Iran’s armed forces have pledged to defend the ideals of the Islamic Revolution until death. The commitment was made in a joint statement issued by the General Staff of the Armed Forces and the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters to mark the death anniversary of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, founder of the Islamic Republic, and the anniversary of the Khordad 16 uprising.

The statement accused the United States and Israel of exposing the true nature of those who falsely claim to uphold human rights. It declared that the Iranian nation would not retreat in the face of threats or aggression and that the armed forces would continue to safeguard revolutionary principles.

The statement further asserted that Washington and Tel Aviv would have no choice but to submit to the divine will of Iran’s armed forces and its enlightened nation, calling on Iranians to unite behind their national leadership.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has made singing 'Vande Mataram' compulsory in all schools and madrasas across the state immediately after assuming office. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has strongly opposed the decision, urging the government to withdraw the order or exempt Muslim students from singing the song. Adhikari, however, has stated that everyone living in the country must show respect to both 'Vande Mataram' and 'Jana Gana Mana'.

In a statement, AIMPLB spokesperson Dr. S Q R Ilyas said that forcing any student to recite a song or text contrary to their religious beliefs constitutes a clear violation of fundamental rights. Adhikari defended his move by asserting that singing the national songs should be mandatory for all citizens. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also backed the West Bengal government’s decision, describing 'Vande Mataram' as a national song that transcends religion or region.

The debate highlights a growing tension between state directives on national symbols and religious freedoms, with both sides holding firm to their positions.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced his support for Colombian far-right presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella ahead of the country's June 21 runoff election, according to AFP. Trump made the endorsement through a post on his Truth Social platform, describing the election as crucial for Colombia’s future and its relationship with the United States. He praised de la Espriella’s achievements and expressed honor in offering his full support.

De la Espriella unexpectedly won the first round of Colombia’s presidential election held the previous weekend. In the upcoming runoff, he will face left-wing senator Iván Cepeda. The endorsement marks a notable intervention by Trump in Latin American politics, highlighting his continued influence beyond U.S. borders.

The runoff outcome is expected to shape Colombia’s political direction and its ties with Washington, as both candidates represent sharply contrasting ideological positions.

BNP Secretary General and Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that a group is making all-out efforts to destabilize the country. He urged everyone to remain alert and cautious to prevent any disruption. He made these remarks on Wednesday afternoon while addressing a civic reception as the chief guest at Ruhia High School field in Thakurgaon.

During his speech, Alamgir said that under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, the government is gradually implementing promises made to the public. These include inaugurating new upazilas, appointing vice-chancellors for public universities, approving new medical colleges, and initiating airport operations.

He added that the government is also working to fulfill development commitments such as the Family Card program and canal excavation projects. According to him, these initiatives are progressing due to the people's votes and support. Alamgir further called on young people to build their skills, avoid drug addiction, and lead social movements.

An attack was carried out on the car of NCP leader Nasiruddin Patwari in Benapole Bazar, Jashore, on Wednesday afternoon around 1:15 p.m. Patwari, along with Joint Member Secretary Faridul Haque and other party leaders, was inside the vehicle but all remained unharmed. The incident was disclosed by Patwari in a Facebook post later that day.

In his post, Patwari stated that after news of their arrival at the border spread, Indian authorities removed families who had allegedly been forcibly pushed in the previous night. He said the team visited the area, spoke with locals, and collected firsthand information about the situation. The attack occurred on their return journey. Patwari reaffirmed his commitment to defending human dignity, citizens’ rights, and Bangladesh’s sovereignty at the border.

The report also mentioned that a group is allegedly attempting to destabilize the country, though no further details were provided.

European Union politicians have pledged to intensify deportations of undocumented migrants under a new, stricter immigration law. The legislation, described as controversial, allows police to enter homes, workplaces, schools, and health centers without judicial authorization to detain suspected undocumented migrants. Detention periods for those defying deportation orders will increase from 18 to 24 months, extendable to 30 months, and benefits may be suspended for those refusing to comply. The regulation also permits the creation of offshore return hubs to hold undocumented individuals outside the EU before repatriation. Those deemed security risks could face lifetime entry bans, replacing the current maximum of ten years.

