The Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations for this year began peacefully across Bangladesh on Thursday. The first day’s exams were held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. under 11 education boards, with 24,784 students absent nationwide. The highest rate of absenteeism was recorded under the Madrasa Education Board. Seven students were expelled for cheating and other reasons, though no teachers faced expulsion. The exams started with Bangla First Paper for general and technical boards and Qur’an Majid for the madrasa board. A total of 1,270,583 students from 9,439 institutions are participating at 2,697 centers, an increase of 22,766 from last year. According to the Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee, 17,233 students were absent under the nine general boards, 4,478 under the madrasa board, and 3,073 under the technical board. This year, all general boards are using a unified question paper. Written exams will continue until August 8, followed by practical tests by August 15. To prevent question leaks, special security measures have been implemented, including CCTV surveillance for the first time in the country’s history.

A devastating fire in Sabupura market of Baufal upazila, Patuakhali, reduced several businesses and a home to ashes. In response, local Member of Parliament Dr. Shafiqul Islam Masud visited the affected area on Thursday morning and extended assistance to the victims. He provided each of the five affected business owners and one household with 7,500 taka in cash, two bundles of tin, and 30 kilograms of rice per family. During his visit, Dr. Masud said the support was modest compared to the victims’ losses but symbolized solidarity in their time of need. He emphasized that aid was given without political or religious bias, noting that both Hindu and Muslim shop owners, as well as people from different political backgrounds, received help. The affected traders expressed gratitude, saying the assistance gave them hope to rebuild their livelihoods. Local officials, political leaders, and community representatives were present during the distribution, and victims hoped that government and social support for rehabilitation would continue.

Iran has tightened security across the country ahead of the funeral and burial of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a joint attack by the United States and Israel. The Iranian military has been placed on high alert to ensure safety during the ceremonies. Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia stated that additional forces have been deployed to protect senior officials and religious and political figures arriving from various countries to attend the funeral. He added that Iran’s ground, naval, and air forces have increased their presence along border areas to maintain control over the security situation. According to Akraminia, Iran’s air defense units are maintaining continuous surveillance over the country’s airspace. Khamenei was killed on February 28 in the joint attack, and Iran is now preparing for his funeral and burial four months after his death.

The Cabinet Division’s selection committee has invited applications from qualified and interested individuals for the position of Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The announcement was made through a circular issued by the District Magistracy Branch of the Cabinet Division on Thursday. The committee, formed under Section 7 of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2004, will recommend suitable candidates to the President for appointment to the posts of Chairman or Commissioner. According to the circular, applicants must meet the qualifications and experience requirements outlined in Section 8(1) of the Act, while those mentioned in Section 8(2) are ineligible for appointment. Applicants must submit a signed curriculum vitae containing personal details, educational background, professional experience, and contact information, along with two recent passport-sized color photographs, a copy of the national identity card, and relevant certificates. Applications must be submitted either to the Central Mail Receiving Center (Gate-5) of the Bangladesh Secretariat or to Room 935 of the District Magistracy Policy Branch by 4 p.m. on July 13, 2026. Those who have already submitted complete applications need not reapply.

Bangladesh Bank has approved the introduction of forward rate contracts to mitigate interest rate fluctuation risks in import trade. The facility will apply to usance imports under suppliers’ and buyers’ credit arrangements. A circular issued on Thursday stated that authorized dealer banks may enter into forward rate contracts with importers borrowing in foreign currency to protect them from international benchmark rate volatility, particularly the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR). According to the circular, the contracts must be used solely for risk management and linked to genuine import transactions, prohibiting speculation or uncovered positions. Banks must fully offset any exposure through same-day reverse transactions, ensuring no market risk on their own accounts. The central bank capped banks’ pricing margin at 10 basis points and limited total forward rate contracts to 25 percent of the average monthly foreign currency inflow over the past 12 months. The directive also requires adherence to international contract standards, daily mark-to-market valuation, effective internal risk management, and proper documentation. Industry participants believe the measure will help importers manage interest rate uncertainty and foster the development of a regulated financial derivatives market in Bangladesh.

