BNP National Executive Committee member Abu Naser Muhammad Rahmatullah stated that the party aims to build a modern, planned, and livable Barishal. Speaking on Sunday afternoon at a large rally held at Sohel Chattar near Bibir Pukur in Barishal city, he said the development of Barishal and the resolution of long-standing public sufferings would be the way to repay the trust and respect shown by voters toward Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

The rally, organized to mark Tarique Rahman’s visit to Barishal, paraded through the city’s Launchghat, Bells Park, and Shilpakala Academy areas before concluding. A large number of BNP leaders, activists, supporters, and local residents participated in the event.

Rahmatullah emphasized that BNP would uphold democratic values and citizens’ voting rights while maintaining development continuity. He also called on party members to work together for Barishal’s overall development, addressing issues such as waterlogging, transport improvement, employment generation, and lasting solutions to civic problems.

Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher, along with newly appointed chairmen of several development authorities, paid tribute at the graves of late President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar’s Zia Udyan in Dhaka on Sunday. Floral wreaths were placed at the graves, followed by special prayers seeking eternal peace for their souls. A large number of leaders and activists from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its affiliated organizations were present during the ceremony.

The visit coincided with the recent establishment of six new development authorities under the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, covering Sylhet, Mymensingh, Barishal, Cumilla, Rangpur, and Narayanganj. These authorities aim to ensure balanced urban development, prevent unplanned urbanization, promote disaster-resilient city management, and foster growth in information technology and tourism sectors.

According to the ministry, the overarching goal of these initiatives is to create well-planned, modern cities that maintain environmental balance while providing improved civic amenities.

An Iranian media outlet has clarified the identity of a masked man seen at the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which had sparked widespread speculation on social media. Many believed the man was Mojtaba Khamenei, the current Supreme Leader and son of the late Ayatollah, attending the ceremony in disguise. However, London-based Iran International reported that the individual was actually Mohammad Javed Khamenei, the youngest grandson of Ali Khamenei.

According to the report, Mohammad Javed is the son of Mostafa Khamenei, Ali Khamenei’s eldest son. He was reportedly injured in a February 28 attack by the United States and Israel that killed Ali Khamenei and several family members, while Mojtaba and others were wounded. Iran International stated that Javed wore a black mask and cap at the funeral to cover facial burns sustained in the attack.

Following Ali Khamenei’s death, Mojtaba Khamenei was chosen as Iran’s new Supreme Leader, reportedly aided by his close ties with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. He has not yet appeared publicly but issued a written message on state television calling for revenge against those responsible for the killings.

Former Speaker of the National Parliament and former Acting President of Bangladesh, Barrister Jamir Uddin Sarkar, was laid to rest at the designated site within the Parliament complex on Thursday afternoon. The burial followed his funeral prayer held at the Parliament tunnel, attended by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikrom, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni, opposition leader Dr. Md. Shafiqul Rahman, cabinet members, political leaders, judges, lawyers, senior officials, and a large number of citizens.

Mourners paid their final respects with tears and prayers, recalling Sarkar’s wisdom, courtesy, humility, and unwavering commitment to democracy. The ceremony created an emotional atmosphere as he was buried in the same grounds where he had presided over parliamentary sessions for many years.

Barrister Jamir Uddin Sarkar passed away early on 12 July at a private hospital in Dhaka while undergoing treatment. His death has left a profound void in the country’s political and parliamentary spheres.

BNP Standing Committee member Dr. Abdul Moin Khan said that his goal is to build an equitable society in Bangladesh where the gap between rich and poor will narrow and people's suffering will be alleviated. He made the remarks on Saturday at a memorial meeting for the late Khorsheda Banu, organized by Khan Foundation at Amdia Pakuria School ground in Narsingdi. Addressing women attendees, he urged them to become aware of their rights and emphasized that rights must be claimed rather than awaited.

Moin Khan recalled his family’s modest background, noting that his father, former cabinet secretary Abdul Momen Khan, began his career as a lecturer in economics, and his grandfather Abdul Barik Khan was dismissed from service for participating in the anti-British movement. Khan Foundation Executive Director Advocate Rokhsana Khondkar remembered Khorsheda Banu as a compassionate mother and a dedicated social worker. Since 1993, the foundation has worked to empower disadvantaged women and distributed about Tk 14 crore in rural loans this year.

