Bangladeshi singer Asif Akbar has stirred discussion on social media after posting a political statement on his verified Facebook page on Saturday. In his post, he urged people to stay awake in July and claimed that a 'fallen fascist' has returned through three sectors: media, sports, and culture. The post quickly drew attention online, sparking debate among users who either supported or disagreed with his remarks.

The discussion comes amid renewed public engagement around the 2024 mass uprising, which has been a major topic on social media since the beginning of July. Asif, known for his outspoken views on social and political issues, frequently shares his opinions on national matters. His candid comments often attract widespread attention and mixed reactions.

Beyond his social commentary, Asif Akbar remains active in music, releasing new songs and performing in concerts both at home and abroad. His earlier works, including the hit album “O Priya Tumi Kothay,” continue to enjoy popularity among listeners.

Israel’s military is preparing to release around 10,000 reserve soldiers by the end of July due to a severe budget deficit, according to reports published Sunday in local media. Currently, about 60,000 reservists are on active duty, and the number may be reduced to 50,000. The move reflects significant financial pressure on the army, though a final decision has not yet been made and is expected within days.

Reports indicate that Israel’s defense spending has risen sharply, creating a major financial strain. The decision comes amid a dispute between the defense and finance ministries over the defense budget. The army argues that multiple regional conflicts require record-level funding, while the finance ministry warns that such increases would worsen the government’s deficit.

An interim compromise has reportedly been reached, allowing the army to receive additional funds on the condition that it reduces reliance on reserve forces and cuts operational expenses.

Bangladesh’s overall inflation rate declined in June 2026, according to data released by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) on Monday. The national point-to-point inflation fell to 9.16 percent, down from 9.42 percent in May, which had been the highest level in 16 months. The latest figures show a decline in both food and non-food inflation, offering some relief after months of elevated prices.

BBS reported that food inflation dropped by 0.46 percentage points to 8.60 percent in June, compared to 9.06 percent in May. Non-food inflation also eased slightly, falling by 0.10 percentage points to 9.61 percent from 9.71 percent. In rural areas, overall inflation decreased to 9.23 percent, while in urban areas it fell to 9.01 percent. Both regions experienced reductions in food and non-food inflation rates.

The data indicate a modest but broad-based easing of price pressures across Bangladesh, following a period of sustained inflationary pressure earlier in the year.

Bangladesh Bank has granted Abdul Monem Sugar Refinery Limited special permission to open import letters of credit (LC) with a 100 percent cash margin, even though the company is a corporate guarantor of a defaulted loan. The central bank issued the directive on Monday, suspending the application of Section 27Ka(3) of the Bank Company Act, 1991, for the company until June 30, 2027. The decision was made under the authority of Section 121 of the same law, with the condition that no financial loss to the government or Bangladesh Bank may result from this facility.

According to the source, Abdul Monem Sugar Refinery is the corporate guarantor of a defaulted loan of Abdul Monem Limited at state-owned Agrani Bank. As of March 2025, Abdul Monem Limited had defaulted loans totaling Tk 698 crore across 24 banks and financial institutions, including Tk 455 crore owed to Agrani Bank. The refinery sought the special LC facility on June 7, citing existing international contracts for raw sugar imports and potential daily penalties of about USD 23,000 if delayed.

The refinery is currently operated by Abul Khair Limited under a sales agreement, marketing sugar under the 'Starship Sugar' brand, though ownership transfer is still pending.

A section of an old connecting bridge in Shahjir Para area of Lemshikhali Union, Kutubdia, Cox’s Bazar, collapsed on Monday morning, July 6, 2026, following two days of heavy rainfall. The incident disrupted movement between Lemshikhali and Kaiyarbil unions, causing severe suffering for local residents who rely on the bridge for daily travel.

The decades-old Lemshikhali–Kaiyarbil bridge had long been in a risky condition, forcing thousands of people to cross it on foot as vehicles could not pass. Locals and school authorities said the bridge had been unsafe for years, and the continuous rain caused one side to give way. Lemshikhali Union Parishad Chairman Akhtar Hossain stated that repeated requests for repair or reconstruction had gone unanswered.

Upazila Engineer Abus Uddin confirmed that a proposal for a new bridge beside the old one already exists and that urgent information about the collapse has been sent to higher authorities for necessary action.

