Afghanistan’s Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, Maulvi Ataullah Omari, expressed satisfaction after receiving a warm welcome during his first official visit to India. Speaking at a trade and industry meeting between India and Afghanistan in New Delhi, he said he was deeply impressed by the hospitality extended by Indian officials. Omari described the atmosphere as friendly and said it made him feel at home.

The Afghan minister emphasized the closeness between the two nations, remarking that Afghans and Indians share the same DNA. He extended gratitude to the Indian government and its officials for their cordial reception and support during his visit. His remarks highlighted the tone of goodwill and mutual respect that characterized the bilateral meeting.

The event underscored ongoing engagement between India and Afghanistan in trade and industrial cooperation, with Omari’s comments reflecting a desire for strengthened ties based on shared cultural and historical connections.

Continuous heavy rainfall has caused severe waterlogging across several areas of Dhaka, disrupting daily life and leaving many residents stranded. In response, Mohammad Selim Uddin, Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Dhaka North unit and mayoral candidate for Dhaka North City Corporation, visited affected neighborhoods on Sunday to assess the situation.

Selim Uddin toured Kazipara and Shewrapara areas, spoke with residents about their hardships, and distributed food among affected families. He also instructed local party members to remain active in supporting those impacted by the flooding. Party sources reported that Jamaat activists are conducting relief efforts in various parts of the city.

Later in the day, Jamaat Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, was scheduled to visit Shewrapara Metro Station area to meet affected residents and review the overall situation. Persistent rainfall has flooded low-lying homes and businesses, severely disrupting transportation and daily activities in the capital.

An Iranian media outlet has published images of 13 foreign leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and several European heads of government, identifying them as potential targets in retaliation for the assassination of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The online infographic appeared on the conservative-leaning Hamshahri website following a renewed vow by current Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei to avenge his father’s death.

In a statement on Saturday, Mojtaba Khamenei said that seeking revenge was a firm national commitment and claimed that those listed would not die naturally, though he did not name anyone directly. The infographic, which included leaders from the United States, Israel, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Germany, was not featured in Hamshahri’s print edition. It remains unclear whether the publication had official approval from Iran’s top leadership, though the outlet is known to be close to Tehran’s ruling establishment.

According to AFP, Iran has previously accused several European countries of aiding the United States during recent conflicts by allowing use of their territory and airspace, prompting Tehran to label them as Washington’s partners.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed has directed all units to remain on maximum alert during the upcoming Rath Yatra celebrations. Speaking at a coordination meeting at the DMP headquarters on Minto Road, he emphasized that the large public gathering requires heightened awareness and vigilance to ensure a smooth and safe festival. The DMP will implement a comprehensive security plan for the event.

The meeting discussed security measures for the Rath Yatra on July 16 and the Ulto Rath Yatra on July 24. DMP announced that patrol teams, CCTV monitoring, plainclothes officers, SWAT, bomb disposal units, and traffic police will be deployed. Volunteers must wear designated vests, and participants are urged to avoid carrying bags and to report any suspicious activity. The event must follow designated routes and finish within the scheduled time.

Representatives from various law enforcement and civic agencies, including DGFI, NSI, SB, CID, the South City Corporation, and the Fire Service, attended the meeting along with Rath Yatra organizers.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman recited and explained the second verse of Surah Mulk in Parliament on Sunday. During his detailed interpretation, members of Parliament listened attentively. He emphasized that Allah created life and death to test humankind, highlighting that human existence in this transient world is a test.

Dr. Rahman elaborated that Allah seeks to identify those with the best character and deeds, describing this as the essence of the divine test. He further explained two divine attributes mentioned in the verse: Al-Aziz (the Almighty), who is stern toward those who reject Him, and Al-Ghafur (the Forgiving), who is merciful to the obedient.

He concluded that humans were not created without purpose; rather, their creation aims at performing good deeds. Citing a hadith, he added that the best person is one who works for the welfare of others.

The Bangladesh National Parliament expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Speaker Jamiruddin Sircar. On Sunday afternoon, lawmakers held a discussion in his memory, followed by a minute of silence and prayers. As a mark of respect, the remaining agenda of the day’s session was suspended after the tribute.

