Sylhet Deputy Commissioner (DC) Md. Sarwar Alam left the district on Monday night, a day after the Ministry of Public Administration issued an order withdrawing him from his post. Until a new DC is appointed, Additional District Magistrate Pinky Saha will serve as acting deputy commissioner, confirmed Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Saeeda Parveen. The withdrawal order came amid controversy over the sealing of donation boxes and cauldrons at the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (R). The ministry’s directive reassigned Sarwar Alam as a deputy secretary at the ministry but did not specify the reason for his removal. Following the order, the district administration on Monday conducted a public counting of donations from three cauldrons and one box, collecting Tk 17,65,559 in cash and seven annas of gold, which will be deposited in a newly opened Sonali Bank account under the shrine’s name. The administration’s earlier decision to seal the cauldrons and install its own donation box had sparked discontent among shrine-related individuals, who criticized the move as interference in internal affairs. The withdrawal of the DC has since become a widely discussed issue in Sylhet.

During Monday’s budget session of the Bangladesh Parliament, opposition lawmaker Saiful Alam Khan Milon raised concerns over the frequent absence of ministers during the ongoing budget discussions. Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed acknowledged the issue and called for greater ministerial attendance, noting that the finance minister was present. Chief Whip Nurul Islam later explained that many ministers were occupied with state duties but agreed that they should attend parliamentary sessions more regularly. The debate also saw a response from State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku, who pointed out that the opposition leader and deputy leader were also absent. The Speaker, however, emphasized that ministers’ presence was more crucial for addressing issues raised in the House. The session began slightly late, with limited attendance from both government and opposition benches, though opposition members initially outnumbered those from the ruling party. Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tareq Rahman, along with several ministers, were reported to be on an official visit to Malaysia, contributing to the reduced ministerial presence during the session.

Shahjalal Islami Bank PLC organized a half-day financial literacy workshop titled “Let Financial Literacy Begin Safe Cashless Transactions” at its Uttara branch on Saturday. The event was jointly arranged by the bank’s Risk Management Division and Uttara branch. Managing Director Mosleh Uddin Ahmed attended as the chief guest, while customers and representatives from six branches participated. The program was conducted by Mohammad Abu Chayem, head of the Risk Management Division and Financial Inclusion Unit. During the workshop, Khandaker Bedoura Mahbub, Head of IT and CTO, and Md. Riad Hossain, Head of Card Division, discussed the use and benefits of cashless transactions. Uttara branch manager Abu Hanif and several other branch managers were also present. The speakers presented detailed visuals explaining how cashless transactions can enhance convenience and reduce risks for customers. The workshop emphasized that adopting cashless methods can save time and make financial transactions safer, reflecting the bank’s commitment to promoting financial literacy and digital banking practices.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan informed the National Parliament that 16 websites, more than 300 Facebook accounts, and 100 X accounts have been identified for spreading propaganda and misinformation under the guise of news outlets. He disclosed this on Monday during the budget session in response to a written question from MP Md. Mostafizur Rahman Babul of Jamalpur-3. The minister said that to combat rumors and misinformation, training has been provided on fact-checking, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in journalism, and information verification. The Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB) has also published a research book titled “Shikari Sangbadikata.” Under the PIB’s “BanglaFact” initiative, 783 fact-checks, analyses, and investigative reports have been published, including 229 since the current government took office. Between October 2024 and June, PIB conducted 123 training sessions across 64 districts, training 5,977 journalists. A “Fact-Check Manual” will soon be published to assist media professionals, while BanglaFact continues to verify three to five claims daily.

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.