National Citizens Party convener Nahid Islam told the national parliament on Thursday that many members of parliament are loan defaulters. He said he had raised the issue before the election and again in his first parliamentary speech, mentioning the number of defaulters without revealing names. Nahid Islam argued that if so many loan defaulters sit in parliament, it could justifiably be called a parliament of loan defaulters, adding that the ruling party’s two-thirds majority had brought them in.

During the same session, BNP lawmaker Md. Selim Bhuiyan highlighted local law enforcement challenges, stating that police in his area lack vehicles to pursue drug dealers. He urged the government to provide vehicles and ensure action against yaba traders.

The remarks underscored growing concerns about financial accountability among lawmakers and operational limitations faced by police in combating narcotics-related crimes.

BNP Member of Parliament Md. Selim Bhuiyan alleged that local police and administrative officials are biased toward the ruling Awami League. Speaking in the national parliament on Thursday, he said police often claim they lack vehicles to arrest yaba traders, yet remain inactive even when provided with resources. He urged that the police administration be reorganized to effectively implement the national budget.

Bhuiyan further claimed that many police officers are directly involved with drug dealers and users, asserting that the police and local administrators, including UNOs and DCs, act as Awami League loyalists. He said these officials are merely transferred between stations without any real change in their political alignment. According to him, this partisan behavior undermines the authority of BNP lawmakers and hampers governance.

He concluded that meaningful reform of the police administration is essential if the government intends to implement the budget properly.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam stated that removing soil near the pillars of the Padma Bridge poses no risk to the structure. He said he personally inquired about the matter and consulted with army engineers and experts involved in the bridge project. Based on their assessment, the soil removal is necessary to maintain the river’s natural flow, navigability, environmental balance, and water movement, as outlined in the feasibility study. The minister made these remarks on Thursday at a dialogue organized by the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) at the Secretariat media center.

During the same event, Sheikh Robiul Alam also announced plans to form companies comprising bus owners for each route in Dhaka’s public transport system. He explained that the current system, where multiple private owners operate separately on the same route, creates unhealthy competition and disorder. The new approach aims to bring discipline by ensuring that buses operate under unified management and follow designated terminals and stops.

Following the recent change of power in the West Bengal assembly elections, Kolkata has witnessed an unusual form of political protest involving rotten eggs. Demand for spoiled eggs has surged across city markets as protesters use them to target leaders of the Trinamool Congress. Vendors report that customers now jokingly ask whether eggs are for eating or throwing, and some shops have sold entire crates of rotten eggs, suggesting political motives behind the purchases.

The trend began when Trinamool’s national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee faced a protest in Sonarpur, South 24 Parganas, where he was first hit with rotten eggs. Since then, several party leaders have been similarly targeted. Trinamool accuses the BJP government of encouraging post-election violence and claims police remain passive as leaders are attacked. Police have also arrested several Trinamool figures, who were again pelted with eggs while being taken to court.

Rotten eggs are being chosen for their strong stench, which causes lasting humiliation. Prices have varied sharply across Kolkata, with rates ranging from 3 to 10 rupees per egg depending on the area.

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md. Anisul Huq criticized the opposition for protesting over Islami Bank while remaining silent when 234 billion taka was allegedly laundered abroad to create 'Begumpara'. Speaking in the national parliament on Thursday, he said the opposition did not demand the return of that money but is now marching over the bank issue.

He noted that the opposition leader had called for returning Islami Bank to its previous shareholders, but according to company law, those shareholders belong to a specific group whose ownership was certified by the High Court. The minister said the government has no objection to discussions on the matter but urged the opposition to understand the issue before protesting.

Anisul Huq added that the proposed budget emphasizes controlling inflation, expanding tax benefits, strengthening social safety programs, and ensuring good governance. It also aims to restore discipline in the banking sector, protect public deposits, and uphold the rule of law as part of building a transparent and accountable economy.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed ordered the removal of remarks about Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish leader Maulana Mamunul Haque from the official record of the National Parliament. The decision came after both ruling and opposition members requested that the comments made by BNP MP Khondaker Abu Ashfaq during the 2026–27 budget discussion be expunged. The Speaker stated that there was no need for such personal matters to appear in the parliamentary proceedings and noted that Mamunul Haque had not yet clarified his position.

