BNP lawmaker Rafiqul Islam Jamal, representing Jhalakathi-1, called in parliament for banning the political activities of Jamaat-e-Islami without directly naming the party. Speaking during the general discussion on the 2026–27 national budget on Monday, he argued that the group had opposed Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 and therefore should not be allowed to participate in national politics. He compared the proposed ban to restrictions placed on fascist organizations.

Jamal criticized those who use religion for political purposes, referencing controversial campaign remarks made by a Jamaat candidate in his constituency during the last election. He cited the home minister’s earlier statement that having “Islam” in a party’s name does not make it Islamic. According to Jamal, such parties mislead people by exploiting religious sentiments and should be barred from political engagement.

The remarks came amid ongoing parliamentary discussions on the national budget, where members from various parties are presenting their positions on political and social issues.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad Bir Bikram told Nusrat Tabassum, joint convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and a Jamaat alliance candidate, that many have said speaking too much can become a bad habit. He made this remark on Monday during the 13th National Parliament session.

Earlier in the same session, Reza Ahmed, a BNP Member of Parliament from Kushtia-1, demanded the passage of a law to ban all political activities and meetings in mosques and madrasas across the country. He stated that mosques are places of worship where people should pray and read the Quran, not engage in political activities. Ahmed urged the Home Minister to take steps to prohibit such gatherings through legislation.

The discussion reflected ongoing parliamentary debates over the intersection of religion and politics, with members expressing differing views on the appropriate boundaries for political engagement in religious spaces.

Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon has blamed the previous fascist government for the ongoing salary crisis faced by madrasa teachers. He made the remarks on Monday afternoon while addressing the 20th University Day celebration and the Deans and Vice-Chancellor Awards ceremony at Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU). Milon said madrasa teachers have not received their salaries for May and June, and an electronic fund transfer project initiated in 2017 has failed to complete despite escalating costs.

The minister explained that the interim government had recruited 17,000 madrasa teachers without ensuring their inclusion in the automatic fund transfer program, leading to confusion over salary allocations. He noted that more than Tk 500 crore is required monthly for madrasa teachers’ pay. Milon praised Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for prioritizing education in the national budget and emphasized the government’s focus on technical education and modernization of madrasa education.

The event, chaired by NSTU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Golam Rabbani, also honored 49 teachers and students with Deans Awards and three with Vice-Chancellor Awards.

Three previously sealed cauldrons at the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (R.) in Sylhet were reopened, and the administration began counting donations collected over the past five days. The activities took place on Monday under the supervision of outgoing Deputy Commissioner Sarwar Alam, who visited the shrine after performing prayers.

Earlier, the administration had sealed the cauldrons and installed new donation boxes as part of a transparency initiative in managing shrine funds. The Ministry of Public Administration recently issued an order withdrawing Sarwar Alam from his post as Sylhet Deputy Commissioner and reassigning him as a Deputy Secretary. The decision followed public debate over his efforts to reform donation management at the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (R.) and Hazrat Shahporan (R.).

Following his removal, protests erupted in Sylhet demanding the withdrawal of the order. Demonstrators blocked roads, held rallies, and staged sit-ins at the DC office, warning of tougher actions if their demands were not met.

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board has announced plans for a nationwide protest in India following concerns over the demolition of mosques and madrasas. The decision was made during the board’s executive meeting on June 22, 2026, which discussed the protection of Muslim rights, religious freedom, and recent policy actions in several states. The board alleged that incidents of mob violence, demolition drives, and restrictions on religious practices have increased in some BJP-ruled states, threatening social harmony and democratic values.

The board also expressed dissatisfaction with a recent High Court ruling in the Kamal Maula Mosque–Bhojshala case in Madhya Pradesh, claiming it contradicts historical and official records. It pledged legal support to the mosque committee in the ongoing Supreme Court case. The board criticized moves to make singing “Vande Mataram” mandatory in schools and madrasas, arguing that it violates constitutional religious freedom, while welcoming the Calcutta High Court’s interim stay on the directive.

Reaffirming its opposition to the Uniform Civil Code, the board said such measures undermine India’s pluralistic structure. It decided to form a special committee to coordinate the nationwide movement for protecting Muslim rights and religious institutions.

