The BJP-led West Bengal government has renamed Kolkata’s historic ‘Sohrabardi Avenue’ as ‘Gopal Mukherjee Road’, a move announced on June 20 and described by Chief Minister Shuvendu Adhikari as a correction of a long-standing historical error. Adhikari claimed the previous name honored a figure responsible for political violence, while the new name recognizes a ‘true protector and savior’. The decision was made public through Adhikari’s post on X, calling it a historic step taken on West Bengal Day.

Opposition leaders and historians have strongly contested the decision, arguing that the avenue was not named after Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, the last Premier of undivided Bengal, but after his uncle Dr. Hasan Suhrawardy, a renowned physician and educator. Critics, including Trinamool Congress leaders Saket Gokhale and Kunal Ghosh, urged the government to verify historical records, warning that punishing the wrong person’s legacy would be a grave mistake.

The controversy deepened as reports highlighted Hasan Suhrawardy’s humanitarian contributions and Gopal Mukherjee’s violent role in the 1946 Kolkata riots. Observers described the renaming as politically motivated historical distortion that undermines Kolkata’s cultural identity.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon informed the National Parliament that Bangladesh currently has a total of 1,969 registered media outlets. He provided the information while responding to a question from ruling party member Dewan Mohammad Salauddin, representing Dhaka-19 constituency.

According to the minister, the country has 59 television channels, including four state-owned and 55 privately approved ones. Out of these, 39 channels, including the four state-owned, are currently broadcasting. Regarding print media, there are 1,436 daily newspapers published nationwide, with 593 based in the capital and 843 from other districts. Additionally, there are 474 registered online news portals, categorized as 282 general, 131 daily newspaper-affiliated, and 61 regional portals.

The data presented in Parliament outlines the current structure of Bangladesh’s media landscape, reflecting the distribution of television, print, and online news outlets across the country.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived in China on Monday, June 22, 2026, after completing a two-day official visit to Malaysia. His aircraft landed at Dalian International Airport at 8:55 p.m. Bangladesh time. Earlier that day, he departed Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 5 p.m. local time on a special Bangladesh Biman flight. His wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, is accompanying him on the trip.

According to the Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumman, the Prime Minister will spend two busy days in Dalian before traveling to Beijing, where the main programs of his state visit to China will begin. During his stay in Dalian, he will attend the Annual Meeting of the World International Economic Forum. At Kuala Lumpur International Airport’s Bunga Raya Complex VIP terminal, Malaysian Minister of Religious Affairs Zulkifli Hasan bid farewell to the Bangladeshi leader. Bangladesh’s High Commissioner Manjurul Karim and Deputy High Commissioner Shahanara Malika were also present.

The visit marks the start of a multi-day engagement in China, beginning with international economic discussions in Dalian before moving to official meetings in Beijing.

During Monday’s general discussion on the proposed 2026–27 national budget in Bangladesh’s parliament, several lawmakers raised concerns over drug trafficking, terrorism, and lingering authoritarian influence. NCP MP Abdullah Al Amin questioned whether the country’s drug crisis was being fueled by external forces, urging the Home Minister to clarify the promised post-Eid joint anti-drug operation. NCP MP Nusrat Tabassum said that despite the fall of dictatorship after the July uprising, its violent influence and threats persist.

BNP MP Reza Ahmed demanded strong action against armed groups operating in the Padma river char areas across Kushtia, Natore, and Rajshahi, citing murders linked to land and sand disputes. He also called for more police vehicles to control rampant drug smuggling along border areas. Other MPs discussed issues including port management policy, the disappearance of historical figures from textbooks, expatriate harassment, and worsening power shortages.

Jamaat-e-Islami MP Mahbubur Rahman Belal criticized the budget as unrealistic and warned that ignoring the results of a recent referendum could destabilize the country if reforms are not implemented soon.

Sylhet city Jamaat-e-Islami leaders have demanded the cancellation of the withdrawal order of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Sarwar Alam, calling for his reinstatement. The demand was made by central working committee member and Sylhet city Ameer Muhammad Fakhrul Islam during a city Jamaat meeting on Monday. He alleged that the current BNP-led government, which came to power through the July uprising, is operating in an authoritarian manner and removed the popular DC to clear the way for unethical activities.

According to Fakhrul Islam, DC Sarwar had earned public admiration through initiatives such as anti-drug drives, welfare funds for imams and muezzins, housing plans for expatriates, and restoring order on city footpaths. He also mentioned that Sarwar sealed three donation pots at the Shahjalal shrine and installed official donation boxes to ensure financial transparency, which allegedly led to his removal. The decision has reportedly sparked public anger and street protests in Sylhet.

