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.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman distributed clothing among the poor on the occasion of the 45th death anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. The event took place on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. in the premises of Capital High School on Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka. The initiative marked the beginning of a nationwide program to distribute clothing and provide free medical services to underprivileged people.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque, Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Shafiqul Islam Khan Milton, and former councilor Anwaruzzaman were present at the event. According to the announcement, Tarique Rahman is scheduled to attend similar programs throughout the day at 16 locations across Dhaka North and South.

The program is part of broader commemorative activities held nationwide to honor the legacy of Ziaur Rahman through social welfare initiatives.

Members of the UK Parliament are set to debate the influence of the Israeli lobby in British politics following a public petition that gathered more than 116,000 signatures, surpassing the threshold required for parliamentary consideration. The debate is scheduled for June 22 and will focus on the role of Israel-related and pro-Israel lobbying in shaping political decision-making in the United Kingdom.

According to the petition, the devastation in Gaza, ongoing repression of Palestinians in the West Bank, and the UK’s political response highlight the urgent need to examine how pro-Israel organizations, networks, and lobbying efforts may affect government decisions, party policies, and public discourse. The discussion comes amid heightened scrutiny of political donations linked to pro-Israel advocacy groups and individuals.

The debate is expected to provide a parliamentary platform to address public concerns about transparency and influence in UK political processes, as reported by Middle East Eye.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for collective efforts to advance the country, emphasizing that the political philosophy of late President and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman continues to guide Bangladesh’s progress. He made the remarks on Saturday in Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar after paying tribute at Ziaur Rahman’s grave on the occasion of his 45th martyrdom anniversary.

Fakhrul said that for many years people could not freely observe the day due to what he described as a period of “fascism,” but now there is comparatively more freedom to commemorate the leader. He stated that Ziaur Rahman had laid the foundation for a modern and well-governed state, and that his development-oriented vision remains relevant for the nation’s advancement.

He added that ongoing reform initiatives in the country align with Ziaur Rahman’s state philosophy, and that the BNP aims to continue following his ideals under the leadership of Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. Party leaders and activists also paid their respects and observed various programs marking the anniversary.

U.S. President Donald Trump will not sign any agreement with Iran unless Tehran meets Washington’s core demands, according to a White House official cited by Al Jazeera. The statement followed a nearly two-hour meeting of the U.S.-Iran taskforce, where the official emphasized that Trump would only accept a deal beneficial to the United States and that no agreement would proceed if Iran failed to respect the U.S. red lines.

An Israeli official told CNN there were concerns that Trump might agree to what was described as a poor interim deal with Iran. The official added that any acceptable agreement must include the removal of Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium.

The report, sourced from Middle East Eye, highlights ongoing tensions surrounding potential U.S.-Iran negotiations and differing views among allies over the terms of any future agreement.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that Tehran continues to exchange messages with Washington but has not reached any final agreement. Speaking on state television on Friday, he emphasized that no Western power can compel the Islamic Republic to take any action, asserting that Iran makes decisions based on its own national interests and rights.

Baghaei’s remarks came hours after U.S. President Donald Trump demanded the lifting of a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz via Truth Social. He described the blockade as illegal, saying it violated both the ceasefire that took effect on April 8 and the principle of freedom of international navigation. Baghaei added that a decision regarding an agreement would be made soon.

He further noted that Iran would observe whether the other side keeps its promises or if their statements are merely rhetoric.

A federal appeals court in the United States has allowed Texas to implement a controversial state law granting local authorities the power to arrest and deport individuals suspected of entering the country illegally through the US-Mexico border. The New Orleans-based Fifth US Circuit Court of Appeals issued the ruling on Friday, overturning a previous injunction imposed by a district judge in Austin on May 14. The earlier order had blocked the law following a lawsuit filed by civil rights groups.

District Judge David Ezra had previously ruled that the Texas law unlawfully challenged the federal government’s exclusive authority over immigration and deportation. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton appealed the injunction, leading to the appellate court’s decision to lift the block. The 2023 law, known as SB 4, allows state magistrates to order deportations and criminalizes reentry into Texas even with federal permission.

Following the ruling, the American Civil Liberties Union, its Texas branch, and the Texas Civil Rights Project expressed disappointment and vowed to continue their legal fight against what they called an unlawful measure.

State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md. Shariful Alam stated that there are no minorities or majorities in Bangladesh, emphasizing unity for national progress. He made the remarks on Friday afternoon at the bi-annual conference of the Upazila Puja Celebration Council in Kuliarchar, Kishoreganj, where he attended as the chief guest.

The event, held at the Upazila Parishad auditorium under the chairmanship of Piyush Kanti Ghosh, was inaugurated by former president of the Bangladesh Puja Celebration Council, Jitendra Lal Bhowmik. The minister noted that the current government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has been in office for three months and ten days and has already begun implementing election pledges. Initiatives include providing allowances for imams, muezzins, and priests, as well as distributing family cards, with benefits expected to reach households nationwide in phases.

Several local leaders and officials also spoke at the event, including former BSS managing editor Manoj Kanti Roy and local BNP representatives.

A U.S. federal judge has temporarily halted the Trump administration’s proposed $1.776 billion “anti-weaponization” fund, which was intended to compensate individuals claiming to be victims of political misuse of government power. The order, issued by Judge Leonie Brinkema of the U.S. District Court in Alexandria, Virginia, suspends all fund-related activities for at least two weeks. A hearing on whether to extend the suspension is scheduled for June 12.

The fund was created as part of a settlement in a case involving the Internal Revenue Service and former President Donald Trump’s tax disclosures. It has faced multiple lawsuits, including one by the legal advocacy group Democracy Forward, which argues the fund lacks legal basis and accountability. Other suits were filed by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington and two Capitol Hill police officers. Republican lawmakers have also questioned the eligibility criteria, particularly whether January 6 rioters could claim compensation.

The U.S. Department of Justice maintains confidence in the fund’s legality, while the White House has declined to comment. No funds have yet been distributed or claims accepted.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the era of providing subsidies from the United States to wealthy nations has ended. He made the statement on Saturday while attending the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. Hegseth warned that if the Pacific region falls under the control of any hegemonic power, it would disrupt the regional balance of power.

He added that despite months of discussions about a possible war with Iran, the United States remains committed to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. Hegseth also said that under President Donald Trump, relations between the United States and China have improved compared to previous years. He noted that the US is holding more frequent meetings with Chinese counterparts while keeping military communication channels open.

Hegseth emphasized that the United States insists China must respect its long-standing presence in the region, underscoring Washington’s strategic focus on stability and openness in the Indo-Pacific.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that President Donald Trump will make a $1.5 trillion generational investment in the defense sector this year. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia’s leading security conference in Singapore, Hegseth described the move as a historic national production momentum for America’s defense industrial base.

He called on allied nations to allocate at least 3.5 percent of their GDP to defense spending, emphasizing that Washington will now prioritize relations with what he termed “ideal allies.” Hegseth warned that countries failing to meet this commitment would face clear changes in their business and diplomatic relations with the United States. He added that those relying on American taxpayers’ generosity for free benefits should recognize that such days are over.

Hegseth characterized the initiative as a strategic necessity, underscoring a shift in US defense and alliance policy direction.

The West Bengal state government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has handed over 721 hectares of land to India’s Border Security Force (BSF) for constructing border fencing. The announcement was made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday during a meeting in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. According to Shah, the land transfer took place within seven days of Adhikari’s swearing-in as chief minister. Of the total land, 600 hectares are located along various Bangladesh–West Bengal border areas, while 121 hectares are in the sensitive Chicken’s Neck region.

Amit Shah stated that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) now governs across the Ganga river basin. He added that after the establishment of detention centers in West Bengal, illegal immigrants have begun returning to their home countries voluntarily. Shah contrasted this with the previous administration under Mamata Banerjee, claiming that daily infiltration occurred during her tenure.

He further said that the state government is ready to assist those who wish to leave voluntarily and assured that no legal cases would be filed against them if they depart before formal identification begins.

President Md. Shahabuddin stated that the simple and selfless life, strong personality, unquestionable honesty, and pragmatic leadership of martyred President Ziaur Rahman will remain forever in the hearts of the people. He made these remarks in a message marking the 45th anniversary of Ziaur Rahman’s martyrdom on May 30, 2026.

The President expressed hope that Ziaur Rahman’s active life, deep patriotism, strict stance against corruption, commitment to justice, and vision for self-reliant development would continue to inspire future generations. He paid deep respect to Zia’s memory, recalling his assassination on May 30, 1981, in Chattogram Circuit House. Shahabuddin highlighted Zia’s roles as a valiant freedom fighter, proclaimer of independence, founder of multi-party democracy, and architect of modern Bangladesh.

He noted Ziaur Rahman’s contributions to establishing political freedom, promoting socio-economic progress, and adopting a balanced foreign policy that expanded Bangladesh’s labor markets abroad. The President said Zia’s 19-point program aimed to build a productive and self-reliant nation, and his leadership remains a shining example of patriotism and foresight.

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj has withdrawn his recent remark describing Dhaka University as a 'coaching center'. The comment, made during a podcast, sparked anger among the university’s teachers and students. In response, a group of students announced a protest and human chain to be held Friday evening near the Raju Memorial Sculpture at the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC).

Facing widespread criticism, Hajjaj clarified that his statement had been misrepresented and reflected his personal opinion, not the government’s official stance. In a Facebook post at 5:30 p.m. Friday, he emphasized his respect for Dhaka University’s history and contributions, saying his intention was to encourage its transformation into a world-class research institution. He also noted that the podcast discussion was informal and not policy-oriented.

Hajjaj further commented on challenges in higher education over the past 17 years, including insufficient focus on research and questions over politically influenced faculty appointments. He concluded by apologizing for any misunderstanding and fully retracting his earlier comment.