Ashok Bikram Chakma, the newly appointed Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Debidwar in Cumilla, has been facing interruptions in his official duties as numerous people from various professions visit his office daily to greet him with flowers. He joined the post on Monday afternoon, and since then, the influx of well-wishers has continued, creating a crowd at his office.

The excessive flower greetings have sparked mixed reactions among locals and on social media. Some Facebook users criticized the practice, suggesting that the government should restrict such gestures to prevent flattery, while others questioned the necessity of non-officials presenting flowers. A local journalist commented that the UNO was becoming exhausted from receiving so many greetings. The issue drew further attention when a parliamentary candidate from Ganadhikar Parishad, Jasim Uddin, also presented flowers to the UNO, triggering online criticism.

When asked about the disruption, UNO Ashok Bikram Chakma said that while the greetings did not halt work, he had to work extra hours. He praised the hospitality of the people of Debidwar and expressed his appreciation for their warm welcome.

Bangladesh’s Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated on June 2 that deaths involving cross-border crimes or illegal entry should not be termed as “border killings.” He explained that if a person is killed within either country’s territory during criminal activity or unlawful intrusion, it falls under that nation’s jurisdiction. His remarks echoed earlier comments made in 2020 by former Foreign Minister A.K. Abdul Momen, who had similarly defended India’s actions along the border.

The article criticizes these statements as reflecting a submissive stance toward India, reminiscent of previous Awami League policies. It highlights ongoing allegations that India’s Border Security Force (BSF) has been pushing Bengali-speaking Muslims into Bangladesh without verification, a practice described as illegal under international law. The report also notes that the recent BSF–BGB high-level meeting in New Delhi avoided using the term “push-in” in its joint statement, referring instead to “deaths along the border.”

The piece warns that such actions violate international human rights standards and bilateral border agreements, urging Bangladesh to resist illegal push-ins and strengthen its defense and diplomatic posture against Indian aggression.

President Donald Trump’s new agreement with Iran has triggered sharp divisions within his own Republican Party. Following months of costly conflict, questions have emerged on Capitol Hill and among party members about whether the administration secured sufficient concessions from Tehran. After the deal’s release on Wednesday, several Republican senators voiced criticism and concern, while former party leaders and conservative media allies also expressed skepticism.

The preliminary deal lifts sanctions on Iran, releases billions in frozen assets, and allows 60 days for further nuclear discussions. It also establishes a $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran, though Trump insists the United States will not contribute financially. Some Republicans, including Senators Bill Cassidy and Ted Cruz, condemned the deal as a strategic mistake, while others such as Tim Scott and Lindsey Graham described it as a victory for U.S. security and global stability.

The internal rift comes five months before the midterm elections, amid rising fuel prices and inflation. Party leaders are eager to end the war quickly as Democrats link the economic strain to Trump’s Iran policy.

US Vice President JD Vance has strongly criticized Israeli leaders, saying Israel cannot solve its security problems through continuous violence. In an interview with The New York Times, Vance expressed anger at Israeli criticism of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the United States and Iran aimed at ending the Iran-Israel war. The MoU was signed a day earlier by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, despite Israeli pressure on Washington to continue the conflict.

Vance urged Israel to allow diplomatic discussions to proceed and to show gratitude toward the United States as a long-standing partner. He defended the MoU as a “victory” for the American people, highlighting provisions such as reopening the Strait of Hormuz, lifting the US naval blockade on Iranian ports, and halting fighting across all fronts including Lebanon. However, top US Democrats and some Republicans argued the deal favored Tehran.

The agreement includes lifting sanctions on Iran’s fossil fuel sector and creating a $300 billion reconstruction fund, but leaves Iran’s nuclear program and missile activities unresolved, raising concerns among Israeli and US hardliners.

Cumilla-10 (Nangalkot and Lalmai) Member of Parliament Mobasher Alam Bhuiyan issued a warning to his party leaders through a Facebook post on Thursday night, stating that they would see a different side of him if they disobeyed his instructions. The post, made from his verified account around 9:30 p.m., quickly went viral on social media.

In the post, Bhuiyan urged leaders of the BNP and its affiliated organizations not to misuse the assistance he secures from various offices for the public. He emphasized maintaining the quality of development projects according to contractual terms and requested that his reputation not be tarnished before the people. The post drew hundreds of comments within an hour, mostly supportive of the MP.

