A column published on June 17, 2026, in the Bangladeshi daily Amar Desh argues that allegations of large-scale illegal migration from Bangladesh to India are baseless and politically driven. The writer, Abul Asad, cites historical statements, Indian census data, and official records to claim that the narrative of millions of Bangladeshi infiltrators has been exaggerated by Indian right-wing groups, including the Sangh Parivar and its affiliates such as the BJP and Bajrang Dal. He asserts that these groups use the infiltration narrative to disenfranchise Bengali-speaking Indian Muslims and to create tension between the two countries.

The article references past Indian government data showing limited cross-border movement and repatriation of small numbers of people, contrasting this with inflated figures circulated in Indian political discourse. It also cites demographic studies indicating no abnormal population growth in border districts of West Bengal, arguing that economic and educational factors, not religion, explain population trends.

The writer concludes that the infiltration theory is a continuation of long-standing efforts by Indian extremists to destabilize Bangladesh and that such attempts have repeatedly failed due to the unity and resilience of the Bangladeshi people.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing widespread criticism after a three-and-a-half-month war with Iran ended without Israel’s participation in a US-mediated interim agreement between Washington and Tehran. The deal, reached after months of conflict, left Iran’s government intact and strengthened its control over the Strait of Hormuz, while Israel’s influence appeared diminished. Israeli media described the Iran crisis as Netanyahu’s biggest failure since the October 7 attacks.

The agreement has drawn opposition from both centrist and far-right factions in Israel. Centrist leader Gadi Eisenkot, Netanyahu’s main rival in the upcoming election, called the outcome a reflection of a failed government. Far-right ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich also denounced the deal. Analysts said Netanyahu’s long-standing push for confrontation with Iran has backfired, leaving him politically weakened ahead of elections.

Experts warned that Israel’s ongoing military actions in Lebanon could complicate relations with Washington and hinder future ceasefire efforts. Former diplomats and analysts said Netanyahu’s legacy now faces its toughest test, as he enters elections burdened by the Iran war, Lebanon tensions, and the fallout from the October 7 crisis.

Iran’s leadership is presenting its forthcoming memorandum of understanding with the United States as a product of resistance and victory rather than retreat. The country, emerging from a recent war that caused severe damage and economic pressure, faces internal opposition from hardliners who have long warned against trusting Washington. Despite this, senior officials including President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf have described the deal as transformative and a step toward final victory.

The government argues that the US and Israel failed to achieve their main objectives, such as forcing Iran to surrender or halting its nuclear program. Yet, some Iranian lawmakers have criticized the draft agreement as a potential path to dependency. Economic hardship, sanctions, and inflation have also pushed Tehran toward negotiation. The deal’s details remain undisclosed, with talks set to resume in Switzerland on Friday.

Public reaction is mixed, with some Iranians expressing hope for relief and others doubting the government’s victory narrative. The agreement’s durability may depend on regional stability, particularly Israel’s actions in Lebanon and Washington’s ability to restrain them.

US Vice President JD Vance stated that Iran could benefit from the US-Iran agreement if it adheres to the set conditions. In an interview with Fox News, Vance said Iran must fundamentally transform itself to gain real advantages from the deal. He emphasized that the agreement is straightforward: Iran cannot possess nuclear weapons, the Strait of Hormuz must remain open, and Iran must demonstrate proper conduct to receive various benefits.

Vance further explained that if Iran stops funding terrorism and ceases support for rebuilding its nuclear weapons program, it could gain genuine advantages. However, if it fails to meet these conditions, it will receive nothing. He also noted that regardless of the outcome, the United States stands to benefit from the arrangement.

The remarks were reported by Al Jazeera and highlight Washington’s conditional approach toward Tehran’s compliance under the new agreement framework.

Iran’s parliamentarian Ebrahim Azizi, head of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, has warned that Tehran will deliver a 'strong response' if the memorandum of understanding recently reached between Iran and the United States is violated. The two sides are scheduled to formally sign the agreement on Friday, according to the report.

In a social media post, Azizi stated that Iran’s firmness had forced a strategic shift, claiming that the United States had entered talks on Iran’s terms. He added that Washington must now demonstrate its commitment by halting the war in Lebanon and upholding every clause of the memorandum. Azizi emphasized that the era of imposing unilateral wars on Iranians is over.

