Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman addressed the Bangladesh Parliament on Monday during the general discussion on the proposed national budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year. He criticized a recurring tendency among speakers to engage in divisive rhetoric before calling for unity, urging lawmakers to abandon such behavior and work together for the country’s progress.

Dr. Rahman described the current Parliament as one representing the oppressed and expressed hope that it would act responsibly, inspire the nation, and promote unity. He emphasized that the legislature should not engage in flattery or personal praise at the expense of public funds, noting that Parliament is a place for fulfilling responsibilities, not for personal appeasement.

He further stated that most members are new and should learn positive lessons from their seniors rather than negative practices. Dr. Rahman called for a responsible and visionary approach to national leadership through collective effort and ethical conduct.

A Dhaka court has granted a second three-day remand for former reserved seat MP Ashika Sultana in a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act at Mirpur Model Police Station. The order was issued on Monday, June 29, 2026, by Metropolitan Magistrate Sarah Farzana Haque. Defense lawyer Shahabuddin Raju confirmed the court’s decision. Sultana had been arrested from Mirpur on the night of June 25, and after her initial three-day remand, police sought an additional five days, of which the court approved three.

According to the case details, on June 19, a group of 40 to 50 people, identified as Awami League and Chhatra League members, held an anti-government procession near the Apex showroom in Mirpur-1. When police arrived, the participants fled, leaving behind banners and festoons. Later, video footage showed that the rally had been organized to mark the Awami League’s founding anniversary. Police subsequently filed a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

The court’s latest order allows investigators further time to question Sultana regarding her alleged involvement in the incident.

Five members of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Daksu) walked out of the university’s Senate session on Monday night after the Vice-Chancellor announced that the proposal to rename five facilities named after members of the Sheikh family would be sent back to the Syndicate for further review. The walkout occurred around 10:15 p.m., despite the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. A. B. M. Obaidul Islam, urging the student representatives not to leave.

The issue of renaming Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall, Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall, Sheikh Russel Tower, Bangabandhu Tower, and the Sultana Kamal Hostel of the Institute of Leather Engineering and Technology was first raised in the Syndicate meeting on January 8. During the Senate session, some members called for procedural adherence, while others opposed the renaming. Daksu representatives argued that the current names caused difficulties for students, including harassment during public events and challenges in obtaining sponsorships.

Senate member Fazlul Haque Milon proposed renaming Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall after national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. The Vice-Chancellor concluded by directing that the matter be reconsidered by the Syndicate.

MD Masudur Rahman, a Bangladeshi-born politician from Hajiganj in Chandpur, has become a prominent figure in Connecticut’s mainstream politics. After arriving in the United States with only a few hundred dollars and a backpack, he gradually built a successful business career before entering public service. Rahman currently represents Connecticut’s 4th Senate District, which includes Manchester, Glastonbury, Andover, and Bolton. First elected in 2022 as a Democratic Party candidate, he is now serving his second term and has received his party’s nomination for a third.

Rahman’s early years in the U.S. were marked by struggle and perseverance. He worked various jobs before establishing businesses in healthcare, import-export, and construction, creating thousands of jobs in Connecticut. His involvement in community and political organizations grew from a desire to increase representation for Bangladeshi-Americans in mainstream politics.

As chair of the Senate Planning and Development Committee, Rahman has led initiatives to address housing shortages, particularly for low-income residents. He continues to encourage Bangladeshi youth to engage in politics and pursue leadership roles through hard work and determination.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on the young generation to build a knowledge-based and sustainable Bangladesh through science, technology, research, and innovation. He made the call on Monday, June 29, at a colorful event jointly organized by the Ministry of Education and the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education at the Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka. Earlier, the Prime Minister inaugurated a nationwide tree plantation program for secondary school students and also launched the National Startup, Science Project, and Innovative Idea Exhibition.

During the event, the Prime Minister was accompanied by his spouse Dr. Zubaida Rahman. He visited various science projects, startup initiatives, and innovative ideas presented by students, praising their creativity and assuring full government support to advance such initiatives. Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan, the Prime Minister’s Education Adviser Mahdi Amin, and senior officials from the education ministry and directorate were also present.

