Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumman has urged journalists and media outlets to refrain from publishing unverified photocards, edited statements, and misleading online content. Speaking at a press conference organized by the Prime Minister’s Press Wing on Monday, he said some mainstream and online media were engaging in unprofessional practices for higher viewership, which risked spreading misinformation and social disorder.

Rumman emphasized that the current government is media-friendly and believes in press freedom, allowing constructive criticism as well as coverage of the government’s development efforts. He called on journalists to uphold professionalism and highlight the government’s sincerity in rebuilding the country under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership.

He also noted that the Prime Minister and his team continued working during the Eid holidays, personally inspecting city cleanliness and taking immediate action where negligence was found. The press secretary said the government remains committed to good governance and public welfare through tireless effort.

Former National Citizen Party (NCP) leader and independent candidate in the 13th National Parliamentary Election, Dr. Tasnim Jara, has dismissed allegations of negotiation with the ruling party BNP as entirely baseless and imaginary. In a Facebook post on Monday, she stated that false information was being spread claiming she had negotiated with BNP and received a green signal from the party.

Dr. Jara asserted that she never held any such discussion with BNP or any other political party. She challenged those spreading the rumors to provide specific details such as names, dates, or evidence, emphasizing that no such event ever took place. According to her, the purpose of spreading these false claims is to construct a convenient narrative for certain individuals.

Her statement comes amid ongoing political speculation, but she reaffirmed her stance against what she described as “politics of lies.”

Former minister and senior Awami League leader Tofail Ahmed passed away on Monday, June 1, 2026, at around 3:30 p.m. while undergoing treatment at Square Hospital in Dhaka. Hospital authorities and his family confirmed his death. He was 82 years old and had been suffering from various age-related complications.

Tofail Ahmed had been admitted to the hospital on September 24 of the previous year due to pneumonia-related breathing problems, heart disease, and physical weakness. Born on October 22, 1943, in Koralia village of Dighaldi Union under Bhola Sadar upazila, he was a prominent student leader who served as vice president of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) from 1967 to 1969. He gained national recognition for his leadership role in the 1969 mass uprising.

He is survived by a daughter and numerous well-wishers, according to the report.

Jamaat-e-Islami has strongly condemned the police for allegedly opening fire, using batons, tear gas, and water cannons on Islami Bank customers demonstrating in front of the bank’s head office in Motijheel, Dhaka. The party’s Secretary General, Mia Golam Porwar, issued a statement on Monday expressing outrage over the incident, saying several depositors were seriously injured and are now receiving treatment.

According to the statement, the customers were peacefully protesting under the banner of Islami Bank Customer Forum, demanding protection of the bank’s interests and the resignation of its newly appointed chairman, whom they consider controversial. Porwar described the police action as an unjustified use of force and a severe violation of human rights, asserting that citizens have a constitutional right to demand the safety of their deposits.

Jamaat-e-Islami called for identifying and holding accountable the police officers involved in the attack and urged authorities to cancel the appointment of the chairman to restore normalcy and public confidence in the bank.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) member Sarba Mitra Chakma posted on Facebook about the resignation of Dipen Dewan, the Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs. The post, made on Monday afternoon, noted that Dewan resigned from his ministerial post citing physical illness. Chakma described the resignation as a rare event in Bangladesh’s political history, where most politicians tend to hold on to power.

In his post, Chakma praised Dewan as a polite, modest, and soft-spoken politician who avoided verbal attacks against opponents and maintained a clean image in politics. He expressed uncertainty about the reasons behind the decision, suggesting there might be internal matters, but emphasized that Dewan’s continued service would benefit the country and the hill people. He also mentioned that if the Prime Minister wished, Dewan would likely not refuse to continue.

According to the Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumman, Dewan resigned due to health issues. Dewan had been elected to parliament on February 12 with the largest vote margin in the 13th national election.