The statement underscores Tehran’s insistence on reciprocal compliance and signals potential tension if the agreement’s provisions are not respected.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 begins the trial today of Awami League Presidium member Kamrul Islam and Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon for alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July Revolution. The tribunal, chaired by Justice Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, issued the order on Wednesday. The trial was originally scheduled to start on June 9 but was rescheduled following a prosecution request. Charges were formally framed on April 30.

According to the prosecution, Kamrul and Menon face three charges, including allegations that they conspired to use lethal weapons and impose curfews against unarmed students and civilians while holding senior positions in the Awami League government and the 14-party alliance. The prosecution claims these actions led to the killing of unarmed protesters in areas such as Badda in Dhaka.

The tribunal’s proceedings mark a significant step in addressing alleged crimes linked to the July Revolution, with hearings expected to continue under the current judicial panel.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived in Sylhet on Wednesday morning as part of his first visit to Moulvibazar since assuming office. He traveled from Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on a US-Bangla Airlines flight and landed at Sylhet Osmani International Airport around 10:15 a.m.

Special security measures were implemented in and around the airport to ensure safety during the Prime Minister’s arrival. Members of law enforcement agencies and various administrative bodies were seen on high alert to manage the situation and maintain order.

The visit marks the beginning of Tarique Rahman’s official engagements in Moulvibazar, though details of his schedule or meetings were not disclosed in the report.

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has ordered the High Court to dispose of the rule concerning BNP candidate Sarwar Alamgir’s candidacy for the Chattogram-2 constituency within two weeks. Until the rule is resolved, the gazette notification and oath-taking related to his election victory will remain suspended. The order was issued on Tuesday by a five-member bench led by the Chief Justice.

Sarwar Alamgir’s nomination had initially been rejected by the Election Commission over allegations of loan default. He later filed a writ petition with the High Court, which allowed him to contest the 13th parliamentary election and granted him the BNP’s electoral symbol. Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Muhammad Nurul Amin appealed against that decision, citing the same loan default allegation.

Following the appeal, the Appellate Division had earlier ruled that if Alamgir were declared elected, the result and related procedures would remain suspended until the appeal’s final disposal. The latest order maintains that suspension until the High Court completes its hearing on the rule.

Bangladesh has started preparing the necessary documents to bring back former Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed, who was arrested in Dubai. A formal letter has been sent to Interpol by the National Central Bureau (NCB) of Bangladesh, marking the first official notification regarding the case. The letter stated that legal procedures are being followed to return him within the stipulated time, and that preparations for extradition are underway.

According to police headquarters, Bangladesh aims to complete the process before the deadline. Although there is no prisoner exchange treaty with the United Arab Emirates, officials said repatriation could still be possible based on bilateral relations, though legal complexities may arise. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), police headquarters, and the Ministry of Home Affairs have begun coordinated efforts to facilitate the process.

The ACC confirmed that it has initiated the required procedures under the extradition framework and handed over case documents, court orders, and related materials to the NCB. These will be sent through diplomatic channels via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the UAE as part of Bangladesh’s effort to bring Benazir Ahmed back.

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has postponed until September 1 the hearing of an appeal seeking suspension of the High Court verdict that directed the establishment of an independent and separate secretariat for the Supreme Court within three months. The order was issued on Tuesday by a five-member bench led by Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury after the state sought additional time.

Attorney General Barrister Md Ruhul Quddus Kajol represented the state, while senior lawyers Mohammad Shishir Monir and Ahsanul Karim appeared for the petitioners and appellants respectively. Lawyer Karishma Jahan represented Badiul Alam Majumdar. The case had earlier been listed for hearing before a full and regular bench of the Appellate Division.

The High Court had delivered its verdict on September 2, 2025, declaring Article 116 of the Constitution contradictory and void, and ordering the formation of an independent Supreme Court Secretariat. Before that, the Supreme Court Secretariat (Repeal) Act was enacted on April 10, and Badiul Alam Majumdar appealed to maintain the previous administrative status until the appeal’s resolution.

