Islami Andolan Bangladesh Secretary General Principal Hafiz Maulana Yunus Ahmad has alleged that a defeated force is engaged in activities aimed at destabilizing the country, posing a threat to national independence and sovereignty. He made the remarks on Tuesday at a discussion titled “The Role of Freedom Fighters in Protecting the Country’s Independence and Sovereignty in the Current Situation,” organized by Islami Muktijoddha Projonmo Parishad Bangladesh at the IAB auditorium in Purana Paltan.

Yunus Ahmad said that even after more than fifty years of independence, the nation is still searching for true freedom. He expressed frustration over the unfriendly behavior of a friendly state and claimed that Bangladesh has recently been subjected to a new conspiracy under the pretext of “push-in.” He urged the government to take appropriate measures in response.

Praising the vigilance of the Border Guard Bangladesh and local residents in border areas, he called on patriotic citizens to remain alert against any future conspiracies. The event was chaired by freedom fighter Alhaj Md. Abul Kashem and attended by several other freedom fighter leaders.

Police in Rangamati conducted overnight special raids on Sunday, detaining 21 individuals linked to the Awami League and its affiliated organizations. The operation was carried out across multiple police stations, including Kotwali, Kaukhali, Longadu, Baghaichhari, and Kaptai. Authorities reported that among those detained were political activists, accused persons in various cases, and a suspected drug dealer from Kaptai, from whom seven yaba tablets were seized.

According to police sources, 16 people were detained from Rangamati municipality areas under Kotwali Police Station, including members of the Jubo League, Krishak League, and Sramik League. Additional arrests were made in Kaukhali, Longadu, Baghaichhari, and Kaptai. The police stated that the operation was part of efforts to maintain law and order and prevent potential acts of sabotage during the period when Awami League’s anniversary activities were banned.

Police confirmed that similar special drives will continue across the district to ensure stability and prevent unrest.

Seventeen officials from Bangladesh’s Attorney General’s Office resigned simultaneously on Monday, June 22, 2026. The group includes seven deputy attorneys general and ten assistant attorneys general who submitted their resignation letters together at the Attorney General’s Office. The following day, on June 23, assistant attorney general Tarikul Islam confirmed the resignations to a national media outlet.

The resigning assistant attorneys general are Yusuf Ali, Shafiqul Rahman, Abdul Karim, Farid Uddin Khan, Golam Rahman Bhuiya, Asad Uddin, and Tarikul Islam. The deputy attorneys general who stepped down are Imrul Kayes Rana, Humayun Kabir Tanim, Abdul Kaiyum Bhuiya, Abdullahil Maruf Fahim, Jowadur Rahman, Shamsil Arefin, Mahabuba Akter Roli, Nur Nabi Uzzal, Al Reza Amir, and Rezaul Islam.

The report did not specify the reasons behind the collective resignation or any official response from the Attorney General’s Office.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel must stop depending on US military assistance and develop its own weapons systems. According to a video shared by the Prime Minister’s Office, Netanyahu made the remarks last week while addressing soldiers, expressing appreciation for US support but emphasizing the need for independence in defense capabilities.

His comments come at a time when the United States is increasing pressure on Israel to reduce its attacks in southern Lebanon, a region largely occupied by Israeli forces. Despite this pressure, Netanyahu reaffirmed that Israeli troops would continue to hold their positions in southern Lebanon and destroy the infrastructure of the armed group Hezbollah.

The remarks highlight ongoing tensions between Israel’s security policies and US diplomatic efforts in the region, suggesting potential friction over military strategy and regional stability.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has formed a three-member committee to investigate an unexpected attack on a journalist during an anti-fascism protest organized by the party’s Dhanmondi zone under its Dhaka South unit. The announcement came through a statement issued on Tuesday by Dr. Shafiqul Islam Masud, a central executive council member and secretary of Dhaka South Jamaat. He expressed regret over the incident and reaffirmed the party’s respect for independent journalism and commitment to journalists’ safety.

According to the statement, the committee is headed by Professor Nurunnabi Manik, director of the Dhanmondi zone and member of the metropolitan working council. The committee has been instructed to submit its investigation report by the next day. Dr. Masud said that if any Jamaat member is found involved, organizational action will be taken based on specific allegations. Video footage is being reviewed to identify the attackers.

