A human chain and protest rally were held on Friday in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka, demanding the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of the accused in the murder case of Milon Hawlader from Banimardan village in Nazirpur Union, Muladi upazila of Barishal. Speakers said Milon had returned home on May 30 for Eid-ul-Azha with his wife and two-year-old child when a dispute broke out with neighbors over harassment of children. The accused allegedly attacked him with local weapons, leaving him critically injured. Milon was first admitted to a local hospital and later transferred to a hospital in Dhaka, where he died on June 25 after 26 days in intensive care. According to the speakers, his family spent over 3.5 million taka on treatment and is now destitute. They alleged that none of the accused have been arrested and that the suspects are openly threatening the victim’s family to withdraw the case. Protesters demanded immediate arrests, trial in a speedy tribunal, and maximum punishment for those found guilty, warning of tougher movements if their demands are ignored.

After more than 100 hours of rescue operations, Venezuelan man Hernan Alberto Gil Flores was pulled alive from the rubble following two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24. The quakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, caused widespread destruction and killed more than 2,500 people. Gil had been trapped for eight days beneath 140 tons of concrete debris from a collapsed multistory shopping mall where he worked as a security guard. Rescue team member Minyar Collado from Costa Rica said Gil repeatedly asked rescuers not to inform his wife that he was alive, explaining that he was uncertain how long he would survive. Despite his request, news of his survival reached his wife, Gusbiman Gonzalez. Gil described his ordeal, saying he had feared rescuers would never find him and credited divine mercy for his survival. Authorities continue searching for survivors under the debris as the country grapples with the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes.

On July 3, 2024, Bangladesh witnessed widespread student protests and strikes following a court verdict reinstating a 56 percent quota in government jobs. Students across the country blocked roads, highways, and railways, demanding the abolition of the quota system. The movement spread to nearly all public universities, including Dhaka University, where halls were locked and thousands of students marched under the banner of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. In Barishal University, protesters were attacked by members of the banned student organization Chhatra League. Students presented four key demands, including reinstating the 2018 circular as law, abolishing quotas across all job grades, and ensuring unfilled quota posts are filled from merit lists. Movement coordinators announced further programs, including sit-ins, online campaigns, and a nationwide student strike through July 7. Chhatra League activists reportedly attempted to intimidate protesters in multiple university halls, locking gates and preventing participation. The protests disrupted major highways and urban traffic, with heavy police deployment in Dhaka. Student leaders emphasized that their movement was not against the court but sought a prompt resolution from the public administration ministry.

Iran has issued a strong warning to the United States and Israel ahead of the state funeral of its late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The commander of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbia headquarters, Ali Abdullah, said any attack during the funeral would trigger ‘severe retaliation’. He stated that Iran’s armed forces are fully prepared to respond to any aggression, urging enemies, particularly the US and Israel, to avoid missteps. Khamenei was killed on February 28 when the US Department of Defense launched ‘Operation Epic Fury’ against Iran. After more than four months of preservation, his funeral began in Tehran on Sunday morning, with leaders from several countries, including India, invited to attend. The burial is scheduled for July 9 in his hometown of Mashhad, with ceremonies in five cities expected to draw over 15 million people. Tehran has not ruled out possible attacks during the massive gatherings. Diplomatic observers believe Iran is using the funeral to reinforce its anti-US stance internationally, coinciding with America’s 250th Independence Day celebrations led by President Donald Trump.

Iran’s armed forces chief Amir Hatami has pledged to avenge the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a US-Israeli assault. Hatami made the vow during Khamenei’s funeral ceremony in Tehran, according to Al Jazeera. Speaking to reporters at the event, he declared that Iran would take revenge for the blood of the slain leader and warned the United States and Israel of the nation’s determination. The report notes that Khamenei and several other Iranian leaders were killed on February 28 in an airstrike that marked the beginning of a US-Israeli offensive in Iran. The funeral in Tehran drew significant attention, with regional and international figures paying respects, including Pakistan’s Prime Minister Sharif. The developments come amid heightened tensions in the region, with Iran expressing anger and signaling possible calls for severe retaliation against those it holds responsible.

