Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will depart Dhaka on Sunday for an official visit to Malaysia at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. His flight, operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, is scheduled to leave for Kuala Lumpur in the afternoon. Following the Malaysia leg, Rahman will travel directly to China at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

Foreign Minister Asad Alam Siam announced at a press briefing that this will be Rahman’s first foreign trip since his government took office in February. During the China visit, Bangladesh and China are expected to sign 15 to 17 bilateral instruments, including 13 memorandums of understanding, two agreements, one action plan, and one protocol. Discussions will also cover the long-anticipated Teesta project. The prime minister’s delegation will include around 27 to 28 members.

The visits are described as part of a broader diplomatic initiative to strengthen Bangladesh’s economic partnerships, attract foreign investment, and enhance regional connectivity. Rahman will also attend the 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, or Summer Davos Forum, in Dalian from June 23 to 25 before returning home on Friday night.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled a new interim Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, a day after retiring the historic Boeing 747 that served U.S. presidents for over three decades. The aircraft, valued at $400 million and gifted by the government of Qatar, has sparked intense political and legal debate in Washington. Critics argue that accepting such a costly gift violates federal rules limiting gifts to $50 per source annually.

Trump dismissed the criticism, calling the offer too significant to reject, while a Pentagon spokesperson said the aircraft was accepted in compliance with federal regulations. The plane, named “VC-25B Bridge,” cost an additional $1 billion to convert for presidential use and will serve temporarily until two new presidential aircraft arrive in 2027 and 2028. Critics warn that the conversion costs could divert funds from the delayed Sentinel ICBM modernization program.

The aircraft, painted in red, white, blue, and gold, will lead a flyover during the July 4 celebrations marking America’s 250th Independence anniversary. It replaces the aging presidential fleet, one of which suffered a mechanical failure earlier this year.

Abdul Monayem Munna, president of Jubo Dal, alleged that Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizens Party (NCP) attempted to monopolize the July uprising, while BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman did not. Speaking at a brief rally before a protest march in Mahakhali, Dhaka, on Saturday, Munna said that during the one and a half years of the interim government, public trust in student organizations had declined. He claimed Jamaat later formed an alliance and portrayed itself as the sole force behind the fall of the fascist government between July 10 and August 5, 2024, though BNP had led the movement for 15 years under Tarique Rahman’s leadership from the UK.

Munna criticized Jamaat for alleged false statements in parliament and misconduct by its activists, asserting that Jubo Dal had always acted as a safeguard for the nation’s independence. He vowed that the organization would continue to confront future political challenges. Jubo Dal General Secretary and MP Nurul Islam Noyon warned that the group would not tolerate offensive remarks about the Prime Minister and urged members to remain alert to protect democracy.

The protest march began at Mahakhali kitchen market and concluded at Tejgaon’s Saat Rasta, featuring slogans against Jamaat-Shibir.

At a divisional rally of an eleven-party alliance held at Khulna Circuit House grounds on Saturday, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish Amir Maulana Mamunul Haque said that the current government is burdened by the influence of Hasina and the Awami League. The event focused on demands to implement the referendum verdict, reduce public suffering, and control commodity prices.

Maulana Mamunul Haque accused the BNP of deceiving the public over the July certificate and referendum issue, claiming the party campaigned for a ‘no’ vote. He emphasized that political parties have a moral duty to implement the reform-oriented mandate given by the people. National Citizen Party chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari stated that Bangladesh faces three major struggles: implementing state reforms, protecting national sovereignty, and ensuring justice for the Awami League. He urged citizens to unite against corruption, extortion, and partisanship.

Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that the next revolution will aim to make Bangladesh stand tall as an independent and sovereign state.

At least 18 people were injured in a clash between supporters of the Awami League and the BNP in Boalia village of Falsi Union under Harinakundu upazila in Jhenaidah on Saturday morning. The confrontation reportedly stemmed from a dispute over fishing rights in a local pond and long-standing local rivalries. Police and local sources said the conflict first erupted on Friday afternoon when Rakibul Islam, brother of Falsi Union Parishad chairman and upazila Awami League vice-president Advocate Bazlur Rahman, was seriously injured.

Tensions flared again the next morning, leading to violent clashes between supporters of Bazlur Rahman and those of former UP member and BNP leader Mashiur Rahman. Both sides used local weapons, resulting in repeated chases and counter-chases that spread panic in the area. The injured were taken to Harinakundu Upazila Health Complex, Jhenaidah Sadar Hospital, and Kushtia Sadar Hospital, with several reported in critical condition.

