Japanese companies have expressed interest in hiring skilled workers from Bangladesh, according to Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Japan, Md. Daud Ali. Speaking at a meeting with the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ambassador Ali emphasized the potential for cooperation in trade, investment, and human resource development. The chamber’s president, Koji Mochida, along with other representatives, welcomed the prospects of stronger bilateral ties and indicated their eagerness to employ Bangladeshi talent.

The Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) has announced a reduction in broadband internet package prices. The Tk 700 package will now be available for Tk 500, effective from July 1. ISPAB stated that, as the average speed provided is now 10 Mbps, the previous 5 Mbps package has been discontinued. ISPAB President Aminul Hakim mentioned that if the government withdraws the SOF (Shared Office Facility fees) and revenue-sharing requirements, service providers will be able to offer speeds up to 20 Mbps in the future. He also expressed concerns over consumers’ reluctance to pay VAT.

The government has ordered the release of 56 inmates serving life sentences, who have been in prison for more than 20 years, including remission periods. Assistant Inspector General of Prisons Jannatul Farhad said on Tuesday that under Rule 569 of the Jail Code and Section 401(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, the remaining sentences of these prisoners have been pardoned. This measure, commonly referred to as the “Twenty Years Rule,” allows for their early release after completing two decades behind bars.

Professor Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar, Adviser to the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, has remarked that the promises made during the July uprising and subsequent movement have not been fulfilled. Speaking at a discussion and prayer event at the Dhakeshwari Temple, he noted that widespread inequality still persists in the country. However, he added that the government continues its efforts to build a society free of discrimination. “Every citizen is equal in the eyes of the state, as minorities, too, have sacrificed their lives,” he said, calling on all to remain united against injustice.

Istanbul, Turkey — Intense unrest has erupted in Istanbul following allegations that a satirical magazine published a cartoon depicting Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The controversy has sparked widespread protests and condemnation across the city.

Turkish authorities have issued an arrest warrant for the editor-in-chief of the satirical magazine Le Man on charges of religious defamation. Additionally, four cartoonists associated with the publication have been detained. The incident has drawn strong criticism from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who described the act as a “vile provocation.”

The magazine’s office was attacked, and protests took place in front of their premises. Police responded by deploying tear gas and rubber bullets to bring the situation under control.

In response to the backlash, the editor claimed that the controversial cartoon did not depict Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) but rather used the name of a Palestinian child in the image. He emphasized that the cartoon was not intended as religious defamation.

Police have submitted a chargesheet naming Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari — former organizer of ISKCON and spokesperson of the Sanatani Jagaran Jote — as the prime accused in the murder of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif in Chattogram. A total of 38 individuals have been charged, while police have requested the release of four others from the case.

The incident traces back to November 25 last year, when Chinmoy was arrested in a sedition case. The following day, during his court appearance, his followers violently clashed with law enforcement in the court premises. The unrest escalated, spreading from Laldighi to Kotwali. During this chaos, Alif was brutally hacked to death near the Bundel Sevak Colony.

On November 29, the victim’s father filed a case naming 31 individuals — all reportedly followers of Chinmoy. The police investigation has since expanded, leading to the current chargesheet implicating 38 people.

In Lalmati Upazila of Comilla, allegations of irregularities have surfaced regarding the appointment of Open Market Sale (OMS) dealers for food products. In protest, leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement forcibly broke the old lock on the Upazila Food Controller’s office and installed a new one.

The controversy arose following the announcement of dealer appointments after application screening. While some candidates were excluded, the protesting students claimed the process lacked transparency. The Upazila Food Controller clarified that there were valid reasons for excluding certain applicants but acknowledged the students had locked the office without full knowledge of the matter.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Himadri Khisa assured that the recruitment process had been conducted transparently. He confirmed that the food department and the Upazila administration have launched an investigation and promised strict action if any wrongdoing is found.

