BNP Secretary General and Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said Dhaka has become unlivable due to pollution and institutional decay. Speaking as chief guest at the inauguration of 'Dokkhin-er Janala' organized by Dhaka South City Corporation on Saturday, he remarked that he no longer feels like living in the capital and may move to another city. He emphasized that citizens are forced to breathe polluted air and face collapsing public institutions.

Fakhrul called for a movement to ensure clean oxygen and build livable cities, stressing that both citizens and policymakers must be held accountable. He questioned the effectiveness of large-scale urban projects worth billions of taka and urged proper evaluation of their benefits to residents. He also highlighted the need for deeper commitment and responsibility in city governance.

Referring to the severe pollution of the Buriganga and Shitalakkhya rivers, Fakhrul said their degradation symbolizes Dhaka’s environmental crisis. He warned that falling groundwater levels and unsafe drinking water pose grave risks and called for effective projects to restore the rivers and prevent further ecological damage.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis has announced a protest program in Dhaka on Sunday against recent increases in electricity, oil, and gas prices, as well as alleged push-in incidents along the border. The demonstration will begin with a rally after the Asr prayer at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, followed by a procession. The decision was made at an emergency meeting of the party’s Dhaka executive members held on Friday night at its central office and was later confirmed in a press release on Saturday.

Party Secretary General Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmad, who presided over the meeting, criticized the government for raising energy prices despite a decline in global fuel costs, saying it placed an excessive burden on citizens. He described the move as contrary to public interest and accused the authorities of deceiving the people. Ahmad also expressed concern over the reported push-in and harassment of Bangladeshi nationals at the border, calling it a threat to national sovereignty and citizen dignity.

The party urged the government to immediately reduce energy prices and take effective diplomatic steps to stop border push-ins, while calling on its members to ensure the success of Sunday’s protest.

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) announced that it successfully prevented eight separate push-in attempts by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) along different border points within the past 24 hours. According to a BGB press release issued on Saturday, the incidents occurred in areas under the responsibility of several battalions, including Maheshpur, Naogaon, Teesta, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, and Netrakona. In each case, groups of people were reportedly brought near the border from the Indian side but were stopped by BGB patrols before they could enter Bangladesh.

The BGB stated that its personnel acted with maximum alertness and professionalism to ensure border security. In Nilphamari, a flag meeting was held between BGB and BSF company commanders after ten people were positioned outside the barbed wire fence. BSF claimed those individuals were Bangladeshi nationals but failed to provide proof. BGB reaffirmed that any push-in attempts violating international border management norms or bilateral agreements are unacceptable.

The force emphasized its firm commitment to protecting Bangladesh’s sovereignty and maintaining strict vigilance along the border to prevent illegal entry.

A push-in attempt by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) at three border points in Lalmonirhat district failed early Friday when the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) blocked the entry of 33 men and women. The individuals were detected near the Barokhata, Poyshottibari, and Digholtari-Durgapur border areas. BGB deployed additional personnel and took strategic positions to prevent their entry into Bangladesh. Later, BSF members returned all 33 people to Indian territory between Friday night and Saturday morning.

According to BGB sources, the individuals were taken back inside India through fenced areas by BSF personnel from the 157th and 98th battalions. The Rangpur Sector Headquarters stated that such push-in attempts without following legal repatriation procedures violate international border management norms and bilateral agreements. BGB has maintained heightened patrols and intelligence surveillance to prevent illegal crossings.

Officials said the situation at all three border points is now normal, though BGB remains on high alert to counter any future attempts. The incident underscores ongoing humanitarian and diplomatic tensions surrounding cross-border expulsions.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and residents of Benapole’s Sadipur area in Jashore jointly prevented an alleged attempt by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) to push Indian nationals into Bangladesh on the night of May 31, 2026. According to BGB officials, BSF had gathered around 100 to 120 people near the border and tried to send 8–10 individuals, including women and children, across the fence. BGB blocked the move, forcing those individuals to remain in the no-man’s land.

Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Saiful Islam, commanding officer of BGB’s Jashore 49 Battalion, said the action violated international law and that BGB’s response was lawful and supported by local residents. He emphasized that any repatriation of verified Bangladeshi citizens should occur through official international checkposts, not through illegal nighttime operations. Local villagers, including Rakib Ahmed and Shakil Hossain, confirmed their active participation in guarding the border alongside BGB.

