Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister and BNP Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintu said that Ziaur Rahman guided the people of Bangladesh toward development and established democracy in the country. He stated that Bangladesh is proud to have had a leader like Ziaur Rahman. Mintu made these remarks on Sunday, May 31, at a discussion and prayer meeting organized by the Sonagazi Upazila BNP in Feni to mark the death anniversary of the late president and party founder.

During his speech, Mintu also mentioned that after Ziaur Rahman, the late Begum Khaleda Zia worked tirelessly for the people of Bangladesh. He alleged that for the past 17 years, a fascist government had deprived citizens of their democratic rights and ruled through misgovernance. He added that current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is working to restore those rights.

The event, chaired by Upazila BNP convener Zainal Abedin Babul, included speeches from several local BNP leaders. After the discussion, food and clothing were distributed among about 4,000 poor and needy people, followed by prayers for Ziaur Rahman and Begum Zia.

Chattogram-1 MP Nurul Amin and Chattogram-4 MP Professor Aslam Chowdhury held a courtesy meeting in Sitakunda to discuss joint efforts for development, public welfare, and the implementation of their electoral pledges. The meeting took place at Aslam Chowdhury’s residence, where both lawmakers emphasized coordinated initiatives to meet public expectations and strengthen local development.

Discussions covered the overall development of northern Chattogram, expansion of industrialization, modernization of transport infrastructure, and improvements in education and healthcare. The MPs also stressed the importance of ensuring that local communities directly benefit from the growing industrial zones in Sitakunda and Mirsarai. They highlighted transparency, accountability, and effective leadership as essential for fulfilling public trust and advancing development programs.

Both representatives expressed optimism about resolving long-standing infrastructure issues and promoting youth skill development, employment generation, and citizen-friendly services. They concluded by urging unity beyond political lines to achieve sustained progress and uphold the values of sacrifice and compassion ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.

Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, Assistant Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has strongly condemned recent remarks made by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. Speaking at a discussion at the National Press Club on Sunday, Rizvi made comments about Jamaat’s organizational activities that Zubair described as false, fabricated, and politically motivated. In a statement sent to the media, Zubair said Rizvi’s claims were irresponsible and intended to mislead the public.

Zubair explained that Jamaat’s internal financial contributions, known as ‘Yanat,’ are voluntary donations made by members for religious and social purposes, not forced collections. He accused Rizvi of insulting the religious sentiments of devout citizens by labeling these contributions as extortion. Zubair further stated that Jamaat does not engage in coercive fundraising or violence and that any misconduct by individual members is dealt with through strict organizational measures.

He alleged that Rizvi’s comments stemmed from political jealousy over Jamaat’s growing public support and urged citizens not to be misled by what he called BNP’s false and provocative propaganda.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that the names of Ziaur Rahman and Bangladesh are inseparable. He made the remark on Sunday while presiding over a discussion meeting at the Krishibid Institute in Farmgate, Dhaka, marking the 45th martyrdom anniversary of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman.

In his speech, Mirza Fakhrul stated that Bangladesh’s Liberation War began with Ziaur Rahman’s declaration, which led to the country’s emergence as a new state on the world map. He recalled that public confidence in Ziaur Rahman was reflected in 1975 when people entrusted him with rebuilding the nation through a soldier-people revolution. Fakhrul highlighted Zia’s role in reconstruction, establishing “Bangladeshi nationalism,” forming a capable cabinet, introducing multiparty democracy, and initiating economic reforms.

Referring to current politics, Fakhrul criticized those who claim BNP opposes reform, asserting that Ziaur Rahman introduced major reforms by replacing one-party rule with multiparty democracy and ensuring media and judicial independence.

Advocate M Ruhul Kudduz Talukder Dulu, Whip of the National Parliament and MP for Natore-2, stated that Bangladesh’s Liberation War was initiated through the declaration of independence made by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. He made the remark on Sunday afternoon at the Natore district BNP office during a program marking the 45th martyrdom anniversary of Ziaur Rahman, where cash donations were distributed to 16 institutions, including mosques and temples, from the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund.

