The government has suspended admission activities at 621 vocational education institutions across Bangladesh for failing to meet the conditions set under the 2024 policy for private technical institutions. The decision, announced in an order signed by Md. Al Masud Karim, Secretary and Inspector (additional charge) of the Technical Education Board, also requires these institutions to explain by July 22 why their teaching approval should not be revoked. Among the affected institutions, 443 operate under the SSC (Vocational) program and 178 under the Dakhil (Vocational) program.

According to the board, the action targets institutions that have not enrolled students for a long time and have failed to fulfill requirements related to admissions, results, infrastructure, staffing, management, and other conditions. The board retains the authority to cancel or withdraw teaching approval for non-compliance. In a separate notice, the minimum age for ninth-grade admission in SSC and Dakhil (Vocational) programs has been reduced from 13 to 12 years.

Additionally, all technical institutions have been instructed to plant fruit and forest trees under the government’s five-year plan to plant 250 million trees, with progress reports due by June 30.

BNP lawmaker Fazlur Rahman from Kishoreganj-4 said he has no objection to the construction of Hindu temples or statues, emphasizing peaceful coexistence among followers of different religions. Speaking on Thursday during the general discussion of the 13th National Parliament’s budget session, he stated that if the Home Minister deems a temple or statue inappropriate, he may stop it, but personally, Rahman sees no issue. He added that people should be free to worship in their own places, saying he could build a mosque while others build temples without conflict.

Addressing opposition to the construction of an 81-foot Ram temple in Palashbari, Gaibandha, Rahman criticized groups such as Hefazat-e-Islam for organizing processions against the project. He said some people use religion for personal gain and ignore cultural values. Rahman also expressed concern over budget disparities between education and culture, arguing that both sectors are interdependent and essential for building a civilized society.

He urged for a balanced approach in national budgeting to ensure that cultural development complements educational progress.

BNP lawmaker Reza Kibria has said that Bangladesh’s banking sector is in a state of collapse because of rampant loan defaults. Speaking in parliament on Thursday evening during the budget discussion, he cited his experience with the International Monetary Fund, noting that while other countries panic at a 6 percent default rate, Bangladesh’s rate stands at 61 percent. He warned that without strict measures, economic progress would be impossible and urged the finance minister to take action to improve banking efficiency.

Kibria criticized the inefficiency of the banking system, saying honest entrepreneurs face high interest rates of 14 to 16 percent while banks collect deposits at only 5 percent. He also said the definition of loan default has been relaxed, now requiring one year of nonpayment instead of 90 days. On inflation, he emphasized the need to keep it low, linking exchange rate depreciation to inflation differentials with trading partners.

He acknowledged that the finance minister prepared the budget under difficult global conditions and stressed maintaining macroeconomic balance to secure Bangladesh’s economic future, cautioning against excessive reliance on commercial foreign loans.

At the International Crimes Tribunal-1 on Thursday, former ICT minister Zunaid Ahmed Polok, sentenced to death in a war crimes case related to the July uprising, requested permission to personally cross-examine a witness. The case also involves Sajib Wazed Joy, son of Sheikh Hasina. So far, seven witnesses have testified. On the day set for the cross-examination of the seventh witness, Kabir Hossain Mridha, Polok’s lawyer Liton Ahmed sought more time, citing the recent appointment of a new defense lawyer who could not attend. The tribunal denied the request.

Polok was brought to the dock and asked to conduct the questioning himself, but the prosecution objected, arguing that only defense lawyers are allowed to cross-examine witnesses. Liton countered that Polok is a lawyer and understands legal procedures, yet the tribunal refused permission. Liton then proceeded with the cross-examination, during which the witness denied participating in a victory rally after Sheikh Hasina’s fall in August 2024 and described seeing bodies, including his son’s, at a hospital that night.

The exchange highlighted tensions between the defense and prosecution over procedural rights in the ongoing high-profile trial.

The first-ever Formula Student and Automotive Engineering Summit in Bangladesh was held on Thursday at the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) in Mirpur Cantonment. The event was jointly organized by MIST Blitz, a student Formula team, and the Bangladesh Formula Student Community. It marked the country’s first national-level gathering of students, engineers, automotive industry professionals, and policymakers, drawing over 2,500 guests and visitors.

