The name of former U.S. President Donald Trump has been removed from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., following a federal court ruling that declared the naming illegal. The removal took place on Saturday after the court’s decision, with workers taking down all signs bearing Trump’s name from the building and its surroundings, according to the center’s executive director Matt Floca.

The Kennedy Center’s board had attempted to block the removal through a last-minute appeal, but the judge rejected the request. The ruling, issued on May 29 by U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper, stated that only Congress has the authority to rename a national institution. The decision is viewed as a setback for the Trump administration, which had sought to attach Trump’s name to several public facilities after his return to the White House.

Crowds gathered outside the center on Friday night to witness the removal, with many expressing approval. Despite delays caused by thunderstorms, the work was completed under safety precautions, and the center had already deleted Trump’s name from its website earlier in the week.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that a proposed agreement with Iran would prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons. He described the plan as fundamentally different from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action signed during Barack Obama’s presidency. Trump argued that the earlier deal provided Iran with an easy route to nuclear arms, while his proposed framework would do the opposite.

Trump also said that, unlike the Obama-era agreement, the new proposal would not involve any financial transactions with Iran. According to U.S. officials, the emerging understanding is being shaped as a “compliance-for-opportunity” framework, meaning Tehran would not receive immediate economic benefits. Any future incentives would depend on verified adherence to the deal’s terms.

The report, citing Middle East Eye, indicates that the proposed deal aims to ensure stricter verification and conditional benefits, marking a significant shift in Washington’s approach to Iran’s nuclear program.

Authorities in Palashbari, Gaibandha, have suspended the construction of a massive Ram statue on June 11, 2026, following growing concerns over the motives and funding behind a series of large religious monuments. The project, led by Haridas Chandra Tarani, follows earlier installations of 28-foot Shiva and 53-foot Krishna statues. Local officials and residents have questioned the necessity and source of financing for the 170 million taka initiative, fearing potential threats to communal harmony and national security.

Investigations reveal that Haridas, previously arrested for fraud, had unusual access to high-level government premises and connections with influential figures. Intelligence sources suspect possible foreign links and covert activities under the guise of religious construction. Local administrators have described the project as a potential “Trojan Horse,” suggesting hidden agendas behind its religious appearance.

Senior officials from Rangpur and Gaibandha have briefed the Cabinet and recommended financial and security investigations, including scrutiny of Indian diplomatic activities in the region. Law enforcement agencies are now closely monitoring the situation to prevent communal unrest and assess any risks to state security.

A joint statement issued after the 57th director general-level meeting between Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and India’s Border Security Force (BSF) in New Delhi has sparked controversy and confusion. The meeting, held from June 8 to 11 amid heightened border tensions over alleged push-ins, omitted the term “push-in” entirely and replaced “border killings” with “deaths along the border.” While the BSF released the joint statement, BGB issued a separate press release highlighting issues such as push-ins, border killings, and illegal structures—topics absent from the joint document.

Security and diplomatic analysts questioned BGB’s stance, suggesting its delegation adopted a conciliatory tone toward BSF and failed to assert Bangladesh’s concerns. Reports indicated that BGB’s position paper had reached BSF before the meeting, while BSF shared its version only an hour before talks began. The BGB chief also reportedly held a private meeting with India’s Home Minister Amit Shah, which was not mentioned in any official statement.

BGB later denied claims of compromise, insisting it had raised all key issues firmly. However, the omission of sensitive topics from the joint statement continues to raise questions about transparency and Bangladesh’s diplomatic posture.

A powerful pro-Israel lobbying group, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), long influential in U.S. politics, is facing growing criticism from within the Democratic Party ahead of the June 23 primary elections. Several Democratic candidates, including New York’s Brad Lander, have openly rejected AIPAC’s influence, calling it a corrupting force in democratic politics. Others, like incumbent Dan Goldman, accepted AIPAC’s support but urged the group to be willing to criticize the Israeli government when necessary.

AIPAC traditionally mobilizes support for pro-Israel candidates and opposes those seen as hostile to Israel, often through its super PAC, the United Democracy Project (UDP). Despite spending heavily in recent primaries, AIPAC has seen mixed results. Its critics argue that the group’s use of large, undisclosed donations to defend Israel amid rising questions about unconditional U.S. military aid has made it a focal point of controversy within the party.

Analysts cited in the report suggest that mainstream Democrats critical of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s policies may now pose a greater challenge to AIPAC’s bipartisan dominance than the progressive left.

