Cumilla-6 Member of Parliament Monirul Haque Chowdhury has emphasized that chemical waste from the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) must be treated in effluent treatment plants before being released into natural canals. He made the statement on Saturday, June 6, during a meeting with BEPZA officials at the Cumilla EPZ conference room, where he served as the chief guest. During the meeting, chaired by Cumilla EPZ Executive Director Engineer Shafiqul Islam, Monirul highlighted the zone’s growing contribution to the national economy through increased foreign investment and satisfactory export performance. However, he warned that untreated toxic waste from industrial units is threatening the environment, biodiversity, and public health, while also harming nearby agricultural lands and farmers. The MP called on authorities to take immediate and effective measures to ensure proper waste management and the efficiency of treatment facilities. He also discussed the need to expand the Cumilla EPZ southward toward the Dhaka–Chattogram highway and suggested exploring the possibility of establishing a new EPZ on the northern bank of the Gomti River.

Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament Barrister Kaiser Kamal has called for the formation of a national child safety taskforce to address the growing problem of child abuse in Bangladesh. Speaking as the chief guest at a roundtable discussion titled “Combating Rising Child Abuse in Bangladesh: Challenges, Responsibilities and Actions,” held at the Shaheed Abu Sayeed Convention Center in Dhaka, he emphasized that child abuse is a serious social disorder that cannot be eradicated solely through law enforcement. He stressed the need for coordinated efforts among families, educational institutions, social organizations, media, and the state to ensure children’s safety. Kamal highlighted the importance of identifying root causes, evaluating existing laws and protection systems, and developing sustainable strategies for a safe and humane society. He also mentioned that justice in the Ramisa murder case would be ensured swiftly through the highest court. Participants, including ministers, lawmakers, journalists, rights activists, and educators, underscored the importance of effective law enforcement, awareness building, and expansion of victim-friendly services to create a safer environment for children.

National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan said that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has turned into an unpopular government because of its organizational inefficiency and political disorder. He made the remarks on Saturday afternoon at the NCP’s Eid reunion event held at Deshpriyo Convention Hall in Cumilla, where he was the chief guest. Asif Mahmud stated that before elections, BNP used to claim that all problems would be solved once an elected government came to power, but under its rule, issues such as killings, assaults, and protests have increased. He criticized the rising prices of daily commodities, electricity, and gas, noting that prices have surged more in the last three months than in the previous seventeen years. He added that BNP had promised no price hikes for two years but failed to keep that pledge. Discussing NCP’s activities, Asif Mahmud said the party has emerged as the country’s third political force and has already prepared a shadow budget. He announced that NCP is preparing to participate in upcoming elections expected to take place in several phases by winter.

The Hill Tracts Accord Implementation Movement has expressed deep concern following the resignation of the Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs. In a joint statement issued to the media on Saturday, the movement’s joint coordinators, human rights activist Zakir Hossain and Professor Dr. Khairul Islam Chowdhury, said the resignation has sparked widespread discussion and speculation, highlighting renewed uncertainty around the ministry and the peace accord’s implementation process. The coordinators noted that although the current government has completed one hundred days in office, it has yet to present a clear roadmap or visible progress on implementing the Chittagong Hill Tracts Accord, creating public doubt about lasting peace in the region. They warned that the minister’s resignation has deepened national concern about the government’s institutional commitment to the accord. The statement called for reconstituting the Accord Implementation Monitoring Committee, activating the Land Dispute Resolution Commission, and withdrawing the state minister accused of inconsistency with the accord. It also urged the government to announce a time-bound roadmap, initiate dialogue with key regional stakeholders, and convene an all-party national dialogue to build consensus on this national political issue.

