BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has confidently stated that Tarique Rahman will surely return to Bangladesh in the near future. “Tarique Rahman will definitely come back to the country, without a doubt. He will return very soon,” he affirmed.

Commenting on the upcoming election timeline, Mirza Fakhrul said, “I have said from the beginning that the timing is not suitable for elections. The polls are scheduled in April, which coincides with the holy month of Ramadan. The fast will end, and Eid will be celebrated. A few days after Eid, the election will take place. Imagine the condition of the candidates during Ramadan… and what about the political workers? Frankly, I am worried that I will have to host iftar parties every day. This is no joke. It is a significant challenge. The campaign expenses for candidates will double, and when we call to reduce election expenses, costs actually increase during that period.”

He further added, “Most elections in Bangladesh have been held during December, November, or January. Only twice were they held at different times, and both elections were problematic.”

The National Citizen Party has officially approved a 21-member coordination committee for Brahmanpara upazila in Cumilla. Zahurul Islam Sarkar has been appointed as the Chief Coordinator, with Masud Alam, Billal Hossain, Tanvir Hossain Sumon, and Junaid Bogdadi serving as Joint Coordinators.

Other committee members include Rashedul Islam Rasel, Majharul Islam, Azizur Rahman Chowdhury, Robiul Islam, Enamul Haque, Abu Bakar, Saidul Islam, Khairul Alam, Rashedul Alam Rocky, Ziaur Rahman, Mariam Bibi, Enamul Haque, Mehedi Hasan, Sohel Rana Sohrab, Borhan Uddin Chowdhury, and Iman Uddin, among others.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has pledged to raise defence spending to 2% of GDP this fiscal year—five years ahead of schedule—to reduce Canada’s reliance on the US for defence. Warning of threats from Russia and China, Carney stressed that Canada must prioritize domestic production and diversify military procurement. The move comes ahead of the G7 and Nato summits, with defence a top agenda. Carney also criticized America’s growing protectionism and dominance over key military assets like the F-35 fighter jets.

Mahmud Hasan Khan, the newly elected President of BGMEA, emphasized that politics should not become a platform for personal or business interests. “I have always been here to serve the welfare of the people. Even if I fail to help someone, I will never cause harm to anyone,” he said, promising integrity and public service in his new role.

Most irrigation projects in Lakhai, Habiganj, have reportedly been under the control of Awami League leaders and activists, despite the organization being declared illegal by authorities. Local farmers allege that they were forced to pay charges three to four times higher than the official rates. Shockingly, portions of this extorted money are allegedly being used to fund anti-government plots in the name of ‘organizing the League.’

The farmers claim that the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) conducted a field investigation but failed to take any meaningful action. AM Rakibul Haque, Assistant Engineer of BADC and Member Secretary of the Upazila Irrigation Committee, admitted, "We conducted an initial investigation and found irregularities. A letter has already been issued instructing the return of the excess paddy collected from the farmers. If the allegations are proven, the individual involved will be banned from participating in next year's tender process."

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Professor Mujibur Rahman stated that the people of Bangladesh have been deprived of peace for 54 years.
Referring to the student protests on August 5 as a turning point, he said: “We will no longer tolerate farcical elections like those in 2014, 2018, and the voter-less 2024 polls.”
He emphasized that the upcoming election, expected in April, must be preceded by justice for past crimes and systemic reforms.

At least 10 people were injured in an unexpected attack on an anti-fascist rally organized by the BNP and its affiliates in Matlab Uttar, Chandpur. The rally, led by supporters of BNP central committee member Dr. Jalal Uddin, was held in the presence of police. Despite this, around 30-40 attackers assaulted the participants with sticks and local weapons. Injured activists were taken to the Upazila Health Complex, with one referred to Dhaka. Police said legal action would follow upon receiving a written complaint.

Police have arrested Chanawul Haque Hero, president of the Krishak League’s Badalgachhi Upazila unit in Naogaon, in connection with a sabotage case filed under the Special Powers Act. Badalgachhi Police Station’s Investigation Officer Saiful Islam confirmed that the arrest relates to a case filed at Naogaon Sadar Model Police Station. After his arrest, Hero was sent to jail following a court order. Sources say he had been in hiding since early August.

BNP leader Abdus Salam Pintu stated that the prevailing instability in the country has instilled fear among the public. Alongside internal unrest, there are ongoing national and international conspiracies against Bangladesh. “To overcome this crisis and these conspiracies, a swift and credible election is essential,” he said.
Pintu emphasized the need for elections by December, arguing that a timely election could help resolve the public's current problems. “Since the government has announced plans for an election, it must now publish a clear roadmap immediately,” he added. He called for activating the Election Commission to ensure an acceptable and fair election process.

Several National Citizens’ Party (NCP) leaders have accused BNP leaders of involvement in 123 murders between August 7 last year and June 7 this year. However, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir contested these claims, stating that analysis of media reports reveals most incidents stemmed from personal, familial, or local conflicts rather than direct political motives. At least 41 deaths occurred during clashes between rival groups, with others related to dominance struggles, business disputes, and land conflicts.

Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party, stated that his party will not oppose the court’s decision if Imran Khan is granted bail in the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case. He emphasized that bail is a legal right and all cases should follow due legal process. The Islamabad High Court is scheduled to hear the appeal and bail petition for Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi on June 11, marking an important day for both.

Actor Simon Sadik expressed renewed admiration for former President Abdul Hamid upon his return from medical treatment in Thailand. “Though I had slight grievances, my pride in you has only grown a thousandfold,” Simon wrote in a social media post. Referring to Abdul Hamid as “the greatest statesman of Bangladesh,” Simon praised him as a symbol of pride for Kishoreganj and the nation. It should be noted that Abdul Hamid faces a murder charge from the mass uprising against the controversial parliament. Simon Sadik had also previously sent birthday wishes to Awami League MP Ferdous Ahmed.

Protests in Los Angeles against Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids entered their fourth day as police fired on demonstrators. Thousands blocked a major freeway and set cars on fire, prompting law enforcement to use tear gas and rubber bullets. California sued the Trump administration over unauthorized National Guard deployment. By Monday afternoon, 53 arrests were made, including charges of assault, looting, and arson. Authorities from multiple agencies are involved in controlling the unrest and making arrests.

Veteran journalist and former press secretary to Khaleda Zia, Maruf Kamal Khan, has advised BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to take political decisions grounded in reality. “Avoid emotional impulses and recognize your allies and adversaries with clarity,” he said. Referring to Bangladesh’s current political climate, Maruf commented, “It’s time to transcend political fantasies and conspiracies. Unity is the key to success. I remain eternally grateful to Khaleda Zia for being a steadfast guide on the right path.”

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has called for national unity beyond religious divides. “Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and Muslims—we are like a garden of flowers. We want to build a new Bangladesh where no wall of division exists based on religion,” he said. Addressing grievances from minorities, Shafiqur added, “Many have complained that Jamaat never engaged with you before August 5, but even my own family didn’t have access to me before that date. We have been persecuted despite not being criminals or terrorists.”