister’s Adviser Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced that the banned Awami League’s alleged terrorist activities would be resisted with public support. He made the statement on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, after leading a protest march in front of the BNP’s central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka. The march was organized to protest what BNP described as provocative actions by Awami League members marking the party’s founding anniversary.

The procession, led by Rizvi, began in front of the BNP’s central office, circled the Nightingale intersection, and ended at the same location. In a brief address following the march, Rizvi said that fallen fascism would not be allowed to return to Bangladesh. He accused the Awami League of attempting to destabilize the country using laundered money and of depriving citizens of their rights and normal life during its rule.

Rizvi emphasized that BNP and its supporters would continue to resist any attempts to create unrest or revive authoritarian practices in the country.

The United States has granted Iran permission to sell oil in US dollars for the first time in several decades, enabling Tehran to export crude to American buyers. According to The Wall Street Journal, the decision has already led to a decline in global oil prices. US Vice President JD Vance stated that Iranian officials have agreed to allow nuclear inspectors to return to the country this week, a move seen as a major concession by Iran.

The report added that optimism over progress in ongoing talks to end the US-Iran conflict contributed to a 3.3 percent drop in Brent crude prices, bringing them below 78 dollars per barrel. The development marks a significant shift in the long-strained economic and diplomatic relations between the two nations.

If sustained, the easing of restrictions could reshape global energy markets and signal a broader thaw in US-Iran relations, though the long-term impact remains to be seen.

At least three people were killed in a shooting in Montreal, Canada, on Monday, including a police officer, a civilian, and the gunman himself. The attack occurred in the Côte-des-Neiges neighborhood, a partly Jewish-populated area with kosher markets and restaurants. Police responded around 11:30 a.m. after reports of an active shooter firing from inside a building with a long gun. The gunman was later killed in an exchange of fire with police.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the motive or whether the attack was a hate crime or terrorism-related. French-language public broadcaster Radio-Canada reported that the suspect may have been linked to the so-called “incel” ideology, which has been associated with previous acts of violence in Canada. Montreal Police Chief Fady Dagher described the incident as a “tragedy” and a “nightmare.”

Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed deep sorrow over the violence, saying he was heartbroken by the event. Details about the slain civilian have not yet been released, while a female police officer injured in the shooting is now out of danger.