The White House has begun replacing temporary barricades at its main entrance with a permanent wall as part of a broader effort to modernize and strengthen security for President Donald Trump. A White House official told CNN that the construction, located at the North Portico, could take several months to complete. Workers are also repairing exterior columns at the president’s request, and the area is currently covered with scaffolding and large printed screens. The U.S. Secret Service had long advocated for reinforcing the northern entrance, and the project is described as a security measure rather than a decorative one. In addition, the Trump administration has submitted a proposal to encircle Lafayette Park, north of the White House, with a permanent wall to replace temporary barriers. The proposal, jointly filed by the Secret Service, the Executive Office of the President, and the Department of Homeland Security, has been sent to the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts for approval. Following multiple assassination attempts on President Trump, the administration is also planning a 90,000-square-foot ballroom with advanced security features, including a drone port, sniper posts, and an underground bunker.

The Israeli military has claimed responsibility for killing a Hezbollah fighter and another suspect in southern Lebanon. The strikes took place near an underground tunnel in the Ali al-Taher mountainous area, which Israel has declared a security zone. According to the military, the Hezbollah fighter posed an immediate threat to Israeli troops stationed nearby and was eliminated through a targeted airstrike. The army further stated that a separate airstrike was carried out in the same security zone, targeting a vehicle carrying a suspect who allegedly posed a threat to Israeli soldiers. The military asserted that both individuals were neutralized to prevent imminent danger to its forces. The Israeli military also warned that Hezbollah members would not be allowed to emerge from underground infrastructure or conduct any operations in the designated security area, signaling continued enforcement of its declared restrictions in southern Lebanon.

Continuous heavy rainfall and upstream water flow have worsened flooding across multiple regions of Bangladesh. According to the Water Development Board, water levels in ten major rivers are flowing above danger marks, severely affecting Feni, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, and the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Landslides triggered by persistent rain have already claimed 30 lives in hilly areas. Meteorologists describe this monsoon as the most extreme in forty years, with rainfall records approaching those of 1983. The prolonged downpour has disrupted electricity, created acute shortages of safe drinking water, and left hundreds of thousands stranded. Road communication has been cut off in many areas, hampering relief and rescue operations. Authorities have urged the use of high-capacity boats and air support to reach remote flood-hit zones. The Meteorological Department attributes the abnormal rainfall to global climate change and El Niño effects. Officials warn that the flood situation may worsen in the next 48 hours before gradual improvement. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected to continue until July 13, with coastal and northeastern regions under heightened alert. Experts caution that prolonged rain could increase risks of waterborne diseases and call for urgent relief and medical measures.

Hasanath Abdullah, chief organizer of the National Citizens Party (NCP) for the southern region and Member of Parliament for Cumilla-4, has accused the BNP of using the July movement to come to power and later denying its ideals. Speaking as the chief guest at a street rally organized by the NCP on Friday evening at Osman Chattar in Raipur, Lakshmipur, he said the BNP had exploited the sacrifices of the wounded and martyred families of July for political gain. He noted that the Home Minister took 46 minutes in parliament to respond to a two-minute statement from their party, which he said reflected the importance of the issues they raised. Abdullah also urged the government to provide immediate relief and rehabilitation for people affected by floods in several districts of the Chattogram division. Criticizing the BNP government, he said it was failing to meet public expectations and moving away from the aspirations of the July movement. Calling for unity, Abdullah emphasized that no government can survive long while ignoring public opinion and participation, and urged collective efforts to ensure accountability and reform the state.

The Bangladesh government has failed to bring in two helicopters purchased from Russia’s JSC Russian Helicopters even after five and a half years. The aircraft were intended to strengthen police operations in coastal and hilly areas. Despite paying Tk 299.68 crore in two installments and keeping the remaining funds ready, the helicopters have not been delivered due to US sanctions that restrict imports from Russian entities. Diplomatic efforts and repeated communications with the Russian company have not resolved the issue, and officials now consider the chances of delivery slim. The Ministry of Home Affairs is preparing to send a letter to JSC Russian Helicopters seeking a refund of the full payment. The purchase agreement was signed in February 2021 between the Bangladesh Police and the Russian manufacturer, with approval from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs later that year. Four police officers were trained as pilots, and maintenance personnel were also prepared, but the aviation wing could not be launched as the helicopters never arrived. According to ministry sources, if the refund is secured, the government plans to buy helicopters from a non-sanctioned country to avoid future complications.

Iran has declared that it will never surrender to the United States and is fully prepared to defend itself if Washington withdraws from the memorandum of understanding between the two countries. The warning came from Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s chief negotiator and speaker of parliament, who emphasized Tehran’s readiness for complete defense in case of any U.S. breach. Ghalibaf stated that Iran has never stopped preparing to protect its nation and that ending wars should be a global priority. However, he stressed that the current conflict would not end through Iran’s surrender. His remarks followed a social media post by U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed that Tehran and Washington had agreed to continue talks but that their ceasefire period had expired. The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between the two nations, with Iran signaling its determination to maintain sovereignty and defensive capability amid uncertainty over the future of the agreement.

