Iran’s powerful Kheibar Shekan ballistic missile, dubbed the 'monster missile', recently struck southern Israel, highlighting vulnerabilities in Israel’s celebrated Iron Dome defense system. Designed to carry multiple warheads over long distances at high speeds, the missile challenges Israel’s ability to intercept simultaneous threats. While a ceasefire has brought temporary relief, the looming threat of Iran’s vast missile arsenal remains. Despite advanced defenses, Israel faces growing concerns over its ability to counter such sophisticated weaponry in future conflicts.

BNP leader Shahid Uddin Annie reaffirmed the party’s commitment to judicial and institutional reform. “Reform is a continuous process. Tarique Rahman introduced a 31-point reform plan. If BNP returns to power, we will continue with visible reforms.” He criticized the Awami League’s legacy as one of fascism and plunder. Reflecting on the July movement, Annie described it not as a student-led protest but a full-fledged people’s uprising, drawing parallels with the movement that brought down Ershad's regime.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has thanked former U.S. President Donald Trump for his strong support for Israel and its people. This comes after Trump labeled the corruption cases against Netanyahu a “witch hunt” and called for their dismissal or a pardon. In a post on X, Netanyahu expressed gratitude and vowed to continue working with Trump to defeat shared enemies, rescue hostages, and expand peace. Trump, in a Truth Social post, called Netanyahu a “great hero” for his contributions to Israel.

BNP senior leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has accused former Chief Election Commissioners Nurul Huda, Rakibuddin Ahmed, and Habibul Awal of destroying Bangladesh’s democratic institutions and acting to entrench Sheikh Hasina’s regime. Rizvi stressed that any legal action must follow due process. He also announced a 36-day program marking the anniversary of the July uprising, featuring rallies, silent marches, student assemblies, seminars, blood drives, street plays, football tournaments, and public health campaigns.

Since mid-June, Iran and Israel exchanged missile strikes, escalating tensions. The U.S. launched attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites, prompting Iran to retaliate by targeting the U.S. Al Udeid base in Qatar. Despite warnings of a revenge cycle, the conflict quickly de-escalated with a ceasefire declared hours later. Strategic U.S. troop withdrawals and Qatar’s diplomatic balancing between the U.S. and Iran helped prevent further escalation, protecting vital regional infrastructure and maintaining stability in the Gulf.

New intelligence reports have emerged backing President Donald Trump’s claim that the U.S. attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities was entirely successful. According to national intelligence director Tulsi Gabbard and CIA chief John Ratcliffe, key Iranian nuclear sites—Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan—were destroyed and would take years to rebuild. Despite earlier Pentagon leaks suggesting only delays, recent assessments emphasize severe damage. The conflicting information has intensified political tensions between the administration, Congress, and the media, fueling debates over transparency and national security.

US President Donald Trump has condemned the ongoing corruption trial of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “witch hunt.” Trump urged that the trial be immediately canceled or that Netanyahu be granted a full pardon, praising him as a hero for Israel. The trial, which began in 2020 over bribery and fraud charges, could last up to a year. Israeli President Isaac Herzog has not received any pardon requests and says the issue is not under discussion.

Iran has formally protested to the United Nations against the recent U.S. attack on its nuclear site, directly rejecting America’s justification of self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter. Iran’s UN representative, Amir Saeed Iravani, called the U.S. action a violation of Iran’s sovereignty and inconsistent with global norms for peaceful nuclear energy use. He described the attack as a clear misinterpretation of international law and contradictory to the fundamental principles of the United Nations.

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has issued a strong warning following recent attacks by the US and Israel on Iran’s nuclear facilities. He stated that Iran is more prepared than ever, with its “finger on the trigger” ready to respond destructively to any aggression. Criticizing the IAEA for not condemning the attacks, Iran has suspended cooperation with the agency and vowed to accelerate its peaceful nuclear program. Lawmakers condemned foreign interference and celebrated the halt of conflict after strong Iranian resistance.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has declared the recent missile and drone strikes on US military bases a significant success. He warned that any future aggression against Iran would provoke a harsh response, including the possibility of repeated attacks on American military installations. Khamenei emphasized that Iran will never surrender despite external pressures and accusations related to missile and nuclear programs. Tehran insists it will respond firmly to any interference with its territory or interests, highlighting escalating tensions between Iran, the US, and its allies.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Tawhid Hossain confirmed that Dr. Muhammad Yunus's recent trip to the United Kingdom was officially recognized by the UK government. While a meeting with the British Prime Minister did not materialize, Hossain said he could not confirm the reasons due to his absence from the delegation. “We had expectations regarding the meeting,” he added.

Bangladesh’s air defense system remains outdated and vulnerable despite its strategic location near India, China, and conflict-ridden Myanmar. While other nations deploy advanced multi-layered defense systems, Bangladesh relies on short-range, aging technology like the FM-90. The Air Force’s fleet includes mostly second or third-generation aircraft, ineffective against modern threats. Experts warn that without serious upgrades, the country’s security is at risk. With regional tensions escalating, military analysts urge immediate investment in radar, missiles, and drone capabilities to strengthen national defense.

The Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) has received the National Environment Award 2024 in recognition of its contributions to environmental research and technological innovation. The award was presented during World Environment Day celebrations at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka. BARI Director General Dr. Md. Abdullah Yusuf Akhand accepted the award on behalf of the institute. According to BARI’s officials, this honor reflects their ongoing commitment to sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation across the country.

A rare leopard has been captured on camera in the deep forests of the Chittagong Hill Tracts by the wildlife organization Creative Conservation Alliance (CCA). The photos, shared on CCA’s Facebook page, show the leopard walking peacefully among trees. Researchers use hidden cameras to monitor wildlife but keep the forest location undisclosed to protect animals from poachers. This sighting highlights the rich biodiversity of the region and the ongoing efforts to conserve endangered species in remote, protected habitats.

The interim government has formed a five-member committee to investigate allegations surrounding the controversial national elections held in 2014, 2018, and 2024 under the previous Awami League government. The committee, headed by former High Court Justice Shamim Hasnain, has also been tasked with recommending reforms to ensure future free and fair elections. Other members include former additional secretary Shamim Al Mamun, DU Law Associate Professor Kazi Mahfuzul Haque, lawyer Tajrian Akram Hossain, and election expert Md. Abdul Alim.