The United Nations’ World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that the ongoing El Niño event is expected to strengthen rapidly between July and September 2026. The agency said the phenomenon, which has already begun, could reach the “strong” category—the third-highest level in its classification system. WMO urged countries to prepare for potential impacts, including increased risks of extreme weather events across many regions. El Niño is a natural climate pattern marked by rising sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, disrupting global wind, pressure, and rainfall patterns. The WMO’s Global Seasonal Climate Update indicated that sea surface temperature anomalies could exceed 2°C in key monitoring areas. The organization noted high confidence in forecasts showing continued warming, with effects expected to intensify through the Northern Hemisphere’s autumn. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said the strengthening El Niño could heighten risks of droughts, heavy rainfall, and heatwaves on land and at sea. The agency is expanding early warning support, particularly for climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture and health, to help reduce impacts on lives and economies.

At least 40 people were killed and eight others injured when a passenger bus fell into a ravine near the border of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces in Pakistan on Friday. The accident occurred shortly after the bus crossed from Sherani district’s Dana Sar area in Balochistan into Dera Ismail Khan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Rescue operations began immediately after the crash. According to a statement from Shahid Rind, media and political affairs adviser to the Balochistan Chief Minister, initial reports confirmed 40 deaths and eight injuries. Sherani Deputy Commissioner Wali Khan Kakar told Dawn that rescue teams and ambulances reached the site soon after the incident and transported the injured to hospitals. The bus had departed from Quetta for Peshawar carrying 36 passengers, but additional travelers boarded after another bus broke down along the route. Authorities continued rescue efforts at the scene, with local administration coordinating emergency response and medical support for the victims.

In Lohagara upazila of Chattogram, hundreds of makeshift shops have occupied footpaths and parts of the highway near the motor station, collecting daily extortion payments ranging from 200 to 1,000 taka per stall. The illegal occupation has led to severe traffic congestion and difficulties for pedestrians and passengers. Despite several eviction drives, the stalls reappear within hours, creating persistent disruption in the area. Local residents and commuters have expressed frustration over the lack of effective action. Shopkeepers revealed that they must pay money three times a day to different groups, including shop owners, leaseholders, and the town management committee. The issue has sparked criticism on social media, while disputes continue between rival political groups over control of the market committees. Authorities said multiple eviction operations have been conducted with the Roads and Highways Department, and a permanent clearance drive is being planned. Officials added that no written complaints about extortion have been filed yet, but investigations will follow if complaints are submitted.

Shafiqul Islam, headteacher of Kishamat Ronchondi Government Primary School in Kishoreganj upazila of Nilphamari, has been temporarily suspended for allegedly making objectionable comments about Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The suspension order, signed by Azizul Islam, Deputy Director of the Directorate of Primary Education in Rangpur Division, was issued on Thursday, July 3, 2026. According to the official order, a recent media report titled ‘Headteacher calls Prime Minister’s office hours a showpiece’ alleged that Shafiqul Islam arrived at school after official hours and made inappropriate remarks about the Prime Minister. The order stated that such behavior constitutes misconduct under Rule 3(b) of the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2018, and harms the image of public primary education. Officials from the Primary Education Department said a departmental investigation and subsequent legal administrative procedures will follow as per regulations. The incident has sparked widespread discussion in the district, with education professionals emphasizing the importance of discipline, professional conduct, and responsible speech among government employees.

A man identified as Debashish Chowdhury, 45, was detained at Jahangirnagar University for allegedly taking secret photos of two female students. The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. near the Bot Tola area of the campus. Chowdhury, a resident of Dhamrai’s Baishakanda area and former joint general secretary of the Dhamrai Upazila Jubo Dal, was released by the university administration after signing a written pledge. According to the university’s security office, Chowdhury admitted in a written confession that he had secretly photographed several female students after dining at Bot Tola. He apologized, acknowledged his wrongdoing, and promised not to repeat such actions without consent. Two cans of beer were also recovered from him and his companion, which were later destroyed in the presence of university officials. Assistant Proctor Professor Dr. Mohammad Abdur Razzak stated that Chowdhury was released after pledging not to enter the campus again with his vehicle and after offering an unconditional apology to the students.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that Israel has turned into a problem not only for Turkey but for the entire world. In an interview with CNN Turk, he said Israel’s current policies have made the country a burden that humanity can no longer bear. Fidan emphasized that Turkey will not change its stance on Israel and that global concern has grown because of Israel’s actions. He further noted that Turkey was among the first countries to halt trade with Israel in protest against the ongoing war in Gaza. According to Fidan, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan suspended trade worth 10 billion dollars with Israel overnight, describing the move as a demonstration of firm and practical action. The minister’s remarks underline Turkey’s continued criticism of Israel’s policies and its decision to maintain a strong diplomatic and economic stance amid the Gaza conflict.

