Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated that Islam has no place for division, violence, hatred, or social hostility. In a message issued on Thursday ahead of the observance of Ashura on Friday, he emphasized that the holy day reminds Muslims that the core teachings of Islam are founded on peace, justice, compassion, and human welfare. He called on all to strengthen harmony, mutual respect, tolerance, and brotherhood in society and to dedicate themselves to building a just, peaceful, and welfare-oriented community.

Rahman described Ashura, observed on the 10th day of Muharram, as a day of profound significance in Islamic history, symbolizing truth, justice, patience, sacrifice, and moral steadfastness. He recalled the tragedy of Karbala, where Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions embraced martyrdom rather than submit to tyranny and injustice, turning Karbala into an eternal symbol of the struggle for truth and righteousness.

In his message, the Prime Minister paid deep respect to Imam Hussain (RA), his family, and companions, and expressed sympathy to the global Muslim community on this solemn occasion.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was warmly received by Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall in Beijing on Thursday afternoon. The welcome ceremony followed Rahman’s arrival from the state guesthouse Diaoyutai in a motorcade. After exchanging greetings and introductions between delegations, Li Qiang escorted Rahman to the red-carpeted reception stage where both leaders received an armed salute from a ceremonial guard as the national anthems of both countries were played. A gun salute was also fired in honor of the visiting prime minister, followed by an inspection of the parade by the two leaders.

According to Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir, the two prime ministers are scheduled to lead a high-level meeting at the Great Hall to discuss bilateral relations, trade, investment, infrastructure development, and other issues of mutual interest. This marks Rahman’s first official visit to China since assuming office on February 17 after his party’s victory in the thirteenth national election. Before arriving in Beijing, he attended the World Economic Forum in Dalian following a two-day official visit to Malaysia.

The visit underscores the continuation of Bangladesh’s diplomatic engagements in Asia, with emphasis on strengthening economic and strategic cooperation with China.

During the general discussion of the 13th National Parliament’s budget session on Thursday, MP Hummam Quader Chowdhury used an Urdu expression, remarking that he had learned much Urdu while sitting in parliament. His comment came amid broader debates over the proposed 2026–27 fiscal year budget.

National Citizen Party (NCP) member-secretary and Rangpur-4 MP Akhtar Hossain expressed anger over what he described as anarchy in the banking sector. He alleged that former owners of five merged banks looted and laundered money, leading to bankruptcy, yet under the new Bank Resolution Act, they could regain ownership by returning only 7.5 percent of the funds. He questioned the logic of returning banks to those responsible for their collapse.

Akhtar Hossain further claimed that the finance minister returned empty-handed from the IMF due to failure to reform the financial sector. He labeled the proposed budget a “death trap” for the middle class and a blow to small businesses, citing rising debt and loan defaults as major concerns.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Religious Affairs, Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain (Kaykobad), told Parliament that the government does not have precise statistics on how many imams and muezzins are currently employed across the country. Citing a 2020 estimate, he said there were 331,125 mosques, suggesting the number of imams and muezzins could be around 662,250. He made the statement on June 25, 2026, in response to a parliamentary question from Narsingdi-1 MP Khairul Kabir Khokon.

The minister added that under the government’s election pledge to provide monthly honoraria to imams, muezzins, and khadems, 12,810 individuals have so far been included. He also discussed several ongoing projects, including mosque-based education programs, Hindu temple-based education initiatives, and the construction of 564 model mosques and Islamic cultural centers, of which 342 have been completed and 186 are under construction.

He further noted that efforts continue to promote moral education, religious tolerance, and anti-extremism awareness among youth and religious leaders. The minister also reported that 151.1795 acres of illegally occupied Waqf property had been recovered in the past year.

India’s newly appointed High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, presented his credentials to President Md. Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban on June 25, 2026. Upon arrival, he received a guard of honor from the President Guard Regiment. Following the formal ceremony, the High Commissioner held a courtesy meeting with the President.

During the meeting, President Shahabuddin welcomed the new envoy and expressed hope that his tenure would further strengthen and deepen Bangladesh-India relations. He recalled India’s participation in the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh’s new democratic government earlier in the year and emphasized the importance Bangladesh places on its partnership with India based on mutual respect, sovereignty, and people’s welfare. The High Commissioner conveyed greetings from India’s President and leadership and reaffirmed India’s commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation.

Both sides discussed the need for greater people-to-people contact and the resolution of outstanding border issues. The High Commissioner noted recent productive talks between senior officials of the BSF and BGB and expressed optimism that regular meetings would help resolve border matters swiftly.