Following the failed attempt, a flag meeting was held between the two border forces, where BSF reportedly denied the allegations. BGB continues public announcements urging residents to remain alert against further push-in attempts.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has rejected allegations that Tehran is using Lebanon as a bargaining tool in its negotiations with the United States to end the ongoing war. The accusation was made by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who claimed that Iran was leveraging Lebanon in its diplomatic dealings.

Responding on social media platform X, Araghchi dismissed Aoun’s remarks, saying they implied Iran had occupied part of Lebanon, displaced its people, and bombed the country daily. He urged the Lebanese president to focus on protecting Lebanon from its real enemies instead of blaming Iran.

The exchange highlights tensions between Tehran and Beirut over regional conflicts and diplomatic alignments, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s proposal for a face-to-face meeting, saying such talks currently have no meaning. Putin made the remarks on Friday at Russia’s main economic forum in St. Petersburg. Zelensky had earlier published an open letter on Thursday urging direct talks, warning that expecting renewed U.S. involvement in the war that began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 would be a mistake.

Putin described Zelensky’s letter as ‘inappropriate’ and questioned whether it was intended to create conditions for dialogue or to avoid it, concluding that it appeared to be the latter. When asked if he would meet the Ukrainian leader, Putin said he saw no justification for such a meeting at this time.

In response, Zelensky said Russia was once again choosing war and that Putin did not want to end the conflict. He added that many people around the world would be disappointed by Putin’s stance.

The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) has reportedly taken back 28 people who had been stranded for two days in the no man's land along the Bangabari border of Gomastapur upazila in Chapainawabganj. The group had been pushed toward Bangladesh but was stopped by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). According to BGB’s 16th Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Ariful Islam Masum, the individuals were no longer visible on Saturday morning, suggesting that BSF took them back into Indian territory overnight.

BGB sources said that around 3 a.m. on Wednesday, members of the 12th Battalion of Ashrafpur BSF Camp attempted to push the group—comprising 12 men, 10 women, and 6 children—across the border near pillar 203/6-R. Due to BGB’s resistance, they could not enter Bangladesh and remained in the no man’s land for two days. The BGB commander confirmed that the entire border area under the 16th Battalion remains under constant surveillance.

The BSF has not officially communicated with BGB regarding the incident, leaving some details unconfirmed.

Hamas has declared that it will not surrender its weapons at this stage, rejecting calls for disarmament. The announcement came through a statement by Husam Badran, a member of Hamas’s political bureau, in an interview with Al Jazeera. He said that a final decision on the group’s arms would be made only after discussions with other Palestinian factions.

Badran explained that when the National Committee for Gaza Administration assumes responsibility for the enclave, only the official weapons of the Palestinian police would be visible in public. He emphasized that this does not mean Hamas will formally hand over its weapons, but rather that non-official arms will not be displayed. He added that the issue would be discussed within a broader national framework.

The statement comes as a reliable source told Al Jazeera that Hamas is preparing to send a delegation to Cairo for renewed talks. The disarmament of Hamas and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza remain key unresolved issues in the U.S.-mediated ceasefire plan of October 2025.

Law enforcement agencies in Chattogram have placed fifteen local businessmen under surveillance for allegedly financing the activities of the banned Chhatra League. According to the report, these businessmen, coordinated by a former Chattogram Chamber director, have been supplying funds collected from pro-Awami League donors. The money is reportedly distributed to field-level operatives through female associates and deposited into prison accounts of detained leaders. Police and intelligence units have begun monitoring these financial flows as part of an ongoing investigation.

Sources cited in the report indicate that the banned organization has divided Chattogram city into two operational zones to plan flash processions and acts of sabotage. Two trained cadres, identified as Sadman and Jony, are said to be leading these groups under the remote supervision of exiled former ministers and an ex-MP. Police recently arrested 68 participants following major processions in the GEC and Oxygen areas, uncovering details about the group’s coordination and funding network.

