Two hostels for visually impaired students in Babuganj, Barisal, completed over five years ago at a cost of nearly 25 million taka, have yet to be inaugurated. The buildings remain unused due to staff shortages and student-related issues, causing valuable furniture and equipment to deteriorate. Local residents urge authorities to open the hostels soon to provide essential education and training to visually impaired children. Officials have acknowledged the problem and promised prompt action.

At least 31 Israeli soldiers have died from friendly fire during ongoing military operations in Gaza. Since the ground offensive began in October 2023, 440 Israeli soldiers have been killed, including 72 in operational accidents. The overall conflict has resulted in 882 Israeli soldier deaths and over 6,000 injuries. Meanwhile, settler attacks and territorial expansion in the West Bank have surged by nearly 40% since Prime Minister Netanyahu's 2022 government took office, intensifying tensions in the region.

Religious Adviser Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain reaffirmed the government's commitment to holding the national election on schedule, dismissing any doubts or misinformation. He spoke during the foundation stone unveiling of the Bandarban district model mosque and Islamic Cultural Center at Meghla Tourism Area. Highlighting the mosque’s role in promoting Islamic values and social development, he urged locals to manage it effectively and maintain regular prayers. The mosque, costing nearly 160 million taka, features a four-story international standard building constructed by the Public Works Department.

BNP Standing Committee member Dr. Abdul Moin Khan criticized the Awami League for its authoritarian rule and failure to establish true nationalism in Bangladesh. Speaking at a discussion at Dhaka University on July 5, he praised former President Ziaur Rahman for promoting Bangladeshi nationalism as a solution to the issues within Bengali nationalism. Moin Khan claimed that while the Awami League has long governed, it has lost its core values and identity, effectively abandoning the country’s nationalist spirit.

As Bihar’s assembly elections approach, speculation grows about Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM joining the opposition alliance led by Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rahul Gandhi. AIMIM claims strong influence in Bihar’s Muslim-majority Seemanchal region and seeks to prevent vote-splitting that benefits BJP-JD(U). While AIMIM’s inclusion could alter electoral dynamics, major allies remain cautious, citing past BJP support by AIMIM. The Election Commission’s rigorous voter list revision adds uncertainty, with opposition parties fearing disenfranchisement of migrant and poor voters.

Syria's interim government has introduced a new national emblem—the Golden Eagle—as a symbol of hope, sovereignty, and democratic aspirations following years of conflict. Featuring three stars and symbolic feathers, it represents unity, resistance, and the country’s five regions and 14 provinces. President Ahmed al-Sharaa called it a sign of rebirth, moving beyond Bashar al-Assad’s autocratic rule. Celebrations erupted nationwide, while officials highlighted efforts to redefine Syria’s global image. The emblem will soon appear on official documents, including passports and ID cards.

Japan’s Mount Shinmoedake, part of the Kirishima mountain range, erupted on Wednesday afternoon, spewing ash clouds into the sky. Authorities have warned of falling rocks and pyroclastic flows within a two-mile radius, advising residents to remain indoors. The eruption has heightened concerns over a potential "mega-disaster" — a term popularized by manga artist Ryo Tatsuki, who reportedly predicted a major catastrophe in June 2025. While the region had been on alert prior to the eruption, the risk level has now intensified. With nearly 900,000 people potentially affected, the Japanese authorities are on high alert.

Hezbollah’s Deputy Secretary General Naim Qassem has declared that there will be no disarmament of the resistance until Israeli aggression ceases. “Before asking us to lay down arms, demand an end to the occupation,” he said. He warned that those advocating surrender would have to face the consequences. Qassem emphasized that defending the homeland requires no external approval, although dialogue could be possible if viable alternatives are presented. His statement came in response to a U.S. proposal urging Lebanon to bring all arms under state control and implement broader reforms.

Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, has announced that the United Nations will oversee an investigation into the state of journalism in Bangladesh over the past 15 years. He stated that the government is committed to ensuring media freedom and is currently not interfering in press activities. Plans are also underway to establish a dedicated commission for journalists and to set a minimum monthly salary of BDT 30,000 for reporters. There have also been calls for defining minimum educational qualifications and a structured wage scale for media professionals.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has placed 139 employees on administrative leave after they publicly criticized the Trump administration’s environmental policies using official job titles. A letter titled “Declaration of Dissent,” signed by EPA staff and recently dismissed workers, accused the administration of weakening regulations and suppressing science to favor polluters. The EPA stated that using government titles in protest misled the public and violated agency policy. An investigation is underway, and the agency is also undergoing structural changes, including canceling research grants.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports of Bangladesh has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the World Ethnosport Confederation to enhance cooperation in promoting traditional games and cultural exchange. The agreement was signed on Friday in Istanbul, Turkey, by Bangladesh advisor Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan and Turkey’s representative Necmettin Bilal Erdoğan. The two sides agreed to work together on the global promotion of traditional Bangladeshi sports such as kabaddi, wrestling (bolikhela), and boat racing. Turkey also expressed interest in establishing schools in Bangladesh, offering scholarships, and organizing sports programs in Rohingya camps. Both parties highlighted the importance of cultural unity and condemned the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

Attorney General A.M. Amin Uddin has affirmed that individuals convicted by the International Crimes Tribunal are not eligible to contest in elections. He further stated that if any members of the ruling Awami League are found guilty of crimes against humanity, they too will be brought to justice. Speaking at a seminar titled “Implementing the Spirit of the July Movement” on Saturday, he emphasized that the martyrs of July were not affiliated with any particular party, but symbolized public resistance against autocracy. He highlighted that the core values of the July Movement are good governance and justice.

Environmental activist Syeda Rizwana Hasan has called on Muslim-majority countries to unite under the "Three Zero" framework—zero unemployment, zero poverty, and zero net carbon emissions. Speaking at the International Social Business Summit in Dhaka, she emphasized that this approach can build a just and sustainable future. Entrepreneurs at the summit echoed her message, calling the initiative not just policy but a global social movement.

NCP Senior Joint Secretary Dr. Tasnim Zara highlighted the story of Lamim, a 15-year-old boy who lost his left eye after being shot during a protest. Inspired by his brother and televised police brutality, Lamim defied his parents and joined the protest alone. Zara praised Lamim's courage and said his vision of an honest, just, and corruption-free country reflects the spirit of a new generation that demands change and accountability.

Donald Trump has alleged that Iran is denying access to nuclear inspectors and has not agreed to halt uranium enrichment. Speaking on Friday, he expressed concern that Iran may be continuing its nuclear program covertly at undisclosed locations. Trump confirmed that he will raise this issue with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in their upcoming White House meeting. Iran had earlier suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).