Opposition lawmaker Shajahan Chowdhury from Chattogram-15 has criticized the proposed 2026–2027 national budget, claiming it was prepared by individuals aligned with what he termed a fascist government and does not reflect the aspirations of July. Speaking in parliament on Saturday, he said the budget failed to embody the hopes that accompanied the formation of the current parliament and accused the finance minister of prioritizing business interests over the needs of ordinary citizens.

Chowdhury argued that the government retained officials who benefited over the past 18 years while neglecting the oppressed and deprived. He said the budget ignored farmers, reduced allocations for agriculture, and failed to increase funding for gas exploration despite rising demand. He also alleged that nine ministries were struggling while fifteen received additional funds. The MP urged the government to raise allocations for the weaker ministries and modernize Chattogram Port.

He further defended Jamaat-e-Islami’s political legitimacy, rejecting claims that it was not an Islamic party, and reiterated his party’s goal of establishing a welfare state based on justice and fairness.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman of Bangladesh visited the graves of his parents after returning from his first official foreign trip to Malaysia and China. The visit took place on Saturday at 12:15 p.m. at the mausoleum complex in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, where he paid respects to his father, late President Ziaur Rahman, and his mother, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

During the visit, the Prime Minister recited Surah Fatiha and offered prayers and munajat at the graves. The event marked his first public appearance following the completion of his overseas engagements.

The report did not provide details about the outcomes of his foreign visits or any official statements regarding the purpose or achievements of the trips.

Government party lawmaker Zainul Abedin Faruk, representing Noakhali-2 constituency, called for an increase in the allowances of the 1971 Liberation War veterans during a budget discussion in the National Parliament on Saturday. He emphasized that the contributions of the freedom fighters must not be forgotten and urged collective efforts to build the nation.

Faruk also welcomed the opposition’s support for the motion of thanks on the Prime Minister’s foreign visits, describing it as a positive gesture. He stated that criticism in Parliament should be constructive and democratic rather than arbitrary. Referring to a comment by Jamaat MP Shahjahan Chowdhury, he said there was no need to discuss religion in this context and urged self-reflection on pre-1971 positions.

The discussion took place amid ongoing budget debates, highlighting calls for recognition and welfare of those who fought in the Liberation War.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman expressed heartfelt thanks to all members of the National Parliament, including the Leader of the Opposition, after a unanimous resolution of appreciation was passed regarding his recent visits to Malaysia and China. He conveyed his gratitude during the budget session on Saturday afternoon, where Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed presided over the proceedings and mentioned the adoption of the resolution in the Prime Minister’s absence.

In his remarks, Prime Minister Rahman emphasized that the people of Bangladesh had entrusted him with the responsibility to safeguard national interests. He reiterated his guiding principle of 'Bangladesh First,' stating that his foreign visits were solely focused on advancing the country’s interests, not personal matters. He added that any achievements from these visits belong to the nation and its people.

Rahman also acknowledged the encouragement shown by all members, particularly the opposition leader, in working for the welfare of the people, and extended his appreciation to them for their cooperation and unity in parliament.

A US federal judge has directed the Department of Justice (DOJ) to justify its decision to drop criminal charges against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani. The order came a month after the DOJ announced it would no longer pursue the case. On Wednesday, Adani’s lawyers formally requested Brooklyn-based District Judge Nicholas Garaufis to dismiss the case. In a written ruling released Wednesday, Garaufis said the prosecutors’ notice lacked sufficient explanation and gave them until July 13 to provide detailed reasoning.

The judge noted that the government’s brief and one-sided statement did not give the court enough basis to reach a conclusion or properly assess the dismissal request. Adani’s attorney, Robert Giuffra, argued that the case should be dismissed because it falls outside US jurisdiction and prosecutors cannot prove alleged bribery in India.

Adani was charged in 2024 with agreeing to bribe Indian officials to secure a solar power contract and misleading US investors about his company’s anti-corruption policies. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqul Rahman has called for all significant agreements made with foreign countries to be presented before the parliament to ensure transparency and accountability in parliamentary democracy. He made the remarks on Saturday morning during the budget session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, while supporting the ruling party’s motion of thanks regarding the Prime Minister’s recent visit.

