The first return flight carrying 374 Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims is scheduled to arrive at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport today at 2:05 PM. This marks the beginning of the return phase for pilgrims who performed the holy Hajj. A total of 87,157 Bangladeshis went to Saudi Arabia this year via 224 flights operated by three airlines. Return flights will continue until July 10. During the pilgrimage, 19 Bangladeshi pilgrims died—11 in Makkah, 7 in Madinah, and 1 in Arafat.

A new UN report reveals an unprecedented global decline in fertility rates. Surveying 14,000 people across 14 countries, the UN Population Fund found millions unable to have their desired number of children, mainly due to financial constraints and lack of suitable partners. The study covered diverse income and fertility contexts and highlighted that 39% cite money as a barrier, while 12% mention infertility. The findings underscore a growing crisis as many cannot build families according to their wishes.

The Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (Maushi) has issued a five-point health directive for all educational institutions to prevent the spread of a new COVID-19 subvariant.
Director General Prof. Dr. Muhammad Azad Khan urged strict compliance with health guidelines:

Wash hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Avoid large gatherings and wear masks when going out.

Maintain at least 3 feet distance from infected individuals.

Refrain from touching face with unclean hands.

Cover nose and mouth with tissue or elbow while coughing or sneezing.

Charfassion in Bhola has seen a huge influx of tourists during the Eid-ul-Azha holidays. Popular destinations like Charfassion Tower, Betuya Prashanti Park, and Kukri-Mukri Island are drawing crowds with natural beauty and upgraded facilities. The 225-foot-high Charfassion Tower offers a thrilling view and modern features, while Kukri-Mukri's wildlife sanctuary and serene environment add to the attraction. Enhanced security, new rides, and accommodations have made Charfassion a top holiday destination. Authorities have ensured a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors.

Swedish activist Greta Thunberg has departed Israel on a flight bound for France after being detained from a humanitarian aid ship. However, at least five other rights activists arrested alongside her have refused to leave Israel voluntarily, according to Israeli authorities.
France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed on Tuesday that the activists refused voluntary deportation after their arrest from the vessel Madlen. Israeli authorities stated that those unwilling to sign deportation documents would be presented before a judicial authority for forced removal.

Tensions flared in Sylhet’s Jaflong tourist area as a scuffle broke out between local youths and visiting tourists. Meanwhile, locals, including religious leaders and elders, have imposed restrictions on tourists visiting Utmachhara, another popular destination in Companiganj.

Locals reported that on Monday afternoon, an argument escalated into physical altercations between a group of tourists and some local youths near the Jaflong BGB camp. The tourists were later chased away by the locals. Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Ratan Kumar Adhikari commented, "It was a minor misunderstanding, quickly resolved by local elders."

In a related development, access to the Utmachhara tourist spot has been restricted by the local religious leaders, accusing tourists of engaging in inappropriate activities that were disturbing the social environment. The protest was led by Mufti Ruhul Amin Siraji, vice-president of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam's local chapter.

A luxury SUV worth crores, found in the parking lot of a multi-storey building in front of the Kushtia Superintendent of Police’s office, has been claimed by Mumtarin Ferdous Dorin, daughter of murdered former MP Anwarul Azim Anar. Dorin confirmed that the Land Cruiser Prado belongs to her father and has demanded its return.

Alamgir Hossain, caretaker of the building, stated, "A cigarette company named Genuine Leaf has rented three floors here. Foreigners regularly visit, stay, and dine there. They arranged to park the vehicle here. Genuine Leaf's GM Belal Sir and CEO Zahid Sir were responsible for it. The SUV was brought here about three months ago and has since remained under their supervision."

The Indian Air Force is set to receive the advanced A1 variant of the HAL Tejas fighter jet by the end of this month. Originally planned for induction a year earlier, the upgraded version is said to bring the indigenous Tejas closer to Western standards in terms of capabilities. Indian defense sources claim the A1 variant incorporates cutting-edge Israeli technologies. So far, the Indian Air Force has inducted 40 Tejas fighter jets and expects the new variant to significantly enhance its operational strength.

A bizarre dispute over tissue paper escalated into a violent clash between two groups of villagers at a restaurant in Sarail, Brahmanbaria. At least 15 people were injured. Police later intervened to restore order, but the Sarail-Nasirnagar-Lakhai road remained blocked for a while due to the clash. As of Tuesday morning, no case had been filed with the local police station.

French President Emmanuel Macron has condemned Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza as “shameful and disgraceful,” following the interception of a humanitarian boat carrying Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and 11 others. Thousands of people rallied in cities across France, including Paris, demanding action. Macron urged the immediate opening of humanitarian corridors and an effective ceasefire in Gaza. He also demanded the immediate release of six detained French nationals aboard the intercepted vessel.

A total of 166,754 animals were sacrificed within the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) area during this year’s Eid celebrations. According to DSCC Administrator Md. Shahjahan Mia, the sacrifices took place over three days: 133,317 on the first day, 31,745 on the second, and 1,692 on the third day. The DSCC has also officially completed the removal of Qurbani-related waste for this year, ensuring cleanliness and proper waste management in the city.

Tim Friede from Wisconsin has voluntarily endured over 200 snake bites and 650 venom injections over two decades to build immunity and aid scientific research. His unique resistance inspired scientists to develop a potential universal antivenom using his blood. A study published in Cell confirmed success in mice. The antivenom worked against venom from 13 out of 19 snake species. Researchers now plan animal trials in Australia. Friede, now working at biotech firm Centivax, says he’s proud of his role in saving lives.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran is involved in the ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas over a potential ceasefire and hostage exchange in Gaza. “Let’s see what happens,” Trump said, adding that the primary objective of the talks is to bring hostages home safely.
The U.S. has proposed a 60-day ceasefire deal, which Israel has agreed to in principle, while Hamas has yet to accept it. According to the proposal, Hamas would release 28 Israeli hostages—both living and deceased—during the first week, in exchange for Israel freeing 1,236 Palestinian prisoners and returning 180 bodies to Palestinian authorities.

Egypt is constructing a massive new administrative capital 45 km east of Cairo to ease congestion and pollution. Covering 700 sq km, the city will house over 6 million people. China’s CSCEC is leading construction and will manage the city under a bilateral deal. The $3.8 billion project includes government buildings, embassies, and Africa’s tallest skyscraper. Over 30,000 officials have moved in. The initiative strengthens China-Egypt ties, aligning with China’s Belt and Road ambitions and increasing its investment in Egypt.

Former US President Donald Trump has described Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg as “an angry young woman” and suggested that she needs anger management classes. Trump’s comments came after the Israeli Navy detained Thunberg and several other activists in international waters while they were attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza by boat. Israel described the vessel as a “celebrity selfie yacht” and stated that the passengers would soon be returned to their respective countries.