BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and Prime Minister’s Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed has accused Jamaat-e-Islami of engaging in extortion under the guise of collecting religious donations, known as hadiya. He made the remarks on Sunday afternoon while speaking at an event organized by the Nationalist Social and Cultural Organization (JASAS).

Rizvi alleged that Jamaat has a history of secretive politics and that some of its members are involved in covert extortion activities. He further claimed that the party is misusing religion to conceal its misdeeds and spreading deliberate misinformation against the government. Rizvi urged Jamaat leaders to engage in constructive criticism instead of false propaganda.

He also stated that while the people of Bangladesh are religious, they do not support Jamaat. Rizvi emphasized the importance of embracing positive global cultural values while remaining vigilant against influences that could harm the country’s cultural identity.

Iran’s judiciary has ordered the confiscation of assets belonging to 75 individuals accused of assisting foreign enemies. According to the General and Revolutionary Prosecutor of the Central Province, evidence was found linking these individuals to cooperation with foreign adversaries and activities deemed harmful to national security.

The prosecutor stated that 75 cases have been filed in Arak against those allegedly connected to a ‘foreign enemy network.’ Courts are taking steps to expedite the resolution of these cases and enforce the asset seizures. He also warned that those betraying the country or cooperating with Iran’s enemies would face legal punishment.

The report, citing Middle East Eye, highlights the judiciary’s firm stance on actions considered threats to national security, though further details on the accused or the seized assets were not disclosed.

Bangladesh’s State Minister for Primary and Mass Education, Bobby Hajjaj, remains at the center of public controversy despite retracting a contentious comment about Dhaka University. The dispute began after he referred to the university as a “coaching center” during a podcast, sparking anger among students and faculty. On Friday, protesters at the university’s TSC area declared him unwelcome on campus, while the teachers’ group ‘Sada Dal’ issued a statement condemning his remarks as irresponsible and disrespectful.

Hajjaj later apologized on his verified Facebook page, claiming his words were taken out of context and not reflective of government policy. He said his intention was to encourage Dhaka University to strengthen its global research standing, not to undermine its legacy. Despite his retraction, social media platforms such as Facebook, X, and TikTok have remained flooded with criticism, memes, and calls for his resignation.

Analysts noted that the episode highlights how political figures’ statements can rapidly escalate online, and that public outrage often persists even after apologies or clarifications.

Venezuelan opposition figure Edmundo González Urrutia, who claims to be the rightful winner of the 2024 presidential election against Nicolás Maduro, has called for a new national vote. The 76-year-old former diplomat, now exiled in Spain, made the appeal on Saturday, expressing support for fellow opposition leader and Nobel laureate María Corina Machado, who also demands a fresh election. Several countries, including the United States, had recognized González as the legitimate winner, according to AFP.

Following a U.S. military operation in January that removed Maduro from power, his deputy Delcy Rodríguez assumed leadership of Venezuela. The 2024 election, widely dismissed by opposition groups and many nations as fraudulent, had declared Rodríguez the winner. The U.S. administration under President Donald Trump reportedly accepted her rule due to her cooperation with Washington’s demands.

González’s renewed call for elections adds pressure on both Venezuelan authorities and Washington to support a democratic transition. Machado, also in exile and labeled a fugitive by Caracas, praised González’s commitment and reiterated her determination to negotiate a democratic path forward with Rodríguez, urging U.S. assistance in the process.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated that the government will completely eradicate extortion and ensure there are no safe havens for terrorism in Bangladesh. He made the remarks on Sunday afternoon while visiting Jungle Salimpur in Chattogram, where he also announced plans to build a new prison. The minister clarified that no one will be evicted from Jungle Salimpur at this stage.

He further said that special tribunals will be established to expedite the disposal of drug-related cases, as thousands of such cases remain pending for years. According to him, the formation of these tribunals will help protect the youth and safeguard the nation from the drug menace.

Expressing concern over the growing brutality and reckless activities of teenage gangs, the minister emphasized the need for legal reforms. He noted that some provisions of the existing juvenile laws are being misused, leading many young offenders toward serious crimes and eventual involvement in terrorism. Necessary legal changes will be introduced to address this issue.