The Dhaka Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board has directed all HSC examination centers under its jurisdiction to arrange shaded seating areas and chairs for guardians waiting outside exam venues. The order, issued on Thursday through a letter signed by Examination Controller Professor Jesmin Taslima Banu, also instructs the deployment of Rover Scouts, Girls Guides, or BNCC members to maintain discipline and manage crowds around the centers. The directive follows inspections that revealed many guardians remain outside centers for long periods without proper seating or shelter, often enduring rain, heat, or adverse weather. The board noted that the absence of organized supervision outside centers has led to congestion and disorder in some areas. Copies of the letter have been sent to all deputy commissioners, upazila executive officers, district education officers, and relevant departments under the Dhaka Board to ensure awareness and prompt implementation of the measures.

Bangladesh’s State Minister for Youth and Sports, Aminul Haque, has sought cooperation from Brazil and Argentina to advance the country’s football development. He also expressed the government’s interest in organizing a friendly football match between the two nations in Bangladesh. The minister made these remarks on Friday morning at the opening ceremony of the ‘ATJFB Football Championship’ held at Gulshan Youth Club in Dhaka. Aminul Haque stated that the government is emphasizing ‘sports diplomacy’ to enhance the nation’s sports sector, believing that with proper planning and support, Bangladesh could one day play football at the level of Brazil and Argentina. The ambassadors of Brazil and Argentina in Dhaka attended the event, welcomed the initiative, and expressed joy over their countries’ large fan bases in Bangladesh. The minister also requested their assistance in improving the skills and training of Bangladeshi footballers. Senior officials from Biman Bangladesh Airlines, US-Bangla Airlines, Dhaka Post, and ATJFB were also present at the ceremony, showing institutional support for the initiative.

Banks in Bangladesh are increasingly relying on loan rescheduling to reduce non-performing loans, but the strategy has not lowered defaults. According to the Bangladesh Bank’s Financial Stability Report 2025, total rescheduled loans stood at Tk 4.46 trillion, with the largest share in industrial term loans. About 39.87 percent of these rescheduled loans have again turned non-performing, highlighting persistent repayment challenges. The report shows that industrial term loans accounted for 29.56 percent of all rescheduled loans, followed by the ready-made garments and textile sector at 17.56 percent. Private banks held 74.16 percent of the total rescheduled loans, while state-owned banks accounted for 23.27 percent. Experts cited weak loan assessment, political influence, and reduced down payment requirements as key reasons behind repeated defaults. They also noted that energy shortages and high dollar prices have strained manufacturing borrowers. Economists and bankers emphasized that while rescheduling offers temporary relief, sustainable recovery depends on stronger loan monitoring, business revival, and export growth. They urged that rescheduling benefits be limited to genuinely distressed enterprises to prevent misuse.

Former BNP joint secretary general and chairperson’s adviser Aslam Chowdhury is preparing to file a review petition in the Supreme Court after the Appellate Division canceled his candidacy for the Chattogram-4 (Sitakunda) constituency over a loan default case. The verdict, delivered under the Chief Justice’s leadership, halted his oath-taking as a Member of Parliament, leading to heightened political tension and uncertainty across Sitakunda. Following the ruling, BNP activists in the area staged protests, blocking the Dhaka-Chattogram highway and setting tires on fire. Party and legal sources said preparations are underway for a review petition once the full verdict is published, with legal teams examining the Representation of the People Order, Election Commission rules, and past judicial precedents to build a strong case. Legal experts noted that while the constitution allows review petitions in disqualification cases, the outcome will depend on the loan’s nature, rescheduling details, and legal interpretation. Political analysts believe the decision could reshape Sitakunda’s political balance and influence future electoral strategies if a by-election becomes necessary.

