Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has rejected allegations that Tehran is using Lebanon as a bargaining tool in its negotiations with the United States to end the ongoing war. The accusation was made by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who claimed that Iran was leveraging Lebanon in its diplomatic dealings.

Responding on social media platform X, Araghchi dismissed Aoun’s remarks, saying they implied Iran had occupied part of Lebanon, displaced its people, and bombed the country daily. He urged the Lebanese president to focus on protecting Lebanon from its real enemies instead of blaming Iran.

The exchange highlights tensions between Tehran and Beirut over regional conflicts and diplomatic alignments, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s proposal for a face-to-face meeting, saying such talks currently have no meaning. Putin made the remarks on Friday at Russia’s main economic forum in St. Petersburg. Zelensky had earlier published an open letter on Thursday urging direct talks, warning that expecting renewed U.S. involvement in the war that began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 would be a mistake.

Putin described Zelensky’s letter as ‘inappropriate’ and questioned whether it was intended to create conditions for dialogue or to avoid it, concluding that it appeared to be the latter. When asked if he would meet the Ukrainian leader, Putin said he saw no justification for such a meeting at this time.

In response, Zelensky said Russia was once again choosing war and that Putin did not want to end the conflict. He added that many people around the world would be disappointed by Putin’s stance.

The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) has reportedly taken back 28 people who had been stranded for two days in the no man's land along the Bangabari border of Gomastapur upazila in Chapainawabganj. The group had been pushed toward Bangladesh but was stopped by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). According to BGB’s 16th Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Ariful Islam Masum, the individuals were no longer visible on Saturday morning, suggesting that BSF took them back into Indian territory overnight.

BGB sources said that around 3 a.m. on Wednesday, members of the 12th Battalion of Ashrafpur BSF Camp attempted to push the group—comprising 12 men, 10 women, and 6 children—across the border near pillar 203/6-R. Due to BGB’s resistance, they could not enter Bangladesh and remained in the no man’s land for two days. The BGB commander confirmed that the entire border area under the 16th Battalion remains under constant surveillance.

The BSF has not officially communicated with BGB regarding the incident, leaving some details unconfirmed.

Hamas has declared that it will not surrender its weapons at this stage, rejecting calls for disarmament. The announcement came through a statement by Husam Badran, a member of Hamas’s political bureau, in an interview with Al Jazeera. He said that a final decision on the group’s arms would be made only after discussions with other Palestinian factions.

Badran explained that when the National Committee for Gaza Administration assumes responsibility for the enclave, only the official weapons of the Palestinian police would be visible in public. He emphasized that this does not mean Hamas will formally hand over its weapons, but rather that non-official arms will not be displayed. He added that the issue would be discussed within a broader national framework.

The statement comes as a reliable source told Al Jazeera that Hamas is preparing to send a delegation to Cairo for renewed talks. The disarmament of Hamas and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza remain key unresolved issues in the U.S.-mediated ceasefire plan of October 2025.

Law enforcement agencies in Chattogram have placed fifteen local businessmen under surveillance for allegedly financing the activities of the banned Chhatra League. According to the report, these businessmen, coordinated by a former Chattogram Chamber director, have been supplying funds collected from pro-Awami League donors. The money is reportedly distributed to field-level operatives through female associates and deposited into prison accounts of detained leaders. Police and intelligence units have begun monitoring these financial flows as part of an ongoing investigation.

Sources cited in the report indicate that the banned organization has divided Chattogram city into two operational zones to plan flash processions and acts of sabotage. Two trained cadres, identified as Sadman and Jony, are said to be leading these groups under the remote supervision of exiled former ministers and an ex-MP. Police recently arrested 68 participants following major processions in the GEC and Oxygen areas, uncovering details about the group’s coordination and funding network.

Analysts quoted in the report warned that administrative inaction and political divisions among opposition parties have emboldened the banned group, urging renewed unity among anti-fascist political forces to prevent further unrest.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran’s leadership is highly self-respecting and unwilling to make concessions easily. He made the remarks in an interview with NBC’s ‘Meet the Press’ on Friday. Despite a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, recent days have seen renewed clashes. Both sides have been trying to end the conflict that began on February 28 through mediators. The U.S. Central Command confirmed an unexpected incident on Friday via social media.

