Information and Broadcasting Secretary Mahbuba Farzana has urged journalists to focus on uncovering authentic news amid the spread of misinformation, rumors, and false content on social media. She made the call on Sunday while addressing the 'BSRF Fruit Festival' organized by the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) at the Secretariat’s media center.

Mahbuba Farzana emphasized that Facebook is flooded with misleading information and urged reporters to revive investigative journalism to find the truth behind the news. She described journalism as a noble profession and said the ministry should show greater care toward journalists. She also noted that many young people are entering journalism and encouraged them to verify facts before reporting.

The secretary further stated that some reports published against the Information Ministry in certain newspapers were based on misinformation. She requested journalists to verify any concerns directly with ministry officials before publishing. Additional Secretary (Broadcast) Md. Shah Alam and Principal Information Officer Syed Abdul Ahmad were also present at the event.

Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Imran Haider, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister’s Defense Adviser A K M Shamsul Islam on Sunday at the adviser’s office in the Armed Forces Division located in Dhaka Cantonment. The meeting was attended by a three-member delegation from Pakistan.

During the meeting, both sides discussed existing bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest between Bangladesh and Pakistan. They exchanged views on enhancing military-level cooperation, sharing experiences, and strengthening training programs between the two countries.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the courtesy meeting is expected to contribute to further strengthening and expanding defense cooperation and friendly relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan in the future.

Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna has warned that President Donald Trump could face legal action if he continues military operations against Iran. Khanna stated that the recent US attacks on Iranian targets violate a war powers resolution passed by Congress this week, which restricts the president’s authority to engage in hostilities without explicit congressional approval.

The Senate passed the resolution on Tuesday by a 50–48 vote, following a similar bill passed earlier in the House on June 3. The measure directs the president to withdraw US armed forces from hostilities against Iran unless Congress has declared war or specifically authorized such action. The US Central Command claimed responsibility for airstrikes on ten Iranian military targets, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps reported bombings in five coastal areas.

The dispute underscores growing tensions between the executive branch and Congress over control of military actions, with potential legal challenges looming if the administration does not comply with the resolution.

A nonprofit organization called the Hind Rajab Foundation has filed a request in the United States seeking prosecution of Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir on charges of war crimes, genocide, and direct incitement to genocide. The petition was submitted to the US Department of Justice ahead of Ben-Gvir’s possible visit to New York City in early July.

The foundation stated that the move comes amid growing international concern over Ben-Gvir’s actions and rhetoric. Last year, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on him for allegedly inciting violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. He has repeatedly called for intensifying Israeli military operations in the region.

Following a Hezbollah attack that killed four Israeli soldiers last week, Ben-Gvir reportedly said that “the whole of Lebanon should be burned.” The Hind Rajab Foundation’s US representative, Jake Rome, described Ben-Gvir as one of the most serious offenders of the time and urged Washington to arrest and prosecute him.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that there is no possibility of establishing an independent Palestinian state. Speaking to reporters, he said there is no room for two states between the sea and the Jordan River. When asked whether a Palestinian state could be allowed if he returns to power after the upcoming Israeli elections, Netanyahu reiterated that one of the principles of the broad national government he seeks to lead is that there is no place for two states.

Netanyahu added that three years ago, public opinion on the issue was divided, with most people opposing a Palestinian state but a significant portion supporting it. He claimed that the situation has now changed and that this shift forms the basis of a new agreement. Earlier, he described a framework agreement with Lebanon as a historic achievement and a major blow to Iran and Hezbollah.

The remarks underscore Netanyahu’s firm stance against a two-state solution and highlight his focus on regional security and political consolidation ahead of the elections.

Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman departed on Sunday for a five-day official visit to the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) confirmed the trip in a press release issued the same day.

During the visit, General Waker-Uz-Zaman is scheduled to meet key defense officials in both countries. The discussions aim to strengthen bilateral defense relations and enhance cooperation between Bangladesh and the two European nations.