During the session, Abu Ashfaq had referred to a past incident involving Mamunul Haque and questioned issues related to “mut’a marriage.” The Speaker cautioned against raising irrelevant or personal topics, emphasizing that it was inappropriate to discuss allegations about individuals not present to respond. Opposition Deputy Leader Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher and Chief Whip Nurul Islam also supported the removal of the remarks, calling them unparliamentary.

The Speaker reiterated that Parliament should avoid discussing the private lives of political figures and confirmed that the remarks would be expunged from the record.

Bangladesh’s Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told parliament that the government has initiated plans to build barbed-wire fences along the Myanmar border and is considering similar measures at sensitive points along the India border. The move aims to curb border killings, illegal crossings, and transnational crimes. The minister said the Border Guard Bangladesh is implementing coordinated actions to strengthen national security and reduce border crimes to zero.

Experts cited in the report explained that international law does not prohibit sovereign states from constructing border structures for security or migration control, though bilateral agreements may set specific conditions. The 1974 India-Bangladesh treaty restricts defense installations within 150 yards of the zero line. Professor Shahab Enam Khan said fencing is within Bangladesh’s rights and justified by national security concerns, while former ambassador Munshi Faiz viewed it as a sign of mutual distrust.

Observers emphasized that technological surveillance using drones and artificial intelligence could be more effective and less controversial than physical barriers. The government has already approved major border road projects and begun installing smart surveillance systems in sensitive areas.

The Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs has cancelled the appointments of two assistant public prosecutors (APPs) from the Comilla District and Sessions Judge Court. The decision, announced through a circular issued on June 18, 2026, stated that Advocate Md. Monir Hossain Patwari and Advocate Saidul Islam have been relieved of their duties with immediate effect. The order, signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Md. Faruk Hossain, nullified their appointments made on October 29, 2024.

According to the ministry’s notice, copies of the order were sent to the district magistrate, district and sessions judge, public prosecutor, and other relevant offices, with instructions to publish it on the ministry’s website. The two lawyers had recently appeared in court premises expressing support for Shibir leader Zisan, who was produced before the Comilla court earlier in the week and later sent to jail.

One of the dismissed APPs stated that they had not formally signed as Zisan’s lawyers but only made statements to the media in his favor. The Comilla public prosecutor confirmed receiving the dismissal letters via WhatsApp but said he had no further details.

A crucial local election in the United Kingdom on Thursday is expected to determine the political future of Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The vote, taking place in Ashton-in-Makerfield, could either ease pressure on Starmer or pave the way for his rival, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, to challenge his leadership. Burnham, a senior Labour Party figure, is contesting the seat with the goal of returning to Parliament and potentially replacing Starmer as prime minister.

Polls suggest Burnham has a strong chance of winning, though he faces stiff competition from the right-wing Reform UK party. Analysts say the outcome will likely decide whether Burnham’s path to 10 Downing Street opens or Starmer retains his position. Starmer, in power since July 2024, has faced mounting pressure following Labour’s poor performance in recent local elections, internal resignations, and controversies over policy reversals and appointments.

Despite declining popularity, Starmer has refused to resign, arguing that his previous electoral mandate remains valid. Voting began at 7 a.m. local time and will conclude at 10 p.m., after which counting will begin.

Mohammad Selim Uddin, Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami Dhaka North and mayoral candidate for Dhaka North City Corporation, inaugurated a humanitarian initiative titled 'Humanity Box' at the raw market of Uttara Sector 11 on Thursday. The program was launched under the initiative of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Uttara West Thana to support underprivileged and helpless people.

After the inauguration, Selim Uddin walked through the market, meeting shopkeepers and customers. He urged everyone to contribute essential goods, clothing, or financial assistance to the 'Humanity Box' according to their ability, encouraging collective support for disadvantaged members of society. His appeal reportedly drew a strong response from those present at the market.

The event was attended by several local leaders, including Mokbul Ahmed, Kamrul Hasan, Salahuddin Bhuiyan, Mahfuzur Rahman, Firoz Alam, Tariq Hasan, and Motaleb Hossain, representing different local and organizational positions.

Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Imran Haider, paid a courtesy call on the Leader of the Opposition and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman at his office in the National Parliament complex on Thursday morning. The meeting was also attended by Kamran Dangal, Political Counsellor of the Pakistan High Commission.

During the discussion, the High Commissioner expressed Pakistan’s desire to advance bilateral relations with Bangladesh through a forward-looking approach. He noted that ties between the two countries have recently improved, with increased trade and multiple visits by both military and civilian officials. He also mentioned that a delegation of Bangladeshi academics had recently visited Pakistan and appreciated its education system.

Haider further informed that Pakistan plans to offer scholarships to 500 Bangladeshi students over the next five years, with 74 already studying there. He proposed forming a parliamentary group to enhance inter-parliamentary cooperation. The opposition leader thanked Pakistan for its historical role in facilitating a peace agreement between the United States and Iran.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar has accused the ruling BNP leadership of reversing their pre-election stance on the July Charter and reform initiatives after assuming power. Speaking at a press briefing at Khulna Press Club on June 18, he said the BNP, including the prime minister, had earlier campaigned nationwide in favor of these reforms but now label the referendum and constitutional reform council as illegal and unconstitutional.

Parwar stated that implementing the July Charter reflects the aspirations of nearly 70 percent of citizens who voted in favor during the referendum. He criticized the government for avoiding structural reforms such as limiting the prime minister’s powers, introducing proportional representation in the upper house, and ensuring neutral appointments in the judiciary. He warned that without fundamental reforms, future leaders could again establish authoritarian rule.

He further alleged that despite the end of the previous authoritarian regime, political favoritism continues in local governance through administrator appointments instead of elections. Parwar also criticized deteriorating law and order, extortion, and rising commodity prices, citing specific incidents in Khulna. He announced that an 11-party divisional rally will be held on June 20 at Khulna Circuit House grounds.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed ruled in the Bangladesh National Parliament that members may show respect to the Speaker’s chair or the presiding officer according to their respective religious customs. The decision was announced on Thursday during a parliamentary session following a request raised earlier by Jamaat-e-Islami MP Md. Mujibur Rahman, who questioned whether bowing as a sign of respect conflicted with Islamic principles.

The Speaker explained that under Rule 267 of the parliamentary procedure, members must show respect when entering, leaving, or taking their seats in the chamber. However, he noted that the word “bowing” had been removed from the rule during the eighth parliament after a standing committee review and subsequent approval by the House. This amendment means that members are no longer required to physically bow.

By clarifying the rule, the Speaker emphasized that MPs are free to follow their own religious practices when showing respect in Parliament, aligning parliamentary decorum with individual faith traditions.

The Islamabad High Court has directed the concerned administration to arrange a meeting between imprisoned former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, and their lawyers within seven days. The order aims to facilitate their appeal against convictions in the 190 million pound corruption case. The directive was issued by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Asif.

During the hearing, Imran Khan’s lawyer Barrister Salman Safdar informed the court that repeated attempts to meet his client at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail had been denied. This restriction, he said, prevented him from obtaining necessary instructions and signatures for the appeal process. After hearing the lawyer’s statement, the court instructed authorities to ensure the meetings take place within the specified timeframe.

Imran Khan was sentenced to 14 years in prison and Bushra Bibi to 7 years by a trial court in the Al-Qadir Trust or 190 million pound corruption case. Both have appealed their sentences before the Islamabad High Court.

Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman emphasized the importance of practicing religious values and discipline in military life, describing them as essential for upholding the nation’s freedom and sovereignty. He made the remarks on Thursday, June 18, during the President’s Parade marking the commissioning of officer cadets from the 90th long course at the Bangladesh Military Academy (BMA) in Bhatiari, Chattogram.

The Army Chief highlighted that the BMA, established in 1974, has been producing skilled, intelligent, and patriotic officers capable of leading in the 21st century. He noted that the academy’s graduates have contributed significantly both within Bangladesh and internationally through disciplined and principled leadership. He expressed pride and gratitude for the academy’s role in strengthening the army through visionary planning and effective training.

General Waker-uz-Zaman also announced the formal inauguration of the Second Bangladesh Battalion at the academy to enhance training quality, modern facilities, and practical development initiatives aligned with the army’s modernization goals amid changing global conditions.