Iran’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Dr. Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi, paid a courtesy call on Dr. Shafiqur Rahman MP, the Leader of the Opposition and Amir of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, on Wednesday morning at the Opposition Leader’s office in the National Parliament complex. The meeting was attended by senior Iranian embassy officials, including the First Counsellor, Cultural Counsellor, and Media Officer. Discussions covered the historical and friendly relations between Bangladesh and Iran, as well as cooperation in trade, investment, education, culture, and healthcare.

During the meeting, the ambassador congratulated Jamaat-e-Islami on its success in the 13th National Election and praised the party’s constructive and intellectual contributions. Dr. Rahman expressed condolences for Iranian citizens killed in a recent war and appreciated Iran’s role in facilitating a peace agreement. Both sides expressed optimism about strengthening bilateral ties and regional cooperation.

The two parties also discussed forming a parliamentary friendship group, launching direct Dhaka–Tehran flights, and promoting medical tourism. Dr. Rahman proposed establishing a world-class Iranian hospital in Bangladesh, while the ambassador reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to expanding mutual cooperation in development and public engagement.

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has stated that the United States owes its existence to Israel. His remarks directly contradict recent comments by President Donald Trump. Speaking in Israel, Huckabee said that without a Jewish foundation, the United States would not exist, emphasizing the historical importance of the land to America’s identity.

Earlier, President Trump had claimed that Israel would not exist without US support, asserting that no other president had done as much for Israel as he had. He made those remarks while addressing the annual G7 summit in France, where he also criticized Israeli leadership. Huckabee’s statement therefore stands in direct opposition to Trump’s position on the US-Israel relationship.

The contrasting statements highlight a growing divergence in perspectives between the US ambassador and the president regarding the nature of the US-Israel alliance and its historical significance.

European Union Ambassador Michael Miller paid a courtesy call on Bangladesh’s Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Zahir Uddin Swapon, on Wednesday at the ministry office in Dhaka. During the meeting, both sides discussed various aspects of media freedom and freedom of expression in the country.

The EU ambassador praised the government’s initiative to establish an independent media commission and expressed the Union’s willingness to provide support in this regard. He noted that Bangladesh could benefit from the EU’s experience in ensuring media freedom. Minister Swapon reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting media freedom while also safeguarding citizens from misinformation and disinformation.

He added that a draft committee would be formed based on consultations with relevant stakeholders to prepare a national action plan for the proposed media commission. The commission will be established following the recommendations of that plan.

The Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party has alleged that the government has taken no visible steps to stop push-ins at the Bangladesh-India border. The claim was made on Wednesday at a press conference titled “Border Killings, Push-in and the Politics of Barbed Wire” held at the party’s central office in Bijoynagar, Dhaka. Party chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju accused the Indian government of violating diplomatic norms, international law, and human rights through push-ins, expressing frustration over the Bangladeshi government’s lack of effective response.

General Secretary Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad said no other country treats its migrant citizens as foreigners and forces them across borders under such inhumane conditions. He compared the situation to Myanmar’s past actions that led to a refugee crisis in Bangladesh. Fuad urged India to end border killings and push-ins to build a sustainable bilateral relationship based on mutual respect and dignity.

The AB Party also demanded justice and compensation for thousands of Bangladeshis killed along the border over the past five decades and called for modernization of the Border Guard Bangladesh and a new independent foreign policy based on national consensus.

Rasheda K. Chowdhury, Executive Director of Campaign for Popular Education, stated that despite an increase in the education sector allocation, the government remains far from fulfilling its election pledges. She emphasized that allocation alone is not enough and called for timely fund release and good governance in expenditure. She made these remarks on Wednesday afternoon at a press briefing titled “How Is the Education Budget: Reality and Public Expectation,” organized by the Campaign for Popular Education.

Chowdhury also criticized the government’s plan to impose examination fees on primary students, saying it contradicts the law guaranteeing free education. The main paper at the event was presented by the organization’s Deputy Director, Dr. Mostafizur Rahman. Other speakers included Dr. Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD); Dr. Syed Shahadat Hossain, Professor at the University of Dhaka’s Institute of Statistical Research and Training; and Dr. Imran Matin, Executive Director of the BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD).

