Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates told a closed-door hearing of the US House Oversight Committee that financier Jeffrey Epstein may have tried to use information about his private life to pressure him. Gates admitted to having romantic relationships with three women, including Russian bridge player Mila Antonova, nuclear scientist Karima Nigmatulina, and medical entrepreneur Alice Jacobs Nesselrodt. He said Epstein knew about two of these relationships and may have sought to exploit that knowledge.

Gates stated that Epstein never directly blackmailed or threatened him but believed Epstein considered doing so, citing a 2013 draft email referencing Gates’s personal life and former aide Boris Nikolic. Gates described the message as an attempt to mix truth and falsehood for leverage. He denied any involvement in Epstein’s crimes and called his past meetings with Epstein a mistake, saying they were focused on philanthropy and donor outreach.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced an independent review of its past contacts with Epstein after new documents revealed communications between some staff and Epstein.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has declared that Iran is now recognized worldwide as a strong and dignified nation. Speaking at a meeting on Wednesday, he said Iran’s armed forces delivered a response to recent US-Israeli attacks that neither country could have imagined. Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran’s strength and self-respect have earned it global recognition.

Criticizing what he described as aggressive plans by Iran’s enemies, Pezeshkian said they believed they could end the Islamic Republic within three days and install a puppet government. He praised Iran’s armed forces for mounting what he called an epic resistance that defied those expectations.

The report also noted that at the start of the conflict, US President Donald Trump had demanded Iran’s full surrender. However, relations between the two countries have since begun to thaw, with both sides now engaged in diplomatic discussions.

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with European nations for not participating in the joint U.S.-Israel military operation against Iran during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House on Thursday. Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump said he was disappointed that NATO member states did not join the war effort and claimed that the United States and Israel had already achieved complete success in the first week of the campaign.

Trump added that while American forces did not need assistance, he would have appreciated a show of support from European allies. His remarks reflected his longstanding criticism that NATO’s European members contribute less to defense responsibilities and rely too heavily on Washington during crises. According to Al Jazeera, Trump also emphasized the success of the Iran operation while calling for more visible political and military backing from NATO partners.

Rutte did not issue any immediate public response. Analysts noted that Trump’s comments have again highlighted existing differences between the United States and its European allies over Middle East policy and military cooperation.

The White House has formally asked the U.S. Congress to approve $87.6 billion in emergency funding, primarily to address needs related to the ongoing war with Iran. The request, sent by the Office of Management and Budget to House Speaker Mike Johnson, allocates $67 billion to the Department of Defense, including funds for ammunition, operations, and classified programs. Additional allocations include $11 billion for U.S. farmers and $1.4 billion to combat the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa.

The funding appeal comes just one day after Congress passed a resolution condemning President Donald Trump’s military actions. Lawmakers expect the proposal to face significant resistance, as the Iran conflict remains unpopular among voters ahead of the November midterm elections. The White House letter cited “Operation Epic Fury” as the main driver of the emergency request, also including $300 million to strengthen security at U.S. diplomatic facilities in the Middle East and South Asia.

Despite a current ceasefire between Washington and Tehran, the Pentagon reportedly needs to rebuild its stockpiles after recent strikes. The request follows rising tensions between Trump and Republican senators who supported limiting his war powers.

U.S. President Donald Trump formally inaugurated a 16-day national celebration marking the country’s 250th Independence anniversary at the National Mall in Washington on Wednesday. His opening speech sparked political controversy, with critics alleging that Trump used the national platform as an election-style campaign event. In his remarks, Trump claimed the United States was entering a new era of strength and confidence, citing economic progress and military achievements, including actions against Iran and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

The celebration, titled the “Great American State Fair,” will run until July 10, featuring cultural exhibitions, regional foods, military bands, air shows, and a 110-foot Ferris wheel. Organizers said all 50 states and six territories are showcasing their heritage and traditions. However, several artists withdrew, saying the event had become overly political. Trump later described himself as the main attraction and boasted of drawing larger crowds than Elvis Presley.

The event comes ahead of the upcoming midterm elections, as Trump faces criticism over alleged personal influence in federal renovation projects. He concluded his speech by calling the upcoming Independence Day the “greatest celebration ever” and promised a new “golden age” for the nation.