The event highlighted the government’s focus on fostering innovation and sustainability among students to strengthen the country’s knowledge economy.

A major corruption scandal has emerged surrounding the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, built on the site of the demolished Babri Mosque. Allegations surfaced over the past month that large sums of donations and valuable gifts from devotees were misappropriated by individuals linked to the temple’s managing trust. Police have launched an investigation and arrested several people. The controversy has gained political traction ahead of upcoming state elections.

The temple, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi about two and a half years ago, is managed by the independent Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which is not under direct government control. Some of its top officials are reportedly connected to the RSS, an ideological ally of the ruling BJP. The scandal intensified after former accounts supervisor Mahipal Singh publicly raised allegations of financial irregularities. Opposition leader Akhilesh Yadav claimed that crores of rupees in donations had disappeared, prompting the state government to form a three-member inquiry committee.

Under growing pressure, long-time general secretary Champat Rai and several trustees resigned. Devotees and some BJP supporters have demanded full accountability and transparency in the handling of temple funds and valuables.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has advised students to prepare themselves to work for the welfare of the country. He made the remarks while speaking to a group of students who came to observe the national parliament’s budget session during the midday recess. The Prime Minister’s spouse, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, was also present at the time.

On Monday, June 29, a total of 45 students from four educational institutions in Madaripur district visited the parliament to watch the budget session. They were waiting in front of the Prime Minister’s Office inside the parliament building when he stopped to speak with them on his way to an event at the China Friendship Conference Center. The Prime Minister encouraged the students to engage not only in studies but also in sports, culture, and other creative activities.

The students expressed excitement and gratitude for the memorable experience of meeting the Prime Minister. The visit was organized by Md. Jahandar Ali Mia, Member of Parliament for Madaripur-2, and included tours of key parliamentary sites to learn about its history, architecture, and functions.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir has announced a 36-day nationwide program to commemorate the second anniversary of the July uprising under the theme “July’s Pledge: Building a Just Bangladesh.” The announcement was made by the organization’s president, Nurul Islam, at a press conference held at Dhaka University’s Madhur Canteen. The program includes rallies, exhibitions, seminars, cultural events, and an online campaign titled “Echoes of July.”

The initiative aims to uphold the aspirations of the uprising, honor the martyrs, and demand implementation of the “July Charter” and referendum verdict. Shibir leaders criticized the current government for allegedly ignoring the national charter and undermining judicial independence. They also accused the administration of fostering corruption and lawlessness, citing figures on loan defaults and crime incidents.

Expressing concern over campus violence, the Shibir president alleged that ruling party student groups were attacking students and teachers. He called for unity to build an equitable Bangladesh and sought nationwide participation to make the 36-day program successful.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqul Rahman exchanged greetings following the conclusion of the national parliament’s budget session on Monday. The exchange took place after the session ended, where the two leaders shook hands. Other members of the opposition also greeted the prime minister during the occasion.

Earlier in the day, the parliamentary session began under the chairmanship of Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikrom. Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqul Rahman delivered the first part of the budget speech, followed by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who spoke as the leader of the house. The session marked the formal conclusion of the budget discussions for the period.

The event reflected a moment of cordiality between the government and opposition benches at the end of the budget proceedings, signaling a cooperative tone within the parliamentary environment.

International Crimes Tribunal Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam has described former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s announcement to return to Bangladesh from New Delhi as a political stunt. He made the remark on Monday, June 29, 2026, while speaking to journalists at the International Crimes Tribunal. Aminul Islam said that if Hasina truly had courage, she should return to face the July massacre trials.

According to the report, Sheikh Hasina had earlier told Indian media outlet NDTV in an email interview on Sunday, June 28, that she planned to return to Bangladesh later this year. The Chief Prosecutor also informed that a total of 24 cases are currently under trial at the tribunal. Among them, investigation reports of 10 cases related to the July killings, involving former minister Shahjahan Khan, Amir Hossain Amu, and former justice A.H.M. Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik, have been submitted to the prosecution.

