On May 30, 1981, amid heavy storms in Chattogram, President Ziaur Rahman was staying overnight at the Circuit House to resolve internal disputes within the local BNP. Before dawn, intense gunfire erupted, and journalists nearby, including Helal Uddin Chowdhury, witnessed the area being surrounded by army personnel. Reports later confirmed that President Zia and several loyal officers were killed by rebel soldiers during the attack.

Major General Moinul Hossain Chowdhury’s book describes how junior officers launched a sudden assault around 4 a.m., firing rockets and storming the building. Zia was shot multiple times by Lt. Col. Matiur Rahman. His body was removed before sunrise and buried in Rangunia under military supervision. Journalists reported restricted access to the burial site, and the city remained under army control for two days.

The incident left Chattogram in shock and fear. BNP activists stayed out of sight, and no organized protests occurred. Subsequent reports said some officers involved were killed while fleeing, while Major General Abul Manzoor was captured and later killed in custody, deepening the atmosphere of mistrust within the army.

A US federal court has overturned the decision to rename the Kennedy Center after President Donald Trump and ordered that his name be removed from the institution within 14 days. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled on Friday that changing the name without congressional approval was unlawful. The court also suspended the Trump administration’s plan to temporarily close the center for renovation work. The order requires Trump’s name to be removed from the building’s exterior, digital platforms, signage, and all official documents.

The ruling restores the institution’s original name, the “John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts,” which was established in 1971 in memory of the late President John F. Kennedy. Judge Cooper noted that the founding law of the Kennedy Center explicitly states that only Congress has the authority to alter its name.

The renaming had been part of the Trump administration’s broader rebranding initiative for government and cultural institutions in Washington, which had drawn criticism from parts of the arts community and led to event cancellations and reduced ticket sales.

In Rangpur, the 45th martyrdom anniversary of former president and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman was observed with a prayer gathering and discussion meeting on Saturday. The events took place at the Rangpur District Shilpakala Academy and the party office at Grand Hotel intersection in the city. Participants reflected on Ziaur Rahman’s political philosophy, his contributions to rural economic and infrastructural development, and his role in shaping modern Bangladesh. Special prayers were offered for the salvation of his soul.

The discussion and prayer meeting were presided over by senior lawyer Abdur Rashid Chowdhury, with Begum Rokeya University Vice-Chancellor Shawkat Ali attending as chief guest. City administrator and BNP metropolitan member secretary Mahfuz Un Nabi Don, university proctor and acting registrar Dr. Ferdous Rahman, freedom fighter Nur Mohammad, and physician Dr. Javed Akhtar were present among others. Another discussion was held at the party office where district BNP convener Saiful Islam delivered remarks, joined by leaders of affiliated organizations.

The observance reflected continued remembrance of Ziaur Rahman’s legacy in Rangpur’s political and civic circles.

A human chain was organized in Jhenaidah demanding the release of two student leaders arrested in a case filed by Chhatra Dal. The protest took place on Saturday at 11 a.m. at the city’s Payra Chattar, organized by the Jhenaidah district branch of the Nationalist Citizens’ Party (NCP). The case was filed following an attack on NCP leader Nasiruddin Patwari. The detainees are Ayon Rahman Khan, a leader of Chhatrashakti, and Mehedi Hasan Ashik, a member of the district committee of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.

NCP’s central joint member secretary Tarek Reza and other party activists attended the event, carrying placards demanding the release of the two arrested activists. Speakers at the human chain alleged that their leaders were attacked, yet the attackers filed a case against them. They claimed police were arresting NCP activists unfairly and sending them to court. The speakers warned that if Ayon and Ashik were not released soon, a stronger movement would be launched against what they described as a return of authoritarian rule.

The protest reflects growing political tension in Jhenaidah over the arrests and the handling of the case.

BNP Whip and Natore-2 Member of Parliament Advocate M Ruhul Kudduz Talukder Dulu stated that the ideals of the party’s founder, martyred President Ziaur Rahman, remain powerful even after his death. He said this on Saturday afternoon while addressing a discussion and prayer meeting organized by the Natore District BNP to mark the 45th martyrdom anniversary of Ziaur Rahman.

