SpaceX’s satellite-based internet service, Starlink, has officially launched operations in Bangladesh. The announcement was made by Lauren Dreyer, VP of Business Operations at Starlink, during a press conference at the InterContinental Hotel. She described Starlink as a “reliable and critical lifeline,” especially for maintaining communication during natural disasters. Starlink is now active in over 150 countries, and this marks its formal launch in Bangladesh following a soft launch. The announcement coincides with the one-year anniversary of the country’s digital shutdown. While internet access remains limited in remote areas, Starlink is expected to serve as a "digital equalizer." However, concerns over affordability persist.

Indonesia is grappling with a severe youth unemployment crisis, with over 16% of its 44 million young people aged 15–24 out of work—double the rate in Thailand and Vietnam. Many graduates, like law student Andreas Hutapea, are unable to secure stable jobs despite repeated attempts. A recent survey shows Indonesian youth are significantly less optimistic about their economic future than peers in neighboring countries. The data highlights growing anxiety and uncertainty among the nation’s youth over employment and long-term stability.

E-ticketing using the Rapid Pass system is being introduced on Dhaka’s Hatirjheel circular bus and water taxi services. The trial began on July 14, with a full rollout planned for July 20. Ten machines are being installed across key terminals and bus counters, including FDC, Police Plaza, Rampura, and Badda. The system will ease commuting, allowing passengers to use one card across metro rail, buses, and water taxis. The Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority says this move will reduce hassle and streamline urban transportation.

The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka has issued a stern warning regarding fraudulent practices in visa applications, stating that submitting fake documents or concealing information may result in a permanent ban from entering the United States. In certain cases, criminal charges may also be filed.

In an official alert, the embassy emphasized that applicants are responsible for providing accurate information and maintaining transparency throughout the visa process. It also noted that withholding information, including data from social media, could lead to visa rejection.

Applicants have been strongly advised to avoid relying on brokers or fraudsters and to submit their own information truthfully and independently.

Additionally, as of July 10, it is mandatory to include all social media handles used by applicants in the visa application form.

The sacrifices of the martyrs, wounded fighters, and participants of the July-August mass uprising are an inseparable part of Bangladesh’s national identity, said Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan. Participating in a symbolic marathon held to honor the movement, he emphasized that fulfilling the dreams of that uprising remains a long-term struggle, achievable only through patriotism and courage. The event featured family members of the martyrs, injured freedom fighters, and members of the younger generation, with tributes paid to the fallen and gratitude expressed to the wounded heroes.

In response to a recent attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, the United States has officially designated The Resistance Front (TRF), a Pakistan-based affiliate of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the decision, identifying TRF as a proxy group responsible for several violent incidents, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks. India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar welcomed the move, calling it a strong reaffirmation of counterterrorism cooperation. Tensions have escalated along the India-Pakistan border following the attack.

Nahid Islam, Convener of the National Citizens' Party (NCP), has vowed to continue the struggle against “Mujibism and fascism” until both are eradicated. Addressing a roadside rally in Munshiganj on Friday, he said, “NCP cannot be suppressed through attacks and lawsuits. Greater battles lie ahead.” He urged party members to stay prepared and vigilant. Referring to the recent attacks in Gopalganj, NCP leaders demanded justice and capital punishment for Sheikh Hasina. Northern region leader Sarjis Alam called for a united resistance against fascism, while southern organizer Hasnat Abdullah warned of both domestic and foreign conspiracies and announced a mass rally at the National Shaheed Minar on August 3.

In Illinois, USA, an Indian woman was caught shoplifting items worth approximately ₹1.1 lakh from a daily shopping store. According to NDTV, the woman wandered inside the store for seven hours before attempting to leave without paying, when staff stopped her. The incident’s video and police bodycam footage have gone viral. A police officer was seen asking her, “Is theft legal in your country?” Following the incident, the US Embassy has issued a warning to Indian nationals, stating that such offenses could lead to visa cancellation and future bans, emphasizing that crimes abroad can also impact passport and visa statuses.

More than 100 schools in Delhi and Bengaluru have received bomb threats via email. Around 50 schools in Delhi and at least 40 in Bengaluru were targeted with emails titled “Bomb Inside School,” which included violent language and details about alleged explosives. Delhi has received similar threats for four consecutive days. Bengaluru police have launched extensive searches across affected campuses. Authorities believe the emails were sent using VPNs and encrypted networks, making it difficult to trace the source. Police are treating it as a dark web-based cyber threat.

Iran has reopened its airspace to international flights after a temporary closure prompted by recent hostilities with Israel. According to Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization, all airports have resumed normal operations following a security assessment, and the airspace will remain open 24 hours a day. Mehrabad Airport will operate daily from 4 AM to 7 PM. However, training and recreational flights remain suspended. Iran had closed its airspace on June 13 after an Israeli airstrike. Conditions began to stabilize following a ceasefire on June 24.

At least 594 people have been killed in recent ethnic clashes in Syria’s southern Sweida province, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The dead include over 300 members of the Druze minority, 257 government officials, and 21 Bedouins. The conflict reportedly stems from long-standing tensions between Druze and Bedouin communities. Israeli airstrikes in the region also killed 15 government troops, with Israel claiming the attacks were intended to protect the Druze.

The situation remains volatile, with bodies on the streets and widespread looting reported after the withdrawal of Syrian government forces.

An auto-rickshaw driver, Ramzan Munshi (28), succumbed to gunshot wounds early Friday at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, bringing the death toll from the recent Gopalganj clashes to five.

Ramzan was shot while passing the court area during a protest march by the National Citizen Party (NCP). Earlier casualties include Dipto Saha, Ramzan Kazi, Sohel, and Imon Talukdar. Authorities have deployed military forces and partially lifted curfews, arresting 20 more individuals, raising the total arrests to 45.

The UK government has announced plans to grant voting rights to 16 and 17-year-olds, marking a significant shift in the country’s democratic structure, pending parliamentary approval.

Currently, these age groups can vote in local elections in Scotland and Wales. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said the move aims to broaden democratic participation. The proposal also includes acceptance of digital voter IDs, stricter checks on political donations to prevent foreign interference, and closing loopholes related to shell companies. Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus had earlier suggested lowering Bangladesh's voting age to 17 in a similar spirit.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to preserving Syria’s territorial integrity. Speaking after a cabinet meeting in Ankara on Thursday, Erdoğan condemned Israel, calling it a “bloodthirsty terrorist state” that is using the Druze community in Syria as a pretext to carry out cross-border attacks.

He accused Israel of arrogance, lawlessness, and committing atrocities through military aggression. Emphasizing that Syria's stability is crucial for peace in the region, Erdoğan said Turkey is not an enemy to any nation and stands for an honorable and just peace policy.

Iran has dismissed US CENTCOM’s accusations of sending large shipments of weapons to Houthi rebels in Yemen, calling them baseless propaganda.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Bagheri on Thursday said the allegations are meant to justify the continued US military presence in the region and to distract from US-Israeli aggression. CENTCOM had earlier claimed to have seized over 750 tons of military equipment en route to Yemen.