Three judges of the International Criminal Court have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in a federal court in Manhattan, alleging that sanctions imposed on them last year targeted their financial and personal interests. The judges—Kimberly Prost of Canada, Solomy Balungi Bossa of Uganda, and Reine Adélaïde Sophie Alapini-Gansou of Benin—accuse the former U.S. president of exerting extrajudicial pressure.

According to the complaint, the sanctions were a response to prior judicial decisions, including the issuance of an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the decision to open a war crimes investigation involving U.S. forces in Afghanistan. The judges claim these measures were intended as punishment for their judicial actions.

The report notes that U.S. sanctions can severely restrict a person’s ability to conduct daily activities, including banking with U.S.-linked institutions and using online services such as Amazon and Google. Such restrictions can make it difficult for affected individuals to receive payments from employers or travel internationally.

A press conference has been scheduled to discuss Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to Beijing, China. According to an announcement from the Prime Minister’s Press Wing, the event will take place on Thursday at 1:00 p.m. local time in China, which corresponds to 11:00 a.m. in Bangladesh. The press conference will be held at the Fang Fei Hall of the Diaoyutai Hotel in central Beijing.

The information was shared with the media through an official message from the Prime Minister’s Press Wing. The announcement did not include further details about the agenda or topics to be addressed during the press conference.

The event is expected to provide updates on the Prime Minister’s engagements and discussions during his visit, though specific subjects or outcomes have not yet been disclosed.

Three Democratic candidates known for their strong criticism of Israel won by large margins in New York’s House primaries, marking what analysts describe as a significant shift in the party’s internal stance on Israel and growing support for Palestinians. The winners—Brad Lander, Claire Valdez, and Darializa Avila Chevalier—made criticism of Israeli government policies a central campaign theme, with backing from New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights.

Analysts note that support for Israel among younger Democratic voters has declined sharply, especially after Israel’s military actions in Gaza following October 7, 2023. Recent surveys show 60 percent of Democratic supporters sympathize more with Palestinians, compared to 15 percent with Israel. Senator Chris Van Hollen said more Democrats now oppose unconditional U.S. aid to Israel and expect this stance to influence the next Congress.

The results also highlight the weakening influence of pro-Israel lobbying group AIPAC, whose supported candidates lost several key races. Upcoming Democratic primaries in states like Michigan and Minnesota are expected to further test the party’s evolving position on the Israel-Palestine issue.

Bangladesh has described India’s explanation regarding an incident at Delhi airport involving Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman as unsatisfactory. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka said the event was unfortunate and regrettable. The spokesperson noted that Indian authorities had been duly informed through diplomatic channels that Dr. Rahman would lead Bangladesh’s delegation to a meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

Despite prior notification, Dr. Rahman was reportedly prevented from continuing his journey at Delhi airport earlier this month, when he was scheduled to head the delegation at the IORA meeting. The spokesperson reiterated Bangladesh’s disappointment over the treatment of its delegate.

Responding to a separate question about India’s comments on minorities in Bangladesh, the spokesperson said Bangladesh believes every state has an equal responsibility to ensure the rights and security of all its citizens, including minorities, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting those rights.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has expelled four members following an incident of assault on journalists during a protest in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi area. The decision was announced on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, through a press release signed by Abdus Sattar Suman, assistant publicity secretary of Dhaka Metropolitan Jamaat. The expulsions came a day after the incident, based on recommendations from a party investigation committee.

According to the statement, the attack occurred after a speech at an anti-fascism protest march organized by the Dhanmondi zone of Jamaat’s Dhaka South unit. The expelled members were identified as Shafiqul Islam, Khairul Alam Russel, Abul Kalam, and Mamun Hossain. Party leaders from Dhaka South Jamaat visited the home of injured journalist Mahfuzur Rahman Shishir and expressed regret over the incident. A four-member committee was immediately formed to investigate the matter.

