US Congressman Ro Khanna reported that he and his delegation were detained by armed Israeli settlers during a visit to the occupied West Bank. The incident occurred in the Palestinian village of Khirbet Zanuta, where residents had previously been displaced by settler violence. Khanna described the event as a stark example of the daily hardships faced by Palestinians under occupation, saying the settlers surrounded their vehicle and called Israeli forces, who sided with the settlers.

Khanna’s aide Cameron Kasky said the group was held for over an hour before Israeli police intervened. The Israeli military confirmed that settlers had blocked the convoy and said troops and police later cleared the way for the Americans. Neither Israeli police nor the US Embassy in Jerusalem commented immediately. Khirbet Zanuta has become a symbol of escalating settler violence in the West Bank, documented by human rights groups.

Khanna’s trip comes amid growing debate within the Democratic Party over US policy toward Israel and the occupied territories. He said the experience strengthened his consideration of a 2028 presidential run and underscored the moral importance of supporting Palestinian human rights.

Police have arrested Selim Ahmed, the convener of the Swechchhasebak League in Meghna Upazila of Comilla. He was detained early Sunday from his residence by a special police team. According to Meghna police sources, the arrest is linked to a case filed over an attack on BNP activists during a program in the Mirjanagar Kadamtala area.

The case was recently lodged by Monir Hossain at Meghna Police Station, naming Selim Ahmed as one of the accused. Following his arrest, police said that all necessary legal procedures were completed before sending him to court. Meghna Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Shahidul Islam confirmed that the arrest was made based on secret information.

Authorities stated that Selim Ahmed has been presented before the court, and further legal proceedings are underway as part of the ongoing investigation into the incident.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) offered 200–300 million rupees, ministerial posts, and promises of restoring statehood to persuade National Conference (NC) legislators to defect. Speaking at a party rally near Hazratbal in Srinagar on Saturday, Abdullah said a Supreme Court lawyer close to the BJP approached one of his party’s legislators with these offers. He claimed that when money and ministerial incentives failed, BJP intermediaries promised to return Jammu and Kashmir’s state status in exchange for support.

Abdullah asserted that no NC legislator would sell their ideals for money and warned the central government and BJP not to test their patience. He said he had repeatedly raised the issue of restoring full statehood with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and other central ministers, but was always told it would happen at an “appropriate time.”

The remarks come amid renewed political pressure on New Delhi to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional status. The NC has intensified its campaign and plans a protest in Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on July 20 demanding full statehood and democratic accountability.

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md. Anisul Huq has expressed deep sorrow and condolence over the death of former Speaker of the National Parliament and BNP Standing Committee member Barrister Jamir Uddin Sarkar. In his condolence message, the minister described Sarkar as a veteran politician, distinguished lawyer, and a dedicated figure in parliamentary democracy who served with skill, wisdom, and impartiality, strengthening the country’s democratic institutions.

The minister noted that Sarkar’s long career in politics, law, and parliamentary affairs left a lasting contribution that the nation will remember with respect. He prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed sympathy to the bereaved family.

According to the report, Jamir Uddin Sarkar served as State Minister for Public Works and Urban Development during President Ziaur Rahman’s tenure, later as State Minister for Foreign Affairs under President Abdus Sattar, and subsequently as State Minister for Land and Education Minister after the BNP came to power in 1991. He was the Speaker of the Eighth National Parliament after BNP’s return to power in 2001.

Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Barrister Jamir Uddin Sarkar, a member of the BNP National Standing Committee and former Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad. He conveyed his condolences in a verified Facebook post on Sunday, acknowledging Sarkar’s passing and praying for his forgiveness and peace.

In his message, Dr. Rahman described Barrister Sarkar as a distinguished senior lawyer of the Supreme Court and a patriotic politician who served the nation with dedication. He recalled Sarkar’s tenure as Speaker, noting that he was widely respected. Dr. Rahman also mentioned Sarkar’s sympathetic stance toward Jamaat leaders who faced legal persecution during a repressive period, his valuable advice, and his refusal to accept legal fees for defending them, calling it his moral duty.