Motorcycle toll collection at the Hatuvanga Bridge over the Bangshai River in Mirzapur upazila of Tangail has been suspended following the intervention of local Member of Parliament Abul Kalam Azad Siddiqui. The decision was confirmed on Friday morning by Mirzapur Upazila Nirbahi Officer Khan Salman Habib. The toll collection had begun on July 1 under a government-approved rate of five taka per motorcycle, sparking widespread dissatisfaction among residents and regular bridge users. The leaseholder, Masudur Rahman of Masud Enterprise, decided to withdraw the toll after discussions with the MP and local administration. He stated that although the move would cause financial losses—estimated at about 5,000 taka daily and 5.4 million taka over three years—the decision was made in the public interest. The Roads and Highways Department’s executive engineer, Dr. Cynthia Azmeri Khan, said a recommendation has been sent to higher authorities to prevent future toll leases on the bridge. MP Siddiqui added that a legal amendment would be required to permanently abolish the toll and that he plans to raise the issue in the next parliamentary session.

Mohammad Selim Uddin, chairman of the Urban Development Forum and Jamaat mayoral candidate for Dhaka North City, met with members of Hatirjheel Probati Sangha on Friday after Fajr prayers. The meeting took place at the public yard of the Hatirjheel Metropolitan Project, following the group’s morning walk and exercise session. In his speech, Selim Uddin highlighted his plans and initiatives for urban development and civic services. He praised the group’s regular physical exercise activities as a significant contribution to building a healthy and morally strong society. He also pledged that his team would remain active in supporting all social and humanitarian needs of the area and announced plans to organize a large-scale medical camp for underprivileged residents soon. Members and leaders of Hatirjheel Probati Sangha expressed support for Selim Uddin’s initiatives and commitment to civic improvement. The meeting was chaired by the organization’s president, Harunur Rashid Dulal, and attended by local council candidates and community representatives.

Bangladesh Khelafat Student Majlis, Dhaka Metropolitan unit, organized a rally and ‘July March’ at Shahbagh on Friday demanding justice for alleged enforced disappearances, killings, and massacres, and calling for the full implementation of the July Charter. After the student gathering, participants marched to the Central Shaheed Minar. The event was presided over by Adnan Rafi, president of the Dhaka Metropolitan West unit, with central president Muhammad Abdul Aziz as the chief guest. Abdul Aziz stated that implementing the July Charter is now a pressing demand and called for impartial investigations into incidents such as the Pilkhana killings, the Shapla Chattar operation, and the July uprising. He urged state recognition for those killed at Shapla Chattar, publication of a complete list of victims, and rehabilitation of affected families. Aziz emphasized that the July uprising aimed not only at regime change but also at ending inequality, authoritarianism, and fascism. Speakers including former central president Principal Rakibul Islam and others echoed calls for justice, reforms, and a fair environment in educational institutions, urging unity to uphold the spirit of the July movement.

Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir arrived in Tehran on Friday to attend the funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Al Jazeera. Upon arrival, he was received by Iran’s Defense Minister Seyed Majid Ibn Reza, the Interior Minister, and senior civilian and military officials. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also departed from Islamabad for a one-day visit to Iran to participate in the funeral rites. The formal funeral proceedings for Khamenei are scheduled to begin in Tehran on July 4, followed by mourning ceremonies in Qom and Iraq. The burial is planned for July 9 in Mashhad, his birthplace. The events mark a significant moment in Iran’s political and religious landscape, drawing participation from regional leaders. The attendance of Pakistan’s top civil and military leadership underscores the close diplomatic and religious ties between the two neighboring countries, as both nations observe the passing of Iran’s long-serving leader.

Five members of parliament have jointly taken an initiative to build a sustainable embankment along the left bank of the Jamuna River, stretching from Bhuyapur in Tangail to Manikganj. The announcement came from Amirul Islam Khan Alim, MP for Sirajganj-5 (Belkuchi-Chauhali), during his visit to the erosion-affected Char Salimabad area of Bagutia Union in Chauhali on Friday, July 3, 2026. Before the announcement, the MP distributed free saplings under the government’s annual tree plantation program and provided relief to families affected by river erosion, including corrugated iron sheets, cash, and rice. He also inaugurated a geo-bag dumping operation aimed at temporarily controlling the ongoing erosion. Alim stated that the geo-bag dumping is an emergency measure to curb the immediate damage, while the proposed embankment project seeks permanent protection for the region. He expressed optimism that once approved, the project would free local residents from the recurring threat of river erosion.