A Jamaat-e-Islami leader named Asadul Islam, aged 24, was killed in Kalukhali of Rajbari, where his hands and feet were tied before his body was burned. Member of Parliament Nurunnisa Siddika expressed deep concern over what she described as a severe deterioration in the country's law and order situation, citing this killing as evidence. She stated that the government has failed to ensure the safety of people's lives and property anywhere in the country.

The Jamaat-e-Islami women's division condemned the killing and called for justice for the victim’s impoverished family. The group urged the government to provide assistance to ensure a fair investigation and trial. They also offered prayers and support for the bereaved family, seeking divine help for them.

The statement reflects growing concern within opposition circles about public safety and the government’s ability to maintain order, as highlighted by this violent incident in Rajbari.

Jagannath University has formed an investigation committee to examine possible corruption, irregularities, misconduct, or abuse of power in the recruitment of teachers, officers, and employees during the Awami League government from 2009 to 2024. The decision was announced in a circular signed by Acting Registrar Professor Dr. Sheikh Gias Uddin on Tuesday.

According to the circular, the university’s 111th Syndicate meeting appointed retired Senior District and Sessions Judge Md. Saifullah Biswas to lead the investigation. He began his work on Tuesday and is expected to submit a report to the university authorities within three months after reviewing all relevant information and documents. The investigation will be conducted from a designated office on the third floor of the administrative building.

Deputy Registrar Mohammad Monirul Islam has been assigned to provide full administrative support for the investigation, and all university offices, departments, and institutes have been instructed to cooperate in supplying necessary records and information.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said he is feeling 'immense pressure' in carrying out his duties, citing numerous challenges and high public expectations. He made the remarks on Tuesday afternoon in Dhaka during an exchange with journalists, according to the state news agency BSS. Rahman noted that despite seeing happiness among citizens after the election, the responsibilities of leadership remain demanding.

Referring to his father, former President Ziaur Rahman, the Prime Minister recalled a remark about wishing for 48-hour days to accomplish more work. He said he now feels the same, as his schedule leaves little time to rest. Rahman also spoke about his past imprisonment and physical suffering, urging people to abandon a mentality of revenge and focus instead on the nation’s welfare.

He emphasized that the government seeks to ensure media freedom and constructive dialogue. Requesting cooperation from journalists, Rahman said the government cannot succeed alone and needs media support to identify and improve its work.

Ahead of International Yoga Day on June 21, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit West Bengal and attend the main event on Kolkata’s Red Road. Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari and other political figures are also expected to join. Authorities have begun extensive preparations, including a week-long traffic ban on Red Road from June 14 to 21 due to stage construction and security arrangements.

The decision has drawn criticism from sections of the Muslim community, who questioned why Eid prayers were not allowed on Red Road while permission was granted for the Yoga Day event. Several imams and religious leaders publicly voiced objections. Responding to the controversy, BJP leader and state minister Dilip Ghosh defended the restrictions, citing security concerns during the Prime Minister’s visit. He added that the event was planned to minimize public inconvenience.

Ghosh’s remarks turned contentious when he said that those objecting to the decision should go to Bangladesh or Pakistan to offer prayers, asserting that such practices would not continue under the current government.

A banned rally by leaders and activists of the Awami League and its affiliated organizations took place in Sylhet on Tuesday morning, despite restrictions on their activities. The event occurred in front of the Power Development Board (PDB) office on Nawab Road in the Sheikhghat area. Around 40 to 50 participants reportedly joined the rally, identified as followers of fugitive district Awami League general secretary and former district council chairman Nasir Khan. Police later detained four individuals in connection with the incident.

Sylhet Metropolitan Police’s Additional Deputy Commissioner (Media) Manjurul Alam confirmed the arrests, naming the detainees as Ibrahim Mostafa Mahi, Saniad Ahmed, Redwan Ahmed Rabbi, and Ashraful Ahmed Shafi. Witnesses said the group briefly gathered in front of the PDB office, chanting slogans before moving forward. A video circulating on Facebook showed the rally passing by a police vehicle while continuing slogans. The detained individuals have been sent to court, according to police.

Authorities have not provided further details on possible charges or future actions regarding the banned political activities in the area.