Firhad Hakim, the first Muslim mayor of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, announced his resignation on Friday during a press conference at the civic body’s headquarters. He formally submitted his resignation to Chairperson Mala Roy after receiving approval from Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee. Hakim, who took office on December 3, 2018, stepped down about five months before his term was due to end, citing an inability to work effectively under current conditions. Hakim explained that his administrative authority had become limited following political changes in West Bengal, with power reportedly shifting to Municipal Commissioner Smita Pandey. Several Trinamool councillors had also complained about reduced autonomy. In his remarks, Hakim thanked Mamata Banerjee for her trust and urged the new chief minister to ensure transparent governance. He reflected on his tenure, highlighting the corporation’s efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. His resignation follows similar moves by the mayors of Bidhannagar and Chandannagar, marking a broader reshuffle in municipal leadership. Observers noted that Hakim’s departure signals the end of Trinamool’s long-standing administrative control over Kolkata’s civic body, though his successor and the future structure remain uncertain.

Jamiat Ulamaye Islam Bangladesh’s central president, Maulana Ubaidullah Faruq, stated that the BNP government will not be able to undertake any major projects due to a lack of funds in the government treasury. He made the remarks on Thursday during a discussion meeting held in Kanaighat upazila of Sylhet. Faruq said that the BNP has governed the country before and continues to do so now, but alleged that the party would suffer consequences for the way it treated him. He also reflected on his own contributions, claiming to have saved the country and the Qawmi madrasas, and to have created an environment for freedom. He remarked that even if his party had four members of parliament, it would not have been able to establish Islamic rule or pass any bills, though it might have gained some reputation. The comments came amid broader political discussions in Sylhet, where other issues such as border problems and environmental concerns were also highlighted.

A solidarity meeting was held in Rangpur demanding the implementation of the Teesta Master Plan to protect the river and environment. The event took place on Friday afternoon at the District Shilpakala Academy, organized by the Teesta Bachao Nodi Bachao Sangram Parishad. Participants emphasized the need for collective participation to safeguard natural resources and ensure sustainable development in the Teesta basin. Nazrul Islam Hokkani, president of the organizing body, stated that the livelihoods, agriculture, and climate security of nearly two crore people in northern Bangladesh depend on the plan’s implementation. He criticized the lack of development in the region compared to large-scale projects in the south, noting that the financial burden of such projects ultimately falls on citizens. Hokkani also highlighted the importance of Teesta’s sand and stone resources for national development projects and opposed a complete ban on their extraction. Local representatives, political leaders, lawyers, and journalists from the Teesta basin also addressed the meeting, expressing support for the plan’s realization.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard has intensified patrols and surveillance in border areas to prevent push-in incidents. The announcement was made on Friday evening by Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon, who said the measures aim to ensure the security of border regions under Coast Guard jurisdiction and safeguard national security. So far, no push-in incidents have been reported along the Bangladesh-India border under its responsibility. According to the Coast Guard, continuous monitoring is being maintained in coordination with other relevant agencies to prevent any form of illegal entry. Surveillance has been reinforced in the Sundarbans and adjacent border regions through enhanced intelligence operations, drone surveillance, and technology-based monitoring systems. The Coast Guard has urged the public to assist in preventing push-in attempts by reporting any related information to its emergency service number 16111.

