Chinese President Xi Jinping stated on Friday that China supports the smooth functioning of Bangladesh’s new government and is ready to advance high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. According to Xinhua, Xi made the remarks during a meeting with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Beijing.

The meeting took place at the Great Hall of the People, where Xi expressed China’s interest in formulating a framework for key cooperation with Bangladesh. He highlighted potential collaboration in green and low-carbon development, digital economy, information technology, artificial intelligence, and other emerging sectors.

The discussions also reflected Beijing’s proposal for a Bangladesh-China economic corridor through Myanmar, signaling a new phase in bilateral relations between the two countries.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman of Bangladesh laid a wreath at the monument in Beijing’s historic Tiananmen Square on June 26, 2026. The ceremony took place at 9:15 a.m. local time, honoring China’s revolutionary heroes. During the event, the national anthems of both countries were played, and a bugle tune of respect was sounded. The Prime Minister stood in silence for a moment to pay tribute to the memory of China’s fallen heroes.

He was accompanied by his spouse Dr. Zubaida Rahman, Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan, Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, Economic Adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir, and several other senior advisers and officials. The visit reflects the ongoing diplomatic engagements between Bangladesh and China.

The wreath-laying preceded other high-level meetings in Beijing, including a private discussion between Prime Minister Rahman and Chinese President Xi Jinping, signaling a deepening of bilateral relations.

In Dhaka, 1,691 police officers are currently assigned to protect VIPs, including ministers, advisers, and other high-ranking officials. Despite their crucial role, many officers face difficult working conditions, long hours, and inadequate facilities. The shortage of 896 personnel forces existing officers to take on extra duties, leading to physical and mental strain. Officers stationed at ministerial residences often spend idle hours on mobile phones due to limited interaction, while others face delays in meal delivery and lack of proper sanitation facilities.

The police protection division also struggles with a shortage of vehicles, worsened after incidents of arson during the July movement in 2024. Officers often have to shuttle between multiple VIPs without rest. Many report feeling neglected by the officials they protect, receiving little acknowledgment or concern for their welfare. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s protection unit has acknowledged the manpower gap and stated that efforts are underway to address the shortage.

These conditions highlight the growing pressure on law enforcement personnel tasked with VIP protection in the capital, raising concerns about morale and operational efficiency.

Independent Member of Parliament Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Iqbal from Kishoreganj-5 raised questions in the Bangladesh National Parliament about the requirement of a license to consume alcohol. Speaking on Thursday during the general discussion on the proposed 2026–27 national budget, he said he was unaware of any country where drinking alcohol required a license.

During his speech, the MP also discussed drug control policies, saying there should be a clear understanding of whether alcohol is considered a narcotic. He alleged that police treat alcohol possession as a business opportunity, filing cases when a bottle is found. He further commented that the country’s law and order situation is not satisfactory and suggested increasing the police budget.

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Iqbal added that many police stations face shortages of patrol vehicles, making it difficult to maintain law and order. He urged the government to allocate more funds in the budget to strengthen the capacity of law enforcement agencies.

The Conscious Guardians Forum of Motijheel Ideal School and College has strongly protested the appointment of Lal Mohammad as the institution’s new principal. In a statement released to the media on Thursday, forum convener Dr. Helal Uddin alleged that Lal Mohammad, a former associate professor at Kushtia Government College, is linked to the Awami League and accused him of corruption and unethical behavior. The forum demanded the cancellation of his appointment, warning that students and guardians would not accept a politically influenced principal.

The statement further claimed that Lal Mohammad had previously been made an officer on special duty (OSD) due to corruption allegations and that his appointment was secured through political and financial influence. Dr. Helal Uddin urged the government to conduct a fair investigation and cautioned that student protests could escalate if the issue remains unresolved.

Separately, the Guardians Unity Forum, led by freedom fighter Md. Ziaul Kabir Dulu, thanked the education minister and secretary for appointing BCS (Education) cadre officials to principal positions in several reputed institutions and called for similar appointments at Viqarunnisa Noon School and College.

The High Court Division of Bangladesh disposed of a total of 3,409 old cases in a single day under a special initiative. Among these, 3,009 were old criminal miscellaneous cases and 400 were old writ cases. The criminal motion benches handled the criminal cases, while the writ motion benches resolved the writ cases on the same day.