The ISPR announcement did not provide further details about the specific agenda or outcomes expected from the meetings.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has sharply criticized the new framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon, calling it a historic mistake and a missed opportunity. In a post on social media platform X, he said Israel should not merely weaken Hezbollah but crush it completely. Ben Gvir argued that the deal grants Hezbollah a lifeline through a ceasefire and dismissed claims that the Lebanese army could neutralize the group, describing the army as weak and infiltrated. He added that he had opposed the agreement in cabinet discussions for weeks and would continue to do so.

In contrast, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the same agreement as a historic achievement. He said the United States and Lebanon had recognized Israel’s right to maintain a security zone inside Lebanon until Hezbollah and other militant groups are disarmed. Netanyahu described the deal as a major setback for Iran and Hezbollah, emphasizing that Israel, Lebanon, and the U.S. were united in rejecting Iranian influence in the region.

Netanyahu added that both countries agreed on pilot programs to disarm Hezbollah in specific border areas under Lebanese army control.

A major corruption scandal has erupted over alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, India. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Uttar Pradesh government has arrested eight people responsible for counting cash and valuables, recovering nearly 8 million rupees and some foreign currency. The accused have been remanded in judicial custody until June 29. Investigators found serious procedural violations, including lack of security checks, absence of guards, and improper CCTV retention. The key to the donation box was held by a former driver of the temple trust’s general secretary, violating regulations.

The controversy began when Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav and former legislator Pawan Pandey alleged large-scale misappropriation of temple funds. Following the uproar, the trust’s general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra resigned. Opposition leaders from Shiv Sena (Uddhav), Congress, and others have accused the ruling BJP and RSS of betraying Hindu sentiments and demanded arrests of senior trust officials. Congress leaders called for an impartial probe, alleging attempts to shield key culprits.

Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya dismissed the opposition’s claims, asserting that arrests followed the SIT’s findings and promising strict action against those guilty.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs and Faridpur-2 MP Shama Obaid told Parliament that the opposition has described the proposed national budget as a daydream and a challenge, but she believes it is realistic and can only be implemented by a BNP government. She made the remarks on Sunday during the general discussion on the proposed budget, in a session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.

Obaid said the budget is challenging but follows the legacy of former President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia, who took on major national challenges. She emphasized that under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, the BNP has taken responsibility for the country amid a fragile economy. She described the budget as women-friendly and focused on youth empowerment.

The minister highlighted key measures such as agricultural loan waivers, health cards, mid-day meals in education, family cards, and large allocations for local government development. She said these prove the budget is pro-people, not favoring business elites, and called for allocations for grassroots poor who have suffered over the past 17 years.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) has found that over a hundred modern CCTV cameras installed at its headquarters in Dhaka are largely ineffective because trees planted by the city corporation obstruct their range. The cameras, installed at a cost of 25 million taka to strengthen security around the Election Building, cannot properly capture footage of surrounding areas. EC officials now consider the project an expensive misstep and are planning to request tree removal to restore visibility.

Environmental experts have criticized the EC’s plan, calling it a sign of administrative incompetence and alleging that the project was driven by misuse of funds. They warned that any official who authorizes tree cutting will be labeled environmentally destructive. The EC’s senior secretary stated that security remains a top priority and that obstacles will be addressed internally or through formal requests to relevant authorities.

The issue follows multiple protests and explosions near the Election Building during the 2025–2026 election period, which had already raised concerns about the EC’s security capacity. Officials fear that without proper maintenance, the new cameras could soon become as ineffective as older units.

A BNP leader from the United States has lodged a written complaint with the Prime Minister’s Office, the Home Ministry, and central Jubo Dal authorities, alleging extortion, assault, and harassment by a local Jubo Dal leader in Sylhet’s Beanibazar. The complainant, Moin Uddin, former vice president of the BNP’s Queens branch in New York, accused Kamal Ahmed alias Chakku Kamal, a member of the Beanibazar municipal Jubo Dal convening committee, of demanding money and attacking him after refusal.

