UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been given until the end of this week by his cabinet allies to announce a timetable for his departure. If he fails to do so, he could be forced out of the Labour Party leadership. The pressure follows Labour’s Andy Burnham winning the Macclesfield by-election by a large margin, with many MPs expecting him to become the next prime minister within weeks.

Around 200 Labour MPs are reportedly ready to sign nomination papers supporting Burnham, while his backers prefer an uncontested transition. Senior ministers including Heidi Alexander, Ed Miliband, and Shabana Mahmood have urged Starmer to set a clear exit timeline. Veteran figures David Blunkett and Harriet Harman have also called for a leadership schedule. Starmer, however, has vowed to continue and warned that a leadership contest could cause chaos within the party.

Party insiders say that if Starmer does not signal resignation or succession plans by this week, the next cabinet meeting could see major intervention. Meanwhile, his supporters are rallying behind Chief Secretary Darren Jones as an alternative to Burnham, while former health minister Wes Streeting may back Burnham in exchange for a senior role.

More than 300 leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have started preparing for the upcoming Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) election, even though no official schedule has been announced yet. The city’s 41 wards have been operating without councillors since the July uprising, but political activity is intensifying as BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami candidates begin groundwork. Among BNP hopefuls are current and former city committee members, ex-councillors, and leaders from affiliated wings such as Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, and Chhatra Dal.

Two major BNP figures, current mayor and former city president Dr. Shahadat Hossain and city general secretary Nazimur Rahman, are leading contenders for the mayoral race. Shahadat, declared mayor by court in 2024 after disputing the 2021 election results, said he seeks a new mandate through a full council election. Jamaat-e-Islami has also named its city organizational secretary Shamsuzzaman Helali as mayoral candidate and plans to field women councillors for the first time.

Both parties are finalizing ward-level nominations, with BNP seeing five to twelve aspirants per ward. Local campaigning includes community meetings, social media outreach, and small-scale development initiatives.

Bangladeshi intelligence agencies have reportedly uncovered a plan by the banned Awami League to create unrest across the country ahead of its June 23 founding anniversary. According to the report, the group intends to stage sudden processions, detonate crude bombs, and vandalize vehicles in Dhaka and other key cities to spread panic and disrupt public order. Security sources said recent small-scale explosions in Dhaka, Chattogram, and Meherpur were seen as rehearsals for larger coordinated actions.

The report claims that 16 former leaders from affiliated organizations are coordinating the plan, with a Dhaka city councillor allegedly financing the operations. Police headquarters have warned that the group may attempt to raise flags and hold rallies, potentially clashing with other political groups. A parallel campaign involving a controversial “Ram temple” issue in Gaibandha is also being linked to efforts to inflame religious sentiment.

Police officials stated that strict security measures, including checkpoints and additional forces at sensitive points, have been deployed to prevent any banned organization from taking to the streets.

Iran’s National Security Committee chief Ebrahim Azizi has warned that the United States will have to pay a price if it fails to honor the commitments made under a memorandum of understanding with Tehran. He stated that the Trump administration did not uphold the first clause of the agreement, which required both sides to immediately and permanently halt military operations on all fronts, particularly in Lebanon.

In a post on social media platform X, Azizi said that Washington’s failure to adhere to the first clause demonstrates that the United States still lacks the goodwill necessary to gain the trust of the Iranian nation. He added that if this situation continues, the U.S. will face significant consequences.

Azizi further noted that the first response to the violation of the agreement’s commitments would be an intelligent and deterrent reaction from Iran. The comments were reported by Al Jazeera, according to the source.

Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will embark on his first bilateral visit to China from June 22 to 26, following a stop in Malaysia. The visit, which includes meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, aims to establish a new foundation for Dhaka–Beijing political and strategic relations. More than ten memoranda of understanding and three agreements are expected to be signed, covering cooperation in education, human resource development, agriculture, trade, investment, artificial intelligence, media, communication, and development assistance.

Senior diplomats and analysts describe the trip as highly significant amid ongoing tensions in Dhaka–Delhi relations and debates over a recent trade deal with the United States. Bangladesh is expected to express support for China’s position on Taiwan and may announce participation in the Global Development Initiative. Discussions could also include Bangladesh’s interest in joining RCEP, BRICS, and the SCO, as well as cooperation on the Teesta River project.

Preparations for the visit are ongoing, with multiple meetings held between the Chinese embassy and Bangladesh’s foreign ministry. Observers view the trip as both a strategic and economic opportunity for Bangladesh to secure political backing and potential financial support from China.

