Iran is set to begin a six-day funeral ceremony for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran on Saturday, more than four months after his assassination. Officials have described it as the “greatest funeral of the century,” expecting between 12 and 20 million attendees. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Tehran-based Mohammad Rasulullah unit is overseeing the event, which includes extensive preparations such as thousands of service centers and accommodations for over a million visitors. Around 800 foreign journalists will cover the ceremony, and dignitaries from numerous countries, including Bangladesh’s parliament speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, are attending.

The program will start at Imam Khomeini Mosalla in Tehran, move to Qom and later to Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala before Khamenei’s burial in his birthplace, Mashhad, at the Imam Reza shrine. Forty days of national mourning and memorial events are planned afterward. Analysts view the funeral as a demonstration of national unity and a symbolic step toward consolidating post-Khamenei leadership, particularly around his son Mojtaba. However, uncertainty remains over whether Khamenei’s sons will appear publicly and who will lead the funeral prayer.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that the massive public participation expected at the funeral and burial of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will serve as a powerful message against terrorism, violence, and politics of intimidation. In a national address on Thursday, he said the gathering would demonstrate that the Iranian people are not afraid of pressure or threats and remain united in defending the country’s independence and dignity.

Pezeshkian emphasized that no event could break the nation’s spirit and that Iranians would continue building a prosperous, independent, and proud country. He described Khamenei’s death as a moment of deep sorrow not only for Iran but also for the Muslim world and freedom-seeking people globally. According to him, the Islamic Republic’s system stands firmly on the people’s faith, ideals, and determination.

He called on all Iranians, regardless of political or religious differences, to attend the funeral to showcase national unity and reaffirm commitment to Khamenei’s ideals of resistance, independence, and religious democracy.

A field report from multiple northern border districts of Bangladesh reveals that Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) faces severe logistical and infrastructural shortages compared to India’s technologically advanced Border Security Force (BSF). Between June 20 and 24, observations in Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Joypurhat, Naogaon, Thakurgaon, and Panchagarh showed BGB personnel relying on broken bicycles and muddy tracks, while BSF operates from multiple camps equipped with laser walls, thermal cameras, and wide patrol roads. BGB’s Rangpur regional office acknowledged these limitations and said improved roads and transport would ease border patrols.

Local residents and former officials described poor road conditions, river barriers, and distant camps as major obstacles to BGB’s mobility. Many border guards reportedly depend on villagers for assistance due to manpower shortages. In contrast, BSF has built dense networks of camps, smart surveillance systems, and floodlit patrol zones, covering nearly 79 percent of the frontier with barbed wire fencing.

The imbalance in manpower, infrastructure, and technology has made border protection increasingly difficult for BGB, forcing it to rely on community cooperation and tactical vigilance to counter BSF’s aggressive and high-tech presence.

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has arrived in Iran to attend the funeral of the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an attack by the United States and Israel. Upon arrival, Naqvi described Iran as his “second home.” According to Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei, representatives from more than 100 countries are expected to attend the funeral ceremonies that began on Saturday. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also scheduled to participate in the event.

Pakistan is home to millions of Shia Muslims, making up about 20 percent of its total population. Many of them regard Khamenei as their spiritual leader. Following his killing, protests erupted across Pakistan, resulting in at least 23 deaths.

The large international attendance at the funeral underscores Khamenei’s influence across the Muslim world and the deep regional tensions following his death.

Despite being officially banned, members of the Chhatra League remain covertly active across Dhaka University and nearby areas. Investigations reveal that they operate in two segments—one inside the campus handling coordination and intelligence, and another outside executing activities such as flash processions and poster campaigns. Several incidents between May and June 2026 show their continued presence, including rallies, silent protests, and symbolic tributes under the organization’s banner.

Reports indicate that many members conceal their political identity, joining other student or cultural groups to maintain influence. Some have attempted to form a new platform called “Next Gen Bangladesh,” led by Abid Abdullah, to continue operations under a social banner. Funding for their activities reportedly comes from expatriate supporters and political allies. The group also maintains an online presence through fake accounts and coordinated messaging.

