A video showing National Citizen Party (NCP) central member Imamur Rashid allegedly accepting Tk 7 lakh from a female entrepreneur has gone viral on social media. The footage, shared by BNP leader Dr. A.K.M. Wahiduzzaman, sparked widespread criticism. Rashid claims the money was a voluntary donation to the party fund and accused the woman of releasing the video after failing to gain undue advantages. However, the entrepreneur alleges she provided nearly Tk 48 lakh for project opportunities that never materialized. The incident raises serious concerns about political fundraising practices in Bangladesh.

Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder has dismissed reports of a press conference by Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus at Ganabhaban on Monday (July 14) as "completely baseless." Posting on his verified Facebook account, he stated that no such event was scheduled and labeled the circulating reports as "false." Earlier, some media outlets had cited Senior Assistant Press Secretary Fayez Ahmed regarding the alleged press conference, which has now been refuted.

To reduce dropout rates at the primary level, the Government of Bangladesh is expanding its school stipend program alongside a free midday meal initiative, according to Professor Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Podder, Advisor to the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education. Speaking at a consultation meeting in Habiganj, Dr. Podder said that the midday meal program has already been launched in 150 upazilas and will gradually be rolled out nationwide. Special measures are also being taken to support children in low-lying areas who migrate seasonally with their families for agricultural work, ensuring their education is not disrupted.

At least 30 people have been killed and over 100 injured in intense overnight clashes between local security forces and armed Druze factions in the Syrian city of Sweida, according to reports from Sunday night. The Syrian Ministry of Interior announced that security forces would intervene directly to restore order. Local media reported that the Damascus-Sweida highway has been shut down due to the violence. Similar deadly confrontations occurred in April and May. Sweida Governor Mustafa Al-Bakour has urged the public to remain calm as tensions continue to escalate.

A small aircraft, identified as a Beechcraft B200 model, crashed shortly after taking off from Southend Airport in Essex, UK, on Sunday afternoon around 4 PM local time. Eyewitnesses reported that the plane broke apart moments after takeoff and was engulfed in flames following an explosion. Emergency services responded quickly, but as of now, there is no confirmed information on casualties. Firefighters are working to bring the blaze under control, and the airport has been closed indefinitely. The aircraft was reportedly en route to the Netherlands.

Archaeologists in Poland’s Wielkopolska region have uncovered two prehistoric megalithic tombs, now being referred to as the “Polish Pyramids.” These structures, estimated to be around 5,500 years old, date back to the same era as Stonehenge and predate the Egyptian pyramids. The trapezoidal tombs, each about 200 meters long and 4 meters high, were constructed with stones weighing up to 10 tons and are aligned toward the sunrise. They are attributed to the Funnelbeaker culture, known for its early agricultural practices and monumental tomb-building. Researchers believe these tombs served as burial sites for influential figures such as shamans and tribal leaders. Artifacts found include ceremonial axes and opium vessels, indicating the spiritual significance of the graves. The discovery offers new insights into prehistoric European architecture and belief systems.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has declared a "Do-or-Die" movement under the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) banner. In a press conference in Lahore, he announced that the movement will culminate on August 5, marking two years since Imran Khan’s imprisonment. Gandapur warned that a decision must be made within 90 days on the party's political future. While open to dialogue, he emphasized it must be with those who actually wield decision-making power. PTI reaffirmed its commitment to defending constitutional rights through continued protest.

Israeli forces have intensified their assault on Gaza, killing at least 95 people in a single day, according to Palestinian health authorities. Sunday's airstrikes targeted crowded markets and water collection centers, causing multiple civilian casualties, including children and medical workers. Since the conflict began on October 7, 2023, the death toll has reached 58,026, more than half of whom are women and children. Around 138,500 have been injured. Israel claimed the strikes were aimed at militants, but acknowledged that a missile may have misfired due to "technical error."

Authorities at the Faridpur Regional Passport Office have detained three Rohingya nationals and two local brokers who attempted to obtain passports using forged national ID cards. The Rohingyas had traveled from Cox’s Bazar and agreed to pay BDT 30,000 each to the brokers. A financial dispute led to their exposure and eventual arrest by Ansar members. Verification confirmed the IDs were fake. The detainees have been handed over to law enforcement.

BNP's affiliated wings—Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal, and Swechchhasebak Dal—have announced nationwide protests condemning the deteriorating law and order situation, mob violence, and disruption in educational institutions. Chhatra Dal will hold a march from Nayapaltan to Shahbagh on Monday, July 14. Swechchhasebak Dal will protest on July 15, and Jubo Dal on July 17, both at the central and district levels. The parties insist the protests will be peaceful and are a response to politically motivated unrest.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran has not ended its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), but it is now operating under a new structure overseen by the National Security Council. Given heightened threats to nuclear facilities following recent Israeli attacks, inspection requests will now be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Araghchi emphasized a return to genuine diplomacy and cautioned against using diplomatic channels as a mere facade.

The High Court has suspended legal proceedings for three months in a flat fraud case involving British MP Tulip Siddiq, daughter of Sheikh Rehana. The decision came on July 8 following a petition by former RAJUK official Shah Md. Khasruzzaman. A rule has also been issued. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) stated it would appeal the stay. The case alleges Tulip received a Gulshan apartment in exchange for facilitating illegal benefits for Eastern Housing. The investigation is nearing completion.

Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Mahsud has confirmed that the 'Boat' symbol will remain in the official election symbol list for now, as no final decision has been made regarding the affiliated party. Meanwhile, the National Citizen Party (NCP)'s proposed 'Shapla' symbol will not be included yet. However, their request will be reconsidered upon official registration. Earlier, NCP leaders met with the Chief Election Commissioner to press for the inclusion of the symbol.

Trains will not stop at the Dhaka University metro station from 5 PM on Monday, July 14, due to a large public gathering for the "July Uprising Commemoration Program," according to a notice from DMTCL. The measure has been taken to manage the anticipated heavy crowd and is effective for one day only. The decision was made based on recommendations from the Uprising Implementation Committee.

In a joint operation led by the Bangladesh Army in the Nikunja-2 area under Khilkhet Police Station, Md. Ismail Hossain Babu and his associate Sheikh Saiful Islam were caught red-handed with extorted money. The operation was conducted on Saturday night. Earlier that afternoon, six others were detained on similar extortion charges from the Uttara Sluice Gate area. The Army has reiterated its commitment to curbing criminal activities and urged the public to come forward with information.