A team of researchers in the United States has successfully achieved highly precise DNA editing in human embryos, marking what they describe as a major milestone in genetic science. Led by geneticist Dieter Egli at Columbia University, the study used a technique known as base editing, which allows for subtle DNA changes with fewer harmful effects compared to the traditional CRISPR method. The researchers reported successful edits to genes linked to heart disease risk and fetal hemoglobin production. The study is currently under peer review and has not yet been published in a scientific journal. Scientists say the breakthrough could one day help correct genetic defects in embryos created through IVF, potentially preventing hereditary diseases. However, critics warn that the same technology could be used to select traits such as intelligence or height, raising fears of a new era of eugenics. The research’s next phase is being funded by Nucleus Genomics, a company previously criticized for predicting embryo traits. Experts caution that the technology remains experimental, with unresolved safety and ethical questions, and emphasize the need for broad societal discussion before clinical use.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has released its shadow budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year under the theme “Bangladesh 2.0: Sustainable Growth through Reform, Employment and Investment.” The proposals were presented on June 5 at the Rupayan Tower in Dhaka by party leaders including MP Hasnat Abdullah and Dr. Atik Mujahid. The shadow budget outlines 71 actionable policy recommendations across 12 major sectors, ranging from macroeconomy and taxation to education, health, agriculture, and clean energy. Key proposals include limiting the budget deficit to 3.09% of GDP, setting total expenditure at Tk 8.52 trillion, and targeting 13% nominal GDP growth. The NCP also proposed reducing inflation to 8% in 2026–27 and to 6% by 2027–28, raising foreign reserves to USD 32 billion, and expanding the tax base through digital registration and mandatory tax filings. Other measures cover education funding, national health insurance, renewable energy incentives, and social inclusion programs. The party’s shadow budget emphasizes fiscal discipline, transparency, and inclusive growth, aiming to balance social spending with macroeconomic stability if implemented.

Approximately 65,000 Muslim worshippers performed Friday prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem despite Israeli restrictions, according to Qatar-based media outlet Al Jazeera. From early morning, thousands of Palestinians began arriving at the holy site, and the mosque compound quickly filled with worshippers. Many overcame strict security measures and obstacles to reach the mosque. For the past three years, Israel has imposed tight restrictions on Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza Strip entering the Al-Aqsa Mosque. As a result, many have been unable to access the site directly. The report notes that these measures have renewed allegations of increased limitations and control over access to one of Islam’s holiest places. The large turnout under restrictions highlights ongoing tensions surrounding access to religious sites in Jerusalem, though the report does not specify any immediate response from authorities.

A report by the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) released on June 5, 2026, stated that six Bangladeshis were killed and 20 injured in attacks by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) along the India-Bangladesh border during May. The BSF also detained 14 Bangladeshis. The report expressed concern over the repeated border incidents and highlighted six separate attacks that led to the casualties. The HRSS report also documented three deaths and one injury from landmine explosions along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, allegedly caused by mines planted in the area. Additionally, the Arakan Army detained 18 people in four incidents. Within Bangladesh, the report recorded 64 cases of political violence in May, resulting in five deaths and more than 289 injuries, as well as 66 mob-beating incidents that killed 31 people and injured 68 others. HRSS Executive Director Ijazul Islam urged the government to act more responsibly and ensure accountability in protecting human rights, warning that continued restrictions on freedom of expression and arrests over social media criticism could worsen the situation.

K. Annamalai, former president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tamil Nadu, has formally resigned from the party. The BJP confirmed on Friday that national president Nitin Naveen accepted his resignation from primary membership, ending days of speculation. Annamalai, 41, had held several meetings in Delhi with senior leaders including Amit Shah and B.L. Santosh before his resignation was accepted. In his June 2 resignation letter, Annamalai cited 18 months of disagreements with the party’s central leadership over Tamil Nadu’s political strategy and future. He said his vision for the state differed from that of the leadership and that it was time to rethink his political purpose. Following his exit, Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran said the party would not be affected, while Andhra Pradesh BJP chief P.V.N. Madhav called the departure a small setback. Annamalai later announced plans to launch a new political movement that will contest the next Tamil Nadu assembly elections, signaling a potential shift in the state’s political landscape.

CNN has reported that Israel secretly deployed military and intelligence personnel in Azerbaijan during its recent war with Iran. The forces operated as part of a wider covert military network across the Middle East. According to the report, Israeli special forces and intelligence units were stationed in several locations in southern Azerbaijan, some only 60 miles from Iran’s Tabriz city. They were involved in intelligence gathering, drone operations, and special missions. Sources cited by CNN said the deployed units included Israel’s elite special operations, heliborne combat and rescue forces, and Mossad members. Initially intended for emergency rescue operations, these positions later became intelligence and military bases. The report also stated that Israel established secret military positions in Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and Somaliland, enabling long-range operations and strikes inside Iran. However, Azerbaijan’s embassy in the United States denied the allegations, calling them baseless. Analysts noted that Israel has long viewed Azerbaijan as a strategic partner in its anti-Iran strategy, with cooperation extending to intelligence, defense, and energy sectors.