Expressing concern over the current education system, Moin Khan called for keeping educational institutions free from political influence and urged local administrations to focus funds on improving education quality rather than only constructing buildings.

Authorities at Dum Dum Airport in West Bengal have initiated the relocation of the 136-year-old Gauripur Jame Mosque, locally known as Bankra Mosque, as part of plans to expand the airport’s second runway and strengthen security. From Saturday, public entry and regular congregational prayers at the mosque have been suspended. Officials said the mosque’s current location has long obstructed runway expansion and limited safe aircraft operations.

The relocation plan, discussed for years, gained momentum after recent meetings among district administration, airport authorities, and the mosque management committee. Security teams inspected the site, and access through Gate 3 from Birati Mor has been closed, with additional guards deployed. The mosque committee expressed willingness to cooperate for development and safety but requested preservation of the mosque’s religious and historical significance.

Airport authorities have proposed building a larger, modern mosque outside the airport premises. Discussions between both sides continue, with officials stating that all future steps will be coordinated and publicly announced once relocation and construction plans are finalized.

Dhaka University’s Sada Dal, a teachers’ organization aligned with Bangladeshi nationalism, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran politician and former Speaker of the National Parliament Barrister Jamir Uddin Sarkar. According to a condolence message signed by Professor Dr. Morshed Hasan Khan, Professor Dr. Abdus Salam, and Professor Dr. Abul Kalam Sarkar, he passed away at 4 a.m. on Sunday at a specialized hospital in Shyamoli, Dhaka, at the age of 95.

The statement noted that Barrister Sarkar had made long and distinguished contributions to the country’s political sphere, parliamentary democracy, judiciary, and national life. The Sada Dal extended condolences to his bereaved family, colleagues, and well-wishers, praying for the eternal peace of his departed soul.

The organization emphasized that the people of Bangladesh would remember his significant role in state administration, the development of parliamentary democracy, and the legal profession with respect.

Interim government press secretary Shafiqul Alam announced that a powerful intelligence agency should be established to locate those involved in the July killings, regardless of where they are in the world. He said the agency must provide public updates every three months on the whereabouts of individuals such as 'Kasai Kamal', members of the Sheikh family, and others accused of involvement. Shafiqul made these remarks on Sunday at a symposium titled 'Accountability, Justice and Healing in Post-July Bangladesh', organized by the July Revolutionary Alliance Foundation at the Bishwo Sahitya Kendra in Dhaka.

During his speech, Shafiqul stated that there would be no compromise with the enemies of the July revolution, emphasizing that those responsible for shootings, killings, or disappearances would not be forgiven. He also criticized Sheikh Hasina, calling her fearful and accusing her of surrounding herself with ruthless killers before fleeing when her options ran out.

He further proposed forming a large 'July family' to include those who sacrificed their lives, were injured, or supported the revolution.

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has called on the government to take more active measures to rescue people trapped by flooding in Chattogram, Moulvibazar, and Habiganj. In a statement issued on Sunday, the organization’s Amir Allama Muhibullah Babunagari and Secretary General Allama Sajedur Rahman urged Hefazat members, Islamic scholars, and citizens to deliver relief aid swiftly to affected areas.

The statement described the situation as dire, with heavy rainfall and flooding leaving hundreds of thousands stranded and causing landslides and loss of life. Hefazat leaders emphasized the need for urgent logistical support from the government to ensure adequate relief distribution and rescue operations.

They also framed the disaster as a divine test, urging people to show compassion by helping those in distress and to seek forgiveness through prayer and repentance, expressing hope that such actions would lessen future natural calamities.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Amir and Charmonai Pir Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar, a BNP National Standing Committee member and former acting president, and Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar. The statements were issued on Sunday through the media.

In his message, the Charmonai Pir described Barrister Sircar as a distinguished politician and accomplished lawyer who earned recognition as Speaker of the National Parliament. He recalled Sircar’s legal support for oppressed people during authoritarian times and prayed for his forgiveness and eternal peace, extending condolences to his bereaved family.

