Member of Parliament Kamruzzaman Kamrul from Sunamganj-1 emphasized the importance of truthful reporting during the inauguration of the multimedia section of the newspaper Daily Sunamganjer Somoy and its representative conference held on Saturday afternoon. He said Sunamganj is a haor-surrounded and underdeveloped district compared to others and urged journalists to present the region’s neglected issues through multimedia platforms. Kamrul mentioned that he has raised these concerns in parliament and discussed them with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Addressing media professionals, Kamrul criticized some outlets for spreading rumors and publishing news for money, which he said erodes public trust in the media. He called on journalists to maintain objectivity and focus on truth, noting that the media plays a vital role in advancing society. Kamrul also stated that journalists should not engage in political praise but rather offer constructive criticism and guidance.

The event was presided over by Sunamganj Press Club President Shergul Ahmed and attended by local officials, lawyers, and journalists from various media organizations.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan stated that those who distort history cannot survive when historical truths become clear. He made the remarks on Saturday at a discussion titled “Implementation of the Signed July Charter in National Reconstruction,” organized by Amra Bangladeshi at the Diploma Engineers Institute in Dhaka. The minister said fascist forces in the past had tried to divide and polarize Bangladesh’s politics for their own interests, but the people’s power and democratic movements rejected such artificial narratives.

Swapan emphasized that Bangladesh’s people have built a distinct national identity rooted in their own history, language, culture, and values. He said the country’s political and philosophical foundation lies in Bangladeshi nationalism, shaped by the experiences and aspirations of its citizens. He also highlighted that national interest must remain central to all policymaking and called for strengthening SAARC and the United Nations frameworks to enhance Bangladesh’s global standing.

The discussion, chaired by BNP leader Syed Ehsanul Huda, featured economist Professor Mahbubullah as the main discussant and several political leaders as special guests, who stressed collective efforts to uphold democratic values and national interests.

Professor Aslam Chowdhury MP has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Maulana Md. Mizanur Rahman, the Jamaat-e-Islami leader of Sitakunda, Chattogram. The veteran religious scholar passed away at 3 a.m. on Friday at Ibn Sina Hospital in Dhaka. In a condolence message issued on Saturday, Aslam Chowdhury described Maulana Rahman as a virtuous, principled, and socially committed individual whose contributions to education, social service, and religious values would be long remembered.

He prayed for the forgiveness of the departed soul and for strength and patience for the bereaved family. Several local leaders and organizations also expressed their condolences, including Anwar Siddiq Chowdhury, organizational secretary of Chattogram North District Jamaat; Dr. Kamal Kader, convener of Sitakunda Upazila BNP; Md. Morsalin, member secretary; and representatives of the Sitakunda Press Club.

The death of Maulana Mizanur Rahman has been described as an irreparable loss for the Sitakunda community, reflecting his long-standing influence in local education and religious affairs.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Porwar has described the newly announced national budget as one designed for the looting of party activists rather than for the welfare of citizens. Speaking on Saturday at a conference of upazila working committee members organized by the Bhola district branch of Jamaat-e-Islami, he said the budget is ambitious, debt-dependent, and harmful to the people. He added that Jamaat has rejected the government’s budget and presented its own people-friendly shadow budget, urging the government to revise and present a corrected version to the nation.

Porwar also warned that failure to implement the “July Charter” would amount to deceiving the nation and could lead to severe consequences. He emphasized that the people of Bangladesh would not tolerate such betrayal. Addressing local issues, he praised the Speaker’s role in Bhola but criticized the local MP for neglecting development needs such as industrialization, a medical college, a Bhola-Barishal bridge, and river erosion prevention.

He further clarified that Islami Bank is not Jamaat’s bank but belongs to the people of Bangladesh.

Iran’s Chief Justice Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei stated that Iranians do not trust the United States at all, citing historical events and realities as the root of this distrust. He made the remarks while referring to last year’s 12-day war, emphasizing that the sentiment stems from past experiences.

Ejei also recalled that on February 28, during the first day of the ongoing war, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a joint attack by the United States and Israel. Following his death, a three-member interim council was formed to lead Tehran, with Ejei serving as one of its members.

He claimed that Iran has succeeded in “beheading its enemies” and “cutting off the hands of aggressors” during the conflict, portraying the country’s actions as a strong response to external aggression.

