Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi, the commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), appeared in public for the first time in a long period. He attended the funeral of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at a mosque in Tehran on Sunday morning, according to Iranian officials.

Officials said that during the early stages of the war, former IRGC chief Major General Mohammad Pakpour was killed in a joint attack by the United States and Israel. Following his death, General Vahidi was appointed as the new commander of the Revolutionary Guard. Since assuming this position, he has rarely been seen in public.

Iran’s state news agency IRNA released a video showing General Vahidi wearing a black cap while participating in the funeral ceremony.

Abidul Islam Khan, joint general secretary of the Dhaka University unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) and a former vice president candidate in the last DUCSU election, made strong remarks about the July uprising during a recent private television talk show. He said that those who mock or deny July or use disparaging language about it should face severe consequences. He described July as a turning point for Bangladesh’s change and stability, calling it a movement organized for long-term democratic stability.

Khan emphasized that his political activism stems from love for Bangladesh and its liberation, asserting that the nation comes before his organization. He urged the government to implement the July charter and adopt a zero-tolerance policy toward those who ridicule the uprising. He also recalled visiting the graves of martyrs, saying he witnessed their deaths firsthand and that the uprising was essential for national unity and existence.

He concluded by stating that July, like 1971, holds vital importance for the state and must be protected from defamation.

A protest march was held in Gulistan on Sunday in response to what organizers described as a brutal attack by extortionists, occupiers, and terrorists on local traders. The demonstration, organized by the Committee for Prevention of Extortion, Land Grabbing, and Terrorism, began with a rally at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque and proceeded through several key points before ending at Gulistan Zero Point. Many traders and shop employees from Gulistan, Baitul Mukarram Mosque Market, and Stadium Market participated.

Speakers at the rally, including business leaders and Jamaat-e-Islami-affiliated figures, alleged that extortionists attacked traders on Saturday afternoon as they prepared for a protest march. Several traders, including Kabir Hossain, were reportedly injured, but police had not made any arrests. They accused law enforcement of protecting the attackers instead of ensuring public safety.

Committee president and labor leader Abdus Salam condemned the attack and warned that any group sheltering extortionists or terrorists would face consequences similar to those of the ruling Awami League, urging authorities to bring all offenders to justice regardless of political affiliation.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated that members of the President Guard Regiment (PGR) are performing their duties with patriotism but emphasized that, as a specialized force, the PGR cannot afford to lag behind in training and technology. He made these remarks on Sunday afternoon at the 51st founding anniversary ceremony of the PGR held at Dhaka Cantonment.

The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of preparedness across all forces to face socioeconomic and cyber challenges. He said the government has taken initiatives to further modernize the armed forces, stressing that courage, honesty, and loyalty are essential alongside modern security strategies and technological skills. He also underscored the need for all officers and employees to strictly follow the chain of command.

Rahman noted that the armed forces’ significant role in the 1971 Liberation War has deeply connected them with the people of Bangladesh. He praised the PGR’s challenging duties and their commendable performance in difficult situations.

The Cabinet Division of Bangladesh has issued a circular prohibiting the use of the Prime Minister’s image on banners, festoons, and billboards used for publicity at any government event. The directive, signed by Deputy Secretary Tania Afroz, was released on Sunday and made effective immediately. It specifies that no three-dimensional or other forms of the Prime Minister’s image may appear in such materials.

According to the circular, designs for promotional materials must clearly reflect the purpose, message, and content of the event, giving priority to the event’s subject matter. The Cabinet Division emphasized that all ministries, departments, and field-level officials should implement the directive with utmost importance.

The instruction aims to ensure that government event materials focus on institutional objectives rather than individual representation, reinforcing a standardized approach to official publicity.

U.S. President Donald Trump declared that America has entered a golden age during a speech marking the country’s 250th Independence Day. Speaking at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., he highlighted his administration’s achievements and future plans, describing the moment as the dawn of America’s golden era. Despite adverse weather, thousands of citizens gathered to hear his address, which lasted about 40 minutes.

