Citizens in Sylhet staged demonstrations, human chains, and sit-ins on Monday demanding the reinstatement of District Commissioner (DC) Md. Sarwar Alam. The protests took place around the DC office and nearby areas following the government’s decision to withdraw him from his post and appoint him as a deputy secretary at the Ministry of Public Administration. The order, issued on Sunday, came only ten months after his appointment.

Sixty-seven local citizens issued a statement condemning the district administration’s actions regarding the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (R.), accusing it of damaging heritage. Several Islamic groups also expressed anger, alleging that the DC’s removal followed his efforts to seal donation boxes and curb drug activities around the shrine. Protesters claimed that Sarwar Alam had been vocal against corruption and irregularities and that vested interests orchestrated his transfer.

Speakers at the demonstrations urged the government to reconsider the decision, arguing that removing a popular and reform-minded official without investigation undermines public trust and development efforts in Sylhet.

An unusual scene unfolded at Bangladesh’s National Parliament on Monday, June 22, 2026, when Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiquur Rahman distributed 10-kilogram gift packages to everyone in the Parliament Secretariat. The gifts, containing premium seasonal mangoes, were delivered to all—from the Speaker, ministers, and MPs to office assistants, cleaners, lift operators, and drivers—creating a festive atmosphere across the complex.

Officials from the opposition leader’s office said the initiative aimed to ensure equal distribution, breaking the norm where only VIPs usually receive such gestures. A staff member expressed gratitude, saying it was an honor to be remembered by the opposition leader. Several ruling party MPs also welcomed the move, describing it as a rare display of courtesy in Bangladesh’s often polarized political environment.

Parliament officials noted that since assuming office, Dr. Rahman has introduced several unconventional and humane initiatives. They viewed this gift distribution not merely as a material exchange but as a symbolic message of inclusivity and respect for all levels of workers within the parliamentary system.

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Huq emphasized the need to enhance social awareness alongside laws and policies to ensure the protection, dignity, and rights of elderly citizens. He made the remarks on Monday at a consultation meeting held at the YWCA auditorium in Mohammadpur, Dhaka, marking the International Day for the Prevention of Elder Abuse. The event was organized by the Resource Integration Centre (RIC).

The minister said that elderly people often become more vulnerable than children due to age-related challenges, and their welfare requires responsible roles from families and society in addition to the state. He noted that neglect and abuse of the elderly cannot be prevented solely through law enforcement, highlighting the importance of developing social and moral values.

He added that the government has taken several initiatives for the welfare of senior citizens, including free railway travel for those aged 65 and above, a 25 percent fare discount on metro rail, and an increase in the allowance for citizens aged 90 and above to 1,000 taka.

A protest and rally were held at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) in Mymensingh on Monday condemning the attack on Dr. Shahadat Hossain Parvez, organizational secretary of the Veterinary Doctors Association of Bangladesh. The event took place near the administrative building under the banner of nationalist agriculturists and professionals. Participants demanded justice for the June 4 assault that occurred at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) premises.

The protest was chaired by BAU Registrar Dr. Md. Helal Uddin and conducted by former ABAB organizational secretary Dr. Sadekuzzaman. Former leaders of the central and Mymensingh units of the Agriculture Association of Bangladesh, university officials, and agriculturists attended. Speakers strongly condemned the attack, urging authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible. They also called for ensuring professional safety and freedom of expression, warning of larger movements if justice is delayed.

In his remarks, Dr. Helal Uddin described the attack as brutal and unacceptable, emphasizing that violence has no place in professional or political differences and demanding a fair investigation and exemplary punishment for the perpetrators.

Leaders and activists of the Jubo Dal organized a motorcycle rally in Tongi, Gazipur, on Monday afternoon to counter what they described as unrest, sabotage, and disorder by the banned Awami League group. The rally, led by Tongi West Thana Jubo Dal president Sheikh Mohammad Suman and general secretary Azizur Rahman Tipu, moved through key roads including Millgate, Station Road, Cherag Ali, College Gate, Hossain Market, Ershadnagar, Gazipura, and Khapara before concluding with a brief gathering at Tongi Government College Gate.

During the event, Jubo Dal leaders stated that the banned group was attempting to disrupt the country’s peaceful environment and that they would not allow control of Tongi’s streets to fall into their hands. They emphasized that Jubo Dal members were alert at every intersection and ready to prevent any acts of sabotage or disorder.