According to court sources, since the start of this special program aimed at clearing long-pending cases, a total of 18,181 old criminal miscellaneous cases and 5,968 old writ cases have been resolved over five working days, one day each week. This brings the total number of disposed cases to 24,149. The initiative, launched on May 7, 2026, was undertaken under the direction of the Chief Justice to ensure faster justice, reduce case backlogs, and enhance the efficiency of the judicial system.

Court sources noted that the ongoing program has generated positive responses among litigants and related circles as the High Court continues to prioritize the disposal of old cases on designated days each week.

Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury has praised outgoing Sylhet Deputy Commissioner (DC) Md. Sarowar Alam for his significant role in addressing long-standing irregularities, corruption, and mismanagement across various sectors in Sylhet. Speaking to journalists at Sylhet Osmani International Airport on Wednesday, the minister said Sarowar Alam had opened people’s eyes by bringing hidden issues to light and creating pathways for transparency and accountability.

The minister noted that the district administration’s initiatives under Sarowar Alam’s leadership had generated positive public response, particularly in identifying and resolving problems in financial and service sectors. He expressed hope that these initiatives would continue and that relevant authorities and the government would maintain active support. Regarding shrine management, he emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in income and expenditure, adding that Sarowar Alam’s transfer was part of routine administrative procedure.

During his tenure, DC Sarowar Alam sealed and later opened donation boxes at Hazrat Shahjalal’s shrine, revealing over 1.7 million taka and some gold, and took multiple anti-corruption steps that drew wide local attention.

Bangladesh and China signed 13 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) on Thursday afternoon at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing following a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Chinese Premier Li Qiang. The signing was attended by Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahid Uddin Swapon, and senior foreign ministry officials. The agreements aim to enhance cooperation in investment, green development, and other key areas.

At a press briefing, Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson Mahdi Amin said the MoUs cover areas under the Global Development Initiative, including health, education, and skills development. Separate cooperation plans were signed for human resource development and technical and vocational education. Additional MoUs were signed to strengthen collaboration in the media sector, focusing on modern technology and information exchange. One agreement also covers the export of Bangladesh’s national fruit, jackfruit.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir stated that China expressed full support for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s government and pledged cooperation in trade, education, and culture. He added that China assured Bangladesh of its support on the Rohingya issue, marking a new phase in bilateral relations.

BNP lawmaker Fazlur Rahman from Kishoreganj-4 said he has no objection to the construction of Hindu temples or statues, emphasizing peaceful coexistence among followers of different religions. Speaking on Thursday during the general discussion of the 13th National Parliament’s budget session, he stated that if the Home Minister deems a temple or statue inappropriate, he may stop it, but personally, Rahman sees no issue. He added that people should be free to worship in their own places, saying he could build a mosque while others build temples without conflict.

Addressing opposition to the construction of an 81-foot Ram temple in Palashbari, Gaibandha, Rahman criticized groups such as Hefazat-e-Islam for organizing processions against the project. He said some people use religion for personal gain and ignore cultural values. Rahman also expressed concern over budget disparities between education and culture, arguing that both sectors are interdependent and essential for building a civilized society.

He urged for a balanced approach in national budgeting to ensure that cultural development complements educational progress.

At the International Crimes Tribunal-1 on Thursday, former ICT minister Zunaid Ahmed Polok, sentenced to death in a war crimes case related to the July uprising, requested permission to personally cross-examine a witness. The case also involves Sajib Wazed Joy, son of Sheikh Hasina. So far, seven witnesses have testified. On the day set for the cross-examination of the seventh witness, Kabir Hossain Mridha, Polok’s lawyer Liton Ahmed sought more time, citing the recent appointment of a new defense lawyer who could not attend. The tribunal denied the request.

Polok was brought to the dock and asked to conduct the questioning himself, but the prosecution objected, arguing that only defense lawyers are allowed to cross-examine witnesses. Liton countered that Polok is a lawyer and understands legal procedures, yet the tribunal refused permission. Liton then proceeded with the cross-examination, during which the witness denied participating in a victory rally after Sheikh Hasina’s fall in August 2024 and described seeing bodies, including his son’s, at a hospital that night.

