Advisor Dr. Asif Nazrul revealed that Malaysia plans to recruit around 30,000 to 40,000 workers from Bangladesh over the next year. He cautioned that recent reports claiming Malaysia will take 1 to 1.2 million workers are overly sensationalized and not yet accurate. Due to agreements made by previous governments, the list and regulation of recruiting agencies are fixed, making changes difficult. To avoid syndication, contract revisions are necessary; otherwise, recruitment will remain limited. Dr. Nazrul warned that sending workers through syndicates could lead to criticism, while not sending workers would mean losing valuable employment opportunities, impacting over 100,000 families in the long run.

North Korea is reportedly preparing to send up to 30,000 troops to fight for Russia in Ukraine, according to a Ukrainian intelligence report cited by CNN. This would nearly triple the current number of North Korean soldiers aiding Moscow. Previously, 11,000 troops were deployed in 2024, with many casualties reported. Russia is equipping and integrating them into its units for potential offensives. Increased military transport activity has been observed, and Pyongyang is also sending construction workers and deminers to support Russia’s efforts near the Ukrainian front.

Japan has committed $4.8 million in aid to the Election Commission’s ballot project, implemented under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), ahead of Bangladesh’s national parliamentary elections. The total project cost is $18.53 million. The contract signing ceremony at the Election Commission building in Agargaon was attended by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller, and Japanese Ambassador Saida Shinichi. Earlier, Australia had pledged $2 million in support. The funds will be used to strengthen the Election Commission’s institutional and technical capacity, enhance voter and civic education, promote participation by women and youth, ensure representation of marginalized groups, and improve electoral transparency.

A UN report by Francesca Albanese exposes 48 corporations, including Microsoft, Alphabet, and Amazon, that support Israel’s military actions and displacement of Palestinians in Gaza and occupied territories. The report reveals these companies profit from supplying arms, technology, and infrastructure facilitating alleged genocide, violating international law. It highlights the growing militarization backed by global finance firms like BlackRock and Vanguard. The findings call for corporate accountability and warn of potential legal consequences at the International Criminal Court.

Professor Ali Riaz has stated that all political parties have reached a consensus on reinstating the caretaker government system and redefining parliamentary constituency boundaries. This agreement was achieved during a meeting with the commission on Wednesday. He noted significant progress on the delimitation process and proposed a constitutional amendment mandating the redrawing of constituencies within ten years of each census. The parties also agreed to form a dedicated committee. Discussions covered the caretaker government’s structure, the tenure (90–120 days), and the appointment process for the Chief Adviser, where parties are reportedly closely aligned.

Europe is enduring an unprecedented heatwave, with Spain and England recording their warmest June ever. Spain’s average temperature in June surpassed typical summer highs, while England set a new June record at 16.9°C. Portugal hit a scorching 46.6°C in June, signaling extreme summer heat. Meanwhile, Italy declared red alerts across 17 cities due to heat-related deaths and work restrictions. Turkey battles severe wildfires, evacuating 50,000 people in Izmir alone, as emergency teams fight hundreds of blazes.

Scientists analyzing 6,000-year-old skeletons discovered in Bogotá's Altiplano region have identified a previously unknown human lineage with no known ancestors or descendants. These nomadic hunter-gatherers lived in forests and valleys, but their origins and disappearance remain a mystery. The findings challenge the understanding of South America's ancient populations, as this lineage differs from the known northern and southern indigenous groups. Researchers aim to uncover more archaeological evidence to reveal the life and culture of this lost civilization.

A Dhaka court has ordered the CID to submit its long-delayed investigation report on the $101 million Bangladesh Bank reserve heist by July 24. Since the cyber theft in February 2016, CID has sought extensions 86 times. At least $81 million was funneled through RCBC in the Philippines and laundered via casinos. Bangladesh has recovered $35 million so far. A lawsuit is ongoing in a U.S. court, with some charges against RCBC dismissed, but the main case allowed to proceed.

Former President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax and spending bill narrowly passed the U.S. Senate 51-50, with Vice President J.D. Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. The bill includes extended tax cuts, defense and immigration funding increases, and major cuts to Medicaid and food aid. It adds $3.3 trillion to the national debt and raises the debt ceiling by $5 trillion. The House vote remains uncertain, facing opposition from both hardline conservatives and moderates. Trump hopes to sign it into law before Independence Day.

Bangladesh has approved the import of 17 LNG cargoes from UAE-based OQ Trading Limited to address short-term energy needs. Five shipments will arrive in 2025 and twelve in 2026, with prices based on the JKM index plus 15 cents per MMBtu. The government also approved fertilizer imports from the UAE, China, and Saudi Arabia, and increased budgets for several development projects, including water transport and power substations. These decisions aim to ensure energy security, food production support, and infrastructure development.

The joint committee formed to enhance the development of Bangladesh's capital market held its first meeting at the Bangladesh Bank headquarters. Chaired by Dr. Md. Ejazul Islam, Executive Director of Bangladesh Bank, the meeting included officials from the central bank, Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC), and the Ministry of Finance. Discussions focused on identifying key strategies to strengthen market infrastructure, improve regulatory coordination, and ensure sustainable growth of the capital market in line with national economic objectives.

Ahead of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and hall union elections, the university administration has formed a 22-member advisory committee to oversee the process. Approved by Vice-Chancellor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, the committee is headed by Dr. Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, with Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed serving as member-secretary. At the committee’s first meeting on July 1, key strategies for election preparation, campus security, and inclusive participation were discussed. Chief Returning Officer Dr. Jashim Uddin and Returning Officer Dr. Golam Rabbani presented the detailed election framework and guidelines.

Although test production has started at the Sirajganj wind power plant, it has not yet begun commercial operation. The plant, launched in 2018 with eight turbines, aims to generate 2 MW of electricity for the national grid. Delays in implementation kept it inactive for over five years. Officials say full-scale production will begin soon. The project is expected to help mitigate climate change, reduce fossil fuel dependency, and promote clean energy, with local engineers capable of maintaining the system for up to 25 years.

Raipur Upazila Health Complex in Laxmipur has 98 vacant positions, including specialist doctors and nurses, severely affecting patient care. The hospital's operation theater has remained closed for three years due to staff and generator shortages, despite having modern equipment. Patients are forced to seek costly private services, impacting around 400,000 residents. While reports of the crisis are sent monthly to higher authorities, no improvements have been made. Only 18 doctors serve against 31 sanctioned posts, with no specialists currently appointed.

Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has called on the United Nations to establish effective mechanisms to combat misinformation and uphold ethical standards in media and digital platforms. In a meeting with a UNESCO delegation, Dr. Yunus stressed that fake news—often originating from foreign sources with local cooperation—can severely mislead the public. He urged the UN to engage with media organizations and consider developing independent regulatory frameworks. The UNESCO team shared that their upcoming report will include recommendations on journalist safety, gender security in newsrooms, and training in line with international standards.