The Rangpur agricultural region, including Gaibandha, Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, and Kurigram, faces a potential potato seed shortage next season due to delays in constructing a new 2,000-ton cold storage facility. Existing storage units are insufficient and affected by legal restrictions, increasing costs and difficulties for dealers and farmers who must source seeds from distant locations. Although 70% complete, the cold storage project has been extended multiple times, with hopes it will be operational before the next planting season.

Citigroup forecasts silver prices could exceed $40 per ounce within the next three months due to increased demand and supply constraints. The long-term target is set at $43 per ounce for the next 6 to 12 months. Silver prices have already risen over 30% this year, driven by strong fundamentals and anticipated Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. Meanwhile, gold reached a record $3,500 per ounce in 2025 but may decline gradually to between $2,500 and $2,700 next year.

Myanmar’s military junta plans a national election amid ongoing civil war, raising fears of increased violence rather than peace. China plays a key role, providing technical support and political training to military-backed parties and the election commission. This involvement aims to secure China’s strategic interests in Myanmar, especially the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor. Major opposition parties are excluded, and the election is widely seen as an attempt to legitimize military rule. Regional neighbors face diplomatic pressure to accept the results, risking ASEAN unity.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) plans to construct two bridges over the Narai River to directly connect Aftabnagar and Banasree. The bridges, to be named 'Narai Setu', aim to ease traffic and revive the once-flowing river. Officials hope to open future water transport routes through this river. A clean-up and tree-planting campaign was also launched, with DNCC stressing the importance of civic awareness, sustainable green spaces, and challenges caused by waste mismanagement and illegal encroachments in the city.

The upcoming national election will be held as scheduled, with no uncertainty, according to Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. Speaking at an event in Comilla, he said all parties will get equal opportunities and a fair environment will be ensured. Discussions are ongoing on the proportional representation system, with sincere participation from political parties and the Election Commission. He also commented on the Gopalganj violence, saying law enforcement managed the situation skillfully.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has raised concerns about the interim government's capacity to conduct a fair national election. Speaking virtually from London at an event hosted by private university teachers and students, he noted that recent violent incidents have shaken public confidence. He suggested that parts of the interim government might be complicit in destabilizing efforts. Rahman warned democratic parties to stay vigilant against any delays in the electoral process and urged the public to remain aware of potential manipulation.

Intel is no longer among the world’s top 10 semiconductor companies, according to CEO Lip-Bu Tan. Once a dominant force, Intel has fallen behind due to strategic missteps and late entry into AI development. Competitors like NVIDIA, AMD, and TSMC have surged ahead. While the company is trying to regain ground, experts say it faces an uphill battle. Despite challenges, Intel hopes recent leadership changes can help reclaim relevance in the rapidly evolving semiconductor and AI industries.

Iran is grappling with a serious water shortage due to an intense heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 50°C in some areas. The government has appealed to citizens to cut water consumption by at least 20% to manage the crisis. Tehran City Council and provincial authorities have warned of water pressure drops and temporary supply interruptions lasting up to 18 hours in certain parts of the capital. Similar appeals have been made across several provinces to conserve water amid the ongoing heatwave.

Due to heavy rainfall and upstream mountain floods, the water level of the Tista River is rising rapidly, threatening low-lying areas in Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Rangpur, and Kurigram districts. The Water Development Board warns the Tista Barrage may exceed danger levels within 24 hours. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and prepared to respond. The Flood Forecast and Warning Center forecasts continued heavy rain in the region, increasing flood risks over the coming days.

Iran has restored its air defense systems damaged during last month’s 12-day conflict with Israel. The June clashes began with Israeli airstrikes, prompting Iranian drone and missile retaliations. Iran’s domestic Bavar-373 and Khordad-15 systems, along with Russia’s S-300, were activated but sustained damage. Over 1,000 casualties were reported in Iran, while Israeli deaths numbered at least 28. The conflict also involved targeted strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, with the U.S. conducting notable air raids on key nuclear facilities in late June.

Bangladesh and the United States will conduct three joint military exercises this year—Tiger Lightning, Tiger Shark 2025, and Pacific Angel—to strengthen defense cooperation and regional security. These include counterterrorism, disaster response, and special forces training. A new RQ-21 Blackjack unmanned aerial system will also be introduced to boost Bangladesh’s surveillance and peacekeeping capacity. The initiatives reflect the deepening military ties between the two countries and aim to enhance interoperability, crisis response, and strategic capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

Israel continues aggressive strikes against Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, and Iran despite international criticism. Supported by the US, Israel feels empowered to expand settlements and launch military operations, killing thousands in Gaza and violating ceasefires. Iran’s recent retaliation surprised Israel, showing vulnerabilities. Regional dynamics shift as Saudi Arabia supports Syria and China-Russia may back Iran, potentially reducing Israel’s influence. Global distractions like the Russia-Ukraine war have allowed Israel’s actions to go largely unchecked, raising urgent questions about accountability and future stability.

A high-level Bangladeshi government delegation, led by BIDA and BEZA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, has traveled to China to attract and facilitate foreign direct investment (FDI). The delegation will attend events in Shanghai and Guangzhou from July 20-26, including a major investment seminar featuring over 100 Chinese companies from sectors such as electronics, textiles, agriculture, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. This visit aims to strengthen long-term economic partnerships, increase industrial investment, and promote technology transfer and export growth.

Despite an ongoing ceasefire, Israel carried out drone strikes in southern Lebanon, killing two people. The Israeli military targeted Hezbollah fighters, claiming to have killed members involved in rebuilding the group’s infrastructure. One victim was working on a rooftop in Khiam when struck. This marks a continued pattern of Israeli attacks since last November, despite the ceasefire aimed at ending over a year of conflict with the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is set to open a mission office in Dhaka following an agreement with Bangladesh’s interim government. The mission aims to support human rights protection and accountability, focusing on serious violations and capacity building. While human rights activists welcome the move, Islamist groups oppose it, fearing interference with national values. The government assures respect for Bangladesh’s cultural and religious traditions, promising the office will work within legal and social frameworks.