Citizens in Sylhet staged demonstrations, human chains, and sit-ins on Monday demanding the reinstatement of District Commissioner (DC) Md. Sarwar Alam. The protests took place around the DC office and nearby areas following the government’s decision to withdraw him from his post and appoint him as a deputy secretary at the Ministry of Public Administration. The order, issued on Sunday, came only ten months after his appointment.

Sixty-seven local citizens issued a statement condemning the district administration’s actions regarding the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (R.), accusing it of damaging heritage. Several Islamic groups also expressed anger, alleging that the DC’s removal followed his efforts to seal donation boxes and curb drug activities around the shrine. Protesters claimed that Sarwar Alam had been vocal against corruption and irregularities and that vested interests orchestrated his transfer.

Speakers at the demonstrations urged the government to reconsider the decision, arguing that removing a popular and reform-minded official without investigation undermines public trust and development efforts in Sylhet.

An unusual scene unfolded at Bangladesh’s National Parliament on Monday, June 22, 2026, when Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiquur Rahman distributed 10-kilogram gift packages to everyone in the Parliament Secretariat. The gifts, containing premium seasonal mangoes, were delivered to all—from the Speaker, ministers, and MPs to office assistants, cleaners, lift operators, and drivers—creating a festive atmosphere across the complex.

Officials from the opposition leader’s office said the initiative aimed to ensure equal distribution, breaking the norm where only VIPs usually receive such gestures. A staff member expressed gratitude, saying it was an honor to be remembered by the opposition leader. Several ruling party MPs also welcomed the move, describing it as a rare display of courtesy in Bangladesh’s often polarized political environment.

Parliament officials noted that since assuming office, Dr. Rahman has introduced several unconventional and humane initiatives. They viewed this gift distribution not merely as a material exchange but as a symbolic message of inclusivity and respect for all levels of workers within the parliamentary system.

A three-day training program for faculty members of the Faculty of Agriculture at Gazipur Agricultural University (GAKRUB) began on June 22, 2026, under the Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) project. The event, themed 'Skilled Teachers, Advanced Agricultural Education,' was inaugurated by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. J.K.M. Mostafizur Rahman at the university’s old auditorium. Ninety-two teachers, from lecturers to professors, are participating in the program, which runs until June 24.

The training aims to improve the quality of agricultural education, align it with international standards, and prepare for accreditation of the BSc in Agriculture program. In his address, the vice-chancellor emphasized the importance of accreditation in higher education and the need for modern, outcome-based teaching, evaluation, and research. Sessions include discussions on artificial intelligence in agriculture, international collaboration, and effective classroom management, led by national experts.

University authorities view the program as a key step toward strengthening faculty capacity, enhancing educational quality, and achieving international accreditation for agricultural studies.

Italian company The Edge Company has expressed interest in installing Bird Control Management Systems (BCMS) at airports across Bangladesh. During a meeting on Monday between Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita and Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro, the proposal was discussed along with plans by another Italian firm, Flyon Aero, to establish a training academy to enhance the skills of Bangladeshi technicians.

According to a press release from the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry, both sides emphasized strengthening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Italy. The ambassador expressed gratitude for the contribution of around 250,000 Bangladeshi workers to the Italian economy. The minister also conveyed Bangladesh’s willingness to work jointly with Italy to develop the aviation sector and discussed potential foreign investment in airport expansion under a public-private partnership model.

The meeting also addressed the need to increase flight frequency on the Dhaka–Rome route to facilitate travel for expatriate Bangladeshis. The ambassador assured that appropriate steps would be taken to address this issue.

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Huq emphasized the need to enhance social awareness alongside laws and policies to ensure the protection, dignity, and rights of elderly citizens. He made the remarks on Monday at a consultation meeting held at the YWCA auditorium in Mohammadpur, Dhaka, marking the International Day for the Prevention of Elder Abuse. The event was organized by the Resource Integration Centre (RIC).

The minister said that elderly people often become more vulnerable than children due to age-related challenges, and their welfare requires responsible roles from families and society in addition to the state. He noted that neglect and abuse of the elderly cannot be prevented solely through law enforcement, highlighting the importance of developing social and moral values.

He added that the government has taken several initiatives for the welfare of senior citizens, including free railway travel for those aged 65 and above, a 25 percent fare discount on metro rail, and an increase in the allowance for citizens aged 90 and above to 1,000 taka.

