Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General and former MP Mia Golam Parwar has alleged that the ruling BNP is stalling the implementation of the February 12 referendum verdict, in which 70 percent of voters supported state reform. He made the remarks on Saturday at a divisional rally held at Railway Krishnachura Square in Mymensingh.

Parwar said the BNP’s refusal to accept the referendum outcome stems from its opposition to proposals by the 11-party alliance and the Consensus Commission to reduce the prime minister’s powers and establish a balance between the president and the prime minister. He added that the BNP rejected the July Charter proposal barring the prime minister from simultaneously serving as party chief, and opposed proportional allocation of 100 upper house seats, preferring a seat-based system to maintain dominance.

He further accused the BNP of prioritizing party interests over national interests, alleging that the government has deprived opposition MPs of development funds and created disorder in the health and banking sectors.

West Bengal opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari has announced plans to implement a strict anti-conversion law, the National Register of Citizens (NRC), and a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state. Speaking at an event in Kolkata’s Rabindra Sadan on Friday, he said these measures aim to strengthen national security and protect Bengal’s heritage and culture. Adhikari claimed that illegal infiltration across international borders has led to rising religious conversions and demographic imbalance in West Bengal.

He stated that the government would soon take steps to enforce these laws and that detention centers have already been established in border districts to identify and repatriate illegal entrants. Adhikari added that those entering India illegally and threatening national security would be sent back to their countries. Referring to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), he said Hindus who sought refuge in India due to religious persecution are not infiltrators but eligible for Indian citizenship.

Adhikari also warned that actions disrespecting India’s armed forces or opposing national operations would not be tolerated in West Bengal.

King Charles III will work to ensure the protection of the United Kingdom’s multi-faith society, according to a newly defined outline of his royal duties. The updated description, released by Buckingham Palace, identifies the monarch as a key figure in maintaining religious harmony and promoting peaceful coexistence among people of all faiths across the country. The responsibilities were detailed in the Sovereign Grant Report 2025–26, which also reaffirmed his position as the Supreme Governor of the Church of England.

Despite being a Christian, King Charles is placing strong emphasis on ensuring equal respect and freedom for followers of all religions. Interfaith dialogue has been highlighted as a central pillar of his royal work, aimed at building bridges among diverse religious and belief communities in the UK.

The report notes that the King regularly engages with Abrahamic faiths and maintains connections with Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Orthodox, and other religious groups both in Britain and globally.

China’s National People’s Congress Standing Committee has expelled six senior officers of the People’s Liberation Army as part of President Xi Jinping’s ongoing anti-corruption drive within the military. The announcement, issued late Friday, stated that a total of 13 lawmakers were removed and one resigned. Among those dismissed from the legislature were a former top financial regulator and the former Communist Party chief of Xinjiang province.

The expelled PLA officers include General Xu Xueqiang of the Equipment Development Department, Lieutenant General Wang Kangping of the Eastern Theater Command, Lieutenant General Yin Hongxing of the Tibet Military Command, General Li Fengbiao of the Western Theater Command, General Guo Puxiao of the Air Force, and Lieutenant General Zhang Minghua of the Cyberspace Force. Several of them had previously been under investigation or absent from key political meetings.

Xi’s campaign has already led to the removal of more than ten senior commanders, with some under investigation and others disappearing from public view. Of the seven members announced for the Central Military Commission in 2022, only Xi Jinping and anti-corruption chief Zhang Shengmin remain in office.

Opposition lawmaker Shajahan Chowdhury from Chattogram-15 has criticized the proposed 2026–2027 national budget, claiming it was prepared by individuals aligned with what he termed a fascist government and does not reflect the aspirations of July. Speaking in parliament on Saturday, he said the budget failed to embody the hopes that accompanied the formation of the current parliament and accused the finance minister of prioritizing business interests over the needs of ordinary citizens.

Chowdhury argued that the government retained officials who benefited over the past 18 years while neglecting the oppressed and deprived. He said the budget ignored farmers, reduced allocations for agriculture, and failed to increase funding for gas exploration despite rising demand. He also alleged that nine ministries were struggling while fifteen received additional funds. The MP urged the government to raise allocations for the weaker ministries and modernize Chattogram Port.