The demonstration reflected Jubo Dal’s intent to maintain control over local streets and resist activities they consider destabilizing in the Tongi area.

A Dhaka court has ordered the new arrests of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JASAD) president and former minister Hasanul Haq Inu and Bangladesh Workers Party president and former minister Rashed Khan Menon in connection with an attempted murder case filed over the July uprising. The order was issued on Monday afternoon by Metropolitan Magistrate Nazmin Akter. State lawyer Harun-or-Rashid confirmed the development.

According to the case, during the anti-discrimination movement on August 5, the complainant, Md Mokhlesin, was shot while participating in a procession at Chankharpul intersection on Nazimuddin Road. Locals later took him to Mitford Hospital in an injured condition. The case was filed by Mokhlesin on January 1 of the previous year.

The investigating officer, Sub-Inspector Md Ashraf Hossain of Bangshal Police Station, presented the accused before the court and sought their formal arrest in the case. After hearing arguments from both sides, the magistrate granted the request.

Bangladesh’s Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced that the army has been deployed in six districts following intelligence reports about subversive activities by the banned Awami League. He made the statement on Monday while speaking to journalists at the Secretariat. The minister emphasized that the deployment was precautionary and based on intelligence assessments.

Ahmed stated that the overall law and order situation in the country has not deteriorated and remains better than before. He added that the government remains vigilant and that opposition parties have the democratic right to hold meetings and rallies, which he said contribute to the development of democracy. The minister also noted that the strength of law enforcement agencies is increased when necessary.

Earlier, the Ministry of Home Affairs had sent a letter to the Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division requesting army deployment in connection with the banned Awami League’s founding anniversary activities.

Former minister and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JASAD) president Hasanul Haq Inu has been accused of threatening a judge and a state lawyer while standing in the dock at a Dhaka court on Monday, June 22, 2026. Inu and Workers Party leader Rashed Khan Menon were produced before Metropolitan Magistrate Nazmin Akter in connection with a 2024 attempted murder case filed over an incident during the July movement. The investigating officer sought to show them arrested in the case, which the court later approved.

During the hearing, Inu expressed anger over being kept in the court lockup for four hours and claimed he had been documenting the actions of judges and legal officers in two notebooks while in prison. He also alleged that the judiciary was functioning as a branch of the Home Ministry. When the state prosecutor tried to stop him, a verbal altercation ensued.

Assistant Public Prosecutor Harunur Rashid confirmed that he accused Inu of contempt of court and requested action. The court said a decision on the contempt allegation would be taken later.

A dispute has emerged in Austagram, Kishoreganj, where a local Jubo Dal leader alleged that his shop was forcibly taken over and rented out to a Jubo League leader by two senior BNP and Swechchhasebak Dal leaders. The allegation was made by Mahbub Alam Kismat, general secretary of the 2 No. Kastul Union Jubo Dal, during a press conference at Kishoreganj Press Club on Monday.

According to Mahbub Alam’s written statement, he had purchased a tea shop located on government land between Austagram Upazila Health Complex and the central mosque on July 30, after paying a security deposit to the mosque committee. He claimed that after starting renovation work, BNP’s Austagram upazila organizing secretary S M Shahin and Swechchhasebak Dal’s member secretary Jubayer Hasan Yamin took the shop keys, evicted him, and later rented the shop to local Jubo League leader Nazmul. Mahbub Alam has appealed to the district BNP and Swechchhasebak Dal leadership for an investigation and organizational action against those responsible.

The incident has drawn attention within local political circles, highlighting internal tensions among opposition party members in the area.

A Dhaka court has ordered the arrest of Awami League leader and former reserved seat MP Sabina Akter Tuhin in an attempted murder case filed with Mirpur Model Police Station. The same court also directed the arrest of Rokeya Jamal, president of the Mohila League’s Kafrul unit, in a separate murder case. Metropolitan Magistrate Ariful Islam issued the orders on Monday after hearing two separate petitions.

According to the case against Tuhin, during an anti-discrimination student movement on August 4, a victim named Milon Panna was shot in the arm and hip near Mirpur 14 Ideal School and College. The case was filed naming former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 400–500 unidentified individuals. In the case against Rokeya Jamal, a man named Md. Shakil was shot during the same movement in Mirpur 10 and later died while under treatment. His father filed the case naming the main accused and 300 unidentified persons.