A Russian couple was arrested in New York after scaling the spire of the Empire State Building to stage a marriage proposal. The pair, identified as Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, and Angelina Nikolau, 33, climbed to the antenna’s narrow top on Wednesday, displaying a black banner bearing a message about world peace. Their stunt, which they streamed on social media, ended when police took them into custody without incident. Authorities have charged them with trespassing, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, and disorderly conduct. The Empire State Building’s management described the act as an unauthorized intrusion, noting that visitors are not permitted to climb beyond the 102nd-floor observation deck. A spokesperson humorously remarked that the couple could have rented the deck through the building’s official proposal package instead. Nikolau’s father, Russian circus performer Dmitry Nikolau, said he was aware of his daughter’s plan and expressed no concern about her arrest. The incident occurred amid heightened citywide excitement over upcoming celebrations and events, including the United States’ 250th Independence anniversary festivities.

Myanmar’s new government plans to complete the long-stalled Myitsone dam project within eight years, according to a Reuters report citing official sources. The $3.6 billion hydropower project, located in Kachin State in northern Myanmar, is being revived with Chinese support following President Min Aung Hlaing’s recent visit to China. The dam, originally suspended in 2011 after widespread local protests, had been a source of tension between the two countries. Government officials said the project could supply more than half of Myanmar’s required 10 gigawatts of electricity, addressing the country’s severe power shortages. Presidential spokesperson Khaing Khaing Soe stated that authorities are considering local concerns about flooding and displacement. Lawmakers from Kachin State confirmed that preparations for restarting construction are underway. Revised cost estimates suggest the project could now reach $11.5 billion, more than triple the original budget. The renewed push comes amid heightened safety worries following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake in central Myanmar in March that killed thousands. Forty-nine civil society groups have recently called for the project’s complete cancellation.

Iran’s Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Abbas Salehi, announced that about 600 foreign journalists and media representatives will cover the funeral of the country’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The funeral and burial ceremonies are scheduled to take place from July 4 to 9, following Khamenei’s death in a joint U.S.-Israel attack, according to the report. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Salehi said his ministry has made extensive preparations for the event, which will also include related films and cultural programs. He emphasized that both domestic and international media will participate in covering the ceremonies. Salehi described the funeral as not only a national tribute to the late leader but also a demonstration of Iran’s unity, social cohesion, and resilience against its adversaries.

A major wildfire broke out on Wednesday in southern France, prompting the evacuation of numerous residents, according to emergency services. Hundreds of firefighters were deployed across the Aude and Hérault departments to contain the blaze, which spread rapidly due to drought and strong winds. By Wednesday night, around 800 hectares had been burned, and officials said the fire was not yet fully under control. The incident follows last year’s large wildfire in the Corbières region and comes just days after a deadly heatwave across Europe. Weather forecasts warned of another heatwave, raising concerns about worsening conditions. Firefighters faced difficulties accessing mountainous terrain and used aircraft to drop water on the flames. Temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius, gusty winds, and dry vegetation contributed to the rapid spread. Authorities reported that about 200 residents from the communes of Pujol-Minervois and Mailhac were either evacuated or instructed to stay indoors. Two smaller fires were also reported near Marseille, in Rognac and Lançon-Provence.

Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain has warned that dengue infections could intensify during July and August. Speaking at an event in the pathology department of Dhaka Medical College on Thursday afternoon, he said the Ministry of Health and its directorates have taken adequate preparations to control the situation and called on everyone to remain alert. The minister stated that NS1 test kits for dengue detection have been distributed to police stations, upazilas, and district levels. Hospitals in Dhaka and other major cities have been kept ready to operate if patient numbers rise. Emphasizing public awareness, he urged community participation from the union level to religious leaders, including mosque imams, to maintain cleanliness and eliminate mosquito breeding sites. He reiterated that beyond treatment, destroying mosquito breeding grounds and ensuring a clean environment are the most effective ways to control dengue outbreaks.