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the third phase of the family card distribution program in Moulvibazar on Wednesday. The event took place at the historic Victoria High School field around 1:30 p.m., marking the formal launch of the initiative’s latest stage. Earlier in the morning, the Prime Minister arrived at Sylhet Osmani International Airport at 10:15 a.m. before traveling to Moulvibazar for the ceremony.

The family card distribution program is part of a broader government effort to support citizens through structured welfare initiatives. The launch in Moulvibazar represents the continuation of this program’s expansion across different regions, aiming to ensure equitable access to government assistance.

The source also mentioned other ongoing government priorities, including preparations for future pandemics, initiatives to restore extinct local fruit species, and plans to invite bids for onshore oil and gas exploration, indicating a wider policy focus on public welfare and resource development.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the Family Card program at Chandichhara Tea Garden in Chunarughat upazila of Habiganj on Wednesday afternoon. The virtual inauguration took place during a local administration event at the Chandichhara playground. The event was attended by Habiganj-4 MP Syed Md. Faisal, Deputy Commissioner Dr. G.M. Sarfaraz, Upazila Nirbahi Officer Galib Chowdhury, local BNP leaders, and thousands of tea workers.

The Family Card initiative, introduced for the first time in the district, generated significant enthusiasm among tea workers. Workers described the program as a vital support for their families, noting that their limited income and rations often fail to meet household needs. Leaders of the Bangladesh Tea Workers’ Union said the program fulfills a long-standing demand for measures to improve living standards.

MP Syed Md. Faisal stated that the program will gradually expand to other tea gardens in Chunarughat and Madhabpur upazilas. The government’s goal, he said, is to ensure that no family remains outside social safety programs and that essential assistance reaches every citizen.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut has alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is offering 150 million rupees in advance to buy Members of Parliament in Maharashtra. He made the claim amid renewed speculation of a split within the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faction. Raut also alleged that BJP is luring MPs with private jet offers.

In a post on social media platform X, Raut described the alleged payments as tragic and disgraceful. He asserted that the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction remains united and capable of handling the situation. He dismissed speculation that rebel MPs could form a separate group, saying they lack sufficient numbers. In an interview with NDTV, Raut said Thackeray has worked hard for every MP and that BJP’s attempts to lure them with money will fail.

Raut further claimed that two of their MPs were to be flown from Nanded airport on a chartered plane. He mocked the rebels, saying they once could not afford rickshaw rides but now travel by private jets thanks to the Thackeray name.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was greeted with a shower of flowers by tea workers during his visit to Sylhet on Wednesday morning. He landed at Osmani International Airport at 10:15 a.m., where central and local BNP leaders welcomed him. According to his schedule, there were no formal party programs in Sylhet, and he departed for Srimangal by special bus around 10:30 a.m. Along the route, workers from the Malnichhara tea estate braved the rain to greet him with flowers.

Sylhet District BNP President and City Corporation Administrator Abdul Kaiyum Chowdhury said that local representatives, along with central and local party leaders, were present at the airport to receive the Prime Minister. He urged party members to stand in an orderly manner along the roadside to welcome him. Organizers stated that people from all walks of life were involved in making the visit successful, and preparations were underway for one of the largest public receptions in the greater Sylhet region.

The European Parliament is scheduled to give final approval on Wednesday to a stricter migration law that will expand authorities’ powers to detain and deport irregular migrants. The legislation also allows the establishment of deportation centers outside the European Union. The vote in Strasbourg marks one of the final steps in a lengthy legislative process aimed at tightening migration control amid rising political pressure across member states.

EU Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner said the law clarifies that the EU, not smugglers, will decide who can stay or must leave. The law has faced criticism from human rights groups for provisions enabling the creation of ‘return hubs’ outside the EU, where people without legal residence rights could be sent. Several countries, including Denmark, Austria, Greece, Germany, and the Netherlands, have shown interest in hosting such centers, while France and Spain have opposed the plan.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated that the first agreements for these centers are expected by 2026, with operations starting in 2027. The EU’s focus has shifted toward improving repatriation systems, as only about 30 percent of those ordered to leave have returned home.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that his country will not tolerate any insult, emphasizing Iran’s resolve to defend its dignity under external pressure. In a post on social media platform X, he said Tehran has learned from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to uphold national honor despite foreign challenges.

