Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that Israel's 'warlike' government must not be given another chance to cause bloodshed in the region. He made the remarks on Saturday in Istanbul during a joint press conference with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif following bilateral and delegation-level meetings.

Erdogan stated that the two leaders discussed bilateral relations as well as regional and global issues. He emphasized that Turkey supports all initiatives aimed at reducing tensions and resolving problems through diplomatic means and will continue to do so in the future. The Turkish president added that Ankara will continue to work in solidarity with 'brotherly' countries like Pakistan to strengthen regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

Erdogan also expressed his desire for an environment where people of all religions and ethnicities in the region can live in peace and security. He noted Turkey’s interest in deepening cooperation with Pakistan in energy, transportation, critical minerals, and information technology sectors.

Newly elected New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has sparked fresh debate in U.S. politics through his outspoken positions and growing influence. Analysts compare him to the Marvel character Daredevil for his defiance of corruption, entrenched political circles, and powerful lobbies. His influence became evident when three progressive candidates he supported—Brad Lander, Claire Valdez, and Darializa Avila Chevalier—won in the recent Democratic primary. The New York Times described him as a “kingmaker,” reflecting his expanding political reach.

Mamdani’s refusal to attend the city’s Israel Day Parade and his criticism of the pro-Israel lobbying group AIPAC have drawn widespread attention. He has publicly stated opposition to any state privileging one religion over another, a stance that has strengthened his appeal among progressive voters. His administration claims achievements including securing $1.2 billion in state funds for universal childcare, $9 million in compensation for workers and small businesses, and $31 million in tenant settlements.

Observers note that Mamdani’s multifaith progressive coalition could influence national politics, as similar movements emerge in Michigan and Colorado, challenging the Democratic Party’s traditional leadership.

Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher stated that Bangladesh regained democracy through the student and public movement of July 2024. Speaking as the chief guest at a citizens’ gathering at Comilla Town Hall on Saturday afternoon, he said the movement led to the end of an autocratic government and allowed citizens to assemble freely again.

The minister expressed gratitude to Comilla residents for supporting the BNP in nine constituencies, noting that the party’s previous governments had brought significant development to the region. He highlighted the recent passage of the Comilla Development Authority Bill during the first parliamentary session of the new government, calling it the realization of a long-held dream. Taher also announced a major project to establish sports complexes in every division, including one planned for Comilla.

The event was chaired by Amiruzzaman Bhuiya, senior vice president of Comilla South District BNP, and attended by local leaders, university officials, and members of the Comilla Development Authority, who presented development proposals for the area.

Bir Muktijoddha Advocate Fazlur Rahman MP stated that in Bangladesh, a single Pir has more followers than the entire Jamaat party combined. He made the remark in an interview given to a media outlet on Saturday. Rahman added that he believes in the Kalema, prayer, Hajj, and Zakat, which Jamaat members also claim to believe in. He compared the large turnout at the funeral of the Fultoli Pir to the total number of Jamaat supporters, saying the latter is smaller.

Earlier, Fazlur Rahman accused the Jamaat-Yunus alliance of misleading the youth and destroying the country. He alleged that figures such as Asif and Hasnat were deceitful and that the group had corrupted new generations through conspiracies and secret organizations. According to him, the political party Jamaat, under the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus after August 5, had destroyed four generations.

The remarks reflect Rahman’s continued criticism of Jamaat’s political influence and its alleged role in undermining the nation’s younger population.

At a tribute ceremony held on Friday for Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, different verses from the Holy Quran were recited before visiting foreign delegations. For the Saudi Arabian delegation, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Walid Al-Khereiji, Iran chose to recite verse 13 from Surah Al-Imran, which references the historic Battle of Badr between believers and non-believers.

According to Iran International, the selection of this specific verse may have carried symbolic meaning, though Iranian authorities have not issued any official explanation. The verse describes divine support for believers during the battle, emphasizing lessons for those with insight. Other foreign delegations present at the event were also read different Quranic verses.

The incident has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many observers speculating about possible diplomatic implications. However, neither Iran nor Saudi Arabia has made any formal comment on the matter.