Authorities in Bangladesh recovered 19 kilograms of gold bars valued at approximately Tk 45 crore from a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight. The seizure took place on Thursday after flight BG-148 arrived at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, following its route from Dubai via Chattogram. The operation was conducted jointly by multiple agencies, including the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), Aviation Security (Avsec), and the Customs House. Kamrul Islam, Joint Commissioner of Dhaka Customs House, confirmed the recovery and provided the estimated market value of the seized gold. The report did not specify whether any arrests were made or how the gold was concealed, leaving further details of the investigation pending.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reduced Israel’s projected economic growth for 2026 to 3.5 percent, down from its earlier forecast of 4.8 percent. The revision, published on Wednesday, attributes the downgrade to ongoing tensions and geopolitical uncertainty across the Middle East. The IMF report highlights that wars in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran are exerting negative pressure on Israel’s economy, though it has shown resilience so far. According to the IMF, persistent regional instability and long-standing structural issues are expected to weigh on Israel’s growth in the near term. The report warns that renewed escalation of regional tensions could pose significant risks to the economy. It also notes that rising energy prices and supply constraints may push inflation higher, even as the Israeli shekel has reached its strongest level against the U.S. dollar in over three decades. The IMF projects that Israel’s growth could rebound to 4.4 percent in 2027, with inflation stabilizing around 2 percent in both 2026 and 2027. The forecast is based on data available up to June 10.

Saiful Alam Khan Milon, Member of Parliament for Dhaka-12 and central executive member of Jamaat-e-Islami, called for unity among all political and social groups to participate in what he described as the politics of change. He made the remarks on Thursday at a check distribution ceremony held in the capital, organized by the Tejgaon Industrial Area, Hatirjheel, and Sher-e-Bangla Nagar South Development Forum under the National Social Welfare Council of the Ministry of Social Welfare. Milon emphasized that all activities should be conducted based on justice and fairness. He stated that a pre-survey had been conducted to identify genuine beneficiaries of the welfare funds, ensuring that no party leaders or activists would personally benefit. He added that those unable to attend the event would still receive their checks through volunteers. The MP also sought cooperation from all sections of people for the development of his constituency. He reiterated that his role as a parliamentarian extends beyond legislative duties, focusing on standing by citizens in all circumstances and fulfilling commitments made to the people.

A six-member delegation representing Bangladesh’s 11-party alliance, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has departed for Iran to attend the funeral and state ceremonies of the country’s late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Hosseini Khamenei. The delegation left Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Thursday morning on a flight bound for Tehran. The visit was made at the invitation of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s government. The delegation is led by Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Professor Mujibur Rahman MP and includes MPs Md. Nurul Amin, Dr. Md. Keramat Ali, Dr. S. M. Khaliduzzaman, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish MP Sayeeduddin Ahmad Hanjala, and National Citizen Party (NCP) chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari. According to the report, Ayatollah Khamenei’s funeral will take place in several phases from July 4 to 9. During the visit, the delegation is scheduled to meet Iranian top leadership and relevant government officials. Jamaat sources expressed hope that the trip will strengthen the longstanding brotherly ties, mutual understanding, and bilateral cooperation between the peoples of Bangladesh and Iran.

U.S. President Donald Trump has made his first trip aboard a new Air Force One aircraft gifted by Qatar, valued at 400 million dollars. The specially designed Boeing 747-800 features a dark blue lower body with red and gold accents, replacing the traditional light blue scheme. Inside, it includes luxury carpets, reclining seats, wooden paneling, and seat belts bearing the presidential seal. Trump used the aircraft to travel to North Dakota to visit the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, becoming its first official visitor ahead of the U.S. 250th anniversary. The aircraft serves as an interim replacement between the 36-year-old existing Air Force One and two delayed new models not expected before 2028. Analysts noted that the plane lacks missile defense and advanced communication systems, suggesting it is more suited for domestic flights. The U.S. Air Force confirmed limited interior changes and said the conversion cost less than 400 million dollars. The gift from a Middle Eastern nation has raised ethical questions, though Trump described it as a practical replacement and praised Qatar’s goodwill. He has indicated the aircraft may eventually be displayed in a presidential library.