At least 25 of Bangladesh’s 59 public universities have seen new vice-chancellors appointed since the BNP government took office, with reports indicating that political considerations have outweighed academic merit. The appointments began within a month of the new administration’s formation, replacing many who were appointed by the post-uprising interim government. Critics claim that the government is prioritizing party loyalty over qualifications, with several new vice-chancellors linked to BNP-affiliated teacher organizations such as Zia Parishad and the Sada Dal.

The Education Ministry’s search committee, reconstituted in April, is formally responsible for recommending candidates, but its procedures have reportedly not been consistently followed. Protests and controversies have erupted at several universities, including Begum Rokeya and Jamalpur Science and Technology, where appointments were quickly reversed. Opposition parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, have condemned the mass replacements as politically motivated.

The BNP’s election manifesto had pledged merit-based recruitment in public institutions, but the recent wave of politically aligned appointments has raised doubts about that commitment. Education experts have urged adherence to ethical and legal standards in university leadership selection.

Intelligence agencies have reported that the banned Awami League is allegedly planning nationwide unrest and sabotage on June 23, coinciding with its founding anniversary. The group is accused of preparing flash processions, cocktail explosions, and attacks in Dhaka, Savar, and Chattogram to create panic and disrupt public order. Security sources said at least 15 key points in Dhaka, including Motijheel, Dhanmondi, and Mirpur, have been identified for coordinated disturbances.

According to the report, 16 individuals, including former leaders of affiliated organizations such as the Chhatra League, Jubo League, and Krishak League, are coordinating the plan, with a Dhaka city councillor named as a main financier. Recent small-scale explosions in Dhaka, Chattogram, and Meherpur are described as trial runs. A parallel attempt to stir religious tension through a Ram Mandir issue in Gaibandha’s Palashbari has also been linked to the alleged plan.

Police officials stated that strict security measures are in place, with checkpoints and additional forces deployed across the capital. Law enforcement has adopted a zero-tolerance policy to prevent any banned organization from taking to the streets.

The Bangladesh Azad Party organized a peaceful torch procession in Dhaka on Friday, June 19, protesting what it described as India’s continued anti-Bangladesh activities. The march began at 7:30 p.m. in front of the RAOWA Convention Hall in Mohakhali and proceeded along Felani Avenue toward the Indian High Commission. Participants included the party’s central leaders, representatives from various political, social, and professional organizations, and a large number of citizens.

Speakers at the rally included Hasinur Rahman, president of the Bangladesh Azad Party; Colonel (Retd.) Oli Ahmed, president of the Liberal Democratic Party; Rashed Pradhan, spokesperson of JAGPA; Major Akhtaruzzaman; Barrister Shahriar Kabir; A.B. Zobayer; and DAKSU representatives. They declared that the people of Bangladesh would not accept any form of foreign dominance or interference in the country’s sovereignty and called for national unity to safeguard national interests.

The speakers emphasized the need to implement the Azad Party’s declared 11-point demands and urged patriotic citizens to actively participate in future programs aimed at establishing an independent and dignified Bangladesh.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has canceled his planned visit to the United States following remarks made by U.S. President Donald Trump about Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Tajani described Trump’s comments as insulting and withdrew from a scheduled meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The meeting was intended to strengthen cooperation on economic security and critical minerals. Meloni also rejected Trump’s claims, calling them completely fabricated and expressing surprise at his behavior toward allies.

The diplomatic tension arose after Trump told Italy’s La7 TV that Meloni had pleaded with him for a photo during the recent G7 summit in France. Meloni responded in a video message posted on social media, saying that neither she nor Italy ever begs anyone. She criticized Trump for showing leniency toward adversaries while being harsh on Western allies.

This dispute follows earlier public disagreements between the two right-wing leaders over international issues, including the Iran conflict, which had already strained their once-close relationship.

ATM Azharul Islam, central committee member and Nayeb-e-Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, alleged that government ministers are spreading false information in the national parliament. Speaking on Friday night at a gathering organized by the Lohani Para Union Jamaat in Badarganj, Rangpur, he said ministers often present untrue statements and defend them with misleading arguments. He warned that such actions could erode public trust in elected representatives and urged all lawmakers to speak truthfully both inside and outside parliament.

Azharul Islam also criticized the government’s handling of Islami Bank, claiming that previous and current administrations attempted to take control of the bank and misuse its funds. He accused a minister of presenting false information in parliament regarding the bank’s loans. Additionally, he alleged election manipulation by the Election Commission, failure to meet promises made to the July Movement, and widespread extortion by ruling party activists that he said was driving up commodity prices.

He further urged parents to monitor their children’s activities and called for stronger action against drug syndicates allegedly linked to ruling party figures.

