Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is scheduled to visit the White House at the end of July to meet U.S. President Donald Trump. The visit aims to advance a framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel. Preparations for the trip began after a 17-minute phone conversation between the two leaders, which Aoun described as positive. He confirmed the plan in an interview with Lebanon’s daily An-Nahar.

Aoun acknowledged that the framework deal with Israel is not ideal but said it reflects the current balance of power in southern Lebanon, which favors Israel. He emphasized that the agreement is only a framework, not a final treaty, and warned against betting on divisions within the Lebanese army. Aoun stated that the deal would not halt Lebanon’s struggle to reclaim occupied territories.

The president added that a pilot security deployment will begin in Zawtar, Nabatieh district, where Lebanese forces will assume control of certain towns as Israeli troops gradually withdraw. He also noted that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was asked to ensure Lebanese control over the nearby Ali al-Taher mountain, a proposal reportedly accepted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

On July 7, 2024, Bangladesh witnessed widespread disruption as students across the country enforced a 'Bangla Blockade' demanding the abolition of the quota system in government jobs. The protest, entering its seventh day, saw demonstrators shift from four demands to a single demand: eliminating discriminatory quotas across all grades and legislating minimal quotas only for underprivileged groups. Major intersections in Dhaka, including Shahbagh, Science Lab, and Nilkhet, were blocked, paralyzing traffic. Student coordinators were briefly called for talks by government representatives but later reaffirmed their stance against further dialogue.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stated that the quota issue was sub judice and should be resolved by the High Court, while senior Awami League leaders echoed that the matter was under judicial consideration. Former Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury suggested examining whether any conspiracy lay behind the movement.

Student groups announced continuation of the blockade and class boycotts nationwide, with demonstrations spreading to universities in Chattogram, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Barishal, Sylhet, and Kushtia, signaling an intensifying standoff between protesters and the government.

The July uprising in Bangladesh is remembered not only for the student and public protests but also for the sacrifices of women who played vital roles on the streets, in caregiving, and in communication. According to the official gazette, ten women and children were among those killed during the movement. Their stories reflect the human cost of the struggle against what the report calls a fascist regime, with victims including students, workers, homemakers, and a domestic worker.

Among them were 15-year-old Naima Sultana, shot while standing on her balcony in Uttara; six-year-old Riya Ghosh, killed in Narayanganj; and 17-year-old Nafisa Hossain Marwa, who died during a protest march in Savar. Others include Sumaiya Akter, Shahinur Begum, Liza Akter, Nasima Akter, Rita Akter, Maya Islam, and Meherun Nesa Tanha. Each story portrays a personal tragedy intertwined with the national democratic movement.

Families of the victims said these women and children represent enduring symbols of courage and sacrifice. They called for the state to preserve their memory, recognize their martyrdom, and ensure justice as part of the nation’s democratic and humanitarian commitment.

Several members of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami have recently faced criticism over alleged misuse of government allocations and benefits, prompting the party to issue strict disciplinary directives. Incidents involving MPs and local leaders—such as favoritism in distributing bicycles and inclusion of family members in aid lists—have sparked public debate and embarrassment for the party. In response, Jamaat has strengthened internal discipline, removed some officials, and instructed MPs to avoid conflicts of interest.

Party leaders, including Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar, argue that some controversies stem from inexperience among new MPs and media exaggeration. They claim that rival political groups and certain media outlets are amplifying minor mistakes while ignoring larger issues in other parties. The leadership has initiated training programs and issued written guidelines urging MPs to act with integrity, transparency, and accountability.

Analysts cited in the report note that Jamaat’s rapid expansion as a parliamentary opposition has increased scrutiny. They suggest that while disciplinary measures are positive, the party must remain cautious to preserve public trust and organizational stability.

The United Nations has formally welcomed Hamas’s decision to dissolve its long-standing administrative committee that has governed the Gaza Strip for nearly two decades. The announcement was made after Hamas decided to dismantle the governing body responsible for managing Gaza’s internal affairs.

UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said in a statement that the organization welcomes any step contributing to the implementation of ceasefire agreements and advancing the objectives of relevant Security Council resolutions. He added that the UN continues to support efforts to establish a unified Palestinian governance structure under the Palestinian Authority.