In his speech, Trump emphasized the passage of the 'Save America Act,' reaffirming his commitment to require proof of citizenship and identification for voting. He also announced that mail-in ballots would be restricted except in cases of illness, military deployment, or other exceptional circumstances. Repeatedly referring to socialism as a “specter” and comparing it to cancer, he said it must be eliminated.

Trump introduced the crew of 'Artemis 2' on stage and presented them with a special flag. The event concluded with fireworks and an aerial display by fighter jets, as Trump thanked attendees for braving the weather and ended with a blessing for America.

Political activity has intensified across Cumilla’s unions ahead of the expected local government elections, likely to be held between September and October 2026. According to local observers, Jamaat-e-Islami is currently ahead in campaign preparation, having already announced single candidates in most unions. In contrast, multiple BNP hopefuls are campaigning separately, raising concerns within the party about vote division and internal challenges.

BNP leaders acknowledged that participation by multiple candidates outside official party decisions could lead to electoral losses. The party’s central leadership has warned of organizational action against rebel contenders. Jamaat leaders said they have finalized most of their candidates, while BNP leaders indicated that final nominations will follow directives from the central leadership. The National Citizen Party (NCP) stated it will field its own candidates, though local-level coordination with Jamaat remains possible.

Analysts believe that unless BNP unites behind single candidates, Jamaat’s organized campaign could secure victories in many unions. The Election Commission is considering holding the polls by year-end to restore local governance disrupted after the fall of the previous ruling party.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Turkey’s success is Pakistan’s success during a joint press conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul on Saturday. He described Pakistan and Turkey as two hearts of the same soul and vowed to strengthen their special friendship and cooperation. Sharif expressed gratitude for Erdogan’s warm hospitality and said he always enjoys visiting Istanbul.

Sharif highlighted the deep historical and spiritual ties between the two nations, rooted in shared faith, mutual sacrifices, and brotherhood. He noted that Turkey has always stood by Pakistan during difficult times such as wars, earthquakes, and floods. The two leaders held what Sharif described as a productive and detailed discussion, focusing on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, and industry, and exploring ways to raise bilateral trade to five billion dollars.

Sharif also thanked Turkey for supporting the right to self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and for backing Pakistan’s efforts toward regional peace. He emphasized that dialogue, diplomacy, and mutual respect are the most effective means to resolve disputes and maintain global peace.

Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) has protested the demolition of mosques and Muslim homes in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Delhi. The organization alleged that these demolitions were carried out under the pretext of development and security without following proper legal procedures and with political motives. JIH also expressed concern over the ongoing voter list revision process.

In an interview with NDTV, JIH vice president Salim Engineer said that targeting religious structures of a specific community is alarming. He noted that while a few Hindu sites were also affected, the overall approach was biased. He accused the government of using development and security narratives to instill fear and claimed that the demolitions lacked due legal process.

JIH further stated that it does not oppose voter list revisions but criticized the rushed process, warning that legitimate citizens might be excluded. The group urged authorities to ensure that no eligible voter is removed and that no community is unfairly targeted.

Begum Rokeya University (BRUR) in Rangpur has once again observed July with deep remembrance of Abu Sayeed, the first martyr of the 2024 July movement. Two years after his death, his friends, classmates, teachers, and fellow activists continue to honor his courage and sacrifice. The campus, from its roads to memorial sites, still bears witness to his presence and the ideals he stood for—resistance against injustice and unwavering solidarity with fellow students.

Friends recall Abu Sayeed as humble, compassionate, and always ready to help others. He was active in social and humanitarian causes, regularly donated blood, and inspired others through his leadership during the student movement. Teachers describe him as a bright, respectful student who dreamed of becoming a civil servant based on merit and protested against educational inequality. University authorities, led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Shawkat Ali, announced plans to build a residential hall, memorial gate, museum, and monument in his name.

Students have urged the administration to expedite these initiatives to preserve Abu Sayeed’s legacy, which they say remains alive in their collective consciousness.

