The Nationalist Citizen Party (NCP) is preparing to apply for registration as a political party with the Election Commission by Sunday. Senior Joint Convener of the NCP, Ariful Islam Adib, confirmed that the party’s draft constitution has already been finalized.

According to the rules of the Election Commission (EC), a party seeking registration must have a central committee, established offices in at least one-third of the country’s districts (with a central office), and presence in at least 100 upazilas or metropolitan police station areas. Additionally, specific clauses must be included in the party’s constitution.

Sources within the NCP said that they have already formed coordination committees in 33 districts and 127 upazilas across the country. Regarding the progress, Ariful Islam Adib said, “We will submit our registration application by Sunday. The draft constitution is finalized and will be presented at the general meeting scheduled for Friday for final approval.”

The United States has restarted student visa appointments for international students, introducing tougher screening procedures. Applicants must now make their social media accounts public for thorough background checks. Visa officers will assess content for anti-American sentiment or ties to extremist views. The policy applies to F, M, and J visa categories. Private accounts may be seen as attempts to hide information. The Trump administration emphasizes these steps are aimed at protecting national security and preventing threats from entering the country.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged Donald Trump to avoid military action against Iran, warning that it could dangerously escalate tensions in the region. He emphasized the need for diplomatic solutions and noted ongoing discussions between the UK and the US. The remarks come ahead of UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s visit to Washington, where he will meet with Trump’s top diplomat Marco Rubio to discuss ways to ease tensions in the Middle East.

India has initiated Operation Sindhu to safely evacuate its nationals from Iran amid escalating conflict with Israel. The first phase saw 110 Indian students in northern Iran moved safely to Armenia. The Indian government is closely monitoring the situation, coordinating with Iranian and Armenian authorities to ensure smooth evacuation. Emergency helplines have been activated for those remaining in affected areas. The Indian Embassy has urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and follow official updates on social media.

The Sylhet Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court has issued arrest warrants against Bosundhara Group chairman Ahmed Akbar Sobhan, his son Syed Sobhan Anvir, and four others over dishonored cheques totaling over 600,000 taka. The case was filed by former Kaler Kantho Sylhet bureau chief Ahmed Noor, who worked for 12.5 years without receiving full service benefits. Despite legal notices and court summons, the accused failed to appear, prompting the court’s action on June 19.

A high-level BNP delegation, led by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, will visit China on June 22 at the invitation of the Communist Party of China. The visit was confirmed after the delegation met with Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen at the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka’s Baridhara on Thursday. The trip is part of ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two parties. BNP’s media cell confirmed the visit as a response to a formal invitation from China’s ruling party.

Sheikh Bashiruddin, Trade Advisor to the Caretaker Government, revealed that during the previous fascist regime, syndicates destroyed businesses and markets across the country, severely harming consumer rights. Speaking at a discussion on “Strengthening Consumer Rights” at the TCB auditorium in Dhaka, he emphasized the urgent need to form a consumer syndicate to counteract these market syndicates. The event was organized by the Consumer Association of Bangladesh with support from the National Consumer Rights Protection Department.

Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed that Russian specialists will remain in Iran despite growing fears of an Israeli attack. He emphasized the ongoing collaboration at Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant and ruled out any withdrawal. Putin stated that while Iran hasn't asked for new military aid, Moscow maintains strong ties and open communication. He warned against regime-change strategies and called for diplomatic dialogue that ensures both Iran’s and Israel’s security. His remarks underscore Russia’s strategic positioning in the Middle East.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, in a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stressed the need for major powers to ease tensions in the Iran-Israel conflict, subtly referencing the United States without naming it. He criticized actions that might escalate the situation, echoing growing global concerns. Both leaders condemned Israel’s recent strikes and called for an immediate ceasefire. Putin reiterated Russia’s offer to mediate. Xi warned that unchecked conflict could spread and destabilize the broader region.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is investigating allegations involving Tulip Rizwana Siddiq, daughter of Sheikh Rehana, over the illegal acquisition of two Gulshan apartments. The flats were reportedly obtained without payment through misuse of power and in collusion with officials from Eastern Housing and RAJUK. In connection with the probe, the ACC has summoned nine former RAJUK officials, including a former chairman, to appear on June 22 and 23 for questioning regarding their roles in facilitating the fraudulent registration and ownership transfer.

Wealth inequality across Europe has widened since the 2008 financial crisis, with Sweden and Germany showing the highest disparity and Belgium the lowest, according to UBS's Global Wealth Report 2024. The Gini index, used to measure inequality, was 75 in Sweden and 46 in Belgium. Inequality rose sharply in Finland, Spain, and Italy, while countries like Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland saw declines. Experts link this trend to rising financial asset concentration and uneven housing values.

A five-member committee has been formed to ensure the autonomy of state-owned Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar, following recommendations from the Media Reform Commission. The committee will create a roadmap for implementing these suggestions and review the media policies of the past 15 years. It will also help formulate future policies for television and other media outlets. The decision was made at a meeting chaired by Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Education Advisor C.R. Abrar will lead the committee, which includes four other key advisors.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mohammad Selim Uddin said that while the August 5 mass movement succeeded in toppling the Awami regime, true victory remains out of reach. “Influences from the previous regime still persist across state institutions,” he claimed.

He demanded immediate structural reforms, full implementation of the ‘July Declaration,’ visible justice for political killings, and transfer of power through free and fair elections.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, initially supportive of the interim government, has raised concerns over Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus's neutrality following his London meeting with BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman. The party skipped a key consensus dialogue on June 17 in protest of the joint statement and press briefing issued afterward. Though they rejoined talks the next day, Jamaat leaders warned that continued bias could hinder reform progress. They also criticized the Home Adviser’s comments on election law and order.

In ongoing discussions led by the National Consensus Commission, most political parties have expressed support for electing the President through an electoral college system.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Abdullah Mohammad Taher proposed a bicameral parliament with 500 total electoral votes, including 100 reserved seats for women. Nurul Haque Nur noted that some parties are pushing to include union councils, potentially raising the total electorate to over 70,000.