Sub-Inspector Khalilur Rahman testified as the third witness before International Crimes Tribunal-2 regarding the 2015 crossfire killings of two men in Agailjhara, Barishal. The victims were Tipu Hawlader, then joint general secretary of the local Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, and Kabir Molla, organizational secretary of the Jatiyatabadi Social and Cultural Organization. The testimony was given on Tuesday.

In his statement, SI Khalilur Rahman said he was serving in the Barishal Detective Branch between 2013 and October 2016. He recounted that on February 11, 2015, the then Barishal Superintendent of Police instructed him to arrest two suspects under the direction of MP Abul Hasanat Abdullah. Khalilur described how he and other officers arrested the two men from Ashulia and Keraniganj on February 20, 2015, and later learned they had been killed in a crossfire.

The witness also stated that he came to know the killings were allegedly ordered by MP Abul Hasanat Abdullah, who, along with three others, is accused of crimes against humanity in the case.

A rare and endangered reticulated python was rescued from a house in Muslim Para of Chitmaram Union under Kaptai upazila in Rangamati. The rescue was carried out by the local environmental group 'Prokritir Dol' under the Biodiversity Conservation Project of the Rangamati Hill District Council. The python, measuring about seven feet in length, was recovered on Wednesday morning and later handed over to the Kaptai Range of the South Forest Division.

Following the direction of divisional forest officer S M Sajjad Hossain, the python was released into a national park. Kaptai Range Officer Mohammad Mamunur Rahman confirmed that the snake was freed deep inside the forest. Officials said that around 18 snakes had been released into the wild over the past one and a half months.

The rescue and release were conducted in the presence of forest and biodiversity officials, local journalists, and members of the environmental team, highlighting ongoing efforts to protect wildlife in the region.

Sylhet Deputy Commissioner (DC) Sarwar Alam left for Dhaka on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, after his recall order from the Ministry of Public Administration took effect. Additional District Magistrate Pinky Saha has taken over as acting DC. Before departing, Sarwar Alam posted a farewell message on Facebook thanking Sylhet residents for their support.

The recall order, issued suddenly on Sunday, did not specify reasons or name a permanent replacement. The decision sparked protests in Sylhet, where various professional and social groups demanded the withdrawal of the order. Several Islamic parties, including Jamaat, also called for the recall to be canceled, while the BNP remained largely silent. Sources indicated that Sarwar Alam had drawn attention for his recent initiatives to ensure transparency in the financial management of the Hazrat Shahjalal (R.) and Hazrat Shah Paran (R.) shrines.

Government adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman stated that the transfer was unrelated to the shrine issue and might involve state confidentiality. Before leaving, Sarwar Alam deposited an additional Tk 500,000 from the district fund into the shrine’s new Sonali Bank account, bringing the total to Tk 2.265 million.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attended a state banquet hosted by Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Dalian on Tuesday night, local time. The event was organized in honor of heads of state and government attending the World Economic Forum. Rahman was accompanied by his wife, Zubaida Rahman, at the dinner.

Other prime ministers present at the banquet included Kim Min Seok of South Korea, Nyam Osorin Uchral of Mongolia, Amadou Oury Bah of Guinea, Milojko Spajic of Montenegro, and Olzhas Bektenov of Kazakhstan. According to Prime Minister Rahman’s adviser Mahdi Amin, the gathering allowed for open discussions among the leaders. Rahman arrived in Dalian on Monday night after a two-day visit to Malaysia and received a red-carpet welcome at Dalian International Airport.

Following his participation in the World Economic Forum the next morning, Rahman is scheduled to travel to Beijing by bullet train in the afternoon.

The Jagannath University (JNU) unit of Chhatra Dal held a sit-in and protest rally on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, in front of the university’s main gate. The demonstration was organized to protest what the group described as the Awami League’s subversive activities and the operations of a banned organization. Chhatra Dal activists had maintained a vigilant presence on campus and surrounding areas the previous night. The rally marched through various campus roads before concluding with a brief assembly.

During the program, JNU Chhatra Dal convener Mehedi Hasan Himel accused the Awami League of undermining democracy, voting rights, and human rights, asserting that students would resist any such activities. Member secretary Shamsul Arefin stated that attempts by banned organizations to hold programs around June 23 would be opposed, emphasizing the group’s commitment to maintaining a peaceful campus environment. Other leaders, including joint convener Suman Sardar, were also present.