Police later brought the situation under control and deployed additional forces to prevent further violence. Authorities said the situation is now stable and an investigation is underway.

Member of Parliament Barrister Mahabubul Alam Salehi from Kurigram-3 has accused the government of staging a show over the Teesta Master Plan by bringing in experts and conducting what he called a farce with local residents. Speaking at a human chain event on the banks of the Teesta River in Kaliganj, Lalmonirhat, on Saturday, June 20, he said that while protests occur in Teesta, the budget benefits go to Padma. Salehi urged the government to fulfill the prime minister’s pre-election pledge to implement the Teesta Master Plan and allocate funds from unused ministry budgets.

Kurigram-1 MP Anwarul Islam also criticized the absence of any allocation or outline for the Teesta project in the national budget, questioning the sincerity of those who once led the Teesta movement and now hold ministerial positions. He warned that Rangpur residents might besiege Dhaka if their demands remain unmet. Thousands of locals, including farmers and teachers, participated in the human chain, voicing frustration over water scarcity in the dry season and flooding during monsoon.

Participants called for immediate implementation of the Teesta Master Plan to improve livelihoods and end regional disparities.

Nasiruddin Patwari, chief coordinator of the National Citizens Party, stated that Bangladesh now faces three major challenges: implementing state reforms, protecting national sovereignty, and ensuring justice for the Awami League. He urged citizens to remain united against corruption, extortion, and partisan politics. Patwari made these remarks on Saturday at a divisional rally of an eleven-party alliance held at the Circuit House grounds in Khulna, which focused on implementing the referendum verdict, easing public suffering, and controlling commodity prices.

Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman also addressed the gathering, calling for a new revolution to uphold Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty. He warned that if the government bows to hegemonic forces, the opposition will not remain silent. Rahman urged supporters to prepare for another movement. Upon his arrival in Khulna earlier in the day, he was received by Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar and local leaders.

The event reflected growing coordination among opposition parties emphasizing reform, sovereignty, and anti-corruption agendas.

State Minister for Railways and Road Transport Habibur Rashid announced that the government will take strict measures against terrorism, extortion, and drug-related activities. He made the statement on Saturday at a check distribution event for the Rural Infrastructure Development Project held at the Abdul Aziz School and College field in Madartek, Sabujbagh, Dhaka.

Rashid emphasized that both he and the government have a clear stance against terrorism, extortion, and drugs, pledging to suppress those involved or supporting such activities. He called for unity to prevent the spread of these crimes and to contribute to building a better Bangladesh. The minister also said the government aims to deliver public services directly to citizens, following the Prime Minister’s directive to stay close to the people.

Earlier, Rashid inaugurated a free health camp organized by Square Pharmaceuticals at Abdul Aziz Bhuiya and Begum Shayesta Nurania Hafizia Madrasa in the same area, attended by local political representatives.

Former Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon has warned that Israel is facing growing risks as the ongoing war continues. In an interview with Channel 12, he blamed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government’s unrealistic policies for the situation, saying the country is paying the price for their decisions.

Ya'alon argued that the government should have begun negotiations with Lebanon as early as October 2024. Instead, by extending the conflict, Israeli soldiers have continued to lose their lives. He claimed that personal and political interests are driving the government’s actions.

The former minister further alleged that Netanyahu is prolonging the war to maintain his far-right coalition. He cautioned that as Israel moves toward elections, if the current situation remains unchanged, the state itself could face existential danger.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis chief Maulana Mamunul Haque has publicly addressed the long-debated 'Room 501' incident at Narayanganj’s Royal Resort. In a detailed Facebook post published on Saturday, he described the April 3, 2021 event as a case of 'state-sponsored mob terrorism' led by police and local activists. Haque said he was staying with his wife Jannat Ara when law enforcement and media personnel forcibly entered their room and broadcast live footage. He claimed both he and his wife confirmed their marital relationship during questioning.

Haque’s post elaborated on his marriage to Jannat Ara, her previous divorce, and his decision to keep the marriage private due to social and legal complications. He accused the then Sheikh Hasina government and intelligence agencies of harassment, character assassination, and spreading false propaganda about a temporary marriage. He asserted that their marriage was legitimate under Islamic law and that he faced political persecution for refusing to cooperate with state agencies.

He concluded by declaring the '501 incident' a failed conspiracy against him and vowed to treat it as a symbol of victory over political oppression.