Revenue collection at Benapole Customs House, the country’s largest land port, fell sharply in the 2025–26 fiscal year. Against a government target of Tk 11,290 crore, only Tk 6,559 crore was collected, leaving a shortfall of Tk 4,731 crore. The decline coincided with a significant drop in trade volume, as both imports and exports through the port decreased notably.

Data show that total imports through Benapole fell to 1.4 million metric tons in 2025–26 from 1.6 million metric tons the previous year. Revenue also dropped by about Tk 470 crore compared to 2024–25. Traders attributed the shortfall mainly to reduced imports of high-duty goods such as industrial raw materials, electronics, machinery, and chemicals. They suggested that improved digital monitoring, scanning, and anti-corruption measures could curb irregularities.

Port officials said allegations of manipulation in weight scales and other irregularities are under investigation, with legal action promised against those found guilty. The customs commissioner affirmed that strict vigilance is in place to prevent revenue evasion.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury announced that Bangladesh will be brought under complete digitalization as quickly as possible to expand banking and financial services to citizens’ doorsteps. Speaking as chief guest at the ‘Innovation Showcasing 2025–26’ program organized by the Financial Institutions Division on Monday, he said the initiative aims to simplify public services, enhance transparency, and save time and costs. The minister emphasized that inclusive development requires participation from all citizens, including workers, farmers, and small entrepreneurs.

He noted that a high-level government team is currently in Estonia to study its technological excellence and model for possible adaptation in Bangladesh’s financial sector. Chowdhury urged banks and insurance companies to assess how many of their clients are receiving digital services and to encourage customers to adopt online platforms. He added that expanding digital coverage across all financial institutions will help citizens access services easily from anywhere, boosting national productivity.

The event was chaired by Financial Institutions Division Secretary Nazma Mobarek and attended by senior officials from the division, Bangladesh Bank, and top executives from banks, insurance, and financial organizations.

A severe wildfire in Spain’s eastern Valencia region has forced the evacuation of about 500 residents from Castellón province. The blaze, which began on Sunday, has already burned around 150 hectares of forest, according to local media reports. On Monday morning, authorities deployed 12 aircraft to help contain the fire as temperatures continued to rise under the country’s second heatwave of the summer.

Firefighters from the Asturias region have joined the efforts to control the flames, while another wildfire that began on June 26 in a mountainous area remains under management. In Catalonia’s Girona area, a separate fire that started on Friday injured 14 people and burned approximately 2,300 hectares before being brought under control on Saturday. Fire crews continued working through early Monday to prevent reignition.

Officials have warned that the intensifying heatwave could complicate containment efforts in the coming days, posing ongoing risks to affected communities and forested areas.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abul Muktadir stated that ship recycling in Bangladesh is now being conducted using scientific methods that comply with international and environmental standards. He made the remarks on Monday morning after visiting the PHP Ship Breaking and Recycling Yard in Sitakunda, Chattogram. The minister said the government aims to bring all ship recycling yards under green certification to enhance Bangladesh’s global market acceptance.

During a meeting with leaders of the Bangladesh Ship Breakers and Recyclers Association, the minister discussed industry challenges, prospects, and development plans. He noted that the sector once faced international criticism for pollution, unsafe working conditions, and poor hygiene, but significant improvements have been made through modern technology and better safety measures. Several yards have already received international recognition.

Muktadir added that Bangladesh previously dismantled about 45 percent of ships sold for recycling worldwide, but its position weakened due to global competition and policy challenges. The government is now working to restore its leading status while reviewing national policies on the Hong Kong and Basel Conventions to balance international compliance with national interests.

In Saidpur of Nilphamari, hundreds of battery-run auto-rickshaw, easy-bike, van, and mishuk drivers staged a protest and besieged the municipality office on Monday, demanding a reduction of the annual parking charge from Tk 2,000 to Tk 1,000. The demonstration was organized by the Saidpur Upazila branch of the Autobike Workers Welfare Society, which also submitted a memorandum to the municipal authorities. The workers warned of tougher programs within 72 hours if their demand is not met.

During the rally, labor leaders argued that the current charge is double that of other municipalities in Nilphamari district, where the annual fee is Tk 1,000. They said the increased rate has become a financial burden for low-income drivers and called for equal treatment across municipalities. The workers emphasized that their demand is fair and aimed at removing discrimination.

Municipal Executive Engineer Ayub Ali stated that the parking charge has not been increased recently and that the existing rate was set in 2019. He added that the submitted memorandum will be reviewed seriously and discussed in the next municipal meeting for a possible decision.