The event reflected Chhatra Dal’s stance against what it termed fascist politics and its pledge to protect student rights and campus peace.

US technology company Oracle has laid off about 21,000 employees over the past year as part of a business restructuring centered on artificial intelligence (AI). According to its latest annual report, Oracle’s full-time workforce stood at around 141,000 as of May 31, 2026, down from approximately 162,000 a year earlier. The company said increased use of AI across its operations has reduced the need for human staff, and this trend may continue.

The layoffs account for roughly 13 percent of Oracle’s global workforce. The company spent about 1.8 billion dollars on severance and restructuring during the year, compared with 374 million dollars in the previous fiscal year. Oracle also warned that shortages of skilled workers in certain roles could affect productivity and future earnings.

The report noted that the move aligns with a broader industry trend, as major technology firms such as Amazon and Meta have also cut thousands of jobs amid heavy investment in AI infrastructure and data center expansion.

BNP lawmaker Rehana Akter Ranu, representing a reserved women’s seat, made sharp remarks during the general discussion on the proposed 2026–27 national budget in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad on Tuesday. She warned that if Sheikh Hasina were to return to power, those who had turned their Facebook profile pictures red would face severe consequences. The session was presided over by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikrom.

Addressing opposition members, Ranu urged them to place trust in the current prime minister and cooperate with the government instead of preparing for another movement. She further referenced the documentary “Aynaghar,” claiming it showed a chair used to give electric shocks to opposition leaders, and demanded that Sheikh Hasina be brought back and subjected to the same treatment.

Her comments came amid ongoing parliamentary debate over the proposed national budget, reflecting heightened political tensions and partisan rhetoric within the legislature.

Public hearings, human chains, and demonstrations were held on Tuesday in various areas of Bogura’s newly formed Mokamtola and Shibganj upazilas over proposed name changes of several unions. The events aimed to collect local opinions and ensure public participation in finalizing the new names. One such hearing for the ‘Simanta Union’ took place at Jagannathpur High School field, where residents, representatives, and community members shared their views and suggestions.

Organizers stated that the collected opinions would be submitted to the relevant authorities to reflect public sentiment in the naming process. However, disagreements arose over the venue of the ‘Diganta Union’ hearing, leading to protests at Rahbal Bazar. Demonstrators argued for a more accessible location and demanded a separate hearing there. The situation calmed after local political leader Rokon-ud-Doula Rubel assured them of an additional hearing.

A similar hearing for the newly formed ‘Mirbari Union’ was held at Betgari Mirbari Government Primary School field. Local sources said authorities are holding hearings across new unions to prioritize public opinion, though disputes over venues have sparked widespread discussion.

In Bangladesh’s parliament on June 23, 2026, Jamaat-e-Islami demanded a statement from the home minister regarding former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s recent remark about the murder of Sharif Osman Hadi. The issue was raised by Shafiqul Islam Masud, MP from Patuakhali-2, under a point of order. He also sought updates on the health condition of BNP senior leader and MP Mirza Abbas, and raised questions about two ruling party MPs allegedly involved in loan default cases.

Masud said that no official update had been provided on Mirza Abbas’s health and that Mamata Banerjee’s comment had fueled rumors surrounding the Hadi murder case. He urged the home ministry to brief parliament to prevent further speculation. In response, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed informed the house that Mirza Abbas had written to parliament confirming his gradual recovery and would return once fully fit.

The Speaker further clarified that matters under judicial consideration and rumors could not be discussed in parliament, adding that any court decision affecting an MP’s membership would be communicated in due course.

Two platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed in Sherpur to maintain internal law and order and address potential security risks. Starting early Monday, BGB members began patrolling various parts of the district under the supervision of two executive magistrates. Their presence was visible in key areas of the district town, Sadar upazila, and Nakla town.

District Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner Farida Yasmin stated that BGB members are patrolling alongside other law enforcement agencies to keep the situation stable. She emphasized that the deployment aims to ensure normalcy in internal security. According to Md. Mizanur Rahman, Assistant Director of the 39th BGB Battalion in Mymensingh, the Ministry of Home Affairs ordered the deployment across five districts, including Sherpur.

The BGB will coordinate with the district administration and other law enforcement agencies and remain on duty until June 30, as part of the ministry’s directive to strengthen local security operations.

