A report by The New York Times claims that former U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been exerting significant influence over Venezuela’s state affairs from Washington. Over the past six months, Rubio’s role has reportedly expanded across key areas including the economy, natural resources, government decisions, and sanctions enforcement. The report links this development to a U.S. special forces operation earlier this year that led to the detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, after which Rubio began working closely with the country’s interim administration.

According to the report, Rubio maintains regular communication with Delcy Rodríguez, recognized by the U.S. as Venezuela’s interim leader, through Spanish-language WhatsApp exchanges. It also claims that most of Venezuela’s export revenues are first deposited in the U.S. Treasury before being released to Venezuelan banks under conditions determined by Rubio’s team. This arrangement is said to have reduced corruption and eased pressure from international creditors while increasing U.S. influence over the interim government.

The report further states that Rubio plays a key role in implementing sanctions, reforming Venezuela’s oil sector, and advising on major government appointments. However, the claims have not been independently verified, and neither the U.S. nor Venezuelan governments have issued official responses.

Hasnat Abdullah, Member of Parliament for Comilla-4 and chief organizer of the National Citizens Party (NCP) in the southern region, said that the BNP does not want to end extortion but rather replace existing extortionists with their own. He made the remarks on Saturday at a rally in Chengarchar College field, Matlab North, Chandpur, during the NCP’s ‘July March’ program demanding implementation of a referendum, job creation, and border security.

Abdullah emphasized the need for youth participation in national leadership, noting that while senior citizens have responsibilities, social and environmental limitations often restrict their actions. He praised the sacrifices of young people during the 2024 movement and encouraged them to contest in upcoming local government elections for chairman, member, and mayor positions.

Criticizing the current political environment, Abdullah called for freeing politics from criminal influence and urged action against those involved in drug trade and price hikes. He stressed the necessity of political reform to ensure citizens’ rights, employment, and security, highlighting the role of the younger generation in shaping the country’s future.

International Crimes Tribunal Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam stated that the people of Bangladesh want Awami League President Sheikh Hasina to return to the country immediately to face trial. He made the remark on Saturday afternoon at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy during the inauguration of an audio-visual publication series on the 2024 mass uprising, organized by the July Martyrs Memorial Foundation.

Aminul Islam said he had seen on social media that Sheikh Hasina planned to return to Bangladesh in December, but argued that the public wanted her brought back sooner for justice. He further commented that, from a legal standpoint, Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League have no standing among the people of Bangladesh. The Chief Prosecutor added that investigations into the crimes of the Awami League as an organization are ongoing alongside the trials of the July accused, and that the party would soon face trial.

The remarks were made in the context of ongoing legal and political discussions surrounding accountability for alleged crimes linked to recent national events.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has pledged to avenge the killing of his father, former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and all martyrs who died in recent wars. In a written message released on social media on Saturday, Mojtaba declared that Iran would take revenge on the perpetrators and that the act of retribution was inevitable, regardless of who leads the country.

He emphasized that the pursuit of revenge was not dependent on any individual or official, asserting that it would be carried out whether or not the current leadership remains in place. Mojtaba also expressed gratitude to the millions who attended mourning ceremonies across Iran and Iraq, praising the “historic and defiant” turnout in cities including Tehran, Qom, Najaf, Karbala, and Mashhad.

The message was issued following the burial of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his family members at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad late Thursday night, after a state funeral held several months after his death.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar has emphasized the need to uphold the spirit of the July uprising and to fully and swiftly implement the July Charter. Speaking on Saturday at the inauguration of an audio-visual publication series on the 2024 mass uprising, he said that fulfilling the aspirations of July and establishing a just, discrimination-free Bangladesh would be the best way to honor the sacrifices of the martyrs.

The event, organized by the July Martyrs Memorial Foundation, took place at the National Music and Dance Auditorium of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Dhaka. Rokeya Begum, mother of child martyr Jaber Ibrahim and an opposition member of parliament, attended as chief guest, while State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Md. Ishraq Hossain was present as special guest. Participants included leaders from various political parties, families of martyrs, and individuals injured or disabled during the July–August 2024 uprising.

The program began with recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by prayers, and concluded with the formal launch of the audio-visual series on the 2024 uprising.

Opposition leader and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman accused the government of remaining silent while India allegedly engages in provocative activities along the border. Speaking at an eleven-party alliance rally at Rangpur Zilla School field on Saturday afternoon, he said citizens and Border Guard Bangladesh personnel are jointly resisting such actions and deserve praise for their courage.

Dr. Rahman demanded justice for the killing of Hadi, urging the government to resign if it fails to deliver accountability. He criticized the administration for excluding allocations for the Teesta project despite earlier promises and declared that an eleven-party government would implement the Teesta mega plan. He also pledged to transform Rangpur Division into the “agricultural capital,” reduce cold storage costs for potato farmers, and ensure fair prices for agricultural products.

He further vowed that under an eleven-party government, corruption and extortion would be eliminated, asserting that even a prime minister involved in corruption would face justice.

A canal re-excavation project in Saltha upazila of Faridpur has drawn public praise after the local administration returned unspent government funds. The project, part of a national initiative to re-excavate canals, was completed under the supervision of Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Dabir Uddin. After finishing the work, the administration returned 7.33 million taka to the government treasury.

According to the Upazila Project Implementation Office, the government allocated 16.74 million taka for re-excavating three canals totaling 4.535 kilometers in Atghar, Ramkantpur, and Sonapur unions. The project was inaugurated by Faridpur-2 Member of Parliament and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam, and later inspected by the district commissioner, who expressed satisfaction. The work took about three months, during which all wages and expenses were paid properly.

Project committee members credited the UNO’s regular monitoring and guidance for ensuring quality and transparency. Dabir Uddin stated that transparency, accountability, and integrity are central to his work and that proper use of public funds is a key principle of good governance.

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Chairman Dr. Colonel (Retd.) Oli Ahmed Bir Bikram issued a strong statement directed at India during an 11-party alliance rally in Rangpur on Saturday. Speaking at the district school ground, he criticized Indian policies on border management and water sharing, saying that Bangladesh would not tolerate interference or threats. He warned that if India spoke of taking Rangpur, Bangladeshis could respond by saying they would take Kolkata.

Oli Ahmed demanded implementation of the Teesta mega project, an end to border push-ins, and relief from public suffering. He questioned India’s sincerity in friendship, citing barbed-wire fences, daily push-ins, and lack of water from shared rivers such as the Teesta and Farakka. He also defended Bangladesh’s right to purchase military equipment without external objection.

The LDP leader emphasized that Bangladesh is no longer under the influence of foreign powers and called for mutual respect and genuine cooperation between the two neighboring countries.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has demanded that the government resign if it fails to deliver justice for the killing of Hadi. Speaking at an 11-party alliance rally in Rangpur on Saturday, he said that if the current administration cannot ensure justice, the next government will do so.

Criticizing the government’s performance, Rahman accused it of ignoring public suffering and failing to allocate funds for the Teesta River project despite earlier promises. He pledged that if the 11-party alliance forms the next government, it will implement the Teesta mega plan. He also condemned the government’s silence on alleged Indian border aggression and praised the efforts of the Border Guard Bangladesh and local residents for their resistance.

Rahman further promised to make Rangpur the “agricultural capital” of Bangladesh, reduce cold storage costs for potato farmers, and ensure fair prices for agricultural products. He vowed that under an 11-party government, no extortionist or corrupt individual would be spared, even if the prime minister were involved.

Leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) at Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur held a celebratory rally after the announcement of their full committee on July 7, 2026. The partial committee had been declared seven months earlier, and the rally took place on Friday following the full announcement.

Many general students expressed frustration, arguing that the university administration had previously banned all partisan student politics on campus. They questioned the effectiveness of that decision and the administration’s stance, as political activities appeared to continue openly. Social media discussions reflected widespread criticism, with students demanding equal enforcement of university policies for all groups.