Ruling party lawmaker Reza Ahmed from Kushtia-1 constituency has called for legislation to prohibit political activities in mosques and madrasas. He made the demand on Monday while participating in the general discussion on the proposed national budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year.

During his speech, Ahmed stated that mosques are places of worship and should not be used for political purposes. He urged the Home Minister to pass a law ensuring that no political meetings are held in mosques or madrasas. He emphasized that political parties, including the opposition, should hold their meetings in open fields, schools, or halls instead of religious institutions.

Ahmed also noted that while ruling and opposition parties conduct political gatherings in public venues, similar activities should not be allowed in mosques. His remarks reflected a call for maintaining the sanctity of religious spaces and separating them from partisan politics.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced his resignation, stating that a new prime minister will take office after the summer recess. He has instructed the ruling Labour Party to begin the process of selecting his successor. According to a BBC report, several senior Labour figures are being discussed as potential candidates, with Andy Burnham emerging as the strongest contender.

Burnham, currently serving as Mayor of Greater Manchester for nearly a decade, is widely regarded as a popular leader within the party and among voters. He recently won a parliamentary seat, strengthening his national political standing. Other names in discussion include former Health Minister Wes Streeting, former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, former Energy Minister Ed Miliband, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, and Defence Minister Al Carns.

The leadership race is expected to determine the future direction of the Labour Party, with attention now focused on which candidate secures the most support once the selection process begins.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s student wing, Chhatra Dal, organized a protest rally at Shahbagh in Dhaka on Monday, June 22, 2026, opposing what it described as anarchic activities by the banned organization Chhatra League. The demonstration, led by Chhatra Dal central vice president Kazi Zia Uddin Basit, began in front of the National Museum and circled the TSC area before returning to the starting point.

During the rally, participants chanted slogans calling for the dismantling of Awami League strongholds. After the march, Basit stated that in Bangladesh’s history, no precedent exists where a fallen regime’s associates fled the country, adding that the people would not accept Sheikh Hasina’s return to politics. He reaffirmed that Chhatra Dal would continue its struggle for citizens’ rights.

Leaders and activists from various universities and colleges affiliated with the nationalist student organization joined the protest, according to the report.

Sylhet Deputy Commissioner (DC) Md. Sarwar Alam left the district on Monday night, a day after the Ministry of Public Administration issued an order withdrawing him from his post. Until a new DC is appointed, Additional District Magistrate Pinky Saha will serve as acting deputy commissioner, confirmed Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Saeeda Parveen.

The withdrawal order came amid controversy over the sealing of donation boxes and cauldrons at the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (R). The ministry’s directive reassigned Sarwar Alam as a deputy secretary at the ministry but did not specify the reason for his removal. Following the order, the district administration on Monday conducted a public counting of donations from three cauldrons and one box, collecting Tk 17,65,559 in cash and seven annas of gold, which will be deposited in a newly opened Sonali Bank account under the shrine’s name.

The administration’s earlier decision to seal the cauldrons and install its own donation box had sparked discontent among shrine-related individuals, who criticized the move as interference in internal affairs. The withdrawal of the DC has since become a widely discussed issue in Sylhet.

During Monday’s budget session of the Bangladesh Parliament, opposition lawmaker Saiful Alam Khan Milon raised concerns over the frequent absence of ministers during the ongoing budget discussions. Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed acknowledged the issue and called for greater ministerial attendance, noting that the finance minister was present. Chief Whip Nurul Islam later explained that many ministers were occupied with state duties but agreed that they should attend parliamentary sessions more regularly.

The debate also saw a response from State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku, who pointed out that the opposition leader and deputy leader were also absent. The Speaker, however, emphasized that ministers’ presence was more crucial for addressing issues raised in the House. The session began slightly late, with limited attendance from both government and opposition benches, though opposition members initially outnumbered those from the ruling party.

Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tareq Rahman, along with several ministers, were reported to be on an official visit to Malaysia, contributing to the reduced ministerial presence during the session.

Citizens in Sylhet staged demonstrations, human chains, and sit-ins on Monday demanding the reinstatement of District Commissioner (DC) Md. Sarwar Alam. The protests took place around the DC office and nearby areas following the government’s decision to withdraw him from his post and appoint him as a deputy secretary at the Ministry of Public Administration. The order, issued on Sunday, came only ten months after his appointment.