The summit aimed to strengthen collaboration between academia and the automotive industry, fostering innovation and sustainable partnerships in automotive engineering. Lieutenant General Mir Mushfiqur Rahman attended as the chief guest, while Major General Md Hakimuzzaman served as the chief patron. Brigadier General Muhammad Shariful Islam, head of MIST’s Mechanical Engineering Department, chaired the organizing committee.

Technical sessions on automotive and Formula Student engineering were conducted by experts, alongside discussions on the development of the country’s automotive and OEM sectors. Student-focused competitions included the Formula Future Business Case, IC Engine Masterclass and Quiz, Concept Car Challenge, CAD Design Contest, and Poster Presentation.

Leaders of the National Citizens Party (NCP) are scheduled to visit Kulaura in Moulvibazar on June 26 to protest the continued killings by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) along the Kulaura frontier. This will be the first visit of the party’s central leadership to the area, and local NCP members have expressed enthusiasm about the event.

According to Ibrahim Mahmud, joint member secretary of Kulaura NCP, the visiting delegation will include northern region organizer Sarjis Alam, chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patowary, and joint convener Ashraf Mahdi. They will first attend Friday prayers at Robirbazar Jame Mosque, then join a protest program at the Sharifpur border at 4 p.m. Later in the evening, at 7 p.m., they will participate in a discussion meeting at the local auditorium in Kulaura town.

The protest and meeting are being organized by the Moulvibazar district branch of the National Citizens Party (NCP).

The National Democratic Party (JAGPA) has announced a 35-member partial committee for its Dhaka Metropolitan unit. The committee was approved by JAGPA Vice President and party spokesperson Rashed Pradhan. SM Ziaul Anwar has been named president and Sabbir Ahmed general secretary. The announcement was made at the party’s metropolitan office on Thursday evening, where newly elected members were greeted with flowers. JAGPA General Secretary Professor Iqbal Hossain was also present at the event.

The committee includes several vice presidents, joint general secretaries, and organizational secretaries from both northern and southern regions of Dhaka. Other positions such as office, publicity, religious, finance, education and culture, relief, and information and media secretaries were also filled. The list concludes with several members appointed to general posts.

The formation of this partial committee marks an organizational step for JAGPA’s Dhaka unit as it continues to strengthen its local leadership structure.

The government has temporarily suspended Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Biplob Bijoy Talukder of Rajarbagh Police Telecom for being absent from his workplace without permission for eight consecutive months. The suspension order was issued on Wednesday, June 24, under the signature of Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Manjur Morshed Chowdhury, by order of the President. The ministry confirmed the matter on Thursday, June 25.

According to the official notification, Talukder had been absent from duty since October 6 of the previous year without authorization. His actions were categorized as misconduct and desertion under the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules. The order stated that his suspension would take effect from the date he first went absent.

Biplob Bijoy Talukder joined the Bangladesh Police in 2001 through the 20th BCS as an Assistant Superintendent of Police and was promoted to the rank of DIG in 2023.

Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon announced that teachers who moved from rural schools to cities over the past 20 years will have to return to their original rural postings. He said the ministry has already issued letters to prepare a list of such teachers. The minister made the remarks on Thursday during a meeting with exam center secretaries at the Khulna Divisional Commissioner’s auditorium ahead of the upcoming HSC and equivalent examinations.

He also stated that from July, all primary schools will introduce both school uniforms and a mid-day meal program. Additionally, examinations under the madrasa and technical boards will be conducted with uniform question papers. The minister warned against digital cheating in exam centers and said that any negligence by hall supervisors or staff would result in punishment. He emphasized that fake question papers shared on social media would be investigated, and those responsible would face action.

Dr. Milon further mentioned that retired teachers who have not received their welfare and retirement allowances since 2022 will be paid soon.

Dr. Md. Ershad Hossain Rana, Chairman and CEO of Don Group, has been elected president of the France-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIFB) for the 2026–2028 term. The announcement was made following the chamber’s annual general meeting and board handover ceremony held on June 25, 2026. Alongside him, M. A. Riaz of Expo Holdings (BD) Ltd. and Md. Jahangir Alam Sarkar of 3i Logistics (Pvt.) Ltd. were elected vice presidents, while Farzana Chowdhury of Abista FS Ltd. was elected treasurer.

The newly elected 17-member board includes representatives from leading Bangladeshi business organizations such as ABN Group, Akhtar Group, Bangladesh Exports Ltd., and Bengal Airlift Ltd. The handover ceremony concluded with a luncheon that fostered networking among participants. During the event, the chamber reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations between France and Bangladesh.

