Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has embarked on his first official foreign visit since taking office in February 2026. He departed Dhaka on Sunday afternoon aboard a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight bound for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, before continuing to China. The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed the departure through its verified Facebook page.

A 25-member delegation is accompanying the Prime Minister on this trip. His wife Zubaida Rahman, Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, Labour and Employment Minister Arifur Rahman Chowdhury, and several advisers and state ministers are part of the delegation. The itinerary includes meetings in Malaysia on June 21–22 and in China from June 23–26.

During his Malaysia visit, Tarique Rahman is scheduled to hold a one-on-one meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on June 22, followed by a bilateral session between high-level delegations. Discussions will focus on trade, investment, energy cooperation, halal economy, semiconductor industry, agriculture, education, and public communication, aiming to strengthen bilateral collaboration in these sectors.

Dr. Mahamuda Mitu, leader of the Nagorik Party (NCP) and a member of parliament, told Deputy Speaker Kaysar Kamal that although he had said the parliament was not Shahbagh, she and her colleagues had risen from Shahbagh and stood there with its spirit. She made the remarks on Sunday during a parliamentary session.

Earlier in the session, Nilofar Chowdhury Moni criticized opposition members’ comments on the national budget. She referred to a claim by an opposition MP that no allocation had been made for Qawmi madrasas, responding that Qawmi refers to a group and that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) does not work for any specific group or individual. She said BNP leader Tarique Rahman works for the entire country and noted that eight young representatives in parliament do not speak for youth issues but focus only on the referendum.

Moni also alleged that one MP falsely claimed to be the child of a freedom fighter while their father is still alive, adding that being a freedom fighter is not a requirement to serve as an MP, as working for the people is what matters.

A total of 61 new officers joined the Bangladesh Navy through a commissioning ceremony held on Sunday at the Bangladesh Naval Academy in Chattogram. The event, conducted under traditional military protocol, marked the commissioning of 54 midshipmen from the 2023-B batch and seven direct entry officers from the 2026-A batch. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan attended as the chief guest, reviewed the parade, and received the salute.

In his address, Admiral Hassan highlighted the Navy’s progress under the government’s “Made in Bangladesh” defense policy, emphasizing domestic shipbuilding and technological development. He noted ongoing projects to enhance naval capabilities, including the construction of patrol craft, survey vessels, and the installation of coastal surveillance and electronic warfare systems. The Navy’s role in safeguarding maritime sovereignty, combating sea crimes, and providing humanitarian assistance was also underscored.

The ceremony was attended by the Chattogram City Mayor, members of parliament, senior military and civil officials, university vice-chancellors, foreign defense attachés, and families of the new officers. Among the newly commissioned officers were five women and two foreign nationals.

Mahmudur Rahman Manna, president of Nagorik Oikya, criticized the proposed national budget for 2026–27, saying it lacks direction on reducing inequality, resolving industrial and gas crises, reforming financial, administrative, and judicial systems, creating employment, and ensuring healthcare. He made these remarks on Sunday at a seminar titled “Populist Budget Review; Welfare State Perspective on Budget 2026–27,” organized by Nagorik Oikya at the Dhaka Reporters Unity in the capital.

Manna argued that the budget offers no concrete measures for the middle and lower-income groups and fails to ensure any real benefits for citizens. He warned that without reform, the government would lose public support. He also highlighted the need for structural changes in the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to meet revenue targets, noting that last year’s deficit remained unresolved. He further called for improving the quality of the National Parliament and its members to ensure meaningful budget discussions.

Other speakers at the seminar included former senior secretary Abu Alam Mohammad Shahid Khan, researcher Altaf Parvez, former acting vice-chancellor of IBAIS University Dr. Arifur Rahman, and journalist Hasan Mamun.

Islami Chhatra Shibir has strongly condemned the killing of its Bonarpara Union president Saifullah in Gaibandha’s Saghata upazila, alleging that armed BNP activists carried out a brutal attack on Sunday afternoon. In a joint statement sent to the media, Shibir’s central president Nurul Islam and secretary general Sibgatullah said the incident occurred following a dispute over forming a school governing committee. Saifullah was reportedly stabbed to death at Bonarpara intersection, while another person named Salahuddin was seriously injured and hospitalized.

