A newly formed group called the ‘Cockroach Janata Party’ (CJP) has launched a sit-in protest in New Delhi demanding the resignation of India’s Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The protest, led by CJP founder Abhijit Deepke, began last Saturday at Jantar Mantar and will continue until the minister steps down. The movement emerged in response to repeated exam paper leaks and irregularities in national-level admission and recruitment tests, which have placed the Modi administration under pressure.

The CJP, created only a month ago as a satirical take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party, uses the cockroach as its symbol, inspired by a controversial remark allegedly labeling unemployed youth as “cockroaches.” The protests have drawn hundreds daily, with participants carrying national flags, singing patriotic songs, and presenting flowers to police officers to maintain peace. Symbolic acts, such as banging utensils and writing demands on diapers, have been used to mock government failures.

Following widespread exam controversies, including the cancellation of a major medical entrance test, the government has tightened security measures and used military aircraft to transport exam papers. Protesters plan to expand their organizational structure and push for long-term reforms in India’s examination system.

The youth wing of Jamaat-e-Islami Rajshahi Metropolitan organized a rally and assembly on Friday in observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse. The rally began in the Alupatti area of Rajshahi city, moved through several streets, and concluded at the Central Shaheed Minar, where a gathering was held.

The event was presided over by Salauddin Ahmed, secretary of the Jamaat-e-Islami youth division in Rajshahi. Abu Mohammad Selim, the city’s Naib-e-Ameer, attended as chief guest, while city secretary Imajuddin Mondol and organizational secretary Jasim Uddin Sarkar also spoke. Selim called for united efforts across society to eliminate drugs and protect the nation’s youth. Ahmed alleged that drug abuse had increased since the new government took office, questioning its role. Mondol criticized the government’s effectiveness in drug control, and Sarkar urged a stronger anti-drug stance while criticizing a parliament member’s remarks on alcohol.

Speakers demanded effective measures to build a drug-free Bangladesh, with leaders and activists from various levels of the organization participating in the event.

At least 23 Muslim religious sites, including mosques, madrasas, eidgahs, and dargahs, have been demolished across several BJP-ruled Indian states over the past 45 days, according to reports from international media and human rights organizations. The demolitions occurred mainly in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Haryana. The U.S.-based rights group Justice for All expressed concern over the rapid rise in mosque demolitions, citing incidents in Sambhal, Varanasi, and Jaipur. Historical structures such as the 1,000-year-old Ganj Shahida Mosque in Varanasi and the 200-year-old Dargah Panch Piran in Delhi were among those destroyed.

Local waqf boards and caretakers alleged that the demolitions were carried out hastily and without prior notice, despite the sites’ legal and historical significance. The organization stated that these incidents do not appear to be isolated but part of a broader pattern targeting Muslim religious heritage in BJP-governed regions.

The wave of demolitions has raised serious concerns about religious freedom and minority rights in India, with observers warning of growing insecurity among the country’s Muslim population.

Brahmanbaria-2 Member of Parliament Rumin Farhana said the country would have benefited if the home minister had shown as much interest in his own ministry as he does in others. She made the remarks on Friday while speaking to local journalists after inspecting road construction progress in Ghagrajuri village of Chuntta Union, Sarail upazila, Brahmanbaria.

Rumin Farhana stated that Bangladesh’s current law and order situation is more fragile than at any time in the recent past. She warned that without visible improvement in the economy and law enforcement, the government could face unfortunate consequences. Referring to the newly announced national budget, she questioned its feasibility and said she had raised these concerns in parliament.

She also accused local BNP leaders and activists of engaging in what she called a “case business,” alleging that they repeatedly file cases and seek bail in a cycle. She urged the home minister to address the issue, reminding him that he would one day be held accountable for his actions.

A protest rally and human chain were held in Gangachara upazila of Rangpur on Friday, demanding a Bangladesh free from Indian dominance and condemning recent remarks by West Bengal political leader Suvendu Adhikari about Rangpur. The event took place at Gangachara Zero Point, where participants from various local professions joined under the slogan of turning the dream of occupying Rangpur into a nightmare.

Speakers at the human chain, including leaders of the Anti-Indian Hegemony Movement, expressed concern over alleged attempts to dominate Rangpur and criticized the construction of a large Ram temple in Palashbari, Gaibandha. They asserted that Rangpur’s people would not compromise on their land, dignity, or sovereignty and urged Adhikari to understand the local reality before making claims.