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has initiated a special alert and public awareness campaign along the Sylhet border amid concerns over possible push-ins and illegal crossings from India. Late on Friday night, the Sylhet Battalion (48 BGB) conducted loudspeaker announcements in various areas under its jurisdiction, warning residents near the border about potential illegal entry attempts based on credible information. BGB urged local residents to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities to the authorities. The force also requested that no Bangladeshi citizens attempt to cross the border illegally. Lieutenant Colonel Md Nazmul Haque, commander of the 48 BGB Battalion, stated that the awareness campaign is being carried out continuously through different border outposts. He emphasized that public awareness and cooperation are crucial for strengthening border security. According to the BGB, operations and intelligence activities to curb illegal push-ins, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and goods trafficking are ongoing in the region.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has announced a temporary suspension of traffic on Prashika Road adjacent to Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. The restriction will be in place from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on specific days linked to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Election 2026 and the Bangladesh-Australia cricket series. The affected dates include Sunday for the practice match and BCB election, followed by June 9, 11, and 14 for the three One Day International (ODI) matches. According to a public notice signed by DMP Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed, the measure aims to ensure smooth operations and security during the events. The DMP has requested city residents and drivers to use alternative routes during the closure period. Vehicles heading toward Mirpur-1 are advised to travel via Prashika Crossing, Shialbari Crossing, Rainkhola, and Eidgah Field to reach their destinations. The DMP commissioner has sought cooperation from all concerned to minimize inconvenience and maintain order during the scheduled cricket and election activities.

A satirical political group called the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) organized a protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of India’s Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The demonstration was triggered by allegations of irregularities and question paper leaks in national examinations. Hundreds of participants wore cockroach masks and carried placards calling for accountability. CJP founder Abhijit Deep led the protest after arriving from the United States, urging supporters to join peacefully with books and the national flag as symbols of the right to education and equal opportunity. The movement began after India’s Chief Justice Surya Kant allegedly referred to young government critics as “cockroaches” and “parasites,” sparking outrage among youth on social media and the streets. Students at the protest said they wanted transparency and efficiency in exam administration. The controversy intensified after a major medical entrance exam was canceled due to a confirmed paper leak. CJP spokesperson Bijeta Dahiya cited an Indian Express investigation showing only two convictions in 45 major paper leak cases over two decades. The group vowed to continue its campaign for accountability and the minister’s resignation.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has reported that more than 4,600 undocumented Indian nationals have been deported from the United States over the past eighteen months. Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal disclosed during a press briefing that 1,076 Indians have returned from the U.S. so far this year, while 3,567 were repatriated in 2025 through deportation procedures. The report highlights that U.S. immigration policy has long been a politically sensitive issue, particularly under President Donald Trump’s administration, which took strict measures to curb illegal immigration. According to the Indian government, it is the responsibility of a country to accept its citizens who are residing abroad illegally, but verification of citizenship must be completed before repatriation. The ministry added that India and the United States are working in close coordination on the repatriation process for individuals deported for reasons such as illegal entry, overstaying visas, or lacking valid documentation.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman chaired a parliamentary meeting with ruling party members of parliament on Saturday afternoon at the National Parliament building. The session began at 3 p.m., according to Deputy Press Secretary Zahidul Islam Rony. The meeting was part of regular parliamentary activities involving government lawmakers. Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir delivered the welcome address at the session. The meeting was expected to include discussions on several important issues, though specific topics were not detailed in the information provided. The event reflects ongoing coordination between the Prime Minister and ruling party MPs ahead of upcoming parliamentary activities, including the national budget presentation scheduled for June 11 and the supplementary budget passage on June 15, as noted in related parliamentary updates.

