Supporters of Ishraque Hossain, who have been protesting for three consecutive days demanding that he be formally handed over mayoral responsibilities, declared Advisor Asif Mahmud persona non grata at Dhaka South City Corporation’s (DSCC) Nagar Bhaban.
Advisor Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, who carries out official duties under the Ministry of Local Government at Nagar Bhaban, did not report to the office on the day due to the ongoing demonstrations by Ishraque’s supporters.

BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that, after a long time, the party now has an opportunity to recruit new members — a chance that must be utilized. He emphasized that joining the BNP, the largest political party in the country, is a matter of pride. However, he cautioned that socially unacceptable individuals, such as extortionists, criminals, and corrupt figures, must not be allowed into the party.
He further stated that current members of the Awami League should not be recruited into BNP. However, those who were once AL supporters but did not obstruct BNP activities or commit any acts of oppression — and even supported BNP discreetly — may be considered for membership. “But no one should be inducted into the party in secret,” he warned.

Asif Mahmud, a senior adviser, announced that the government has taken initiatives to reduce internet prices, with the public expected to feel the impact within one to two months. “We’ve already reduced costs at the IIG and NTTN levels. Now the focus is on making internet access more affordable and user-friendly.”

He added that while education has benefited greatly from internet access, agriculture and healthcare still lag behind. Mahmud emphasized the need for improvement in these sectors. He also highlighted the challenges of maintaining mobile internet services during natural disasters like floods and storms, and mentioned ongoing efforts to define internet access as a civic right under the draft Cyber Security Ordinance. “This will be a major achievement for our government,” he concluded.

During peace talks held in Istanbul, head of the Russian delegation Vladimir Medinsky stated, “We do not want war, but we are prepared to continue fighting—one year, two years, even 21 years. We fought Sweden for that long before.”

Ukraine reportedly rejected Russia’s demand to withdraw its forces from four regions. In response to Ukraine’s strong objection, Russian negotiators warned, “Next time, the demand will include five regions.” Despite these tensions, both sides agreed to a prisoner exchange involving 1,000 individuals.

Former Narayanganj mayor Selina Hayat Ivy has been shown arrested in two additional cases, including one related to a killing during the July public uprising. After a court hearing in Narayanganj, which Ivy attended virtually from Gazipur's Kashimpur Jail, the investigating officer submitted a petition for her formal arrest in these cases. With this, she has now been shown arrested in three out of the five cases filed against her.

Supporters of Ishraq Hossain staged demonstrations for the third consecutive day, demanding that he be officially handed the responsibilities of Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). The protest disrupted traffic in the area.

Though protesters initially planned to march from Nagar Bhaban to the Secretariat, police intervention halted their advance. They later regrouped outside the National Press Club. Earlier in the day, under the banner "Dhakabashi," thousands of supporters gathered in front of Nagar Bhaban, chanting slogans and blocking the main gate in protest of the delay in Ishraq's oath-taking ceremony.

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam said any illegal Bangladeshi nationals in India must be returned through formal procedures. He condemned India’s recent push-in attempts, stating that these actions are being addressed through diplomatic channels.

Some of those pushed in included Rohingya refugees and individuals holding UNHCR cards. “The government is taking a firm stance on this issue,” he said. “If the individuals are verified Bangladeshi citizens, we will not accept pushbacks. However, if they are Indian nationals or Rohingya from India, they will be repatriated through official procedures. With cooperation, India will not be able to conduct such push-ins.”

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that India and Pakistan are dangerously close to a nuclear confrontation. “The situation is escalating to a point where nuclear war could break out,” he said, adding, “They’re launching missiles with maximum force.”

Trump emphasized the significance of both nations, calling them “not small powers but major nuclear forces.” He also noted, “We’ve had excellent discussions with Pakistan, and communications are ongoing. Pakistan wants to trade with us—they are smart and doing great work.” Trump stated he had instructed his team to maintain dialogue with both countries.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman expressed concern over the verdict in the Asiya rape and murder case, which concluded in just two months. “Despite the quick trial, the victim’s family has expressed dissatisfaction and plans to appeal to the higher court. This deserves serious attention. Justice must prevail,” he said.

He added, “The people of Bangladesh are waiting to see the perpetrators punished. A swift and exemplary punishment would serve as a strong deterrent for others.” Shafiqur Rahman also called for speedy justice in the murder of Montu Chandra Das, whose daughter was a victim of sexual assault in Barguna.

Aysha Akhtar, mother of 8-year-old rape and murder victim Asiya, broke down in tears while reacting to the court's verdict. “I’m deeply hurt by the acquittal of three of the accused. If they had ensured timely medical help instead of trying to cover it up, my daughter might still be alive. I wanted to see them punished,” she said.

Public Prosecutor Monirul Islam Mukul confirmed that the primary accused, Hitu Sheikh, was found guilty under Section 9(2) of the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act 2000 (amended 2003) and sentenced to death, along with a fine of BDT 100,000. However, Hitu Sheikh’s wife Zaheda Begum and their two sons, Sajib Sheikh and Ratul Sheikh, were acquitted due to lack of evidence.

Nobel Laureate and Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has called for a dedicated law for microcredit banks. "These banks can collect savings from members but not accept outside deposits—this is a limitation that needs legal remedy," he said. According to him, any licensing process must clearly define operational boundaries. "These should be nonprofit social institutions. Grameen Bank will support them with the necessary tools so that people stop chasing jobs and start enterprises." He added, "Grameen Bank is the only real bank. Others are merely for show. Ours is built on trust—collateral is never required."

Arab League Assistant Secretary-General Hossam Zaki announced that an international conference on recognizing the State of Palestine will take place from June 17–20, co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and France. The event, aligned with a past UN General Assembly resolution, aims to accelerate the two-state solution and explore mechanisms for formally establishing a Palestinian state. Zaki expressed hope that several countries would recognize Palestine during the conference, yielding significant political impact.

In a heartfelt Facebook post, Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam reflected, "During Sheikh Hasina’s authoritarian regime, I often wrote in support of opposition leaders who brought hope to the nation. Their families would share my writings with admiration." Now, however, he says many of them have unfriended him. "They see me as arrogant, intolerant of dissent," he writes. "I fear losing many Facebook friends I made during my journalism career." He adds, "My wife warned that once I leave this position, I may find myself alone—but I have no complaints."

Bangladesh Railway has warned against setting up unauthorized cattle markets on or near railway-owned land. Such temporary markets often lack adequate safety measures, posing risks to public safety and causing potential disruptions to Eid train schedules. The government has taken a strict stance against these illegal setups. If a cattle market is deemed necessary, prior approval must be obtained, and secure fencing must be constructed at a safe distance from the tracks. Coordination with local police and railway authorities is mandatory to ensure safety.

In a high-priority investigation involving Sheikh Hasina's family and ten close business groups, assets and investments under six industrial groups have been traced in the UAE. Authorities are now working to repatriate the funds. A mutual legal assistance treaty is being finalized with the UAE, which has responded positively. Bangladesh Bank's governor is currently visiting the UAE to expedite the process.