Several commenters praised Bhuiyan’s honesty and pledged to uphold his directives, while others warned that those ignoring his message might face consequences. The post’s rapid spread highlighted strong engagement among local political activists in Cumilla-10.

US President Donald Trump has declared that the war against Iran proved his power has no limits. In an interview with the American media outlet Axios, Trump said the US military is undoubtedly the strongest in the world. He described a naval blockade he ordered, claiming that no ship was able to pass through despite attempts by some vessels.

When asked whether the memorandum of understanding with Tehran amounted to Iran’s unconditional surrender, Trump maintained his stance, saying it was probably indeed an unconditional surrender. Following the signing of the memorandum, the United States lifted its naval blockade on Iran.

The report cited Middle East Eye as its source, but did not provide further details on the terms of the agreement or reactions from other parties.

The White House confirmed that US Vice President JD Vance will not travel to Switzerland today for planned discussions with Iran. A spokesperson said that while the US delegation remains ready to depart when possible, the technical and logistical arrangements for the talks have not yet been finalized. The spokesperson added that the logistics of the discussions were never simple or predictable, and further updates will be shared once available.

The development follows a digital signing of an agreement between Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and former US President Donald Trump on Thursday. The accord includes provisions to end hostilities, address the situation in Lebanon, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and lift the US naval blockade on Iran. A formal signing ceremony had been scheduled for Friday in Switzerland but was canceled after the digital signing.

Pakistan, acting as mediator, confirmed the cancellation of the Swiss event, noting that the agreement had already taken effect. Future meetings between US and Iranian representatives in Switzerland remain possible but have not been confirmed.

Iran’s Parliament Speaker and chief nuclear planner Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has warned that Tehran will not accept any violation of the Washington memorandum of understanding (MoU) by the United States. He issued the warning in a post on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, on June 19, 2026.

Ghalibaf stated that if the opposing side engages in misconduct, breaches the agreement, or makes excessive demands, Iran will respond firmly without hesitation. He further remarked that those who once faced consequences during wartime would face an even harsher response if they repeat their past actions.

The statement, reported by Al Jazeera, underscores Iran’s firm stance on adherence to the MoU and signals potential escalation if the agreement is violated.

Former state minister, five-time lawmaker from Brahmanbaria-3 constituency, and BNP vice chairman Advocate Harun-or-Rashid passed away on Thursday night at 9 p.m. while undergoing treatment at Bangladesh Specialized Hospital in Dhaka. He was 87 years old and had been suffering from age-related complications for some time. He is survived by his wife, two sons, one daughter, and numerous relatives and admirers.

Brahmanbaria District Council administrator and BNP general secretary Sirajul Islam confirmed the death, noting that Harun-or-Rashid had been ill for a long period and was on life support in recent days. His passing has created a significant void in the BNP and Brahmanbaria’s political landscape. Harun-or-Rashid was a veteran leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, having served as a member of parliament, state minister in multiple ministries, and a central policymaker within the party.

His funeral prayer will be held on Friday at 10:30 a.m. at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building in Dhaka.

The nationwide distribution of 'Family Card' has begun under the third-phase pilot project aimed at building self-reliant families. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the program virtually, marking the start of card distribution across multiple districts including Barguna, Panchagarh, Mymensingh, Khagrachhari, and Tangail. Local administrations and social service offices organized events in their respective upazilas to distribute the cards to selected beneficiaries.

In Betagi of Barguna, the event was chaired by the district commissioner and attended virtually by the Chief Whip of the National Parliament. In Tetulia of Panchagarh, 477 women received cards and saplings under the slogan “Family is the core unit of development.” In Trishal of Mymensingh, 659 beneficiaries received cards under the Ministry of Social Welfare. In Ramgarh of Khagrachhari, 456 families were given cards, while in Gopalpur of Tangail, 633 underprivileged women received them.

The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment and family-centered development, with simultaneous launches in 19 upazilas across the country.

Activities of the banned Awami League have reportedly increased in Feni, with funding and leadership allegedly coming from fugitive leaders accused in the July killing case. On Wednesday morning, activists and supporters of the party and its affiliated organizations held a sudden procession on Station Road in Feni Sadar upazila. A fugitive accused, Alauddin Nasim, shared a video of the rally on Facebook, thanking participants. Another party page claimed the event was led by the banned Jubo League’s Sadar upazila secretary, Shusen Chandra Shil. Local grassroots leaders of the ruling party expressed frustration over the inaction of law enforcement and blamed local BNP-Jamaat leaders.

The report states that several fugitives, including Nasim and others, have become active on social media, issuing threats and organizing gatherings online. They are allegedly receiving financial support from abroad and operating with the help of some local political and business figures. Police have arrested three participants from the procession, and Feni’s new Superintendent of Police, Pratyush Kumar Majumder, said the matter is being taken seriously and illegal activities will be suppressed firmly.

Late on Friday night, Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) Deputy Commissioner (DC) Amirul Islam learned of his transfer while leading an operation in the Bahaddarhat area. A formal order signed by CMP Commissioner Hasan Md. Shawkat Ali reassigned three deputy commissioners. DC Amirul Islam of the North Division was moved to the Welfare and Force Division, while DC Hasan Mostafa Swapon from that division replaced him. Additionally, Detective Branch (North) DC Md. Habibur Rahman was appointed DC of the South Division.

According to several police officials, the reshuffle is part of a series of ongoing transfers across CMP units. No official reason was given for the changes. DC Amirul Islam stated that he had tried his best to serve the country and people over the past year, prioritizing law and order, crime control, and public service, and pledged to continue his work with dedication in his new post.

Officials noted that the North Division is a key administrative area of Chattogram, and Amirul Islam had been active in maintaining law and order and leading special operations. The timing of his transfer during an active operation drew attention within the police force.

BJP leader and minister Dilip Ghosh has sparked controversy by telling former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to go to Bangladesh. His remarks came on Thursday morning, shortly after authorities replaced Banerjee’s long-time personal security officers following a protest march in Kalighat. Ghosh accused Banerjee of refusing to respect the constitution and government authority, questioning why she remained in India if she did not accept them.

The dispute began when Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’Brien stated in the Rajya Sabha that Banerjee’s security team, which had served her for two decades, was replaced by three new officers. Ghosh defended the government’s right to make such changes, arguing that Banerjee herself had frequently transferred officials during her tenure as chief minister. He also criticized her recent protest activities and blamed her party for the state’s hawker problems.

Ghosh further commented on the arrests of former ministers Udayan Guha and Sushanta Ghosh, alleging corruption and misuse of power by Trinamool leaders. His statements have intensified political tensions in West Bengal.

The Bangladesh government, in its tenth cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on June 18, 2026, granted policy approval to the draft 'Gambling Prevention Act, 2026'. The meeting, held at the National Parliament, also approved drafts of the 'Public Examinations (Offenses) (Amendment) Act, 2026', the 'Bogura University Act, 2026', and the 'Narcotics Control (Amendment) Act, 2026'. The gambling law aims to modernize the outdated Public Gambling Act of 1867 to address both online and offline gambling activities through updated legal and technological measures.

The proposed gambling law defines various gambling-related terms, including digital platforms and betting, and introduces penalties such as fines and imprisonment. The amendment to the Public Examinations Act seeks to curb digital manipulation, cheating, and organized exam fraud, introducing up to five years of imprisonment for digital offenses. The Bogura University Act aims to transform the existing science and technology university into a full-fledged general university covering multiple disciplines.

The draft Narcotics Control amendment proposes establishing drug crime tribunals, adding cybercrime control provisions, and enhancing border operations. All drafts will undergo vetting by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division before final approval.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis leaders have strongly condemned remarks made in the National Parliament about their party chief Allama Mamunul Haque by a BNP-aligned Member of Parliament and subsequent comments by the Speaker. In a joint statement issued on Thursday night, Senior Nayeb-e-Ameer Maulana Yusuf Ashraf and Secretary General Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmad said the discussion about Haque in Parliament, despite his absence, reflected political fear and attempts to revive old propaganda.

The leaders stated that Haque had been acquitted by a court in a politically motivated case filed during the Awami League government and that national newspapers had reported on his innocence. They criticized the Speaker for calling the matter an “extramarital affair” and a “dark chapter,” describing the remarks as uninformed and contradictory to her constitutional neutrality. They urged the Speaker to withdraw her comments, issue a public clarification, and apologize to the nation.

The statement warned that failure to do so would make the Speaker responsible for public outrage. Youth Majlis also planned protest marches in Dhaka and other areas against the remarks made in Parliament.