BNP lawmaker Fazlur Rahman from Kishoreganj-4 said he has no objection to the construction of Hindu temples or statues, emphasizing peaceful coexistence among followers of different religions. Speaking on Thursday during the general discussion of the 13th National Parliament’s budget session, he stated that if the Home Minister deems a temple or statue inappropriate, he may stop it, but personally, Rahman sees no issue. He added that people should be free to worship in their own places, saying he could build a mosque while others build temples without conflict.

Addressing opposition to the construction of an 81-foot Ram temple in Palashbari, Gaibandha, Rahman criticized groups such as Hefazat-e-Islam for organizing processions against the project. He said some people use religion for personal gain and ignore cultural values. Rahman also expressed concern over budget disparities between education and culture, arguing that both sectors are interdependent and essential for building a civilized society.

He urged for a balanced approach in national budgeting to ensure that cultural development complements educational progress.

Opposition lawmaker Salah Uddin from Gazipur-4 alleged in parliament that the withdrawal of Sarwar Alam, a district commissioner with a clean image, from Sylhet was intended to promote corruption. He made the statement on Thursday while participating in the discussion on the proposed national budget.

During his speech, the Jamaat MP claimed that large-scale irregularities were taking place in various government programs, including the school feeding initiative, where he alleged weekly embezzlement of 17 crore taka. He also mentioned corruption in canal excavation projects and said that bribes of 10 to 15 percent were being calculated openly. Turning to the proposed budget, he criticized it as debt-dependent and described it as a “story of Ashar,” arguing that those already burdened with debt would naturally produce such a budget.

Salah Uddin further stated that prices of essential goods and energy had already risen before the budget presentation. He demanded special allocations for his constituency, including a modern cold storage facility, anti-drug and anti-gang operations, and expansion of a highway from Rajendrapur to Tok via Kapasia.

French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Serre-Charlet paid a courtesy call on Opposition Leader and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman MP on Thursday at the opposition leader’s office in the National Parliament building. The meeting was also attended by the French Embassy’s Political Attaché Emilie Palauan.

According to a press release from Jamaat’s central publicity department, the meeting was held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere. Discussions covered the post-election political situation in Bangladesh, the strengthening of democratic and constitutional institutions, human rights, and the enhancement of Bangladesh-France relations, including trade and economic cooperation. Both sides emphasized the importance of good governance and accountability, as well as the need for responsible efforts to curb corruption and uphold the rule of law to attract foreign investment.

The opposition leader praised the long-standing diplomatic relationship between Bangladesh and France and urged continued French cooperation in Bangladesh’s overall development, expressing hope for further strengthening of bilateral friendship in the future.

At a meeting in Switzerland’s Alpine resort of Bürgenstock, US Vice President JD Vance, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani stood together, with Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir nearby. Vance praised Munir’s leadership, crediting him for progress in recent peace efforts. Pakistan has acted as a key mediator between the US and Iran, facilitating informal contacts and hosting talks in Islamabad. The ongoing 60-day dialogue and a peace framework agreed on June 18 are seen as outcomes of these efforts.

Economically, Pakistan’s fragile recovery remains uncertain despite 3.7% GDP growth and rising remittances. Analysts warn that mediation may bring limited economic benefits, such as reduced energy import costs and potential revival of the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline if sanctions ease. Pakistan remains under a $7 billion IMF program, its 25th since the 1950s. Experts note that diplomatic goodwill alone cannot fix structural weaknesses like low tax revenue and weak exports.

Observers say Pakistan’s military has emerged as the main institutional beneficiary of this diplomacy. Analysts caution that real progress will depend on whether economic gains reach marginalized regions like Balochistan, long affected by insurgency and poverty.

Government party lawmaker Dr. Mahabubur Rahman from Mymensingh-7 said in parliament that the Awami League has harmed three generations—school, college, and university students—and that the party’s return to popularity within the next 50 years is highly unlikely. He made the remarks on Thursday during a budget discussion session.

Rahman praised the proposed national budget, calling it exceptional and noting that allocations for education and health have nearly doubled compared to the previous fiscal year. He highlighted reductions in VAT and taxes, lower prices for medical supplies such as heart stents and dialysis, and the introduction of AI in medical education as transformative steps. He also mentioned new initiatives including a nationwide ambulance network and a health card system that would store patient information digitally.

The MP criticized the imposition of taxes on nonprofit private universities, urging the government to exempt trustee board–run institutions. He also commended the prime minister’s leadership and recent international visits as evidence of Bangladesh’s growing stature.