A political storm has erupted in the United States over President Donald Trump’s Iran policy, drawing sharp criticism from both the Republican and Democratic parties. According to Negar Mortazavi, a senior fellow at the Washington-based Center for International Policy, divisions have emerged within both major parties as Trump’s approach toward Iran intensifies. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Mortazavi noted that centrist and right-leaning Democrats argue Iran is growing stronger while the U.S. appears weaker, and a faction within the Republican Party’s 'America First' wing also opposes the policy.

Mortazavi explained that Trump had once made opposition to Middle East military interventions a key part of his political identity, but his current stance contradicts that position. She recalled that Trump twice promised to end what he called “foolish” and “meaningless” wars, presenting himself as a “peace president.” However, she warned that adopting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposed Iran attack plan would be unprecedented and risky, as previous U.S. presidents avoided it due to potential consequences.

Mortazavi cautioned that underestimating Iran could provoke retaliation, leaving Trump trapped in a complex situation facing criticism from both allies and opponents.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has alleged that extensive conspiracies are still being woven against the government. Speaking on Monday at the BNP central office in Naya Paltan during a food distribution event for the poor organized by the Bangladesh Nationalist Rickshaw-Van-Auto Drivers’ Association, Rizvi claimed that not only propaganda but also a dangerous mob culture is being created against the government.

Rizvi emphasized that since the time of late President Ziaur Rahman, the BNP has been a government of employment creation, not unemployment. He credited Ziaur Rahman for initiating overseas employment opportunities and said that under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, no one in the country would remain jobless. He also promised rehabilitation for evicted street vendors. Rizvi criticized the Awami League’s 1972–1975 rule, alleging widespread poverty and misrule, and accused the current government of laundering vast sums of public money.

He warned that if old fascism resurfaces through any loophole, democracy and sovereignty would be at risk. The event was also addressed by several BNP leaders and concluded with food distribution among the poor.

Iran has rejected the amendment to a draft agreement proposed by US President Donald Trump, according to semi-official Tasnim News Agency. The report stated that Tehran has submitted its own new amendment proposal to the draft memorandum of understanding. The decision comes as discussions between the parties remain ongoing.

Citing unnamed sources, Tasnim emphasized that Iran’s move to propose changes does not mean it has accepted Trump’s suggested amendments. Earlier, The New York Times reported that President Trump had sent Iran a revised version of a proposed peace framework aimed at ending the conflict, which included stricter conditions than before.

The developments indicate that negotiations over the proposed ceasefire agreement are still in flux, with both sides maintaining differing positions on the terms of the deal.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman returned to work at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Monday, marking the first working day after the Eid-ul-Azha holidays. He entered the Secretariat around 10 a.m., according to Deputy Press Secretary Zahidul Islam Roni. The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that he resumed official duties following the holiday celebrations.

During the day, the Prime Minister met with the Administrator of Khulna City Corporation at 10:30 a.m. He was also scheduled to hold discussions with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs at 1:30 p.m. Later, at 2 p.m., he was expected to attend a meeting focused on strategies for the development of the pharmaceutical industry.

His presence at the Secretariat and participation in official meetings signaled the full resumption of regular government activities after the Eid break.

Pakistan has signed a two-year lobbying agreement worth $1.3 million with the US-based firm Arwin Graves Strategy Group LLC to improve its image in Washington. According to documents obtained by NDTV, the deal was signed on May 1 at the Pakistani embassy in Washington. The campaign aims to influence US policymakers and strengthen Pakistan’s position in South Asia-related policies. The firm will target key congressional committees, influential caucuses, policy experts, and investors to promote Pakistan as a partner in regional stability and counterterrorism, while also encouraging US investment in mining, IT, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and infrastructure.

