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 The gambling law aims to modernize the outdated Public Gambling Act of 1867 to address both online and offline gambling activities through updated legal and technological measures.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.

BNP Member of Parliament Md. Selim Bhuiyan alleged in the national parliament on Thursday that police in his constituency are working to make the government controversial. He said that when asked to take action against yaba traders, local police claimed they lacked vehicles to conduct operations. Bhuiyan urged that police be provided with necessary resources and that action be taken against drug dealers.

He further stated that many police officers are involved with drug users and yaba dealers, accusing them of being aligned with the Awami League. According to him, even after being transferred between stations, police and administrative officials such as UNOs and DCs continue to act in favor of the ruling party. Bhuiyan claimed that these officials ignore instructions from BNP MPs and instead pursue their own agendas.

He concluded that to properly implement the national budget, the police administration must be reorganized to ensure accountability and neutrality.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan announced that the government will act as a facilitator, not a regulator, in the ongoing media reform process aimed at ensuring press freedom. Speaking at a workshop held on Thursday at Hotel Intercontinental in Dhaka, he said the initiative seeks to create a widely accepted framework for a National Media Commission through open dialogue and stakeholder input. The ministry has brought together all sectors of the media for the first time to form an independent and strong national commission.

Swapan described the initiative as a milestone in promoting media reform and freedom, noting that the government under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is implementing reforms across key sectors to build a democratic and welfare-oriented state. State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Chowdhury emphasized the importance of clear input from media representatives to make the commission effective, independent, and accountable.

Participants from various media organizations and associations discussed the commission’s framework and reached a consensus to draft a national action plan, offering recommendations and proposals for its formation.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has expelled its member (Rukon) S.K. Mohibullah from Paikgacha in Khulna for breaching party discipline. According to a press release issued by the party’s central publicity department on Thursday, the decision was made after Mohibullah announced his candidacy for the Union Parishad election, disregarding the party’s official decision.

The statement said Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar confirmed that Mohibullah, son of Md. Azizur Rahman Sheikh, had violated clauses (a) and (b) of sub-section 2 under section 62 of the party constitution by engaging in election activities independently. The party’s Ameer cancelled his membership and expelled him from the organization on June 18 after the allegations were proven beyond doubt.

The expulsion underscores Jamaat’s strict enforcement of internal discipline and its stance against members acting outside collective party decisions.

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cook paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Thursday. The meeting was confirmed by Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Hossain Swadhin.

During the meeting, the British High Commissioner expressed hope that relations between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom would strengthen further under the current government. Discussions included proposals for British cooperation in technical education and training sectors, as well as opportunities to expand trade and British investment in Bangladesh, which could create new employment opportunities.

Sarah Cook also conveyed British interest in investing in the aviation sector following the opening of the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman and the Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir were present at the meeting.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Prime Minister’s Office in the National Parliament building on Thursday. The meeting was confirmed by the Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Hossain Swadhin.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Chinese ambassador congratulated Bangladesh on the election of Dr. Khalilur Rahman as President of the United Nations General Assembly for the 2026–2027 session. During the discussion, both sides emphasized enhancing bilateral relations between China and Bangladesh, focusing on trade, investment, technical education, and strengthening people-to-people ties.

Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman and the Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir were also present at the meeting, which highlighted the ongoing commitment to deepen cooperation between the two nations.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Ali Khamenei confirmed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States, stating that the initiative was driven primarily by Washington’s eagerness rather than Tehran’s. He said Iranian officials worked sincerely, but the U.S. side, led by its president, showed the most urgency and pressure to finalize the deal. Khamenei acknowledged having personal reservations but approved the agreement after Iran’s president pledged to protect national and resistance front interests.

The memorandum, titled the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran,” was signed during a dinner hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palace of Versailles following the G7 summit. Macron announced that the deal would pave the way for lasting peace and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The formal signing ceremony is still planned to take place in Geneva, Switzerland.

Under the terms, the U.S. will lift its naval blockade on Iran within 30 days and withdraw forces from surrounding areas within another 30 days, while Iran will ensure safe commercial shipping for 60 days. Both sides now have 60 days to negotiate a final agreement.

Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan informed the National Parliament that the government has adopted a long-term plan for the treatment, rehabilitation, employment, and monthly honorarium of fighters injured in the July uprising. He made the statement on Thursday in response to a written question from Jamaat-e-Islami MP Rokeya Begum.

According to the minister, injured July fighters are receiving free medical services at government hospitals, and those seriously wounded are being sent abroad for advanced treatment based on medical board recommendations. So far, 152 fighters have been sent to Thailand, Singapore, Turkey, and Russia, with 102 returning after treatment and 50 still under care abroad. A database of 3,241 interested families and fighters has been created for welfare and rehabilitation, and 1,937 names have been forwarded to the Ministry of Youth and Sports for training and rehabilitation.

Out of 14,369 gazetted July fighters, 13,344 are currently receiving monthly honoraria directly in their bank accounts, with payments for the remaining fighters under process.