The Ministry of Shipping of Bangladesh has provided financial assistance to the families of two victims who died in a tragic launch accident at Sadarghat while traveling to Barishal during the last Eid-ul-Fitr. On June 13, 2026, State Minister for Shipping Md. Rajib Ahsan, MP, handed over separate checks to the families of Sohel and Miraj, residents of Mehendiganj upazila in Barishal district.

Each family received a check of Tk 500,000 from the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) Trustee Board. Officials also announced that an additional Tk 2.5 million in financial support would be provided to the two affected families. The state minister expressed deep condolences to the victims’ relatives and assured continued government support.

He stated that the government is working tirelessly to ensure passenger safety on waterways and will continue to take necessary measures to prevent such accidents. BIWTA officials, local representatives, and political leaders attended the check handover ceremony.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita stated that long-standing problems in the national airline cannot be resolved within two or three months. She emphasized that efforts are underway to overcome existing complexities and restore the airline’s reputation. The minister made these remarks on Saturday morning in Manikganj after inaugurating a daylong free medical camp and blood donation program marking the 45th martyrdom anniversary of former President Ziaur Rahman.

Rita added that her main focus is to ensure better facilities for expatriate Bangladeshis and to improve their experience at airports. She noted that the situation at airports has improved compared to the past, despite some attempts to tarnish the ministry’s image. She also assured members of the Harijan and Ravidash communities of government support to address their problems and help their children secure better employment.

The free medical camp, organized by the local branch of the Doctors’ Association of Bangladesh (DAB), provided various health services to thousands of local residents, including members of marginalized communities.

ATM Azharul Islam, central committee Nayeb-e-Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and Member of Parliament for Rangpur-2, said the national budget presented in parliament is highly ambitious and faces serious implementation risks. Speaking on June 13, 2026, at a foundation-laying and discussion event in Badarganj, Rangpur, he argued that the budget lacks a clear roadmap and fails to address the recovery of large sums allegedly laundered abroad by the previous government.

He criticized the ruling party for widespread extortion by its activists, claiming it drives up commodity prices and disrupts transport operations. Azharul Islam said such practices harm ordinary citizens while benefiting extortionists, warning that national development will remain impossible unless extortion is stopped. He also alleged that law and order in the country has deteriorated, with frequent violent incidents and growing public insecurity.

Azharul Islam contrasted his party’s approach with that of the previous government, asserting that Jamaat-e-Islami MPs reject corruption and take disciplinary action against any wrongdoing within their ranks.

Former Sylhet-5 Member of Parliament and noted Islamic scholar Principal Maulana Farid Uddin Chowdhury passed away early Friday at 1:40 a.m. while undergoing treatment at Ibn Sina Hospital in Sylhet. He was 82 years old and had been suffering from age-related complications. Chowdhury was a former Ameer of Sylhet District Jamaat-e-Islami, as well as a former member of the party’s Central Working Committee and Majlis-e-Shura. He is survived by his wife, one son, four daughters, and numerous relatives, colleagues, and admirers.

His funeral prayer is scheduled for Saturday at 4 p.m. at the field of Kanaighat Talbari Jamia Islamia Yusufia Fazil Madrasa, followed by burial at the family graveyard in Talbari. Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman expressed deep sorrow over Chowdhury’s death, describing him as a devoted preacher and a respected public representative who contributed significantly to the Islamic movement and local development in Sylhet.

Dr. Rahman prayed for divine mercy and forgiveness for the deceased and conveyed condolences to the bereaved family.

Major General Ali Abdollahi, commander of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, stated that the world will soon hear the echo of Tehran’s victory over its aggressive enemies. He made the remarks on Friday during a memorial event in Dezful honoring Major General Gholamali Rashid and his son Amin Abbas Rashid on their martyrdom anniversary.

In his message, Abdollahi said that Iran’s enemies believed killing its military leaders would weaken the country’s defense system, but they underestimated the legacy of knowledge, experience, and strategic thinking left by the martyrs. He emphasized that Iran’s current armed forces commanders are following the same guidance to skillfully manage complex hybrid warfare.