According to the report, India has allegedly resumed efforts to push Bangladeshi nationals across the border as part of a deliberate strategy to weaken Bangladesh. The Indian government recently initiated the process of sending back 50 Bangladeshis detained in Tamil Nadu’s Salem district, transferring them under heavy security toward West Bengal for handover at the Haridaspur land border.

The detainees, including 44 men and six women, were moved from a special detention camp in Attur to Tiruchirappalli and then placed on a special coach of the Howrah Express. A 40-member armed police team led by Deputy Superintendent Shaktivel escorted them. Indian officials said the Border Security Force would formally hand them over to Bangladeshi authorities.

The report adds that over 130 foreign nationals remain detained in the same camp, many with pending legal cases. Experts cited in the report view these repeated push-in incidents as part of a broader Indian strategy to maintain tension along the border and politically and socially weaken Bangladesh.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has canceled his planned trip to New York, where he was scheduled to attend the United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit. According to a report by Israeli newspaper Haaretz, the decision was made due to concerns that protests could erupt and that legal action might be initiated against him in the United States.

Security sources cited in the report indicated that the potential for demonstrations and legal challenges prompted the cancellation. The human rights organization Hind Rajab Foundation welcomed the move, claiming that their legal efforts, along with those of other rights groups, contributed to the decision.

The organization further stated that Israeli political and military leaders can no longer assume they are beyond legal scrutiny or accountability when traveling abroad.

Bangladesh’s new BNP-led government has initiated a large-scale reshuffle of police personnel assigned to the Secretariat as part of a post-July uprising security restructuring. A total of 169 officers who were posted before August 5, 2024, are being withdrawn in phases, with 82 already replaced. The Ministry of Home Affairs is also implementing new measures including visitor control, digital identity verification, additional CCTV cameras, and revised gate management to strengthen long-term security.

According to ministry sources, the Secretariat’s security branch sent a letter to the Inspector General of Police recommending the rotation of officers stationed at sensitive offices and entry points. The replacement list includes inspectors, sergeants, sub-inspectors, assistant sub-inspectors, nayeks, and constables. Officials stated that the changes aim to make security more technology-driven and accountable rather than reacting to any immediate threat.

Security analysts cited in the report noted that periodic rotation of personnel and the introduction of digital monitoring systems align with international best practices. The combined measures are seen as part of a broader effort to modernize and reinforce security at Bangladesh’s central administrative hub.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, who confirmed the request in an interview with Axios, saying their relationship remains strong and that Netanyahu “knows who the real boss is.” Trump said the meeting could take place at the White House after the NATO summit in Turkey on July 7–8, though an Israeli official suggested it might occur the following week. Netanyahu’s office stated that the two leaders recently spoke by phone and agreed to meet soon in the United States.

If held, this would be Netanyahu’s first U.S. visit since February, when he reportedly presented Trump with a plan for war against Iran. Since then, tensions have grown between the two over regional issues, including Israel’s military actions in Lebanon and Trump’s decision to extend a ceasefire and pursue new nuclear talks with Iran. Despite disagreements, Netanyahu congratulated Trump on the U.S. 250th Independence anniversary and reaffirmed plans for their meeting.

The meeting is seen as crucial for Netanyahu ahead of Israel’s upcoming October general election, where polls show him trailing.

Large numbers of people continued to gather in Tehran on Sunday for the final farewell ceremony of Iran’s Islamic Revolution leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The event marked the third day of funeral proceedings. Security forces, emergency services, medical teams, and volunteers were deployed to ensure smooth management, with arrangements made for transportation, medical aid, food, and rest facilities.

The mourning ceremony began early Sunday at the Imam Khomeini Mosalla, the city’s main prayer venue, drawing mourners from across the country. The area turned into a sea of grief as citizens paid their last respects to the leader who had guided Iran since 1989. Khamenei, aged 86, was killed on February 28 in an attack attributed to the United States and Israel.

Authorities maintained heightened security across the capital throughout the weeklong observances, deploying armored vehicles, heavy machine guns, and snipers around the ceremony site.