Dhaka University authorities, including the vice-chancellor and proctor, have acknowledged the group’s covert activities and pledged action. Political analysts describe the situation as a transitional phase for the banned organization, which may attempt to reemerge publicly if conditions become favorable.

Iran’s army chief Major General Amir Hatami has called on citizens to attend the farewell ceremony for the late revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an attack attributed to the United States and Israel. In a statement issued Thursday, Hatami said the assassination was a tragedy not only for Iran but also for Muslims and freedom-seeking people worldwide. He emphasized that the Iranian people would never bow to enemies.

Hatami stated that the attackers had hoped to break the nation’s spirit, but instead, Iranians had become more united and determined. He described Khamenei as a symbol of courage and resistance who never abandoned the path of defiance until his final moments. The army chief urged citizens to reaffirm their commitment to the late leader’s ideals by joining the funeral and farewell events.

He added that a strong public turnout would send a clear message to adversaries that under new leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran would continue on the same path of resistance.

Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s coffin has been draped with a red flag from the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, a symbol associated with the Battle of Karbala. The flag was brought from the holy shrine, and Khamenei is scheduled to be buried there on July 9. The country is currently observing mourning and farewell ceremonies following his death in a U.S.-Israeli airstrike in February at the onset of the war.

Nader Hashemi, associate professor of Middle East and Islamic politics at Georgetown University, told Al Jazeera that the red flag represents the sacrifice of Imam Hussein ibn Ali, the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, who was martyred in the 7th-century Battle of Karbala. He explained that Iran’s leadership is drawing a symbolic parallel between Khamenei’s death and Imam Hussein’s martyrdom, portraying it as a moral and spiritual continuation of that historic struggle.

The symbolic gesture underscores Iran’s effort to frame Khamenei’s death within a broader narrative of resistance and religious sacrifice, reinforcing national unity during the mourning period.

A local leader of the Jubo Dal in Jhenaidah has been temporarily expelled after an audio recording of him allegedly demanding extortion money went viral on social media. The decision was made on July 2 by the Jhenaidah district unit of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal following an emergency meeting. The expelled leader, Atiar Rahman, was a member of the convening committee of the Jhenaidah Sadar Upazila Jubo Dal.

According to the report, the audio clip featured Atiar Rahman demanding five lakh taka from a member of the minority community and threatening severe consequences if the demand was not met. The recording sparked widespread anger and fear among local residents and caused significant controversy in the political arena, damaging the party’s image.

A press release signed by district office secretary Mashiur Rahman confirmed that Atiar Rahman was found guilty of violating party discipline and engaging in criminal activity. Acting on the instructions of the district president and general secretary, he was expelled from all party positions with immediate effect.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh is under pressure as thousands of citizens from across the country travel daily to its Dhaka headquarters to correct birth dates on their National Identity Cards (NID). The EC had earlier centralized all ‘Category D’ correction applications, removing the authority of field-level officials to prevent irregularities. However, this move has led to severe public suffering, long queues, and the rise of middlemen exploiting applicants.

According to EC officials, around 1,000 ‘Category D’ applications are submitted daily, with a backlog of about 80,000 cases. The EC plans to introduce an appointment-based software system to manage hearings from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and reduce overcrowding. Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed stated that field officers will not regain authority over birth date corrections due to widespread document inconsistencies and fraudulent attempts.

An internal policy dispute persists within the EC over whether to restore some authority to regional offices. A workshop is being planned to review the policy and finalize decisions aimed at easing public hardship and improving service efficiency.

Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) has reported a surge in border violence and human rights violations across Bangladesh during June 2026. According to its monthly observation report released on Thursday, five people were killed in separate incidents along the India and Myanmar borders, including two from Indian Border Security Force (BSF) shootings and three from landmine explosions near Myanmar. The report also noted attempts to push in over 400 people, along with multiple detentions and attacks, raising concerns about the overall human rights situation.

The HRSS report detailed that 352 women and girls were victims of abuse, while 58 political violence incidents left nine dead and 346 injured. It recorded 63 cases of killings linked to robbery, disputes, and dominance conflicts. Freedom of expression faced growing restrictions, with 47 journalists reportedly harassed or assaulted in 39 incidents. Minority communities suffered 12 attacks, injuring seven people and damaging temples, idols, and homes.

