Bangladesh and Turkey have agreed to establish a joint ministerial committee to strengthen defense and strategic political cooperation. The understanding was reached during a courtesy meeting between Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon on Saturday, according to statements from the Foreign Ministry and the Prime Minister’s Press Wing. Both countries also agreed to hold annual foreign office consultations and a 2+2 dialogue involving their foreign and defense ministers to deepen strategic ties.

The meeting covered issues including the Rohingya crisis, climate change, trade and investment, joint production, and regional and international matters of mutual interest. Fidan conveyed greetings from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and described his visit as the first step toward elevating bilateral relations to a strategic level. Prime Minister Rahman thanked Turkey for its continued support, particularly for backing Bangladesh’s candidate for the presidency of the 81st UN General Assembly.

Before leaving Dhaka, Fidan reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to strengthening ties with Bangladesh and praised the country’s efforts in hosting over one million Rohingya refugees. His three-day official visit included meetings with government and opposition leaders and a field visit to refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar.

The war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran has reached its 100th day, but remains deeply unpopular among Americans. The conflict has become a political liability for President Donald Trump and his Republican Party, as public opinion surveys continue to show widespread opposition to the war. Many U.S. voters view the campaign as unnecessary and harmful to national interests.

A poll conducted by the University of Maryland’s Department of Peace and Development, led by Professor Shibley Telhami, found that only 16 percent of American voters believe the United States has won or is winning the war. The survey also revealed that 33 percent of Republicans and a majority of voters overall think the conflict has had more negative than positive effects on U.S. interests. Telhami described the findings as “remarkable,” noting that even Republicans increasingly see the war as damaging.

Experts cited in the report suggest that the lack of public support could politically weaken Trump ahead of the November midterm elections, where Democrats hope to regain control of Congress.

Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will make his first official foreign visit to Malaysia on June 21–22, 2026, at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The trip, followed by a visit to China from June 23–26, is being viewed as a reflection of the new government’s balanced geopolitical outlook. The main agenda for the Malaysia visit includes reopening the long-stalled labor market, expanding trade and investment, and enhancing cooperation in education.

Analysts see the choice of Malaysia as a strategic move to maintain diplomatic equilibrium amid regional competition between India and China. By selecting a neutral and friendly Muslim-majority nation as his first destination, Rahman’s government signals its focus on national economic interests and people’s welfare over geopolitical alignments. The visit also carries symbolic importance for strengthening ties with ASEAN and the Muslim world.

If successful, the visit could help revive Malaysia’s labor market for Bangladeshi workers, boosting remittance inflows and stabilizing Bangladesh’s economy. It may also advance ongoing negotiations for a free trade agreement aimed at expanding Bangladesh’s export access to Southeast Asian markets.

The second session of Bangladesh’s 13th Jatiya Sangsad begins today, Sunday, marking the first budget session of the current government. The session starts at 3 p.m., with the 2026–27 fiscal year budget scheduled for presentation on June 11. Opposition parties, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and the 11-party alliance, are preparing to raise key issues such as electricity and fuel price hikes, law and order, and controversial appointments in Islamic Bank during the session.

The 11-party alliance, led by Jamaat-e-Islami, is also resuming its divisional rallies after the Eid-ul-Azha holidays, demanding implementation of the July Charter and referendum verdict. The alliance has announced a series of rallies across major cities through July, alongside meetings with professionals to build public support. Several opposition parties have already held protests in Dhaka against recent energy price increases.

Government sources indicate that a 17-member special committee on constitutional amendment may be formed during this session. However, opposition parties have yet to submit their nominees, raising questions about the committee’s composition if formed without them.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Jeff Bartos has threatened to cut funding to the UN, accusing the organization of harboring anti-Israel bias. In a post on social media platform X, Bartos said Washington is pursuing reforms to address what he described as an 'unreasonable prejudice' against the United States and its ally Israel. He highlighted previous reform measures, including the elimination of 3,000 bureaucratic positions and a $570 million reduction from the current year’s budget.

Bartos credited former President Donald Trump’s leadership for enabling these reforms, which he said were once thought impossible. He emphasized that the US will continue its reform process across the UN system and dismantle structures that, in his view, support bias against the US and Israel.

The statement underscores Washington’s ongoing pressure on the UN to align its operations with US and Israeli interests, signaling potential financial consequences if perceived bias persists.

