Qatar has launched an unprecedented initiative to boost its national football team’s morale at the ongoing World Cup. Under the special arrangement of Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, around one thousand Qatari supporters have been flown by chartered planes to Vancouver, Canada, ahead of a crucial match against the host nation. The move has drawn global attention for its scale and royal-style organization. According to an Associated Press report, the program—called the ‘Qatari Fans Delegation Program’—is jointly managed by Qatar’s Social and Sport Contribution Fund and the country’s football federation. The government is covering all expenses, including airfare, luxury accommodation, local transport, and match tickets. Upon arrival, the fans created a festive atmosphere in Vancouver by playing traditional darbuka drums and celebrating in public spaces. Qatar’s captain Abdulaziz Hatem expressed gratitude to the traveling supporters, saying their presence motivates the team to perform their best. The federation stated that the initiative aims to ensure players feel supported in the stadium. The upcoming match against Canada is seen as crucial for both teams’ survival in the tournament.

The Directorate of Primary Education has issued an urgent directive instructing all its offices and institutions to promptly pay outstanding and current land development taxes for the 2025–26 fiscal year. The order, signed by Assistant Director of the Finance and Revenue Division Selina Akhter, was circulated on Wednesday to all field-level offices under the directorate. According to the directive, all offices under the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education—including divisional deputy directors’ offices, district primary education offices, primary teacher training institutes, upazila and thana education offices, and government primary schools—must ensure payment of land development tax under code 3821102 from their allocated funds for the fiscal year. The directive emphasizes that timely payment is essential for proper management of government assets and maintaining financial discipline. The Directorate has instructed all concerned officials to take immediate steps to comply with the order and complete the payment process without delay.

BNP Member of Parliament Md. Selim Bhuiyan alleged in the national parliament on Thursday that police in his constituency are working to make the government controversial. He said that when asked to take action against yaba traders, local police claimed they lacked vehicles to conduct operations. Bhuiyan urged that police be provided with necessary resources and that action be taken against drug dealers. He further stated that many police officers are involved with drug users and yaba dealers, accusing them of being aligned with the Awami League. According to him, even after being transferred between stations, police and administrative officials such as UNOs and DCs continue to act in favor of the ruling party. Bhuiyan claimed that these officials ignore instructions from BNP MPs and instead pursue their own agendas. He concluded that to properly implement the national budget, the police administration must be reorganized to ensure accountability and neutrality.

Rear Admiral Md Ziaul Haq, Director General of the Bangladesh Coast Guard, stated that the force remains firmly committed to combating piracy, drug and human trafficking, and ensuring the overall security of coastal communities in the Sundarbans. He made the remarks on Thursday afternoon after inspecting the region’s security situation. According to Ziaul Haq, under government directives, the Coast Guard is leading two special operations—‘Operation Restore Peace in Sundarbans’ and ‘Operation Mangrove Shield’—to establish law and order and eradicate forest piracy. Continuous operations, intelligence efforts, and coordination with other law enforcement agencies have cornered pirate groups, leading to the recent surrender of notorious bandit Chhoto Suman and his associates. He added that the establishment of the Coast Guard Station Harbaria in Joymonir Ghol, previously known as a pirate stronghold, has effectively disrupted the supply of logistics, weapons, and other support to criminal groups. Ziaul Haq condemned a recent attack and vandalism at the Harbaria station, calling it a regrettable and alarming attempt to undermine security operations, and said immediate action was taken afterward.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan announced that the government will act as a facilitator, not a regulator, in the ongoing media reform process aimed at ensuring press freedom. Speaking at a workshop held on Thursday at Hotel Intercontinental in Dhaka, he said the initiative seeks to create a widely accepted framework for a National Media Commission through open dialogue and stakeholder input. The ministry has brought together all sectors of the media for the first time to form an independent and strong national commission. Swapan described the initiative as a milestone in promoting media reform and freedom, noting that the government under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is implementing reforms across key sectors to build a democratic and welfare-oriented state. State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Chowdhury emphasized the importance of clear input from media representatives to make the commission effective, independent, and accountable. Participants from various media organizations and associations discussed the commission’s framework and reached a consensus to draft a national action plan, offering recommendations and proposals for its formation.