A meeting between the chairman of the Chattogram Development Authority (CDA), Engineer Belayet Hossain, and a Chinese delegation was held on Sunday. Following the meeting, Hossain said Chinese businesses have shown interest in investing in Chattogram’s housing sector. He invited them to invest, noting that population pressure on the city’s core areas is increasing. He added that Chinese investors are experienced in developing large-scale mega residential projects and smart townships, which could support CDA’s master plan to build modern housing and satellite cities in Hathazari, Boalkhali, Anwara, and Karnaphuli.

Earlier, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman met with the chairmen of nine development authorities at his office, directing them to coordinate with service agencies to reduce public suffering and to make cities greener, sustainable, and livable. During that meeting, Hossain presented CDA’s current activities and proposed developing suburban areas to ease pressure on the main city. He also urged the Prime Minister to improve transport for Sandwip residents through a modern sea-truck and upgraded ferry terminals, to which the Prime Minister gave a positive response.

A rare black croaker fish weighing nearly eight kilograms was sold for fifty thousand taka at an auction in Alipur Fish Port, Kuakata, Patuakhali, on Sunday morning. The fish was caught by fisherman Abdur Rahim Majhi late Saturday night in the Bay of Bengal, following the end of a 58-day fishing ban. PM Musa, owner of Kuakata Fresh Fish, purchased the fish at a rate of 6,250 taka per kilogram.

Fisherman Abdur Rahim expressed joy over the high price, saying such fish are rarely caught. Buyer PM Musa explained that the fish’s swim bladder is highly valuable in international markets, and his company exports such fish to Dhaka and abroad. Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer Apu Saha noted that the species, locally known as black croaker or lombu croaker, can weigh between 4 and 40 kilograms and is often called the “black gold of the sea.”

Officials described the catch as a positive sign for fishermen resuming work after the seasonal fishing ban.

A powerful pair of earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 has left at least 3,342 people dead and about 16,700 injured, according to a Reuters report published on July 6, 2026. Thousands remain missing following the twin quakes, which caused extensive damage across several regions, with La Guaira suffering the most destruction. The Venezuelan Information Ministry confirmed that 6,462 people have been rescued so far, while 856 buildings were damaged and 190 structures collapsed.

Authorities said 86,794 families have received assistance, and 17,345 residents remain homeless. The government has deployed 29,567 workers and 27,482 volunteers for relief operations, supported by 4,088 international rescuers. Relief efforts have included the distribution of 9,585 tons of food, 669,008 liters of water, and medical treatment for 23,820 patients. Seventy-nine temporary shelters have been established in affected areas.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the two quakes, measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, struck within 39 seconds of each other. The ministry also noted that 995 aftershocks have occurred since the initial disaster.

Super Typhoon Bavi struck the U.S. Pacific territories of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands on July 6, 2026, with wind speeds reaching 290 kilometers per hour. The storm disrupted normal life across the islands, bringing heavy rain and strong winds. The U.S. National Weather Service warned that the typhoon is extremely dangerous and could cause extensive damage, with waves as high as 35 feet expected.

Authorities reported significant destruction on Rota Island in the Northern Marianas, which lies northeast of Guam and was directly hit by the storm. The island’s mayor urged residents to stay indoors and remain safe. In Saipan, north of Rota, wind gusts exceeding 161 kilometers per hour were recorded at the airport. The weather service said strong winds would persist until Monday afternoon before gradually weakening.

Guam, home to about 170,000 people, opened five shelters with capacity for around 1,700 residents, though one was already full by Sunday afternoon. The U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center officially classified Bavi as a super typhoon.

Bangladesh Bank has made the use of 'Bangla QR' mandatory at all commercial outlets and merchant points from July 1, replacing older QR codes. The move aims to promote digital payments and advance the country toward a cashless economy. Customers can now make payments by scanning a single QR code through any bank or mobile banking app, eliminating the need for multiple QR stands or expensive POS machines.

However, questions have emerged among consumers and small businesses about transaction fees and potential cost increases. The central bank clarified that the merchant discount rate (MDR) is a matter between banks and merchants, not to be charged to customers. Yet, experts fear that merchants may offset these costs by raising product prices. The new directive sets a minimum MDR of 1 percent, replacing earlier lower caps.

Experts believe the system will ultimately benefit small businesses by reducing cash handling risks and helping them build digital financial identities. Bangladesh Bank expects 75 percent of all transactions to become cashless by 2027, though challenges remain regarding internet access, cybersecurity, and merchant confidence.