Dr. Rahman emphasized that the parliament should remain the central platform for all national activities and that no decisions should bypass it. He rejected the culture of partisan credit-taking and opposition for its own sake, urging mutual respect between the ruling and opposition parties. He also stressed that Bangladesh’s foreign policy must remain independent and based on mutual respect and equity, ensuring that no party is harmed in international dealings.

He expressed hope that the Prime Minister had exercised due caution in maintaining this balance and wished her good health and continued success in governance.

Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told Parliament that Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman’s visits to Malaysia and China from June 21 to 26 had significantly strengthened Bangladesh’s bilateral relations with both countries. He said the trips were highly successful, resulting in the signing of 17 memorandums of understanding with China and reaffirming mutual respect and cooperation. A motion of thanks for the Prime Minister’s achievements was unanimously adopted in the national parliament session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqul Rahman supported the motion, emphasizing that Bangladesh’s foreign policy is based on mutual respect, non-interference, and strategic autonomy. They said the visits reflected these principles and reinforced the country’s independent foreign policy stance. Lawmakers expressed appreciation by table-thumping after the motion passed.

The opposition leader also urged that Parliament remain the central platform for all national decisions and called for mutual respect between the ruling and opposition parties to ensure balanced governance and national unity.

U.S. President Donald Trump has unveiled a new commemorative passport design featuring his own portrait, marking the country’s 250th anniversary. The limited-edition passport sample was shared on Friday via Trump’s Truth Social account, where he described it as the “new U.S. passport” and included the phrase “Welcome, but behave!” The design shows Trump’s image at the Resolute Desk with the Declaration of Independence text in the background and his signature below. The opposite page displays John Trumbull’s famous painting “The Declaration of Independence.”

The portrait used in the new passport appears to be based on Trump’s official painting displayed at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. This design differs from an earlier version released by the State Department earlier this year, which featured a different presidential image. The White House later posted the same design on its official X account, captioned “New U.S. passport commemorating America’s 250th anniversary.”

It remains unclear whether this latest image represents the final official design. The White House referred inquiries to the State Department, which has not yet commented, according to CNN.

Bangladesh’s National Parliament on Saturday unanimously adopted a motion of thanks for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s successful visit to Malaysia and China from June 21 to 26. The motion was introduced by Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir during the opening of the budget session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed. Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman supported the motion, which was passed by voice vote amid applause from lawmakers.

Mirza Fakhrul stated that the visit strengthened Bangladesh’s bilateral ties with both Malaysia and China and resulted in the signing of 17 memorandums of understanding with China. He emphasized that the trip reflected the government’s commitment to people’s welfare and a new political culture. Finance Minister Amir Khosru said the visit reaffirmed Bangladesh’s foreign policy principles of mutual respect, non-interference, and strategic autonomy. Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman expressed hope that future foreign relations would maintain balance and uphold national interests.

The session concluded with calls for ensuring that all national decisions remain centered in Parliament and for cooperation between government and opposition in nation-building.

Burkina Faso announced on Friday that it has severed diplomatic relations with France, its former colonial ruler. The declaration was read on national television, stating that the government had decided to end diplomatic ties with Paris. The move marks a significant escalation in the country's distancing from Western powers since Captain Ibrahim Traoré took power following a coup in September 2022.

According to the statement, Burkina Faso accused France of acting against its national interests. Communication Minister Gilbert Ouédraogo said the environment necessary for relations based on mutual respect, trust, non-interference, and sovereignty no longer exists. He added that the decision followed a thorough review of relations with Paris.

Ouédraogo further accused France of pursuing neo-colonial ambitions and supporting terrorist groups that have destabilized Burkina Faso and the wider Sahel region. The announcement underscores the military government's increasingly confrontational stance toward France and Western influence in the region.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has accused India of using covert tactics and proxy forces to undermine his country’s peace and stability. Speaking at the passing-out parade of the Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi, he said the entire nation remains united with an unbreakable resolve to thwart what he called the enemy’s malicious plans.