During the interview, Trump compared the current Iran situation to the Vietnam War, noting that the Iran conflict has lasted just over three months, while the Vietnam War continued for nearly 19 years. He stated there is no rush to reach an agreement with Tehran, emphasizing that any deal must protect U.S. national interests.

Trump also indicated that Iran’s proud leadership is part of the peace process dynamic and said he understands their stance. He reiterated that political or strategic pressure should not dictate the pace of negotiations.

Firhad Hakim, the first Muslim mayor of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, announced his resignation on Friday during a press conference at the civic body’s headquarters. He formally submitted his resignation to Chairperson Mala Roy after receiving approval from Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee. Hakim, who took office on December 3, 2018, stepped down about five months before his term was due to end, citing an inability to work effectively under current conditions.

Hakim explained that his administrative authority had become limited following political changes in West Bengal, with power reportedly shifting to Municipal Commissioner Smita Pandey. Several Trinamool councillors had also complained about reduced autonomy. In his remarks, Hakim thanked Mamata Banerjee for her trust and urged the new chief minister to ensure transparent governance. He reflected on his tenure, highlighting the corporation’s efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

His resignation follows similar moves by the mayors of Bidhannagar and Chandannagar, marking a broader reshuffle in municipal leadership. Observers noted that Hakim’s departure signals the end of Trinamool’s long-standing administrative control over Kolkata’s civic body, though his successor and the future structure remain uncertain.

Jamiat Ulamaye Islam Bangladesh’s central president, Maulana Ubaidullah Faruq, stated that the BNP government will not be able to undertake any major projects due to a lack of funds in the government treasury. He made the remarks on Thursday during a discussion meeting held in Kanaighat upazila of Sylhet.

Faruq said that the BNP has governed the country before and continues to do so now, but alleged that the party would suffer consequences for the way it treated him. He also reflected on his own contributions, claiming to have saved the country and the Qawmi madrasas, and to have created an environment for freedom. He remarked that even if his party had four members of parliament, it would not have been able to establish Islamic rule or pass any bills, though it might have gained some reputation.

The comments came amid broader political discussions in Sylhet, where other issues such as border problems and environmental concerns were also highlighted.

K. Annamalai, former president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tamil Nadu, has formally resigned from the party. The BJP confirmed on Friday that national president Nitin Naveen accepted his resignation from primary membership, ending days of speculation. Annamalai, 41, had held several meetings in Delhi with senior leaders including Amit Shah and B.L. Santosh before his resignation was accepted.

In his June 2 resignation letter, Annamalai cited 18 months of disagreements with the party’s central leadership over Tamil Nadu’s political strategy and future. He said his vision for the state differed from that of the leadership and that it was time to rethink his political purpose. Following his exit, Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran said the party would not be affected, while Andhra Pradesh BJP chief P.V.N. Madhav called the departure a small setback.

Annamalai later announced plans to launch a new political movement that will contest the next Tamil Nadu assembly elections, signaling a potential shift in the state’s political landscape.

BNP Secretary General and Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that misinformation and misuse of social media are severely harming the country’s political environment. He made the remarks on Friday afternoon during a discussion meeting held at the National Press Club.

According to Mirza Fakhrul, the deliberate use of offensive language and planned propaganda on social media are destroying the healthy atmosphere of politics. He alleged that a well-organized conspiracy is underway to undermine the democratic achievements gained through long struggles and to spread anarchy in the country. He warned that those involved in such conspiracies will be identified to protect democracy during this critical period.

Mirza Fakhrul further stated that the BNP is not a revolutionary party but a liberal democratic organization dedicated to the rights and welfare of the people. He claimed that an evil force that does not believe in democracy and people’s rights has emerged in the country and urged everyone to resist it.