BNP Secretary General and Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that misinformation and misuse of social media are severely harming the country’s political environment. He made the remarks on Friday afternoon during a discussion meeting held at the National Press Club. According to Mirza Fakhrul, the deliberate use of offensive language and planned propaganda on social media are destroying the healthy atmosphere of politics. He alleged that a well-organized conspiracy is underway to undermine the democratic achievements gained through long struggles and to spread anarchy in the country. He warned that those involved in such conspiracies will be identified to protect democracy during this critical period. Mirza Fakhrul further stated that the BNP is not a revolutionary party but a liberal democratic organization dedicated to the rights and welfare of the people. He claimed that an evil force that does not believe in democracy and people’s rights has emerged in the country and urged everyone to resist it.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Shafiqul Islam Khan announced that the area surrounding Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has been declared a silent zone effective immediately. He stated that no noise pollution will be tolerated in the area and that law enforcement agencies will strictly implement government policies against violations. The announcement was made on Friday following a rally at Gulshan-2 Circle marking World Environment Day. The DNCC administrator added that Gulshan, Banani, Niketan, and Baridhara have also been designated as silent zones. With the cooperation of local societies, DNCC aims to create an environment free from noise and air pollution. He emphasized that while complete elimination may not happen overnight, progress is achievable through collective effort. In response to a question from journalists, the administrator said that the Dhaka Metropolitan Traffic Division is successfully operating AI-based traffic signal control, and this initiative will continue in the future.

A seven-member investigation committee has been formed after a bus from S.B. Super Deluxe Paribahan fell into the Padma River at Daulatdia Ferry Ghat No. 7 in Goalanda upazila of Rajbari district. The order was issued on Friday by the Judicial Munshikhana branch of the district administration office. The committee aims to determine the cause of the accident, identify responsibilities, and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. According to the order signed by Deputy Commissioner and Executive Magistrate Afroza Parvin, the Additional Deputy Commissioner will lead the committee, while the Goalanda Upazila Nirbahi Officer will serve as member secretary. Other members include officials from the police, BIWTC, BRTA, Fire Service, and Naval Police. The committee has been instructed to visit the site and submit its report within five working days. Authorities reported that the submerged bus was recovered around noon and placed under the custody of the Naval Police at Daulatdia Bus Terminal. No physical altercation or injuries were reported in connection with the incident.

Inquilab Manch held a protest march in Dhaka demanding identification of local killers involved in the murder of Sharif Osman bin Hadi, repatriation of fugitives, and speedy trial. The group also alleged possible Indian involvement and called for a full investigation. The march began after Friday prayers at Dhaka University’s central mosque and ended near Hadi’s grave. The organization gave the government seven working days to provide specific information about the killers or announce a timeline for justice, warning of a sit-in at Shahbagh if no progress is made. After the march, Inquilab Manch member secretary Abdullah Al Jaber criticized the government for failing to outline a clear plan for justice three months after taking office. He questioned the foreign ministry’s response to remarks by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and demanded clarity on whether the UN had agreed to investigate the killing. He also expressed frustration over the lack of visible progress in bringing the accused back from India. Leaders of Inquilab Manch said the government must ensure a swift and impartial trial to end the culture of impunity surrounding such killings.

Turkey has expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Bangladesh in the defense industry and other strategic sectors. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced this at a joint press conference in Dhaka following a meeting with Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman. The two ministers discussed bilateral relations, international cooperation, and regional and global developments, agreeing to make their long-standing friendship more effective and comprehensive. Fidan stated that trade between the two countries currently stands at about 1.3 billion dollars, with discussions held on raising it to 2 billion dollars. Both sides explored new opportunities for joint collaboration, particularly in defense. He also praised Bangladesh’s role in hosting over one million displaced Rohingya for nearly a decade and reaffirmed Turkey’s support for their safe and dignified repatriation. On regional issues, Fidan highlighted the impact of Middle East instability on global security and economy and welcomed progress in talks between Iran and the United States. During the visit, Turkey and Bangladesh also signed a memorandum of understanding on cultural heritage preservation, further strengthening bilateral ties based on shared perspectives and historical bonds.