More than 400 militants were killed in a military operation against armed groups in Burkina Faso, according to an army statement released on June 30. The clashes occurred in the Gayéri area of the Sirba region and in Solhan and Sebba of the Liptako region after coordinated attacks on several military positions last Tuesday. The army said the assaults were repelled with support from the air force. The statement claimed that the attackers were armed groups supported by France, noting that the government had earlier announced the severance of diplomatic ties with France. During the counteroffensive, the army reported destroying over 250 motorcycles and seizing 353 weapons of various calibers, along with ammunition and communication equipment. Three soldiers were also killed in the operation. The army added that operations are continuing to locate those who fled and to ensure the safety of civilians in the affected regions.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s women’s division has extended heartfelt prayers and best wishes to students taking part in the 2026 Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC), Alim, and equivalent examinations across the country. The message was conveyed in a statement issued to the media on Thursday by the division’s secretary, MP Nurunnisa Siddika. In the statement, Siddika described the examination as a vital stage in a student’s life, representing the culmination of long-term effort and preparation. She expressed hope that all examinees would approach the tests with confidence, honesty, and patience, placing their trust in Almighty Allah. She also urged parents, teachers, and others involved to ensure a calm and supportive environment for students. Additionally, Siddika called on the relevant authorities to take all necessary measures to conduct the examinations smoothly, fairly, and free from malpractice. She prayed for the success and bright future of all examinees, asking for divine acceptance of their hard work and dedication.

Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen stated that China will not accept any interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs. He made the remarks on Thursday afternoon during a press conference, emphasizing Beijing’s firm stance on respecting Bangladesh’s sovereignty. Reaffirming China’s commitment, the ambassador said that the country’s position on the Teesta project remains unchanged and that China will continue to assist Bangladesh within its capacity. He described Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s recent visit to China as highly successful, noting that the trip strengthened strategic ties between the two nations and reinforced Chinese support for the Teesta initiative. Yao Wen added that Bangladesh and China will work on new alternatives to enhance regional connectivity, including direct China-Bangladesh links and the development of the China-Myanmar-Bangladesh economic corridor.

At least 59 people have died in floods across Ivory Coast since the beginning of this year, according to a government spokesperson on Wednesday. The announcement came after a cabinet meeting in the capital, Abidjan, where spokesperson Amadou Coulibaly described the situation as deeply concerning. He did not specify how many deaths occurred in the most recent flooding. Earlier this week, continuous heavy rainfall caused severe flooding and landslides in both Ghana and Ivory Coast, killing at least 24 people and leaving many missing. In Ghana’s capital Accra and the nearby city of Tema, roads and buildings were submerged, cutting off transport links. In Ivory Coast, Minister of National Solidarity Myss Belmonde Dogo said most of the deaths occurred in Abidjan’s Attecoube and Yopougon districts. Coulibaly urged citizens to follow safety guidelines and avoid high-risk areas identified by the government. The World Meteorological Organization noted that Africa remains one of the world’s most vulnerable regions to extreme weather events, which are increasing due to climate change, despite the continent’s minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced that the government is working to build a state where all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity, can live safely. He emphasized that the government’s concern extends beyond human security to ensuring that no animal becomes a victim of violence. The statement was made on Thursday afternoon at the Secretariat in Dhaka during the inauguration of the Nazrul Year celebrations. The event marked the official launch of Nazrul Year, declared in honor of the 127th birth anniversary of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. The government has designated the period from May 25, 2026, to May 25, 2027, as Nazrul Year. The initiative was first announced on May 25 in Trishal, Mymensingh, during the poet’s birth anniversary program. The inauguration underscores the government’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and cultural heritage while highlighting Nazrul’s enduring influence as a source of inspiration for future generations.

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.