Dulu remarked that those who killed Ziaur Rahman 45 years ago thought they could erase the BNP, but history shows the party has become one of Bangladesh’s largest political organizations. He added that the BNP has been elected to state power by people across the country and continues to work for national development under the leadership of Tarique Zia, son of Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia.

The event, held at the Natore District Council auditorium, was presided over by Abdul Aziz MP and conducted by Asaduzzaman Asad. State Minister for Social Welfare and Natore-1 MP Barrister Farzana Sharmin Putul spoke as the chief discussant, along with several other district BNP leaders.

Government offices, banks, insurance companies, and the stock market in Bangladesh will reopen on Monday, June 1, after a seven-day holiday for Eid-ul-Azha. The holiday began on May 25 and included the main Eid day on May 28. The extended leave was granted through an executive order to ensure smooth travel during the festival. Employees had worked on May 23, a Saturday, to adjust for the extended break.

The Ministry of Public Administration had initially set six days of leave, later extended by one more day following a Cabinet decision on May 7. A formal notification on May 24 confirmed the seven-day holiday and two working days before Eid. The decision allowed government and private sector employees to enjoy a continuous break.

Essential service providers, including electricity, water, gas, fire service, ports, sanitation, telecommunications, media, postal services, and healthcare workers, remained outside the holiday schedule to maintain uninterrupted public services.

Myanmar’s President Min Aung Hlaing, who previously led the country’s military junta, has arrived in India for a five-day official visit. This marks his first foreign trip since assuming the presidency. During the visit, he is scheduled to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and hold discussions with business representatives.

Min Aung Hlaing seized power on February 1, 2021, ousting the elected civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. Following the coup, ASEAN barred Myanmar’s generals from its top summits, leaving the military-led administration increasingly isolated. Analysts view this visit as an opportunity for India to counterbalance China’s growing influence in Myanmar, secure access to the country’s rare mineral resources, and strengthen security along the northeastern border.

According to Crisis Group adviser Richard Horsey, Min Aung Hlaing aims to expand diplomatic engagement across the region and normalize ties with ASEAN, with support from Thailand and other member states. He may also visit Beijing soon to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, while India remains another key neighbor for Myanmar.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has called for collective efforts to build a non-discriminatory, democratic, and prosperous Bangladesh inspired by the ideals of the student uprising and the philosophy of late President Ziaur Rahman. He made the remarks on Saturday at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in Dhaka after paying tribute at the mausoleum of Ziaur Rahman on his death anniversary.

The minister described the day as one of deep sorrow and remembrance for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the people of the country. He said Ziaur Rahman played a unique role in safeguarding Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty, and progress, and that his legacy continues through the political ideals of BNP based on Bangladeshi nationalism and multi-party democracy. Ahmed reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining a democratic system in the country.

He also paid tribute to Begum Khaleda Zia, referring to her as the “Mother of Democracy,” and acknowledged her sacrifices for the nation’s democratic cause. The minister concluded by praying for the souls of both leaders and for the welfare of the country.

Indian Home Minister Amit Shah has called on so-called 'Bangladeshi infiltrators' to voluntarily leave India, saying those who do so will face no legal action. Speaking during a three-day visit to Gujarat, Shah said the new BJP-led West Bengal government will assist anyone crossing the border back to Bangladesh without obstruction. He claimed that while thousands used to enter India daily, an equal number are now returning.

According to official data, 11 holding centers have been established across West Bengal to detain alleged Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants, with a total of 386 people currently held. The highest number, 335, are in Basirhat, where three camps operate. Other centers are located in districts including Murshidabad, Malda, Cooch Behar, and South Dinajpur.

State minister Dilip Ghosh made harsh remarks, warning that food supplies to detainees would soon stop and urging them to leave. He argued that the government bears no responsibility to feed them and compared the situation to Afghan repatriations from Pakistan, insisting that returning to Bangladesh is their best option.