Analysts quoted in the report warned that administrative inaction and political divisions among opposition parties have emboldened the banned group, urging renewed unity among anti-fascist political forces to prevent further unrest.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran’s leadership is highly self-respecting and unwilling to make concessions easily. He made the remarks in an interview with NBC’s ‘Meet the Press’ on Friday. Despite a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, recent days have seen renewed clashes. Both sides have been trying to end the conflict that began on February 28 through mediators. The U.S. Central Command confirmed an unexpected incident on Friday via social media.

During the interview, Trump compared the current Iran situation to the Vietnam War, noting that the Iran conflict has lasted just over three months, while the Vietnam War continued for nearly 19 years. He stated there is no rush to reach an agreement with Tehran, emphasizing that any deal must protect U.S. national interests.

Trump also indicated that Iran’s proud leadership is part of the peace process dynamic and said he understands their stance. He reiterated that political or strategic pressure should not dictate the pace of negotiations.

Firhad Hakim, the first Muslim mayor of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, announced his resignation on Friday during a press conference at the civic body’s headquarters. He formally submitted his resignation to Chairperson Mala Roy after receiving approval from Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee. Hakim, who took office on December 3, 2018, stepped down about five months before his term was due to end, citing an inability to work effectively under current conditions.

Hakim explained that his administrative authority had become limited following political changes in West Bengal, with power reportedly shifting to Municipal Commissioner Smita Pandey. Several Trinamool councillors had also complained about reduced autonomy. In his remarks, Hakim thanked Mamata Banerjee for her trust and urged the new chief minister to ensure transparent governance. He reflected on his tenure, highlighting the corporation’s efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

His resignation follows similar moves by the mayors of Bidhannagar and Chandannagar, marking a broader reshuffle in municipal leadership. Observers noted that Hakim’s departure signals the end of Trinamool’s long-standing administrative control over Kolkata’s civic body, though his successor and the future structure remain uncertain.

Jamiat Ulamaye Islam Bangladesh’s central president, Maulana Ubaidullah Faruq, stated that the BNP government will not be able to undertake any major projects due to a lack of funds in the government treasury. He made the remarks on Thursday during a discussion meeting held in Kanaighat upazila of Sylhet.

Faruq said that the BNP has governed the country before and continues to do so now, but alleged that the party would suffer consequences for the way it treated him. He also reflected on his own contributions, claiming to have saved the country and the Qawmi madrasas, and to have created an environment for freedom. He remarked that even if his party had four members of parliament, it would not have been able to establish Islamic rule or pass any bills, though it might have gained some reputation.

The comments came amid broader political discussions in Sylhet, where other issues such as border problems and environmental concerns were also highlighted.

K. Annamalai, former president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tamil Nadu, has formally resigned from the party. The BJP confirmed on Friday that national president Nitin Naveen accepted his resignation from primary membership, ending days of speculation. Annamalai, 41, had held several meetings in Delhi with senior leaders including Amit Shah and B.L. Santosh before his resignation was accepted.

In his June 2 resignation letter, Annamalai cited 18 months of disagreements with the party’s central leadership over Tamil Nadu’s political strategy and future. He said his vision for the state differed from that of the leadership and that it was time to rethink his political purpose. Following his exit, Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran said the party would not be affected, while Andhra Pradesh BJP chief P.V.N. Madhav called the departure a small setback.

Annamalai later announced plans to launch a new political movement that will contest the next Tamil Nadu assembly elections, signaling a potential shift in the state’s political landscape.

BNP Secretary General and Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that misinformation and misuse of social media are severely harming the country’s political environment. He made the remarks on Friday afternoon during a discussion meeting held at the National Press Club.

According to Mirza Fakhrul, the deliberate use of offensive language and planned propaganda on social media are destroying the healthy atmosphere of politics. He alleged that a well-organized conspiracy is underway to undermine the democratic achievements gained through long struggles and to spread anarchy in the country. He warned that those involved in such conspiracies will be identified to protect democracy during this critical period.

Mirza Fakhrul further stated that the BNP is not a revolutionary party but a liberal democratic organization dedicated to the rights and welfare of the people. He claimed that an evil force that does not believe in democracy and people’s rights has emerged in the country and urged everyone to resist it.