Dr. Rahman prayed for divine mercy upon Sarkar and patience for his bereaved family, colleagues, and loved ones.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has expressed deep sorrow and condolences over the death of Barrister Jamir Uddin Sarkar, former Speaker of the National Parliament and member of the BNP National Standing Committee. In a condolence message issued on Sunday, the Prime Minister prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed sympathy to the bereaved family.

In his message, the Prime Minister described Barrister Sarkar as a wise, honest, and dedicated figure in Bangladesh’s politics. He recalled Sarkar’s long and distinguished career, during which he served as Acting President, Speaker of Parliament, and held several ministerial positions including Education, Land, Foreign Affairs, and Public Works. The Prime Minister said Sarkar’s contributions to strengthening democratic institutions, developing parliamentary culture, and promoting public welfare would be remembered with deep respect.

He added that Sarkar’s lifelong commitment to Bangladeshi nationalism, democracy, and people’s rights, along with his courage during anti-autocracy movements, made him a symbol of integrity and patriotism for future generations.

Republican U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham has died following a sudden illness, his office confirmed in a statement released late Saturday night local time. The announcement expressed gratitude from his family for public prayers and requested privacy during this difficult period.

Graham served as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and was regarded as one of the most prominent members of the Senate. He was a key Republican voice on defense and international affairs. The statement did not provide further details about the nature of his illness or the circumstances of his death.

According to the report, Graham had recently returned to the United States after completing a visit to Kyiv, Ukraine. No additional information about funeral arrangements or political responses was included in the statement.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Barrister Jamir Uddin Sarkar, former Speaker of the National Parliament and member of the BNP Standing Committee. Sarkar passed away early Sunday while undergoing treatment at Bangladesh Specialized Hospital in Shyamoli, Dhaka. He was 94 years old at the time of his death.

In his condolence message, the minister said that Barrister Jamir Uddin Sarkar made significant contributions to the development of parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh. Throughout his long political career, he served with honesty, wisdom, and dedication in various important responsibilities. The minister described his death as an irreparable loss to the country’s political sphere and prayed for the salvation of his soul while extending sympathy to the bereaved family.

The report reiterated that Sarkar died early Sunday at the Bangladesh Specialized Hospital in Dhaka at the age of 94.

Fisheries and Livestock Minister and Agriculture Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid, along with State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku, have expressed deep sorrow over the death of Barrister Jamir Uddin Sarkar, former Speaker of the National Parliament and a standing committee member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Sarkar passed away early Friday morning at Bangladesh Specialized Hospital in Shyamoli, Dhaka, at the age of 94.

In their condolence message, the ministers described Jamir Uddin Sarkar as a veteran politician, skilled parliamentarian, and a wise leader who believed in democratic values. They noted that as Speaker of the National Parliament, he played a significant role in strengthening parliamentary democracy. His long political career was marked by dedication to the welfare of the nation and its people.

The ministers stated that with his passing, the country has lost an experienced and devoted political leader whose contributions will be remembered with respect.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader and potential Gazipur City Corporation mayoral candidate Dr. Hafizur Rahman wrote on Facebook that Jamaat Ameer and opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman is making politicians’ lives difficult by transforming the nature of politics in Bangladesh. In his post, Dr. Hafizur said that Shafiqur Rahman’s immediate response to humanitarian crises, including his recent actions in Chattogram, has set a new standard for political leadership.

He noted that while the Jamaat chief personally engages with affected communities, other elected representatives often remain detached. According to Dr. Hafizur, this contrast has increased public expectations and pressure on politicians, including ministers and the prime minister. He added that after Shafiqur Rahman’s visit to Chattogram, government assistance and coordination in disaster-affected areas improved noticeably.

Dr. Hafizur concluded that Shafiqur Rahman’s approach represents a turning point in Bangladeshi politics, demonstrating that opposition leaders can influence governance and remain close to the people through active public service.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has identified the upcoming local government elections as a significant organizational challenge for the party. During a meeting of its Standing Committee held on Saturday night at the BNP chairperson’s office in Gulshan, Dhaka, members also supported holding the party’s national council by the end of this year. The meeting, chaired by BNP Chairperson and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, discussed local elections, organizational activities, economic issues, and the government’s election pledges, though no final decisions were made.