Maulana Abdul Halim, Assistant Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and regional director for Rangpur-Dinajpur, has called on the government to quickly implement the promises made to the public regarding the referendum held before the national election. Speaking on Friday afternoon at the closing session of a two-day workers’ training camp in Syedpur, Nilphamari, he warned that failure to act could lead to renewed public movements demanding enforcement of the people’s verdict.

Halim stated that both the national election and the referendum were conducted under the same presidential order, and ignoring the 70 percent public mandate for reform would amount to deception and insult to the people. He added that government ministers and lawmakers were becoming disconnected from citizens due to disregard for public opinion. Addressing party workers, he urged them to verify information before reacting and to remain vigilant against misinformation.

The event was presided over by Syedpur city Jamaat chief Sharafuddin Khan and attended by several regional and national Jamaat leaders, including MPs and organizational secretaries from Nilphamari.

Dr. Abdul Moin Khan, chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Planning Ministry, said that former president Ziaur Rahman initiated the continuity of agricultural production in Bangladesh. Speaking on Friday morning at the Farmers’ Partner Congress organized by the Department of Agriculture in Palash, Narsingdi, he stated that Ziaur Rahman made the country self-sufficient in food and created the capacity to export after meeting domestic demand.

Moin Khan added that the modernization of agriculture, the increase in high-yield rice production, and the achievement of food self-sufficiency were possible due to initiatives started by Ziaur Rahman. He also mentioned that the current generation of leadership is advancing the country following Ziaur Rahman’s development philosophy. To improve farmers’ livelihoods, a canal excavation program has been relaunched to boost agricultural output.

He further noted that the obstruction of river and canal flows has affected agricultural production, and efforts are underway to restore these flows to enrich agriculture. The event concluded with certificate distribution, seed and fertilizer handouts, and financial aid for farmers’ medical support.

Cumilla University (CuU) unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s student wing, Chhatra Dal, has received a new 12-member convening committee after five years. The central Chhatra Dal leadership, through a notice signed by President Md Rakibul Islam Rakib and General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir on June 18, 2026, approved the new committee. Mostafizur Rahman Shuvo, a student of the English Department (2008–09 session), was named convener, while Md Abul Bashar from the Anthropology Department (2012–13 session) was appointed member secretary.

The central committee instructed the new leadership to form a full convening committee within ten days and to hold a council within one month to elect new leadership. However, members expressed doubts about meeting the timeline, as similar directives in the past were not implemented. The previous 31-member committee, formed in June 2021 for three months, had continued for nearly five years without renewal.

Mostafizur Rahman Shuvo stated that the new committee would expand through discussions with active members and include those who had long contributed to the organization. He emphasized unity and inclusion of both experienced and new activists in future organizational activities.

Dinajpur City Jamaat-e-Islami organized a daylong training camp for its advanced activists on Friday at a city auditorium. The program ran from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and aimed to enhance ideological, organizational, and moral development among participants. Professor Dr. Md. Shoaibur Rahman delivered a session on the importance of Islamic ideals in personal and social development, while central and local Jamaat leaders addressed various aspects of organizational improvement.

Former district Ameer Md. Anwarul Islam emphasized ideological and ethical advancement, and current district Ameer Principal Anisur Rahman discussed record-keeping, self-assessment, and personal skill development. The event was presided over by city Ameer Md. Sirajul Salehin and conducted by city secretary Kamrul Hasan Russel. Group discussions were led by several city Jamaat officials focusing on strengthening organizational activities and community engagement.

More than fifty advanced activists from twelve wards of Dinajpur Municipality attended the camp. The program concluded with a special prayer for the welfare of the nation and the Muslim Ummah.

Police have arrested Awami League leader and former union parishad chairman Babul Sheikh in connection with a case filed over an attack on a Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) election rally and motorcade in Sirajganj. The arrest took place early Thursday night at his home in Tarash municipal area, and he was later sent to jail through the court on Friday. According to Tarash police, Babul Sheikh was named in the case as an accused in the attack and attempted murder of former BNP lawmaker Abdul Mannan Talukder.

Police sources said the incident occurred on December 12, 2018, during the campaign for the 11th national parliamentary election, when BNP candidate Abdul Mannan Talukder attended a rally at Binodpur Bazar in Baruhas Union. It was alleged that Babul Sheikh and other Awami League activists carried out an armed attack, vandalized vehicles, and detonated explosives. The case was filed much later, on September 11, 2024, by Baruhas Union BNP president Asaduzzaman, naming 99 accused including former Awami League MP Abdul Aziz.

The arrest marks a significant development in a politically sensitive case that had remained pending for several years.