Dulu said that if Ziaur Rahman had not declared independence from the Kalurghat radio station in Chattogram, Bangladesh would not have appeared on the world map. He added that Zia’s call inspired the youth of Bangladesh to join the Liberation War. According to him, throughout the past 50 years, whenever the country’s sovereignty faced threats, the Zia family stood by the people of Bangladesh.

Several local BNP leaders, including Saiful Islam Aftab, Mostafizur Rahman Shahin, and others, also spoke at the event.

Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman stated that the government is determined to fulfill the expectations of the people. Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion marking the 45th martyrdom anniversary of President Ziaur Rahman at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh auditorium in Dhaka, he said the government is guided by Ziaur Rahman’s philosophy and is focused on implementing its election manifesto to meet public aspirations.

He emphasized that the manifesto now belongs to the people, not just the BNP, and reaffirmed commitments to restoring democracy and improving justice, education, and healthcare. Rahman noted that the BNP government took office at a critical time and warned that negligence could harm the nation’s future. He also stressed the importance of family education to counter social degradation and instructed officials to strengthen social and moral values.

Rahman highlighted plans to revive closed industries, create employment, and diversify the economy as part of the government’s development agenda. The event was chaired by LGRD Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, with senior party leaders and academics participating.

Alhaj Kofil Uddin, chairman of Hanif Enterprise and former chairman of Savar Upazila Parishad, passed away at a hospital in Delhi. He was also a former general secretary of the BNP’s Savar Thana unit. According to the report, he had been suffering from liver cirrhosis for some time before his death. He was 66 years old.

Kofil Uddin was one of the country’s leading transport businessmen and had been arrested several times during the Awami League government’s tenure. He is survived by his wife, two sons, one daughter, and many admirers. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed his condolences following Kofil Uddin’s death.

His passing marks the end of a notable figure in Bangladesh’s transport sector and local politics, particularly in the Savar region.

Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the National Parliament and Nayeb-e-Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, stated that his position is higher than that of ministers. Speaking as the chief guest at an Eid reunion and public reception organized by Jamaat-e-Islami in Chauddagram, Comilla, on Sunday, he said he can speak multiple times in parliament sessions, unlike ministers who speak once a month.

Dr. Taher mentioned that in the 13th national election, the BNP received 10 percent more votes than Jamaat-e-Islami, which won 68 seats independently and 77 seats in alliance. He expressed hope that Jamaat-e-Islami would lead the government in the future. He also said he secured allocations of Tk 120 crore during the interim government and an additional Tk 100 crore within three months after the election for infrastructure development in Chauddagram.

Addressing local issues, Dr. Taher warned that those involved in juvenile gangs and drug trading have six months to find alternative livelihoods, after which strict action will be taken. He pledged to lead anti-drug and anti-gang campaigns in the area.

Shafiqul Islam Masud, a Member of Parliament from Patuakhali-2 representing Jamaat-e-Islami, made strong remarks about Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a video that surfaced in the media on Sunday. In the footage, Masud said that people should ask Sheikh Hasina herself to understand who he is, implying a challenge to his critics.

Masud commented that although Sheikh Hasina had carried out significant development projects such as roads, bridges, and other infrastructure, she failed to sustain political support because people lacked joy and rights. He questioned why she could not remain in power despite her development efforts.

He further warned against making provocative remarks about him, referencing Rajshahi University and cautioning that those who speak against him might not be able to handle the consequences.

Chattogram-10 Member of Parliament Saeed Al Noman said that late President Ziaur Rahman embodied honesty, courage, and foresight, which played a vital role in shaping an independent and sovereign Bangladesh. Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion and prayer meeting held on Sunday afternoon at the Engineers Institution in Chattogram, he emphasized the need for the younger generation to learn about and internalize Ziaur Rahman’s qualities.

Noman stated that Ziaur Rahman introduced multi-party democracy in Bangladesh at a time when differing opinions were discouraged. He urged that discussions about Ziaur Rahman’s life and leadership should be brought repeatedly before party workers, leaders, and youth. He also highlighted Ziaur Rahman’s integrity and his role in rebuilding the war-torn nation after independence.

The MP added that Ziaur Rahman’s philosophy should guide future political and educational efforts, and that his legacy must inspire the pursuit of a principled and people-oriented politics.