Police in Siddhirganj, Narayanganj, arrested five activists of the Awami League and Jubo League during a special operation conducted from late Friday night to Saturday, June 6. The arrests followed a rally reportedly organized by members of the banned Jubo League on the Shimrail-Demra road earlier on Friday afternoon.

According to police, the detainees are Jibon (34), Md. Alam (30), Md. Sohel (44), Ainal Mia (45), and Jahangir Alam Bidyut (35). Among them, Jibon is a worker of Ward No. 7 Jubo League, Ainal Mia is the joint general secretary of Ward No. 8 Jubo League, and Jahangir Alam Bidyut is a member of the same ward unit. Md. Alam and Md. Sohel are identified as active Awami League workers. Police stated that the arrested individuals face multiple cases, including those related to anti-discrimination movements.

Siddhirganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Emdadul Haque said the operation was launched after gathering information about the rally, and the detainees have been sent to court.

The Pentagon’s Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) has reportedly elevated its assessment of Israeli espionage against the United States from “high” to “critical,” according to reports by NBC News and The New York Times. The change, made in recent weeks, was attributed to concerns over increasingly aggressive Israeli intelligence activities linked to the ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran. Anonymous sources cited by both outlets said the DIA acted amid fears that Israel is attempting to monitor senior US officials to gain insight into internal White House discussions about ending the conflict.

The reports noted that US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have diverged publicly on the war’s direction, with Trump seeking to conclude it and Netanyahu urging its continuation despite an April 8 ceasefire. The New York Times said Israeli espionage activity intensified from late 2024, continuing into 2025 as Trump returned to office. Alleged incidents include attempts to surveil Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and Pentagon officials Elbridge Colby and Michael DiMino IV.

While a Defense Department spokesperson reportedly denied the claims as “false,” the reports have raised questions about the depth of intelligence cooperation between the two allies, particularly as Congress debates deeper defense integration.

A violent clash broke out in Noakhali Sadar upazila on Saturday evening between activists of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) and supporters of the Awami League and its affiliated groups. The incident occurred in West Shullukia village of Kaladarap Union, where a JCD motorcycle was set on fire and at least six people, including a city labor leader named Hridoy, were injured. Law enforcement personnel were deployed in large numbers following the confrontation.

According to police and local sources, the conflict followed a banned Chhatra League rally held the previous day in Noannoi Union. In response, the JCD organized a protest led by district president NBS Russell, while Islami Chhatra Shibir also held a separate demonstration. Tensions escalated when JCD activists, returning from their program, encountered supporters of Kaladarap Union chairman Shahadat Hossain Selim near his residence. A dispute broke out, and an announcement over a mosque loudspeaker alleging an attack on the chairman prompted Awami League supporters to gather, leading to stone-throwing and arson.

Police and Rapid Action Battalion members were present at the scene, and authorities said further details would be provided later.

The European Union has imposed new sanctions on four organizations and three individuals linked to violence and illegal settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank. Among those targeted are the far-right group Regavim, co-founded by Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and the Amana Cooperative Association, which provides logistical and financial support for settlements. Regavim described the sanctions as a “badge of honor,” while Daniella Weiss, leader of the Nachala movement, dismissed them as “ridiculous.”

The EU’s move follows similar measures by the United Kingdom, Canada, and other Western nations against senior Israeli officials, including Smotrich, for allegedly inciting and supporting violence in the occupied territories. Analysts note that these sanctions highlight direct backing from Israel’s top leadership for settlement projects on Palestinian land.

Observers suggest that the defiant reactions from sanctioned individuals and groups indicate the EU’s measures are unlikely to curb settlement expansion or violence. Instead, the sanctions may inadvertently boost the domestic standing of extremist leaders within Israel’s political landscape.

National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam has strongly criticized recent remarks by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed regarding border killings, calling them offensive and insulting. In a statement sent to the media on June 6, he said the minister’s comments about killings by Indian forces at the border were shameful for the nation. Nahid Islam demanded that the minister immediately withdraw his statement.

He noted that three days had passed without any clarification or withdrawal from Salahuddin Ahmed, nor any condemnation from the government, implying that the minister’s position might reflect the government’s official stance. According to Nahid Islam, the home minister attempted to narrow the definition of “border killing” by arguing that deaths occurring outside the zero line should not be considered as such. Nahid Islam countered that international law, including the Geneva Conventions and UN human rights principles, strictly prohibits unlawful or excessive use of lethal force against civilians.