Analysts view this image restoration effort as a major challenge given Pakistan’s deepening internal crises, including economic collapse, inflation, and debt burdens. The country remains under international scrutiny over allegations of enforced disappearances and excessive military force in Balochistan. Human rights groups have repeatedly raised concerns about extrajudicial killings, suppression of free expression, and misuse of anti-terror laws against dissenters, as well as discrimination against religious minorities such as Hindus, Christians, and Ahmadis.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Jahir Uddin Swapan said that the government's primary responsibility is to ensure long-term good governance rather than making populist decisions. He made the remarks on Monday at his office in the Secretariat while exchanging post-Eid greetings with journalists. Responding to questions about the recent fuel price increase, he noted that fuel-importing countries have been adjusting prices in line with international market trends.

The minister explained that Bangladesh, being import-dependent, must operate within its import capacity. He added that the government had long maintained previous fuel prices despite global increases, following the advice of an expert committee led by economist Wahiduddin Mahmud. The committee was formed by the finance and power ministries to address the ongoing energy situation.

Commenting on an alleged attack on journalists at Ad-Din Hospital, Swapan said ensuring journalists’ safety within the institution is the hospital authority’s responsibility. He emphasized transparency in media work and reiterated the government’s commitment to accountability as repeatedly highlighted by the Prime Minister.

Dipen Dewan, Minister of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, has resigned from his post citing health complications. On Monday, he submitted his resignation letter to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat. The information was confirmed by Atiqur Rahman Ruman, the Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary.

In his resignation letter, Dewan stated that he has been suffering from various physical ailments since assuming office, which have hindered his ability to perform regular ministerial duties. He added that, in the interest of maintaining the government’s administrative efficiency and development momentum, it was necessary for him to step down from his current position. Dewan is also a Member of Parliament representing Rangamati Hill District.

The resignation marks a change in the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, though no immediate successor has been announced in the report.

Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has declared that no agreement will be made with the United States until Tehran’s rights are fully protected. In a video message broadcast on state television, he said Iranian diplomats do not trust the words or promises of their adversaries. Ghalibaf emphasized that what matters most to Iran is achieving tangible results, which would then justify fulfilling its own commitments.

The statement came as The New York Times and Axios reported that US President Donald Trump had sent Iran a new draft framework for an agreement with tougher conditions. Details of the proposed terms were not disclosed in the reports. Ghalibaf’s remarks appeared to reinforce Tehran’s skepticism toward Washington’s intentions and its insistence on concrete guarantees before any deal is finalized.

The exchange highlights continuing uncertainty over the future of US-Iran negotiations, with both sides signaling hardened positions and limited trust.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has expressed deep concern and strong protest over another increase in fuel prices. In a statement sent to the media on Monday, the party’s Secretary General, Mia Golam Porwar, said the decision to raise prices again after last month’s 8 to 12 percent hike was unacceptable. He described the move as a severe blow to citizens already struggling with rising living costs.

Porwar stated that the previous fuel price hike had already pushed up the prices of essentials such as rice, lentils, and oil, making them unaffordable for ordinary people. He criticized the government for breaking its earlier assurance that fuel prices would not rise this month, calling the move a clear breach of promise and deception. He warned that raising prices hastily before the national budget session would be a highly anti-public measure.

The Jamaat leader urged citizens to become aware and vocal in defending their rights and demanded that the authorities immediately withdraw the decision to raise fuel prices.

Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah told parliament on Sunday that both Nepal and India have occupied each other’s territories. Responding to a question, he said that after assuming office he learned Nepal also holds parts of Indian land, just as India occupies Nepali land. Shah emphasized that both sides should engage in dialogue to examine the issue and resolve it through diplomatic means.

He added that Nepal has also communicated with China and the United Kingdom regarding the border dispute. According to Shah, the UK should show interest because the problem dates back to the period when Britain left the region. Citing a report by The Kathmandu Post, the article said Nepal has already sent an official diplomatic note to India.

Shah stated that India replied by agreeing to form a joint committee of historians, surveyors, and regional experts from both governments to seek a negotiated solution.