Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker Mohammad Nazibur Rahman from Pabna-1 constituency has criticized the limited role of parliament in the passage of Bangladesh’s proposed 2026–27 national budget. Speaking during the general discussion in the Jatiya Sangsad on Wednesday, he said that lawmakers neither prepare nor properly review the budget, acting merely as a “rubber stamp.” He urged reforms to ensure parliamentary committees can scrutinize the budget before approval.

Rahman compared Bangladesh’s process with practices in countries like the United Kingdom, where finance bills are reviewed by standing committees before being presented to parliament. He argued that in Bangladesh, bureaucrats dominate budget formulation while lawmakers’ participation is confined to brief speeches. He described the proposed budget as conventional, deficit-heavy, and overly dependent on loans, calling it anti-people and inflationary.

The MP also criticized the tax system for burdening the middle class and expanding VAT on essential goods. He proposed stronger zakat-based poverty alleviation programs under religious scholars’ supervision and warned against what he termed fascist demands to ban Jamaat-e-Islami or restrict mosque-based politics.

Palestinian-American candidate Abar Kawas won the Democratic primary for the New York State Senate in Queens on Tuesday, campaigning on halting what she called funding for Israel’s actions in Gaza and promoting democratic socialism. Supported by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Kawas became the first Palestinian Muslim woman elected in New York State. Born and raised in New York to Palestinian parents, she emphasized immigration reform and tackling the state’s rising cost of living during her campaign.

Her victory followed Mamdani’s three consecutive primary wins, part of his effort to transform the Democratic Party into a democratic socialist force. Kawas co-founded the “Not On Our Dime!” campaign with Mamdani, which seeks to stop New York-registered organizations from sending funds to Israel. The campaign claims that New York subsidizes Israeli settlement expansion and state violence against Palestinians, calling to end state funding for Israeli war crimes.

A related bill proposes amending nonprofit laws to prevent unauthorized support for Israeli settlements. If enacted, it could halt about $60 million annually flowing from New York charities to Israeli settlements and impose fines of at least $1 million on violators.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Fakir Mahbub Anam, informed parliament that the government is considering including actions against rumor and propaganda spreaders under the Cyber Security Act. Responding to a parliamentary question on June 24, 2026, he said the government has taken legal, technical, and institutional measures to curb fake identities and misleading content on social media platforms.

The minister stated that the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) regularly communicates with platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to remove harmful or false content. Efforts are underway to strengthen law enforcement agencies’ technical capacity to identify fake accounts and investigate cybercrimes. He added that the government continues to improve legal frameworks, enhance technical capacity, and promote public awareness to ensure a safe and responsible digital environment.

Anam also mentioned that BTRC issues directives to block or remove objectionable content upon requests from relevant authorities. Additionally, he noted that facial recognition-based SIM registration verification has been launched on a trial basis to enhance mobile security.

Questions have intensified following the death of Nurul Alam in Chattogram Central Jail a day after his arrest, as conflicting claims have emerged about his political affiliation. Police described him as the joint convener of the banned Dhemsha Union Jubo League when presenting him to court, while his family has firmly rejected that description. The police forwarding report also identified him as a suspect in a 2024 case under the Explosives Act linked to the July–August student and public protests.

Nurul Alam’s elder brother, Nur Mohammad, stated that his brother had never been involved with the Jubo League and was known instead as a supporter of the BNP. He alleged that a local land dispute led to Nurul’s arrest and described his death in custody as suspicious. Local political circles have also expressed mixed views, with some claiming he was connected to the Awami League’s affiliate organization and others saying he had recently associated with BNP supporters.

The conflicting claims about Nurul Alam’s political identity and the circumstances of his death have made the case more complex, with answers now depending on the outcome of the ongoing investigation.

Md. Matiur Rahman Mati, chairman of Achmita Union Parishad in Katiadi upazila of Kishoreganj, announced his resignation from all positions and primary membership of the Awami League. He made the announcement on Wednesday afternoon during a press conference at the Katiadi Model Press Club, stating that the decision was voluntary and based on personal and political considerations.

Matiur Rahman Mati had long been involved in Awami League politics and served as vice president of the Achmita Union Awami League. His resignation has sparked wide discussion in the local political arena. In his written statement, he said he intends to work for the welfare of all residents of the union beyond party affiliation.

Local political observers noted that such a move by a long-time party member and elected chairman has generated new debate in the area. However, Matiur Rahman did not clarify whether he plans to join any other political party in the future.

