Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid said that late President Ziaur Rahman had led the nation through every crisis until his death. He made the remarks on Saturday at the Comilla Shilpakala Academy during a discussion and prayer meeting organized by Comilla South District and Metropolitan BNP to mark the 45th martyrdom anniversary of Ziaur Rahman.

The minister described Ziaur Rahman’s role in establishing democracy as historic and emphasized his honesty, responsibility, and people-oriented politics as exemplary. He urged party members to reflect Zia’s ideals in their conduct and to act responsibly and transparently to meet public expectations. Rashid also warned against unethical activities under the guise of government or party affiliation and called for vigilance to prevent such behavior.

He proposed forming support committees at various administrative levels to monitor law and order and assist the administration. Highlighting the importance of the agriculture and livestock sectors for the economy and food security, he pledged to work with integrity and accountability for national welfare.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi has said that if offering prayers on streets is considered wrong, the same rule should apply to all religions. Speaking at an Eid reunion event on Friday, he cited Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees religious freedom, and criticized what he called a double standard in how religious practices are treated. Owaisi argued that objections are raised only against Muslim practices such as namaz and azan, while other religious processions and gatherings face no similar scrutiny.

He further questioned restrictions on meat sales during Hindu festivals, suggesting that if such bans are justified, liquor shops should also close during Ramadan. Owaisi accused authorities of deliberately creating controversies around Muslim rituals before major Islamic festivals like Ramadan and Eid al-Adha. His remarks came amid new administrative directives in several Indian states to prevent traffic disruptions caused by large gatherings.

In Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently urged that prayers be conducted in an orderly manner, while West Bengal authorities moved Kolkata’s traditional Eid congregation from Red Road to Brigade Parade Ground to avoid road blockages.

Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher Suman stated that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been working 18 to 19 hours a day to address the country’s fragile economy. He made the remarks on Saturday, May 30, during a free medical camp organized by the A.K.M. Abu Taher Foundation at Jhalam School and College field in Barura, Comilla, marking the 45th martyrdom anniversary of former President Ziaur Rahman. The minister noted that the current government has been in power for only three months.

Suman alleged that the previous Awami League government withdrew about six lakh crore taka from banks, leaving the financial system weakened. He urged citizens to pray for the prime minister as he works to move the country forward. The event drew participation from local political leaders and officials.

Around 5,000 people from four unions received free medical services at the camp, where over a hundred specialist doctors provided consultations and medicines. Organizers said the initiative aimed to deliver healthcare to underprivileged and underserved communities, with plans to continue similar services across 16 unions.

A detailed report from Amar Desh recounts events following the assassination of Bangladesh President Ziaur Rahman on May 30, 1981, in Chittagong. The account, based on testimonies from Major Rezaul Karim Reza and Brigadier (Retd.) Hannan Shah, describes how Major General Abul Manzur attempted to navigate the chaotic aftermath. Reza, assigned as Manzur’s chief security officer, witnessed Manzur refusing to speak with Army Chief General Ershad and later fleeing Chittagong Cantonment as the situation deteriorated.

The report outlines how Manzur, accompanied by his family and several officers, fled toward the Chittagong Hill Tracts but was forced to surrender to police after their vehicle broke down. He was later taken into custody and allegedly killed, a case that remains under trial with Ershad named among the accused. The article also recounts how Brigadier Hannan Shah located Ziaur Rahman’s grave on June 1 and arranged for the body’s recovery and transfer to Dhaka.

The report cites Hannan Shah’s view that unresolved justice left enduring mystery around Ziaur Rahman’s assassination, despite trials and executions of several military officers involved.

On May 30, 1981, amid heavy storms in Chattogram, President Ziaur Rahman was staying overnight at the Circuit House to resolve internal disputes within the local BNP. Before dawn, intense gunfire erupted, and journalists nearby, including Helal Uddin Chowdhury, witnessed the area being surrounded by army personnel. Reports later confirmed that President Zia and several loyal officers were killed by rebel soldiers during the attack.

Major General Moinul Hossain Chowdhury’s book describes how junior officers launched a sudden assault around 4 a.m., firing rockets and storming the building. Zia was shot multiple times by Lt. Col. Matiur Rahman. His body was removed before sunrise and buried in Rangunia under military supervision. Journalists reported restricted access to the burial site, and the city remained under army control for two days.

The incident left Chattogram in shock and fear. BNP activists stayed out of sight, and no organized protests occurred. Subsequent reports said some officers involved were killed while fleeing, while Major General Abul Manzoor was captured and later killed in custody, deepening the atmosphere of mistrust within the army.

A US federal court has overturned the decision to rename the Kennedy Center after President Donald Trump and ordered that his name be removed from the institution within 14 days. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled on Friday that changing the name without congressional approval was unlawful. The court also suspended the Trump administration’s plan to temporarily close the center for renovation work. The order requires Trump’s name to be removed from the building’s exterior, digital platforms, signage, and all official documents.

The ruling restores the institution’s original name, the “John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts,” which was established in 1971 in memory of the late President John F. Kennedy. Judge Cooper noted that the founding law of the Kennedy Center explicitly states that only Congress has the authority to alter its name.

The renaming had been part of the Trump administration’s broader rebranding initiative for government and cultural institutions in Washington, which had drawn criticism from parts of the arts community and led to event cancellations and reduced ticket sales.

In Rangpur, the 45th martyrdom anniversary of former president and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman was observed with a prayer gathering and discussion meeting on Saturday. The events took place at the Rangpur District Shilpakala Academy and the party office at Grand Hotel intersection in the city. Participants reflected on Ziaur Rahman’s political philosophy, his contributions to rural economic and infrastructural development, and his role in shaping modern Bangladesh. Special prayers were offered for the salvation of his soul.

The discussion and prayer meeting were presided over by senior lawyer Abdur Rashid Chowdhury, with Begum Rokeya University Vice-Chancellor Shawkat Ali attending as chief guest. City administrator and BNP metropolitan member secretary Mahfuz Un Nabi Don, university proctor and acting registrar Dr. Ferdous Rahman, freedom fighter Nur Mohammad, and physician Dr. Javed Akhtar were present among others. Another discussion was held at the party office where district BNP convener Saiful Islam delivered remarks, joined by leaders of affiliated organizations.

The observance reflected continued remembrance of Ziaur Rahman’s legacy in Rangpur’s political and civic circles.

A human chain was organized in Jhenaidah demanding the release of two student leaders arrested in a case filed by Chhatra Dal. The protest took place on Saturday at 11 a.m. at the city’s Payra Chattar, organized by the Jhenaidah district branch of the Nationalist Citizens’ Party (NCP). The case was filed following an attack on NCP leader Nasiruddin Patwari. The detainees are Ayon Rahman Khan, a leader of Chhatrashakti, and Mehedi Hasan Ashik, a member of the district committee of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.

NCP’s central joint member secretary Tarek Reza and other party activists attended the event, carrying placards demanding the release of the two arrested activists. Speakers at the human chain alleged that their leaders were attacked, yet the attackers filed a case against them. They claimed police were arresting NCP activists unfairly and sending them to court. The speakers warned that if Ayon and Ashik were not released soon, a stronger movement would be launched against what they described as a return of authoritarian rule.

The protest reflects growing political tension in Jhenaidah over the arrests and the handling of the case.

BNP Whip and Natore-2 Member of Parliament Advocate M Ruhul Kudduz Talukder Dulu stated that the ideals of the party’s founder, martyred President Ziaur Rahman, remain powerful even after his death. He said this on Saturday afternoon while addressing a discussion and prayer meeting organized by the Natore District BNP to mark the 45th martyrdom anniversary of Ziaur Rahman.

Dulu remarked that those who killed Ziaur Rahman 45 years ago thought they could erase the BNP, but history shows the party has become one of Bangladesh’s largest political organizations. He added that the BNP has been elected to state power by people across the country and continues to work for national development under the leadership of Tarique Zia, son of Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia.

The event, held at the Natore District Council auditorium, was presided over by Abdul Aziz MP and conducted by Asaduzzaman Asad. State Minister for Social Welfare and Natore-1 MP Barrister Farzana Sharmin Putul spoke as the chief discussant, along with several other district BNP leaders.

Government offices, banks, insurance companies, and the stock market in Bangladesh will reopen on Monday, June 1, after a seven-day holiday for Eid-ul-Azha. The holiday began on May 25 and included the main Eid day on May 28. The extended leave was granted through an executive order to ensure smooth travel during the festival. Employees had worked on May 23, a Saturday, to adjust for the extended break.

The Ministry of Public Administration had initially set six days of leave, later extended by one more day following a Cabinet decision on May 7. A formal notification on May 24 confirmed the seven-day holiday and two working days before Eid. The decision allowed government and private sector employees to enjoy a continuous break.

Essential service providers, including electricity, water, gas, fire service, ports, sanitation, telecommunications, media, postal services, and healthcare workers, remained outside the holiday schedule to maintain uninterrupted public services.

Myanmar’s President Min Aung Hlaing, who previously led the country’s military junta, has arrived in India for a five-day official visit. This marks his first foreign trip since assuming the presidency. During the visit, he is scheduled to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and hold discussions with business representatives.

Min Aung Hlaing seized power on February 1, 2021, ousting the elected civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. Following the coup, ASEAN barred Myanmar’s generals from its top summits, leaving the military-led administration increasingly isolated. Analysts view this visit as an opportunity for India to counterbalance China’s growing influence in Myanmar, secure access to the country’s rare mineral resources, and strengthen security along the northeastern border.

According to Crisis Group adviser Richard Horsey, Min Aung Hlaing aims to expand diplomatic engagement across the region and normalize ties with ASEAN, with support from Thailand and other member states. He may also visit Beijing soon to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, while India remains another key neighbor for Myanmar.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has called for collective efforts to build a non-discriminatory, democratic, and prosperous Bangladesh inspired by the ideals of the student uprising and the philosophy of late President Ziaur Rahman. He made the remarks on Saturday at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in Dhaka after paying tribute at the mausoleum of Ziaur Rahman on his death anniversary.

The minister described the day as one of deep sorrow and remembrance for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the people of the country. He said Ziaur Rahman played a unique role in safeguarding Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty, and progress, and that his legacy continues through the political ideals of BNP based on Bangladeshi nationalism and multi-party democracy. Ahmed reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining a democratic system in the country.

He also paid tribute to Begum Khaleda Zia, referring to her as the “Mother of Democracy,” and acknowledged her sacrifices for the nation’s democratic cause. The minister concluded by praying for the souls of both leaders and for the welfare of the country.

Indian Home Minister Amit Shah has called on so-called 'Bangladeshi infiltrators' to voluntarily leave India, saying those who do so will face no legal action. Speaking during a three-day visit to Gujarat, Shah said the new BJP-led West Bengal government will assist anyone crossing the border back to Bangladesh without obstruction. He claimed that while thousands used to enter India daily, an equal number are now returning.

According to official data, 11 holding centers have been established across West Bengal to detain alleged Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants, with a total of 386 people currently held. The highest number, 335, are in Basirhat, where three camps operate. Other centers are located in districts including Murshidabad, Malda, Cooch Behar, and South Dinajpur.

State minister Dilip Ghosh made harsh remarks, warning that food supplies to detainees would soon stop and urging them to leave. He argued that the government bears no responsibility to feed them and compared the situation to Afghan repatriations from Pakistan, insisting that returning to Bangladesh is their best option.

The Indian government has sent a list of 2,680 individuals accused of living illegally in India to the government of Bangladesh. According to Indian officials, repatriation will begin once the verification of their citizenship is completed. The announcement was made by Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, during a weekly press briefing.

Jaiswal stated that in many cases, the verification process has been pending for five years or longer. In West Bengal, authorities have established multiple holding centers to identify and detain suspected illegal entrants. A total of 11 such centers are currently operational across various districts, housing over a hundred suspected infiltrators awaiting identity verification and subsequent legal action.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that all actions against foreign nationals residing illegally in India will follow legal procedures. It also expressed hope that the Bangladeshi government will expedite the citizenship verification process to facilitate repatriation.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that most immigrants applying for permanent residency will not be required to leave the country while waiting for their green cards. The clarification reverses earlier guidance that had indicated applicants would need to return to their home countries during the waiting period.

According to DHS, immigration officers will decide whether an applicant must complete the green card process from outside the United States. Factors such as visa expiration or other immigration-related concerns may influence these decisions. However, DHS did not provide details on which applicants might be affected by these conditions.

The department suggested that the majority of green card applicants will be allowed to remain in the United States while their applications are under review, signaling a continuation of long-standing policy favoring in-country processing.