Three Israeli soldiers were injured, one critically, during a military operation in Bint Jbeil, southern Lebanon, according to reports published on Friday by Lebanon-based outlet Al Mayadeen. The Israeli army stated that the incident occurred when a unit from the 679th Brigade entered a building and came under fire from an armed fighter. Following the clash, Israeli warplanes carried out an airstrike on the building and conducted a search operation, but the fighter’s location remained unconfirmed. Despite a ceasefire framework brokered by the United States and regional understandings, Israeli forces have continued operations in parts of southern Lebanon. Earlier in the week, two Israeli reserve soldiers were injured, one seriously, in an explosive attack targeting a field command post in Aita al-Shaab. A day before that, a Hezbollah fighter’s assault in Deir Siryan killed an Israeli captain and wounded another soldier. According to Israel’s Channel 12, between April 17 and June 20, 2026, Israeli forces carried out 637 military operations in Lebanon, including 440 inside the so-called “Yellow Line” and 187 in occupied Palestinian territories.

Representatives of Bangladesh’s 11-party alliance offered prayers for the soul of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei in front of his coffin in Tehran. The delegation arrived in the Iranian capital on Friday to attend the funeral and state mourning ceremonies. The group was led by Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Professor Mujibur Rahman MP and included several parliament members and political leaders. Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed (Bir Bikrom) and other alliance leaders reached Tehran early Friday morning to join the funeral events. According to NCP leader Nasiruddin Patwari, leaders from various countries gathered at Tehran’s Grand Musalla to pay their respects as Khamenei’s body was brought there. Ten members of the Bangladeshi delegation, including the Speaker, were present at the ceremony. Ayatollah Khamenei’s funeral is scheduled for Saturday, followed by burial on July 9 in his birthplace, Mashhad. The Bangladeshi delegation is expected to return home after attending the funeral.

Israel has claimed responsibility for killing a Hamas commander named Muhammad Naim Zandia in an airstrike in Gaza. According to the Israeli military, Zandia served as the head of military security for Hamas’s Shuja'iyya Battalion. The army announced on Telegram that the operation took place on Wednesday. The Israeli military further alleged that Zandia had been involved in the October 7, 2023 attack, during which he reportedly kidnapped three Israelis and held them in an underground tunnel. The army stated that Israeli forces later mistakenly shot and killed those captives, believing them to be Palestinians. Hamas has not issued any comment regarding Zandia’s reported killing. The report was sourced from Al Jazeera, and no independent confirmation or further details were provided in the source text.

Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez announced on Thursday that the death toll from two powerful earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela on June 24 has risen to 2,295, with 12,400 people injured. She said the figures were verified through a rigorous process, noting that five individuals initially listed as dead were later found alive through fingerprint-based identification used in the country’s subsidized fuel system. Rodríguez stated that the government is in talks with the U.S. State Department and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to secure funds for rebuilding damaged infrastructure. Discussions are also underway with the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), both of which have offered grants and loan assistance. According to official data, at least 855 buildings were damaged, and the government has allocated an initial 200 million U.S. dollars for reconstruction. A special fund has been opened with the Latin American and Caribbean Development Bank (CAF) to receive international donations. An Israeli expert team has arrived to assist in assessing structural damage, while the UNDP estimated total losses at around 6.7 billion dollars. The UNHCR reported that about 16,000 people have been displaced by the disaster.

U.S. President Donald Trump described the current relationship between the United States and NATO as 'one-sided' and 'ridiculous' in a post on his social media platform Truth Social. His remarks came less than a week before the NATO summit scheduled to take place in Ankara, Turkey. Trump wrote that 'they were not on our side' and claimed that Washington’s relationship with NATO was not reciprocal. The comments follow Trump’s previous criticisms of European allies regarding their roles in the Iran war situation. His latest statement underscores continuing tensions between Washington and its NATO partners over burden-sharing and mutual support within the alliance. The timing of Trump’s remarks, just days before the Ankara summit, may influence discussions among member states about alliance commitments and U.S. expectations of its European partners.