Days after a new ceasefire agreement, Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed at least nine people, including three Lebanese soldiers. The Lebanese army confirmed that a brigadier general, a captain, and another soldier died when their vehicle was hit between Nabatieh and Marjayoun. Another strike in Saksakiyeh village killed six civilians and injured four others, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency. The Lebanese army condemned the attacks as deliberate aggression undermining efforts to restore stability and achieve a full ceasefire. It accused Israel of trying to obstruct peace and the withdrawal of its forces from occupied Lebanese territory. Israel’s military confirmed targeting a vehicle, claiming it was acting on intelligence that Hezbollah fighters were preparing an attack near Kfar Tibnit, and insisted its operations were directed at Hezbollah, not the Lebanese army. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun denounced the strikes as a violation of sovereignty and international law. The incident comes amid U.S.-mediated talks and rising tensions involving Iran, Hezbollah, and Israel following months of cross-border conflict.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has identified 28 out of its 75 wards as high-risk areas for dengue transmission, according to DSCC Administrator Freedom Fighter Md. Abdus Salam. He announced that a weeklong special 'crash program' will begin Sunday to combat dengue in these wards. The declaration came during the inauguration of a special anti-dengue campaign at Rabindra Sarobar in the capital, attended by Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Shakhawat Hossain as chief guest. The event marked the formal launch of a three-month nationwide campaign led by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to raise awareness, destroy Aedes mosquito breeding sites, and ensure a clean environment. Speakers emphasized that personal and family awareness is essential, urging citizens to keep homes, rooftops, and surroundings clean and free of stagnant water. Minister Shakhawat Hossain stated that extensive awareness campaigns, including public announcements, are starting immediately. He warned that mobile courts will impose maximum fines wherever Aedes larvae are found. The minister also noted that the Prime Minister had alerted authorities two months earlier, prompting joint preparations by city corporations and the health department.

A push-in attempt involving 17 people, including men, women, and children, at the Sapahar border in Naogaon failed after firm resistance from the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) had tried to push the group into Bangladesh through the 238/MP border pillar area on Friday morning, June 5, but eventually took them back around 1 a.m. on Saturday, June 6. The incident was confirmed by Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Ariful Islam Masum, commander of the Naogaon Battalion 16 BGB. According to the report, the BSF continued its push-in attempt for about 19 hours, claiming the group were Bangladeshis. However, during a flag meeting, BSF could not provide proof of their nationality, leading BGB to deny entry. Witnesses said the 17 individuals were visibly distressed as BSF personnel forced them back into India late at night. BGB maintained a strict watch throughout the incident. BGB later increased patrols in the area, and the situation remained under control. The BGB commander said the border force continues to monitor the region closely to prevent further incidents.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has emphasized the importance of planting trees suited to local soil and environmental conditions to maintain soil quality and ecological balance. He made the remarks on Saturday morning during a meeting on tree plantation at his Tejgaon office, attended by senior officials including the Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Abdul Awal Mintoo. Rahman noted that soil characteristics vary across regions, and selecting appropriate tree species will improve survival rates and support environmental stability. He highlighted that climate change impacts are becoming more visible, with noticeable shifts in seasonal patterns such as reduced rainfall in June compared to previous years. He attributed part of this environmental imbalance to the decline in forest cover and vegetation. The meeting also discussed the implementation of a national program to plant 250 million trees over the next five years. The Prime Minister is scheduled to inaugurate the initiative on June 14 in Dulahazara, Cox’s Bazar, as part of efforts to combat climate change and ensure a safer planet for future generations.

Seven workers were killed in an explosion caused by methane gas accumulation at an illegal coal mine in Colombia. Authorities confirmed the incident occurred on Thursday in the center of Sutatausa city, with the first victim’s body recovered shortly after the blast and five more found on Friday, according to the National Mining Agency. Regional governor Jorge Emilio Rey stated on social media that the death toll had risen to seven and announced that the National Mining Agency would conduct a full investigation to determine the cause of the accident. The city of Sutatausa is observing a day of mourning in memory of the victims. Mining accidents are frequent in central Colombia, both in legal and illegal operations, often due to noncompliance with safety regulations. In May, two other explosions, including one in Sutatausa, killed a total of 13 miners.

National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib stated that rising electricity and gas prices have left citizens frustrated. Speaking at an Eid reunion and joining event in a hotel in Cumilla on Saturday afternoon, he said that commodity prices have surged sharply in the past three months, exceeding increases seen over the previous seventeen years. He criticized the current government for raising utility prices within two months, despite earlier promises by the BNP government that prices would remain stable for two years. Asif Mahmud also remarked that before elections, any unwanted incidents were often justified with the belief that everything would improve once an elected government took power. However, he claimed that issues such as killings, assaults, and protests have continued to rise under the current administration. The event was attended by NCP leaders including Tariqul Islam, Abu Bakar Mojumdar, and Navid Nawroz Shah, along with other central and local representatives. Several leaders and activists from other parties formally joined the NCP during the event, according to the report.