BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has alleged that top leaders of the ruling Awami League, including former Land Minister Saifuzzaman, are involved in money laundering and have illegally transferred wealth to London. Rizvi stated that a smear campaign is being conducted to divert attention from a key upcoming meeting between BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman and chief advisor Dr. Yunus in London. He emphasized the significance of this meeting in shaping the future of national elections, electoral reform, and the restoration of democracy in Bangladesh. Rizvi also criticized Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for what he described as the establishment of fascist rule.

In response to a spike in COVID-19 Omicron sub-variants, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has implemented heightened precautions. Thermal scanners now screen arriving passengers without contact, and mask-wearing is mandatory in key areas. Medical staff and supplies have been allocated, while health guidelines are being promoted to raise public awareness. The Directorate General of Health Services has issued an 11-point advisory to prevent spread and instructed all ports to enhance surveillance and hygiene measures, especially for international travelers entering Bangladesh.

People are returning to Dhaka after celebrating Eid-ul-Adha in their hometowns without facing the usual travel woes. Major highways, bus terminals, railway stations, and launch terminals have seen a surge in passengers since Thursday morning, but smooth traffic and organized services have made the journey comfortable. Travelers reported reaching the capital faster than expected, with no major delays or traffic jams. Authorities remained alert to ensure safe and hassle-free travel, and the rush is expected to continue for the next few days.

BNP leader Fazlur Rahman has claimed that Dr. Muhammad Yunus, having exhausted all his options, has now gone to London to meet BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. “Just 15 days ago, even after BNP repeatedly sought an audience with him for six days, Yunus Sahib didn’t spare even an hour. But now, he has flown for 12 hours to speak with our leader. That meeting is set to take place on Friday,” Fazlur Rahman said.

Making a metaphorical remark, he added, “Even a snake straightens up when it goes into its hole.”

“Every day is sacred to Allah, but Friday holds special significance. I hope Yunus Sahib will speak with honesty and sincerity during his meeting with our leader,” he added. Addressing Yunus directly, he said, “You are my elder; you are nine years older than me. I sincerely hope that through this discussion with Tarique Rahman, you will contribute to saving this country.”

The National Consumer Rights Protection Movement has raised alarm over the reactivation of a powerful syndicate reminiscent of past fascist regimes, which it claims is once again manipulating the sacrificial leather market. The group has called for resistance against what it described as both domestic and foreign conspiracies to destroy Bangladesh’s leather industry.

Despite the Ministry of Commerce setting the price of cowhide between BDT 60 and 65 per square foot, hides were reportedly sold at BDT 55 to 60—similar to last year’s rates. Activists blamed a behind-the-scenes “price manipulation game” by syndicates for the artificially low prices.

“This must stop,” said movement leaders. “We’ve seen the jute industry collapse due to similar tactics. We cannot allow the leather industry to suffer the same fate.”

Bangladesh informed the U.S. Deputy Labor Minister Keith Sonderling that only 15% of its 75 million workers are in the formal sector. The rest are informal workers. In a Geneva meeting, Labor Adviser Dr. M. Sakhawat Hossain highlighted efforts to ensure fair wages, safe workplaces, and labor reforms. Discussions also focused on U.S.-Bangladesh cooperation in labor rights, skills training, and improving conditions in the RMG sector. The U.S. expressed interest in offering technical support to boost labor standards.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has stepped forward to support the family of a Hindu couple who tragically died in a devastating house fire in Hatia, Noakhali. The party has constructed and handed over a new home to the bereaved family.

During the house handover ceremony, Jamaat leader Advocate Shah Mahfuzul Haque stated, “Out of a sense of humanity, we always strive to stand by ordinary people. Supporting the family of Keshab Babu is part of our moral responsibility.”

The tragic incident occurred late at night in Ward No. 7 of Budirchar Union, where a fire broke out in the home of Nimai Chandra Majumder and his wife, Milon Bala. Both lost their lives in the blaze. In addition, seven of their cows perished in the fire.

BADC is facing a severe fertilizer storage crisis in Chattogram due to inadequate government warehouse capacity. Despite a 16,500-ton storage limit, 28,000 tons are being stored, with three warehouses set for demolition by December. Slow progress on new warehouses is worsening the issue. Two ships carrying 60,000 tons of TSP are stuck offshore, adding costs. BADC has proposed using abandoned jute mill warehouses, but no action has been taken. Officials stress urgent construction of new facilities to avoid supply disruptions.

The Kaikhali border in Satkhira, near the Sundarbans, has emerged as a key route for women and child trafficking due to its unfenced, riverine terrain. Traffickers operate from temporary camps and use small boats to transport victims to India. Despite rescue operations, locals report many go unaccounted for. Weak law enforcement and few convictions worsen the crisis. The BGB claims to be actively patrolling, but rights groups call for stronger action as trafficking cases rise sharply, especially during the monsoon season.

People have begun returning to their workplaces after celebrating Eid with family, leading to a noticeable rise in passenger flow at Daulatdia ferry and launch terminals in Rajbari. Despite the increase, there has been no major traffic congestion. On the Daulatdia-Paturia route, 17 ferries are on standby, with 15 currently in operation and two reserved. Authorities say all ferries will be deployed if pressure increases further, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free return journey for holidaymakers.

BNP Standing Committee member Dr. A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain has stated that the party’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to return to Bangladesh soon, as a conducive political environment is emerging. Speaking at an event in Sreepur's Maona area where aid checks were distributed to victims and families affected by the anti-discrimination movement, he also highlighted a key meeting on June 13 between the Chief Adviser and Tarique Rahman that could positively influence the nation’s political climate.

BNP leader Hafiz Ibrahim stated that the party is ready for national elections, whether they are held in December or April. He mentioned a possible meeting in London between Dr. Muhammad Yunus and Tarique Rahman to discuss the election timeline. Speaking at a rally in Bhola, he said BNP activists are campaigning nationwide. He highlighted past development under BNP rule and promised gas-based industries to tackle unemployment if re-elected.

Despite nearly $9 billion in increased remittance and export income, Bangladesh’s foreign reserves have hovered around $20 billion for 11 months. Declines in foreign direct investment, aid, and long-term loans, alongside higher import and debt repayment costs, offset the gains. The dollar crisis has eased, but reserves haven’t grown. Experts stress the need for political stability and investment-friendly policies to boost reserves. Bangladesh Bank expects a $3 billion rise in June with anticipated foreign loan inflows from global institutions like the IMF and World Bank.

Two activists of the opposition BNP party have been arrested in connection with an attack on the homes of two army personnel in Putia Upazila, Rajshahi. The attack allegedly took place after the army personnel’s families refused to pay extortion money. The arrests were made during a late-night raid on Wednesday by military personnel. The detainees have been identified as Md. Sujon (32) and Shahin Akter alias Khokon (41). The two targeted soldiers—Tarikul Islam and Md. Al-Amin—are cousins. Tarikul’s father, Abdul Hannan, is a supporter of the ruling Awami League, and local BNP leader and Union Parishad member Rafiqul Islam allegedly demanded Tk 500,000 from him.

A fish trader named Jasim Hawlader (30) was abducted, severely beaten, and hacked in an attack in Nesarabad, Pirojpur. He currently remains hospitalized with serious injuries. Jasim, also a local leader of the Guarekha Union Fishermen’s Association, was reportedly assaulted by a group led by Kislu Sikder, a known political enforcer. According to Jasim's brother, the attackers—numbering 20 to 25—used machetes, rods, and sticks. Jasim was tied up and slashed on his back and face before being beaten with metal rods.