U.S. President Donald Trump has sent a revised draft agreement to Tehran that includes tougher conditions than before, according to a report by The New York Times. The proposal, described as a framework for ending the ongoing conflict, was returned to Iran for reconsideration after Trump made several modifications. He also expressed dissatisfaction over the delay in receiving a response from Iran.

Officials familiar with the matter told the newspaper that Trump raised concerns about clauses related to the possible release of Iran’s frozen assets. The report added that the talks, conducted through intermediaries including Pakistani officials, have been slow, increasing Trump’s frustration. Communication with Iran’s top leadership has reportedly become extremely difficult, raising fears that any new changes could further delay the deal.

Earlier, Trump held a nearly two-hour meeting with senior advisers in the White House Situation Room to discuss efforts to end the war, but no formal announcement followed the meeting.

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has emerged as the long-term beneficiary of Iran’s war against the United States and Israel, using the global distraction to accelerate his domestic authoritarian consolidation. While international attention was diverted, Erdogan intensified crackdowns on opposition forces and strengthened Turkey’s global standing. Riot police recently stormed the headquarters of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) after its leader Ozgur Ozel was removed by court order, prompting clashes with supporters.

Analysts cited in the report say Erdogan is exploiting a favorable geopolitical environment created by the Iran conflict, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and declining Western influence. His government faces high inflation and waning popularity, prompting stronger control ahead of the 2028 elections. Meanwhile, Turkey has expanded its defense exports, signing deals with Iraq, Indonesia, and Portugal, and has become the world’s 11th-largest arms exporter.

Erdogan aims to turn Turkey into a major energy and trade hub while hosting a NATO summit in July 2026 from a position of greater strength. Experts warn that Western powers’ tolerance of democratic backsliding could embolden authoritarian consolidation and weaken alliance cohesion.

U.S. President Donald Trump has requested several amendments to the draft of a potential agreement with Iran, according to a report by Axios citing American officials. During a Situation Room meeting on Friday, Trump reportedly instructed his team to revise sections of the draft related to Iran’s nuclear program. The current draft includes Iran’s pledge not to develop nuclear weapons but lacks specific provisions on related concessions.

A senior administration official told Axios that Trump asked for more detailed descriptions of how the United States would gain access to Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and the timeline for doing so. Another source said Trump also wants to alter the language concerning the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Officials indicated that Iran’s response to the proposed changes is expected within three days, with the U.S. administration hoping to receive it by the end of the week.

The report, citing Al Jazeera as a source, suggests that the proposed revisions could shape the next phase of U.S.-Iran negotiations if Tehran responds positively.

A new provision in the US Congress seeks to bring the American and Israeli militaries closer through expanded cooperation in weapons research, production, and technology. The proposal, titled the “United States–Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative,” appears in Section 224 of the House Armed Services Committee’s version of the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). If enacted, it would mark a major shift in one of the world’s closest military partnerships, extending collaboration beyond aid to joint defense industry integration.

Under Section 224, the US Secretary of Defense would appoint an executive agent to coordinate joint research, development, and production, as well as data and systems integration. Former State Department official Josh Paul criticized the measure, warning it would embed Israel deeply into the US defense base and grant it unprecedented access to American technology. The bill also aims to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, drones, and cyber operations.

The initiative follows recent US–Israeli joint military actions in Iran and comes amid regional instability and international scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in Gaza. The proposal has bipartisan support from committee leaders Mike Rogers and Adam Smith but faces growing domestic debate over continued military aid to Israel.

A banned faction of the Awami League organized a sudden procession on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway in the Nimshar area of Mokam Union under Burichong upazila, Cumilla, on Sunday morning at around 7 a.m. According to local sources, the event was arranged under the patronage of Ehetasam ul Hasan Rumi, information and technology secretary of Cumilla South District Awami League, and led by Burichong Upazila Jubo League leader Jalal Uddin. Jalal Uddin stated that about two hundred activists participated in the procession near the western side of Nimshar Bazar.

Reports indicate that Awami League and Jubo League members gathered on the highway early in the morning and later marched through Nimshar and Korpai areas. Abu Naser Munshi, organizational secretary of the upazila BNP, alleged that the Awami League held the procession secretly and said the BNP would discuss the matter with local leaders and question the administration’s inaction. Burichong Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Lutfor Rahman said the activists tried to gather in Korpai but fled when police arrived, and that action is being taken.

The incident has raised questions locally about enforcement of restrictions on banned political activities along the major highway.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said he is not in a hurry to reach an agreement with Iran, emphasizing his preference for a diplomatic deal over military action. In an interview with Fox News, Trump stated that the United States is aiming for a 'great deal' with Iran, but if that fails, military options remain on the table.

Trump described Iran’s leadership as 'very tough negotiators' and noted that the U.S. is gradually achieving its desired goals. He stressed that rushing into negotiations could prevent a good deal, adding that patience is key to securing favorable terms. Trump also said that a successful agreement would save many lives and allow the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

The remarks, reported by Al Jazeera, reflect Trump’s cautious approach toward Iran, balancing diplomatic engagement with the threat of force if negotiations do not yield results.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its affiliated organizations observed the death anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman with solemn respect and various programs across the country. Ziaur Rahman, who was killed on May 30, 1981, is being remembered through an eight-day series of events organized by the BNP.

The commemoration included discussions, prayer gatherings, and the distribution of food and clothing to the poor. Special prayers were also held in mosques, temples, and other places of worship nationwide. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman participated in aid distribution programs at 16 locations under the two city corporations of Dhaka, beginning the initiative at the T&T High School field on Manik Mia Avenue.

He later distributed food and clothing to underprivileged people in several areas including Shyamoli Square, Government Bangla College, Pallabi Metro Station, ECB Square, Kuril Bishwa Road, and other parts of Dhaka. Earlier, he attended a separate event in front of the BNP central office at Naya Paltan, where food and clothing were also distributed among the needy.

US President Donald Trump stated that American forces should not have been involved in either the Iraq or Iran wars. He made the remarks during an interview with Fox News while discussing his next steps regarding Iran. Referring to the Iraq war, Trump said the United States had performed poorly there and that entering Iraq had been a foolish decision.

Turning to Iran, Trump said the US should not have remained involved there either, though he claimed Iran had significant capabilities. He suggested that if the US had not launched a B-2 bomber strike nine months earlier, Iran might have developed nuclear weapons, which could have drastically changed the Middle East situation. Trump also claimed that the US deliberately spared Iran’s military forces, describing them as somewhat moderate compared to other groups.

He added that wars often lead to mistakes that devastate nations for decades, implying that restraint in military action was a deliberate choice by his administration.

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee was physically assaulted on Saturday in Sonarpur, South 24 Parganas, while visiting the family of a slain party worker. Protesters surrounded him, chanting slogans and throwing eggs and mud. His shirt was torn, and he was seen wearing a helmet for protection. Banerjee told reporters that he had informed police about the gathering of outsiders beforehand and criticized the lack of security. He was later rescued by police and central forces and taken to a private hospital in Kolkata, where Mamata Banerjee and other party leaders visited him.

Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condemned the attack, calling the ruling authority “killers.” The BJP denied any involvement, describing the incident as spontaneous public anger. BJP leaders Shamik Bhattacharya and Sukanta Majumdar said the party does not support violence but claimed the public outrage reflected long-standing resentment against Trinamool rule. Congress and the Samajwadi Party also condemned the assault, with Akhilesh Yadav blaming the BJP government for fostering lawlessness.

The attack occurred amid internal discontent within Trinamool following its electoral defeat, with some members blaming Banerjee and the party’s strategist group for the setback.

Mohammad Selim Uddin, the Dhaka North City mayoral candidate and Jamaat-e-Islami’s Dhaka North chief, has alleged serious mismanagement in the removal of sacrificial animal waste across the capital. Speaking at a press conference in Moghbazar on Saturday afternoon, he said the city corporation’s announcements about waste clearance did not match the reality on the ground, leaving many areas littered with waste and posing public health risks.

Selim Uddin also accused authorities of failing to control extortion at cattle markets, where money was allegedly collected under the guise of token fees. He criticized the government for not taking visible action to prevent such irregularities. During the same event, he commented on recent road accidents and urged unity among anti-fascist forces, calling for the prompt holding of local government elections.

The allegations highlight ongoing concerns about urban management and governance during major religious events in Dhaka, as well as broader political tensions surrounding local elections.