The exchange highlighted tensions between the defense and prosecution over procedural rights in the ongoing high-profile trial.

Leaders of the National Citizens Party (NCP) are scheduled to visit Kulaura in Moulvibazar on June 26 to protest the continued killings by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) along the Kulaura frontier. This will be the first visit of the party’s central leadership to the area, and local NCP members have expressed enthusiasm about the event.

According to Ibrahim Mahmud, joint member secretary of Kulaura NCP, the visiting delegation will include northern region organizer Sarjis Alam, chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patowary, and joint convener Ashraf Mahdi. They will first attend Friday prayers at Robirbazar Jame Mosque, then join a protest program at the Sharifpur border at 4 p.m. Later in the evening, at 7 p.m., they will participate in a discussion meeting at the local auditorium in Kulaura town.

The protest and meeting are being organized by the Moulvibazar district branch of the National Citizens Party (NCP).

The National Democratic Party (JAGPA) has announced a 35-member partial committee for its Dhaka Metropolitan unit. The committee was approved by JAGPA Vice President and party spokesperson Rashed Pradhan. SM Ziaul Anwar has been named president and Sabbir Ahmed general secretary. The announcement was made at the party’s metropolitan office on Thursday evening, where newly elected members were greeted with flowers. JAGPA General Secretary Professor Iqbal Hossain was also present at the event.

The committee includes several vice presidents, joint general secretaries, and organizational secretaries from both northern and southern regions of Dhaka. Other positions such as office, publicity, religious, finance, education and culture, relief, and information and media secretaries were also filled. The list concludes with several members appointed to general posts.

The formation of this partial committee marks an organizational step for JAGPA’s Dhaka unit as it continues to strengthen its local leadership structure.

The government has temporarily suspended Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Biplob Bijoy Talukder of Rajarbagh Police Telecom for being absent from his workplace without permission for eight consecutive months. The suspension order was issued on Wednesday, June 24, under the signature of Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Manjur Morshed Chowdhury, by order of the President. The ministry confirmed the matter on Thursday, June 25.

According to the official notification, Talukder had been absent from duty since October 6 of the previous year without authorization. His actions were categorized as misconduct and desertion under the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules. The order stated that his suspension would take effect from the date he first went absent.

Biplob Bijoy Talukder joined the Bangladesh Police in 2001 through the 20th BCS as an Assistant Superintendent of Police and was promoted to the rank of DIG in 2023.

Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon announced that teachers who moved from rural schools to cities over the past 20 years will have to return to their original rural postings. He said the ministry has already issued letters to prepare a list of such teachers. The minister made the remarks on Thursday during a meeting with exam center secretaries at the Khulna Divisional Commissioner’s auditorium ahead of the upcoming HSC and equivalent examinations.

He also stated that from July, all primary schools will introduce both school uniforms and a mid-day meal program. Additionally, examinations under the madrasa and technical boards will be conducted with uniform question papers. The minister warned against digital cheating in exam centers and said that any negligence by hall supervisors or staff would result in punishment. He emphasized that fake question papers shared on social media would be investigated, and those responsible would face action.

Dr. Milon further mentioned that retired teachers who have not received their welfare and retirement allowances since 2022 will be paid soon.

Cumilla-4 Member of Parliament Hasnat Abdullah delivered a strong statement during the general discussion of the 13th National Parliament’s budget session on Thursday. He alleged that during the interim government period, legal actions were taken against Bashundhara Group by the Anti-Corruption Commission, but questioned the current status of those cases. Abdullah demanded transparency regarding any possible under-the-table settlements and called for legal action if no compromise had been made. He criticized the group for alleged money laundering, asset grabbing, and using media to justify political violence.

Abdullah further expressed disappointment that lawmakers must share the parliament with loan defaulters, calling it a matter of shame. He also noted that some ruling party members work as advisors to media outlets that previously portrayed Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as a traitor. He urged the ruling party to take a firm stance against those legitimizing enforced disappearances and killings, emphasizing that avoiding revenge should not mean avoiding justice.

He added that despite years of money being laundered abroad, no clear policy has been presented on how to recover those funds.