Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad attended the funeral and mourning procession of the country's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The event took place in Iran and drew participation from political, military, and religious leaders, along with a large number of ordinary citizens.

Ahmadinejad, known for his conservative political stance, had long been regarded as a loyal follower of Khamenei. Before his presidency, he served as a commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). During his student years, he was associated with a hardline faction of the conservative student organization 'Office for Strengthening Unity,' formed after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Over time, he emerged as a key figure in Iran’s conservative politics.

The funeral underscored the deep influence of Khamenei across Iran’s political and religious spectrum, as the nation’s leadership and citizens gathered to pay their final respects.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh is preparing to hold local government elections in phases starting from October. According to Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Mashud, the first phase is likely to include Union Parishad (UP) and municipal elections. He said the commission could complete preparations within one to one and a half months after coordination with the government. The EC plans to complete all levels of local government elections within about a year.

Mashud explained that the commission is considering factors such as public exams, religious festivals, monsoon conditions, and regional connectivity before finalizing the election schedule. The EC has nearly completed revisions to laws, regulations, and the code of conduct, with draft rules published online for public feedback. Key changes include higher candidate deposits, no online nomination submission, and no use of electronic voting machines or postal ballots.

Over 4,500 Union Parishads are ready for elections, with police, BGB, and Ansar to manage security. The commission aims to ensure peaceful voting and reduce violence seen in previous UP elections. The local government minister confirmed in parliament that preparations for free and fair elections are underway.

A new survey by the Jewish People Policy Institute has found that 60 percent of Israelis believe the country faces a real and clear risk of civil war. The findings, reported by Al Jazeera, also show that 79 percent of respondents rated the past year as socially bad, while 49 percent expressed pessimism about the future. Additionally, 52 percent said there is a high likelihood of an assassination attempt targeting the prime minister or another senior political figure.

Institute president Yedidia Stern said that while Israeli society demonstrates remarkable resilience and optimism, it remains deeply divided and polarized. He noted that citizens view internal division as the greatest threat and called for an urgent, long-term plan to rebuild solidarity and mutual trust.

The survey highlights growing public anxiety over political and social fragmentation in Israel, suggesting that national unity efforts may become a key priority for policymakers.

Comilla Deputy Commissioner (DC) Rozi Akter received a crest from former Chhatra League leader Iqbal Hossain, an event that drew attention after a photo of the moment went viral on social media on Sunday. The image showed Iqbal, former president of the Victoria Government College New Hostel unit of Chhatra League, presenting the crest to the DC.

Following the viral post, several local political figures expressed concern. Abu Raihan, convener of the Comilla Metropolitan Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, said he was deeply saddened by the incident and questioned how such individuals could access the DC’s office. He urged vigilance regarding those he described as “fascist fugitives.” South District Chhatra Dal general secretary Azmir Sharif also questioned how a banned Chhatra League leader could present flowers to the DC and said they would discuss the matter with her. Chattogram Divisional Commissioner Dr. Md. Ziauddin stated he would speak with the DC about why she accepted the crest.

Attempts to reach DC Rozi Akter for comment were unsuccessful, as she did not respond to phone calls or messages.

BNP Chairperson’s adviser and former Member of Parliament Professor Shahjahan Mia stated that he aims to bring the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) into the hearts of every citizen through public service. He made the remarks on Monday afternoon while addressing a views-exchange meeting organized by the Shibganj Upazila BNP at Shibganj Bazar in Chapainawabganj, where he attended as the chief guest.

During his speech, Shahjahan Mia described BNP as a large political party that requires unity and organized efforts to strengthen its structure. He expressed optimism that if the party’s activities are properly managed, it will achieve victory in future elections. The event was attended by local BNP leaders including Shibganj Upazila BNP convener Ashraful Haque, member secretary Tosikul Alam, and former general secretary Sarwar Jahan Sentu, along with grassroots activists.

Speakers at the meeting emphasized strengthening organizational activities, maintaining unity at the grassroots level, and working collectively for public interest. They also called for communicating the government’s development plans and the party’s political strategies to the public.