Jamaat leaders warned that such actions could discourage honest officials and harm public trust. They urged the government to reverse the decision and restore Sarwar Alam to his position.

The United States has announced a conditional plan to release Iran’s frozen assets, requiring that a major portion of the funds be used to buy American soybeans, corn, and wheat. The plan was revealed by US Vice President JD Vance after a high-level meeting between US and Iranian officials at Switzerland’s Bürgenstock Resort. According to Vance, the initiative aims to ensure that the released funds support humanitarian and public welfare purposes rather than terrorism financing.

Vance said the US and Qatar are jointly developing a special monitoring mechanism to oversee how Iran uses the released funds, with both Washington and Doha sharing control over approvals. He added that Jared Kushner is working with Qatar on a joint proposal to implement the plan, which would strengthen Iran’s food security while boosting US agricultural exports. Vance described the initiative as a “classic Trump deal” that could benefit both nations.

The US vice president also stated that Washington has been consulting with regional allies, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Lebanon. While Gulf countries view the move as a step toward regional stability, Israeli officials remain concerned about any concessions to Iran.

Private University Chhatra Dal organized a protest march in Dhaka on Monday afternoon, denouncing what it described as the Awami League’s and its affiliates’ attempts to destabilize law and order through provocative activities and threats to the administration. The march began at Prime Asia University on Kamal Ataturk Avenue in Banani and concluded at Gulshan-2 Circle, with participation from leaders and activists representing around 45 to 50 private universities in the capital.

The protest was led by the organization’s president, Md. Abu Horaira, accompanied by general secretary M. Rajibul Islam Talukder (Bindu) and senior vice president Risalat Islam Sajib. In a brief rally following the march, Horaira urged students to remain united against any conspiracies or anti-state activities, emphasizing the historical role of private university students in national crises. Talukder stated that the student body would continue to stand for democracy, rule of law, and citizens’ rights, calling on members to cooperate with authorities in maintaining peace and vigilance on campuses.

Participants reaffirmed their commitment to stability, democratic values, and a peaceful academic environment across universities.

Said Uddin Ahmad Hanzala, Member of Parliament for Madaripur-1 (Shibchar), expressed strong dissatisfaction in the National Parliament over the acute electricity shortage in his constituency. Speaking during the general discussion on the proposed national budget for fiscal year 2026–27, he said that frequent load-shedding has led to public anger, with residents blaming local representatives. Hanzala warned that if the crisis is not resolved quickly, it will become difficult for elected officials to maintain their credibility.

He criticized the absence of the power minister in parliament, saying it prevented lawmakers from conveying the real situation on the ground. Hanzala urged the government, through the Speaker, to take immediate and permanent measures to end the electricity crisis. He also condemned the removal of historical figures such as Haji Shariatullah, Shahjalal, Shah Paran, and Titumir from textbooks, arguing that their stories once inspired patriotism among youth.

Additionally, Hanzala highlighted the harassment faced by expatriate workers at airports and issues with passports and national ID cards. He called on relevant ministries to act swiftly to address these problems.

Democratic members of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee have sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s approach to Iran, accusing him of lifting sanctions before achieving progress on key negotiation issues, including Tehran’s nuclear program. In a post on social media platform X, the lawmakers said the administration’s actions contradict its previous statements about the conditions for any deal with Iran.

The Democrats noted that Trump administration officials had repeatedly stated that sanctions relief would only follow resolutions on Iran’s nuclear activities and its support for armed proxy groups. However, they argued that none of these issues have been resolved, yet Iran has received broad sanctions relief it had long sought. The criticism came after the US Treasury Department suspended sanctions on Iran’s oil and energy exports until August 21, allowing Tehran to sell oil in US dollars for the first time in decades.

The development marks a significant shift in US policy toward Iran, raising questions about the administration’s consistency and strategy in dealing with Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has condemned the alleged killing of a farmer in Bhangura, Pabna, reportedly beaten to death by a BNP leader. In a statement issued to the media on Monday, the party’s Assistant Secretary General and Secretary of the Publicity and Media Department, Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, denounced the incident and demanded the immediate arrest and trial of the accused.

According to the statement, the victim, 50-year-old Jamil Hossain from Harina village in Rajshahi’s Bagha upazila, had gone to Pabna for work and was allegedly tortured to death on June 20. Jamaat claimed the killing violated fundamental human rights and reflected a breakdown of the rule of law, accusing ruling party-linked criminals of acting with impunity.