Sixty-seven local citizens issued a statement condemning the district administration’s actions regarding the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (R.), accusing it of damaging heritage. Several Islamic groups also expressed anger, alleging that the DC’s removal followed his efforts to seal donation boxes and curb drug activities around the shrine. Protesters claimed that Sarwar Alam had been vocal against corruption and irregularities and that vested interests orchestrated his transfer.

Speakers at the demonstrations urged the government to reconsider the decision, arguing that removing a popular and reform-minded official without investigation undermines public trust and development efforts in Sylhet.

An unusual scene unfolded at Bangladesh’s National Parliament on Monday, June 22, 2026, when Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiquur Rahman distributed 10-kilogram gift packages to everyone in the Parliament Secretariat. The gifts, containing premium seasonal mangoes, were delivered to all—from the Speaker, ministers, and MPs to office assistants, cleaners, lift operators, and drivers—creating a festive atmosphere across the complex.

Officials from the opposition leader’s office said the initiative aimed to ensure equal distribution, breaking the norm where only VIPs usually receive such gestures. A staff member expressed gratitude, saying it was an honor to be remembered by the opposition leader. Several ruling party MPs also welcomed the move, describing it as a rare display of courtesy in Bangladesh’s often polarized political environment.

Parliament officials noted that since assuming office, Dr. Rahman has introduced several unconventional and humane initiatives. They viewed this gift distribution not merely as a material exchange but as a symbolic message of inclusivity and respect for all levels of workers within the parliamentary system.

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Huq emphasized the need to enhance social awareness alongside laws and policies to ensure the protection, dignity, and rights of elderly citizens. He made the remarks on Monday at a consultation meeting held at the YWCA auditorium in Mohammadpur, Dhaka, marking the International Day for the Prevention of Elder Abuse. The event was organized by the Resource Integration Centre (RIC).

The minister said that elderly people often become more vulnerable than children due to age-related challenges, and their welfare requires responsible roles from families and society in addition to the state. He noted that neglect and abuse of the elderly cannot be prevented solely through law enforcement, highlighting the importance of developing social and moral values.

He added that the government has taken several initiatives for the welfare of senior citizens, including free railway travel for those aged 65 and above, a 25 percent fare discount on metro rail, and an increase in the allowance for citizens aged 90 and above to 1,000 taka.

A protest and rally were held at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) in Mymensingh on Monday condemning the attack on Dr. Shahadat Hossain Parvez, organizational secretary of the Veterinary Doctors Association of Bangladesh. The event took place near the administrative building under the banner of nationalist agriculturists and professionals. Participants demanded justice for the June 4 assault that occurred at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) premises.

The protest was chaired by BAU Registrar Dr. Md. Helal Uddin and conducted by former ABAB organizational secretary Dr. Sadekuzzaman. Former leaders of the central and Mymensingh units of the Agriculture Association of Bangladesh, university officials, and agriculturists attended. Speakers strongly condemned the attack, urging authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible. They also called for ensuring professional safety and freedom of expression, warning of larger movements if justice is delayed.

In his remarks, Dr. Helal Uddin described the attack as brutal and unacceptable, emphasizing that violence has no place in professional or political differences and demanding a fair investigation and exemplary punishment for the perpetrators.

Leaders and activists of the Jubo Dal organized a motorcycle rally in Tongi, Gazipur, on Monday afternoon to counter what they described as unrest, sabotage, and disorder by the banned Awami League group. The rally, led by Tongi West Thana Jubo Dal president Sheikh Mohammad Suman and general secretary Azizur Rahman Tipu, moved through key roads including Millgate, Station Road, Cherag Ali, College Gate, Hossain Market, Ershadnagar, Gazipura, and Khapara before concluding with a brief gathering at Tongi Government College Gate.

During the event, Jubo Dal leaders stated that the banned group was attempting to disrupt the country’s peaceful environment and that they would not allow control of Tongi’s streets to fall into their hands. They emphasized that Jubo Dal members were alert at every intersection and ready to prevent any acts of sabotage or disorder.

The demonstration reflected Jubo Dal’s intent to maintain control over local streets and resist activities they consider destabilizing in the Tongi area.