Moin Uddin claimed Kamal and his associates vandalized his business and home boundary wall and later attempted further attacks despite a police case filed in April. He said he was forced to leave his area due to ongoing threats. Local sources reported Kamal began asserting influence under the BNP banner after the fall of the Awami League government in August last year, facing multiple allegations of extortion and organizational misconduct.

Local and district Jubo Dal officials confirmed receiving complaints and recommendations for Kamal’s expulsion, though no decisive action has yet been taken. Kamal denied all allegations, calling them baseless and demanding proof.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced his resignation on Saturday after 18 months of anti-government protests led by students. He also declared that Serbia will hold early presidential and parliamentary elections. The demonstrations began after a railway station roof collapse in Novi Sad in November 2024 killed 16 people, sparking public outrage over alleged corruption and mismanagement in government construction projects.

Vucic, who has been in power for 12 years as president or prime minister, said he would step down within weeks but did not specify a date or when parliament would be dissolved. His term was originally due to end in mid-2027. Analysts believe Vucic’s move could allow him to return as prime minister if his Serbian Progressive Party wins the upcoming elections. Opposition groups and student activists have vowed to challenge him and his party at the polls.

Vucic promised reforms, including anti-corruption measures and social spending increases, while denying accusations of corruption and media suppression. Serbia remains a candidate for European Union membership but continues to balance ties with Russia and China.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s official visit to China has marked the beginning of a new era in Dhaka-Beijing relations. During the visit, Bangladesh and China agreed to form a “Bangladesh-China Community of Shared Future in the New Era,” considered the highest level of bilateral partnership in Chinese diplomacy. The two leaders, Rahman and President Xi Jinping, reaffirmed their long-term commitment to strengthening political, economic, and strategic cooperation. China expressed full political support for Bangladesh’s new government and pledged to reject any foreign interference in the country’s internal affairs.

A 15-point joint declaration outlined cooperation in defense, trade, infrastructure, and water management, including Chinese assistance for the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project. Seventeen agreements and memoranda were signed, covering investment, human resource development, language education, media collaboration, and green development. China also supported Bangladesh’s participation in BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Analysts cited in the report noted that the new framework will shape future cooperation in politics, economy, and security. Both sides emphasized mutual respect for sovereignty and pledged to deepen collaboration under global initiatives such as the Belt and Road and Global Development Initiative.

Judicial proceedings at Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal have slowed significantly, with only four of more than 70 listed cases resolved so far. Trials related to the July Revolution massacres and enforced disappearances are moving sluggishly, despite the tribunal being expanded from one to two benches. Prosecutors cite excessive caseloads, limited manpower, and logistical constraints as key reasons for the delays. Families of victims express growing frustration and fear that justice may be indefinitely postponed.

Investigations into major cases, including those against 11 senior Awami League leaders and several former security officials, remain incomplete. Trials of high-profile defendants such as former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her associates have seen minimal witness testimonies recorded over months. Families of slain activists, including Wasim Akram and Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdha, lament that their cases have not yet reached trial despite nearly two years passing.

Officials and victims’ representatives are urging the government to increase the number of tribunals and strengthen prosecution and investigation capacity to ensure timely justice for the July Revolution killings and other crimes against humanity.

Administrative operations in Rajasthali upazila of Rangamati district have nearly collapsed due to a severe shortage of permanent officials. Most key government offices, including the Upazila Nirbahi Officer’s office, are being run under additional charge arrangements. As a result, regular administrative activities are disrupted, leaving residents frustrated and deprived of essential public services.

Field visits revealed that offices such as secondary education, statistics, fisheries, livestock, public health engineering, rural development, accounts, LGED, and ICT are all without permanent officers. The secondary education and statistics offices have been run by acting officials for nine to ten years, creating serious administrative complications. Officials reportedly avoid postings in Rajasthali due to perceived lack of benefits, worsening the staffing crisis.

Local civic groups have condemned the prolonged vacancies as deliberate neglect of citizens’ rights and demanded immediate recruitment of permanent officers. Acting Upazila Nirbahi Officer Raihanul Islam confirmed the shortage and said the matter has been reported to higher authorities for necessary action.