A protest and rally were held at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) in Mymensingh on Monday condemning the attack on Dr. Shahadat Hossain Parvez, organizational secretary of the Veterinary Doctors Association of Bangladesh. The event took place near the administrative building under the banner of nationalist agriculturists and professionals. Participants demanded justice for the June 4 assault that occurred at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) premises.

The protest was chaired by BAU Registrar Dr. Md. Helal Uddin and conducted by former ABAB organizational secretary Dr. Sadekuzzaman. Former leaders of the central and Mymensingh units of the Agriculture Association of Bangladesh, university officials, and agriculturists attended. Speakers strongly condemned the attack, urging authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible. They also called for ensuring professional safety and freedom of expression, warning of larger movements if justice is delayed.

In his remarks, Dr. Helal Uddin described the attack as brutal and unacceptable, emphasizing that violence has no place in professional or political differences and demanding a fair investigation and exemplary punishment for the perpetrators.

Police in Srimangal, Moulvibazar, have arrested a former leader of the Nationalist Cultural Social Organization (JASAS) in connection with a robbery involving cumin worth about Tk 2 million. According to police, the incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon when a covered van carrying cumin owned by Sylhet businessman Afzalur Rahman was stopped in the Puranbazar area by a group led by Zahed Ali. The attackers allegedly held the driver and helper hostage at knifepoint and fled with 160 sacks of cumin, Tk 20,000 in cash, two mobile phones, and the van itself.

Afzalur Rahman filed a case with Srimangal Police Station on Saturday after reviewing CCTV footage and identifying the suspects. The case named Zahed Ali and three to four unidentified individuals. Later that night, around 2:30 a.m., police led by Sub-Inspector Bablu Pal arrested Zahed Ali from the Shahibagh area. He is the son of the late Nayeb Ali and a former member secretary of the Srimangal municipal JASAS convening committee.

Local JASAS leaders stated that Zahed Ali had already been removed from his party position earlier for violating organizational discipline and engaging in extortion-related activities.

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Boby Hajjaj announced that from 2028 onward, no untrained teacher will be allowed to teach in any primary classroom in Bangladesh. The policy will apply to all institutions, including government, private, kindergarten, and English-medium schools. He made the statement while addressing a national dialogue on Early Childhood Development Policy jointly organized by Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), and the Bangladesh ECD Network in Dhaka.

Hajjaj emphasized that true educational progress requires skilled teachers, modern curricula, and joyful learning environments centered on children. He said the government aims to complete curriculum restructuring within one year and pledged to ensure the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) can work independently and free from undue influence. He also stressed that improving teachers’ living standards is essential for raising education quality.

The minister added that the government plans to gradually convert all government primary schools into one-shift institutions, as the current two-shift system limits students’ time and attention.

Three establishments in Dinajpur were fined a total of Tk 300,000 under the Safe Food Act following a summary trial conducted by the Pure Food Court. The trial, led by Senior Judicial Magistrate Sohag Ali, took place on Sunday evening and continued until 9 p.m. at Dilshad Restaurant, Vhinno Swad, and Kacchi Bhai in Dinajpur town.

Officials from the Dinajpur District Safe Food Office, including Officer Gautam Kumar Saha, and members of the Bangladesh Police were present during the operation. The fines were imposed after authorities found various food items stored without proper labeling, production dates, or expiry dates. The items included yogurt, rasmalai, coffee, chanachur, meat, and spices. Each establishment was fined Tk 100,000, and the total amount was collected on the spot.

The Dinajpur District Safe Food Officer confirmed the enforcement action on Monday afternoon, emphasizing adherence to the Safe Food Act, 2013.

A BNP leader in Habiganj has been accused of involvement in illegal sand trading after a Facebook post highlighted the issue. The accused, Mominul Islam Momin, serves as the general secretary of the Rajiyura Union BNP. According to local sources, a group has been illegally extracting silica sand by boat from several areas, including near the Sutang Bridge in Shayestaganj and Joar Lalchan in Chunarughat. The sand is reportedly stockpiled at Chanpur playground in Rajiyura Union before being distributed across the district.

