The Trump administration has proposed shutting down the Mauna Loa Atmospheric Baseline Observatory in Hawaii, a key site monitoring carbon dioxide levels since the 1950s. This lab provides critical evidence of human-caused climate change, including the iconic Keeling Curve that tracks rising greenhouse gases linked to global warming and extreme weather. The budget proposal aims to defund NOAA’s climate research, threatening the continuation of this historic data collection and potentially disrupting global climate monitoring efforts.

The United Nations, founded in 1945 to maintain global peace, faces increasing calls for structural reform after 80 years. Critics highlight its inability to act decisively due to the Security Council’s veto power held by five permanent members. Recent conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, and missile exchanges in the Middle East have exposed the UN’s inefficiencies. Experts urge expanding Security Council membership, empowering the International Court of Justice, and reforming the International Atomic Energy Agency to restore the UN’s credibility and relevance.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an investigation against five senior officials and members of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) over allegations of accepting bribes, facilitating tax evasion, and harassment. Those under investigation include NBR member Lutful Azim, Additional Commissioner of LTU-VAT Abdur Rashid Mia, former Additional Director General of the Tax Intelligence Unit Mohammad Alamgir Hossain, Deputy Commissioner of Tax Zone-16 Mohammad Shihabul Islam, and NBR Joint Commissioner Tarek Hasan. Preliminary findings suggest these officials abused their positions to provide tax and duty exemptions to various institutions and individuals. The ACC is now conducting an in-depth inquiry.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the Iranian Embassy in Islamabad on July 1 to express solidarity with the Iranian people following recent attacks by Israel and the United States. Leading a high-level delegation, he met with Iran’s ambassador and signed a condolence book honoring the victims. Accompanied by key Pakistani officials, the visit underscores Pakistan’s strong support for Iran amid ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel in the Middle East.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has asserted that the country’s peaceful nuclear technology and uranium enrichment knowledge cannot be wiped out by military attacks. Following Israeli and US strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites in June, Araghchi emphasized Iran’s ability to repair any damage and continue advancing its nuclear industry, which is now a source of national pride. He also expressed skepticism about quick renewed talks with the US, stating that military aggression must cease before diplomacy can resume.

Farida Akhter, Fisheries and Livestock Advisor, has called for an immediate halt to tobacco farming along the banks of the Halda River, citing severe harm to soil, water, the environment, and human health. She assured tobacco farmers of ministry support to transition to alternative livelihoods. Highlighting Halda as one of Asia’s premier natural fish breeding grounds, she warned that environmental degradation threatens the nation’s fishery resources. She also noted that reduced river navigability is disrupting carp fish breeding but said the government is addressing this by increasing hatcheries to boost fingerling production.

Professor Haluk Gorgun, head of Turkey’s Defense Industry Organization, will visit Dhaka on July 8 to discuss enhancing defense ties with Bangladesh. During his one-day visit, he will meet top military officials and government advisors to explore collaboration in training, research, and arms procurement. Bangladesh has been diversifying its defense suppliers, increasingly turning to Turkey for advanced weaponry, including missiles and drones, to support its Forces Goal 2030 modernization plan.

Italy plans to hire 497,550 foreign workers by 2028 to address labor shortages caused by an aging population and declining birth rates. The government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, aims to expand legal migration while cracking down on irregular immigration. A recent MoU between Italy and Bangladesh seeks to increase safe migration opportunities for Bangladeshis. Meloni is expected to visit Bangladesh in August to strengthen bilateral ties and facilitate more job opportunities for Bangladeshi workers in Italy.

France has issued a red alert for extreme heat across 16 regions, including large parts of the south and east, prompting the closure of the Eiffel Tower. The heat poses serious health risks as temperatures continue to soar. Similar maximum-level heat warnings have been announced in Italy, Spain, Germany, Portugal, and Greece. In Germany, temperatures could hit 38°C this week. The Balkan region is also experiencing severe heat, though some areas have begun to see a slight drop in temperature.

The President of the Bangladesh Nationalist Freedom Fighters’ Party, Istiaq Aziz Ulfat, has accused Sheikh Hasina’s government of marginalizing the Bangladesh Freedom Fighters’ Council by promoting fake freedom fighters. Speaking at a press conference at the National Press Club, he alleged that under the current interim government’s Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, controversial individuals have caused discrimination against real freedom fighters. He pointed out that although there is no law banning BNP-affiliated individuals from joining the 1972-established Freedom Fighters’ Council, the present committee seems designed to exclude them deliberately.

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, has set July 16 for hearing the leave to appeal challenging the legitimacy of the caretaker government formed under Dr. Muhammad Yunus. The High Court had earlier dismissed the writ, stating that the government was legally formed based on a presidential reference and Supreme Court opinion. Senior lawyer Mohsin Rashid represented the petitioner. The caretaker government is said to reflect the will of the people under legal framework.

Dhaka’s Senior Special Judge has ordered the publication of a public notice directing 23 individuals—including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, Sheikh Rehana, Tulip Siddiq, Azmina Siddiq, and Radwan Mujib—to appear in court by July 20 in connection with five corruption cases involving plot allocations. The Anti-Corruption Commission’s report states that 12 of the accused, including Sheikh Hasina, are currently untraceable, prompting the court’s decision to issue a public notice.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarek Rahman has called for a careful reconsideration of the suitability of the proportional representation electoral system for Bangladesh’s current geographical and political context. Expressing concern, he warned that instead of promoting unity, such a system could deepen societal divisions and lead to unstable governments. While all parties have proposed reforms under the caretaker government, Tarek urged evaluation of whether these are effective for the nation’s interest. He cautioned that efforts may be underway to reinstate fascist forces under the guise of proportional representation. He underscored that people’s unity remains the cornerstone of true democracy.

Starting today, fixed internet package prices in Bangladesh have been reduced, with the minimum package speed set at 10 Mbps for BDT 500. The Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) aims to enhance service quality and improve the country's global broadband ranking. ISPAB also pledged to collect and deposit the 5% VAT from users, urging customers to subscribe only through licensed ISPs and pay monthly bills with receipts as per government regulations.

Tarek Rahman emphasized that to honor the sacrifices of the martyrs, the people’s right to vote must be ensured to build a just, democratic, and humane Bangladesh. Speaking virtually at a BNP-organized discussion in the capital, he stated that people have sacrificed their lives not for sending money abroad but to establish their rights and democracy. He called for making use of the freer environment created by breaking fascism through the 2024 popular uprising. According to him, now is the time to repay the martyrs’ debt by establishing a government truly accountable to the people without repeating past mistakes.