In Sherpur upazila of Bogra, rice was distributed among poor and disaster-affected families as humanitarian assistance. The distribution took place on 6 July 2026 at two separate events held at the municipal office and Mirzapur Union Parishad premises. Golam Mohammad Siraj, Member of Parliament for Bogra-5 (Sherpur-Dhunat), attended as the chief guest and handed over the rice to the beneficiaries.

During his speech, Golam Mohammad Siraj criticized the previous Awami League government, calling it a government for the wealthy and claiming it neglected the poor and underprivileged. He described the BNP as a people’s government that has always stood by the poor and urged people to support the BNP instead of what he called the “mad party.”

The event was chaired by Upazila Nirbahi Officer and municipal administrator Saiduzzaman Himu, with several BNP leaders and local representatives present. A total of 500 beneficiaries, including 333 from Sherpur municipality and 167 from Mirzapur Union, each received 15 kilograms of rice.

Bangladesh’s new government is pursuing large-scale Chinese investment to revive its economy while attempting to maintain balanced relations with neighboring India. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s first foreign visits to Malaysia and China last month signaled a new direction in Dhaka’s foreign policy. During his Beijing trip, several bilateral agreements were signed, including on Teesta River management and a special economic zone near Mongla port, drawing close attention from both India and China.

Relations between Dhaka and New Delhi cooled after Sheikh Hasina’s ouster in August 2024 and her subsequent refuge in India. Although ties have improved since the BNP’s electoral victory in February, lingering tensions remain over border issues and anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh. India’s new high commissioner in Dhaka and partial resumption of cross-border transport indicate cautious normalization.

China’s involvement in the Teesta project has raised Indian security concerns due to its proximity to the Siliguri Corridor. Beijing has stated that its cooperation with Bangladesh is not aimed at any third party. Analysts note that while Bangladesh values India as a key neighbor, its growing partnership with China reflects a strategic recalibration in South Asia.

Iranian Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Baqer Galibaf stated that Tehran will not recognize Israel. He made the remarks during a meeting with Hamas leader Mohammad Darwish, who visited Iran to attend the funeral of Supreme Leader Khamenei. Galibaf acknowledged that while a memorandum of understanding exists, deep disagreements remain between Iran and the United States. He emphasized that implementing the memorandum is difficult but not impossible.

Galibaf reiterated that Iran has no peaceful relations with the United States and will continue to support Muslim nations and allied groups in line with the Supreme Leader’s directives. He stressed that discussions should lead to tangible results rather than dialogue for its own sake.

According to Galibaf, Muslim countries now realize that cooperation with the United States and Israel does not guarantee security. His comments reflect Tehran’s continued resistance to normalization with Israel and its commitment to regional alliances.

A delegation from the Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party, led by its chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju, paid floral tribute to the coffin of eminent academic, writer, and researcher Professor Abul Kasem Fazlul Huq at Dhaka University on Monday morning. The delegation also prayed for the forgiveness of his departed soul.

Following the tribute, Mojibur Rahman Monju described Professor Huq as a true guide of moderation who envisioned a Bangladesh rooted in the spirit of the red and green flag, national identity, and human values. He said the late professor was a rare personality who remained impartial and principled during national crises, symbolizing conscience and wisdom. Monju added that Huq’s death marked an irreparable loss for the nation and that his thoughts and ideals would continue to guide future generations.

Other AB Party leaders present included Abdul Halim Khokon, Selim Khan, Ripon Mahmud, Abu Bakkar Siddiq, Moshiur Rahman Milu, and Abdur Kader Munshi.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that the government is firmly committed to advancing rural development across Bangladesh. Speaking on Monday at the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) auditorium in Dhaka, he emphasized that true prosperity cannot be achieved if villages lag behind cities. The event marked CIRDAP’s 47th founding anniversary and the second World Rural Development Day, attended for the first time by ambassadors and high commissioners from Asia-Pacific countries.