Mohammad Selim Uddin, Amir of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Dhaka North unit and chairman of the Citizens Development Forum, stated that corruption and looting are depriving people of government healthcare services. He made the remarks on Thursday in Mohammadpur, Dhaka, while addressing a program organized by the Citizens Development Forum marking the completion of free cataract surgeries for 26 patients. The event was attended by several local leaders and councilor candidates. Selim Uddin said healthcare is a fundamental right and that most countries provide free medical services to their citizens. He noted that although Bangladesh has such provisions, government hospitals suffer from malfunctioning equipment and misappropriation of medicines. He attributed these problems to rampant corruption and mismanagement in the health sector. He emphasized that restoring good governance and building a corruption-free society are essential to ensuring proper healthcare for citizens, urging collective efforts to achieve that goal.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has expelled its member (Rukon) S.K. Mohibullah from Paikgacha in Khulna for breaching party discipline. According to a press release issued by the party’s central publicity department on Thursday, the decision was made after Mohibullah announced his candidacy for the Union Parishad election, disregarding the party’s official decision. The statement said Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar confirmed that Mohibullah, son of Md. Azizur Rahman Sheikh, had violated clauses (a) and (b) of sub-section 2 under section 62 of the party constitution by engaging in election activities independently. The party’s Ameer cancelled his membership and expelled him from the organization on June 18 after the allegations were proven beyond doubt. The expulsion underscores Jamaat’s strict enforcement of internal discipline and its stance against members acting outside collective party decisions.

Three members of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch (DB) South Division were seriously injured during a suspect arrest operation in the Gausia area of Rupganj upazila, Narayanganj. According to police, the incident occurred around 3 p.m. on Thursday when a four-member DB team went to arrest a suspect. Supporters of the suspect reportedly attacked the officers, injuring three of them. The attackers allegedly forced the injured officers into a pickup truck and took them to Shantinagar Bazar in Ujithpura Union of Araihazar upazila, where they were beaten again. Local police later rescued the injured officers and admitted them to the Araihazar Upazila Health Complex. Among the injured, Sub-Inspector Mamun Matubbar’s condition was reported as critical. Araihazar Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Md. Sabjel Hossain stated that the injured officers were later sent to Dhaka for treatment and that an investigation is underway to identify those involved in the attack.

A team from RAB-14 recovered a homemade pistol during a late-night operation in Purbadhala upazila of Netrokona district. The raid took place around 1:10 a.m. on Thursday in the Manushura area of Jaria Union, following intelligence that several arms traders were present for illegal arms trading. No arrests were made during the operation. According to RAB-14 sources, the suspects attempted to flee upon sensing the presence of law enforcement. In their haste, they left behind a red market bag at the scene. RAB members later recovered the bag and, in the presence of witnesses, found a locally made pistol inside. The weapon was seized, and legal procedures were initiated. RAB stated that efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the suspects who escaped. The recovered firearm has been handed over to Purbadhala Police Station for further legal action.

