French President Emmanuel Macron, in a phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, where hostilities have continued for nearly two years. Macron also advocated for unrestricted humanitarian aid access and reaffirmed France’s support for a two-state solution. He emphasized the importance of all parties honoring ceasefires, particularly in the context of the Iran-Israel conflict. Both leaders agreed on the need to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed that French forces intercepted fewer than 10 drones during Iran’s recent military actions against Israel, using both ground-based air defenses and Rafale fighter jets. Addressing parliament, he stated that during the 12-day Iran-Israel conflict, Iran launched approximately 400 ballistic missiles and over 1,000 drones targeting Israel.

After being unable to access the DSCC (Dhaka South City Corporation) headquarters for 43 days due to ongoing protests, Administrator Md. Shahjahan Mia finally returned to his office at 1:30 PM on Thursday. Supporters of BNP leader Ishraq Hossain had been staging demonstrations, demanding he be handed over the mayoral responsibilities. Speaking to the press at Nagar Bhaban, Shahjahan Mia said, “We don’t want to look back; we want to move forward.” He emphasized priorities like finalizing the city’s budget and called on all DSCC engineers and officials to resume duties. Many officials were later seen returning to the office.

Chairman of the Electoral Reform Commission, Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, criticized the previous government's abuse of power, stating, "Everyone is aware of the chaos caused by their arrogance, and now they’re facing the consequences."

He emphasized the need for a transparent political party to ensure true democracy and highlighted Nagorik Oikya as a promising example. He also called on the current administration to reject mob culture and uphold rule of law.

The NBR Reform Unity Council has called for the urgent intervention of Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus to resolve the ongoing administrative deadlock within the National Board of Revenue (NBR). At a press conference, the alliance demanded the removal of NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan by June 27. Failing that, a nationwide indefinite "shutdown" of all customs and tax offices is scheduled to begin on June 28. Additionally, a "March to NBR" demonstration has been announced for the same day.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus on Thursday at Jamuna. The meeting was confirmed via a post on the Chief Adviser’s verified social media page. Earlier the same day, Dr. Yunus also held a meeting with representatives from the Ministry of Religious Affairs at the same venue. He congratulated the ministry and all relevant authorities for the successful management of this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.

Environmental Adviser Rizwana Hasan has announced a ‘Zero Soil’ initiative aimed at eliminating open soil areas in Dhaka to reduce dust pollution. She called for joint action from the City Corporation, Forest Department, and citizens. Hasan urged homeowners to cover open soil with grass or ivy and plant trees on rooftops. She said, “We aim to set an example in Dhaka North by September.” Future plans include greening 120 km of medians and 108 km of canal banks in the city.

Protesting officials of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) have continued their pen-down strike and sit-in demonstrations demanding the removal of the NBR Chairman, among other demands. To maintain order, a large number of personnel from the army, police, RAB, Coast Guard, and Ansar have been deployed in and around the Revenue Building since Thursday morning.

From 12 PM to 5 PM, the protesters observed their previously announced schedule of demonstrations. However, due to the significant presence of security forces, they were unable to enter the main Revenue Building. Meanwhile, the NBR has urged employees to return to work, a call that the demonstrators have rejected.

The Chief Adviser has commended the Ministry of Religious Affairs for successfully managing this year’s Hajj. During a meeting with ministry officials, he instructed them to begin preparations early to ensure smooth operations for next year. Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain informed him that a roadmap has already been announced, and the Hajj quota for Bangladesh will be declared on July 10.

The Chief Adviser has directed authorities to initiate solar energy production by installing panels on rooftops of all government buildings. He also suggested exploring private sector involvement. Officials present at the meeting pointed out that Bangladesh lags behind its neighbors in solar energy: while India generates 24%, Pakistan 17.16%, and Sri Lanka 39.7% of their power from solar sources, Bangladesh generates only 5.6%.

Press Secretary Shafiqur Alam has addressed concerns over rising "mob behavior," arguing instead that these are pressure groups formed due to failures in journalism. He cited a 2023 incident where top journalists allegedly incited violence against protestors by urging the Prime Minister to “shoot them.” Alam emphasized that these journalists are now realigning ahead of a possible political transition, compromising the credibility of journalism in Bangladesh. He also dismissed claims of media repression in the country as baseless.

Former Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal has admitted to overseeing a one-sided "dummy election" due to political deadlock but denied any involvement in corruption. He stated that he never accepted bribes during his tenure. He also criticized historical election irregularities, mentioning that even Sheikh Mujibur Rahman manipulated the 1973 polls. When asked about election officials receiving unusually high allowances, he evaded responsibility, stating, “When votes are cast at night, I’m usually fast asleep.”

CIA Director John Ratcliffe stated that recent U.S. military strikes have caused significant damage to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, setting its nuclear ambitions back by several years. His remarks came after an internal intelligence report downplayed the impact of the attacks, reportedly angering former President Donald Trump. Ratcliffe clarified, however, that while Iran's nuclear program has been delayed, it has not been completely dismantled.

A Dhaka court has granted a 3-day remand for former Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal in a treason case filed at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station. The court previously approved a 4-day remand for AKM Nurul Huda on June 23. Habibul Awal was arrested Wednesday from Moghbazar by Detective Branch police. The BNP had filed the case, accusing former CECs of conducting sham elections.

The National Moon Sighting Committee will convene at 7 PM today at Baitul Mukarram to determine the beginning of the Islamic month of Muharram and the date of Ashura. The meeting will be chaired by Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. A.F.M. Khalid Hossain. Local administrators across Bangladesh have been requested to report any moon sightings immediately.