During the discussion, Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir described Sircar as a self-made and popular leader who remained steadfast in his democratic ideals. Opposition Leader Shafiqul Rahman highlighted his contributions as a lawyer and politician, noting his defense of oppressed leaders during authoritarian times. Other members, including Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Home Minister Salauddin Ahmed, Mahbub Uddin Khokon, Nazibur Rahman, and Akhtar Hossain, praised his honesty, dedication, and service to the nation.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed concluded that the nation had lost a great politician and legal mind, recalling Sircar’s exemplary leadership in Parliament and his close association with former President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia.

At a symposium titled “Accountability, Justice and Healing in Post-July Bangladesh” held at the Bishwo Sahitya Kendra in Dhaka, Kazi Lulul Makhmin, mother of Sheikh Fahmin Zafar, recalled her son’s final words before he was killed during the July Revolution in Uttara. She said her son, a science student at Tongi Government College, left home with a poem in his pocket and told her not to remove his body from the streets until their demands were met. Later that day, she learned he had been shot and found a note in his pocket expressing his deep love for the country.

Makhmin expressed frustration over the slow pace of justice, noting that only seven cases had been resolved in two years. She urged for swift and transparent trials, saying that as a martyr’s mother she wanted to witness justice firsthand. She also shared her emotional struggle around her son’s birthday and criticized political interference in cases involving killings.

Her remarks highlighted ongoing demands for accountability and the emotional toll on families of those killed during the July Revolution.

Dr. Mohammad Abdul Wahid Chowdhury, a zoology professor at Chittagong University known for his pro-Awami League stance, has drawn widespread criticism after posting a Facebook message mocking the July uprising and making disparaging remarks about members of the interim government. The post, published on July 3, quickly went viral on social media. Earlier, on June 20, he had made another post criticizing former interim government advisers, including Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Dr. Asif Nazrul, and Syeda Rizwana Hasan.

Dr. Chowdhury previously served as an assistant proctor at the university from 2021 to 2023, during which he was accused of intimidating and harassing general students by labeling them as members of the student group “Shibir.” A student named Jubayer Hossain Sohag recounted an incident from August 2022, claiming he was verbally abused and threatened by Dr. Chowdhury after participating in a campus protest.

Following the viral posts, former Chittagong University Chhatra League president Rezaul Haque Rubel publicly expressed support for Dr. Chowdhury on Facebook, calling him an icon and praising his courage. Attempts to contact Dr. Chowdhury for comment were unsuccessful.

The funeral prayer of former acting president, ex-speaker of the National Parliament, and BNP Standing Committee member Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar was held at the tunnel of the National Parliament building on Sunday after Asr prayers. Following the prayer, he was scheduled to be buried within the Parliament premises. The President’s representative and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid their respects after the ceremony.

The funeral was attended by Speaker (retired) Hafiz Uddin, Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal, Opposition Leader, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, and several ministers including Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Salauddin Ahmed, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, and Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury. Senior BNP leaders Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Moin Khan, and Gayeshwar Chandra Roy were also present. Earlier, his first funeral prayer was held at Dhanmondi’s Takwa Mosque, while another planned at the Supreme Court premises was canceled due to bad weather.

Barrister Sircar passed away at 4:18 a.m. Sunday at a specialized hospital in Dhaka at the age of 94. He served five terms as a Member of Parliament and held several ministerial positions under former presidents Ziaur Rahman, Abdus Sattar, and former prime minister Khaleda Zia.

Nobel laureate Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the death of Barrister Mohammad Jamir Uddin Sarkar. In a condolence message issued on Sunday, Dr. Yunus described Sarkar as an exceptional figure in Bangladesh’s political and legal history. He noted that Sarkar served the state with great skill for more than five decades, holding key positions including Acting President, Speaker of the National Parliament, and minister in various ministries.

