A Jerusalem district court has suspended the corruption trial of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, citing diplomatic and security considerations. The decision followed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s social media post criticizing the Israeli prosecution as “madness,” and warning that such actions are unacceptable given the billions in U.S. aid to Israel. Netanyahu thanked Trump for his support. The move has sparked controversy amid ongoing tensions in Israeli politics.

Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched investigations into six senior officials of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), accusing them of enabling tax evasion in exchange for bribes. ACC Deputy Director Akhtarul Islam confirmed the inquiry. The accused are: A.K.M. Badiul Alam (Member, Income Tax Policy), Hasan Muhammad Tarek Rikabdar (Additional Commissioner, Audit Intelligence and Investigation Directorate), Mirza Ashiq Rana (Additional Commissioner, Dhaka Tax Zone 8), Monalisa Shahreen Sushmita (Additional Commissioner, Dhaka Tax Zone 16), Sadhan Kumar Kundu (Additional Commissioner, Dhaka South Customs, Excise and VAT Commissionerate), and Mohammad Morshed Uddin Khan (Joint Commissioner, BSS Tax Academy). Notably, five of these officials are actively involved in the current protest movement.

Responding to long-standing demands from expatriates, the Election Commission will begin voter registration and Smart NID services for Bangladeshis in Malaysia. Starting Monday, the High Commission will offer these services, enabling Bangladeshis living in Malaysia to register to vote and collect their Smart NID cards. Applicants must complete a form, provide a copy of their passport, submit their online birth certificate, a color passport-sized photograph, and pay a fee of 75 ringgit.

A video showing a woman bound and forcibly dragged away in the dead of night has gone viral on Facebook. In the footage, the woman can be heard screaming, “Help me! Save me!” The incident took place around midnight Saturday in Majher Deor village of Patuakhali’s Maudubi Union. Police later said it was a family matter. According to sources, the video was posted from the husband’s social media account. The marriage was secret and undocumented, and their families belong to rival political camps—the Awami League and the BNP—which reportedly led the woman’s family to seize her from her husband’s home.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social urging: “Make a deal in Gaza. Bring the hostages back.” Although he did not name Hamas or Israel, the wording suggested he was directing the appeal to Israeli authorities. Meanwhile, a mother of one of the hostages accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—who faces charges at the International Criminal Court of war crimes and crimes against humanity—of refusing a ceasefire agreement to cling to power.

A Yak-52 light training aircraft crashed in Russia’s Moscow region on Saturday morning, killing all four people on board, including the pilot and trainees. Investigators said the aircraft burst into flames after slamming into an open field. Preliminary findings suggest the crash occurred when the pilot attempted a barrel roll maneuver, and the engine failed. Russian news agency TASS reported the plane took off from Severka airfield without any flight clearance.

Following an aerial conflict with Iran, Israel launched an attack on Tehran’s Evin Prison on June 23, killing 71 people, according to judiciary spokesperson Asghar Jahangir. He stated that the dead included administrative staff, soldiers, inmates, visiting family members, and nearby residents. The prison also holds two French nationals, Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris, who have been detained for three years. France has strongly condemned the attack, calling it unacceptable.

Ali Riaz stated that July 16, the death anniversary of Abu Sayeed, had been the expected date for signing the ‘July Charter.’ “Whether it happens on that day now depends on the political parties,” he said. Even if the target date is missed, he added, the Charter will be signed within July. Riaz noted that the Consensus Commission has shifted from its earlier position and accepted many of the parties’ proposals. “Now, the parties must also compromise and move forward,” he added. Emphasizing national unity, he said no political flag flew during the uprising—only Bangladesh’s flag did—so the country’s interests must come first. Riaz also called for constitutional safeguards to prevent any group from unilaterally amending the constitution and for ensuring the independence of constitutional bodies and the judiciary.

Thirteen police officers who disappeared from duty after the August 5 uprising that ousted the Hasina government have now been suspended. Following the fall of Hasina’s administration—many leaders fled to India—numerous police personnel who had opened fire indiscriminately to keep her in power also went into hiding. The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued separate suspension orders accusing them of desertion.

Facing prolonged protests and a complete shutdown by NBR employees after the decision to restructure the revenue board, the government has declared all categories of customs house, ICD, bond commissionerate, and customs station jobs under NBR as essential services in the national interest. In a statement, authorities said Bangladesh’s revenue collection falls significantly short of requirements due to systemic inefficiencies, irregularities, and corruption. The government condemned the protests as unjustified disruptions that have seriously hampered trade, imports, exports, and tax collection over the past two months, further noting that protesters have also blocked dialogue efforts.

Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed announced there will be no meeting on Sunday with protesting officials of the National Board of Revenue (NBR). “If the officers want to continue their shutdown program, they may do so,” he said. The issue was discussed at today’s advisory council meeting, and a press statement will be issued. Regarding the scheduled July 1 meeting with NBR staff, he added that a decision on whether it will proceed will be made later.

Amid the ongoing full shutdown called by the NBR Reform Unity Council, a delegation of protesters is scheduled to meet Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed at 4 p.m. Sunday.

On the second day of the strike, tax officials and staff gathered outside the Revenue Building from early morning. Security forces remained on high alert.

Protesters vowed to continue their movement until their demands are met.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam announced that the Advisory Council decided no observance will be held on August 8. Instead, August 5 will be celebrated as Uprising Day, and July 16 will be observed as Martyrs’ Day.

Previously, the Cabinet Division had issued circulars declaring August 8 as New Bangladesh Day and July 16 as Abu Sayeed Martyrs’ Day.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said on Saturday that France, along with Europe, is prepared to secure safe food distribution in Gaza.

Amid growing criticism over civilian deaths near Israeli-controlled aid centers, Barrot said the initiative would also ease Israeli concerns that armed groups like Hamas are seizing relief supplies.

He condemned the killing of “500 people who came for humanitarian aid.” Israeli newspaper Haaretz had reported that military commanders ordered troops to fire on Palestinians collecting food. Prime Minister Netanyahu dismissed the claim as “a blood libel.”

Speaking at a funeral ceremony for Iranian martyrs, the IRGC spokesman declared, “Today is a historic, decisive day for Iran. This mass gathering sends a message of strength to our enemies—a powerful display of national unity, honor, and resistance.”

Addressing Trump directly, he added, “We advise him to open his eyes and stop his irrational statements and erratic behavior.”

He further claimed, “The devastating defeat Israel suffered in 12 days has unhinged Trump, who is now responding hysterically.” Quoting Iran’s Supreme Leader, he said, “Trump utters words too big for his mouth to contain.”