Police in South Africa have arrested more than 900 people during anti-immigrant protests held across the country. The arrests were confirmed on Wednesday following demonstrations on Tuesday, most of which remained peaceful. However, several areas experienced violence, looting, and gunfire. National Police Commissioner Tebello Mosikili said 120 marches took place nationwide, with police intervening in 12 of them to restore order. Authorities reported that those detained face charges including illegal residence, incitement of violence, harboring undocumented migrants, and robbery. In Johannesburg’s Alexandra township, one person was killed during looting at small foreign-owned shops known locally as “spaza shops.” Additional police forces were deployed in five of the country’s nine provinces, and soldiers were stationed in Johannesburg’s Hillbrow area, where two people were injured in shootings. Police also launched an investigation into the death of a foreign national in Durban, who reportedly jumped from a building before the protests began. The demonstrations were organized to mark a deadline set by an anti-immigrant movement demanding that undocumented migrants leave South Africa, amid rising anti-immigrant tensions in recent months.

Leaders of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Dhaka South unit visited the graves of July uprising martyrs at the Rayerbazar killing ground cemetery on Thursday morning as part of a month-long program marking the second anniversary of the July mass uprising. The delegation was led by the unit’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Abdus Sabur Fakir and included senior city leaders and July movement participants. At a press briefing following the visit, Abdus Sabur Fakir expressed disappointment that the government had not arranged any official programs to honor those who died during the July uprising. He said the state had yet to recognize the July movement and accused the government of ignoring its spirit. He also alleged that no state media outlets were producing documentaries or reports on the events of 2024, despite the government possessing all related information. Fakir further claimed that the absence of state commemoration had created public doubt about whether the government was attempting to erase records of the 36-day uprising. He criticized both the ruling party and the BNP for failing to uphold the July movement’s ideals and vowed that the July Charter would eventually be implemented.

A van driver named Mamun Biswas, aged 28, died after being electrocuted by an unprotected power line in Rajapur village of Chatul Union, Boalmari upazila, Faridpur. The incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. on Thursday when Mamun went to cut grass near a pond. The live GI wire, used for lighting around the pond, got entangled with his leg, causing his death on the spot. He was the son of Laku Biswas and the sole earner of his family. According to local accounts, the pond was leased to a fish trader named Felu by its owner, Zahidul Shikdar. It was alleged that GI wires were connected directly to electricity poles to provide lighting at night. Locals blamed negligence for the fatal accident and demanded a proper investigation and legal action against those responsible. Mamun leaves behind a two-year-old child. Police recovered the body and sent it to Faridpur Medical College Hospital for autopsy. The Boalmari police chief said legal procedures are underway regarding the incident.

Turkey’s defense and aerospace exports rose sharply between June 1, 2025, and May 31, 2026, reaching 10.9 billion dollars, a 47.1 percent increase compared to the previous year’s 7.4 billion dollars. The growth was driven largely by higher demand from NATO member countries, where exports totaled 6.2 billion dollars, accounting for 57.3 percent of Turkey’s total defense and aerospace exports. During this period, Turkey exported defense and aerospace products to 178 countries. The top three destinations were NATO allies, reflecting Turkey’s expanding defense industry cooperation within the alliance. The increase was attributed to international outreach, bilateral meetings, and defense industry diplomacy coordinated by Turkey’s Defense Industry Secretariat. Turkey has strengthened its position not only as a supplier of defense products but also as a developer of technology, a promoter of joint production models, and a long-term partner to its allies, according to the report.

Police in Meghna upazila of Cumilla recovered the body of a 19-year-old girl named Mim Akter from a regional road near the Mirzanagar Kadamtala bus stand early Thursday morning. Officers from Meghna Police Station confirmed the recovery and said the body was sent to Cumilla Medical College Hospital morgue for autopsy to determine the cause of death. According to police, a button mobile phone was found beside the body, which helped identify the victim through contact with her family. Mim Akter was the daughter of Babul Mia from Brahmancharan Noagaon village under Gobindpur Union in Meghna upazila. Her husband, Md. Siam, lives in Bhoberchar village of Gazaria upazila in Munshiganj district. The couple had no children. Local residents reported that the discovery of the body on the road early in the morning caused a stir in the area. Police collected preliminary evidence from the scene, and further details are expected after the autopsy report.