Dr. Yunus said that Sarkar was a devoted advocate of parliamentary democracy and made lasting contributions to strengthening democratic institutions and parliamentary practices, as well as to the field of international law. He added that the nation would remember his contributions with respect. Dr. Yunus prayed for the salvation of the departed soul and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and well-wishers.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami distributed food relief among families affected by recent floods in Chakaria upazila of Cox’s Bazar. The program took place on Sunday at two separate locations—Hamedia Madrasa field in Harbang Union and Phultala Madrasa field in Chakaria municipality. Mohammad Shahjahan, the party’s central assistant secretary general and Chattogram regional director, handed over the relief items to the affected residents.

The initiative was organized jointly by Chakaria upazila and municipal units of Jamaat under the supervision of Abdullah Al Farukh, amir of Cox’s Bazar city Jamaat. Several district and local leaders, including Zahidul Islam, Mohammad Hedayet Ullah, Maulana Abul Bashar, Ariful Kabir, and others, attended the event. Party leaders stated that standing beside helpless people during disasters is both a humanitarian and moral duty. They pledged to continue relief and humanitarian efforts for flood victims as resources allow.

Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the assistance, while locals said the recent floods caused severe food shortages and hardship for many families. The relief effort brought some comfort to those affected.

Bangladesh’s Leader of the Opposition and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Qatar’s former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. In a statement released to the media on Sunday, he said Sheikh Hamad passed away on July 12 at the age of 74. Dr. Rahman conveyed condolences to the Qatari royal family and the people of Qatar on behalf of the people of Bangladesh and his party.

He described Sheikh Hamad as a visionary and strong leader of the Muslim Ummah who transformed Qatar during his tenure as Emir from 1995 to 2013. Under his leadership, Qatar advanced significantly in education, economy, energy, and international diplomacy. Dr. Rahman highlighted Sheikh Hamad’s peaceful transfer of power to his son, current Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in 2013 as a rare example in Middle Eastern history.

Dr. Rahman prayed for the departed leader’s soul and asked for divine strength for the Qatari royal family and citizens to overcome their loss.

Former Acting President and ex-Speaker of the National Parliament Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar will be laid to rest at the National Cemetery located on the southwest side of the Parliament complex. According to the Parliament Secretariat, his funeral prayer will take place at 5 p.m. at the South Plaza of the National Parliament. In case of adverse weather, the prayer may be held in the Parliament tunnel before burial at the designated cemetery.

Jamiruddin Sircar passed away early Friday while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Dhaka. The National Cemetery, situated on the western side of Manik Mia Avenue, was declared a burial ground for national leaders after 1982. Seven prominent figures, including former presidents, prime ministers, ministers, and political leaders, have been buried there.

Additionally, former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia were buried at Zia Udyan, located on the northern side of the Parliament complex.

Khelafat Majlis leaders have expressed deep sorrow at the death of Barrister Jamir Uddin Sarkar, former Speaker of the National Parliament and former Acting President of Bangladesh. The condolence message was issued on Sunday by party Amir Maulana Abdul Basit Azad and Secretary General Dr. Ahmad Abdul Kader.

In their statement sent to the media, the leaders prayed to Almighty Allah for the forgiveness of the deceased and for granting him a place in Jannatul Ferdous. They also conveyed heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family members.

The statement reflects the party’s respect for Jamir Uddin Sarkar’s contributions to national service and expresses solidarity with his family during this time of mourning.

Mohammad Selim Uddin, the Jamaat-e-Islami Dhaka North city chief and mayoral candidate for Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), said the party is working to build a strong social base to transform the capital into a safe, clean, and livable city. Speaking at a gathering in Mirpur on Sunday, he stated that if Jamaat is entrusted with DNCC’s responsibility for the next five years, visible and positive changes in Dhaka would be possible.

Selim Uddin described Dhaka as one of the world’s most polluted cities, suffering from noise, air pollution, and waterlogging, with residents facing insecurity. He emphasized the need for honest, skilled, and principled leadership to resolve these crises and called for modern, technology-based civic services. He also urged greater focus on solar power, proper use of natural resources, and a corruption-free administration to make Dhaka a modern and attractive city.

He further noted that insecurity discourages foreign investment and stressed the importance of ensuring rule of law and public safety. He advocated for effective traffic management and learning from successful international practices.