Feni District Council Administrator and BNP Joint Convener Professor M A Khalek has drawn widespread criticism after referring to Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo as a 'beloved prophet' during a discussion meeting in Feni’s Daganbhuiyan upazila. The event, held on Saturday to mark the martyrdom anniversary of former President Ziaur Rahman, saw Khalek’s remarks quickly go viral on social media.

Many have accused Khalek of hurting religious sentiments and equating his statement with shirk. A local cleric, speaking anonymously, said comparing a person to a prophet constitutes shirk and offends religious feelings. The comment caused an uproar at the venue, with some attendees calling it a sign of incompetence. BNP leaders have reportedly expressed embarrassment over Khalek’s repeated controversial remarks and actions, clarifying that the party will not take responsibility for his statements.

Khalek has previously faced criticism for other incidents, including a VIP protocol controversy at a school event in April and remarks against his own party last year, for which he later apologized.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s central Nayeb-e-Ameer and Rangpur-2 MP ATM Azharul Islam has alleged that India, despite claiming to uphold equal rights for all religions, has consistently acted against Muslims. Speaking as chief guest at an Eid reunion and discussion meeting at Taraganj Upazila Parishad auditorium on Sunday, May 31, he cited recent incidents during Eid-ul-Azha where Muslims in several parts of India were reportedly obstructed from performing sacrifices. He also claimed that India does not genuinely wish well for Bangladesh.

ATM Azhar urged Bangladeshis to remain vigilant about the country’s independence, sovereignty, and national interests. He argued that many of India’s policies and actions have often conflicted with the expectations of the Bangladeshi people, calling for national unity to safeguard the country’s interests. Addressing domestic politics, he reaffirmed Jamaat-e-Islami’s commitment to implementing the July Charter and pursuing necessary state reforms, criticizing the BNP government for failing to meet public expectations.

He warned that if the BNP does not take effective steps toward implementing the July Charter and reforms, Jamaat-e-Islami will launch a strong movement. He also called for sincerity among political parties to build an equitable and accountable welfare state.

U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran has given him a guarantee that it will never build nuclear weapons. He made the statement on Saturday during an interview with his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, which was broadcast on Fox News. The interview took place on Lara Trump’s podcast show, where the former president discussed his interactions with Tehran.

According to Trump, he had sought a clear assurance from Iran that it would not pursue nuclear arms, and he said Tehran agreed to that demand. However, Iranian media have not reflected any such statement or confirmation. Reports from Iranian outlets stated that Tehran would only engage in talks with Washington if the United States released $12 billion in frozen Iranian assets. They also dismissed Trump’s claim that Iran’s stockpile of 60 percent enriched uranium would be destroyed as baseless.

The conflicting accounts highlight the ongoing uncertainty surrounding U.S.–Iran relations and the status of nuclear negotiations between the two countries.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated that late President Ziaur Rahman had taken Bangladesh, once described as a bottomless basket, to remarkable heights in a short time. He made the remarks on Sunday afternoon at the KIB Auditorium in Farmgate, Dhaka, while addressing a discussion meeting marking the 45th martyrdom anniversary of Ziaur Rahman.

During his speech, the Prime Minister discussed the current state of the country, the government’s goals, social values, and the responsibilities of party members. He noted that after returning to the country, he observed some deficiencies in family education and emphasized the need to address them. He added that the government is working to strengthen social and family values and that relevant authorities have already been instructed accordingly.

The event was presided over by Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

The United States Embassy in Bangladesh has announced a major update for individuals seeking immigrant visas. In a message released on Sunday, May 31, 2026, the embassy stated that starting June 1, all categories of immigrant visa applications will be processed within two working days. The announcement aims to bring greater efficiency and speed to the visa process for applicants in Bangladesh.

According to the embassy, the new system will apply to all immigrant visa categories handled by the US Embassy in Dhaka. Applicants have been advised to consult the embassy’s ‘Directory of Visa Categories’ and check the ‘Immigrant Visa Categories’ section for detailed information. The embassy described the move as part of its effort to make visa processing more dynamic and responsive to applicants’ needs.

The announcement is expected to ease the waiting time for visa applicants and streamline administrative procedures, marking a significant improvement in the embassy’s service delivery.