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cook paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Thursday. The meeting was confirmed by Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Hossain Swadhin. During the meeting, the British High Commissioner expressed hope that relations between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom would strengthen further under the current government. Discussions included proposals for British cooperation in technical education and training sectors, as well as opportunities to expand trade and British investment in Bangladesh, which could create new employment opportunities. Sarah Cook also conveyed British interest in investing in the aviation sector following the opening of the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman and the Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir were present at the meeting.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Prime Minister’s Office in the National Parliament building on Thursday. The meeting was confirmed by the Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Hossain Swadhin. At the beginning of the meeting, the Chinese ambassador congratulated Bangladesh on the election of Dr. Khalilur Rahman as President of the United Nations General Assembly for the 2026–2027 session. During the discussion, both sides emphasized enhancing bilateral relations between China and Bangladesh, focusing on trade, investment, technical education, and strengthening people-to-people ties. Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman and the Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir were also present at the meeting, which highlighted the ongoing commitment to deepen cooperation between the two nations.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Ali Khamenei confirmed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States, stating that the initiative was driven primarily by Washington’s eagerness rather than Tehran’s. He said Iranian officials worked sincerely, but the U.S. side, led by its president, showed the most urgency and pressure to finalize the deal. Khamenei acknowledged having personal reservations but approved the agreement after Iran’s president pledged to protect national and resistance front interests. The memorandum, titled the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran,” was signed during a dinner hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palace of Versailles following the G7 summit. Macron announced that the deal would pave the way for lasting peace and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The formal signing ceremony is still planned to take place in Geneva, Switzerland. Under the terms, the U.S. will lift its naval blockade on Iran within 30 days and withdraw forces from surrounding areas within another 30 days, while Iran will ensure safe commercial shipping for 60 days. Both sides now have 60 days to negotiate a final agreement.

Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan informed the National Parliament that the government has adopted a long-term plan for the treatment, rehabilitation, employment, and monthly honorarium of fighters injured in the July uprising. He made the statement on Thursday in response to a written question from Jamaat-e-Islami MP Rokeya Begum. According to the minister, injured July fighters are receiving free medical services at government hospitals, and those seriously wounded are being sent abroad for advanced treatment based on medical board recommendations. So far, 152 fighters have been sent to Thailand, Singapore, Turkey, and Russia, with 102 returning after treatment and 50 still under care abroad. A database of 3,241 interested families and fighters has been created for welfare and rehabilitation, and 1,937 names have been forwarded to the Ministry of Youth and Sports for training and rehabilitation. Out of 14,369 gazetted July fighters, 13,344 are currently receiving monthly honoraria directly in their bank accounts, with payments for the remaining fighters under process.

Seventeen days after losing her husband, 28-year-old Rokshana Begum of Chattogram received financial assistance from District Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam. Her husband, Suman Ahmed, a 37-year-old rickshaw puller, had died after three months of illness, leaving behind Rokshana and their two young children without any income. With savings exhausted on medical expenses, she struggled to pay rent and meet daily needs, prompting her to seek help from the district administration. Rokshana’s written appeal described her family’s dire condition and was reviewed by the DC, known for his humanitarian initiatives. Upon receiving the application, he arranged immediate financial support for the family. Officials noted that losing the sole breadwinner often pushes families into deep uncertainty, especially affecting children’s futures. Rokshana expressed gratitude, saying the DC personally listened to her situation and offered both financial help and encouragement for her children’s education. The DC stated that while the aid might not solve all her problems, it conveyed the message that she is not alone. The assistance provided initial relief and renewed hope for Rokshana’s ongoing struggle to rebuild her life.

Three people died in separate lightning strikes in Kendua and Madan upazilas of Netrokona on Thursday morning. The incidents occurred between early dawn and morning hours. The victims were identified as Shamsul Huda, 55, of Digli village in Kendua; Ashraful Islam, 25, of Dauki village in the same upazila; and Rajib, 24, of Kaital village in Madan. All three were struck by lightning while engaged in outdoor activities near their homes. According to police and local sources, Shamsul Huda was fishing in a nearby wetland when lightning struck, killing him instantly. Around the same time, Ashraful Islam was hit near a canal in Dauki area, while Rajib was electrocuted by lightning while checking a fishing trap near his house. Police and local representatives visited the sites, recovered the bodies, and began legal procedures. Kendua Police Station’s officer-in-charge confirmed the deaths and said the bodies would be handed over to the families after completing formalities. Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious during thunderstorms as the region continues to experience unstable weather conditions.