Sharif stated that Pakistan is facing multifaceted security challenges and alleged that its eastern neighbor, after suffering a humiliating counterattack last May, is attempting to disrupt Pakistan’s hard-earned peace. He added that Pakistan’s armed forces continue to confront foreign-backed terrorism emerging from the western border, with the nation standing shoulder to shoulder with them.

The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to pursue peace, dialogue, and diplomacy to resolve all outstanding disputes. He also emphasized that Pakistan will continue to advocate for the rights of Kashmiris, Gazans, and Palestinians.

Nasiruddin Patwari, chief coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP), said that those killed along the border have no religious identity but are identified as Bangladeshis. He stated that Bangladeshis are repeatedly being killed at the border and called for India to face trial in an international court to ensure justice for these killings. Patwari emphasized that without accountability for violations of international law and human rights, border killings would not stop.

He added that merely building barbed-wire fences would not solve the problem, pointing to the lack of hospitals, schools, colleges, and employment opportunities in border areas. He urged effective initiatives for the development of border communities alongside addressing these issues.

Patwari made these remarks on Friday afternoon at a roadside rally organized by the NCP at Chatlaghat Bazar in Sharifpur Union of Kulaura upazila, protesting the recent killing of Bangladeshi youth Mujibur Rahman Mujib by India’s Border Security Force (BSF). Other NCP leaders also called for a stronger government response and visited Mujib’s family to offer condolences.

Ahmad Abdul Qayyum, Assistant Secretary General of Islami Andolan Bangladesh and President of the party’s Dhaka South unit, has called for full transparency regarding all agreements and memorandums of understanding signed during the Prime Minister’s recent state visits. Speaking as chief guest at the party’s monthly meeting in Dhaka on Friday, he said that no country can stand proudly if foreign deals prioritize personal or partisan interests over national welfare.

He stated that citizens have the right to know details of any international agreement affecting national sovereignty and interests. Qayyum also alleged that during previous fascist and interim governments, several foreign agreements were made that went against the country’s interests. He expressed concern that some deals signed with India under the Awami League and with the United States during the interim government could have negative long-term effects.

The Islami Andolan leader further voiced alarm over the deteriorating law and order situation, warning that instability is rising while the Home Minister continues to make statements instead of taking effective action.

Bangladesh Khelafat Movement has strongly criticized the death sentence handed to Hafez Naeem Ahmed in the 2004 attempted murder case of Suranjit Sengupta. The group described the verdict as discriminatory and unjust, noting that while several BNP leaders and other accused were acquitted, only one Islamic scholar received the death penalty.

In a statement issued on Friday, the organization’s organizing secretary Mufti Sultan Mohiuddin alleged that remnants of the former Sheikh Hasina government still influence the state apparatus, which he said was reflected in this verdict. He questioned why an Islamic scholar was sentenced when others were freed, suggesting that the decision was made to appease India and ISKCON.

The statement demanded Naeem’s release and called for the verdict to be overturned to ensure justice. It also warned that a nationwide movement would be launched if the ruling was not revoked and urged for an end to what it termed discriminatory judicial practices against religious scholars and citizens.

At a divisional conference of Jubo Shakti in Rangpur on Friday evening, Member of Parliament Atik Mujahid criticized the Home Minister for failing to maintain overall national security. He said the minister’s inability to focus on key issues has led to a deterioration in law and order. Mujahid also questioned the government’s silence regarding claims that thousands of people had entered Bangladesh illegally, calling it a serious security threat.

He further alleged that the government was discriminating against opposition parties in budget allocations, giving ruling party constituencies far more funds. Mujahid expressed frustration over the lack of progress in implementing the Teesta mega project, saying the government had only offered assurances without setting a timeline. He warned that continued river erosion was destroying farmland and homes while the government remained inactive.

National Jubo Shakti convener Advocate Tarikul Islam echoed concerns about rising insecurity and accused the government of weakness in handling Awami League activities. He urged the government to abandon its unilateral approach to governance and take effective measures to restore public safety.