Since the war between the United States, Israel, and Iran began in late February, the global energy sector has faced severe disruption. Oil prices have fluctuated sharply, and the Strait of Hormuz—through which about one-fifth of global oil and LNG passes—has come under tight Iranian control, forcing suppliers to seek alternative routes. Governments from Tokyo to London have taken emergency measures to shield citizens from rising energy costs. Although peace talks between Washington and Tehran have raised hopes for stability, experts believe the conflict has permanently altered the global energy landscape. Analysts cited by Al Jazeera note that new pipelines and security systems are being planned, while shipping through the Strait remains risky despite a June memorandum pledging safer passage. Attacks on commercial vessels have deepened fears, reducing traffic and pushing exporters to rely more on land pipelines in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Iraq. The war has also accelerated a global shift toward renewable energy, with countries investing more in wind, solar, and hydro power. Experts say China, the United States, and Qatar stand to benefit most. China dominates renewable equipment manufacturing, while the US and Qatar are strengthening their positions as reliable LNG suppliers.

A report published on July 2, 2026, highlights that despite Bangladesh’s growing female participation in education, employment, and social activities, widespread insecurity continues to hinder women’s advancement. From homes to workplaces and public spaces, women face harassment, violence, and discrimination that limit their freedom and opportunities. The article stresses that social awareness and accountability are essential to ensure women’s safety and empowerment. The report identifies multiple areas where women experience insecurity, including educational institutions, public transport, and workplaces. It notes that harassment, stalking, and gender-based violence are common, often perpetrated by acquaintances as well as strangers. In workplaces, women face unequal treatment, long hours, and inadequate protection, particularly in the garment sector. The persistence of patriarchal attitudes and lack of effective enforcement of protective laws further exacerbate the problem. The article concludes that sustainable national development is impossible without women’s safety and empowerment. It calls for safe, respectful, and equitable environments, improved education and skills training, and joint efforts from the state, society, and families to unlock women’s full potential.

A series of targeted killings in Chattogram and Raozan have sparked concern over how attackers are obtaining precise information about victims’ movements. The issue resurfaced after the June 13 murder of Jubo Dal leader Maksudul Haque Masud, who was shot dead in broad daylight at a local market. CCTV footage showed the attack lasted only minutes, prompting relatives to question whether someone within the administration was tracking and leaking his location. Police, however, said suspects confessed that local informants—not officials—provided information. Security analysts warned that such killings will persist unless the masterminds behind the attackers are eliminated. Since August 2024, at least 35 murders have occurred in the region, many targeting BNP activists. Victims were often attacked while traveling, praying, or visiting relatives, suggesting attackers had accurate location data. Analysts noted that information on victims’ routes and schedules could come from local sources or technology-based surveillance. Police officials stated there is no evidence that administrative personnel leaked data, though investigations continue. They pledged legal action if any official involvement is proven.

Authorities have imposed Section 144 around Dhaka City College and all other examination centers to maintain order and prevent cheating during the ongoing Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations. The restriction, visible on banners at the Dhaka City College center on Thursday morning, prohibits gatherings of more than five people, rallies, or loudspeaker use within 200 yards of the centers from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily during the exams. Law enforcement agencies are maintaining strict surveillance to ensure a secure and fair environment for examinees. The 2026 HSC and equivalent exams began nationwide on Thursday morning under all general education boards with a unified question paper. Written tests will continue until August 8, followed by practical exams by August 15. For the first time in the country’s history, the exams are being conducted under CCTV monitoring. A total of 1,270,583 students from 9,439 institutions are participating across 2,697 centers, 145 of which have been marked as vulnerable, including 40 in Dhaka. Education officials stated that all preparations have been completed to prevent question leaks and ensure transparency. If any irregularities occur, the affected day’s exam will be postponed and rescheduled nationwide.

A new report by the US-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), released on Wednesday, states that combined military casualties from both sides in the Russia-Ukraine war have surpassed two million. According to the study, since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russian forces have suffered around 1.4 million total casualties, including between 400,000 and 450,000 soldiers killed. The total figure includes those killed, wounded, and missing. The report further estimates that Ukrainian military casualties range between 525,000 and 625,000, with 125,000 to 150,000 soldiers killed. CSIS notes that the number of Russian soldiers killed in this conflict is more than four times the total number of US soldiers killed in all wars since World War II. The study also highlights that during the first half of the current year, the casualty ratio between Russian and Ukrainian forces reached approximately 8 to 1, underscoring the heavy toll of the ongoing conflict.

