Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has intensified surveillance along the Dinajpur and Thakurgaon borders to prevent possible push-in attempts. The move follows reports in Indian media and allegations of illegal citizens being pushed into Bangladesh, which have heightened security concerns in the northwestern frontier. The Dinajpur Battalion (42 BGB) has increased intelligence monitoring, patrols, and established temporary checkpoints at vulnerable points and river routes. Advanced surveillance tools such as night vision goggles, drones, and binoculars are being used to strengthen border vigilance.

BGB has also engaged local communities to enhance border security. Awareness meetings, public announcements, and direct communication campaigns are being conducted to discourage illegal crossings. Night patrol teams are alerting residents with whistles and flashlights, while small local vigilance groups have been formed to share information on suspicious activities. BGB officials emphasized that public participation is crucial for effective prevention of push-ins, illegal infiltration, and border-related crimes.

The Dinajpur Battalion commander stated that BGB remains uncompromising in preventing illegal push-ins and continues to take all necessary measures to safeguard national sovereignty.

The US Embassy in Dhaka has introduced new social media guidelines for specific categories of non-immigrant visa applicants from Bangladesh. According to an official message posted on the embassy’s Facebook page on Friday, applicants under the affected categories must now keep all their social media profiles set to ‘public’. The rule took effect on March 30 and aims to make the process of verifying applicants’ identities and eligibility for entry into the United States more efficient.

The directive does not apply to all non-immigrant visa applicants. It is mandatory for applicants under categories A-3 and C-3 (if the applicant is a domestic worker), G-5, H-3, and H-4 dependents of H-3 visa holders. It also applies to applicants for K-1, K-2, K-3, Q, R-1, and R-2 dependent visas, as well as S, T, and U visa categories. The embassy stated that reviewing applicants’ social media information will help simplify the identity verification and eligibility assessment process.

Applicants are advised to consult official embassy sources for detailed instructions and to follow the new rule carefully to maintain transparency and avoid complications in the visa process.

US President Donald Trump stated on June 4 in Washington that the United States could seize Iran’s uranium reserves if it wished, though he described such an action as unreasonable. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said Iran would be unable to stop the US if it decided to take control of the uranium stockpile, but he saw no need for such a move. He also indicated openness to meeting Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei if a peace agreement were reached.

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran possesses 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity. The US accuses Tehran of secretly advancing its nuclear weapons program under the guise of peaceful research, while Iran insists its nuclear activities are for civilian purposes. The location of the enriched uranium remains unknown, and Washington has demanded that Tehran hand it over.

The report notes that a US military operation launched in Iran on February 28 was partly aimed at securing this uranium, underscoring the ongoing nuclear tensions between the two nations.

Authorities in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh have sealed 15 mosques in the capital, Itanagar, citing construction without proper authorization. The action was taken on Thursday following a campaign by the Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organization (APIYO), which alleged that the unauthorized mosques were part of an attempt to alter local demographics.

According to state spokesperson and Education Minister P. D. Sona, the issue was first raised in January 2026 during a meeting between APIYO representatives and Chief Minister Pema Khandu. Following that meeting, the government instructed district authorities to identify structures built without required permits. A subsequent survey found 15 such mosques in Itanagar. Twelve had already undergone legal sealing or evacuation procedures, while the remaining three were reviewed in a June 1 meeting before being sealed.

Sona stated that the administrative action addressed the concerns that had prompted APIYO’s strike call and expressed hope that the group would reconsider future protest decisions on public interest issues.

Liberation War Affairs Minister Azam Khan announced that memorabilia of martyred President Ziaur Rahman and key Liberation War collections at the historic Zia Memorial Museum in Chattogram will be properly preserved. He said additional items related to Zia’s legacy would also be displayed. The minister made the remarks on Thursday after visiting the museum, accompanied by State Minister Israk Hossain, MP Ershadullah, the district commissioner, and senior ministry officials.

Azam Khan emphasized that the century-old building housing the museum is an important part of the nation’s heritage and will be conserved as a heritage site. Following damage from a recent earthquake, restoration work has begun to strengthen the structure using modern technology while keeping its original design intact. He added that necessary renovation and preservation measures are being implemented to prevent deterioration of the artifacts.

The minister also mentioned that the previous Awami League government had renamed the Zia Complex as the “Independence Complex.” He said the matter is under review and efforts may be taken to restore its original name.

Support for the “Block the Bombs Act,” a bill seeking partial restrictions on US arms transfers to Israel, has expanded significantly since its introduction by Congresswoman Delia Ramirez in June 2025. Initially backed by 21 Democratic lawmakers, the proposal now has 73 co-sponsors, marking what Palestinian rights advocates call a historic shift. Ramirez said the bill, once seen as extreme, has entered the mainstream debate. However, it remains far from a majority in the 435-member House of Representatives.

The bill would prohibit the transfer of certain heavy bombs and artillery shells used in Israel’s military operations in Gaza. It has gained bipartisan support, including from Republican Thomas Massie, and endorsement from the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Advocates such as Margaret Dirius of the Institute for Middle East Understanding and Rashida Tlaib argue that the growing support reflects changing public opinion and a demand for domestic investment over foreign military aid.

The bill’s anniversary coincides with other congressional moves questioning US-Israel relations, including votes to limit arms transfers and presidential war powers. Activists say the momentum signals rising awareness of humanitarian concerns in Gaza but acknowledge that congressional backing remains limited.

Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB) thwarted an attempt by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) to push 33 people into Bangladesh through three separate points along the Lalmonirhat border on Friday morning. The incidents occurred under the jurisdiction of BGB’s 15th and 61st battalions, which confirmed the events. According to BGB’s media cell, 11 people were stopped near the Borkhata Border Outpost (BOP) and 10 near the Poyshottibari BOP, while another 12 were detected near border pillars 925 and 927/7S under the Durgapur and Digholtari BOPs.

BGB patrol teams quickly reached the locations and took preventive measures, stopping the individuals from entering Bangladesh. The people involved remained inside Indian territory, and BGB increased patrols and surveillance in the affected areas. Communication with the counterpart BSF battalion continues to verify the identities of those involved.

Local sources reported a recent rise in attempted push-ins along various border areas. In response, BGB has strengthened patrols and maintained regular contact with BSF to prevent illegal crossings.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he would be willing to meet Iran’s new supreme leader if a peace agreement is reached to end the ongoing conflict. Speaking to reporters at the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump stated that while he does not seek a meeting, he would feel honored if it happens. He added that he wants to see whether a deal can be achieved and would have no objection to meeting the Iranian leader if such an agreement is made.

When asked whether such a meeting could take place in the United States, Trump replied that he had not heard much about it and had not made any proposal, though some people had suggested it. He emphasized that he would remain respectful in any meeting with the supreme leader.

Trump also commented that although he is not the Iranian leader’s favorite person, the leader is likely a professional and enjoys a good reputation in some circles, according to CNN.

A new youth-led political movement in India, the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), has announced its first protest rally in New Delhi this Saturday. The group, which uses a cockroach as its symbol, was launched on May 16 by political strategist and Boston University student Abhijit Dipke. It emerged after India’s Chief Justice Surya Kant referred to unemployed youth as ‘parasites’ and ‘cockroaches’. Within weeks, the CJP gained over 22 million Instagram followers and claims more than one million members, describing itself as the ‘voice of the idle and unemployed’. Experts, however, say there is little evidence of real-world support.

The protest will target alleged irregularities in recent high school and entrance exams that reportedly affected millions of students. The CJP has demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi and policy experts have also criticized the exam failures, calling them a major challenge for the government. Analysts note that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity remains strong, the scale of Saturday’s protest could signal growing discontent.

Regional analysts warn that similar youth-driven online movements in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Indonesia have disrupted economies and political stability, raising investor concerns about South Asia’s employment crisis.

In Narayanganj, Islamist political parties are preparing to contest the upcoming local government elections separately, signaling a shift from their earlier unity during the 13th national election. While they had previously campaigned together under the slogan “Islamic vote in one box,” the parties are now fielding their own candidates for union parishad, upazila, and city corporation polls. This move raises concerns that the Islamist vote could become divided among multiple contenders.