In a separate statement, he paid tribute to Sheikh Hamad, calling him the architect of modern Qatar. He noted that under Sheikh Hamad’s leadership, Qatar achieved remarkable economic, social, and cultural progress, enhancing its global standing. The Charmonai Pir also acknowledged Sheikh Hamad’s contributions to strengthening Bangladesh-Qatar relations and prayed for his soul’s peace while expressing sympathy to his family and the people of Qatar.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and opposition whip in the National Parliament, said that people in Chattogram have been suffering from prolonged waterlogging while no government or local administration representatives have visited the affected areas. He made the remarks on Sunday afternoon while distributing relief among flood victims in the Dovashi Bazar area of Raipur Union, Anwara, Chattogram. He stated that the government has failed to respond effectively to the crisis.

During the visit, Nahid Islam expressed frustration over the poor condition of coastal embankments, claiming that large budgets had been allocated for their repair but corruption occurred during the previous Awami League government. He pledged that his party would ensure transparency in the current budget. The NCP leader also voiced concern about the flood situation in Dhaka and other regions of the country.

He announced that the party would extend relief operations to other flood-affected areas, including Banshkhali. Several NCP and student leaders were present during the relief distribution event.

The Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs of Bangladesh has transferred 58 civil judges across the country. The announcement was made through an official notification signed by Deputy Secretary (Administration-1) AFM Golzar Rahman on Sunday. The order instructs all transferred judges to join their new workplaces by July 16, 2026.

According to the ministry’s notification, the transfers were made following the advice of the Supreme Court. The civil judges of the Bangladesh Judicial Service have been appointed to new positions and workplaces as listed beside their names. They are to be released from their current posts and assume their new duties until further orders are issued.

The circular also states that judges currently on training or leave must hand over their existing responsibilities and join their new postings immediately after completing their training or leave.

Barrister Arman, Member of Parliament for Dhaka-14, declared that he would not back down from the demand to implement the July Charter. Speaking on Sunday at the World Literature Centre in Dhaka during a symposium titled ‘Accountability, Justice and Healing in Post-July Bangladesh,’ organized by the July Revolutionary Alliance Foundation, he said he was ready to return to the streets if necessary to ensure the charter’s realization.

Arman criticized the new government for failing to take effective steps toward implementing the July Charter even after five and a half months in power. He argued that only those who envision Bangladesh’s future for the next fifty years would understand the urgency of the charter’s goals. He also emphasized that Bangladesh is not a poor or helpless nation, citing its natural resources, strategic location, and the resilience of its people.

He further stated that the planned July Museum would serve as a learning center for future generations to recognize and resist fascism, describing it as a behavioral pattern rather than a political label.

Former interim government adviser Professor Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain said the nation will forever remember the sacrifices of Islamic scholars during the fiery July Movement that helped free the country from fascism. He made the remarks on Sunday at a discussion titled “Contributions of Islamic Scholars in the Fiery Days of July,” organized by the Sammilito Ulama Mashayekh Parishad at the Institution of Diploma Engineers auditorium in Dhaka.

Dr. Hossain noted that the interim government formed after the July revolution could not enjoy power as it had many responsibilities, and its advisers worked tirelessly. He said 98 of the 133 ordinances issued by that government were later repealed, including key ones on enforced disappearance, anti-corruption, and human rights, which he argued hindered the realization of the July spirit. He expressed hope for establishing a Quran-based state in the future.

Other speakers, including Maulana Abdul Halim and Maulana Zainul Abedin, emphasized unity among Islamic scholars and called for collective efforts to build a just and oppression-free Bangladesh based on religious principles.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury informed the National Parliament that a total of Tk 982.91 crore was spent on various programs, sculptures, monuments, portraits, and digital countdown boards marking Mujib Year celebrations. He also stated that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s food expenses for one year amounted to approximately Tk 35 crore. The information was provided in response to a question from Rangpur-3 MP Mahbubur Rahman Belal during a parliamentary session chaired by the Speaker.

According to the minister, 43 ministries and divisions out of 62 were involved in the expenditure, with the Local Government Ministry spending the highest amount of Tk 283.15 crore. Other major spending ministries included Railways, Cabinet Division, Housing and Public Works, and Home Affairs. When asked about audits or investigations into the large expenditures, the minister said no decision had yet been made, but the government was gradually reviewing past spending and would take necessary decisions after verification.

He further stated that the government’s legal actions against money launderers would continue, with ongoing investigations, lawsuits, and asset seizures already underway.