Two Bangladeshi-American citizens have been convicted of electoral fraud in the 2021 Milbourne mayoral election. Former council members Md. Nurul Hasan and Md. Rafiqul Islam were sentenced to 36 months and one year and one day in prison, respectively, by a US court. While voter fraud was previously rare in the city, the case has raised serious concerns about election integrity.

Allegations have emerged that 23 individuals affiliated with banned political organizations—including Chhatra League, Jubo League, Swechchhasebak League, and Jamaat-Shibir—have been included in three newly-formed Chhatra Dal committees in Bogura in exchange for money.

According to the complaints, 18 were placed in the district committee, three in the city committee, and two in the Government Azizul Haque College branch.

Disgruntled members who were denied positions submitted a memorandum to Tarique Rahman demanding expulsion of the alleged infiltrators and recognition of loyal activists. They also began a hunger strike, which was later called off following assurances from senior party leaders.

BNP leader Abdus Salam has emphasized that the public still views the BNP as an honest political party and that this reputation must be their strength in winning people’s support. “People believe BNP is honest. They think BNP will never commit injustice. BNP is number one in terms of integrity. So, we must capture people’s hearts with that honesty,” he said.

Salam acknowledged that there might be isolated incidents of wrongdoing within the party but stressed that action has been taken against those responsible. “Many central leaders know that Tarique Rahman has cut off communication with several individuals. If he doesn’t answer someone’s call, you can guess why,” he added.

Criticizing delays in internal reforms and disciplinary actions, Salam warned that these issues cannot be dragged on indefinitely under the pretext of reform or investigation. Referring to Sheikh Hasina, he said, “Hasina sometimes says she’ll suddenly appear—yet she remains the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.”

He concluded by calling on Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus to intervene, saying, “Dr. Yunus, you must stop this conspiracy. There’s no alternative to elected government and elections to put an end to this.”

In Barguna’s Amtali Sadar Union, Firoz Khan, the convener of the Union Youth League and a UP member, reportedly coerced the chairman into signing a duty letter by threatening him, saying, “Either sign it or come to the police station.” The incident took place at a local tea stall, where Firoz Khan compelled Chairman Zahidul Islam Mithu Mridha to sign a document assigning Firoz responsibility. Prior to this, there were allegations against Firoz for preventing the chairman from attending council meetings. According to the forced letter, due to the chairman’s illness, Firoz Khan (also known as Taposh), the UP member of Ward No. 2, has been assigned chairman duties from June 19 to July 10.

Professor Mia Golam Porwar, a leader of Jamaat-e-Islami, emphasized the importance of remembering death, stating, “Our time of death is fixed; we must pass away at that appointed time.” Speaking at the funeral of Sirajul Islam Motlib, former Amir of Moulvibazar district Jamaat, Porwar reflected on the late leader’s life as a true embodiment of the Islamic movement’s teachings. He praised Motlib’s character, mentioning that the book A Little Sweet Smile and the Islamic Movement mirrors the life of Dewan Sirajul Islam, who was known for his warmth and closeness with people.

In a statement marking World Refugee Day, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman declared the party’s full solidarity with forcibly displaced people worldwide and pledged ongoing support for international repatriation initiatives. Highlighting the Rohingya crisis, Rahman noted that Bangladesh hosts over 1.4 million Rohingya in the world’s largest refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar. “This issue is a severe burden for Bangladesh,” he said, urging the global community to hold Myanmar accountable and push for a sustainable resolution.

BNP leader Syed Emran Saleh Prince emphasized that while party members should earn legally and ethically, wealth accumulation should not be their sole focus. “Patriotism and public service must be the guiding principles for political activists,” he said. Prince also warned against complacency ahead of the next general election, urging party members to engage with communities at the grassroots level. He stated that disciplinary breaches and actions harming the party's image would no longer be tolerated, and reiterated the party’s demand for free and fair elections before the upcoming Ramadan.

Professor Ali Riaz, Vice-Chair of the National Consensus Commission, stated that nearly all political parties support reforming Bangladesh’s presidential election system, currently outlined in Article 48(1) of the Constitution. The second round of discussions also addressed the idea of a bicameral legislature, with broad agreement on a 100-seat upper house. There was further debate on limiting prime ministerial terms. The talks, held in a cordial atmosphere, involved 30 political parties. The next session will be held on Sunday, aiming for consensus on key national issues.

The Nationalist Citizen Party (NCP) is preparing to apply for registration as a political party with the Election Commission by Sunday. Senior Joint Convener of the NCP, Ariful Islam Adib, confirmed that the party’s draft constitution has already been finalized.

According to the rules of the Election Commission (EC), a party seeking registration must have a central committee, established offices in at least one-third of the country’s districts (with a central office), and presence in at least 100 upazilas or metropolitan police station areas. Additionally, specific clauses must be included in the party’s constitution.

Sources within the NCP said that they have already formed coordination committees in 33 districts and 127 upazilas across the country. Regarding the progress, Ariful Islam Adib said, “We will submit our registration application by Sunday. The draft constitution is finalized and will be presented at the general meeting scheduled for Friday for final approval.”

The United States has restarted student visa appointments for international students, introducing tougher screening procedures. Applicants must now make their social media accounts public for thorough background checks. Visa officers will assess content for anti-American sentiment or ties to extremist views. The policy applies to F, M, and J visa categories. Private accounts may be seen as attempts to hide information. The Trump administration emphasizes these steps are aimed at protecting national security and preventing threats from entering the country.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged Donald Trump to avoid military action against Iran, warning that it could dangerously escalate tensions in the region. He emphasized the need for diplomatic solutions and noted ongoing discussions between the UK and the US. The remarks come ahead of UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s visit to Washington, where he will meet with Trump’s top diplomat Marco Rubio to discuss ways to ease tensions in the Middle East.

India has initiated Operation Sindhu to safely evacuate its nationals from Iran amid escalating conflict with Israel. The first phase saw 110 Indian students in northern Iran moved safely to Armenia. The Indian government is closely monitoring the situation, coordinating with Iranian and Armenian authorities to ensure smooth evacuation. Emergency helplines have been activated for those remaining in affected areas. The Indian Embassy has urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and follow official updates on social media.

The Sylhet Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court has issued arrest warrants against Bosundhara Group chairman Ahmed Akbar Sobhan, his son Syed Sobhan Anvir, and four others over dishonored cheques totaling over 600,000 taka. The case was filed by former Kaler Kantho Sylhet bureau chief Ahmed Noor, who worked for 12.5 years without receiving full service benefits. Despite legal notices and court summons, the accused failed to appear, prompting the court’s action on June 19.

A high-level BNP delegation, led by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, will visit China on June 22 at the invitation of the Communist Party of China. The visit was confirmed after the delegation met with Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen at the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka’s Baridhara on Thursday. The trip is part of ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two parties. BNP’s media cell confirmed the visit as a response to a formal invitation from China’s ruling party.

Sheikh Bashiruddin, Trade Advisor to the Caretaker Government, revealed that during the previous fascist regime, syndicates destroyed businesses and markets across the country, severely harming consumer rights. Speaking at a discussion on “Strengthening Consumer Rights” at the TCB auditorium in Dhaka, he emphasized the urgent need to form a consumer syndicate to counteract these market syndicates. The event was organized by the Consumer Association of Bangladesh with support from the National Consumer Rights Protection Department.