He added that these reports are being reviewed and will soon be filed as formal charges in court after verification.

Dr. Samir Hossain Mishu, a leader of the Swadhinata Chikitsak Parishad (Swachip), was released from the Bogura district jail at noon on Monday after being granted bail. The bail was approved on Sunday afternoon by Acting District and Sessions Judge Kaushik Ahmed. The release was confirmed by defense lawyer Tanzim Al-Misbah, who stated that the court hearing took place on Sunday, and Dr. Samir was freed the following day.

Dr. Samir, a resident of the Jaleshwaritala area in Bogura town, is currently employed at the Bagerhat Institute of Health Technology (IHT). He also serves as the president of both the Swachip and Bangabandhu Parishad Bogura branches. Previously, he held the position of Health and Family Planning Officer at Bogura Sadar Upazila.

The report did not specify the case details or reasons for his detention, focusing solely on his bail and release process.

Germany is facing a growing demographic and political divide as population decline accelerates in its eastern states. In towns like Oschersleben in Saxony-Anhalt, the population has fallen by up to 26 percent, driven by youth migration and low birth rates. Official data show that while Germany’s overall population has grown slightly due to immigration, eastern regions continue to lose residents, leaving aging communities and empty schools. Researchers warn that by 2070, the national population could shrink significantly, with the east most affected.

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is gaining support in these depopulated areas, where many feel neglected by the political system. The party, labeled extremist by intelligence agencies, could form its first state government in Saxony-Anhalt after upcoming elections. Sociologists link AfD’s rise to economic stagnation and resentment toward immigration, even though migration could help offset labor shortages.

Experts caution that declining birth rates and youth outmigration threaten Germany’s workforce and social balance. Some see limited benefits, such as cheaper housing, but most agree the demographic crisis poses long-term economic and political risks.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir informed the National Parliament that nearly Tk 20 crore has been allocated for constituencies represented by opposition lawmakers. The announcement was made on Monday during a parliamentary session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed. The minister stated that the allocation, excluding city corporation areas, was granted from the Prime Minister’s discretionary fund for mosques, graveyards, and Eidgah grounds.

When opposition members raised remarks, Mirza Fakhrul clarified that the allocation was made through district councils and that city corporations would be included later. Following his statement, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed noted that during his long parliamentary career, including his time as an opposition member, he had never received such allocations. He reflected on his past experiences and expressed appreciation to the opposition leader for highlighting national issues during the budget discussion.

The Speaker also mentioned that the opposition leader had raised problems in Bhola district and expressed hope that the Prime Minister and Finance Minister would consider the issues fairly.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced that the government will implement the Teesta mega project at any cost, emphasizing forward progress rather than dwelling on the past. He made the statement on Monday during the national parliament’s discussion on the proposed budget.

Rahman described the proposed budget as a “life-friendly” plan designed to bring relief to citizens amid economic challenges, corruption, and money laundering concerns. He said the government has succeeded in keeping prices of essential goods stable after the budget announcement by withdrawing duties on 61 daily commodities. The prime minister added that the budget aims to build a just, humane, and inclusive economy, focusing on investment, production, and employment generation.

He further stated that the government intends to strengthen the economic foundation through recovery, transition, and reconstruction phases. The development budget has been increased by 50,000 crore taka, with a commitment to use public funds for public welfare.

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has said that U.S. President Donald Trump failed to achieve the stated goals of the Iran war. She urged the Trump administration to explain what the United States had actually gained from the conflict. Sherrill criticized the administration’s shifting objectives and rising costs, saying that the public deserves a clear account of the war’s outcomes.

The Democratic governor noted that Trump had offered multiple justifications for the conflict, including eliminating Iran’s missile program, halting its nuclear ambitions, changing the regime, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. According to her, none of these goals have been achieved so far. She also pointed out that commercial shipping through the waterway had continued even before the war began.

Her remarks, shared on social media, reflect growing scrutiny of the war’s rationale and its impact on U.S. security and expenditure.