The Indian government has sent a list of 2,680 individuals accused of living illegally in India to the government of Bangladesh. According to Indian officials, repatriation will begin once the verification of their citizenship is completed. The announcement was made by Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, during a weekly press briefing.

Jaiswal stated that in many cases, the verification process has been pending for five years or longer. In West Bengal, authorities have established multiple holding centers to identify and detain suspected illegal entrants. A total of 11 such centers are currently operational across various districts, housing over a hundred suspected infiltrators awaiting identity verification and subsequent legal action.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that all actions against foreign nationals residing illegally in India will follow legal procedures. It also expressed hope that the Bangladeshi government will expedite the citizenship verification process to facilitate repatriation.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that most immigrants applying for permanent residency will not be required to leave the country while waiting for their green cards. The clarification reverses earlier guidance that had indicated applicants would need to return to their home countries during the waiting period.

According to DHS, immigration officers will decide whether an applicant must complete the green card process from outside the United States. Factors such as visa expiration or other immigration-related concerns may influence these decisions. However, DHS did not provide details on which applicants might be affected by these conditions.

The department suggested that the majority of green card applicants will be allowed to remain in the United States while their applications are under review, signaling a continuation of long-standing policy favoring in-country processing.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman distributed clothing among the poor on the occasion of the 45th death anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. The event took place on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. in the premises of Capital High School on Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka. The initiative marked the beginning of a nationwide program to distribute clothing and provide free medical services to underprivileged people.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque, Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Shafiqul Islam Khan Milton, and former councilor Anwaruzzaman were present at the event. According to the announcement, Tarique Rahman is scheduled to attend similar programs throughout the day at 16 locations across Dhaka North and South.

The program is part of broader commemorative activities held nationwide to honor the legacy of Ziaur Rahman through social welfare initiatives.

Members of the UK Parliament are set to debate the influence of the Israeli lobby in British politics following a public petition that gathered more than 116,000 signatures, surpassing the threshold required for parliamentary consideration. The debate is scheduled for June 22 and will focus on the role of Israel-related and pro-Israel lobbying in shaping political decision-making in the United Kingdom.

According to the petition, the devastation in Gaza, ongoing repression of Palestinians in the West Bank, and the UK’s political response highlight the urgent need to examine how pro-Israel organizations, networks, and lobbying efforts may affect government decisions, party policies, and public discourse. The discussion comes amid heightened scrutiny of political donations linked to pro-Israel advocacy groups and individuals.

The debate is expected to provide a parliamentary platform to address public concerns about transparency and influence in UK political processes, as reported by Middle East Eye.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for collective efforts to advance the country, emphasizing that the political philosophy of late President and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman continues to guide Bangladesh’s progress. He made the remarks on Saturday in Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar after paying tribute at Ziaur Rahman’s grave on the occasion of his 45th martyrdom anniversary.

Fakhrul said that for many years people could not freely observe the day due to what he described as a period of “fascism,” but now there is comparatively more freedom to commemorate the leader. He stated that Ziaur Rahman had laid the foundation for a modern and well-governed state, and that his development-oriented vision remains relevant for the nation’s advancement.

He added that ongoing reform initiatives in the country align with Ziaur Rahman’s state philosophy, and that the BNP aims to continue following his ideals under the leadership of Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. Party leaders and activists also paid their respects and observed various programs marking the anniversary.

U.S. President Donald Trump will not sign any agreement with Iran unless Tehran meets Washington’s core demands, according to a White House official cited by Al Jazeera. The statement followed a nearly two-hour meeting of the U.S.-Iran taskforce, where the official emphasized that Trump would only accept a deal beneficial to the United States and that no agreement would proceed if Iran failed to respect the U.S. red lines.

An Israeli official told CNN there were concerns that Trump might agree to what was described as a poor interim deal with Iran. The official added that any acceptable agreement must include the removal of Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium.

The report, sourced from Middle East Eye, highlights ongoing tensions surrounding potential U.S.-Iran negotiations and differing views among allies over the terms of any future agreement.