The Shibir leaders described the killing as a violation of the rule of law and human values, claiming it reflected a broader pattern of violence by BNP activists after a recent mass uprising. They accused BNP members of engaging in extortion, land grabbing, and intimidation across the country, alleging that the government’s failure to maintain law and order has worsened the situation.

They demanded the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those involved in Saifullah’s murder and announced a protest march in Dhaka from the Central Shaheed Minar to Shahbagh on Sunday night.

US Vice President JD Vance has indicated that relations between the United States and Iran may be entering a new phase after years of tension and hostility. Following a peace-focused meeting, Vance said both nations now see opportunities to work together for peace and prosperity. He described the discussions as having made 'significant progress' but also blamed Iran for contributing to regional instability over the years.

Vance added that President Donald Trump has urged his administration to begin a 'new chapter' in relations with the Iranian people, emphasizing Washington’s desire to move beyond past conflicts and reshape bilateral ties. The statement reflects a cautious optimism about the potential for cooperation despite lingering mistrust.

Analysts cited in the report noted that this positive message could help ease long-standing tensions between the two countries. However, they warned that lasting improvement would depend on resolving complex issues such as regional security, Iran’s nuclear program, and mutual distrust.

During the national parliament session on Sunday, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed asked ruling party reserved seat MP Nilufar Chowdhury Moni to conclude her speech within two minutes as her allotted time had expired. The incident occurred during the general discussion on the proposed national budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year.

Earlier in her speech, Nilufar Chowdhury Moni criticized opposition members for their remarks about the budget, particularly claims that no allocation was made for Qawmi madrasas. She defended her party, saying the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) works for the entire nation under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. She also accused some MPs of making false claims about being children of freedom fighters.

In response, Speaker Hafiz Uddin clarified that the MP previously mentioned had made an unintentional mistake, describing it as a slip of the tongue that had already been addressed in parliament.

Bangladesh’s National Parliament witnessed heated exchanges on Sunday during discussions on the proposed 2026–27 national budget after NCP lawmaker Hannan Masud accused the Prime Minister of making false statements. Masud alleged that the Prime Minister had delivered misleading remarks about opposition protests over price hikes of alcohol and cigarettes, and about loan-related issues. Members of the ruling party strongly objected, demanding that his comments be expunged from the record.

Opposition lawmakers countered by asking the government to specify which parts of Masud’s remarks were false, arguing that criticism of the Prime Minister’s statements was a democratic right. Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal, presiding over the session, said he would review the matter before making a decision. The debate also saw interventions from BNP MP Zainal Abdin Faruk, Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam, and Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, each defending their respective positions.

The Deputy Speaker later urged members to maintain parliamentary decorum and assured that all disputed remarks would be examined before any ruling is issued.

A national seminar titled “Feasibility Study on Legislation for Determining the Degree of Criminal Punishment” was held on Sunday at the Law Commission’s conference room in Dhaka. Organized by the Law Commission, the event aimed to develop a unified, transparent, and fair framework for determining sentencing levels in Bangladesh’s criminal justice system. Speakers discussed ways to resolve inconsistencies in verdicts under the same law and emphasized the need for clear sentencing guidelines.

Law Minister Md. Anisul Huq, attending as chief guest, said stakeholder consultations are held at the start of any lawmaking process and their opinions are valued. He highlighted that laws undergo detailed review at multiple levels before finalization, which helps make them more effective and acceptable. The minister also stressed the importance of studying sentencing guidelines from countries like the United Kingdom to build a suitable model for Bangladesh.

Speakers noted that the absence of clear legal guidance currently leads to variations in sentencing for similar offenses, undermining public trust in justice. They argued that a dedicated sentencing law could enhance transparency, consistency, and confidence in the judicial system.

Police in Nilphamari’s Jaldhaka upazila arrested Saiful Islam (Mukul), chairman of the 2 No. Dauyabari Union Parishad and president of the local Awami League, in connection with a case related to an anti-discrimination movement. The arrest took place on Sunday afternoon at the Dauyabari Union Parishad office, where police conducted an operation to detain him.

According to police sources, Saiful Islam was a named accused in the GR 12/24 case concerning the anti-discrimination movement. The case had been under judicial process for a long time, prompting the operation to bring him under legal custody. Jaldhaka Police Station’s officer-in-charge Nazmul Alam confirmed that Saiful was arrested from the Union Parishad office and later sent to court under tight security after completing legal formalities.