US President Donald Trump has announced that a ceasefire in Gaza could be reached at any time next week. He revealed plans for successful discussions at the White House with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu on Gaza and Iran. Trump stressed the priority of securing the release of hostages. His administration has already approved a $510 billion arms deal for Israel. Netanyahu is scheduled to visit Washington on July 7.

India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has directly dismissed former US President Donald Trump’s claim that trade pressure from the US led to the ceasefire between India and Pakistan in May. Jaishankar clarified that during a phone call with Modi in May, there was no connection between trade discussions and the ceasefire. He explained that Pakistan had threatened a major attack, to which Modi responded that the Indian military would give an appropriate reply. Pakistan subsequently proposed the ceasefire after the attack. He also mentioned that India launched ‘Operation Sindur’ on April 22 in retaliation to a Pakistan-supported terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an investigation against five senior officials and members of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) over allegations of accepting bribes, facilitating tax evasion, and harassment. Those under investigation include NBR member Lutful Azim, Additional Commissioner of LTU-VAT Abdur Rashid Mia, former Additional Director General of the Tax Intelligence Unit Mohammad Alamgir Hossain, Deputy Commissioner of Tax Zone-16 Mohammad Shihabul Islam, and NBR Joint Commissioner Tarek Hasan. Preliminary findings suggest these officials abused their positions to provide tax and duty exemptions to various institutions and individuals. The ACC is now conducting an in-depth inquiry.

Farida Akhter, Fisheries and Livestock Advisor, has called for an immediate halt to tobacco farming along the banks of the Halda River, citing severe harm to soil, water, the environment, and human health. She assured tobacco farmers of ministry support to transition to alternative livelihoods. Highlighting Halda as one of Asia’s premier natural fish breeding grounds, she warned that environmental degradation threatens the nation’s fishery resources. She also noted that reduced river navigability is disrupting carp fish breeding but said the government is addressing this by increasing hatcheries to boost fingerling production.

France has issued a red alert for extreme heat across 16 regions, including large parts of the south and east, prompting the closure of the Eiffel Tower. The heat poses serious health risks as temperatures continue to soar. Similar maximum-level heat warnings have been announced in Italy, Spain, Germany, Portugal, and Greece. In Germany, temperatures could hit 38°C this week. The Balkan region is also experiencing severe heat, though some areas have begun to see a slight drop in temperature.

Starting today, fixed internet package prices in Bangladesh have been reduced, with the minimum package speed set at 10 Mbps for BDT 500. The Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) aims to enhance service quality and improve the country's global broadband ranking. ISPAB also pledged to collect and deposit the 5% VAT from users, urging customers to subscribe only through licensed ISPs and pay monthly bills with receipts as per government regulations.

Iran's parliament has passed a stringent new law declaring that any cooperation with the "occupying regime of Israel" or other so-called "enemy states" will be punishable by death. The legislation considers such relations to be acts of "corruption on earth"—a capital offense under Iranian law.

The law specifies that espionage, military or technological support on behalf of Israel or the United States will result in the death penalty. Additionally, unauthorized possession, manufacturing, or import of internet equipment—such as Starlink devices—could lead to imprisonment ranging from six months to ten years.

Other offenses punishable by death include producing drones for enemy states, engaging in cyberattacks, or attempting sabotage against Iranian infrastructure. Harsh penalties have also been outlined for spreading false information and sharing anti-government content with foreign media.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin has stated that the Election Commission is fully prepared for the upcoming national elections. He conveyed this during a recent courtesy meeting with Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

According to the CEC, the Chief Adviser is committed to ensuring a free, fair, and credible election and expressed sincere interest in that process. However, Nasir clarified that the exact election date was not discussed during the meeting.

Meanwhile, in a separate meeting in London, BNP leader Tarique Rahman urged the Chief Adviser to hold the election in February. In response, Dr. Yunus indicated that elections could indeed be held in February, provided the necessary reforms are implemented.