US Vice President JD Vance stated that the United States will not resume military operations against Iran unless there is a clear objective or necessity. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Vance emphasized that President Trump would not redeploy American forces to Iran unless absolutely required. He warned that any attempt by Iran to rebuild its nuclear program or target commercial vessels would prompt Washington to reconsider its current strategy. According to the report, the US administration is focusing on continuing discussions with Iran in good faith. In June, both countries reached a memorandum of understanding aimed at permanently ending the war that began in late February, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and lifting the US blockade on Iranian ports. Negotiations for a final agreement are still ongoing. Earlier on Wednesday, President Trump said that Iran’s nuclear disarmament process was “progressing well,” indicating cautious optimism about the diplomatic track between the two nations.

Iran has condemned Israel’s reported threat to assassinate its Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, calling it an act of state terrorism. Amir-Saeed Iravani, Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, submitted a formal protest letter to the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the Security Council, and the General Assembly. He said the threat, allegedly made by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, reflects a systematic policy of state terrorism targeting Iranian officials. In the letter, Iravani linked the threat to what he described as Israel’s ongoing illegal aggression against Iran, claiming it forms part of a broader pattern involving U.S. participation and support. He criticized the UN Security Council for failing to hold Israel accountable, arguing that this inaction has fostered impunity and emboldened Israel’s behavior. Iravani warned that Tehran would respond to any hostile actions and said the situation poses a serious threat to international peace and security by normalizing state terrorism. The protest was reported by Al Jazeera, according to the source.

A police team in Raipura, Narsingdi, came under attack on Wednesday afternoon while returning to the station after arresting Selim Munshi, a 42-year-old suspect wanted in three cases including murder. The incident occurred at the Saydabad ferry ghat area of Srinagar Union, where a group of 40 to 50 people reportedly assaulted the officers with sticks and bricks, injuring Constable Abdul Alim. The attackers allegedly freed the detainee and fled the scene. According to police and local sources, a 10-member team from Raipura Police Station had conducted the operation to capture the suspect. Following the attack, the injured constable received primary treatment at Raipura Upazila Health Complex and later returned to duty. Police identified the suspect as the son of Tabu Mia from Saydabad area. Sub-Inspector Shahjahan stated that the assault was carried out by followers of the suspect, while Officer-in-Charge Mujibur Rahman offered a differing account, saying the suspect escaped amid a crowd that had gathered at the scene. Police said further operations would be launched to re-arrest the fugitive.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s first official visits to Malaysia and China have drawn sharp reactions from Indian media and former officials, who expressed concern over Bangladesh’s growing ties with Beijing. During his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, China reaffirmed its support for Bangladesh’s sovereignty and pledged to oppose any foreign interference. The visits included discussions on the Teesta Barrage project, the Mongla Economic Zone, and potential defense cooperation, signaling a shift in Dhaka’s regional strategy toward security-focused partnerships. The article notes that India has historically viewed Bangladesh through a security lens, often invoking minority issues for political leverage. It argues that Bangladesh’s new approach emphasizes sovereignty and balanced diplomacy, rejecting external dominance. The commentary also highlights the need for national unity and stronger economic and defense collaboration with friendly nations like China and Pakistan to counter regional threats. In parliament, both Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman called for ending political vengeance and focusing on rebuilding a modern, inclusive Bangladesh. Their cooperative tone was seen as a positive step toward a more mature democratic culture.

At least eight people were killed and 34 others injured in Russian missile and drone attacks on Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, according to local authorities. The strikes occurred overnight and early Thursday, hitting more than 30 locations across the city. The attacks came shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned of an impending large-scale assault by Moscow. Kyiv’s military administration chief, Timur Takachenko, confirmed the casualties, while Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that several residential buildings were damaged. One nine-story apartment building was heavily hit, trapping residents inside, and part of another multi-story building collapsed due to the explosions. Klitschko said the city was targeted by both ballistic missiles and drones. The attacks mark another escalation in the ongoing conflict, with widespread damage to civilian infrastructure in Kyiv. Emergency services were deployed to rescue trapped residents and assess the extent of destruction.