UN Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis emphasized that inclusive elections should focus on citizens’ participation rather than just the involvement of political parties. Speaking at a DCAB Talk in Dhaka, she voiced strong support for the current government's reform initiatives aimed at ensuring fair elections. She also stressed the importance of accountability for the July massacre. On the issue of aid to Myanmar’s Rakhine State, she clarified that the UN is not part of any discussions regarding the creation of a humanitarian corridor.

India is grappling with a growing superbug crisis, where antibiotic-resistant infections are becoming harder to treat. Misuse and lack of access to life-saving antibiotics are driving the problem. A global study reveals only 6.9% of patients in low- and middle-income countries, including India, receive effective treatment. High costs, poor diagnostics, and weak regulation worsen the issue. Experts warn that without better antibiotic access and control, routine treatments, surgeries, and cancer care could be jeopardized. India’s strong pharma sector could lead solutions with better data and policy.

Israel has suspended food distribution in Gaza for a full day, citing “renovation and efficiency” work at US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation sites. Palestinians, already facing starvation, have been warned to avoid aid roads. The UN Security Council will vote on a ceasefire and humanitarian access resolution, likely to face a US veto. Israel’s assault has killed over 54,500 Palestinians and wounded nearly 125,000. Hamas’s October 7 attack previously left 1,139 Israelis dead and more than 200 abducted.

The United Nations General Assembly has elected five new non-permanent members to the UN Security Council for a two-year term. The newly elected countries are: Bahrain Colombia Congo Latvia Liberia These nations will join the Security Council, the only UN body empowered to make legally binding decisions on matters such as sanctions and military action. The council’s five permanent members — the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Russia, and France — each hold veto power. In the vote count, Bahrain received 186 votes, Congo 183, Liberia 181, Colombia 180, and Latvia 178.

Elon Musk has fiercely criticized Donald Trump’s sweeping tax and spending bill, calling it a “disgusting abomination” that dangerously inflates the U.S. budget deficit. Musk’s remarks come after his abrupt departure from the administration and signal a serious rift within Republican ranks. The bill, which includes extended tax cuts and increased defense spending, could add $600 billion to the deficit next year and raise the debt ceiling to $4 trillion. Musk warned voters to oust unfaithful politicians in the upcoming elections.

The AB Party has called for urgent improvements in the services, labor rights, legal aid, and overall welfare provided by Bangladeshi embassies worldwide to ensure a stable flow of remittance income. Following a meeting with legal advisor Dr. Asif Nazrul, AB Party leader Asaduzzaman Fuad stated that the party is pressing the interim government to take swift and concrete actions based on recommendations received from migrant communities across over 100 countries, including Malaysia. Fuad emphasized that “a political party’s fundamental duty is to identify public issues and resolve them. AB Party is advocating for actionable steps to address the most pressing concerns of overseas Bangladeshis.”

Despite difficulties in finding new banknotes at commercial banks, they are being freely sold in open markets such as under the Gulistan Complex, near the Bangladesh Bank headquarters, and beneath the Sadarghat branch. Although many bank branches are running out of new currency notes, the open market remains flooded with them. From Monday, ten additional banks have started distributing new notes on behalf of Bangladesh Bank. These banks include: Sonali Bank Janata Bank Agrani Bank Rupali Bank Pubali Bank Uttara Bank Dutch-Bangla Bank Islami Bank Al-Arafah Islami Bank BRAC Bank Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Arif Hossain stated that local branches of these banks have been supplied with new notes. However, the specific branches distributing them will be determined by the banks themselves.

Dhaka’s state-of-the-art and fastest mode of public transport, the metro rail, will be suspended on June 7 in observance of Eid-ul-Azha. According to AKM Khairul Amin, Director (Administration) of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), the metro rail will remain non-operational on Eid day. Service will resume the next day, June 8, from 8:00 AM, operating on a 30-minute headway schedule. From June 9 onward, the metro will follow the regular holiday timetable.

BNP leader Aminul Haque has urged the government to announce a roadmap for the next national election without delay, stating that the people of Bangladesh—along with all political parties engaged in the simultaneous movement—want elections to be held by December. Speaking at a public event, Haque emphasized that while the ruling party claims to support reforms, the demand for meaningful reform has long been echoed by the BNP and the broader public. “True reform,” he said, “can only come under a free, fair, and impartial election conducted by a people’s government.” He further criticized the government’s performance over the past ten months, claiming that despite promises of reform and justice, no substantial progress has been made. “You have failed to bring any of your autocratic allies to justice,” he stated. Haque also underscored the urgency of holding elections as a means to overcome the country’s ongoing economic crisis and political instability.

Peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine remain at a standstill, with no significant progress expected in the near future, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. Recent talks in Istanbul saw Ukraine call for a full and unconditional ceasefire, a demand Moscow rejected. Both sides did, however, agree on prisoner exchanges and exchanged peace proposals. Peskov emphasized the complexity of the situation and dismissed hopes for a quick resolution. He also said a summit involving the presidents of Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. is unlikely unless negotiators reach a substantial agreement. Moscow is demanding a troop withdrawal from four Ukrainian regions as a precondition for ceasefire, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky insists on a full and unconditional truce.

At least 102 starving Palestinians have been shot dead by Israeli forces at U.S.-backed humanitarian aid distribution centers in Gaza over the past eight days, according to local media. An additional 490 people have been injured. The Gaza Media Office has condemned the attacks as a “deliberate genocide,” while the UN has described the situation as a “calculated death trap.” UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an independent investigation into the Sunday attack at the Rafah aid center.

A new consignment of buffalo has arrived at the Benapole land port, imported duty-free by the government from India to enhance livestock development. On Tuesday afternoon, 95 buffaloes—55 adults and 40 calves—arrived in five trucks from Haryana, India. These animals were imported for breeding purposes at the Savar Livestock Research and Development Center. The declared import value is USD 109,950. The government has exempted these imports from customs duties.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain has said the government communicates its official stance on upcoming elections to all international partners. According to him, elections are expected to take place between December and June. Touhid noted that irregular travel activities are causing issues abroad, including visa suspensions from several countries—problems largely caused by Bangladeshis themselves. He emphasized internal accountability before blaming others. On the issue of U.S. student visas, he said the government has no direct influence. On the bright side, he mentioned India’s cancellation of transshipment facilities has had no negative effect on Bangladesh, as alternatives have been established.

The Rangpur Metropolitan Police has banned all public gatherings—including rallies, processions, and demonstrations—within the city without prior permission. In a public notice signed by Commissioner Md. Majid Ali, authorities warned that various political and organizational groups have been staging unsanctioned road blockades, disrupting public movement and causing traffic congestion. All such gatherings must now be pre-approved by the police to maintain public order and ensure smooth traffic flow.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus is set to travel to the UK to receive the King Charles Harmony Award 2025. He may also meet King Charles III and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer during the visit. Yunus is scheduled to depart for London on June 9, the same day the award will be presented. A meeting at Buckingham Palace is expected, where Yunus may discuss reform, the Rohingya crisis, and money laundering, seeking international support for Bangladesh’s interim government. While a meeting with the UK Prime Minister has not been finalized, officials remain hopeful.