The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is set to convene an emergency meeting on Monday to discuss the situation in Lebanon following Israel’s expanded military operations and territorial advances in the country’s southern region. According to diplomatic sources cited by AFP, the meeting was called in response to growing concerns over Israel’s extended presence after the capture of the historically significant Beaufort Castle.

France initiated the move to call the emergency session as international concern mounts over the ongoing military activities in southern Lebanon and their potential impact on civilians. Member states are expected to deliberate on these developments and their broader implications for regional stability.

Diplomatic sources also indicated that before the Lebanon discussion, the UNSC will hold another emergency session on the same day regarding a Russian drone crash into a residential building in Romania. The Lebanon meeting will begin immediately after that session concludes.

Reserved seat Member of Parliament Beethika Binte Hossain stated that leaders and activists of the ruling party have significant responsibilities toward the people. She emphasized that they must refrain from extortion and other unethical activities. Speaking at a roadside meeting in Melgate area of Dalal Bazar Union under Lakshmipur Sadar upazila on Sunday, May 31, she said that party members should conduct business fairly without demanding illegal payments and ensure that government allocations are spent for the welfare of citizens.

Beethika Binte Hossain further highlighted the importance of building a merit-based young generation. She urged political leaders to monitor educational institutions to ensure proper learning environments and to keep youth away from drugs. She also stressed the need to encourage sports and mental development among young people, describing these as essential duties of responsible politicians.

Her remarks underscored a call for ethical governance and community-focused leadership within the ruling party structure.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister and BNP Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintu said that Ziaur Rahman guided the people of Bangladesh toward development and established democracy in the country. He stated that Bangladesh is proud to have had a leader like Ziaur Rahman. Mintu made these remarks on Sunday, May 31, at a discussion and prayer meeting organized by the Sonagazi Upazila BNP in Feni to mark the death anniversary of the late president and party founder.

During his speech, Mintu also mentioned that after Ziaur Rahman, the late Begum Khaleda Zia worked tirelessly for the people of Bangladesh. He alleged that for the past 17 years, a fascist government had deprived citizens of their democratic rights and ruled through misgovernance. He added that current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is working to restore those rights.

The event, chaired by Upazila BNP convener Zainal Abedin Babul, included speeches from several local BNP leaders. After the discussion, food and clothing were distributed among about 4,000 poor and needy people, followed by prayers for Ziaur Rahman and Begum Zia.

The government of Bangladesh has announced another increase in fuel prices at the consumer level, marking the second adjustment in about six weeks. According to a statement from the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources on Sunday, the prices of petrol, octane, and kerosene have each been raised by 5 taka per liter for June. The new rates—diesel at 115 taka, octane at 145 taka, petrol at 140 taka, and kerosene at 135 taka per liter—will take effect from June 1.

The ministry explained that the revision aligns domestic prices with fluctuations in the global oil market. The previous adjustment was made on April 18, when the Energy and Mineral Resources Division raised the prices of diesel, octane, petrol, and kerosene. The latest decision continues the government’s policy of adjusting local fuel prices in response to international market trends.

The announcement signals continued monitoring of global energy prices and suggests that further adjustments may occur if international rates change significantly.

Chattogram-1 MP Nurul Amin and Chattogram-4 MP Professor Aslam Chowdhury held a courtesy meeting in Sitakunda to discuss joint efforts for development, public welfare, and the implementation of their electoral pledges. The meeting took place at Aslam Chowdhury’s residence, where both lawmakers emphasized coordinated initiatives to meet public expectations and strengthen local development.

Discussions covered the overall development of northern Chattogram, expansion of industrialization, modernization of transport infrastructure, and improvements in education and healthcare. The MPs also stressed the importance of ensuring that local communities directly benefit from the growing industrial zones in Sitakunda and Mirsarai. They highlighted transparency, accountability, and effective leadership as essential for fulfilling public trust and advancing development programs.

Both representatives expressed optimism about resolving long-standing infrastructure issues and promoting youth skill development, employment generation, and citizen-friendly services. They concluded by urging unity beyond political lines to achieve sustained progress and uphold the values of sacrifice and compassion ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.

Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, Assistant Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has strongly condemned recent remarks made by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. Speaking at a discussion at the National Press Club on Sunday, Rizvi made comments about Jamaat’s organizational activities that Zubair described as false, fabricated, and politically motivated. In a statement sent to the media, Zubair said Rizvi’s claims were irresponsible and intended to mislead the public.

Zubair explained that Jamaat’s internal financial contributions, known as ‘Yanat,’ are voluntary donations made by members for religious and social purposes, not forced collections. He accused Rizvi of insulting the religious sentiments of devout citizens by labeling these contributions as extortion. Zubair further stated that Jamaat does not engage in coercive fundraising or violence and that any misconduct by individual members is dealt with through strict organizational measures.

He alleged that Rizvi’s comments stemmed from political jealousy over Jamaat’s growing public support and urged citizens not to be misled by what he called BNP’s false and provocative propaganda.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that the names of Ziaur Rahman and Bangladesh are inseparable. He made the remark on Sunday while presiding over a discussion meeting at the Krishibid Institute in Farmgate, Dhaka, marking the 45th martyrdom anniversary of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman.

In his speech, Mirza Fakhrul stated that Bangladesh’s Liberation War began with Ziaur Rahman’s declaration, which led to the country’s emergence as a new state on the world map. He recalled that public confidence in Ziaur Rahman was reflected in 1975 when people entrusted him with rebuilding the nation through a soldier-people revolution. Fakhrul highlighted Zia’s role in reconstruction, establishing “Bangladeshi nationalism,” forming a capable cabinet, introducing multiparty democracy, and initiating economic reforms.

Referring to current politics, Fakhrul criticized those who claim BNP opposes reform, asserting that Ziaur Rahman introduced major reforms by replacing one-party rule with multiparty democracy and ensuring media and judicial independence.

Advocate M Ruhul Kudduz Talukder Dulu, Whip of the National Parliament and MP for Natore-2, stated that Bangladesh’s Liberation War was initiated through the declaration of independence made by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. He made the remark on Sunday afternoon at the Natore district BNP office during a program marking the 45th martyrdom anniversary of Ziaur Rahman, where cash donations were distributed to 16 institutions, including mosques and temples, from the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund.

Dulu said that if Ziaur Rahman had not declared independence from the Kalurghat radio station in Chattogram, Bangladesh would not have appeared on the world map. He added that Zia’s call inspired the youth of Bangladesh to join the Liberation War. According to him, throughout the past 50 years, whenever the country’s sovereignty faced threats, the Zia family stood by the people of Bangladesh.

Several local BNP leaders, including Saiful Islam Aftab, Mostafizur Rahman Shahin, and others, also spoke at the event.

Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman stated that the government is determined to fulfill the expectations of the people. Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion marking the 45th martyrdom anniversary of President Ziaur Rahman at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh auditorium in Dhaka, he said the government is guided by Ziaur Rahman’s philosophy and is focused on implementing its election manifesto to meet public aspirations.

He emphasized that the manifesto now belongs to the people, not just the BNP, and reaffirmed commitments to restoring democracy and improving justice, education, and healthcare. Rahman noted that the BNP government took office at a critical time and warned that negligence could harm the nation’s future. He also stressed the importance of family education to counter social degradation and instructed officials to strengthen social and moral values.

Rahman highlighted plans to revive closed industries, create employment, and diversify the economy as part of the government’s development agenda. The event was chaired by LGRD Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, with senior party leaders and academics participating.

A widespread heatwave affected 37 districts across Bangladesh on Sunday as rainfall decreased nationwide, according to the Meteorological Department. The agency forecast that the hot and humid conditions could persist for the next four days, with daytime temperatures remaining steady and nighttime temperatures likely to rise further. The highest temperature recorded was 37.5 degrees Celsius in Syedpur, Nilphamari, while Dhaka reached 36.4 degrees Celsius.