According to the statement, the UN views the move as a positive development toward political unity and stability in the Palestinian territories, aligning with international efforts to sustain peace and reconstruction in Gaza.

The Dhaka North unit of the National Citizen Party (NCP) organized a torch procession in the capital on Monday night to protest a bomb attack on the party’s rally in Savar. The procession began around midnight in front of the NCP central office at Banglamotor and ended at Shahbagh after parading through several city streets. A brief rally was held at the base of the July Memorial in Shahbagh, where senior joint convener and Dhaka North convener Ariful Islam Adib addressed participants.

NCP joint member secretary Zainal Abedin Shishir, joint chief coordinator Arifur Rahman Tuhin, and other leaders and activists from the Dhaka North unit joined the procession. After the rally, party leaders demanded justice for the Savar attack and called for effective measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

Earlier, a cocktail explosion occurred during an NCP rally in Savar, injuring at least four people, which prompted the protest in Dhaka.

Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has reappointed Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei as the country’s chief justice for another five-year term. The decision was announced in a written message during the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, where administrative continuity was emphasized amid the national mourning period.

The 69-year-old cleric’s reappointment marks Mojtaba Khamenei’s first major administrative decision since assuming leadership in March following his father’s death. The announcement coincided with preparations in Tehran for the funeral procession of the late leader and four members of his family, which drew thousands of mourners along the designated route.

Senior Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Ahmad Vahidi, attended the funeral procession alongside Mohseni-Ejei, underscoring the event’s political and symbolic significance.

The University Teachers Forum (UTF) has strongly condemned a cocktail attack on the National Citizens Party’s (NCP) ‘July March’ rally held in Savar on July 6, 2026. According to a joint statement by UTF convener Professor Dr. Md. Sirajul Islam and member secretary Dr. Shamim Hamidi, the explosion occurred around 9:45 p.m. at the Savar Thana Stand Eidgah ground during the NCP’s post-march gathering, injuring several people. The forum demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

The NCP organized the ‘July March 2026’ program nationwide to press for a referendum, job creation, and border security. The Savar rally marked the beginning of the campaign across 64 districts and 100 upazilas and municipalities. UTF leaders said the attack was an attempt by opponents of the July Revolution to intimidate activists and disrupt unity and solidarity.

UTF further stated that the incident highlights a deterioration in the country’s law and order situation, urging authorities to take swift action against the perpetrators.

Prominent social worker and former student leader Md. Nazmul Islam Talukdar formally joined the Bangladesh Labour Party on Monday evening at Hotel Rahmania International in Dhaka. He presented a bouquet to the party’s chairman, Dr. Mostafizur Rahman Iran, to mark his official induction. Senior party leaders, including the acting general secretary, joint general secretary, and other central and regional representatives, attended the event.

In his address as chief guest, Dr. Iran called for a united movement against fascism and dominance to strengthen the struggle for democracy, voting rights, and the rule of law in Bangladesh. He accused those who oppose these principles of attempting to undermine the spirit of the July mass uprising. Dr. Iran declared that the Labour Party must become more organized and powerful at the grassroots level to build a just and equitable Bangladesh.

After joining, Nazmul Islam Talukdar expressed full support for the party’s ideals and pledged to work actively toward establishing an equitable and democratic Bangladesh.

A cocktail explosion occurred during the National Citizen Party’s (NCP) post-march rally in Savar on Monday night, injuring four people. The incident took place around 10 p.m. near Enam Medical College Hospital’s Eidgah ground. The injured were identified as Shahin Khondakar, Jasim, Shahadat Hossain, and Imran, with two reported to be in serious condition. Witnesses said the explosion caused panic among attendees.

NCP convener and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam accused the administration of involvement, alleging that electricity was cut before the blast. He claimed the attack was intended to disrupt the party’s July movement and blamed government-linked groups for the violence. Central leaders, including Nahid Islam and Akhtar Hossain, were present when the attack occurred. Following the incident, NCP leaders staged a protest in front of Savar Police Station and filed a complaint.

Police said law enforcement quickly brought the situation under control and launched an investigation. Nahid Islam vowed to continue the NCP’s July campaign despite the attack, demanding justice and accountability from authorities.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on citizens to act more responsibly and consciously for the country's welfare. Speaking at a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Bangladesh Secretariat on Monday afternoon, he said that challenges will always exist, but progress is possible through collective sincerity and effort. The meeting focused on ensuring safe food, controlling product quality, and addressing issues faced by agencies conducting anti-adulteration drives.

