BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has alleged that certain political parties are exploiting religious sentiment and the legacy of martyrs to pressure the government. “Some advisers within this interim administration are blatantly anti-BNP. This government is swinging like a pendulum, influenced by a specific political agenda,” he claimed. Rizvi argued that December would be a more suitable time for elections, noting that April is filled with academic exams, Ramadan, and extreme weather, making campaigning difficult. “Using religion for political leverage is nothing new for them—they even disregarded martyrs during the 1986 elections,” he added.

Seasonal Faria traders in Comilla face financial difficulties as wholesalers and syndicates refuse to buy hides at government-fixed rates. Over 100 traders are stuck with salted hides, waiting for better prices. Traders fear losing capital and possible smuggling of hides to India due to low prices. The absence of district-level monitoring worsens the situation. Authorities have intensified border surveillance to prevent hide smuggling during the sacrificial season, aiming to protect local traders and control illegal exports.

Adviser Asif Mahmud has condemned the spread of misinformation by parts of the mainstream media, particularly regarding the Freedom Fighter Ordinance. “It’s unfortunate that politically motivated groups are using the media to spread false narratives. We can expect this from social media, but mainstream outlets should know better,” he said. Mahmud revealed that similar smear campaigns have previously targeted his family, and those involved are being identified for potential legal action. He urged the Election Commission to organize local elections, assuring that such polls would not delay the national election.

Political leader Hasnat Abdullah has emphasized the need for unity among all pro-democracy forces to build a better Bangladesh, in line with the people’s aspirations. “We must reach our national goals at any cost. The people now expect transparency in politics, and wherever we go, we are receiving unprecedented support,” he said. He expressed satisfaction with the Chief Adviser’s announcement of a probable election date but stressed that the ‘July Declaration’ must be implemented first, and a level playing field ensured before the election. Hasnat also announced plans to complete the registration of his party, NCP, within this year.

At least 108 Palestinians were killed and 393 injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza within 24 hours, including during the Muslim festival of Eid. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that since October 2023, the death toll has reached 54,880, with over 126,000 injured. Following the collapse of a ceasefire in March 2025, 4,603 Palestinians have died. Despite an ICC arrest warrant against Netanyahu, Israeli operations continue. A U.S.-proposed two-month ceasefire awaits Hamas approval, though Netanyahu has expressed agreement.

bKash Limited has opened applications for the position of Officer in its Regulatory and Stakeholder Reporting (MRP) department. The role requires a BBA in Accounting or Finance, advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, Tableau, Power BI, and Oracle ERP, with at least one year of experience. The full-time office-based position is located in Dhaka. Both male and female candidates can apply. The application window started on June 1 and closes on June 22, 2025. Salary is negotiable with benefits as per company policy.

Hasnat Abdullah, Chief Organizer of the National Citizens Party South Region, joined a grand Eid feast organized by the social group Insaf in Debidwar, Comilla. The event served 4,000 people from various backgrounds at the municipal auditorium. The feast began with prayers led by Maulana Mufti Abdur Ahad and welcomed participants from all communities. The Insaf team, including Ahmed Shuvo and others, managed the event. Hundreds of Hasnat’s classmates also attended, making it a large community gathering.

Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Central Nayeb-e-Ameer, has stated that the Chief Adviser has officially announced the date for the upcoming national election, dispelling confusion about whether an election would take place. “Some thought there would be no election, that the current government would remain in power for five years. That misconception has largely been cleared,” said Taher. He added that following the announcement, he has launched public outreach in Chauddagram, starting from Miabazar-Ujirpur, with plans to cover the entire constituency.

Two Bangladeshis have tragically died in a boat accident at Kawartha Lake, Toronto, Canada, on Sunday afternoon local time. The victims have been identified as former BGMEA Senior Vice President Abdullah Hil Rakib and his friend, Captain Saifuz Zaman Guddu, a Boeing 787 pilot for Biman Bangladesh Airlines. The incident occurred when their boat capsized during a joint family outing on the lake.

On Eid-ul-Azha morning, a sacrificial buffalo owned by Md. Nazim Uddin of Khagrachari crossed into India after running away. The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), coordinating with the Indian BSF, launched a joint effort to recover the buffalo. After several attempts, the animal returned to Bangladesh and was safely handed back to its owner. Md. Nazim expressed gratitude for BGB’s support, highlighting the act as a meaningful gesture respecting religious sentiments. The buffalo was sacrificed on Eid day.

Chinese scientists have developed a breakthrough technology to generate electricity on Mars using its atmosphere. The newly invented "Mars Battery" uses carbon dioxide from the Martian air to produce and store energy, eliminating the need for Earth-based fuel transport. Tested under simulated Mars conditions, the battery functions effectively even at sub-zero temperatures. This innovation could support long-term research missions and future human settlements on the Red Planet, marking a major advancement in space exploration and showcasing China's growing technological capabilities.

Global food prices fell by 0.8% in May, according to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), driven by declines in vegetable oil, cereal, and sugar prices. Despite a slight rise in meat and dairy costs, the overall index dropped to 127.7 points. The FAO forecasts record cereal production in 2025, potentially stabilizing global supply. While food prices remain higher than last year, they are significantly lower than the peak seen in March 2022 during the Ukraine war. Consumers may find some relief in this trend.

Los Angeles has been rocked by three days of intense protests following anti-immigration raids. Demonstrators have set vehicles on fire and blocked major roads. Police are working to control the situation and extinguish fires. President Trump ordered the National Guard and use of tear gas to disperse crowds, but California’s governor and other Democrats criticized the move. Police arrested several people to reopen roads, but some closures resumed due to ongoing unrest and damage to police vehicles, including on the 101 Freeway.

Maruf Kamal Khan, former press secretary to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, said there should be no major problem if the 2026 national election is held in early April. He emphasized that ensuring a fair, impartial, and widely accepted election is more important than the date itself. Referring to past electoral irregularities, he called for a democratic environment and urged unity to avoid conflict. Khan highlighted that new voters since 2008 haven’t voted and stressed the need for responsible governance and opposition.

Former President Abdul Hamid has returned to Bangladesh after medical treatment abroad. Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said that no one, including a former president, will be spared if found guilty following proper investigation. He stressed that innocent people will not be punished and called for fair investigations before any legal action. He also expressed satisfaction over Eid security, noting that no major incidents occurred, apart from a few minor accidents and petty thefts.