The new leadership is expected to guide CCIFB’s initiatives aimed at enhancing business cooperation and expanding opportunities for members in both countries.

State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku said the government is working tirelessly to make marginalized communities economically prosperous and self-reliant. He made the remarks while visiting the regional center of the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) in Naikhongchhari, Bandarban. The minister stated that initiatives have been taken to use the livestock sector more effectively to improve the living standards of low-income people.

He recalled that the Naikhongchhari farm was established under the initiative of late President Ziaur Rahman, focusing on the conservation and production of gayal cattle and their distribution among small and marginalized communities in the hill region. The government has expanded this goal to promote self-sufficiency among these groups. Livestock such as goats and sheep have already been distributed to farmers, and research-based initiatives are underway to enhance support for small-scale farmers.

The minister also noted that the farm’s potential had not been fully utilized due to poor management in the past, but the current government will modernize and develop it. He emphasized that empowering marginal farmers through livestock rearing is central to the government’s vision of building a self-reliant Bangladesh.

Professor Dr. A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain stated that around 10.26 million people in Bangladesh are currently suffering from heart disease, with nearly 993,000 new cases emerging each year. He shared the information on Thursday at a financial aid event for congenital heart patients organized by the Patient Welfare Association at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases and Hospital. State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr. M.A. Muhith attended as a special guest.

Officials highlighted that over a hundred heart disease patients die daily in the country. The Social Welfare Minister emphasized the need for public awareness alongside treatment to combat the crisis. He mentioned ongoing campaigns promoting healthy lifestyles, exercise, reduced salt and fat intake, and regular health checkups. The government has also launched special assistance packages for women and children with heart disease and allocated significant funds for complex patient support.

Dr. Muhith added that the government is modernizing the health sector to make cardiac care more accessible and affordable. He noted that about 283,800 people die annually from heart disease and related causes, and the National Institute is being equipped with advanced technology and specialist doctors.

Former IMF adviser and Habiganj-1 lawmaker Dr. Reza Kibria has called for ending policies that favor the wealthy and instead channeling direct financial support to low-income citizens. Speaking in the national parliament on Thursday during the general discussion on the proposed budget, he argued that giving extra money to millionaires has no positive effect on the economy, while even a small amount given to the poor immediately circulates through markets and keeps the domestic economy active.

Drawing on his 45 years of international experience, Dr. Kibria expressed frustration over the fragile banking system, rising inequality, and unproductive investments. He emphasized the practical importance of equitable income distribution, noting that wealthy individuals tend to save rather than spend additional funds, whereas poor households spend immediately, stimulating rural and local markets.

He urged policymakers to ensure that financial resources reach marginalized communities directly to maintain economic balance and strengthen internal demand.

Cumilla-4 Member of Parliament Hasnat Abdullah delivered a strong statement during the general discussion of the 13th National Parliament’s budget session on Thursday. He alleged that during the interim government period, legal actions were taken against Bashundhara Group by the Anti-Corruption Commission, but questioned the current status of those cases. Abdullah demanded transparency regarding any possible under-the-table settlements and called for legal action if no compromise had been made. He criticized the group for alleged money laundering, asset grabbing, and using media to justify political violence.

Abdullah further expressed disappointment that lawmakers must share the parliament with loan defaulters, calling it a matter of shame. He also noted that some ruling party members work as advisors to media outlets that previously portrayed Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as a traitor. He urged the ruling party to take a firm stance against those legitimizing enforced disappearances and killings, emphasizing that avoiding revenge should not mean avoiding justice.

He added that despite years of money being laundered abroad, no clear policy has been presented on how to recover those funds.

Thirty-two eminent citizens have called for the immediate appointment of a trusted individual from the indigenous communities of the Chittagong Hill Tracts as a full minister to lead the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs. Their joint statement, released to the media on Thursday, followed the resignation of the acting minister, which they said had caused frustration among the hill communities. The signatories noted that the minister, who had been elected with the highest votes from the region, resigned citing personal reasons, raising questions and doubts among local residents.

The statement suggested that some believe the minister may have faced undue obstacles during his tenure, undermining the confidence that hill communities had placed in the new government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The citizens emphasized that the hill peoples have long faced discrimination and that the 1997 Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord was a product of cross-party consensus. They also recalled that the accord’s provisions include appointing a minister from indigenous groups.

The signatories urged the prime minister to reconsider the matter promptly and restore confidence by appointing a full minister from the indigenous population to oversee the ministry’s operations.