During a press briefing in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio made a significant statement regarding Iran’s future direction. He said Iran has an extraordinary opportunity if it chooses to operate as a normal state rather than as a revolutionary movement. Rubio noted that such a shift could open new economic prospects and attract foreign investment, similar to other countries in the region. However, he clarified that any potential investments would not come from the US government or its funds.

Rubio emphasized that Iran’s political future depends on progress in upcoming discussions on several security-related issues. He also reiterated that once a final agreement is reached, Iran will not be allowed to impose tolls or fees in the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, he confirmed that talks concerning Lebanon will remain separate from the ongoing US-Iran negotiations.

The remarks, reported by Al Jazeera, highlight Washington’s conditional openness to Iran’s economic reintegration if Tehran alters its political stance and engages constructively in regional security talks.

Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will undertake his first state visit to China from Wednesday to Friday, marking his inaugural foreign trip since taking office. During the visit, he will attend the 17th Annual Meeting of the ‘New Champions’ in Dalian and witness the signing of several cooperation agreements between Bangladesh and China. The visit underscores the new government’s emphasis on strengthening ties with Beijing and attracting foreign investment, infrastructure collaboration, and trade facilitation.

Bangladesh’s economy has faced challenges since the 2024 political transition, including internal uncertainty and regional conflicts. China remains Bangladesh’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, hosting around a thousand Chinese enterprises that generate hundreds of thousands of jobs. Since December 2024, China has granted Bangladesh duty-free access on all tariff lines, boosting agricultural exports. The visit is part of a broader wave of high-level visits to China by South and Southeast Asian leaders seeking deeper cooperation.

Some Indian media outlets have expressed dissatisfaction, claiming Bangladesh overlooked India for the Prime Minister’s first foreign trip. However, the report emphasizes that China’s regional cooperation is not directed against any third party and supports inclusive, mutually beneficial partnerships across South Asia.

Ten years after the 2016 referendum in which 52 percent of Britons voted to leave the European Union, the United Kingdom continues to grapple with political instability and economic slowdown. Since the vote, the country has seen six prime ministers, with a seventh expected soon. The latest, Keir Starmer, announced his resignation after two years in office, citing a sluggish economy and a divided electorate. Analysts and academics describe Brexit’s lingering influence as an “underground imprint” that still shapes British politics.

Economists say Brexit has damaged the UK economy, reducing exports to the EU by about 12 percent and imports by 16 percent. Businesses face new trade barriers, paperwork, and border checks despite a zero-tariff agreement. Political divisions have deepened within major parties, and voter disillusionment has grown, pushing many toward smaller parties such as the Green Party and Reform UK. Public opinion polls now show a majority favoring rejoining the EU.

Experts warn that unless British leaders confront Brexit’s legacy, the country will remain in a state of prolonged crisis, with its political and economic vitality steadily eroding.

Police detained four activists of the banned Chhatra League in Mongla, Bagerhat, on Tuesday night while they were preparing to cut a cake marking the anniversary of the Awami League. The arrests took place around 9:30 p.m. at Mongla Port Municipality. According to police and local sources, the detainees were known as active members of the prohibited organization and were organizing a small celebration when officers arrived.

During the operation, police seized a cake and two organizational flags from the scene. The detainees were taken to the local police station, where legal proceedings were initiated against them. Officer-in-Charge Atikur Rahman stated that police are actively working to prevent any organizational activities of banned groups.

He added that the operation was part of regular police drives aimed at maintaining public order and preventing potential acts of sabotage. Police operations in the area will continue as part of these preventive measures.

The US Senate has passed a War Powers Resolution aimed at restricting any military action against Iran. The measure directs a halt to offensive operations without congressional approval. The decision drew an angry reaction from President Donald Trump, who expressed his discontent on the social media platform X.

In his post, Trump argued that the Senate’s move came at a time when Iran was under maximum pressure and ready to concede. He described the resolution as a poorly timed and meaningless act that undermines his administration’s efforts. Trump further claimed that the decision sends a wrong message to what he called the world’s top sponsor of terrorism, suggesting that the United States disapproves of his actions against Iran.

The president also criticized four Republican senators who voted with Democrats in favor of the resolution, accusing them of making his job harder. Despite the setback, Trump asserted that he would still achieve his goals by any means necessary.