Israeli media outlets have acknowledged that after 1,000 days of fighting on multiple fronts, Israel has failed to achieve any decisive victory. Channel 13 reported that Iran has emerged stronger from the conflict, gaining international legitimacy and economic recovery, while Israel’s human, economic, and psychological losses have deepened. The report also noted that the war has weakened Israel’s regional and international standing. According to Channel 13, the way Israel managed the war against Iran has strained its strategic relationship with the United States. Channel 12 added that despite early promises of a “complete victory,” Israel now faces setbacks on every front, including Lebanon, where the costs have been high. The outlet said Israel failed to topple Iran’s regime, destroy its nuclear program, or neutralize its missile threat. The outlet ‘Kan’ described the conflict’s expansion from Gaza to Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, the West Bank, and Iran. Palestinian resistance groups issued a joint statement marking the 1,000th day of Israel’s Gaza operation, declaring Israel’s military failure and rejecting any foreign interference in Palestinian affairs. They called for a national dialogue to rebuild political unity and urged Arab and Muslim nations to press for a full ceasefire.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has warned that the Cuban people will fight to the last drop of blood if the United States launches a military attack on the island. Speaking to Sky News, he said Cuba is prepared for any scenario, though it cannot confirm whether an attack will happen. His remarks came after U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that “Cuba is moving toward us,” which Díaz-Canel dismissed as deliberate misinformation and psychological pressure. The Cuban leader accused Washington of violating international law and insulting the Cuban people through false propaganda. He rejected U.S. allegations of Chinese or Russian military bases in Cuba and described the long-standing U.S. embargo as the most enduring blockade in human history, responsible for power shortages, medicine scarcity, and economic hardship. Díaz-Canel also condemned new U.S. fuel sanctions imposed in January as a crime and an act of genocide. He cited Cuba’s historical resistance, quoting independence hero Antonio Maceo, and said millions of Cubans are ready to defend their sovereignty if necessary.

A fire broke out on a cotton-laden truck on Imam Bazar Road in Majdihi area of Bhairabganj Bazar, Sreemangal upazila of Moulvibazar district. The incident occurred around 7 a.m. on Friday, when the Sreemangal Fire Service team responded promptly and managed to bring the blaze under control before it could spread to nearby areas. According to Sreemangal Fire Service Warehouse Inspector Solaiman Ahmad, firefighters reached the scene immediately after receiving the report and successfully contained the fire. The quick response prevented further damage and restored normalcy in the area. The cause of the fire and the extent of the losses were not immediately known. Authorities have begun an investigation to determine the reason behind the incident and to take necessary measures.

Iran continues to face major obstacles in recovering billions of dollars in assets frozen across multiple countries, a long-standing issue in its strained relations with the West. The matter remains central even in the recent memorandum signed between the United States and Iran aimed at ending hostilities. Tehran has sought access to these funds for years, but sanctions and banking restrictions have kept much of the money beyond its reach. Estimates suggest Iran’s frozen assets range from about 27 billion to over 100 billion US dollars, including oil revenues, export earnings, and foreign reserves held in overseas banks. Large sums are blocked in China, Iraq, India, South Korea, and other countries, while only a smaller portion lies under US jurisdiction. Experts note that even partial access could significantly ease Iran’s inflation, currency depreciation, and economic isolation, but warn that legal and political complexities will delay any real transfer. The assets remain dispersed and entangled in decades-old disputes, with Washington’s approval seen as crucial for any release, leaving Tehran’s economic relief uncertain.

On June 12, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar called US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to protest the deaths of three Indian sailors killed in a US strike in the Gulf of Oman on June 9. The sailors were aboard the Palau-flagged tanker Setebello, which Washington claimed violated sanctions on Iran-linked vessels. Rubio’s response was firm, offering no apology or assurance against recurrence. The incident has exposed deep cracks in the US-India relationship, even as both nations publicly maintain a façade of stability. The Iran war and its aftermath have severely affected India’s economy and politics. Rising crude prices, inflation, and supply disruptions have weakened the rupee and reduced remittances, while foreign investors withdraw capital. Politically, Prime Minister Narendra Modi faces criticism for failing to protect Indian citizens and for overreliance on US ties. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s role in facilitating US-Iran talks has further undermined India’s regional standing. Despite ongoing defense and technology cooperation, mutual trust has eroded. Washington’s protectionist policies and India’s strategic recalibration toward China signal a shifting balance. Analysts warn that unless mutual respect and parity are restored, the partnership’s foundation may not endure beyond current leadership cycles.