Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, a leader of the Islamic movement, stated that the majority of political parties in the country have reached consensus on adopting the Proportional Representation (PR) system for elections. He said this system would ensure political stability as well as inclusive representation.

Karim explained that the PR system increases parliamentary participation of smaller parties, prevents dominance by a single party, and fosters an environment of mutual dialogue and collective decision-making. He emphasized that this approach helps decentralize power, counters autocracy, and enhances diversity and accountability.

Addressing divisions within the Muslim world and crises in Muslim societies, he urged for unity among Islamic scholars (Ulama), warning that disunity allows oppressive forces to rise. Karim stressed that differences should never become a cause for division.

In Tangail’s Kalihati area, Mridul Hasan, president of the college branch of the student wing, was arrested for attempting to supply cheating materials during the HSC examination at Shajahan Siraj College.

The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon during the English first paper exam when Mridul was caught trying to deliver unauthorized assistance. Executive Magistrate and Assistant Commissioner (Land) Mohammad Sifat bin Sadek apprehended him on the spot and handed him over to the police.

College Principal Md. Mojibur Rahman confirmed the arrest and stated that instructions have been issued to take appropriate action. Further steps will be decided after consultation with senior faculty members.

Fatema Tuz Johra, mother of martyr Abdullah Bin Zahid who died during the popular uprising, accused the interim government and its advisers of completely neglecting them despite Abdullah’s ultimate sacrifice for power. She revealed that within 14 days of Abdullah’s death, her younger son was diagnosed with cancer and later her husband suffered a fatal brain stroke. During these difficult times, only the BNP family stood by them and provided medical assistance for her younger son. She further claimed that despite calling Serjis and Hasnat 100 times, they never answered their phones.

Iran has been conducting a secret influence campaign within the UK to bypass sanctions and create social and political instability. The UK Treasury is investigating multiple sanctions breaches linked to Iran, but these are only a fraction of Tehran’s broader efforts. Iranian state media, banned from UK TV, continue online propaganda. Fake accounts tied to Iran have spread divisive content targeting issues like Scottish independence. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is suspected of orchestrating these operations, while UK authorities struggle to respond effectively.

Iranian nuclear scientists have developed an advanced plasma-generating device using the Surface Dielectric Barrier Discharge (SDBD) method. This cold plasma device, which operates at atmospheric pressure, offers applications in medicine, sterilization, agriculture, and industry. Developed under the late nuclear scientist Amir Hossein Faqihi, the innovation demonstrates Iran’s scientific resilience despite geopolitical challenges. It reduces energy consumption and costs compared to traditional methods. The achievement is seen as a strategic advancement in integrating nuclear technology into Iran’s industrial and healthcare systems.

Iranian Major General Yahya Rahim Safavi has warned that the downfall of Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is imminent. Speaking at a memorial event in Tehran, he stated that any further mistake by Israel would put all of its interests and military bases at serious risk. Safavi, a top adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said recent aggression against Iran by the U.S. and Israel has failed and accelerated the collapse of the Zionist regime, warning of intensified Iranian retaliation if provoked again.

The Trump administration has proposed shutting down the Mauna Loa Atmospheric Baseline Observatory in Hawaii, a key site monitoring carbon dioxide levels since the 1950s. This lab provides critical evidence of human-caused climate change, including the iconic Keeling Curve that tracks rising greenhouse gases linked to global warming and extreme weather. The budget proposal aims to defund NOAA’s climate research, threatening the continuation of this historic data collection and potentially disrupting global climate monitoring efforts.

The United Nations, founded in 1945 to maintain global peace, faces increasing calls for structural reform after 80 years. Critics highlight its inability to act decisively due to the Security Council’s veto power held by five permanent members. Recent conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, and missile exchanges in the Middle East have exposed the UN’s inefficiencies. Experts urge expanding Security Council membership, empowering the International Court of Justice, and reforming the International Atomic Energy Agency to restore the UN’s credibility and relevance.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the Iranian Embassy in Islamabad on July 1 to express solidarity with the Iranian people following recent attacks by Israel and the United States. Leading a high-level delegation, he met with Iran’s ambassador and signed a condolence book honoring the victims. Accompanied by key Pakistani officials, the visit underscores Pakistan’s strong support for Iran amid ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel in the Middle East.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has asserted that the country’s peaceful nuclear technology and uranium enrichment knowledge cannot be wiped out by military attacks. Following Israeli and US strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites in June, Araghchi emphasized Iran’s ability to repair any damage and continue advancing its nuclear industry, which is now a source of national pride. He also expressed skepticism about quick renewed talks with the US, stating that military aggression must cease before diplomacy can resume.

Professor Haluk Gorgun, head of Turkey’s Defense Industry Organization, will visit Dhaka on July 8 to discuss enhancing defense ties with Bangladesh. During his one-day visit, he will meet top military officials and government advisors to explore collaboration in training, research, and arms procurement. Bangladesh has been diversifying its defense suppliers, increasingly turning to Turkey for advanced weaponry, including missiles and drones, to support its Forces Goal 2030 modernization plan.

Italy plans to hire 497,550 foreign workers by 2028 to address labor shortages caused by an aging population and declining birth rates. The government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, aims to expand legal migration while cracking down on irregular immigration. A recent MoU between Italy and Bangladesh seeks to increase safe migration opportunities for Bangladeshis. Meloni is expected to visit Bangladesh in August to strengthen bilateral ties and facilitate more job opportunities for Bangladeshi workers in Italy.

The President of the Bangladesh Nationalist Freedom Fighters’ Party, Istiaq Aziz Ulfat, has accused Sheikh Hasina’s government of marginalizing the Bangladesh Freedom Fighters’ Council by promoting fake freedom fighters. Speaking at a press conference at the National Press Club, he alleged that under the current interim government’s Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, controversial individuals have caused discrimination against real freedom fighters. He pointed out that although there is no law banning BNP-affiliated individuals from joining the 1972-established Freedom Fighters’ Council, the present committee seems designed to exclude them deliberately.

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, has set July 16 for hearing the leave to appeal challenging the legitimacy of the caretaker government formed under Dr. Muhammad Yunus. The High Court had earlier dismissed the writ, stating that the government was legally formed based on a presidential reference and Supreme Court opinion. Senior lawyer Mohsin Rashid represented the petitioner. The caretaker government is said to reflect the will of the people under legal framework.

Dhaka’s Senior Special Judge has ordered the publication of a public notice directing 23 individuals—including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, Sheikh Rehana, Tulip Siddiq, Azmina Siddiq, and Radwan Mujib—to appear in court by July 20 in connection with five corruption cases involving plot allocations. The Anti-Corruption Commission’s report states that 12 of the accused, including Sheikh Hasina, are currently untraceable, prompting the court’s decision to issue a public notice.