The decision to expel the four members was made following the committee’s report, reflecting the party’s stated effort to address the incident promptly.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s women affairs secretary and reserved seat Member of Parliament Nurunnisa Siddika questioned why boys’ education is not made free if both boys and girls have equal rights. She raised the issue during her speech in the national parliament’s budget session on Wednesday, emphasizing that for three decades, women’s education has received special focus and women have advanced significantly in education.

Siddika argued that if equality is to be ensured, boys should also receive free education. Citing examples from South Asian countries, she noted that Bangladesh offers free education only up to the fifth grade, which she said lags behind other nations. She also pointed out that while government primary schools provide food and clothing, most students study in private schools, questioning why such students should face discrimination.

She further called for resolving disparities in the lives and workplaces of teachers in government and private institutions.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker Mohammad Najibur Rahman criticized recent calls in parliament to ban political activities in mosques and to outlaw his party. Speaking on Wednesday during the general discussion on the proposed 2026–27 national budget, he described such demands as fascist and said similar calls had been made in the past by leaders of another party whom the public later rejected.

Rahman argued that mosques are central to the community and referenced a past incident where a political figure was jailed and his party banned for writing a poem about faith and struggle, yet later rose to power. He also criticized the current parliamentary culture, saying lawmakers have little role in budget formulation and act merely as rubber stamps. He urged reforms to ensure members of parliament are involved in drafting and reviewing the budget through standing committees.

Rahman emphasized that true parliamentary democracy requires changing the existing culture and increasing lawmakers’ participation in the budget process.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has accused the government of attempting to erase the spirit of the 2024 anti-fascist movement. Speaking on Wednesday at the party’s central working committee meeting in Dhaka’s Moghbazar, he said the government’s actions following the referendum contradicted its own campaign promises and amounted to deception against the nation. He warned that such decisions would ultimately backfire on the ruling party.

Dr. Rahman alleged widespread corruption, extortion, and internal conflict within the ruling party, claiming that over a hundred of its activists had been killed in recent months. He also cited attacks on Jamaat members by BNP supporters and criticized the government for politicizing state institutions, marginalizing opposition lawmakers, and steering the country toward one-party rule. He further warned that misguided economic decisions, including those affecting Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC, could severely damage the national economy.

The meeting discussed deteriorating law and order, border issues, and preparations for the upcoming Majlis-e-Shura session. Dr. Rahman urged unity among citizens to build an equitable and humane Bangladesh inspired by the sacrifices of 2024’s martyrs.

Dhaka University authorities have imposed a ban on the entry of outsiders into the campus and decided to strictly regulate vehicle movement during the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026. The restrictions, effective from Wednesday, June 24, were announced through an emergency notice issued by the university’s Proctor’s Office. The decision aims to ensure overall student safety and maintain campus discipline during the tournament period.

According to the notice, key entry points including Shahbagh, Doel Chattar, Burn Unit, Shibbari Crossing, Fuller Road, Palashi Mor, and Nilkhet will be under strict control. Only vehicles with Dhaka University stickers and those providing emergency services will be allowed entry. Emergency services include ambulances, vehicles carrying doctors or patients, journalists’ cars, ride-sharing services, food delivery vehicles, online shopping delivery vehicles, and other government cars.

The university administration stated that the decision may be revised based on circumstances, stakeholder feedback, and on-ground realities. It also urged cooperation from students and all concerned to maintain campus order and security.

A Facebook post by Dr. Syed Abu Ahmad Shafi, Deputy Director of the Directorate General of Health Services, has triggered strong criticism from the Bangladesh Health Reporters Forum (BHRF). On June 24, 2026, he wrote that journalists should be assigned to clean bathrooms and toilets in 600 district and upazila hospitals for at least one fiscal year. He added that if they succeeded, the responsibility could be made permanent. The post was later deleted after drawing backlash.

When contacted by phone, Dr. Shafi said his comment was meant to spark discussion about hospital cleanliness and that the health department alone should not bear the blame. He claimed journalists often fail to present the full picture of hospital management issues. After the controversy, he removed the post, saying he did so because some journalist acquaintances were hurt by it.

In a statement, BHRF President Protique Ejaz and General Secretary Mujahid Shubho condemned the remark as irresponsible and derogatory, saying it undermined both journalists and the media’s role in exposing problems in the health sector.