He further defended Jamaat-e-Islami’s political legitimacy, rejecting claims that it was not an Islamic party, and reiterated his party’s goal of establishing a welfare state based on justice and fairness.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman of Bangladesh visited the graves of his parents after returning from his first official foreign trip to Malaysia and China. The visit took place on Saturday at 12:15 p.m. at the mausoleum complex in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, where he paid respects to his father, late President Ziaur Rahman, and his mother, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

During the visit, the Prime Minister recited Surah Fatiha and offered prayers and munajat at the graves. The event marked his first public appearance following the completion of his overseas engagements.

The report did not provide details about the outcomes of his foreign visits or any official statements regarding the purpose or achievements of the trips.

Government party lawmaker Zainul Abedin Faruk, representing Noakhali-2 constituency, called for an increase in the allowances of the 1971 Liberation War veterans during a budget discussion in the National Parliament on Saturday. He emphasized that the contributions of the freedom fighters must not be forgotten and urged collective efforts to build the nation.

Faruk also welcomed the opposition’s support for the motion of thanks on the Prime Minister’s foreign visits, describing it as a positive gesture. He stated that criticism in Parliament should be constructive and democratic rather than arbitrary. Referring to a comment by Jamaat MP Shahjahan Chowdhury, he said there was no need to discuss religion in this context and urged self-reflection on pre-1971 positions.

The discussion took place amid ongoing budget debates, highlighting calls for recognition and welfare of those who fought in the Liberation War.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman expressed heartfelt thanks to all members of the National Parliament, including the Leader of the Opposition, after a unanimous resolution of appreciation was passed regarding his recent visits to Malaysia and China. He conveyed his gratitude during the budget session on Saturday afternoon, where Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed presided over the proceedings and mentioned the adoption of the resolution in the Prime Minister’s absence.

In his remarks, Prime Minister Rahman emphasized that the people of Bangladesh had entrusted him with the responsibility to safeguard national interests. He reiterated his guiding principle of 'Bangladesh First,' stating that his foreign visits were solely focused on advancing the country’s interests, not personal matters. He added that any achievements from these visits belong to the nation and its people.

Rahman also acknowledged the encouragement shown by all members, particularly the opposition leader, in working for the welfare of the people, and extended his appreciation to them for their cooperation and unity in parliament.

A US federal judge has directed the Department of Justice (DOJ) to justify its decision to drop criminal charges against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani. The order came a month after the DOJ announced it would no longer pursue the case. On Wednesday, Adani’s lawyers formally requested Brooklyn-based District Judge Nicholas Garaufis to dismiss the case. In a written ruling released Wednesday, Garaufis said the prosecutors’ notice lacked sufficient explanation and gave them until July 13 to provide detailed reasoning.

The judge noted that the government’s brief and one-sided statement did not give the court enough basis to reach a conclusion or properly assess the dismissal request. Adani’s attorney, Robert Giuffra, argued that the case should be dismissed because it falls outside US jurisdiction and prosecutors cannot prove alleged bribery in India.

Adani was charged in 2024 with agreeing to bribe Indian officials to secure a solar power contract and misleading US investors about his company’s anti-corruption policies. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqul Rahman has called for all significant agreements made with foreign countries to be presented before the parliament to ensure transparency and accountability in parliamentary democracy. He made the remarks on Saturday morning during the budget session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, while supporting the ruling party’s motion of thanks regarding the Prime Minister’s recent visit.

Dr. Rahman emphasized that the parliament should remain the central platform for all national activities and that no decisions should bypass it. He rejected the culture of partisan credit-taking and opposition for its own sake, urging mutual respect between the ruling and opposition parties. He also stressed that Bangladesh’s foreign policy must remain independent and based on mutual respect and equity, ensuring that no party is harmed in international dealings.

He expressed hope that the Prime Minister had exercised due caution in maintaining this balance and wished her good health and continued success in governance.

Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told Parliament that Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman’s visits to Malaysia and China from June 21 to 26 had significantly strengthened Bangladesh’s bilateral relations with both countries. He said the trips were highly successful, resulting in the signing of 17 memorandums of understanding with China and reaffirming mutual respect and cooperation. A motion of thanks for the Prime Minister’s achievements was unanimously adopted in the national parliament session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqul Rahman supported the motion, emphasizing that Bangladesh’s foreign policy is based on mutual respect, non-interference, and strategic autonomy. They said the visits reflected these principles and reinforced the country’s independent foreign policy stance. Lawmakers expressed appreciation by table-thumping after the motion passed.

The opposition leader also urged that Parliament remain the central platform for all national decisions and called for mutual respect between the ruling and opposition parties to ensure balanced governance and national unity.

U.S. President Donald Trump has unveiled a new commemorative passport design featuring his own portrait, marking the country’s 250th anniversary. The limited-edition passport sample was shared on Friday via Trump’s Truth Social account, where he described it as the “new U.S. passport” and included the phrase “Welcome, but behave!” The design shows Trump’s image at the Resolute Desk with the Declaration of Independence text in the background and his signature below. The opposite page displays John Trumbull’s famous painting “The Declaration of Independence.”

The portrait used in the new passport appears to be based on Trump’s official painting displayed at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. This design differs from an earlier version released by the State Department earlier this year, which featured a different presidential image. The White House later posted the same design on its official X account, captioned “New U.S. passport commemorating America’s 250th anniversary.”

It remains unclear whether this latest image represents the final official design. The White House referred inquiries to the State Department, which has not yet commented, according to CNN.

Bangladesh’s National Parliament on Saturday unanimously adopted a motion of thanks for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s successful visit to Malaysia and China from June 21 to 26. The motion was introduced by Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir during the opening of the budget session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed. Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman supported the motion, which was passed by voice vote amid applause from lawmakers.

Mirza Fakhrul stated that the visit strengthened Bangladesh’s bilateral ties with both Malaysia and China and resulted in the signing of 17 memorandums of understanding with China. He emphasized that the trip reflected the government’s commitment to people’s welfare and a new political culture. Finance Minister Amir Khosru said the visit reaffirmed Bangladesh’s foreign policy principles of mutual respect, non-interference, and strategic autonomy. Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman expressed hope that future foreign relations would maintain balance and uphold national interests.

The session concluded with calls for ensuring that all national decisions remain centered in Parliament and for cooperation between government and opposition in nation-building.

Burkina Faso announced on Friday that it has severed diplomatic relations with France, its former colonial ruler. The declaration was read on national television, stating that the government had decided to end diplomatic ties with Paris. The move marks a significant escalation in the country's distancing from Western powers since Captain Ibrahim Traoré took power following a coup in September 2022.

According to the statement, Burkina Faso accused France of acting against its national interests. Communication Minister Gilbert Ouédraogo said the environment necessary for relations based on mutual respect, trust, non-interference, and sovereignty no longer exists. He added that the decision followed a thorough review of relations with Paris.

Ouédraogo further accused France of pursuing neo-colonial ambitions and supporting terrorist groups that have destabilized Burkina Faso and the wider Sahel region. The announcement underscores the military government's increasingly confrontational stance toward France and Western influence in the region.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has accused India of using covert tactics and proxy forces to undermine his country’s peace and stability. Speaking at the passing-out parade of the Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi, he said the entire nation remains united with an unbreakable resolve to thwart what he called the enemy’s malicious plans.

Sharif stated that Pakistan is facing multifaceted security challenges and alleged that its eastern neighbor, after suffering a humiliating counterattack last May, is attempting to disrupt Pakistan’s hard-earned peace. He added that Pakistan’s armed forces continue to confront foreign-backed terrorism emerging from the western border, with the nation standing shoulder to shoulder with them.

The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to pursue peace, dialogue, and diplomacy to resolve all outstanding disputes. He also emphasized that Pakistan will continue to advocate for the rights of Kashmiris, Gazans, and Palestinians.