Advisor Asif Mahmud reported that Bangladesh’s foreign debt repayments rose by 24.73% during the first ten months of the current fiscal year compared to the same period last year. Posting on Facebook, he stated that from July to April of FY 2024–25, the country repaid $3.5 billion, surpassing the total repayment of the entire previous fiscal year. Of this, approximately $2.02 billion was principal repayment—32.86% higher than the same period last year. He also noted a reduction in urban waterlogging despite heavy rainfall.

Jamaat-e-Islami has announced plans to hold a major public rally in Dhaka’s Suhrawardy Udyan on June 21 at 2 PM, following what it calls the “historic mass uprising that toppled fascist Sheikh Hasina.” Party leader Ehsanul Mahbub Zubayer confirmed that an application has been submitted to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) seeking permission for the venue. Top Jamaat leaders will attend, and invitations will be extended to like-minded political allies. “The rally’s confirmation depends on securing the venue,” he added, noting that preparations are already underway. This would mark the party’s first large gathering in the capital since the alleged regime change.

Health Secretary Md. Saidur Rahman announced that specialized geriatric wards will soon be introduced in all public hospitals across the country to improve healthcare services for the elderly. He mentioned that while Dhaka Medical College Hospital currently has one such ward, another will open next month at Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College. Plans are underway to roll out similar wards in all government hospitals in phases. Addressing nurses, the secretary stressed the importance of courteous greetings, smiling interactions, and kind behavior in enhancing the quality of care. “This is not only a professional duty but also a humanitarian value that builds patient trust and contributes to their emotional well-being,” he added.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has strongly protested the recent remarks by Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, who stated that India wishes to see elections held in Bangladesh at the earliest possible time. Jamaat criticized this as interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs, asserting that as a sovereign and independent nation, Bangladesh should not be subjected to such external commentary. The party urged the Indian government to adhere to the principles of the United Nations Charter in future remarks regarding Bangladesh’s internal matters.

In a statement, the Nationalist Like-minded Alliance asserted that the people of Bangladesh now strongly desire a free, fair, and impartial national election. The alliance, alongside the BNP and nearly all pro-democracy parties and coalitions, wants the election to be held no later than December this year. They warned that any attempt to delay the election will not be accepted. The alliance leaders emphasized that it's not just one party demanding this timeline, but a collective voice of all democratic forces. However, they criticized the interim government for failing to announce a clear electoral roadmap and accused it of pitting reforms against elections. “We urge the government to immediately announce a transparent and definitive roadmap for the upcoming national election,” they said.

BNP leader Zainul Abedin has called on the government to heed the public's demand and hold elections before December. “It doesn’t take 10 months to make this reform. Hold elections and exit with honor,” he said. Abedin also accused the government of trying to erase Ziaur Rahman’s legacy. “You can’t erase him from people’s hearts. He lives within them,” he said. He added that attempts to eliminate Khaleda Zia have also failed, and that Tarique Rahman carries forward his father’s legacy.

Addressing a street rally, NCP leader Sarjis Alam urged voters to prioritize candidates’ integrity and public service over party loyalty. “We’ve seen leadership passed down from father to son to grandson. This blind loyalty breeds dangerous dynasties,” he said. “If a candidate truly stands with the people, vote for them—no matter the party.” He added that NCP has taken responsibility to give political direction to the student-led uprising. Highlighting long-standing crises in Sundarganj—like erosion, unemployment, and lack of healthcare—he said the people are no longer dreaming of change; they’re ready for it.

Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended issuing work visas to citizens of 14 countries—including Bangladesh—until the end of the upcoming Hajj season in June. Other affected nations include India, Pakistan, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen, and Morocco. According to Arab Times, the decision will adversely impact thousands of foreign workers and international businesses.

Speaking at a memorial event marking Ziaur Rahman's death anniversary, BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury emphasized the urgent need for elections before December. “Investors first ask, when is the election? I want to see an elected government, opposition, and parliament,” he said. Khasru added that 52 parties that opposed Sheikh Hasina collectively want elections by December. “Only a few unregistered parties with no public support are against elections—just like the ‘King’s parties’ of the 1/11 era,” he said.

NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah has denied allegations of secret seat-sharing negotiations with the BNP. “No such talks have occurred with BNP or any other party,” he clarified, responding to a claim made in an online talk show. He accused certain quarters of spreading false impressions to undermine the NCP. “From the beginning, we have demanded reforms, justice, and a roadmap for elections,” Hasnat said, urging for a genuine electoral environment through July’s reform charter—not sham elections driven solely by power grabs.

BNP leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy has criticized the party’s chief adviser for his remarks against the BNP while in Japan. “It now appears the BNP misjudged him,” he said. Roy added that the people's movement was for democracy and fair elections—not for individual gains. “Ziaur Rahman stood for freedom, democracy, and sovereignty. He never sought publicity; it followed him. Today, some only preach his ideals without practicing them.”

Services at the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital remain suspended for the fourth consecutive day due to ongoing clashes between hospital staff and relatives of injured patients. Hundreds of patients are being forced to return home without treatment. “I didn’t know services were halted. I came here because I can't afford private hospitals,” said one patient. The hospital typically sees an average of 1,500 outpatients daily.

The BNP’s Nokla Upazila unit has expelled Md. Shahajan, General Secretary of the party’s 8 No. Char Ashtadhar Union chapter, for actions that tarnished the party’s image. He was previously arrested by a joint task force on Thursday for hoarding rice from the government’s food assistance program. The expulsion is temporary pending further investigation.

A joint task force seized 603 sacks of government-subsidized VGD rice during a raid in Jamalpur’s Islampur on Friday night. The rice was stockpiled at the residence of Azgar Ali in Kachihara village. Captain Ahsan stated that they raided the premises following a tip-off, but the culprits managed to flee upon sensing the presence of the task force.

Gas supply to industrial zones across Bangladesh will increase starting today, according to Energy Adviser Mohammad Fawzul Kabir Khan. To tackle the ongoing gas crisis, four additional LNG cargoes are being imported. “This should have happened a couple of days earlier, but rough seas delayed the unloading of gas from the vessels,” he explained. Supply has already risen by 50 MMCFD, and an additional 100–150 MMCFD is expected soon. Regarding recent protests by rural electricity cooperatives, the adviser stated that a meeting will be held tomorrow to resolve issues concerning the relationship between the cooperatives and REB. “Demonstrations bring only harm,” he warned, citing past sabotage incidents where electricity was cut off at 26–27 locations.