The party urged law enforcement to arrest the fugitive BNP leader, Yusuf Ali, son of Abdul Quddus Mondol of Charbhangura village, and called on the government to provide financial and overall support to the victim’s family. Jamaat also expressed condolences and prayed for the deceased.

During the ongoing budget session of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament, Dhaka-12 Member of Parliament Saiful Alam Khan Milon expressed strong dissatisfaction over the absence of key government ministers in the House. Speaking on a point of order on the 12th day of the session, he particularly noted that the seats of the health and home ministers were empty and urged the Speaker to ensure ministerial attendance during proceedings.

In response, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni defended the situation, stating that the finance minister would ultimately address all budget-related matters. The exchange highlighted tensions within the session regarding ministerial participation and accountability during the country’s first budget session of the current parliament.

The issue underscores ongoing concerns among lawmakers about ministerial engagement in parliamentary discussions, especially during critical budget deliberations.

Several deprived leaders of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal have alleged widespread irregularities and post trading in the organization’s newly announced central executive committee. On Monday morning, they submitted a written memorandum to Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Senior Joint Secretary General of the BNP and adviser to the Prime Minister, at his official residence in Dhanmondi. The leaders expressed anger that dedicated and active activists were overlooked while inactive and unqualified individuals were given key posts, demanding a fair investigation and inclusion of experienced leaders who had faced imprisonment and political persecution.

A large number of former Jubo Dal and Chhatra Dal leaders were present during the submission, including several former vice presidents and secretaries of the student and youth wings. They expressed hope that the BNP high command would take effective steps to resolve the crisis and properly recognize the sacrifices of genuine activists. The controversy follows the June 4 announcement of a 151-member Jubo Dal central committee led by Abdul Monayem Munna as president and Mohammad Nurul Islam Nayan as general secretary.

Following the committee’s announcement, deprived leaders have held multiple protest programs in Dhaka, including sit-ins on June 13 and June 17, vowing to continue their movement until fair evaluation is ensured.

Ten leaders and activists of the Awami League and its affiliated organizations, including Madarganj Upazila Awami League president Jibon Krishna Saha, were sent to jail after a Jamalpur court rejected their bail petitions. They surrendered before the Senior Judicial Magistrate Court on Monday and sought bail, which Magistrate Romana Akter denied after a hearing.

According to court sources, two separate cases were filed in 2024 under the Explosives Act and for sabotage during a period of political unrest. The cases were lodged by local BNP leaders Mizanur Rahman Ratan and Abdullah Al Mamun, naming several Awami League and allied organization members as accused. After remaining fugitive for a long time, the ten accused appeared in court to surrender.

The Assistant Public Prosecutor of the court, Mahbubur Rahman Sohel, confirmed that the cases are still under trial and further legal proceedings are ongoing. The court will decide on the next hearing date based on case progress.

Bangladesh’s Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday addressed the controversy surrounding the temporary police custody of Khairul Islam Sajib, son of BNP lawmaker Azharul Islam from Narayanganj-3. Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat, he said Sajib was taken into custody for questioning based on multiple complaints received by the police. After verifying information and conducting necessary interrogation, police decided to release him upon taking a written undertaking.

The minister emphasized that no one holds special privileges under the law, stating that all citizens are equal before it. He further asserted that the country’s law and order situation has not deteriorated and remains better than before. According to him, the government remains vigilant to maintain stability, and opposition parties’ right to hold rallies is part of democratic practice.

Salahuddin Ahmed also mentioned that law enforcement strength is increased when necessary. He confirmed that the recent army deployment was based on intelligence reports to prevent subversive activities linked to the banned Awami League’s anniversary events.

On June 22, 2026, leaders and activists of the Comilla Metropolitan and South District units of the Chhatra Dal held a protest march across several streets in Comilla city. The demonstration was organized to oppose potential violence and flash processions by the banned Awami League and its affiliated organizations ahead of the party’s anniversary on June 23. Participants included local Chhatra Dal leaders such as Nahiduzzaman Rana, Faiyaz Rashid Primo, Ismail Hossain, and Kazi Jubayer Alam Jilani.

Following the march, South District Chhatra Dal president Kazi Jubayer Alam Jilani stated that the Awami League remains a banned organization and that any attempt to disrupt peace in Comilla would be resisted in cooperation with law enforcement. Metropolitan Chhatra Dal general secretary Faiyaz Rashid Primo added that the group would maintain a 24-hour presence across the city to prevent unrest.

Comilla police officials, including the Officer-in-Charge of Kotwali Police Station and the Superintendent of Police, confirmed that special operations were underway and that any attempt by the banned organization to stage processions or digital activities would be firmly countered.