University officials stated that a five-member committee had been formed to review whether student politics would remain banned or be reinstated. The committee, led by the student adviser and including hall provosts, is expected to submit its recommendations before the next syndicate meeting.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has stated that Turkey will not engage in any direct military conflict with Israel. He made the remarks in an interview with UAE-based media outlet The National, following recent heated exchanges between officials of the two countries. Fidan emphasized that there is no logical reason or necessity for Turkey to go to war with Israel.

According to Fidan, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and some of his close allies are creating provocative situations to gain electoral advantage. He claimed that Netanyahu and his associates always seek an external enemy to sustain their political standing. Fidan noted that Israel is already involved in conflicts with Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran, and that some Israeli politicians now view Turkey as a new adversary for electoral purposes.

Fidan also acknowledged that not all Israeli politicians or citizens share the same mindset, expressing appreciation that there are still sensible and rational individuals in Israel who do not follow extremist views.

Prime Minister Tarek Rahman attended the 81st founding anniversary celebration of Dhaka Medical College, known as DMC Day 2026, held on July 11, 2026. After inaugurating the event by releasing doves and balloons at Shaheed Milon Square, he participated in a discussion titled “Thoughts of DMCians on Modernizing Bangladesh’s Health System” at the college auditorium. During the session, he exchanged views with doctors, officials, and students, answering questions and listening to their suggestions.

When asked about his vision for the health sector, the Prime Minister humorously pointed to his wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, saying, “I don’t have health in my head, she does,” prompting laughter across the auditorium. The participant then remarked that if Dr. Rahman took initiatives in this area, it would make them even prouder.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Sakhawat Hossain Bakul, State Minister Dr. M A Muhith, Health Services Secretary Kamruzzaman Chowdhury, and the Prime Minister’s Information Adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman were also present at the event.

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit said that leaders of the previous fascist government used state facilities to illegally occupy canals, leading to waterlogging and floods. He made the remarks on Saturday at the Chattogram Circuit House during a meeting with 16 local MPs, the city mayor, and administrative officials to coordinate flood relief, rescue, and rehabilitation efforts in Chattogram and the three hill districts.

The minister stated that the current democratic government is working to reduce public suffering, with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman closely monitoring the disaster situation in Chattogram. He added that the prime minister is in constant contact with local authorities and personally overseeing relief needs. Amit also mentioned that the government held a three-and-a-half-hour conference on Friday to review recent activities and that work has begun according to the new plan.

He further said that Ansar, BGB, and the army are delivering relief to remote areas, and that he would visit Banshkhali to oversee increased relief distribution. The state minister noted that the state minister for water resources would visit Chattogram the next day to discuss river dredging plans.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman spent time with students of Kazi Fazlul Huq Women’s Hostel at Dhaka Medical College on Saturday morning. The visit followed the inauguration of “DMC Day 2026” at 10 a.m., marked by the release of balloons and pigeons. Dr. Zubaida Rahman had lived in this hostel during her medical studies, making the visit a sentimental return for her.

During the event, the Prime Minister wished the students success in their future endeavors, while Dr. Zubaida Rahman shared emotional recollections of her student life at the college. She encouraged students to remain forward-looking despite life’s challenges and to build the institution’s reputation globally through excellence in medical service. The couple’s arrival was met with enthusiasm, and students later took selfies with them.

The visit highlighted the personal connection of the Prime Minister’s family with Dhaka Medical College and underscored the importance of inspiring current students toward professional and institutional pride.

Former interim government legal adviser Professor Dr. Asif Nazrul has called on ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to return to Bangladesh immediately and face the legal process. In a Facebook post on Saturday, he questioned why she should wait until December if she truly intends to come back, urging her to present her position before the court and the public.

Nazrul welcomed Hasina’s stated willingness to return, noting that both the previous interim government and the current BNP government had formally requested India to facilitate her return. He said the government wants to bring her under the law for trial, while Hasina has expressed interest in returning. He raised questions about her accountability for the July uprising that led to her ouster, as well as incidents such as the BDR mutiny, Shapla Chattar killings, enforced disappearances, and corruption allegations during her rule.

Nazrul further stated that while Hasina’s family left the country before the July uprising, many Awami League activists continue to face legal uncertainty. He urged her not to delay if she truly plans to return, and not to mislead her party members with repeated announcements if she does not.