Bangladesh’s Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan stated that the modern world is passing through a deep and multidimensional crisis rooted in ethnic, religious, linguistic, cultural, and geographical divisions. He emphasized that lasting solutions cannot come from dominance but through mutual respect, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence. He made these remarks on Saturday at a hotel in Dhaka while inaugurating the Al Ummah Foundation’s website and Al Ummah Journal.

The minister described the foundation’s initiative as timely amid global instability and division, expressing hope that it would serve as an open platform for intellectual exchange among people of diverse philosophies and ideologies. He said diversity in language, ethnicity, religion, and culture is a natural part of human civilization, and no group or ideology can realistically dominate the world. He added that history shows war and power displays have never provided lasting solutions, while free thought and mutual respect have advanced civilization.

Welcoming the initiative on behalf of the government, Swapan said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s administration supports peaceful coexistence, harmony, and an inclusive world order. He expressed hope that the Al Ummah Journal and website would enrich dialogue and understanding among different cultures and nations.

BNP leader and adviser to the party chairperson Aslam Chowdhury has drawn renewed attention in north Chattogram politics after unofficially securing the highest votes in the Chattogram-4 (Sitakunda) constituency during the national election. Despite this, his victory has become entangled in legal complications following an Appellate Division ruling related to loan default allegations. His legal team confirmed preparations are underway to take necessary steps under the law.

Chowdhury, a former joint secretary general of the BNP, was arrested in 2016 on sedition charges and later faced 76 cases under various laws. The BNP claims these were politically motivated, while state agencies have described them as part of legal procedures. After his release from prison in August 2024, he intensified organizational activities across northern Chattogram, which local observers say revitalized the party’s grassroots.

Supporters allege his long imprisonment severely affected his business ventures under the Rising Group, including steel, shipbreaking, and real estate operations. Analysts believe his current challenges include rebuilding organizational unity, balancing old and new leadership, and navigating ongoing legal processes that could shape the region’s political dynamics.

White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt described Generation Z as lazy and overly influenced by liberal ideals during an interview with Fox News host Jesse Watters. She claimed that some young Americans complain about economic conditions and suggested that if they were sent to Cuba or Iran, they would quickly want to return to the United States. Leavitt argued that liberal teachers and professors have shaped Gen Z’s mindset, weakening their work ethic and sense of responsibility.

She emphasized that the United States was built on merit, hard work, and individual effort, referring to this as the 'American Dream' that must be preserved. When Watters raised questions about economic pressures and the high cost of living, Leavitt said such factors influence young people’s attitudes and behavior. She also noted that some parents are opting for homeschooling or religious schools to keep their children away from what she called liberal or communist influences.

Following the interview, Leavitt’s remarks drew widespread criticism on social media. Many users argued that she ignored real economic challenges such as high housing costs, student loans, and limited job opportunities, calling her comments disconnected from reality.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called for national unity and collective progress, emphasizing that the achievements of August 5 belong to all citizens, not any single person or political party. He made the remarks on Saturday at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Agargaon, Dhaka, during the 'July National Conference 2026' organized to mark the anniversary of the July-August uprising, mourning, and victory.

Rahman stated that all killings will be tried according to the law, cautioning that justice must not turn into injustice. He pledged that the government will honor the sacrifices made during the July movement and avoid dividing the nation. The prime minister reflected on personal losses and hardships over the past 17 years, saying his late mother and brother would have advised him to move the country forward without revenge.

Earlier at the event, Rahman presented the July Memorial Award to families of martyrs and injured fighters of the July movement, recognizing their contributions to the nation.

Iran’s Defense Minister Majid Ibn Reza announced that Tehran is ready to enhance defense cooperation with Pakistan. He made the statement during a meeting in Tehran with Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir. The Iranian minister thanked Pakistan for its principled stance in supporting Iran and emphasized the need to strengthen security and defense collaboration between the two nations.

During the meeting, Majid Ibn Reza also highlighted the importance of building a regional security framework and working jointly against threats originating from Israel. In response, Asim Munir expressed condolences over casualties caused by attacks from the United States and Israel and reaffirmed the historical, cultural, and fraternal ties between Iran and Pakistan.