The Sadar Upazila unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) organized a protest march and rally in Gopalganj on Wednesday morning, June 24, 2026, to protest against drugs, terrorism, and anarchy. The procession began at 11 a.m. in front of the Sadar Upazila BNP office in the Panchuria area and was led by Sadar Upazila BNP president Sikdar Shahidul Islam Lelin. The march passed through various city streets and concluded in front of the Deputy Commissioner's office, where a brief rally was held.

District BNP convener and Zila Parishad administrator Sharif Rafiquzzaman, district BNP member secretary Advocate Kazi Abul Khayer, BNP leaders Advocate Toufiqul Islam and Ziaul Kabir Biplob, Sadar Upazila BNP general secretary Fazlul Kabir Dara, and district Jubo Dal president Riaz Uddin Lipton addressed the gathering. Leaders and activists from BNP and its affiliated organizations were present at the event.

Speakers urged building social resistance against drugs, terrorism, and anarchy and called for effective measures to improve the law and order situation.

Police in Kaliganj, Jhenaidah, arrested eight leaders and activists of the banned Awami League and its affiliated organizations under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The arrests took place late Tuesday night during operations across several areas of the upazila. On Wednesday afternoon, the detainees were sent to jail through the court following their formal arrest in the case.

According to police sources, the operation was launched after receiving information that former Kaliganj mayor and district Awami League labor affairs secretary Mostafizur Rahman Biju was hosting the party’s founding anniversary event at his residence. Biju reportedly fled the scene as police arrived, while some attendees allegedly engaged in arguments with officers and obstructed their duties. Sub-inspector Moniruzzaman filed the case, naming 11 individuals including Biju and listing 20 to 30 unidentified others as accused.

Police stated that raids were conducted immediately after the case was filed, resulting in the arrest of eight suspects. The court ordered their imprisonment, and efforts to apprehend the remaining accused continue.

A heated debate erupted in the Bangladesh Parliament over the interpretation of a Quranic verse, leading to a sharp exchange between ruling and opposition lawmakers. The discussion began when Cox’s Bazar-2 MP Alhaj Alamgir Muhammad Mahfuz Ullah Farid cited verse 7 from Surah Ibrahim, interpreting it as a call for gratitude toward the national budget, allocations, and the Prime Minister. He argued that opposition members should show gratitude instead of protesting while seeking budget allocations.

In response, Pabna-1 MP Mohammad Nazibur Rahman of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami criticized the interpretation, saying it distorted the meaning of the verse. He questioned whether failing to praise the government would lead to punishment, calling the explanation a serious misrepresentation of the Quran. Home Minister Asaduddin Ahmed and Jamaat’s senior Nayeb-e-Ameer Professor Mujibur Rahman also spoke on the issue, reflecting the depth of disagreement within the session.

The exchange highlighted rising tensions in parliamentary discourse, with religious references becoming a point of contention between political factions.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said he secretly helped smuggle thousands of Starlink receivers into Iran to maintain internet access during anti-government protests. He made the statement on Tuesday at the annual policy conference organized by the Jewish News Syndicate (JNS) in Jerusalem. According to Bennett, the plan aimed to assist protesters as Iran’s authorities often cut internet connections during demonstrations.

Bennett explained that the initiative sought to ensure communication among demonstrators even when the government shut down the internet, enabling them to coordinate actions against the regime. He alleged that the program was halted after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government took office, which prevented the establishment of necessary infrastructure for later protests.

Reports indicate that the protests in Iran, which began late last year and intensified in January, resulted in numerous deaths. However, Bennett’s claim about smuggling Starlink receivers into Iran could not be independently verified.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has alleged that a certain group is attempting to destabilize the country. Speaking to the media on Wednesday at the BNP central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka, he said the government will counter such efforts with the support of the people. Rizvi also stated that those accusing others of new fascism are themselves exhibiting fascist tendencies through their actions.

He added that the judicial process concerning the July massacre is progressing at its own pace and that the government is committed to completing the trial. Referring to the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit to China, Rizvi highlighted the BNP’s historical ties with China and expressed optimism that the visit would help reduce the investment gap. He said the Prime Minister would make timely decisions prioritizing national interests in investment matters.

The remarks came amid ongoing political discussions on governance, justice, and foreign investment priorities, as reported from the BNP headquarters.

New York City council member Zohran Mamdani achieved notable success in the Democratic Party’s primary elections held on Tuesday, as all three candidates he endorsed secured victories. Among them, Daryaliza Avila Chevalier won in the 13th congressional district, Claire Valdez triumphed in the 7th, and Brad Lander defeated incumbent Dan Goldman in the 10th district. Analysts said the results signal possible shifts within the Democratic Party and the rise of a new political current ahead of the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential race.