The South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance’s Center for Migration Studies at North South University hosted a live webinar titled “Prime Minister’s Malaysia Visit: Will the Closed Labor Market Reopen?” on Monday. The discussion centered on Prime Minister Tareq Rahman’s visit to Malaysia and the potential reopening of the Malaysian labor market for Bangladeshi workers. The session was moderated by Associate Professor Selim Reza.

Speakers highlighted the challenges faced by Bangladeshi migrant workers in Malaysia, including documentation issues, high migration costs, work permit renewals, and limited access to legal support. Dr. Md. Mahbubul Haque noted that no formal agreement on reopening the labor market has yet been confirmed. Other participants emphasized the need for broader economic cooperation, improved worker protection, and transparent recruitment systems. They also called for stronger collaboration between civil society groups in both countries.

The webinar concluded with calls for evidence-based policymaking, sustainable diplomatic engagement, and enhanced protection for Bangladeshi migrant workers in Malaysia.

Police in Katiadi upazila of Kishoreganj have arrested four local leaders of the Awami League and its affiliated organizations under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The detainees include Jamal Mia, vice president of Katiadi municipal Awami League; Ruhul Amin Shakil, former convener of the upazila Jubo League; Md. Al-Amin, vice president of Masua Union Awami League; and Mosharraf Hossain Payel, former vice president of the municipal Chhatra League. The arrests were made during a late-night operation on Tuesday.

According to Katiadi Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Rafiqul Islam, the four were detained in connection with a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Following their arrest, they were presented before the court on Tuesday afternoon. The report did not specify details of the case or the alleged offenses.

The incident marks a significant local law enforcement action involving multiple levels of Awami League leadership in Katiadi, though further legal proceedings and case details remain undisclosed.

BNP reserved seat Member of Parliament Rehana Akter Ranu demanded that banned Awami League president Sheikh Hasina be brought back to the country and given an electric shock in the so-called 'mirror room' chair. She made the statement on Tuesday while participating in the general discussion on the proposed 2026–27 national budget in the Jatiya Sangsad.

Ranu urged opposition unity, warning that if Sheikh Hasina returned to power, those who once supported her would suffer. She also mentioned meeting families of 11 people killed in the July uprising in Feni, who expressed anger toward the police and judiciary for failing to arrest or detain suspects. Additionally, Ranu accused several bank owners of embezzling public money and living abroad in luxury, calling for their properties to be auctioned to repay depositors. She further criticized nurses in government hospitals for mistreating patients.

The remarks drew attention for their harsh tone and came amid ongoing parliamentary debate on the national budget and governance issues.

Leaders and activists of the Shalla Upazila unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its affiliated organizations held a protest march and rally on Tuesday afternoon in Shalla, Sunamganj. The demonstration began at 2 p.m. from the BNP’s local office on College Road and moved through several streets before concluding with a protest meeting at the old upazila parishad premises. The event was organized under the directive of the central BNP and led by senior joint convener Abdul Awal.

Speakers at the rally accused the banned Awami League of engaging in repression and abduction politics, claiming that the people had rejected the party. They urged BNP members to focus on the welfare of the people rather than personal gain and to resist any form of anarchy or infiltration within the party. The speakers also emphasized the need to remember years of political persecution and continue working for the country and its citizens.

According to the speakers, the BNP government assumed power with a heavy debt burden but has already distributed family and agriculture cards to beneficiaries as part of its welfare initiatives announced by Tarique Rahman.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday for a one-day state visit. The visit’s main agenda includes discussions on implementing the recent Iran–United States understanding and addressing regional and international issues of mutual interest. During the trip, Pezeshkian is scheduled to meet Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

According to Pakistan’s state television, Pezeshkian was received at Nur Khan Airbase by President Zardari, Prime Minister Sharif, and senior government officials. The visit follows an invitation from Prime Minister Sharif. Both sides are expected to explore ways to strengthen cooperation in trade, energy, border security, people-to-people exchanges, and regional connectivity. Pezeshkian will also meet Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, the Senate Chairman, and the National Assembly Speaker.

The visit comes shortly after Iran and the United States agreed in Switzerland on a roadmap to reach a final agreement within 60 days, adding diplomatic significance to Pezeshkian’s engagements in Islamabad.