Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Tawhid Hossain has arrived in Malaysia to attend the ASEAN Regional Forum Ministerial Meeting, scheduled from July 8 to 11. He is expected to return to Dhaka on July 12.

The visit has drawn attention amid growing criticism over the recent detention of 36 Bangladeshis in Malaysia over alleged militant links. During the trip, Hossain may hold meetings with Malaysian authorities to discuss the issue, as well as the upcoming visit of Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus to Malaysia in August.

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has requested Belarus to establish a full-fledged embassy in Dhaka. Currently, Belarus operates only an honorary consulate in the city, with its main diplomatic mission located in New Delhi—causing delays in visa and consular services. Chowdhury emphasized that a full embassy would enhance bilateral diplomatic and commercial ties. The Belarusian ambassador responded positively, noting that it would require commitment from both governments. Bangladesh also promised to expedite overdue fertilizer payments to Belarus. Legal complexities surrounding prisoner extradition were also discussed. Both countries addressed shared concerns, including law enforcement cooperation, irregular migration, human trafficking, and trade.

Amid flash floods triggered by heavy rain and upstream water flow, Feni district has opened 153 shelters and launched a 24/7 control room to assist affected residents. Authorities have allocated cash, dry food, and rice for relief. Several embankments have broken, flooding villages in Phulgazi and Parshuram. Over 2,500 volunteers are on standby, and dozens of families have already taken refuge. Rivers Muhuri and Silonia are flowing above danger levels, and more heavy rainfall is expected until July 12.

At the U.S. State Department's July 8 press briefing, spokesperson Tammy Bruce avoided directly answering several controversial questions related to India and Bangladesh. These included India's statements on counterterrorism at a recent Quad meeting, minority issues in Bangladesh, and allegations of weapons found in the bag of political adviser Asif Mahmood—allegedly linked to violence during the 2024 anti-government protests.

Bruce called the matters "complex diplomatic issues" and referred reporters to official statements from the U.S. Secretary of State. She declined to comment on statements made by other countries or allegations raised by individual journalists.

Iran has firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand to restart nuclear negotiations, with Tehran confirming that it has not requested any talks with the United States. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, stated that no meeting request has been made by Iran to Washington.

Previously, Trump and his Middle East envoy had claimed that discussions between Iran and the U.S. would take place in Norway. Last month, amid heightened tensions, Iran’s military and nuclear facilities were targeted in multiple Israeli strikes. In retaliation, Iran launched “Operation True Promise Three.” After 12 days of clashes, a ceasefire was agreed upon on June 24, temporarily easing the hostilities.

A powerful eruption from Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki on Indonesia’s Flores Island sent ash 18 km into the sky, disrupting air travel and affecting nearby villages. At least 24 international and domestic flights, including those between Bali, Australia, Singapore, and South Korea, were canceled. No casualties have been reported, but authorities recorded gas clouds with rocks and lava stretching 5 km. Officials warn of increased risks and may revise safety guidelines. Sunlight was briefly blocked in nearby areas due to heavy ashfall.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that a schedule has been set for direct talks with Iran, stating that "they want to negotiate." Speaking at a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, Trump revealed that Iran has requested a meeting and is ready to reach a settlement. Expressing optimism, he added, “Hopefully, no further attacks will be necessary. Dialogue can lead to resolution.” Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, mentioned the meeting may take place “within the next week.”

Interim Government’s Education Adviser Professor Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar highlighted July as a month of pride and urged all educational institutions to honor martyrs. Speaking at an event in Narayanganj, he emphasized that technical education students will play a leading role in building the new Bangladesh. He praised the students for their role in the July movement, which initiated the country's liberation from oppression. Dr. Abrar called for an education system that fosters skills, ethics, and humanity to fulfill the dreams of the common people.

Following nearly 1,600 earthquakes since June 21, residents of remote southern Japanese islands have been evacuated due to safety and psychological concerns. Akuseki Island, the most affected, saw over half its population relocated. Experts suspect underwater volcanic activity is triggering the ongoing tremors, which have created widespread anxiety. Local authorities remain uncertain about when the seismic activity will stop. Japan, one of the most earthquake-prone nations, typically experiences about 1,500 earthquakes annually, but the current swarm is unusually intense and prolonged.

Continuous heavy rainfall since July 4 has flooded more than 50 villages in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, leaving around 2,000 families stranded. Teknaf recorded 145mm of rain in 24 hours, nearly the highest nationwide. Blocked canals have worsened the waterlogging, submerging homes. Affected unions include Hnila, Whykong, Sabrang, and Baharchhara. Local authorities are urging people in hilly areas to evacuate, while many low-lying residents remain without food. Relief efforts are underway as officials coordinate distribution of dry food across the submerged regions.

The Embassy of Bangladesh in Paris has delivered two days of mobile consular services for expatriate Bangladeshis living in the French city of Toulouse.

Organized in collaboration with the Toulouse Bangladeshi Association, the service camp provided over 200 expatriates with essential services, including passport renewals, birth registration, legal consultations, medical assistance, and registration with the Bangladesh Welfare Board.

Bangladesh’s Ambassador to France, Khandker M. Talha, inaugurated the consular camp. Speaking at the event, he emphasized the embassy's commitment to serving the Bangladeshi diaspora, stating, “Supporting our expatriate community is one of the embassy's core responsibilities.”

Community members expressed appreciation for the initiative and called for such mobile services to be held at least four times a year.

The results of the 2024 SSC and equivalent exams will be published on July 10, confirmed by the Inter-Education Board. Over 18 lakh students participated under general, Madrasah, and technical boards. The exams were held between February 15 and May 15. Results will be available online at educationboardresults.gov.bd and via SMS. Madrasah students must pre-register by SMS to receive results automatically. Students can also download result sheets from respective board websites using roll and registration numbers.

The first round of indirect ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel in Qatar has ended without any breakthrough.

Hamas had proposed amendments to the draft agreement, but Israel rejected them outright. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes continued in Gaza, killing at least 82 Palestinians on Sunday, including 39 in Gaza City alone.

U.S. President Donald Trump remains hopeful that a ceasefire deal could still be reached within the week. However, the lack of clear directives for the Israeli negotiators has stalled finalization of the agreement.

Russia is exploring the possibility of waiving visa requirements for Saudi nationals, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced during a meeting with his Saudi counterpart in Moscow. Lavrov praised Saudi Arabia’s balanced foreign policy and peace efforts, noting a 570% increase in Saudi tourists to Russia. The two sides also discussed strengthening bilateral ties, the situation in Gaza, ceasefire efforts, and Iran’s nuclear program.

Sudden flooding in Texas has claimed 43 lives, including at least 15 children. Over two dozen children from a summer camp and several locals remain missing as rescue operations intensify, especially in Kerr County, the hardest-hit area. Heavy rains caused the Guadalupe River to rise dramatically, leading to mass evacuations. Governor Greg Abbott declared an expanded disaster to boost rescue efforts. Over 1,000 rescuers use helicopters and drones in ongoing searches. The National Weather Service warns of more rain, though the emergency phase is easing.