Police in Purbadhala upazila of Netrokona arrested six people on Friday night for allegedly participating in a flash procession organized by banned units of the Chhatra League, Jubo League, and Awami League. The arrests followed reports of subversive activities and vehicle vandalism in different areas of the upazila. Those detained were identified as Rafiqul Islam Khokon, Masud Rana, Shahjahan, Ataur Rahman, Majharul Islam Prince, and Hazarat Ali.

According to police and local sources, the procession took place on Friday morning in Fazilpur area of the Shyamganj-Birishiri road, led by upazila Chhatra League general secretary Shahadat Hossain. A video of the event circulated on social media, showing slogans in support of Sheikh Hasina and former MP Ahmad Hossain. The footage was later shared from the verified Facebook page of the banned Awami League.

Police said a case was filed by BNP member Syed Jahangir Alam alias Monirul Haque, naming 33 individuals including Masud Rana as the main accused, with 30 to 35 others unidentified. The six detainees were sent to court, and operations to arrest the remaining suspects are ongoing.

Iran and the United States are reportedly nearing a new agreement, with speculation that it could be finalized soon. According to a statement on Donald Trump’s Truth Social, the deal might have been expected on Sunday, coinciding with the former US president’s birthday. However, Tehran University professor Fouad Azadi told Al Jazeera that Iranian officials are unlikely to sign the deal that day to avoid giving Trump the impression of receiving a “birthday gift.” Azadi noted that public sentiment in Iran remains optimistic about a possible agreement within days.

Azadi explained that Iran does not want to create a situation where Trump could claim personal credit, citing his alleged involvement in serious war crimes. He further stated that even if a deal is reached, genuine friendship among the United States, Iran, and Israel remains unlikely. As long as Washington continues policies supporting Israeli dominance in the Middle East, normalization will not occur.

Azadi added that ongoing conflicts have permanently altered the region’s security structure, reflecting deep mistrust and geopolitical shifts across the Middle East.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed support for a potential Iran-related agreement during a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump, according to a statement from Starmer’s office released on Saturday. Starmer emphasized that any deal must ensure sustainable and lasting peace. The statement added that the United Kingdom is ready to assist in implementing any peace agreement and will work with international partners to ensure its success.

The statement also noted that both leaders agreed on the need to restore free maritime navigation to minimize negative impacts on the global economy. They further committed to maintaining close communication in the future. Earlier, Trump posted on Truth Social that the Iran deal was expected to be signed on Sunday and that the Strait of Hormuz would be opened to all upon signing. He added that the United States would later collect nuclear debris in Iran once the situation stabilizes.

Trump expressed hope that the process would proceed smoothly but warned that the United States had a final option if necessary.

Speakers at a roundtable in Dhaka sharply criticized India’s alleged push-in of people across the border and the killing of civilians along the frontier. The event, titled “Citizen Thoughts to Prevent Push-In at the Border,” was organized by the Desh Bachao Manush Bachao Andolon at the National Press Club’s VIP Lounge. Participants accused India’s government of acting out of religious bias and questioned why pro-India political figures were not being pushed in as well.

Speakers included leaders from the National Labor Party, National Democratic Party, and other nationalist organizations. They denounced remarks by India’s High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi about merging populations of the two countries and demanded clarification. Several participants alleged that India was pursuing hegemonic policies and exploiting Bangladesh despite its past support during the independence war.

The meeting called on Bangladesh’s foreign ministry to take a stronger stance and urged reinforcement of the Border Guard Bangladesh. Participants warned that citizens were ready to defend national sovereignty and that India’s alleged hostility toward Muslims would not go unanswered.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Truth Social that a potential agreement with Iran could be signed on Sunday, promising that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen immediately afterward. He added that the U.S. would later collect and neutralize underground nuclear debris in Iran or the United States. Trump expressed hope for a smooth process but warned of a “final option” if talks failed. Iran has not officially responded, and some of Trump’s remarks appear to contradict earlier Iranian statements about the timing of the memorandum of understanding.

Al Jazeera reported that Tehran acknowledged progress in the talks and that the draft text was under review by Iran’s National Security Council and the office of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. An Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson said the deal would not be signed Sunday but likely within days. Analysts noted growing optimism compared to previous rounds, though regional conflicts, including in Lebanon, could still disrupt diplomacy.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer voiced support for a sustainable peace deal in a phone call with Trump, while experts cautioned that despite optimism, uncertainty and political maneuvering could still affect the outcome.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s student wing, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), held a protest march and rally in Dhaka on Saturday night, accusing Islami Chhatra Shibir of staging fake abduction and disappearance incidents to falsely blame the government. The demonstration began at the Central Shaheed Minar and ended at Shahbagh intersection, where JCD activists chanted slogans condemning Shibir’s alleged actions.