Organizers from the Anti-Indian Hegemony Tawhidi Janata said the program aimed to raise public awareness about national interests, regional dignity, and the country’s sovereignty. The event concluded with another protest march through the Gangachara Zero Point area.

Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Health Affairs, Dr. S M Ziauddin Hayder, stated that the current government not only makes promises but also works to fulfill them. Speaking at a reception organized by the Jhalakathi Press Club on Friday morning, he said the government under Tarique Rahman’s leadership has already begun implementing initiatives such as family and farmer cards, tree planting, canal and river dredging, healthcare, and employment programs.

Dr. Hayder emphasized that the BNP believes in knowledge-based and development-oriented politics. He said that the Prime Minister’s nationwide development plans will soon become visible to the public. To strengthen grassroots healthcare, health centers will be established in every ward of unions and municipalities to ensure uninterrupted medical services.

Addressing journalists, he assured that the current government will not use digital security laws to suppress or control the media. He also mentioned plans to establish a housing area for journalists on government land to resolve accommodation issues in Jhalakathi.

Youth Jamiat Bangladesh’s Sunamganj district branch organized a protest rally and gathering on Friday after Juma prayers, demanding the cancellation of the death sentence against former district student Jamiat leader Hafiz Naeem Ahmad Arif in the Suranjit Sengupta murder attempt case. The rally started from Madania Madrasa premises and ended with a gathering at the city’s traffic point.

The event was presided over by district Youth Jamiat president Hafiz Twaha Hossain and conducted by general secretary Maulana Obaidul Haque Chowdhury. Central vice-president of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh, Sheikh Maulana Abdul Bashir, attended as chief guest and said the death verdict was based on a false and fabricated case, calling it contrary to justice. He demanded immediate cancellation of the verdict and acquittal of Hafiz Naeem Ahmad Arif.

Speakers at the rally alleged that the case was politically motivated and that innocent individuals were implicated. They argued that since other accused in the same case were acquitted, Arif should also be freed, warning of a larger movement if their demand is not met.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has returned to Dhaka after completing his first foreign visits as head of government, covering Malaysia and China. According to the Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumman, he landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 7:47 p.m. Bangladesh time on June 26, 2026. The Prime Minister departed Beijing Daxing International Airport at 5:15 p.m. local time aboard a China Southern Airlines flight.

During his departure from Beijing, Tarique Rahman and his spouse, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, received a red-carpet farewell. China’s Presidential Special Envoy Yue Xiaoyong was present at the airport to convey good wishes. The couple walked along the red carpet before boarding their flight to Dhaka.

The Prime Minister had left Dhaka on June 21, 2026, for a two-day official visit to Malaysia at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. After completing that visit, he traveled to Dalian, China, on June 22 before concluding his trip and returning home.

Tahsina Rushdir Luna, wife of missing BNP leader and former Sylhet-2 MP M. Elias Ali, stated that she seeks justice, not revenge, for enforced disappearances. She made the remarks on Friday at a discussion organized by the victims’ relatives’ group ‘Mayer Dak’ at the Krishibid Institute in Dhaka, marking the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture 2026.

Luna emphasized that if those involved in disappearances are not brought to justice, such acts may recur in the future. Earlier at the same event, Dhaka-14 MP Barrister Arman described himself as a proud survivor of enforced disappearance, vowing to continue sharing his story so that future generations do not face similar fates. He also declared that fascist forces would not be allowed to return to Bangladesh.

The event highlighted personal testimonies and calls for accountability regarding enforced disappearances in the country, aligning with the international observance against torture and impunity.

Member of Parliament Monirul Haque Chowdhury from Comilla-6 has warned of a long march if authorities fail to take strong action against drug trafficking and terrorism in the border area of Golabari. Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Friday at the Comilla Deputy Commissioner’s office, he said he would lead people to the streets and even resign from parliament if necessary.

Chowdhury questioned why operations and arrests had not yet been conducted in Golabari, comparing it to the previously controlled Jungle Salimpur area. He urged the deputy commissioner and police superintendent to identify and list the main offenders and take immediate legal action. He also demanded stricter measures from the district public prosecutor regarding bail for accused individuals in murder and drug cases.