The Malaysian Prime Minister’s Office has released a video titled “Amar Bondhu Mohajadu Jane,” highlighting Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tareq Rahman’s first official visit to Malaysia after forming the new government. The two-day visit took place on Sunday and Monday, featuring meetings, cultural events, and bilateral discussions. The video, published on Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Facebook page on Tuesday morning, quickly went viral, surpassing one million views within four hours and drawing thousands of comments and shares.

During a joint press conference in Putrajaya, Anwar Ibrahim referred to Tareq Rahman as his brother and recalled his longstanding ties with the Zia family. The video also included Anwar’s remarks on the Rohingya crisis, expressing commitment to work jointly with Bangladesh and ASEAN to engage Myanmar authorities for a partial resolution. Throughout the footage, the song “Amar Bondhu Mohajadu Jane” played in the background, symbolizing friendship between the two nations.

Tareq Rahman expressed gratitude for Malaysia’s warm hospitality, emphasizing the historic and strategic depth of bilateral relations and his intention to strengthen multifaceted cooperation with Anwar Ibrahim in the future.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived in Beijing on Wednesday after traveling from Dalian, China, by high-speed bullet train. He reached Beijing at 5:35 p.m. local time, accompanied by his wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman. Earlier in the day, he attended the World Economic Forum’s “Summer Davos” annual meeting held at the Dalian International Conference Center.

The 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions brought together leaders from more than 90 countries and regions, including the prime ministers of Guinea, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Mongolia, and Montenegro. Over 1,700 representatives from political, business, academic, and media sectors participated in the event.

According to the report, Tarique Rahman’s participation in the “Summer Davos” is expected to help Bangladesh expand investment and employment opportunities while strengthening national capacity through the exchange of best practices and experiences with other countries. The Prime Minister had arrived in Dalian from Malaysia on June 22.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is preparing to replace Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam and make changes in several key diplomatic missions, according to ministry and diplomatic sources. Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury, Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, is likely to be appointed as the new foreign secretary. Former UN envoy Muhammad Abdul Muhith is expected to become the next High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, while human rights advocate Irene Khan may be named Bangladesh’s new permanent representative to the UN if Chowdhury moves to the ministry.

The report notes that frequent changes in the foreign secretary position have disrupted the ministry’s operations. Officials expressed concern that such reshuffles come at a time when Bangladesh faces challenges in the international arena. Asad Alam Siam, who took office in June 2025 after serving as ambassador to the United States, is being replaced after only one year, despite the usual three-year term.

Senior diplomats reportedly feel frustrated by the decision, saying it undermines expectations of stability and renewal within the ministry under the interim government.

A commentary published on June 24, 2026, argues that India’s dominance-oriented policy is the principal barrier to improving relations with Bangladesh. The author claims that since 1971, India’s strategic goal has been to maintain control over Bangladesh to secure its northeastern region, particularly the Siliguri corridor. The article alleges that successive Indian governments have sought to use Bangladesh for military and political leverage, pressuring Dhaka for transit access and influence over internal affairs.

The piece accuses India of continuing interference after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, including trade restrictions, visa suspensions, and alleged support for destabilizing activities inside Bangladesh. It asserts that India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) promotes anti-Bangladesh rhetoric in neighboring states and that Indian border forces commit abuses along the frontier. The author contrasts this with Bangladesh’s recent diplomatic outreach to the United States, China, and Muslim-majority countries, portraying it as a move toward greater independence.

The commentary concludes that genuine neighborly relations require India to abandon its hegemonic approach and respect Bangladesh’s sovereignty. Until then, it calls for vigilance and unity against perceived Indian aggression.

A new convening committee of the Rangpur District National Youth Power has been formed. The announcement was made on Tuesday through a statement approved by the organization’s central president Advocate Tarikul Islam and general secretary Engineer Farhad Sohel. The committee includes Rakibul Hasan Toufiq as convener, Rifatujjaman and Syed Shamim Ahmed as senior joint conveners, Morshed Alam as member secretary, Touhidul Islam Suman as senior joint member secretary, Abdullah Al Maruf as chief organizer, and Omar Faruk Akash as senior organizer.

National Citizens Party member secretary and Rangpur-4 MP Akhtar Hossain said the central leadership placed trust in tested and energetic individuals to strengthen the youth movement in Rangpur and advance the struggle for people’s rights. Convener Rakibul Hasan Toufiq and member secretary Morshed Alam both emphasized their commitment to uphold the spirit of the July uprising and to build an inclusive, merit-based full committee within seven days.