Independent Member of Parliament Rumin Farhana expressed frustration in the Bangladesh National Parliament, stating that no party—neither the ruling nor the opposition—was willing to take responsibility for her. She made the remarks on Thursday while participating in the general discussion on the proposed 2026–2027 national budget. During the session, which was chaired by Deputy Speaker Kaiser Kamal, she requested additional time from the Speaker to discuss issues concerning her constituency.

Farhana explained that she needed a few extra minutes to highlight development matters in her area, emphasizing that she belonged to neither the government nor the opposition. Addressing the Speaker directly, she appealed for the use of his special discretion to grant her the extra time. Her comments underscored the challenges faced by independent lawmakers in securing procedural support within parliamentary discussions.

The exchange took place during the ongoing budget debate, reflecting the procedural and representational difficulties encountered by non-affiliated members in Bangladesh’s parliamentary system.

Dr. Md. Mohibul Ahsan has been elected president and Md. Golam Dastagir general secretary of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Officers Association in its 11th executive committee election. The voting took place on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the UGC auditorium, and the results were announced by Chief Election Commissioner Mosammat Jesmin Parvin, Director of the International Cooperation Division. The newly elected 11-member committee will serve for the next two years.

Dr. Ahsan currently serves as Additional Director of the Public University Management Division, while Dastagir is Deputy Director of the Public Relations and Publications Division. Other elected members include two vice presidents, a joint secretary, and several departmental secretaries. The election was conducted in a festive and cordial atmosphere, according to the chief election commissioner, who urged stronger cooperation among officers.

In his post-election remarks, Dr. Ahsan pledged to represent all UGC officers, implement his election commitments, and promote a discrimination-free and merit-based work environment.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated that no member of the current parliament is a loan defaulter. He clarified that while some members may have outstanding loans, none have been declared defaulters by a court. The minister made these remarks on Thursday in response to a point of order raised by Opposition Chief Whip and National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam.

Ahmed explained that under the Representation of the People Order and related regulations, anyone declared a loan defaulter by a court is deemed ineligible to contest parliamentary elections. Therefore, those who have been elected to parliament cannot be considered loan defaulters under the law.

He further noted that any claim suggesting that loan defaulters were nominated in the current parliament contradicts the legal interpretation of eligibility criteria for members of parliament.

Madrasah teacher Tajul Islam testified before International Crimes Tribunal-1 on Thursday, describing his abduction and prolonged detention by the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI). He stated that he was held in isolation for one year and eight months, during which he was repeatedly beaten and pressured to confess involvement in militant activities. Tajul said he was taken from his workplace in Manikganj in April 2015 by 10 to 15 men and later learned that DGFI had detained him.

According to his testimony, he was interrogated and tortured in several secret facilities, including rooms marked with RAB-4 and RAB-10, before being handed over to Akbar Shah police in Chattogram in December 2016. He said false cases were filed against him under anti-terrorism and arms laws, and he spent eight years in prison before being released on bail in January 2025. Tajul named former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her military adviser Tarique Siddique, and DGFI officials as responsible for his abduction and demanded justice.

The case is part of an ongoing crimes against humanity trial concerning enforced disappearances allegedly carried out during the Awami League government’s rule.

Maulana Muhiyuddin Rabbani, Secretary General of International Majlis Tahaffuz Khatme Nabuwwat Bangladesh, has expressed gratitude and congratulations to Speaker Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Bir Bikram, for abolishing the long-standing practice of bowing the head when entering the National Parliament. In a statement released to the media on Thursday, Rabbani said the decision aligns with the faith and values of the country’s devout citizens and deserves appreciation.

He noted that the move reflects respect for the religious beliefs, cultural heritage, and moral values of Bangladesh’s majority population, strengthening national identity and self-respect. Rabbani described the Speaker’s decision as one of foresight, courage, and sensitivity to public sentiment, ending a practice that had long been a source of debate.

Rabbani further urged authorities to review other state practices inconsistent with the nation’s religious and cultural values and to adopt systems aligned with national consciousness. He prayed for the Speaker’s well-being and expressed hope that state institutions would continue to act in harmony with public faith and democratic principles.

A detainee and Youth Dal activist, Shahidullah Russell, aged 41, died on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, while receiving treatment at Cumilla Medical College Hospital under the supervision of prison authorities. He had been held at Cumilla Central Jail since May 11 after being arrested with 102 yaba tablets from Shasanpara village in Lalmai upazila on May 10. According to the senior jail superintendent, Russell had been suffering from pneumonia-related illness and was given medication on May 19. His condition worsened on June 15, and after further deterioration on June 17, he was taken to the hospital, where doctors declared him dead at 3 p.m. following cardiac shock.

Russell was a resident of Atiti Khondokar Bari in Perul Uttar union of Lalmai upazila and an active member of the local Youth Dal. Following his death, Lalmai Upazila BNP general secretary Yusuf Ali Mir Pintu described him as a dedicated party worker and called for an investigation into whether any irregularities or conspiracies were involved in his arrest and subsequent death.

After postmortem examination, the body was handed over to the family.