Cumilla-4 Member of Parliament Hasnat Abdullah has called for justice against media outlets that, according to him, created narratives supporting fascism. Speaking during the general discussion on the national budget session of the 13th Parliament on June 25, 2026, he questioned the status of the Anti-Corruption Commission’s case against Bashundhara Group filed during the interim government period. Abdullah noted that certain individuals linked to the group had not entered the country during that time but have since returned after the current government took office.

He demanded transparency regarding whether any under-the-table settlement had occurred and urged that any legal obstacles to action against the group be made public. Abdullah accused Bashundhara Group of money laundering, asset grabbing, and legitimizing enforced disappearances and killings through its media outlets. He also urged the BNP to take a firm stance against those who justified such acts, while welcoming the prime minister’s non-retaliatory approach but emphasizing that avoiding revenge is not the same as ensuring justice.

Gazipur-4 opposition lawmaker Salah Uddin told parliament that mega corruption has begun through the country's mega projects. Speaking during Thursday’s budget discussion, he accused officials of large-scale embezzlement, including Tk 17 crore weekly from the school feeding program and irregularities in canal excavation projects. He also claimed that honest officials were being removed to promote corruption.

Salah Uddin criticized the proposed budget, calling it a debt-dependent and anti-poor plan. He said prices of essential goods, electricity, fuel, and LPG had already risen before the budget presentation. He described the budget as one that burdens small traders through advance taxes and reduces allocations for agriculture, rural development, and anti-corruption efforts. He compared the tax system to colonial exploitation and argued that corruption within the National Board of Revenue was worsening the fiscal situation.

The MP demanded special allocations for his constituency, including a modern cold storage facility, anti-drug and youth gang operations, and expansion of a highway from Rajendrapur to Tok via Kapasia.

A Dhaka court has postponed the charge-framing hearing against former ruler Sheikh Hasina and 33 others in the murder case of truck driver Hossain, setting a new date for July 26. The hearing was delayed as several accused were absent from court. The decision was made by Judge Robiul Alam of Dhaka’s Special Judge Court No. 4, following a request from the prosecution for more time.

The case stems from the killing of truck driver Md. Hossain during the anti-discrimination student movement in Mohammadpur’s Chand Udyan area on July 19, 2024. Hossain was shot dead while returning home from work. His mother, Rina Begum, filed the murder case on August 31, 2024. Police submitted a charge sheet on November 23, 2025, naming Sheikh Hasina and 33 others, including several former ministers and leaders of the banned student organization Chhatra League.

Among the accused, Junaid Ahmed Palak, Sadeq Khan, Furkan Hossain, and Shahjahan Khan have been shown arrested and are currently in jail.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi stated that Bangladesh’s economic and strategic relations with China will deepen further. Speaking at a press conference at the BNP central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka, he said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s ongoing visit to China would play a key role in strengthening these ties. Rizvi noted that China has major investments in Bangladesh’s industrial, infrastructure, and service sectors, with bilateral trade reaching around 18 billion dollars.

He added that world leaders at the World Economic Forum in China praised Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s initiatives, particularly on climate change and renewable energy. Rizvi highlighted Bangladesh’s goal to generate 20 percent of its electricity from solar power by 2030. He described China as a country that does not interfere in other nations’ internal politics and said Bangladesh’s current foreign policy reflects a shift toward multidimensional diplomacy initiated by late President Ziaur Rahman.

Rizvi also discussed domestic economic issues, opposing VAT on small grocery shops and urging measures to protect low-income groups. He criticized the renaming of a Kolkata road previously dedicated to Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, calling it inappropriate.

Cumilla-6 Member of Parliament Monirul Haque Chowdhury has instructed the withdrawal of a case filed against Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s senior Nayeb-e-Amir Mufti Faizul Karim. The case, lodged at Cumilla Sadar Dakshin Model Police Station, accused the religious leader of spreading provocative, defamatory, and hateful remarks on social media about the MP. Monirul Haque issued the directive through a verified Facebook post at noon on Thursday, June 25, 2026.

In his post, the MP stated that he was unaware of the case and felt embarrassed upon learning about it. He said he had asked his party members to contact the complainant and request the case’s withdrawal. The complainant, Jalal Ahmed Khokon Talukdar, a local youth leader, confirmed that he filed the case on June 20 after offensive comments about the MP circulated online but later applied to withdraw it following party advice.

The MP reiterated his commitment to maintaining law, order, and mutual harmony, noting that any parliamentary issues had been addressed through proper procedures.