Abdollahi added that Iran’s defenders across land, sea, and air have become symbols of active resistance and national dignity, expressing confidence that the world will soon witness Iran’s triumph against aggressors and terrorists.

The article alleges that India has continued aggressive actions along the Bangladesh border, including killings by Indian border guards and recent forced push-ins of Muslims from Indian territory into Bangladesh. It criticizes both past and present Bangladeshi governments for failing to respond strongly to such incidents, contrasting their reactions with Nepal’s firm stance in a similar case. The piece also references former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s remarks implying Indian involvement in a Bangladeshi activist’s killing, which Dhaka officials dismissed as internal Indian politics.

The commentary argues that India seeks to maintain dominance over Bangladesh’s politics and foreign policy, preferring Dhaka to align with Delhi’s strategic interests rather than build independent ties with the United States, China, or Turkey. It claims that India’s current policies reflect a Hindutva-driven agenda aiming to marginalize Muslims domestically and destabilize Bangladesh through demographic and political pressure.

The author concludes that Bangladesh’s sovereignty and democratic institutions remain under strain, urging unity between government and opposition forces to resist external interference and restore public trust in state institutions.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated that prices of daily essentials have not increased since the announcement of the national budget. Speaking at a public gathering in PMkhali, Cox’s Bazar Sadar, on Saturday morning, he said taxes on 60 products have been withdrawn to ease the burden on citizens. Rahman argued that the opposition is not interested in supporting the people but rather in creating instability in the country.

He further said that the opposition dislikes a budget that reduces taxes, which is why they are opposing it. The Prime Minister also highlighted that the re-excavation of the Patli Canal in Cox’s Bazar will directly benefit 40,000 people, including 8,000 farmers. He emphasized that his party’s politics are dedicated to the welfare of the nation’s people.

The remarks came during the inauguration of the canal re-excavation project, where Rahman linked the government’s fiscal measures with broader development efforts aimed at improving livelihoods.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that no memorandum of understanding has yet been signed with the United States. He said the proposed agreement would declare an end to conflicts across all battlefronts, including Lebanon. Araghchi made the remarks in an interview with Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB.

According to Araghchi, the memorandum would also include lifting the US naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz and Iran. He noted that negotiators have revised the draft several times, while nuclear issues have been deferred to a second phase of discussions after Tehran rejected Washington’s demands. Araghchi emphasized that Lebanon would be part of the agreement, reaffirming Iran’s commitment not to leave Lebanon isolated.

The comments, reported by Middle East Eye, indicate ongoing but incomplete negotiations between Tehran and Washington, with the scope of the proposed memorandum extending beyond bilateral issues to regional conflict resolution.

Nobel laureate economist and former interim government chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has returned to Bangladesh after visiting France and the Netherlands, disproving rumors that he had fled the country. The commentary argues that such disinformation campaigns are part of a broader political strategy used by groups that have lost public support, aiming to distort reality through propaganda, confusion, and half-truths.

The article draws on political theorists Hannah Arendt, Steven Levitsky, and Daniel Ziblatt to warn that authoritarian forces often undermine democracy from within by eroding institutions and blurring the line between truth and falsehood. It highlights Bangladesh’s recent history of institutional decline, human rights concerns, and the need for accountability following a 15-year authoritarian rule and the July uprising.

The writer stresses that the new government faces two key challenges: ensuring justice and protecting democratic freedoms. Attempts to rehabilitate past authoritarian actors without accountability could endanger democracy. The piece concludes that Bangladesh’s democratic future depends on truth, rule of law, and learning from history to prevent the return of fascism.

Members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) thwarted an attempt by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) to push 10 to 12 people into Bangladesh territory at the Bonchouki Border Outpost (BOP) in Hatibandha upazila of Lalmonirhat district. The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Friday near border pillar 906/8S, when BSF personnel from the 78 Paglamari camp reportedly tried to bring the group across the border by vehicle. BGB’s 15th Battalion members quickly took position and adopted a firm stance, preventing the entry.

Following the failed attempt, BGB intensified patrols and surveillance in the border area. Sources said necessary diplomatic and border-related procedures are being prepared in response to the incident. Although tension briefly rose along the border, the situation is now under control.

The report notes that similar push-in allegations have recently led to multiple discussions and flag meetings between the border forces of Bangladesh and India across various frontier points.