Inquilab Manch held a protest march in Dhaka demanding identification of local killers involved in the murder of Sharif Osman bin Hadi, repatriation of fugitives, and speedy trial. The group also alleged possible Indian involvement and called for a full investigation. The march began after Friday prayers at Dhaka University’s central mosque and ended near Hadi’s grave. The organization gave the government seven working days to provide specific information about the killers or announce a timeline for justice, warning of a sit-in at Shahbagh if no progress is made.

After the march, Inquilab Manch member secretary Abdullah Al Jaber criticized the government for failing to outline a clear plan for justice three months after taking office. He questioned the foreign ministry’s response to remarks by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and demanded clarity on whether the UN had agreed to investigate the killing. He also expressed frustration over the lack of visible progress in bringing the accused back from India.

Leaders of Inquilab Manch said the government must ensure a swift and impartial trial to end the culture of impunity surrounding such killings.

Turkey has expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Bangladesh in the defense industry and other strategic sectors. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced this at a joint press conference in Dhaka following a meeting with Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman. The two ministers discussed bilateral relations, international cooperation, and regional and global developments, agreeing to make their long-standing friendship more effective and comprehensive.

Fidan stated that trade between the two countries currently stands at about 1.3 billion dollars, with discussions held on raising it to 2 billion dollars. Both sides explored new opportunities for joint collaboration, particularly in defense. He also praised Bangladesh’s role in hosting over one million displaced Rohingya for nearly a decade and reaffirmed Turkey’s support for their safe and dignified repatriation. On regional issues, Fidan highlighted the impact of Middle East instability on global security and economy and welcomed progress in talks between Iran and the United States.

During the visit, Turkey and Bangladesh also signed a memorandum of understanding on cultural heritage preservation, further strengthening bilateral ties based on shared perspectives and historical bonds.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who is visiting Dhaka, is scheduled to meet with Bangladesh’s opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman MP on Friday night. The meeting will take place at 8:30 p.m. at the InterContinental Hotel in the capital. Dr. Rahman will lead a six-member delegation for this courtesy and important meeting.

The delegation will include Jamaat’s Nayeb-e-Ameer and Deputy Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Dr. Syed Abdullah Md. Taher MP, Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar, Assistant Secretary General Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan MP, Central Executive Council members Md. Nurul Islam Bulbul MP and Md. Selim Uddin, and Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Jamaat Ameer Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Kasem Arman MP. The information was confirmed to the media by Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General and Secretary of the Central Publicity and Media Department, Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair.

The meeting is described as both a courtesy call and a significant discussion, though details of the agenda have not been disclosed in the source.

State Minister for Information Yasser Khan Chowdhury said the government will not interfere in journalists’ freedom. Speaking as chief guest at the inauguration of the Chattogram Metropolitan Journalists Union office at the Chattogram Press Club on Friday, he stated that the current administration has no intention or mindset to pressure the media. He emphasized that the prime minister has directed that the media should operate independently.

The minister contrasted the current government’s stance with what he described as interference and intimidation under previous authoritarian regimes. He urged journalists to ensure accuracy and avoid misinformation, noting that artificial intelligence has made it easier to manipulate images and videos. He also highlighted the government’s efforts to address journalists’ rights and pending payments, while calling on media owners to pay salaries on time.

Land and Hill Affairs State Minister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, who inaugurated the event, said the government welcomes constructive criticism and cooperation to improve governance. Several senior journalists and union leaders also attended the program.

Indian Border Security Force (BSF) personnel reportedly attempted to push 17 people, including women and children, into Bangladesh through the Hapania border in Sapahar upazila of Naogaon on Friday morning. The incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. near border pillar 238/MP, but the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) patrol team prevented the group from entering Bangladeshi territory.

According to the Naogaon Battalion (16 BGB), members of the BSF’s Pannachhara camp were involved in the attempt. Upon receiving information, the Hapania Border Outpost (BOP) patrol team identified the group inside India’s zero line and took preventive measures. Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Ariful Islam Masum, commanding officer of 16 BGB, stated that patrols in the area have been increased to prevent illegal entry.

The BGB official added that efforts are underway to ensure the individuals remain within Indian territory and that no unauthorized entry into Bangladesh will be permitted.