Meanwhile, Dhaka South Jamaat’s assistant publicity secretary, Abdus Sattar Suman, was sent to check on the injured journalist, Mahfuzur Rahman Shishir, and conveyed the organization’s regret while urging journalists to remain patient.

The Washington Post reported on June 23, 2026, that former U.S. intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard may have received political guidance from individuals linked to the Hindu religious organization Science of Identity Foundation, which she has known since childhood. The report was based on more than 25,000 pages of documents provided by former member Rebecca Saltzberg. Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman who later joined the Republican Party, served as national intelligence director under President Donald Trump and resigned on May 22 citing her husband’s health issues.

According to the report, Gabbard had long-standing ties with the foundation and previously referred to its leader, Chris Butler, as her “guru.” The Washington Post said Butler influenced followers’ major life decisions and sought political influence, though the organization denied being a cult. Documents linked to Butler’s office reportedly contained memos advising Gabbard on congressional work, policy positions, and media appearances.

Some memos included advice on opposing U.S. efforts to remove Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in 2016. The report claimed similarities between those recommendations and Gabbard’s later political actions. Gabbard has denied that Butler directed her politically, and her representatives accused the newspaper of targeting her Hindu identity.

Leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) organized a protest and motorcycle rally in Tongi, Gazipur, on Tuesday afternoon against what they described as the anarchy, subversive activities, and conspiracies of the banned Awami League. The demonstration was led by BNP leader Sarkar Shahnoor Islam Roni, with separate processions also organized by local units of the party’s volunteer and youth wings.

The rallies started from various points including Tongi Station Road, Asia Petrol Pump, College Gate, and Tongi Bazar, and moved through key areas such as Tongi Bazar, Anarkali Road, Mill Gate, Cherag Ali, College Gate, Hossain Market, Ershadnagar, and Gazipura. Each procession ended with brief gatherings at different locations. Speakers at the rallies accused the Awami League, Jubo League, and Chhatra League of spreading propaganda and destabilizing the country.

According to the organizers, BNP, Jubo Dal, and Swechchhasebak Dal members in Tongi have taken to the streets to resist these alleged acts of violence and disorder.

University student Md. Sakib Ahmed Tulon testified before International Crimes Tribunal-1 as the first witness in a case against Awami League leader Kamrul Islam and Workers Party president Rashed Khan Menon over alleged crimes against humanity during the July uprising. In his statement on Tuesday, Sakib described how police and Border Guard Bangladesh opened fire on protesters near Brac University and Rampura Bridge on July 18 and 19, resulting in multiple casualties.

Sakib recounted that his friend Maruf was shot in the abdomen during the protest and later died while being taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital after delays caused by police and BGB at Rampura Bridge. He said hospital authorities confirmed Maruf’s death and initially refused to release the body, citing higher orders. Sakib also described further gunfire in the Brac University area on July 20.

The testimony forms part of the tribunal’s proceedings against the two political leaders, whose parties were banned in connection with the July uprising, as the court examines allegations of crimes against humanity during that period.

Former Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, Mohammad Tazul Islam, described June 23 as a day of sorrow, recalling the loss of Bengal’s independence in 1757 at the Battle of Plassey. In a Facebook post, he said that although the country is now independent, the successors of Mir Jafar, symbolizing betrayal, remain active.

The source recounts that on June 23, 1757, Bengal lost its independence for 200 years due to the conspiracy of local traders, traitors, and the British. Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah was defeated in a brief battle because of Mir Jafar’s betrayal, making his name synonymous with treachery in history. The text notes that history did not forgive those who betrayed the nation, as they faced tragic ends.

Tazul Islam emphasized that Bangladesh continues to face challenges from those who act against national interests, warning that the influence of modern-day traitors threatens the country’s independence and identity. He urged citizens to remain vigilant against such conspiracies.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahid Uddin Swapon is set to leave Dhaka for Beijing tonight to join Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s ongoing state visit to China. According to a press release from the ministry on Tuesday, the minister will depart at 10:30 p.m. on an Air China flight for a three-day official trip.

During the visit, Swapon will attend several high-level bilateral meetings between the Bangladeshi Prime Minister and China’s President and Premier. A key focus of the trip will be the signing of multiple bilateral agreements aimed at advancing cooperation in the media and information technology sectors, witnessed by the leaders of both nations.