He further recalled that a similar controversy arose in 2020 when then–foreign minister A.K. Abdul Momen made comparable remarks, which also drew criticism. Nahid Islam warned that such conciliatory positions toward India raise serious concerns and urged immediate retraction of the statement.

Dhaka-12 Member of Parliament Saiful Alam Khan Milon stated that the Islamic Bank was established by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, while accusing the current Awami League government of widespread corruption in the banking sector. Speaking at an Eid reunion event in Tejgaon Industrial Area Colony Market on Saturday night, he said the government had failed to ensure good governance and that a public uprising had occurred due to economic mismanagement and exploitation.

Milon recalled the sacrifices of those killed and injured in the July uprising, saying their contributions would never be forgotten. He also demanded full independence for the judiciary. The MP alleged that a person with corruption allegations and a record of family loan defaults had been appointed chairman of Islamic Bank, and that many of the bank’s ATMs were currently short of cash, causing customer hardship.

He assured that Jamaat-e-Islami would continue to stand by the people regardless of government cooperation.

Social Welfare Minister Professor Dr. A Z M Zahid Hossain announced a zero-tolerance policy against violence against women and child marriage. He made the statement on Saturday at a seminar held at the Police Convention Hall in Eskaton, Dhaka, where he served as the chief guest. The minister said the government is working for the development of marginalized communities and emphasized education, caregiving, and language training programs.

During the event, Rotary Club of Gulshan Avenue donated an advanced scientific blood storage refrigerator and other medical supplies to DDC Sandhani. The minister said the initiative would strengthen safe blood storage and supply systems across the country, benefiting patients with thalassemia, dengue, and those requiring emergency surgery. He also highlighted the role of journalists and media in raising public awareness.

Hossain added that the government is partnering with private organizations and volunteers to improve the health sector. He welcomed Rotary’s humanitarian initiative and called for collective efforts to eliminate social injustices, drug addiction, gambling, and violence against women and children.

Md. Tariqul Islam Tarik, Central Joint General Secretary of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, announced his intention to remain dedicated to politics rather than seeking employment. In an emotional Facebook post on Saturday, he addressed the party’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, expressing sentiments he could not convey in person.

Tarik wrote that despite facing political adversity, legal cases, and fear of arrest, he continued his studies and achieved top results in both honors and master’s programs. He stated that although he could have pursued a teaching career, his commitment to helping others and loyalty to Chhatra Dal motivated him to stay in politics. He also mentioned enduring physical and mental abuse, including carrying bullet and splinter marks on his body.

Highlighting his efforts to support students from diverse backgrounds and promote a positive image of the organization, Tarik said working with senior party leadership was a major achievement. He affirmed his readiness to serve the party with honesty and dedication and pledged lifelong allegiance if given the opportunity.

Hundreds of young Indians gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi for the first protest organized by the ‘Cockroach Janata Party’ (CJP), a youth movement that began as online satire. The demonstrators demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The protest was led by 30-year-old Abhijit Dipke, who launched the ‘cockroach movement’ on social media after a viral post responding to a controversial remark by India’s Chief Justice comparing youth to cockroaches.

The movement has grown rapidly online, gaining millions of followers. Protesters voiced anger over repeated exam paper leaks, irregularities in assessments, and lack of political accountability in India’s education system. Participants said the issue has moved beyond humor to a serious demand for reform. Dipke also alleged that fear of expressing dissent has spread among citizens, noting that many parents worry their children could be arrested for criticizing the government.

Despite the heat, the protest drew a large turnout, with participants wearing cockroach masks and carrying symbolic items. Political observers are now debating how much influence this Gen Z-driven movement might have on India’s broader political landscape.

Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni announced that the national budget will be presented in Parliament on June 11 and the supplementary budget will be passed on June 15. He shared the schedule with reporters after a parliamentary party meeting on Saturday evening. Budget discussions will begin on June 16, with sessions expected to run both morning and afternoon. The budget must be passed by June 30 and sent to the President for approval, with the official gazette to be published before midnight.

Moni said the government began its term with a deficit of 30 lakh crore taka but maintained stability through sincerity and by avoiding corruption. The meeting also reviewed progress across ministries and the government’s first 120 days of activity. The Prime Minister directed the introduction of a practical education system and a mid-day meal program in schools.

Addressing law and order, Moni stated that extortion and drug activities will not be tolerated, and strict action will be taken against offenders. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to curb gambling and other crimes and noted that a committee is being considered to update the constitution to meet public needs.