The forecast indicated that only parts of Chattogram and Sylhet divisions, along with a few areas in Mymensingh, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Barishal, might experience light to moderate rain or thunderstorms. Elsewhere, the weather is expected to remain mostly dry with partly cloudy skies. The department noted that the southwest monsoon could advance to the Teknaf coast within five days, increasing rainfall and bringing relief from the heat.

Meteorologists said that once the monsoon becomes active around June 5, rainfall is expected to rise gradually, signaling the onset of the rainy season across the country.

Alhaj Kofil Uddin, chairman of Hanif Enterprise and former chairman of Savar Upazila Parishad, passed away at a hospital in Delhi. He was also a former general secretary of the BNP’s Savar Thana unit. According to the report, he had been suffering from liver cirrhosis for some time before his death. He was 66 years old.

Kofil Uddin was one of the country’s leading transport businessmen and had been arrested several times during the Awami League government’s tenure. He is survived by his wife, two sons, one daughter, and many admirers. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed his condolences following Kofil Uddin’s death.

His passing marks the end of a notable figure in Bangladesh’s transport sector and local politics, particularly in the Savar region.

Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the National Parliament and Nayeb-e-Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, stated that his position is higher than that of ministers. Speaking as the chief guest at an Eid reunion and public reception organized by Jamaat-e-Islami in Chauddagram, Comilla, on Sunday, he said he can speak multiple times in parliament sessions, unlike ministers who speak once a month.

Dr. Taher mentioned that in the 13th national election, the BNP received 10 percent more votes than Jamaat-e-Islami, which won 68 seats independently and 77 seats in alliance. He expressed hope that Jamaat-e-Islami would lead the government in the future. He also said he secured allocations of Tk 120 crore during the interim government and an additional Tk 100 crore within three months after the election for infrastructure development in Chauddagram.

Addressing local issues, Dr. Taher warned that those involved in juvenile gangs and drug trading have six months to find alternative livelihoods, after which strict action will be taken. He pledged to lead anti-drug and anti-gang campaigns in the area.

Shafiqul Islam Masud, a Member of Parliament from Patuakhali-2 representing Jamaat-e-Islami, made strong remarks about Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a video that surfaced in the media on Sunday. In the footage, Masud said that people should ask Sheikh Hasina herself to understand who he is, implying a challenge to his critics.

Masud commented that although Sheikh Hasina had carried out significant development projects such as roads, bridges, and other infrastructure, she failed to sustain political support because people lacked joy and rights. He questioned why she could not remain in power despite her development efforts.

He further warned against making provocative remarks about him, referencing Rajshahi University and cautioning that those who speak against him might not be able to handle the consequences.

The government is taking steps to increase internet speed and make Teletalk services more accessible to customers, according to ICT Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam Swapon. He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the new Madhupur Press Club building in Tangail on Sunday afternoon. The minister said that delivering Teletalk services to customers’ doorsteps is only a matter of time, with some procedural issues still being addressed.

During the event, Swapon also highlighted the growing drug problem in Madhupur and Dhanbari, urging journalists and the administration to work together to eliminate it. He stated that the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward drug abuse. The inauguration ceremony was chaired by senior journalist Zainal Abedin and attended by local officials, political leaders, and journalists.

Before the discussion, the minister unveiled the nameplate of the new press club building and participated in a special prayer.

Chattogram-10 Member of Parliament Saeed Al Noman said that late President Ziaur Rahman embodied honesty, courage, and foresight, which played a vital role in shaping an independent and sovereign Bangladesh. Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion and prayer meeting held on Sunday afternoon at the Engineers Institution in Chattogram, he emphasized the need for the younger generation to learn about and internalize Ziaur Rahman’s qualities.

Noman stated that Ziaur Rahman introduced multi-party democracy in Bangladesh at a time when differing opinions were discouraged. He urged that discussions about Ziaur Rahman’s life and leadership should be brought repeatedly before party workers, leaders, and youth. He also highlighted Ziaur Rahman’s integrity and his role in rebuilding the war-torn nation after independence.

The MP added that Ziaur Rahman’s philosophy should guide future political and educational efforts, and that his legacy must inspire the pursuit of a principled and people-oriented politics.