Local sources added that Saiful Islam is also facing trial in a separate 2013 murder case, but police clarified that the current arrest is solely related to the anti-discrimination movement case.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday night at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. His flight landed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 8:45 p.m. local time. At the VVIP terminal, he was received by Malaysia’s Minister for Religious Affairs Zulkifli Hasan and his spouse, along with Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury. Earlier in the day, Rahman departed Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on a special Bangladesh Biman flight at 2:45 p.m.

According to the Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumman, Rahman was accompanied by his wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman. Several senior officials, including LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani, and foreign diplomats, were present at the airport to see him off. This marks Rahman’s first foreign trip since assuming office as Prime Minister on February 17.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to complete his two-day official visit to Malaysia and begin a state visit to China on Monday night.

Rashed Khan Menon, a local Awami League leader in Barishal, died after jumping from the roof of his house on Sunday afternoon to avoid arrest. The incident occurred in Ward No. 1 of Barishal City Corporation. Menon served as the general secretary of the ward-level Awami League and was known as a follower of former mayor and city Awami League general secretary Serniabat Sadiq Abdullah.

According to police, Menon was a banned Awami League leader accused in multiple cases and allegedly involved in anti-government activities. When police arrived at his residence to arrest him, he reportedly jumped from the roof. Kawniya Police Station Officer-in-Charge Sanjit Nath stated that police failed to detain him and later received news of his death after the fall.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding banned political activities in Barishal, though further details about the investigation or official response were not provided in the report.

An investigative report by international outlet Muslim Mirror has revealed that more than 23 mosques, madrasas, eidgahs, and dargahs were demolished or partially removed across several Indian states in the past 45 days. The report noted that most incidents occurred in states governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Authorities stated that the demolitions were part of drives to clear government land, remove unauthorized structures, and implement development projects.

Local Muslim communities, however, alleged that long-established religious sites were also targeted under these operations. Residents and affected individuals said that several mosques and dargahs had served as religious and social centers for years, and their sudden demolition caused anxiety and discontent in many areas. Community representatives described the incidents as alarming and called for impartial investigations, accountability, and rehabilitation for those affected.

Administrative officials reiterated that the actions were not aimed at any specific religious group but were part of broader urban development and anti-encroachment measures. Human rights and minority rights observers expressed concern and urged transparent investigations and protection of religious freedom and minority rights.

Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Imran Haider, paid a courtesy call on Education Minister Ehsanul Haque Milon at the Secretariat on Sunday. The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation between the two countries in education, particularly in technical and vocational training. Both sides discussed various initiatives aimed at improving educational development.

During the meeting, Minister Milon highlighted the government’s efforts to transform the population into skilled human resources by integrating technical education into the national curriculum. He noted that there are opportunities for Bangladesh and Pakistan to work together in this area. High Commissioner Haider emphasized Pakistan’s willingness to collaborate in educational advancement and invited the minister to visit Pakistan’s technical and vocational training programs.

At the end of the meeting, the Pakistani envoy presented 1,000 footballs as gifts for school and college students. Senior officials from both countries, including the education secretary and the director general of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education, were present.

At a roundtable titled “Four Months of the Current Government: Expectations, Achievements and Tasks” held at the National Press Club on Sunday, Citizens for Good Governance (Sujan) stated that the government has yet to take any concrete steps to implement the July Charter or the referendum verdict. The organization said the implementation remains confined to formal speeches and political courtesies, warning that ignoring the spirit of the mass uprising could overshadow the government’s visible achievements.

Sujan observed that the government’s stance does not reflect respect for the 2024 mass uprising, noting silence on issues such as forming an upper house of parliament based on proportional representation or establishing a National Constitutional Council. Sujan Secretary Badiul Alam Majumdar said that under the 1972 Constitution, the next national election should be held in 2029, but many constitutional aspects have changed following the uprising. He criticized the ousted administration of Sheikh Hasina as authoritarian, citing suppression of voting rights, free speech, and institutional collapse.

Sujan leaders emphasized that reforms must ensure employment, youth engagement, and institutional integrity, warning that failure to uphold the uprising’s spirit could erode public trust.