The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Md. Reza Hasan and attended by officials from the Border Guard Bangladesh, police, and local administration. Chowdhury reiterated that there would be no compromise in the fight against drugs and terrorism.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced that the government will initiate a special allowance program for families of enforced disappearance victims. He made the statement on Friday at a national dialogue titled “Right to Compensation and Rehabilitation,” held at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh auditorium in Dhaka, marking the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture 2026. The minister said a proposal will be submitted to include the allowance in the current budget and reaffirmed that legal actions against those responsible for disappearances will continue.

Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament Barrister Kaiser Kamal emphasized that it is time to claim rights and ensure justice, expressing hope for a parliamentary committee on disappearances and a stronger Human Rights Commission. The event was attended by several lawmakers, the Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, and family members of disappearance victims, who shared their experiences and expectations regarding compensation, rehabilitation, and justice.

The initiative signals a policy move toward institutional support for affected families and accountability for past disappearances.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami held its central Majlis-e-Shura session on Friday morning at Al Falah Auditorium in Dhaka, attended by senior party leaders and members. Party chief and opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman delivered the opening speech, declaring that Jamaat’s struggle against injustice and oppressive forces would continue. He stated that the party would remain uncompromising in defending democratic values and people’s rights, emphasizing that resistance must rise wherever fascism appears.

Dr. Rahman criticized the government for disregarding public opinion expressed in the February 12 general election and referendum on reform, claiming that nearly 70 percent of voters’ views were ignored. He said the failure to establish independent institutions such as the judiciary, anti-corruption and human rights commissions, and the election commission had allowed the recurrence of authoritarian tendencies. He also called for national unity to address border challenges and urged citizens to stay united for their legitimate rights.

The Jamaat leader expressed concern over rising crime and political violence, demanding justice for recent killings, including that of a student leader in Gaibandha. He reaffirmed Jamaat’s commitment to building a humane, safe, and just Bangladesh.

Member of Parliament Monirul Haque Chowdhury from Cumilla-6 (Sadar) has declared that he will resign if the government does not take effective measures against drugs and terrorism. He made the statement on Friday while addressing a discussion meeting at the Cumilla Deputy Commissioner’s office marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

During his speech, Monirul Haque criticized the lack of control in certain areas, questioning why authorities could manage Jangal Salimpur but not Golabari, where no arrests had been made. He urged the district commissioner and police superintendent to prepare a list of main offenders and take action, warning that he would lead a long march with ten thousand people if necessary. He also called on the district public prosecutor to be stricter about granting bail in murder and drug-related cases.

The meeting was presided over by Cumilla Deputy Commissioner Md. Reza Hasan and attended by officials from the Border Guard Bangladesh, police, and local administration.

Dhaka-14 Member of Parliament Barrister Arman stated that his greatest identity is being a survivor of enforced disappearance. Speaking on Friday at a discussion organized by the group ‘Mayer Dak’ at the Krishibid Institute in Dhaka, marking the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture 2026, he said he would continue to share his story so that future generations do not face similar suffering.

Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Kashem, another speaker at the event, emphasized the long-lasting pain endured by families of the disappeared and called for visible action. He urged the state to ensure that affected families are not left economically dependent on others. He also proposed establishing a “July Museum” to educate future generations about the brutality of fascism and help them recognize and resist it early.

Kashem further highlighted that many victim families in rural areas live in severe financial hardship and cannot afford to travel to Dhaka. He urged the government to provide targeted one-time or monthly financial assistance to these families.

China has agreed to assist Bangladesh in the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP). The commitment was announced in a 15-point joint statement issued after Prime Minister Tarek Rahman’s official visit to China, which concluded on June 26, 2026. During the visit, Rahman met Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, where both sides discussed strengthening strategic ties and cooperation across multiple sectors.

The joint statement outlined plans to institutionalize a strategic dialogue between the two foreign ministers and to explore launching a ‘2+2 dialogue’ on diplomacy and defense. Both nations reaffirmed mutual support for sovereignty and territorial integrity, with Bangladesh reiterating its adherence to the One-China policy. The two countries also agreed to enhance collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative, expand trade and investment, and strengthen cooperation in technology, energy, and climate resilience.

Experts from both sides will jointly complete the feasibility study for the Teesta project, which aims to improve water management, flood control, and river restoration. The visit also marked progress toward deeper defense, educational, and cultural exchanges between Bangladesh and China.