During the rally, JCD leaders claimed that Shibir was insulting real victims by fabricating disappearance stories and spreading false accusations against the government online. They further alleged that Shibir operated secret networks involved in crimes such as rape and violence against women. Central organizational secretary Amanullah Aman described Shibir’s activities as hypocrisy, while general secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir cited a recent incident in Cumilla as a planned event linked to Shibir’s undisclosed committee members.

JCD president Rakibul Islam Rakib also condemned the alleged acts, asserting that Shibir’s staged incidents were intended to mislead the public and discredit the government.

Opposition Chief Whip and National Citizen Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam stated that friendship cannot be built by erecting barbed wire fences along borders or constructing dams on rivers. He made the remarks on Saturday during a divisional rally of the 11-party alliance in Chattogram.

Nahid Islam criticized the current government, claiming it has failed to achieve economic progress because it ignored the people’s mandate from the beginning. He alleged that police in Chattogram abducted a member of the national cricket team and warned that the public would face further consequences if reforms were not implemented. He also accused the government of adopting submissive policies that have led to renewed killings along the border.

He urged the government to initiate reforms and implement the July Charter immediately, warning that continued corruption and inequality would shorten the government’s time in power.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has announced that the Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar highway will be expanded from four to six lanes. Speaking at a public rally in Chakaria, Cox’s Bazar, on Saturday evening, he said the road had not been developed in the past 17 years and remained as it was left by the previous BNP government. Earlier in the day, he inaugurated the re-excavation of the historic Patli Canal in PMkhali, associated with late President Ziaur Rahman.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the BNP government prioritizes farmers, pledging to set fair prices for salt producers and to distribute agricultural cards to 8,000–10,000 farmers per district, each receiving Tk 2,500 in incentives. He also highlighted initiatives for women’s education, including making undergraduate and degree-level education free for women and expanding stipends to reach rural areas. Additional measures include family cards for rural households and special budget allocations for affordable healthcare.

Rahman said taxes on heart rings and dialysis equipment have been withdrawn to reduce treatment costs, while taxes were increased only on alcohol and cigarettes. He reaffirmed that the government’s programs aim to improve the lives of 200 million citizens.

Law Minister Asaduzzaman has emphasized the need to reduce the trend of talented Bangladeshi engineers moving abroad and to create an environment that allows their skills and innovation to contribute to national development and industrialization. Speaking as the chief guest at an event held at the IEB building in Dhaka on Saturday, he said the government is prioritizing job creation, technology-based education, and innovation-friendly planning to achieve this goal.

He noted that Bangladeshi engineers have long played a leading role through their intellect, dedication, and professionalism, but many choose to settle abroad after gaining higher education and skills. The minister stressed that retaining this skilled workforce is essential for the country’s progress in development, industrialization, and technological advancement. He added that the proposed national budget gives top priority to education, particularly technical and technological fields.

Asaduzzaman also highlighted the importance of transparency, accountability, and cost-efficiency in implementing development projects funded by public money. He called on engineers to ensure earthquake-resistant, safe, and environmentally friendly infrastructure and to help build a modern, self-reliant Bangladesh.

Jamiat-e-Ulama-e-Islam Bangladesh has strongly protested the initiative to make music, dance, and drama compulsory in primary education. The organization’s leaders urged the government to reconsider and cancel the decision, emphasizing the need to appoint religious teachers in primary schools as previously promised. The statement was made at a meeting of the Dhaka South unit held at the organization’s central office in Purana Paltan, where Secretary General Maulana Manjurul Islam Afendi spoke as chief guest.

During the meeting, Afendi said that most people in Bangladesh believe in religious and moral values, and the education system should nurture morality, character, patriotism, humanity, and faith-based ethics. He argued that making music, dance, and drama mandatory for young children does not align with the country’s social, cultural, and religious realities.

The leaders called for suspending the initiative and urged the government to consult educationists, religious scholars, and guardians before finalizing any decision. They also reiterated their demand for the swift implementation of the government’s earlier commitment to appoint religious teachers in primary schools.