Asim Munir further noted that defense cooperation between the two countries is progressing well and will continue to grow stronger in the future, referencing the Iranian defense minister’s earlier visit to Islamabad.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated that the Awami League’s political demise occurred following the student and public uprising on August 5, 2024, and that its symbolic burial took place in Delhi. He made the remarks on Saturday at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Agargaon during the ‘July National Conference 2026,’ organized to mark the anniversary of the July-August uprising, mourning, and victory.

The minister said that the Awami League would soon face trial as a political party for alleged terrorist activities, with necessary legal processes already underway. He urged people not to commercialize the spirit of July and called for unity and patience amid the country’s economic situation, assuring that the government was working according to its plans.

Salahuddin Ahmed also accused exiled autocrats and their associates of conspiring to destabilize the country and undermine the democratic government. He emphasized that the government remained vigilant against such activities and urged citizens to uphold the ideals of the July movement to advance national development.

Iran held a state funeral for its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, marking not only his death but also the end of an era that shaped the country’s political and institutional foundations for nearly four decades. Khamenei, who assumed leadership in 1989 after the Iran-Iraq war, centralized power across the armed forces, judiciary, state media, and key appointments.

Under his leadership, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) became a dominant force in Iran’s security, politics, and economy. Khamenei’s insistence on Iran’s right to enrich uranium, while denying any intent to build nuclear weapons, led to repeated U.S. and European sanctions. His regional strategy of supporting allied governments and resistance groups expanded Iran’s influence but deepened tensions with Gulf Arab states and the United States.

Khamenei was killed on February 28, 2026, during the first day of conflict with the United States and Israel. Iranian officials described the assassination as an attack on the nation’s heart, while many followers fear his death could weaken the current system of governance.

Iran has opened more than 5,000 schools in Tehran to accommodate participants attending the funeral of the country’s late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a joint attack by the United States and Israel. The announcement was made by Iran’s Minister of Education, who said that around 40,000 to 50,000 classrooms across the country have been prepared to welcome guests.

According to the report, more than 20 million people, including representatives from over 100 countries, are expected to gather in Tehran for the funeral ceremony. The large-scale preparations reflect the government’s effort to manage the massive influx of mourners and foreign delegations.

The event underscores the national and international significance of Khamenei’s leadership and the scale of public participation anticipated in the mourning ceremonies.

Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman presented the July Memorial Awards to the families of martyrs and injured fighters of the July Movement during the ‘July National Conference 2026’. The event took place on Saturday at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Agargaon, Dhaka, marking the anniversary of the July-August uprising, mourning, and victory.

At the ceremony, Abdur Rob Mia, father of martyr Miraj of the July-24 uprising, received the award on behalf of the families. The Prime Minister also handed awards to martyr Selim’s brother Ujjal Hossain, injured fighter Al Miraj, and July warrior Mohammad Aminul Islam Emon. The event honored the sacrifices made during the July Movement.

The host announced that although only a few representatives received the awards in person, memorials have been reserved for all families of martyrs and injured participants. These will be delivered to each recipient at a later scheduled time.

US President Donald Trump stated that Iran wants to reach an agreement with the United States. He said Washington had given Iran seven days for the funeral of its supreme leader, Ali Khamenei. Trump made the remarks on Friday night during his opening speech at Mount Rushmore, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.

In his address, Trump spoke about American greatness, the threat of communism, and the country’s military strength. He claimed that the United States defeated Venezuela in one day and had struck Iran very hard, asserting that Tehran was desperate to negotiate.

Trump added that the United States allowed one week for Khamenei’s funeral because, in his words, “we are good people.” The comments were reported by Al Jazeera and published by Amar Desh Online.

A complaint has been filed at Shahbagh Police Station against Meher Afroz Shaon, actress Mahiya Mahi, and a woman named Shanta Farzana for allegedly making derogatory remarks about the July Movement. The complaint was lodged on Friday morning by three office bearers of an organization called Rastro Sanglap Forum, according to information disclosed on Saturday morning.