The minister highlighted that rural communities are facing new challenges such as climate change, digital transformation, food security, and youth unemployment. He said CIRDAP is leading efforts in climate-resilient agriculture and rural entrepreneurship, while expanding its regional activities by including 40 Asia-Pacific countries and partnering with the Pacific Islands Development Forum. He added that since taking office in February 2026, the government has prioritized rural welfare, introducing programs such as agricultural loan waivers for small farmers, canal re-excavation projects, and financial support through Family and Farmer Cards.

Mirza Fakhrul noted that the government aims to strengthen rural administration and infrastructure, and under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership, is determined to bring qualitative improvements to rural life.

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud has formally invited Bangladesh Prime Minister Tareq Rahman to visit Saudi Arabia and expressed his own interest in visiting Bangladesh. The invitation was conveyed on Monday morning at the Prime Minister’s Office in Dhaka, where Saudi Ambassador Dr. Abdullah Zafar H. bin Abia handed over the letter to the Prime Minister during a courtesy meeting.

Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister, Humayun Kabir, disclosed the development at an emergency press briefing held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He stated that the schedule for the Prime Minister’s visit would be determined through discussions between the two governments.

The exchange of invitations signals a potential strengthening of bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, though specific dates and agendas for the visits have not yet been announced.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud, has alleged that the former Awami League government, during its fifteen and a half years in power, did not undertake any project in the public interest. Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion organized by the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) at the Dhaka Reporters Unity on Monday, he claimed that all projects were designed for personal gain and that the previous administration had damaged the country’s power, energy, and economic sectors. He added that the responsibility for repairing this damage now rests with the current democratic government.

At the same event, energy expert Professor Dr. M. Shamsul Alam presented a keynote paper titled “National Energy Development Strategy.” The paper highlighted irregularities and corruption during the former Awami League government’s tenure and proposed measures to reduce import dependency in the power and energy sectors, aiming to make them more beneficial for the public.

The discussion emphasized the need for reforms to ensure that future energy policies prioritize national and consumer interests.

Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Bangladesh, Dr. Abdullah Zafar H. bin Abiya, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday morning at the Cabinet Division of the Bangladesh Secretariat. The meeting began at 9:40 a.m., where the ambassador handed over a letter from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud to the prime minister.

During the meeting, both sides discussed matters of mutual interest between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia. The discussion focused on strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation in areas significant to both nations. Present at the meeting were Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman, the Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir, and Saudi Deputy Ambassador to Dhaka Ibrahim Abdullah.

The meeting underscored the ongoing diplomatic engagement between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, reflecting continued efforts to enhance collaboration across shared areas of interest.

Iran’s Chief Justice Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei has pledged to identify and punish those responsible for the assassination of Islamic Revolution leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Speaking at a book launch in Tehran about Iran’s new leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, Ejei said the perpetrators would be found and justice ensured.

He stated that for more than four months, Iranians of all ages have mourned their slain leader and raised the flag of vengeance. Ejei accused the United States and Israel of committing crimes against the Iranian nation and said they must pay a heavy price. He cited the Geneva Conventions and related protocols as containing clear provisions regarding war criminals.

Ejei added that Iran would continue to strengthen the axis of resistance with determination and support any movement opposing American and “Zionist” oppressors. He also said Iran supports all neighboring countries as long as they do not act on behalf of its enemies.

Hojjatoleslam wal Muslimin Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei has been reappointed as the Chief of the Judiciary of Iran. The country’s Supreme Leader, Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, made the appointment under Article 157 of the Iranian Constitution through a decree issued on Sunday, according to the Mehr News Agency.

In the decree, Khamenei expressed gratitude to Ejei for his service as head of the judiciary and recalled both the late leader and his own emphasis on implementing the judiciary’s development plan. He voiced hope that through the collective and determined efforts of the judiciary’s leadership, officials, and judges, the Iranian people would receive improved judicial services.

The reappointment underscores continuity in Iran’s judicial leadership and signals an ongoing focus on institutional development within the judiciary, as highlighted in the Supreme Leader’s message.