State Minister for Social Welfare Farhana Sharmin Putul declared that administrative officials will remain on 24-hour alert against corruption and irregularities. She emphasized that no complaint will be ignored and no negligence will be tolerated. The minister made these remarks on Saturday, July 4, during a general farmers’ gathering held at the Lalpur Upazila Auditorium in Natore.

She highlighted that agriculture is one of the main driving forces of the national economy. The government is implementing continuous programs to reduce farmers’ production costs and ensure food security through the supply of seeds, fertilizers, and agricultural incentives. She added that initiatives to expand modern agricultural technology aim to make farming more profitable and sustainable. The government is also prioritizing education, health, communication, and infrastructure development, with special focus on employment and skill development for women and youth.

Regarding Ishwardi Airport, the minister said necessary activities are underway to expedite its reopening, which is expected to boost communication, trade, agricultural transport, investment, and industrialization in the northern region.

Iran is holding a state funeral for its longest-serving Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose death marks the end of a significant chapter in the country’s political history. Khamenei assumed leadership in 1989, following the Iran-Iraq war, and consolidated authority over the armed forces, judiciary, state media, and key strategic appointments.

Under his rule, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) became a dominant force in Iran’s security, politics, and economy. Khamenei oversaw the expansion of Iran’s ballistic missile program, citing the need to strengthen resistance against the United States, Israel, and regional rivals. His tenure was also defined by persistent disputes with Western powers over Iran’s nuclear program. While denying any pursuit of nuclear weapons, he maintained Iran’s right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes.

Khamenei’s regional strategy deepened Iran’s influence through alliances with friendly governments and armed groups, heightening tensions with Gulf Arab states, Israel, and the United States. His death has sparked both national mourning and renewed debate over Iran’s future leadership and political direction.

BNP National Executive Committee member Abu Naser Muhammad Rahmatullah said that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is working tirelessly to make women economically self-reliant and turn them into skilled human resources. He made the remarks on Saturday afternoon at a sewing machine distribution event organized by the Udyomi Nari Foundation in front of Government Syed Hatem Ali College in Barishal city. The event aimed to train women entrepreneurs and promote self-employment.

Rahmatullah stated that sustainable national development requires women’s participation in economic activities. He emphasized that women are now contributing as entrepreneurs and job creators, becoming a driving force in the country’s economic progress. To strengthen this trend, he called for expanding skill development and self-employment opportunities. He added that various practical programs, including the Family Card initiative, are being implemented to support women’s empowerment.

Praising the foundation’s initiative, Rahmatullah said that distributing sewing machines will help women become more self-reliant and improve their families’ financial stability. The event was attended by local dignitaries, social and political figures, and women entrepreneurs.

The Sammilito Khatme Nabuwwat Parishad has announced a conference to be held on July 14 at Gopalpur Union School Field in Rangpur’s Badarganj upazila. The decision came after the organization condemned police obstruction during a faith-based discussion on Khatme Nabuwwat held at a local mosque following Friday prayers. The announcement was made at an emergency consultation meeting chaired by convenor Allama Abdul Hamid Pir Saheb Madhupuri at the group’s temporary office in Jurain.

According to the organization, some Muslims in Gopalpur Union have faced harassment and persecution by members of the Qadiani community, including alleged land grabbing and attempts at religious conversion. The group also claimed that the presence of the Qadiani National Amir in the area has worsened tensions. Leaders accused the police of hurting religious sentiments by preventing the mosque event and demanded a neutral investigation and legal action against those responsible.

The Parishad stated that the upcoming July 14 conference aims to raise awareness among local Muslims and warned that any obstruction or delay in granting permission would be the responsibility of the administration.

Maulana Jamil Siddiqi, president of the Bangladesh Qawmi Student Forum, has called for official state recognition of Qawmi madrasa students’ role in the July 2024 mass uprising. He made the demand on Saturday at the ‘July National Conference 2026’ held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, attended by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Siddiqi said Qawmi students were directly involved in the mid-July uprising and provided shelter in mosques and madrasas to many protesters during the unrest. He added that their organization arranged food and medical care for the injured, noting that at least 79 madrasa students were listed as martyrs in a record published by the ‘Young Scholars Generation’ in September 2024. He urged the prime minister to ensure equal recognition for Qawmi students’ contributions in building an inclusive Bangladesh.