Pezeshkian noted that although diplomatic efforts continue following recent conflicts with the United States and Israel, Iran remains prepared for all possible scenarios. He mentioned that a memorandum of understanding with Washington is expected to be signed in Switzerland on Friday, describing it as an important step toward halting hostilities and initiating dialogue. However, he clarified that no final agreement has yet been reached.

Earlier, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that once the memorandum is formally signed, broader negotiations would begin to reach a comprehensive agreement.

A commentary published on June 17, 2026, examines the long history of media control in Bangladesh, linking it to authoritarian political traditions. It recalls the June 16, 1975 closure of most newspapers under the then Awami League government and argues that similar tendencies resurfaced during Sheikh Hasina’s long tenure through laws, licensing pressure, and censorship. The article claims that such control turned many outlets into echoes of power rather than voices of the people.

The analysis connects this legacy to the July 2024 student-led uprising, describing it as not only a political revolt but also a rejection of decades of information control. It says mainstream media failed to reflect public grievances over inequality, corruption, and disenfranchisement, while citizen journalism on social media broke through censorship. International outlets reportedly exposed state violence when domestic media remained silent.

The writer calls for structural reform to ensure editorial independence, abolish restrictive laws, and end corporate and political ownership influence. He concludes that the future of democracy and journalism in Bangladesh depends on restoring truth and public trust in the media.

A column published on June 17, 2026, in the Bangladeshi daily Amar Desh argues that allegations of large-scale illegal migration from Bangladesh to India are baseless and politically driven. The writer, Abul Asad, cites historical statements, Indian census data, and official records to claim that the narrative of millions of Bangladeshi infiltrators has been exaggerated by Indian right-wing groups, including the Sangh Parivar and its affiliates such as the BJP and Bajrang Dal. He asserts that these groups use the infiltration narrative to disenfranchise Bengali-speaking Indian Muslims and to create tension between the two countries.

The article references past Indian government data showing limited cross-border movement and repatriation of small numbers of people, contrasting this with inflated figures circulated in Indian political discourse. It also cites demographic studies indicating no abnormal population growth in border districts of West Bengal, arguing that economic and educational factors, not religion, explain population trends.

The writer concludes that the infiltration theory is a continuation of long-standing efforts by Indian extremists to destabilize Bangladesh and that such attempts have repeatedly failed due to the unity and resilience of the Bangladeshi people.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing widespread criticism after a three-and-a-half-month war with Iran ended without Israel’s participation in a US-mediated interim agreement between Washington and Tehran. The deal, reached after months of conflict, left Iran’s government intact and strengthened its control over the Strait of Hormuz, while Israel’s influence appeared diminished. Israeli media described the Iran crisis as Netanyahu’s biggest failure since the October 7 attacks.

The agreement has drawn opposition from both centrist and far-right factions in Israel. Centrist leader Gadi Eisenkot, Netanyahu’s main rival in the upcoming election, called the outcome a reflection of a failed government. Far-right ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich also denounced the deal. Analysts said Netanyahu’s long-standing push for confrontation with Iran has backfired, leaving him politically weakened ahead of elections.

Experts warned that Israel’s ongoing military actions in Lebanon could complicate relations with Washington and hinder future ceasefire efforts. Former diplomats and analysts said Netanyahu’s legacy now faces its toughest test, as he enters elections burdened by the Iran war, Lebanon tensions, and the fallout from the October 7 crisis.

Iran’s leadership is presenting its forthcoming memorandum of understanding with the United States as a product of resistance and victory rather than retreat. The country, emerging from a recent war that caused severe damage and economic pressure, faces internal opposition from hardliners who have long warned against trusting Washington. Despite this, senior officials including President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf have described the deal as transformative and a step toward final victory.

The government argues that the US and Israel failed to achieve their main objectives, such as forcing Iran to surrender or halting its nuclear program. Yet, some Iranian lawmakers have criticized the draft agreement as a potential path to dependency. Economic hardship, sanctions, and inflation have also pushed Tehran toward negotiation. The deal’s details remain undisclosed, with talks set to resume in Switzerland on Friday.

Public reaction is mixed, with some Iranians expressing hope for relief and others doubting the government’s victory narrative. The agreement’s durability may depend on regional stability, particularly Israel’s actions in Lebanon and Washington’s ability to restrain them.