A Facebook page named “Jam Jam Enterprise” allegedly advertises the sand for sale, listing Mominul Islam Momin’s mobile number and sharing posts from his personal account. Local residents claim the illegal extraction is damaging the Sutang River’s flow and biodiversity, causing erosion that threatens farmland, homes, and the environment. Mominul denied owning the enterprise or being involved in the trade but failed to explain why his number and account were linked to the posts. The posts were later deleted, and the local UNO said he would investigate the matter.

A school campaign was organized in Dinajpur by the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA) to raise awareness among students about the harmful effects of single-use plastics. The event took place on Monday morning at the conference hall of Dinajpur Jubilee High School, where participants discussed the environmental and public health risks associated with plastic pollution.

The session was presided over by acting head teacher Akram Hossain, with speeches from assistant teachers Sufia Begum and Jyotirmoyee Sarkar, as well as student representatives Ayesha Siddika and Rittika Pal. BELA network member Konkon Karmakar conducted the program. A total of 51 students attended the campaign.

At the end of the event, participants were urged to become more conscious about environmental protection and to take active roles in building a plastic pollution-free, safe, and sustainable future.

Leaders and activists of the Jubo Dal organized a motorcycle rally in Tongi, Gazipur, on Monday afternoon to counter what they described as unrest, sabotage, and disorder by the banned Awami League group. The rally, led by Tongi West Thana Jubo Dal president Sheikh Mohammad Suman and general secretary Azizur Rahman Tipu, moved through key roads including Millgate, Station Road, Cherag Ali, College Gate, Hossain Market, Ershadnagar, Gazipura, and Khapara before concluding with a brief gathering at Tongi Government College Gate.

During the event, Jubo Dal leaders stated that the banned group was attempting to disrupt the country’s peaceful environment and that they would not allow control of Tongi’s streets to fall into their hands. They emphasized that Jubo Dal members were alert at every intersection and ready to prevent any acts of sabotage or disorder.

The demonstration reflected Jubo Dal’s intent to maintain control over local streets and resist activities they consider destabilizing in the Tongi area.

A Dhaka court has ordered the new arrests of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JASAD) president and former minister Hasanul Haq Inu and Bangladesh Workers Party president and former minister Rashed Khan Menon in connection with an attempted murder case filed over the July uprising. The order was issued on Monday afternoon by Metropolitan Magistrate Nazmin Akter. State lawyer Harun-or-Rashid confirmed the development.

According to the case, during the anti-discrimination movement on August 5, the complainant, Md Mokhlesin, was shot while participating in a procession at Chankharpul intersection on Nazimuddin Road. Locals later took him to Mitford Hospital in an injured condition. The case was filed by Mokhlesin on January 1 of the previous year.

The investigating officer, Sub-Inspector Md Ashraf Hossain of Bangshal Police Station, presented the accused before the court and sought their formal arrest in the case. After hearing arguments from both sides, the magistrate granted the request.

The Singra Upazila administration in Natore conducted a drive on Monday afternoon at Sarkarpara area of Singra municipality, seizing and destroying illegal Chinese fishing nets worth over Tk 2 million. The operation was carried out based on intelligence provided by the National Security Intelligence (NSI) and led by Executive Magistrate and Upazila Nirbahi Officer Abdullah Al Rifat.

During the mobile court operation, three individuals were penalized for using and selling the illegal nets. Ekabbar Hossain was fined Tk 20,000, Shahidul Sardar received a two-month jail term and a Tk 5,000 fine, and a regular case was filed against Rajib Hossain. The confiscated nets were later burned in the presence of local officials, including the senior fisheries and agriculture officers, police, and NSI members.

According to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer, the operation aimed to protect fish resources and biodiversity in the Chalan Beel area, and similar enforcement actions will continue.

A five-day training program titled 'Entrepreneurship and Development' has begun at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) with the goal of transforming young people from job seekers into job creators. The program was inaugurated on Monday at the Faculty of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology. Organized by the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) Training Institute in collaboration with the faculty, the training includes 30 university students.

The inauguration ceremony was presided over by BSCIC Director (Skill and Technology) Md. Shahiduzzaman, with BAU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A. K. Fazlul Hoque Bhuiyan as the chief guest. Speakers emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship training amid limited job opportunities for graduates. They highlighted BSCIC’s contribution to national economic development through its 191 offices, 83 industrial estates, and employment for over 800,000 people.

Participants will receive hands-on instruction in business planning, market analysis, financial management, startup operations, and innovation. Certificates will be awarded upon completion of the training.