EU officials have welcomed the law as a major step in managing migration across the bloc. They expect the measures to boost deportations of people denied asylum, overstaying visas, or lacking residence rights.

Human rights organizations have criticized the policy, warning it could fuel fear, racism, and discrimination among migrants and threaten access to essential services such as healthcare and education.

A 51-member convening committee of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has been announced for Parbatipur upazila in Dinajpur. The committee, approved on Tuesday by the district convening committee, will serve for six months. Engineer Md Shahidul Islam has been appointed as convener, while Md Sadikul Islam Alam will serve as senior joint convener. Several others have been assigned as joint conveners, member secretaries, and organizational secretaries.

Md Lokman Hossain (Khokon) has been named member secretary, and Md Zainal Abedin will act as senior joint member secretary. The committee also includes multiple joint member secretaries and assistant organizational secretaries. Palash Chandra Roy has been appointed organizational secretary, with several others serving as assistant organizational secretaries.

The approval letter was signed by district convening committee convener A H M Shamsul Muktadir, organizational secretary Md Zahid Hasan, and acting member secretary Md Imran Chowdhury Nishad.

The Sylhet Education Board has replaced the adhoc committee of Liakatganj School and College in Doarabazar, Sunamganj, only three days after its initial approval. On May 21, a committee led by Habibur Rahman was approved following standard procedures, but on May 24, the board cancelled that decision and approved a new committee headed by the Upazila Academic Supervisor. Both committees were approved under the signature of Sheikh Md. Nazrul Islam, the board’s college inspector.

The sudden change has sparked widespread discussion and dissatisfaction in the area. Local residents questioned the necessity of altering the decision within such a short time. Some alleged political influence behind the move, while several guardians expressed concern that such instability in the institution’s management could negatively affect the educational environment and administrative activities.

Habibur Rahman said he was unaware of the change until he saw the new committee’s copy on social media. The college inspector explained that the revision followed public dissatisfaction and a directive letter from the local Member of Parliament.

Independent Ebtedayee madrasa teachers, who have been staging a continuous sit-in for MPO inclusion and salary release, faced police obstruction on Wednesday when they attempted a long march to the Secretariat in Dhaka. Witnesses said police stopped the procession around 11:30 a.m., after which a five-member delegation was taken to the Secretariat for talks with the education minister. The teachers waited for hours but did not get a meeting and later returned to the National Press Club to announce a hunger strike beginning Sunday.

According to the teachers’ welfare committee, the education minister was occupied with budget session duties at the Prime Minister’s Office and could not meet them. Teachers have been demonstrating for 14 days, with many reportedly falling ill due to continuous protest without adequate food or rest. Their demands include implementation of MPO benefits for registered independent Ebtedayee madrasas verified under the 2025 policy and release of salaries approved from January 2026.

Earlier, on May 28, police also blocked a teachers’ march toward the Prime Minister’s residence, briefly detaining six representatives before releasing them. The teachers have sought intervention from both the Prime Minister and the Education Minister.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen paid a courtesy call on Water Resources Minister Md. Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie, MP, at the minister’s office in Dhaka. During the meeting, both sides discussed issues of mutual interest and cooperation between Bangladesh and the United States.

Minister Annie emphasized the strong relationship between the two countries and called for increased institutional investment in education, technical cooperation, vocational training, and research. He also urged continued US support for Bangladesh’s socioeconomic development. The minister noted that under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership, the government had approved the Padma Barrage Project and expressed hope for the approval of the Teesta Master Plan after necessary studies.

Ambassador Christensen stated that Bangladesh’s economic growth would continue under the elected government and reaffirmed the US commitment to supporting democracy, human rights, and socioeconomic progress. The meeting was attended by Water Resources Secretary Dr. A.K.M. Shahabuddin and senior officials from the US Embassy.

Ritabrata Banerjee, a former Trinamool Congress leader who was expelled from the party, has been appointed as the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly. The Speaker, Rathindra Basu, officially handed over the office keys to him. Banerjee claimed that two-thirds of Trinamool’s elected legislators have expressed support for his leadership, with 58 out of 80 MLAs already backing him and two more expected to join.