According to party sources, most members emphasized strengthening grassroots structures and preparing for the elections. The meeting also discussed reorganizing expired district and metropolitan committees, creating new leadership, and improving the party’s organizational capacity. Economic conditions, employment, and the implementation of government promises such as family and farmer cards were reviewed. Members also addressed the financial struggles of long-time activists and stressed rehabilitation and self-reliance.

The committee further discussed ongoing flood relief efforts, urging stronger support for affected communities. This was the BNP Standing Committee’s third meeting since the 2026 national election.

The Supreme Court of Bangladesh announced that judicial proceedings in both its divisions would remain suspended for the second half of Sunday following the death of former Speaker, former minister, and senior Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Jamir Uddin Sarkar. The chamber court’s activities were also halted as a mark of respect. Sarkar passed away early in the morning at a private hospital in Dhaka while undergoing treatment.

Chief Justice, on behalf of himself, the judges of the Appellate and High Court Divisions, and the officers and employees of the Supreme Court Registry, expressed deep sorrow over his death. The condolence message prayed for the departed soul and conveyed sympathy to the bereaved family.

According to a notice signed by Supreme Court Public Relations Officer Md. Shafiqul Islam, the decision to suspend court activities for half a day on July 12 was taken to honor the memory of Barrister Jamir Uddin Sarkar, who had held several important positions in Bangladesh’s state and constitutional history.

Former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has passed away at the age of 74. The Amiri Diwan, Qatar’s royal office, confirmed his death in a statement on Sunday, expressing deep sorrow and describing the event as an irreparable loss for the nation. The statement added prayers for his soul and gratitude for his service and contributions to the country.

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013. During his leadership, the country utilized its energy resources to achieve rapid economic growth, develop infrastructure, and emerge as an influential state on the international stage. In 2013, he voluntarily transferred power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and since then had been known as the “Father Emir.”

The royal office’s announcement marks the end of an era for Qatar, as Sheikh Hamad’s tenure is widely associated with the nation’s transformation into a modern and prosperous state.

Allegations of corruption and misconduct among state-appointed legal officers in Bangladesh have resurfaced following the Attorney General’s recent show-cause notices to four Deputy Attorney Generals on July 5, 2026. Reports indicate that many government lawyers, including those in the High Court and lower courts, are accused of colluding with defendants, lacking professionalism, and misusing their positions for personal gain. Analysts say the Attorney General’s Office and Public Prosecutor’s Office have turned into political rehabilitation centers, undermining state interests and public trust in the judiciary.

The article traces the problem to politically motivated, temporary appointments that encourage unethical practices and weaken accountability. Despite repeated recommendations for a permanent attorney service to ensure transparency and merit-based recruitment, successive governments have failed to enact the necessary law. The Attorney General, Barrister Ruhul Kudduz Kajol, stated that no corruption will be tolerated and that proper action is being taken against proven misconduct.

Experts argue that establishing a permanent attorney service through competitive recruitment could improve case outcomes, reduce corruption, and restore public confidence in the justice system.

National Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Barrister Jamir Uddin Sarkar. Sarkar, who was born on December 1, 1931, in Nayabari village of Tetulia upazila in Panchagarh district, passed away at a hospital in Dhaka at the age of 94. In a condolence message, the Speaker prayed for the salvation of the departed soul and conveyed sympathy to the bereaved family.

Jamir Uddin Sarkar earned his MA and LLB degrees from the University of Dhaka and later obtained a Barrister-at-Law degree from Lincoln’s Inn, London, in 1961. Upon returning to Bangladesh, he became a prominent Supreme Court lawyer specializing in constitutional, civil, and criminal law. He served as the Speaker of the Eighth National Parliament from October 28, 2001, to January 25, 2009.

He also held several key ministerial positions under President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, including roles as State Minister for Public Works, Foreign Affairs, Land, Education, and as Minister for Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs.