Afghanistan’s Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, Maulvi Ataullah Omari, expressed satisfaction after receiving a warm welcome during his first official visit to India. Speaking at a trade and industry meeting between India and Afghanistan in New Delhi, he said he was deeply impressed by the hospitality extended by Indian officials. Omari described the atmosphere as friendly and said it made him feel at home. The Afghan minister emphasized the closeness between the two nations, remarking that Afghans and Indians share the same DNA. He extended gratitude to the Indian government and its officials for their cordial reception and support during his visit. His remarks highlighted the tone of goodwill and mutual respect that characterized the bilateral meeting. The event underscored ongoing engagement between India and Afghanistan in trade and industrial cooperation, with Omari’s comments reflecting a desire for strengthened ties based on shared cultural and historical connections.

An imam in Cumilla’s Brahmanpara upazila was attacked by a local Chhatra League leader after delivering a sermon against drug abuse during Friday prayers. The incident occurred at the Mokimpur (Sonaram) Central Jame Mosque, where Mufti Usman Gani spoke about social and moral issues including interest, bribery, and prayer observance. Following the sermon, Saleh Ahmed Shanto, joint general secretary of the banned Madhabpur Union Chhatra League, confronted and physically assaulted the imam, alleging that the sermon was directed at him. Local worshippers intervened and rescued the imam. According to local sources, the imam’s sermon highlighted the destructive impact of drugs on youth and criticized social negligence in religious duties. Witnesses said the attacker had political affiliations and had recently been seen with opposition figures. Brahmanpara Police Station Officer-in-Charge Faruk Ahmed confirmed awareness of the incident, stating that no formal complaint had yet been filed but that action would be taken. The police have indicated that the accused leader’s organization is banned, and further steps are expected once an official complaint is lodged.

Continuous heavy rainfall has caused severe waterlogging across several areas of Dhaka, disrupting daily life and leaving many residents stranded. In response, Mohammad Selim Uddin, Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Dhaka North unit and mayoral candidate for Dhaka North City Corporation, visited affected neighborhoods on Sunday to assess the situation. Selim Uddin toured Kazipara and Shewrapara areas, spoke with residents about their hardships, and distributed food among affected families. He also instructed local party members to remain active in supporting those impacted by the flooding. Party sources reported that Jamaat activists are conducting relief efforts in various parts of the city. Later in the day, Jamaat Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, was scheduled to visit Shewrapara Metro Station area to meet affected residents and review the overall situation. Persistent rainfall has flooded low-lying homes and businesses, severely disrupting transportation and daily activities in the capital.

A case has been filed against more than 100 unidentified individuals following an attack and vandalism at an HSC examination center in Charfassion, Bhola. The incident occurred on Saturday at Fatema Matin Mohila College, under the Barishal Education Board, where 884 students from Charfassion Government College were taking their ICT exam. The college principal and center secretary, Md. Mohiuddin, lodged the case that night, confirmed by Charfassion police on Sunday. According to the case statement, some students attempted to cheat after the exam questions did not match their expectations. When teachers prevented cheating, a group of students became unruly. After the exam ended around 1 p.m., several students broke through the college’s side gate, attacked the premises, and vandalized property. Teachers and members of the governing body were injured by thrown bricks and stones. Law enforcement arrived and brought the situation under control by firing tear shells. Police said legal proceedings are underway, though no arrests have been made so far.

Continuous heavy rainfall on Sunday, July 12, 2026, caused extensive waterlogging across Dhaka University, disrupting academic and residential activities. Power supply was cut off at Bangladesh-Kuwait Maitree Hall and Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall for safety reasons, leaving thousands of female students without electricity. Several academic departments canceled classes, and one department postponed an examination due to the flooding. Campus areas including the administrative building, Curzon Hall, VC Chattar, and multiple dormitories were submerged, with knee- to waist-deep water reported in some places. Students described severe hardship, citing food shortages, closed shops, and difficulties leaving the halls. A large Krishnachura tree also fell near the Mall Chattar, though no injuries occurred. University authorities acknowledged the recurring flooding problem. The Pro-Vice Chancellor stated that a permanent drainage solution is being planned, while the Vice Chancellor confirmed that inspection visits and necessary measures will follow soon. The administration also assured that safe drinking water and food supplies are being monitored for affected students.

World Population Day was observed on Sunday in Kaunia upazila of Rangpur through various programs under the theme “Fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of youth, building a better tomorrow.” The event was organized by the Upazila Health and Family Planning Office, where a discussion meeting was held at the Family Planning Hallroom, presided over by Upazila Family Planning Officer Dr. Shahidul Islam. Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Ankon Pal attended as the chief guest, along with several local officials and representatives. Speakers at the meeting emphasized the importance of transforming the country’s young population into skilled human resources through planned initiatives. They called for strengthening family planning activities, ensuring maternal and child health protection, raising awareness among adolescents, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through coordinated efforts of government and non-government institutions. Participants were urged to view the population as a national asset rather than a burden. At the end of the program, honors were presented to Maizul Islam, Aleya Begum, and Chandan Kumar as the best family welfare assistants, and to Sarai Union Parishad Chairman Babul Hossain for their contributions to family planning activities.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar have expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and widespread destruction caused by severe floods and landslides in Bangladesh. In a condolence message issued on Sunday, Sharif conveyed sympathy on behalf of the people of Pakistan to the bereaved families and expressed solidarity with the government and people of Bangladesh. He also prayed for the quick recovery of the injured and the safety of all affected. In a separate message, Ishaq Dar said Pakistan stands with Bangladesh during this difficult time. He extended condolences to those who lost loved ones and offered prayers for the displaced and affected communities. Dar also paid tribute to the rescuers, armed forces, medical teams, and relief workers for their dedication and courage in assisting victims. According to the report, continuous heavy rainfall, upstream water flow, and landslides have worsened flooding in seven districts of southeastern and northeastern Bangladesh, resulting in 51 deaths so far.

An Iranian media outlet has published images of 13 foreign leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and several European heads of government, identifying them as potential targets in retaliation for the assassination of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The online infographic appeared on the conservative-leaning Hamshahri website following a renewed vow by current Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei to avenge his father’s death. In a statement on Saturday, Mojtaba Khamenei said that seeking revenge was a firm national commitment and claimed that those listed would not die naturally, though he did not name anyone directly. The infographic, which included leaders from the United States, Israel, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Germany, was not featured in Hamshahri’s print edition. It remains unclear whether the publication had official approval from Iran’s top leadership, though the outlet is known to be close to Tehran’s ruling establishment. According to AFP, Iran has previously accused several European countries of aiding the United States during recent conflicts by allowing use of their territory and airspace, prompting Tehran to label them as Washington’s partners.

Prolonged heavy rainfall over the past week has caused severe waterlogging across large areas of Kaliakair upazila in Gazipur. Nine unions and one municipality have been inundated, leaving more than one lakh residents trapped in floodwaters. Homes, schools, businesses, and roads have been submerged, severely disrupting daily life. Several neighborhoods, including Harinhati, Jorapamp, Bishwaspara, and Purba Chandura, are among the worst affected. Residents report that most markets and shops remain closed, making it difficult to access food, clean water, and medicine. Many are relying on boats or makeshift rafts for movement, while health risks are rising due to stagnant water. Local leaders and volunteers have been working to drain water and distribute relief supplies. The upazila administration stated that excessive rainfall has exceeded canal capacity, hindering drainage, but efforts are underway to clear drains and remove blockages. Locals have urged long-term solutions such as re-excavating canals, removing illegal encroachments, and improving the drainage system to prevent recurring waterlogging during future monsoon seasons.

Bangladeshi singer Sabbir Zaman, known for his popularity on stage, has recently been honored as Best Singer at the 19th Channel i Music Awards for his song 'Amra Dujon Pakhir Kujon'. The song was written by lyricist Lutfur Hasan and composed by music director Shan Sayek. Despite having a limited number of original songs, Sabbir has earned widespread admiration through his performances both at home and abroad. In an interview, Sabbir shared that music has been his passion since childhood, describing it as the center of his thoughts and life. He expressed gratitude to his collaborators Lutfur Hasan and Shan Sayek, as well as to Dhruba Music Station and Dhruba Guha for supporting the song. His humility and amiable nature have also been praised by fans and fellow artists. On July 8, Sabbir celebrated his birthday with close friends and received numerous social media tributes from colleagues and admirers, reflecting his strong connection with the music community.