HRSS Executive Director Ijazul Islam described the situation as sensitive and worsening amid political tensions and security concerns, urging the government and civil society to take more accountable and active measures to protect human rights.

The High Court Division of Bangladesh made significant progress in its special initiative to clear long-pending cases. On Thursday, a total of 2,411 old cases were disposed of in a single day, including 1,655 criminal miscellaneous cases and 756 writ cases. This marks another milestone in the ongoing effort to reduce case backlogs.

Since the start of the special program, a total of 26,560 old cases have been resolved over six working days. Of these, 19,836 were criminal miscellaneous cases and 6,724 were writ cases. The initiative is being carried out under the directive of the Chief Justice, focusing on both the Criminal Motion and Writ Motion Benches of the High Court Division.

The program, launched on May 7, aims to ensure faster justice for litigants, reduce case congestion, and enhance the efficiency of the judicial system. Judges of the relevant benches dedicate one day each week to prioritize hearings and disposals of old cases.

The government has decided to rehabilitate 150 officers from the army, navy, and air force who were allegedly deprived, discriminated against, or faced political retaliation during the previous Awami League administration. A notification issued by the Ministry of Defence on Wednesday confirmed the decision, signed by Secretary Md. Ashraf Uddin, and made effective immediately. The order includes 115 army, 21 navy, and 14 air force officers, granting them reinstatement, retrospective promotions, and pending financial benefits.

The directive, issued in the public interest, will be implemented by the Armed Forces Division and replaces a previous order from February 5 of the same year. The decision follows a detailed review by a high-level committee formed on May 3, led by retired Lieutenant General Abdul Hafiz, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Defence and National Solidarity. The committee examined applications from officers who served between 2009 and August 4, 2024, and recommended restoring their dignity and entitlements.

Earlier, the interim government had similarly granted retrospective promotions to 141 other officers who had faced comparable circumstances.

A series of left-wing victories in recent US Democratic primaries has alarmed Israeli media and pro-Israel circles, who now see support for Israel as no longer a guarantee of political success. In Colorado, Democratic Socialist candidate Melat Kiros defeated long-time pro-Israel representative Diana DeGette, marking another win for candidates critical of Israel’s influence and its actions in Gaza.

Before Kiros’s victory, similar outcomes were seen in New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., where Democratic Socialist candidates backed by progressive figures also prevailed. The Democratic Socialists, a left-leaning faction often competing within the Democratic Party, are emerging as a growing force in US politics.

Israeli outlets have linked these results to shifting attitudes among Democratic voters following Israel’s military operations in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Iran. An editorial in The Jerusalem Post warned that the Democratic Party is steadily distancing itself from Israel, noting that the once small anti-Israel “Squad” in Congress may soon represent a broader trend.

The government has promoted 34 personal and administrative officers from various ministries and departments to the non-cadre post of assistant secretary. The Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification on Thursday night confirming the promotions. According to the announcement, the promoted officials have been designated as officers on special duty (OSD) in line with customary practice.

The notification states that the officers will receive salaries and allowances under the National Pay Scale 2015, at grade nine. Their postings will be determined later following standard procedures. Non-cadre officers can be promoted up to the rank of deputy secretary within the non-cadre structure.

This promotion round reflects the government’s ongoing administrative process to recognize and advance non-cadre officials within the civil service framework.

Bangladesh has reiterated its firm commitment to supporting the rights of the Palestinian people and the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state. The reaffirmation came on Thursday during a courtesy meeting between Palestinian Ambassador Yusuf S. Y. Ramadan and Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir at the Prime Minister’s Office.

According to an official press release, both sides held a sincere and productive discussion on the historic and brotherly relations between Bangladesh and Palestine, as well as on bilateral cooperation and issues of mutual interest. Humayun Kabir reaffirmed Bangladesh’s continued support for the Palestinian cause and restated the country’s position in favor of establishing just and lasting peace in the international arena.

Ambassador Yusuf S. Y. Ramadan expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the government and people of Bangladesh for their longstanding and unwavering support for Palestine.