Several cabinet members, including the ministers for home, liberation war affairs, law, and housing, also spoke at the event, which highlighted calls for broader acknowledgment of Qawmi students’ participation in national movements.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has sent a congratulatory letter to US President Donald Trump on the occasion of the United States’ 250th Independence Day. The letter, dispatched from the Prime Minister’s Office on Saturday, conveyed warm greetings on behalf of the government and people of Bangladesh, expressing admiration for the milestone celebration.

In his message, Rahman emphasized the enduring friendship between Bangladesh and the United States since Bangladesh’s independence. He noted that bilateral relations have evolved into a strong and multifaceted partnership encompassing trade, investment, education, defense, and people-to-people ties. The prime minister highlighted recent progress in trade, energy cooperation, and investment, and expressed gratitude for continued US support in addressing the Rohingya crisis.

Rahman reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the United States in areas of mutual interest and extended best wishes for President Trump’s health and success, as well as peace and prosperity for the American people.

A major attack occurred in Dhaka’s Gulistan area on Saturday afternoon during preparations for a protest rally organized by the local unit of Jamaat-e-Islami against extortion and illegal occupation. Jamaat blamed the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for the assault, reporting that 15 to 20 of its members were injured. Three of the injured, who suffered stab wounds, are in critical condition and were taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Islami Bank Central Hospital.

According to Abdus Sattar Suman, publicity secretary of Dhaka South Jamaat, BNP activists and local extortion groups launched a sudden attack when traders and Jamaat supporters gathered for the rally. He alleged that several BNP and Awami League figures participated in the violence, naming specific individuals. Police officer Saikat Hossain from Bangshal Police Station confirmed that law enforcement had been deployed to the scene but said no arrests were made.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions among political groups in the capital, with law enforcement maintaining presence in the area following the violence.

Former state minister for home affairs and son of Bangladesh’s first prime minister, Tanjim Ahmad Sohel Taj, has said that an individual’s ego and arrogance can destroy both a country and a political party. He made the comment in a post on his verified Facebook account on Saturday, referring to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her family.

In his post, Sohel Taj cited Sheikh Hasina’s recent statement, “I will return this year,” and argued that her arrogance has harmed the nation and the Awami League. He alleged that genocide, enforced disappearances, killings, corruption, the destruction of democracy, and the misuse of the spirit of the Liberation War have led to the party’s downfall.

He further claimed that even after leaving the country, Sheikh Hasina’s talk of returning has placed innocent party leaders and activists in greater danger.

The chief executive officer of the Bogura Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Md. Masud Rana, has been relieved of his duties following allegations of bias and involvement in irregularities related to the chamber’s election management. The decision was announced in a letter signed by the Election Conduct Committee Chairperson and Additional District Election Officer, Mosha. Asiya Khatun.

Earlier, rival candidates accused the election committee of favoring a particular panel by violating electoral codes. Selim Reza, the presidential candidate from the Selim-Ershad panel, held an emergency press conference demanding the dissolution of the current election committee and the formation of a new one. He alleged that the committee ignored complaints about rule violations, including unauthorized advertisements, voter gatherings, and irregularities in distributing voter ID cards.

Following these allegations, the election committee chairperson issued a show-cause notice to Masud Rana and removed him from his election-related responsibilities.

Thousands of Iranians gathered in Tehran’s Mosalla area to mourn the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, expressing grief and chanting slogans calling for the destruction of America and revenge, according to a BBC report. Iran’s state television said the six-day state funeral ceremonies began on Saturday. Before Khamenei’s coffin arrived, large crowds had already assembled, many carrying red flags and placards symbolizing calls for vengeance.

The ceremony drew religious figures, government officials, and foreign dignitaries who paid their respects. Among them were Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Russia’s former President Dmitry Medvedev, and Afghanistan’s Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. Representatives from Iraq, Armenia, Turkey, and Gulf nations including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman also attended.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Washington had given Tehran one week to bury the former leader, describing the gesture as an act of goodwill. Khamenei, who ruled Iran for nearly 37 years, was killed on February 28 during the early stages of U.S. and Israeli attacks, with his burial taking place more than four months later.