Police in Siddhirganj, Narayanganj, arrested a 25-year-old man named Md. Sajib Ahmed early Saturday night for possession of illegal weapons. The arrest took place around 2:30 a.m. in front of Chishtia Bakery in the Mizmizi area. Officers recovered a black revolver with a wooden grip, six rounds of ammunition, three sharp machetes, and an old black microbus from his possession. According to police, the operation was part of a special anti-drug drive conducted on the basis of secret information. Sajib Ahmed, son of Md. Sana Ullah from Mizmizi Maijpara (Madhyapara), was taken into custody and later sent to court. Siddhirganj Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Emdadul Haque stated that two separate cases were filed against him under the Arms Act and for preparing to commit robbery. Police also confirmed that the suspect has an existing case under anti-discrimination laws at Siddhirganj Police Station.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed has directed all units to remain on maximum alert during the upcoming Rath Yatra celebrations. Speaking at a coordination meeting at the DMP headquarters on Minto Road, he emphasized that the large public gathering requires heightened awareness and vigilance to ensure a smooth and safe festival. The DMP will implement a comprehensive security plan for the event. The meeting discussed security measures for the Rath Yatra on July 16 and the Ulto Rath Yatra on July 24. DMP announced that patrol teams, CCTV monitoring, plainclothes officers, SWAT, bomb disposal units, and traffic police will be deployed. Volunteers must wear designated vests, and participants are urged to avoid carrying bags and to report any suspicious activity. The event must follow designated routes and finish within the scheduled time. Representatives from various law enforcement and civic agencies, including DGFI, NSI, SB, CID, the South City Corporation, and the Fire Service, attended the meeting along with Rath Yatra organizers.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman recited and explained the second verse of Surah Mulk in Parliament on Sunday. During his detailed interpretation, members of Parliament listened attentively. He emphasized that Allah created life and death to test humankind, highlighting that human existence in this transient world is a test. Dr. Rahman elaborated that Allah seeks to identify those with the best character and deeds, describing this as the essence of the divine test. He further explained two divine attributes mentioned in the verse: Al-Aziz (the Almighty), who is stern toward those who reject Him, and Al-Ghafur (the Forgiving), who is merciful to the obedient. He concluded that humans were not created without purpose; rather, their creation aims at performing good deeds. Citing a hadith, he added that the best person is one who works for the welfare of others.

The Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee announced that all Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations across Bangladesh will proceed as scheduled, except those under the Chattogram Education Board. According to a press release issued on Sunday, exams under other boards will follow the previously announced timetable. The committee clarified that the examinations under Dhaka, Rajshahi, Cumilla, Jashore, Sylhet, Barishal, Dinajpur, and Mymensingh education boards, as well as the Bangladesh Madrasah Education Board and Bangladesh Technical Education Board (excluding districts under Chattogram Board), will continue as planned. However, for students under the Chattogram Education Board and its affiliated Madrasah and Technical boards, the earlier decision to postpone exams remains in effect. As per that decision, the HSC, Alim, HSC (BMT), HSC (Vocational), and Diploma in Commerce exams scheduled for July 13, 15, and 16 have been postponed. No new dates have yet been announced for the deferred examinations.

The Bangladesh National Parliament expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Speaker Jamiruddin Sircar. On Sunday afternoon, lawmakers held a discussion in his memory, followed by a minute of silence and prayers. As a mark of respect, the remaining agenda of the day’s session was suspended after the tribute. During the discussion, Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir described Sircar as a self-made and popular leader who remained steadfast in his democratic ideals. Opposition Leader Shafiqul Rahman highlighted his contributions as a lawyer and politician, noting his defense of oppressed leaders during authoritarian times. Other members, including Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Home Minister Salauddin Ahmed, Mahbub Uddin Khokon, Nazibur Rahman, and Akhtar Hossain, praised his honesty, dedication, and service to the nation. Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed concluded that the nation had lost a great politician and legal mind, recalling Sircar’s exemplary leadership in Parliament and his close association with former President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia.