Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, a senior Jamaat-e-Islami leader, has criticized the Chief Advisor for compromising neutrality by issuing a joint statement with BNP leader Tarique Rahman during a meeting in London. “Such a meeting between a state head and a political leader abroad is unprecedented,” said Taher. He revealed that Jamaat did not participate in Tuesday’s meeting for this reason, though they joined Wednesday’s session at the commission’s request. Taher also expressed support for a constitutional council but insisted it should not involve the president or chief justice. He further questioned the government's capacity over the DSCC lock controversy.

Today's session of the National Consensus Commission’s dialogue descended into chaos as leaders from the CPB, Gano Forum, and LDP stormed out in protest, accusing organizers of not allowing them to speak. The situation was later defused with the intervention of commission members, leading the parties to rejoin the dialogue. CPB General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince alleged bias, noting that Jamaat-e-Islami was allowed three speakers while others were denied a chance to speak.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi stated that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s attempts to break the BNP have failed time and again due to the uncompromising leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia.

Rizvi made the remarks after placing wreaths at the grave of late President Ziaur Rahman along with newly elected leaders of Narsingdi District BNP. He emphasized that the interim government must quickly fulfill its promises regarding the upcoming election.

Rizvi also demanded accountability for law enforcement officers accused of filing false cases and torturing opposition activists. “If anyone believes the interim government is becoming biased, the issue should be addressed through dialogue,” he said.

He concluded by urging the government to form a national task force to combat dengue and COVID-19, given the current health threats.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir claimed that a faction boycotted Tuesday’s meeting of the National Unity Commission, expressing dissatisfaction over a recent meeting in London between Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.

Speaking at a press conference, Fakhrul stated, "Instead of choosing confrontation, both leaders have worked towards peaceful elections—true marks of statesmanship." Hinting at Jamaat-e-Islami, he added, "They know that if a popular party wins through elections, their relevance will diminish. That’s why they’re upset."

He further warned, "Those who imitate the ruling Awami League by suppressing rights, extorting, and abusing power will inevitably turn into what they oppose. This must stop."

BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia will visit Evercare Hospital in Bashundhara this evening for a scheduled health check-up.
Shayrul Kabir Khan of BNP's media wing confirmed that she will leave her Gulshan residence at 6:00 p.m. for the hospital.

Despite being absent in the previous round, Jamaat-e-Islami participated in the second phase of the National Consensus Commission’s ongoing discussions.
The meeting was held at the Foreign Service Academy at 11:30 a.m., where the party was represented by its Nayeb-e-Ameer, Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher.
Today’s agenda reportedly included discussions on the National Coordination Council (NCC), the upcoming presidential election, and district-level coordination proposals. Around 30 parties and alliances took part in the talks.

At an event marking the birthday of Zubaida Rahman, BNP senior leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi alleged that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina rewrote the country’s history and textbooks according to her personal preferences—something that, he argued, would not have been possible in a democratic system.
Rizvi claimed that Bangladesh’s democratic crisis persists, and significant efforts are still needed to restore democratic governance.
He accused Sheikh Hasina of running a 16-year-long smear campaign against the BNP, which, he says, continues to this day. Rizvi also stated that under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, the BNP is actively working to bring back democracy. He further criticized the ruling government’s treatment of Zubaida Rahman, stating that even she was not spared from state repression, harassment, and false legal charges.

Imran Khan, former Prime Minister of Pakistan and PTI founder, has suspended his planned nationwide protest for two weeks due to escalating global tensions following the Iran-Israel conflict. Speaking to media outside Adiala Jail, his sister Noreen Niazi said Khan prioritized national unity during these uncertain times. Despite leading his party’s movement from jail, Khan chose to pause the campaign. The government has renewed calls for dialogue with PTI, but past efforts stalled over lack of investigation into key incidents.

The United States has announced the temporary closure of its embassy in Jerusalem and consular services in Tel Aviv from June 18 to 21 due to escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. American officials and their families have been instructed to stay indoors or seek nearby shelter. The U.S. State Department issued the alert citing security concerns. No current plans have been announced to assist private U.S. citizens in leaving Israel. Major Israeli airports and seaports also remain closed.

Although Jamaat-e-Islami skipped Tuesday’s second round of talks with the National Consensus Commission regarding ongoing political reforms, the party has expressed a positive outlook on joining the Wednesday session.

Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Dr. AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad confirmed their consideration for participation. No explanation was provided by senior leader Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher for Tuesday’s absence.

The National Coordination Party (NCP) has announced programs across various districts and sub-districts this Thursday, demanding justice for the “July Declaration,” “July Charter,” and the July Massacre.

Newly formed district and sub-district coordination committees have been instructed to hold their first executive meetings at their respective offices. Programs will be held immediately following these meetings, according to an official statement.

BNP leader Aminul Haque has expressed hope that the upcoming national election will take place in a festive, peaceful atmosphere. "BNP wants to establish full democracy through participatory and fair elections," he said.

He noted that the public has long been demanding free and fair elections. Referring to the 2014 Kalshi massacre of Urdu-speaking residents, Haque pledged that a future BNP government would ensure justice for those responsible.

A case has been filed against 34 individuals—including two former MPs, a former superintendent of police, and other senior officers—for the 2012 custodial death of a BNP leader in Sherpur. The deceased, Abu Bakr Siddiqui Bachchu, then vice-president of Sherpur District Krishak Dal, was allegedly detained by the Detective Branch (DB) at the order of then-SP Anisur Rahman and former MP Atiur Rahman Atik. The following day, Bachchu’s lifeless body was found at his home. Family members allege he was killed solely for his involvement with the BNP.

In Roumari upazila of Kurigram, a local Jamaat leader has been accused of assaulting a government accountant for refusing to sign pension documents. The accused, Kader Mollah, allegedly attacked Upazila Accounts Officer Raja Mia after the latter declined to sign retirement benefit papers due to discrepancies. Mollah, accompanied by several Jamaat members, including his wife’s associates, reportedly stormed the office demanding approval of the documents. The injured officer is receiving treatment at Roumari Health Complex.

Police have arrested four individuals, including Kamal Hossain alias 'Moyla Kamal', while they were allegedly preparing for a rally in Dhaka’s Mirpur area late Monday night.

The other detainees have been identified as Taijul Islam Raihan, Sanjit Kumar Mitra, and Lokman Hossain Molla.

According to Mohammad Maksudur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), the arrests were made on charges of planning an unauthorized rally and possible subversive activities. He further claimed that the individuals belong to a banned organization, referring to the group as the “prohibited Awami League.”

All four have been sent to jail following their arrest.

Note: The mention of Awami League as a "banned organization" appears to be either a clerical error or misinformation, as the Awami League is the ruling political party in Bangladesh. This point requires clarification or verification from official sources.