According to Deputy Press Secretary Md. Sujauddoula, the Prime Minister directed the formation of a three-member high-level committee to identify and resolve problems faced by institutions responsible for food safety and quality control. The committee, comprising Adviser Ismail Jobiullah, State Minister Abdul Bari, and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Nasimul Gani, has been asked to submit recommendations within a month. Officials from the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection, Bangladesh Food Safety Authority, and BSTI highlighted manpower shortages, lack of modern equipment, and safety risks during field operations.

The Prime Minister listened patiently to their concerns and assured quick solutions. Emphasizing public awareness, he cited the example of waste management at Gulshan Lake, noting that societal change requires both government initiative and citizen responsibility.

The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education of Bangladesh has revoked its earlier directive requiring all government primary schools to keep three specific books in their libraries: 'President Zia: Political Biography', 'Begum Khaleda Zia: Life and Struggle', and 'Sobar Age Bangladesh'. The cancellation order, signed by Deputy Secretary Roshan Ara Polly, was issued on Monday following widespread debate. The ministry confirmed that the June 3 instruction to the Directorate of Primary Education to ensure collection of these books has been officially withdrawn.

According to sources, the directive had been issued at the initiative of State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj without the education minister’s knowledge. The books, published by a nationalist press, focus on former President Ziaur Rahman, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, and current BNP leader Tarique Rahman. The move to include politically specific books in school libraries drew criticism from educators and the public.

Education expert Rasheda K. Chowdhury said school libraries should include works on all major national leaders to ensure balance and prevent one-sided political narratives. She emphasized that libraries should reflect the nation’s full history and heritage rather than promote any single ideology.

Israeli news outlet The Times of Israel has described the recitation of Quranic verses at the funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as a form of political propaganda and military messaging. The report argued that Iran’s leadership has long used religion to advance political, social, and economic goals, and that specific verses were chosen to send symbolic messages to visiting delegations.

According to the report by writer Fatema Al Harbi, verses were selected to align with the identities of groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis. Each verse was said to carry a distinct political message, portraying these organizations as divinely sanctioned or spiritually legitimate. The author claimed that the ceremony’s delay allowed Iranian authorities to plan every detail carefully, turning religious rituals into instruments of political communication.

The report further warned that religious extremism begins when political groups claim exclusive authority to interpret sacred texts, framing their supporters as true believers and opponents as outsiders. It concluded that Iran’s use of Quranic verses at the funeral exemplified how political propaganda can merge with religious expression.

A diplomatic dispute erupted in Dhaka on Monday during a seminar organized by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) when Indian and Pakistani representatives clashed over a map of South Asia. Ambassador Tariq A Karim, adviser at the Center for Bay of Bengal Studies, presented a paper showing a map that prompted protest from Pooja Kumari Jha, Second Secretary (Political and Information) at the Indian High Commission. She objected that the map was inaccurate, asserting that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. Karim clarified that the map was used only for presentation purposes and did not represent actual borders.

Following the exchange, Pakistan’s Deputy High Commissioner Mohammad Wasif attempted to comment but was not given the floor. After the seminar, he criticized India’s “narrow mindset,” claiming it hindered regional cooperation through SAARC. The incident created discomfort among attendees, some of whom questioned both Jha’s interruption and Karim’s role as keynote presenter.

The Kashmir issue remains the core dispute between India and Pakistan, which have fought three major wars over the region since 1947.

At a rally in Gazipur on Monday, National Citizens Party (NCP) convener and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam MP accused the ruling BNP of deceiving the public by rejecting the July Charter after forming the government. He said that through the national election held after the 2024 mass uprising, citizens had endorsed the charter with a 'yes' vote, and warned that failure to implement it would lead to the government’s downfall.

The event, organized by the Gazipur district NCP as part of a month-long program marking the second anniversary of the July uprising, launched a nationwide campaign of marches and street meetings across 64 districts and 100 upazilas. Nahid Islam also criticized the government’s handling of law enforcement, drug control, and employment issues, and demanded justice for those killed during the July uprising.

Several central and regional NCP leaders attended the Kaliganj rally, which marked the formal start of the party’s July movement activities across the country.