The Jhalakathi district administration has cancelled 33 firearm licenses belonging to 25 leaders and activists of the Awami League and its affiliated organizations. According to an official order issued by the district administration, the decision was made following the directives of the Ministry of Home Affairs and in the interest of public safety.

Among those whose licenses were revoked are Hafiz Al Mahamud, General Secretary of Sadar Upazila Awami League; Rezaul Karim Zakir, Convener of the District Jubo League; and Kamal Sharif, Joint Convener of the District Jubo League. The list also includes former municipal mayor Afzal Hossain Rana, District Awami League Treasurer Monirul Islam Talukder, former Upazila Chairman Syed Razzak Ali Selim, and Joint General Secretary Mujibul Haque Akn. Other affected individuals include local representatives, political figures, Jubo Mohila League leader Yasmin Rabi Poppy, and Jatiya Party central leader M A Kuddus Khan.

Police confirmed that all firearms with cancelled licenses have been deposited at the four police stations of Jhalakathi district, and legal procedures are underway.

Jamaat-e-Islami Central Working Committee member and Supreme Court senior lawyer Shishir Monir publicly praised the Speaker of the National Parliament, Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmad Bir Bikram, and Deputy Speaker Kaiser Kamal. The appreciation was expressed in a Facebook post made on Wednesday, where Monir commended both leaders for their roles in conducting the parliament.

In his post, Shishir Monir wrote that the current Speaker and Deputy Speaker’s roles in managing the National Parliament are praiseworthy and extended his congratulations to them. The post drew attention as it came from a senior Jamaat leader and legal professional, highlighting a rare instance of public commendation toward parliamentary leadership from an opposition-linked figure.

The report was published by Amar Desh Online on June 17, 2026, at 21:02 local time, focusing on Monir’s social media remarks and their political significance within the context of parliamentary affairs.

The Bangladesh Jubo Dal has expelled a leader from its Mugda Thana unit following allegations of physically and mentally harassing a journalist. According to a press release issued on Wednesday afternoon, the organization removed Kazi Jewel, former general secretary of the Mugda Thana Jubo Dal, from all party positions, including primary membership. The incident involved multimedia reporter Zahedul Islam Arif of the daily Somoyer Alo, who was reportedly attacked while performing his professional duties.

The report states that the incident occurred during a Jubo Dal protest rally in Dhaka against political propaganda. During the event, Kazi Jewel allegedly assaulted the journalist and behaved inappropriately. The central leadership of Jubo Dal clarified that the organization would not take responsibility for the expelled leader’s misconduct and instructed members to avoid maintaining any organizational ties with him.

The expulsion underscores the party’s attempt to distance itself from acts of violence against media professionals and to reinforce internal discipline within its ranks.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Dr. Hamidur Rahman Azad has accused the BNP of rejecting the February 12 referendum verdict on constitutional reform by using its power. He made the remarks on Wednesday while addressing a meeting with leaders of the Faridpur city and district units of Islami Chhatra Shibir.

Azad stated that 71 percent of voters supported constitutional reform, not mere amendment, and claimed that Jamaat-e-Islami, along with 11 allied parties, continues both parliamentary and street movements to implement the people's verdict. He expressed determination to compel the government to accept this demand through a united public movement.

He further said that Bangladesh remains trapped in corruption and misrule due to a lack of honest and competent leadership, urging Chhatra Shibir members to take responsibility for filling this gap. Azad emphasized character building, ideological development, organizational discipline, and standing by students at all levels.

Prime Minister Tarek Rahman expressed displeasure on Wednesday morning after seeing several Sylhet-region MPs waiting at Sylhet MAG Osmani Airport to welcome him instead of attending Parliament. The Prime Minister, who arrived to attend a pre-scheduled program in Moulvibazar, questioned their absence from the ongoing parliamentary session and urged them to return to the House.