The minister is also scheduled to sign several memorandums of understanding with China Media Group (CMG) and Xinhua News Agency to strengthen media collaboration. The delegation, led by Swapon, is expected to return to Dhaka on June 26.

On June 23, 2026, the United Kingdom marked ten years since the Brexit referendum that took it out of the European Union. The political fallout continues as Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation after two years in office, citing a sluggish economy, government inefficiency, and voter fatigue—issues linked to Brexit’s lingering effects. The country is now preparing for its seventh prime minister since the 2016 vote.

The 2016 referendum, called by then-Conservative leader David Cameron, split the nation 52–48 in favor of leaving the EU. Successive leaders, including Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Rishi Sunak, struggled to manage the consequences of the separation. Analysts say Brexit’s promises of control over laws, borders, and spending quickly collided with economic and political realities, leaving Britain divided and disillusioned.

Public regret over Brexit is growing, with recent polls showing a majority now favor rejoining the EU. Yet politicians remain wary of reopening the debate, as the country faces economic stagnation, rising political cynicism, and sporadic anti-immigrant unrest rooted in the unresolved legacy of Brexit.

Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman has stated that the recent transfer of Sylhet Deputy Commissioner (DC) Md. Sarwar Alam had no connection with any shrine-related issue. He made the clarification on Tuesday during a regular press briefing at the Press Information Department (PID) conference room in the Secretariat, responding to a journalist’s question.

Dr. Rahman explained that some people online were trying to link the transfer with an incident involving a shrine, but such perceptions were unfounded. He emphasized that the government does not always provide explanations for every administrative decision, as certain matters fall under state confidentiality. He also noted that the Ministry of Public Administration had already issued a statement on the matter.

The adviser added that speculation often arises around government actions due to various interest groups on social media. He reiterated that the government’s official position remains unchanged and that there was no shrine-related issue. He further mentioned that the government supports ensuring transparency in the management of donations at shrines.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for complete adherence to the commitments made in the ongoing discussions with Washington. In a statement posted on social media platform X, he emphasized that the effectiveness of the talks depends on full commitment to the agreed obligations and their precise implementation.

Pezeshkian stated that progress in this process will be measured by realistic adherence to the accepted responsibilities. He warned that statements made outside the agreed text of the deal do not help advance the negotiations. However, he did not provide further details about which specific remarks he was referring to.

The report noted that it remains unclear which comments Pezeshkian meant, though recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump have been disputed by Iranian officials. Those remarks reportedly included claims that Iran had agreed to allow nuclear inspections and would use released funds to purchase U.S. agricultural products.

Leaders of the US House Energy and Commerce Committee have reached a bipartisan agreement to require social media platforms to provide protective tools and safeguards for parents and children. The deal, announced on Monday by Committee Chair Brett Guthrie and top Democrat Frank Pallone, follows years of debate over how to protect minors online. While specific details were not disclosed, the lawmakers said the initiative would increase accountability for major technology companies.

The agreement excludes a proposed “duty of care” clause that would have required platforms to be designed with child safety in mind, a provision long supported by several lawmakers including Senator Marsha Blackburn. Its omission could complicate the bill’s passage. However, states will still be allowed to enact stricter social media laws, a concession seen as a win for Democrats. The bill must still pass the Senate and receive President Donald Trump’s approval before becoming law.

Major tech firms such as Meta, Google, Snap, and TikTok declined to comment on the deal. The move comes amid growing scrutiny of social media’s impact on youth and ongoing lawsuits accusing major platforms of harming children’s mental health.

Venezuelan interim leader Delcy Rodríguez said on Monday that the arrest of former president Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces has put the country on the right path. Rodríguez assumed leadership after Maduro was ousted in a U.S.-led operation in Caracas in January 2026. Since then, she has opened Venezuela to private investment and foreign interests, a process closely monitored by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Speaking at an event in Caracas, Rodríguez celebrated the restoration of diplomatic relations between Caracas and Washington, describing January 3, 2026, as a turning point in national and international politics. She noted that Venezuela could not have imagined a post-Maduro era a year earlier and said that six months into her leadership, she believes the country is moving in the right direction.

Relations between Venezuela and the United States have resumed after years of isolation, with Washington easing sanctions on Venezuela’s oil industry. Maduro remains imprisoned in New York on drug trafficking charges, while his son Nicolás Maduro Guerra attended Monday’s event.