Banerjee announced that his group will act as a responsible opposition, supporting positive government initiatives while holding the administration accountable. He named Akhruzzaman as chief whip and Javed Ahmed Khan, Sabina Yasmin, Shiuli Saha, and Sandipan Saha as deputy leaders. He also urged Mamata Banerjee to serve as the parliamentary advisor, while noting that his faction has no political ties with Abhishek Banerjee.

The appointment follows internal conflict within Trinamool over the opposition leader nomination, including allegations of forged signatures on a letter supporting Shovandeb Chattopadhyay. Analysts say the development highlights growing divisions within Trinamool and signals new alignments in West Bengal’s opposition politics.

Nasiruddin Patwari, chief organizer of the National Citizens Party (NCP), called for national unity beyond political divisions to strengthen border security following alleged push-in attempts along the Benapole frontier in Jashore. He made the appeal on Wednesday noon while visiting the Sadipur border area, emphasizing the need to ensure the safety of border residents and to take effective measures to stop border killings and seek international justice for such incidents.

During his visit, Patwari urged local communities to remain alert and united against any infiltration or push-in attempts, alongside the vigilance of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). An NCP delegation accompanied him to observe the situation and protest the alleged push-in attempt. Local sources reported that individuals who had been at the zero line were moved inside Indian territory early Wednesday morning by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF).

BGB conducted drone surveillance in the morning but found no one at the zero line, later withdrawing extra troops while maintaining regular patrols. The situation is currently reported as normal, though local residents remain concerned.

Leaders and activists of the banned Chhatra League staged another sudden rally in Chattogram city on Wednesday morning. The demonstration took place on the Oxygen-Kuwaish road in front of Evercare Hospital at the Anannya residential area. A video of the rally later spread on social media, showing participants chanting slogans in support of Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League.

According to Hat Hazari Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Zahidur Rahman, the Anannya residential area lies at the border of Hathazari, Chandgaon, and Bayezid Bostami police stations. After learning about the incident, police began the process of filing a case at Hathazari Police Station. As of Wednesday afternoon, no arrests had been made, but identification and operations to locate those involved were ongoing.

The incident marks another appearance of the banned organization in public, prompting renewed law enforcement attention in the area.

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed interest in meeting Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. In an interview on the New York Post’s ‘Pod Force One’ podcast on Wednesday, Trump said he has not yet had the opportunity to meet Khamenei but would like to do so if given the chance. He added that such a meeting might take place in the future. When asked about Khamenei’s current condition, Trump said he was unsure when the meeting might happen but believed that Mojtaba is highly respected in Iran.

The report recalled that on February 28, Israel and U.S. forces launched a surprise attack in Iran, killing then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several family members. Mojtaba Khamenei, his son, survived the attack. On March 8, Tehran announced Mojtaba as the new Supreme Leader. Since then, his messages have been broadcast through state television, but no photos, videos, or audio recordings of him have been released.

The remarks come amid ongoing U.S.-Iran discussions in which Trump suggested Mojtaba Khamenei is involved.

The Trinamool Congress has announced the dissolution of all its organizational committees across West Bengal, a move that has sparked fresh debate in state politics. The decision, declared on Wednesday, comes amid internal dissatisfaction and leadership criticism following the party’s defeat in the May state assembly election. The party leadership said all committees, including those of affiliated and branch organizations, are being disbanded immediately, with a new structure to be announced after a comprehensive review.

According to party sources, the reorganization will cover every level from district to booth, assessing the performance of active and inactive members and identifying organizational weaknesses. Political analysts view the move as a strategic step to rebuild the party after electoral losses, reduce the influence of rebel legislators, and reassert central leadership authority. Some legislators have already sought recognition as a separate parliamentary group, intensifying the internal crisis.

Observers believe this marks a new phase in West Bengal politics, with attention now focused on how unified the Trinamool Congress remains after restructuring and how its leadership manages relations with dissenting factions.