Two Union Parishad chairmen from Tazumuddin upazila in Bhola were arrested by the Detective Branch (DB) police in Dhaka on charges related to sabotage. The detainees are A K M Shahidullah Kiran, organizational secretary of Tazumuddin Upazila Awami League and chairman of Chandpur Union Parishad, and Mehedi Hasan Mishu Hawlader, president of the upazila’s Jubo League and chairman of Sonapur Union Parishad. They were detained late Friday night, June 19, from the Dhaka launch terminal area by the DB police’s Uttara zonal team.

According to a source from the upazila Awami League, both men were returning from a rally in Dhaka organized in support of the Awami League when they were arrested. However, Tazumuddin Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mizanur Rahman stated that the station had no official information about the arrests but confirmed that both individuals were accused in a case filed at the station and were currently on bail.

The report did not specify the details of the sabotage allegations or the next legal steps following the arrests.

The BJP-led West Bengal government officially celebrated June 20, 2026, as the first ‘West Bengal Day’. The date was chosen to commemorate the 1947 decision in the Bengal Legislative Assembly that led to the partition of Bengal and the western region’s integration with India. The previous Trinamool Congress government had rejected the idea of celebrating the partition, instead designating the Bengali New Year’s Day as West Bengal Day.

According to the BJP, June 20 symbolizes the creation of West Bengal and its union with India. Party leaders and affiliated historians describe it as the day marking the homeland for Bengali Hindus, crediting Syama Prasad Mookerjee for opposing the United Bengal Plan and ensuring a separate state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the celebrations in Kolkata, which included floral tributes to Mookerjee across districts.

However, some historians, including Harvard professor Sugata Bose, criticized the observance, arguing that the partition was already determined by the Mountbatten Plan and that June 20 should be remembered as a tragic day rather than a day of pride.

The Trinamool Congress, led by Mamata Banerjee, has fractured into three separate factions just weeks after the announcement of election results in West Bengal. The party, which had ruled the state for 15 consecutive years, disintegrated within 28 days of its defeat. Most state legislators have formed a new bloc under Ritabrata Banerjee, calling themselves the 'Real Trinamool' and acting as the main opposition in the state assembly. Meanwhile, at least 20 Members of Parliament in Delhi have left to join a new party named NCPI, pledging support to the ruling NDA coalition. The original party remains under Mamata Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee, now referred to as the 'Kalighat Trinamool'.

Analysts attribute the split to three main factors: the party’s lack of ideological foundation and dependence on populist politics, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s strategic involvement in encouraging defections, and internal discontent over Abhishek Banerjee’s corporate-style leadership. The BJP reportedly sought to replace Mamata’s confrontational politics with a more cooperative opposition in the state.

The rapid disintegration marks a major turning point for the 28-year-old party, raising uncertainty about its future political relevance in West Bengal and national politics.

An audio clip circulating on social media allegedly contains a conversation about shooting Chattogram-15 (Lohagara-Satkania) MP Shahjahan Chowdhury in the leg. Despite the spread of the recording, the lawmaker said on Saturday evening that he is not taking the threat seriously. He described the remarks as a joke made by individuals angered by his efforts to stop illegal sand extraction in the area.

In the audio, a voice is heard questioning why the MP would visit Lohagara and suggesting he should be shot in the leg if he does. Another voice is claimed to belong to Shahjahan’s personal assistant, Arman Uddin. The MP stated that he knows Arman personally and that both have opposed illegal sand mining, which may have provoked resentment among certain groups.

Following the audio’s release, local political circles expressed concern, and some social media users called for a full investigation. Local sources noted that disputes over sand extraction in Lohagara’s canals and streams have long caused tension, and the leaked conversation has reignited public debate.

Barrister Md. Abdus Salam, a senior lawyer of the Supreme Court, has been appointed as the new chairman of the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society. The appointment, effective for a three-year term, was announced through a circular signed by Mohammad Alamgir Haque, Assistant Secretary of the Health Services Division under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, on Saturday.

According to the circular, President Md. Shahabuddin, who also serves as the President of the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, made the appointment under the authority granted by Article 10(1) of the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society Order, 1973 (President’s Order No. 26 of 1973). In a separate notification, a 14-member ad hoc managing board has been formed to ensure smooth administrative operations of the organization. Professor Md. Rafiqul Kabir has been named vice chairman, and Dr. Toufiq Md. Mosharraf Hossain (Rana) has been appointed treasurer.

The managing board will serve for three months from the date of issuance of the notification, as stated in the circular.