The Narayanganj unit of Jamaat-e-Islami has already published a list of potential councilor candidates and is finalizing names for other local positions. Maulana Jabbar, the city Jamaat chief, is being discussed as a possible mayoral candidate. Meanwhile, the Khelafat Majlis has announced two rounds of potential candidates, with joint secretary general Sirajul Mamun emerging as a likely mayoral contender. Islami Andolan Bangladesh is also preparing to test its organizational strength independently.

Party leaders argue that local elections emphasize personal credibility and community engagement rather than national alliances. Observers note that if multiple Islamist candidates run, the vote could fragment, reshaping the political balance in Narayanganj’s local contests.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) held a protest rally and assembly in Dhaka on Thursday night demanding an immediate reduction in electricity and fuel prices. The demonstration, organized by NCP Dhaka North, began at Banglamotor and ended at the Intercontinental intersection. Party leaders criticized the government for raising prices despite earlier assurances that rates would not increase for two years.

Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary accused the government of inconsistency and said international lenders’ pressure might be driving the price hikes. He warned that further economic strain on citizens could trigger a broader movement. Senior Joint Convener Ariful Islam Adib said the government’s actions contradict its pre-election promises and alleged that controversial appointments in key institutions show disregard for public interest.

Speakers, including youth leaders, said rising energy costs are worsening living expenses for ordinary people. They urged the government to ensure good governance and accountability instead of imposing additional financial burdens on citizens.

Inquilab Mancha organized a torch procession at Dhaka University on Thursday evening, demanding justice for the killing of Sharif Osman bin Hadi. The march began at the base of the Raju Sculpture around 7:30 p.m. and concluded at the same location after passing through Shahbagh. Participants chanted slogans calling for justice, the return of the killers to Bangladesh, and the exposure of alleged domestic and foreign conspiracies behind the murder.

At a press conference held the previous day at Madhu’s Canteen, the organization’s member secretary Abdullah Al Jaber accused authorities of repeatedly delaying the investigation and failing to take effective action to bring the perpetrators to justice. He alleged that attempts were made to shield those involved and that the killing might have deeper domestic and international links beyond political rivalry. Jaber also raised questions about border security and the role of intelligence agencies, noting that the suspects fled the country soon after the incident.

Inquilab Mancha demanded a specific deadline for repatriating the accused and called for a United Nations–supervised international investigation into the murder.

Opposition Whip and Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Rafiqul Islam Khan said that the people of Bangladesh would not allow 'looters' to take control of Islami Bank. He made the remarks on Thursday afternoon at a protest rally held at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka. The rally was organized to protest what participants called the irrational and abnormal increase in electricity prices, demanding its withdrawal and control of rising commodity costs.

The demonstration was part of a nationwide program organized by Jamaat-e-Islami’s Dhaka North and South city units. After the rally, a procession marched through several streets. Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar stated that the government had sought and received public support for a referendum but was now ignoring that mandate. He urged the authorities to stop corruption instead of raising electricity prices.

The event reflected Jamaat’s continued criticism of government economic policies and its call for immediate reduction in power and fuel prices.

Nasiruddin Patwari, chief coordinator of the National Citizens Party (NCP), has called on the government to politically resist the Awami League, which he described as a fascist force likely to fall in the July uprising. He made the remarks on Thursday at a seminar organized by the National Youth Power at its central office in Banglamotor.

Patwari criticized the Election Commission for alleged election engineering and warned that any repeat of such actions would be met with street protests. He also accused the government of neglecting youth development, claiming it avoids investing in young people to prevent the rise of skilled manpower that could challenge its authority. According to him, the government’s failure to create employment opportunities risks turning the youth into a burden on society.

He further cautioned that the reasons for the Awami League’s rejection by the public could also apply to the BNP if it follows the same system. Patwari emphasized the need to engage the new generation properly to safeguard national sovereignty.

Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman returned to Bangladesh after winning the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. Speaking to journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he described his victory as the result of collective effort and sincere support from all involved.

When asked whether he would continue as foreign minister while serving as UNGA president, Rahman recalled that former foreign minister Humayun Rashid Choudhury had successfully held both positions four decades ago, even without modern communication tools. He noted that technological advancements now make managing such responsibilities smoother.

Rahman further stated that he had already clarified his position on holding both roles. He mentioned that the current UNGA president before him had been Germany’s foreign minister but could not continue in that role after his party lost the election.