A high-level BNP delegation, led by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, will visit China on June 22 at the invitation of the Communist Party of China. The visit was confirmed after the delegation met with Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen at the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka’s Baridhara on Thursday. The trip is part of ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two parties. BNP’s media cell confirmed the visit as a response to a formal invitation from China’s ruling party.

Sheikh Bashiruddin, Trade Advisor to the Caretaker Government, revealed that during the previous fascist regime, syndicates destroyed businesses and markets across the country, severely harming consumer rights. Speaking at a discussion on “Strengthening Consumer Rights” at the TCB auditorium in Dhaka, he emphasized the urgent need to form a consumer syndicate to counteract these market syndicates. The event was organized by the Consumer Association of Bangladesh with support from the National Consumer Rights Protection Department.

Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed that Russian specialists will remain in Iran despite growing fears of an Israeli attack. He emphasized the ongoing collaboration at Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant and ruled out any withdrawal. Putin stated that while Iran hasn't asked for new military aid, Moscow maintains strong ties and open communication. He warned against regime-change strategies and called for diplomatic dialogue that ensures both Iran’s and Israel’s security. His remarks underscore Russia’s strategic positioning in the Middle East.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, in a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stressed the need for major powers to ease tensions in the Iran-Israel conflict, subtly referencing the United States without naming it. He criticized actions that might escalate the situation, echoing growing global concerns. Both leaders condemned Israel’s recent strikes and called for an immediate ceasefire. Putin reiterated Russia’s offer to mediate. Xi warned that unchecked conflict could spread and destabilize the broader region.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is investigating allegations involving Tulip Rizwana Siddiq, daughter of Sheikh Rehana, over the illegal acquisition of two Gulshan apartments. The flats were reportedly obtained without payment through misuse of power and in collusion with officials from Eastern Housing and RAJUK. In connection with the probe, the ACC has summoned nine former RAJUK officials, including a former chairman, to appear on June 22 and 23 for questioning regarding their roles in facilitating the fraudulent registration and ownership transfer.

Wealth inequality across Europe has widened since the 2008 financial crisis, with Sweden and Germany showing the highest disparity and Belgium the lowest, according to UBS's Global Wealth Report 2024. The Gini index, used to measure inequality, was 75 in Sweden and 46 in Belgium. Inequality rose sharply in Finland, Spain, and Italy, while countries like Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland saw declines. Experts link this trend to rising financial asset concentration and uneven housing values.

A five-member committee has been formed to ensure the autonomy of state-owned Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar, following recommendations from the Media Reform Commission. The committee will create a roadmap for implementing these suggestions and review the media policies of the past 15 years. It will also help formulate future policies for television and other media outlets. The decision was made at a meeting chaired by Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Education Advisor C.R. Abrar will lead the committee, which includes four other key advisors.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mohammad Selim Uddin said that while the August 5 mass movement succeeded in toppling the Awami regime, true victory remains out of reach. “Influences from the previous regime still persist across state institutions,” he claimed.

He demanded immediate structural reforms, full implementation of the ‘July Declaration,’ visible justice for political killings, and transfer of power through free and fair elections.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, initially supportive of the interim government, has raised concerns over Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus's neutrality following his London meeting with BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman. The party skipped a key consensus dialogue on June 17 in protest of the joint statement and press briefing issued afterward. Though they rejoined talks the next day, Jamaat leaders warned that continued bias could hinder reform progress. They also criticized the Home Adviser’s comments on election law and order.

In ongoing discussions led by the National Consensus Commission, most political parties have expressed support for electing the President through an electoral college system.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Abdullah Mohammad Taher proposed a bicameral parliament with 500 total electoral votes, including 100 reserved seats for women. Nurul Haque Nur noted that some parties are pushing to include union councils, potentially raising the total electorate to over 70,000.

As per a presidential order issued Thursday, Asad Alam Siam, a 15th batch BCS (Foreign Affairs) officer, has been appointed as Bangladesh’s new Foreign Secretary. He becomes the 28th person to hold the position and will serve until further notice.

Siam previously served as Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna and as Ambassador to the Philippines.

The Nationalist Citizens’ Party (NCP) has issued a stern warning against those spreading defamatory, sexually harassing, and false propaganda against its joint convener, Dr. Tajnuva Jabin.

In an official statement, the NCP said such attacks are not isolated incidents but part of a pattern targeting female leaders of the party. “These smear campaigns violate the spirit of the July uprising and its values,” the statement read. The NCP vowed legal action against all online and offline actors involved in continued abuse and defamation.

Veteran actress and BNP leader Rina Khan has accused the government of persecuting her family due to her political affiliation. Speaking at the BNP central office, she said, “My son left for Germany in 2009, and yet there’s now a case and arrest warrant against him—simply because I am a BNP activist.”

She claimed her younger son was also harassed and that she herself couldn't stay at home due to constant police pressure. Rina Khan, a vice president of the Jatiyatabadi cultural wing JASAS, expressed gratitude to party leaders, including Salahuddin Ahmed, for their support.

Dr. Shamsul Alam, former State Minister for Planning, was arrested early Thursday morning from the Mohammadpur area of Dhaka. DB Joint Commissioner Nasirul Islam confirmed the arrest, stating that Alam is currently being held at the Minto Road DB office and will be presented in court later today.

Appointed under the technocrat quota in July 2021, Dr. Alam had previously served as a member of the General Economics Division of the Planning Commission and was a recipient of the prestigious Ekushey Padak in economics.

Two members of the Detective Branch (DB) of police were shot during an anti-drug operation opposite the Central Police Hospital in Dhaka. The injured are ASI Atik Hasan and Constable Sujon from the Lalbagh DB unit. According to police, the incident occurred when officers tried to stop a vehicle based on a tip-off. The drug traffickers inside the car opened fire, injuring the two officers. Police have since arrested three suspects and seized a private car in connection with the attack.