The complaint states that the July Movement is an important chapter in Bangladesh’s history, marked by the sacrifices of martyrs and the injured. It alleges that some individuals have recently made disrespectful comments and actions regarding the movement and related events. According to the complaint, Shanta Farzana posted a video on social media showing her throwing or hitting shoes at the July Memorial, which reportedly caused public outrage.

The complaint further accuses Meher Afroz Shaon of presenting the July Movement as a planned or staged event in her social media video messages. No additional details about the investigation or responses from the accused were mentioned in the source.

The government has decided to provide normal retirement benefits, retrospective promotions, and financial incentives to 150 officers from the army, navy, and air force who faced deprivation or discrimination over the past 17 years. A recent notification from the Ministry of Defence stated that the benefits apply to officers retired, removed, or compulsorily retired between 2009 and August 4, 2024.

According to the notification, 115 army officers, 21 navy officers, and 14 air force officers will receive these benefits, which include due salaries, allowances, and related entitlements. In some cases, special financial incentives will also be provided. The list includes former Brigadier General Abdullahil Amaan Azmi, who was compulsorily retired on June 24, 2009. Under the new decision, he is granted retrospective promotions to Major General from December 26, 2011, and to Lieutenant General from December 26, 2014, along with retirement benefits.

Azmi will receive a special financial incentive of 10 million taka and may be eligible for reappointment in any government or autonomous institution based on age and qualifications, as stated in the notification.

A legal notice has been sent to Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad, general secretary of the Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party), accusing him of making defamatory and objectionable remarks about Dhaka University. The notice, issued by a student of the university’s law department, calls for a public apology within 72 hours. It also demands compensation of 100 crore taka to the university fund for alleged damage to the institution’s reputation.

The notice was sent on Thursday, July 2, by Tanmoy Kumar Saha, a former student of Dhaka University’s 33rd batch law department and a lawyer at the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh. Copies were also sent to the secretaries of the education and home ministries, the vice-chancellor of Dhaka University, and Barrister Fuad himself.

Earlier, Nasir Uddin Nasir, general secretary of the central Chhatra Dal, criticized Fuad’s remarks as arrogant and a misrepresentation of history, urging him to withdraw his comments and issue a public apology.

The Chittagong University administration has cancelled the elected syndicate membership of Dr. Mohammad Shamim Uddin Khan, former Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic). The decision, communicated on June 29, 2026, followed legal advice from the Attorney General. The administration cited the university’s diary and calendar, which showed a vacancy in the professor category of the syndicate, as one of the bases for the move. Dr. Shamim had been elected to the syndicate in March 2023 for a two-year term ending in March 2025.

Dr. Shamim was appointed Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) in September 2024 and later returned to his Finance Department post in June 2026 after completing his deputation. The administration questioned whether he could resume his elected syndicate role after returning to his department. Following a June 11 syndicate meeting and subsequent legal consultation, the university decided he could not continue as a syndicate member.

Dr. Shamim and his legal counsel argued that his membership remained valid under the 1973 University Act, claiming the administration’s action lacked legal basis. They maintained that his elected position should automatically continue until the end of the original term.

Anisur Rahman Khokon Talukder, Member of Parliament for Madaripur-3, reaffirmed his commitment to assist residents affected by river erosion in the region. Speaking on Friday afternoon at an emergency riverbank protection program along the Arial Khan River in Bashgari Union of Kalkini upazila, he said that both the BNP government and local representatives are working to curb erosion and stand by affected communities. He urged locals to pray for the success of emergency geo-bag placement to prevent further damage.

Talukder added that efforts would continue to build permanent embankments using concrete blocks to protect the union from future erosion. He mentioned that the current government and most MPs are vocal about protecting rivers, canals, and riverside communities, and that BNP leader Tarique Rahman is also active in ensuring public welfare. The event was attended by local BNP leaders, including the upazila president, general secretary, and other affiliated organization representatives.

The initiative highlights ongoing political and community engagement in addressing river erosion challenges in Madaripur district.