Following the Prime Minister’s remarks, Sylhet-6 MP Advocate Emran Ahmad Chowdhury returned to Dhaka in the afternoon and joined the national Parliament session. He later confirmed his attendance through a Facebook post, stating that he followed the Prime Minister’s instruction immediately. Chowdhury also praised Tarek Rahman’s efforts to strengthen Parliament and make it the center of all national activities.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Tarek Rahman traveled from Dhaka to Sylhet and then to Moulvibazar’s Sreemangal, where he distributed ‘Family Cards’ and planted tree saplings at two local school grounds.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told Parliament that Bangladesh has initiated steps to build barbed wire fences along the Myanmar border to prevent killings, infiltration, drug and arms trafficking, and other cross-border crimes. He added that plans for constructing similar fences at sensitive points along the Indian border are under consideration. The minister made these remarks during a parliamentary question session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.

Responding to lawmakers, the minister said that since August 5, 2024, a total of 2,369 people were pushed in by India’s Border Security Force (BSF), of whom 11 were handed back to the BSF, 183 were pushed back, and the rest were transferred to police stations. He noted that after the West Bengal assembly election, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) thwarted 36 BSF push-in attempts.

Ahmed described the killing of unarmed Bangladeshi citizens by the BSF as tragic and a clear violation of human rights. He said Bangladesh has strongly raised the issue at BGB-BSF director general–level meetings and continues to oppose the use of lethal weapons under the pretext of self-defense.

Saiful Haque, General Secretary of Bangladesh’s Revolutionary Workers Party, has described the Indian Border Security Force’s (BSF) push-in activities as evidence of India’s anti-Bangladesh and aggressive attitude. In a statement to the media on June 17, 2026, he said that India’s hostility toward Bangladesh has intensified since the formation of a BJP government in West Bengal. He expressed strong dissatisfaction and condemnation over the BSF’s alleged actions of forcing people, including women and children, into Bangladeshi territory.

According to Haque, BSF personnel have pushed hundreds of people across the western border into Bangladesh, leaving some stranded in the no-man’s land without food, water, or medical care, creating a severe humanitarian situation. He stated that both countries have legal mechanisms for repatriating citizens, and any forced push-in violates international law.

Haque urged India to immediately stop push-in activities and border killings if it truly seeks friendship with Bangladesh, accusing India of maintaining a double standard by continuing anti-Bangladesh actions while speaking of friendship.

A human chain was organized on Wednesday afternoon in front of the Bahadurabad river terminal in Dewanganj upazila of Jamalpur, demanding the construction of a second Jamuna Bridge on the Bahadurabad-Balashi route. The hour-long demonstration was held under the banner of local residents and was joined by people from various professions, including businesspersons, transport workers, students, and leaders of political and social organizations.

Speakers at the event said the Bahadurabad-Balashi river route has historically been one of the country’s most important communication links, playing a vital role in trade and connectivity between northern and other regions since the British era. They argued that building a bridge on this route would ease travel for millions in the northern region, reduce transport costs, expand trade, and boost agricultural and industrial growth, thereby benefiting the regional economy.

Participants urged the government to take immediate steps to construct the bridge and warned that larger movements could follow if the demand is not met. Locals expressed hope that the government would prioritize the project considering public interest.

A Dhaka court has postponed the unfinished hearing on charge framing in the sedition case against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and 285 others, setting July 14 as the new date. The decision came on Wednesday afternoon from Judge Moin Uddin Chowdhury of the Dhaka Third Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge’s Court. Thirty-two detained defendants were presented before the court, where the prosecution began its arguments and the defense sought discharge. As the defense hearing remained incomplete, the court rescheduled the session.

Earlier, the case had been transferred several times between different Dhaka courts. It originated from a complaint filed on March 27 of the previous year by CID Assistant Superintendent of Police Md Enamul Haque, accusing Sheikh Hasina and 72 others of sedition. Following investigation, a charge sheet was submitted on July 30 naming 286 accused, and arrest warrants were issued on August 14. The case alleges that during a Zoom meeting on December 19, 2024, Sheikh Hasina made anti-state remarks and called for the ouster of interim government head Dr Muhammad Yunus.

The court proceedings will resume on July 14 to complete the defense hearing before deciding on charge framing.

The Kolkata administration has decided to close the historic Red Road to all traffic from June 14 night to June 21 for preparations and security arrangements ahead of International Yoga Day. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend the main event on June 21. Kolkata Police announced that several nearby roads will also face restrictions, particularly for heavy vehicles, and said alternative traffic plans have been arranged in coordination with the transport department.