According to the central directive, the newly formed committee must submit a complete organizational structure to the central office within a week.

Speculation has intensified about a cooling relationship between President Md. Shahabuddin and the BNP-led government following his recent London trip. Although the two sides appeared cordial during earlier events, including the February 17 cabinet oath-taking and the March 21 Eid-ul-Fitr prayers, recent developments suggest growing distance. During the June 11 budget session, the president was reportedly not greeted by government leaders, prompting him to leave the parliament early.

The tension reportedly began after the president’s nine-day medical visit to London in May, which drew questions within the government over expenses and activities during the trip. Ministers, however, publicly maintain that relations remain constitutional and functional. Senior cabinet members, including BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, emphasized that the government is maintaining a constitutional relationship with the presidency.

Political analysts cited the situation as part of normal political strategy, noting that the BNP government, elected with a strong mandate, must balance constitutional obligations with political realities. The information minister reiterated that the government continues to uphold a working relationship with Bangabhaban under democratic and constitutional norms.

Leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) held a protest march and rally in Dhaka’s New Market area on Tuesday night, June 24, 2026, opposing the activities of the banned Awami League and its student wing, Chhatra League. The procession began around 10 p.m. from Nilkhet intersection and concluded in front of the main gate of Dhaka College after parading through several streets.

The demonstration was led by Mizanur Rahman Doyal, assistant organizing secretary of the JCD central committee. Leaders from Dhaka College, metropolitan, and local units of the organization participated in the event. During the rally, Doyal warned that if the Awami League attempted to reemerge or create unrest in the country, the JCD would strongly resist such moves.

He added that since its inception, the JCD has stood by the people during national crises and vowed to continue this commitment in the future.

RezauL Hasan Koyes Lodi, chairman of the Sylhet Development Authority and acting president of Sylhet Metropolitan BNP, has reported receiving death threats from unidentified individuals or groups through social media. He confirmed the matter on Tuesday evening, June 23, stating that several Facebook accounts had issued threats against him. Lodi said he verbally informed the Sylhet Metropolitan Police Commissioner and submitted the relevant links, while also filing a report with the Airport Police Station seeking legal action.

Lodi described the threats as alarming, particularly given his role as a political figure engaged in public service. He demanded a proper investigation and swift legal action against those responsible. The threats reportedly came amid recent Facebook criticism of him related to issues surrounding the Hazrat Shahjalal shrine donation box and the transfer of Deputy Commissioner Sarwar Alam.

The incident has sparked significant discussion in both political and administrative circles in Sylhet, highlighting concerns over online intimidation of public officials.

Bangladesh’s law enforcement agencies have thwarted what officials described as a sabotage plan by the banned Awami League and its affiliated organizations. According to the report, extensive security measures were taken across the country on June 23, 2026, surrounding the party’s anniversary. More than 150 Awami League members were arrested nationwide, including at least 26 in Dhaka. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner stated that the group had attempted to disrupt law and order, but their plans were neutralized before execution. No major violence or clashes were reported, and normal life continued across the capital.

The government deployed army and Border Guard Bangladesh units alongside regular police, intelligence agencies, and plainclothes officers to maintain order. Surveillance was intensified through CCTV, checkpoints, and drone patrols in key urban areas such as Dhanmondi, Shahbagh, and Motijheel. Intelligence sources said the authorities had been monitoring social media and encrypted communication channels linked to pro-Awami networks in India for weeks. Preventive actions reportedly stopped any organized gatherings or attacks.

Officials indicated that the Awami League’s weakened organizational structure and leadership crisis contributed to its failure to mobilize supporters, while security agencies continue monitoring online propaganda and funding networks.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested 26 leaders and activists of the banned Awami League and its affiliated organizations during separate operations across the capital. The arrests were made on Monday, according to a press release issued Tuesday by Additional Deputy Police Commissioner Niaz Mehdi of the DMP’s Media and Public Relations Division.

The statement detailed that arrests took place in several police station areas: two in Ramna, ten in Dhanmondi, one in Bangshal, two in Khilkhet, one in Kadamtali, eight in Mohammadpur, one in Mirpur, and one in Turag. Police said the operations were part of ongoing efforts to maintain public safety and law and order in the city.

Authorities confirmed that legal proceedings against the detainees are underway and that similar operations will continue to ensure stability and prevent unrest in Dhaka.