Mamdani joined the winners in celebration, emphasizing the need for new ideas and alternative leadership in the current political climate. The Israel–Palestine issue also influenced the primaries, with several candidates criticizing U.S. policy toward Israel. Brad Lander called for a clearer Democratic stance on the matter. However, not all progressive contenders succeeded, as mainstream-backed Micah Lasher won in New York’s 12th district, and a centrist candidate led in Utah.

The primaries also stirred debate within the Republican Party, where questions arose about Donald Trump’s influence after several of his endorsed candidates failed to secure nominations.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tareq Rahman met with Kazakhstan Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum’s Summer Davos in China on Wednesday morning. The meeting took place at 10:15 a.m. local time, where both leaders discussed ways to deepen bilateral relations and agreed to establish permanent diplomatic missions in Dhaka and Astana.

During the discussion, the two prime ministers emphasized the importance of regular meetings to enhance political, business, and people-to-people connections. Prime Minister Bektenov expressed optimism about expanding trade and investment engagement between the two countries. The meeting also covered potential cooperation in skilled labor exchange, renewable energy, digital infrastructure, technology, agribusiness, and food processing.

Bektenov sought Bangladesh’s support for Kazakhstan’s proposal to establish a specialized United Nations agency on water diplomacy, which Rahman confirmed Bangladesh supports. Bangladesh’s foreign minister, foreign affairs adviser, and additional press secretary were present at the meeting.

A new survey by think tank More in Common, shared with The Guardian, shows that three out of every five Britons aged 18 to 28 would vote to rejoin the European Union if given the chance. The poll of 440 young people found that 60 percent support returning to the EU, while only 9 percent prefer staying outside. Among those likely to vote in a potential second referendum, support for rejoining rises to 81 percent. The survey also reveals that half of Generation Z respondents believe Brexit has failed, with only 16 percent calling it a success.

More in Common’s executive director Luke Tryl said Brexit was a formative political event for many young Britons who were too young to vote in 2016 but remember the campaigns and debates vividly. He noted that while most young people see Brexit as a failure, many blame political mismanagement rather than the idea itself. The survey indicates that young Britons’ main concerns now include living costs, affordable housing, jobs, and climate change.

Analysts cited in the report suggest that demographic changes since 2016, including the replacement of older pro-Brexit voters with younger pro-EU ones, may have reduced the Brexit majority.

A case has been filed in Ramganj upazila of Lakshmipur against 179 individuals, including former Awami League lawmaker Anwar Hossain Khan, for allegedly creating unrest and assaulting people while chanting anti-government slogans. The case was lodged by Robiul Hasan Rabbi, assistant organizational secretary of the Bholaikot Union unit of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, naming 29 individuals and 150 unidentified persons. Police confirmed the case on Tuesday night and said one suspect had been detained, though their identity was not disclosed.

According to the case statement, on June 16 the accused gathered near Farid Ahmed Bhuiyan Academy in Bholaikot Union after connecting through a video group call. They allegedly shouted slogans and attacked Rabbi and witnesses when confronted. The incident followed the discovery of a student’s body at the same institution earlier that day, which had already sparked local unrest.

Police said no named suspects had yet been arrested, while one person was detained for questioning. The case remains under investigation.

Bangladesh’s newly elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has undertaken official visits to Malaysia and China, signaling a revival of the country’s long-standing Look East foreign policy. The visits are described as a modern reflection of the strategy first introduced by late President Ziaur Rahman, aimed at diversifying Bangladesh’s diplomatic and economic engagements beyond single-country dependence. The trips are portrayed as a turning point in national priorities, emphasizing strategic autonomy and balanced international relations.

The article traces the origins of the Look East policy to the late 1970s, when President Ziaur Rahman expanded ties with China, Japan, and Southeast Asian nations to strengthen Bangladesh’s sovereignty, trade, and labor markets. It notes that subsequent governments, particularly under Khaleda Zia, institutionalized this approach. The piece contrasts this legacy with recent years of India-centric diplomacy, which it says generated domestic and international criticism over perceived strategic imbalance.

According to the analysis, the current outreach to Malaysia and China focuses on economic diplomacy, labor cooperation, semiconductor and AI collaboration, and major infrastructure projects. The author concludes that reviving the Look East policy is essential for Bangladesh’s sustainable growth, strategic balance, and global standing.