The court’s decision followed hearings from both prosecution and defense lawyers, with the defense opposing the arrests and seeking bail.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as both the country's leader and the head of the ruling Labour Party. He made the announcement on Monday during a statement at Downing Street, marking the end of the sixth prime ministerial tenure in the United Kingdom over the past decade. Starmer said he would continue to serve as prime minister until the Labour Party elects a new leader, and he confirmed that he had spoken with King Charles III earlier in the day.

Starmer stated that every decision he made was guided by his commitment to put his country first. He said he would accept his party’s decision with courtesy and offer full and unconditional support to his successor. He acknowledged that questions had been raised within the party about whether he was the right person to lead Labour into the next general election, and he accepted the party’s response.

He has asked the Labour Party’s National Executive Committee to begin the process of selecting a new leader, with nominations opening on July 9. His resignation comes less than two years after he promised to bring stability to British politics following a decisive election victory.

The Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) has ordered the deployment of army personnel in six districts, including Dhaka, Gazipur, Narayanganj, Faridpur, Gopalganj, and Chattogram. The deployment, effective until June 30, 2026, follows concerns over possible unrest linked to the banned Awami League’s upcoming anniversary on June 23. The move aims to maintain law and order and ensure public safety.

In preparation for the event, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has implemented extensive security measures across the capital. Over 200 special pickets and checkpoints will be set up at key and strategic locations, with intensified searches at all city entry points. Specialized DMP units, including the Detective Branch (DB) and Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC), will remain active, supported by plainclothes officers from the Special Branch (SB) and Internal Affairs Division (IAD).

To respond swiftly to any emergency, 15 Quick Response Teams (QRTs) and reserve forces will be on standby at four main DMP control rooms. More than 18,000 police officers and personnel will be deployed to maintain order and protect residents throughout the heightened security period.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to announce his departure schedule on Monday, paving the way for a smooth transfer of power to his rival Andy Burnham. This would make Burnham the country’s seventh leader in ten years. Starmer, who came to power promising to end political turmoil, has faced mounting pressure within two years of his tenure, especially after Burnham’s decisive parliamentary victory over a Reform UK candidate.

Burnham’s win has revived optimism among Labour lawmakers who believe his communication skills could help reverse the party’s decline under Starmer. However, the anticipated leadership change carries risks. Burnham has yet to clarify his positions on foreign, economic, and defense policies, and may face pressure from bond market investors wary of increased borrowing, as well as from voters frustrated over living costs and public services.

Analysts and investors remain divided over Burnham’s economic stance, while party insiders suggest possible compromises among leadership contenders. If Starmer confirms his resignation, it will mark the most frequent leadership turnover in nearly two centuries, reflecting voter discontent over economic and governance failures.

During Prime Minister Tareq Rahman’s first state visit to Malaysia, both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation across nine major sectors, including trade, investment, technology, labor, education, defense, and regional collaboration. The announcement came at a press conference following the 18-hour visit, where Rahman held bilateral meetings with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and met King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar.

A 33-point joint statement was issued outlining the areas of cooperation, such as political ties, digital economy, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and worker welfare. Discussions also focused on reopening Malaysia’s labor market for Bangladeshi workers, ensuring transparency, safety, and low recruitment costs. Both sides agreed to advance talks on a free trade agreement and expand collaboration in AI, cybersecurity, and modern technology.

The visit also covered education partnerships, defense training, and counterterrorism cooperation. Malaysia expressed support for Bangladesh’s role in ASEAN and potential inclusion in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. A memorandum of understanding on cultural cooperation and two exchanges of notes on investment and counterterrorism were signed, marking a new phase in bilateral relations.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarek Rahman and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim held bilateral talks in Putrajaya on Monday, where three important documents were signed. The agreements included a memorandum of understanding on cultural cooperation and two bilateral instruments on collaboration in counterterrorism research, capacity building, and investment. The foreign ministers of both countries exchanged the documents in the presence of the two leaders, who later addressed a joint press conference.

The meeting reviewed various aspects of bilateral relations and discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest. Key topics included reopening Malaysia’s labor market for Bangladeshi workers, regularizing undocumented Bangladeshis, renewing work permits, expanding market access for Bangladeshi agricultural products, Bangladesh’s application to become an ASEAN sectoral dialogue partner, inclusion in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the Rohingya issue, and cooperation in multilateral forums such as the United Nations.

This visit marked Tarek Rahman’s first official foreign trip since assuming office as Bangladesh’s prime minister on February 17, following his party’s victory in the 13th national election.