The decision has triggered controversy and legal action. The All India Lawyers Association has filed a case in the Calcutta High Court challenging the legality of the order. CPM youth leader Satarup Ghosh criticized the move, alleging political bias and discrimination against the Muslim community. He argued that while Eid prayers on Red Road faced objections in the past, the same space is now being closed for a week for a yoga event.

Ghosh also accused both the ruling Trinamool Congress and the BJP of double standards, claiming the decision limits minority religious rights and reflects selective enforcement of public space restrictions.

The government has withdrawn its plan to make music, dance and drama compulsory subjects in primary education. Following this decision, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish suspended its previously announced protest marches. The party’s secretary general, Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmad, confirmed that the initiative did not receive cabinet approval and that the government has stepped back from implementing it.

In a statement, the party said that imposing any education policy conflicting with Islamic values, family ideals, and public beliefs would harm national unity, social stability, and the education system. It urged the government to act cautiously in the future and respect religious and cultural values. The party also expressed concern that certain groups within the administration repeatedly propose measures inconsistent with the nation’s religious and social sentiments.

Earlier, on June 10, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj had announced plans to include music, drama, dance, and fine arts in the curriculum from 2027, aiming to create new employment opportunities for trained teachers and artists.

Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan told Parliament that Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) prevented 36 push-in attempts by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) following the West Bengal state election. He said that since August 5, 2024, a total of 2,369 people were pushed in by BSF, of whom 2,175 were handed to local police, 11 returned to BSF, and 183 were pushed back. The statement came during a parliamentary question session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.

In response to other questions, the minister described BSF’s killing of unarmed Bangladeshi citizens as a clear human rights violation and said the issue was raised strongly in BGB–BSF director general–level meetings. He added that no formal agreement exists for compensation from India, though Bangladesh continues to oppose the use of lethal weapons at the border and presses for accountability.

The minister also outlined ongoing measures to strengthen border security, including fencing initiatives along sensitive areas and enhanced patrols to curb smuggling, drug trafficking, and cross-border crimes.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of the National Citizens Party (NCP) for the southern region and a member of parliament, declared that his political struggle will continue until equal dignity and rights are established for all citizens. He pledged not to accept any personal privileges or participate in VIP culture until state services and facilities are equally guaranteed for ordinary people.

According to a press release from the NCP UK Alliance, Abdullah made the commitment during a reception held on Sunday at Maida Banqueting Hall in London’s Whitechapel area, organized in honor of his UK visit. He paid tribute to the contributions of expatriate Bangladeshis during the July uprising and called for unity among citizens, intellectuals, youth, and pro-democracy forces at home and abroad to build a new Bangladesh.

The event concluded peacefully despite attempts by fugitive Awami League activists to disrupt it, thanks to the efforts of NCP UK Alliance volunteers and local law enforcement. Expatriate Bangladeshis, July fighters, NCP leaders, and community figures from various UK cities attended the program.

U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply criticized former President Barack Obama over the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France, Trump alleged that the Obama administration effectively tried to bribe Iran by sending $1.7 billion in cash as part of the deal. He claimed the money was flown to Tehran on a Boeing 757 and that Iranians celebrated upon its arrival.

Trump further mocked Iran’s reaction, saying the country had laughed at Obama and viewed him as weak. He contrasted his own approach, asserting that he did not follow Obama’s path of resolving issues through financial concessions.

The JCPOA, signed in 2015 between Iran and major world powers, imposed limits on Tehran’s nuclear program in exchange for easing international sanctions. Trump had opposed the deal from the outset and withdrew the United States from it in 2018.

The Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal has suspended Md. Maidul Islam Bappy, senior vice president of its Begum Rokeya University (BRU) unit, following allegations that he abused his wife for dowry and money for drugs. The decision was announced on Tuesday through a press release signed by the organization’s office secretary, Md. Jahangir Alam. The statement said the suspension was made under the central committee’s directive for violating organizational discipline, and further organizational action is under process.

The allegations surfaced on Monday when Bappy’s wife accused him of physical and mental abuse, dowry demands, and death threats. She reportedly submitted written complaints to the university administration and central Chhatra Dal leaders, claiming repeated demands for money since their marriage and threats when she refused. The issue sparked widespread discussion on the university campus.

Following the public allegations, the central Chhatra Dal took the matter into consideration and decided to suspend Bappy’s organizational position pending further investigation.