A Qatari mediation team has arrived in Tehran to help revive stalled discussions between Iran and the United States. The delegation is holding meetings with Iranian officials aimed at reducing tensions and creating conditions for broader dialogue with Washington. The diplomatic effort comes amid heightened strain following recent military incidents and the collapse of previous agreements. Iranian officials have expressed deep skepticism about Washington’s intentions, questioning the U.S. commitment to implementing a memorandum of understanding brokered earlier through Pakistan’s mediation. The distrust intensified after U.S. airstrikes in five Iranian provinces damaged military and civilian infrastructure, causing casualties, and after President Donald Trump unilaterally canceled the memorandum. Iran’s parliament speaker and chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, declared that Iran would never surrender in the current conflict and is fully prepared for “total war.” Tehran insists that Washington must honor specific clauses of the memorandum, including ceasefire terms across all fronts, Iran’s sovereign rights in managing the Strait of Hormuz, and its right to export oil.

The Trump administration has expressed growing frustration over Iran’s conduct, saying the chances of reaching a nuclear agreement are diminishing. According to a Wall Street Journal report cited by Al Jazeera, Washington believes a peaceful resolution to limit Tehran’s nuclear program may no longer be possible. Senior US officials said Iran continues to violate interim maritime agreements, leaving little hope for a broader deal. President Donald Trump recently remarked that he was uncertain whether any agreement would be reached. Officials warned that for a nuclear deal to proceed, Iran must hand over control of its underground enriched uranium to the United States. Failure to do so would mean no agreement. They also indicated that Washington has low-cost military options ready to permanently block Iran’s access to its nuclear materials. The report underscores a deepening stalemate between the two countries, with the US signaling readiness to pursue alternative measures if diplomatic efforts fail.

The United States has attached several conditions to any future agreement with Iran, according to a senior U.S. official. Washington has made it clear that Iran must meet all American demands related to nuclear restrictions and hand over nuclear materials as required. Without fulfilling these conditions, no agreement will be signed. Despite these firm terms, diplomatic discussions between the two sides are continuing and have been described as positive and productive. The development follows recent incidents in the Strait of Hormuz, where a memorandum of understanding was allegedly violated and a ship was fired upon. Iranian officials explained to the U.S. that a faulty component in their system caused the incident. However, Washington rejected this explanation and issued an ultimatum to Tehran. The U.S. demanded that Iran publicly declare it will never again fire on any vessel and ensure that all maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, remain fully open. The U.S. official warned that failure to comply with these conditions and maintain open sea routes would bring serious consequences for Iran.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of the National Citizens Party (NCP) for the southern region and Member of Parliament for Comilla-4, alleged that the government has failed to ensure electricity supply and fair elections. Speaking on Friday evening in Maijdee, Noakhali, at the NCP’s ‘July March’ program, he claimed that while earlier elections in 2014 and 2018 were manipulated before results were announced, the 2024 vote was allegedly rigged after results were published. He said 70 percent of citizens supported the referendum’s ‘yes’ vote, but the BNP stole the outcome. Abdullah criticized the BNP government for failing to create promised jobs and for worsening the power crisis. He said electricity now comes only occasionally, forcing people to rely on lanterns and candles. He also challenged the power minister’s claim in parliament that there is no load-shedding, stating that many areas experience up to 16 hours without power daily. The event was attended by senior NCP leaders including Abdul Hannan Masud and Ali Ahsan Junaid. The NCP’s program demanded implementation of the referendum, resolution of the power shortage, price control, job creation, and border security.

Ongoing heavy rainfall and worsening flood conditions have severely disrupted the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations in several parts of Bangladesh, particularly in the Chattogram division. On Saturday, tests under the Chattogram Education Board, as well as the Madrasa and Technical Education Boards, were suspended in five districts due to adverse weather. The affected districts include Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Khagrachhari, Rangamati, and Bandarban. The suspended exams were scheduled to cover ICT, English first paper, and Accounting Principles and Applications-2. According to an emergency notice signed by Professor Syed Akhteruzzaman, chairman of the Dhaka Education Board and head of the Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee, the decision followed reports from local administrators and the Chattogram board’s exam controller. The committee confirmed that exams under other boards across the country would proceed as planned. The HSC exams began on July 2, and this marks the second postponement in the Chattogram region due to natural disasters. Authorities said revised schedules for the postponed exams will be announced later, and alternative question sets are ready to ensure smooth rescheduling.

The Bangladesh Army has been deployed in Chattogram to assist the civil administration in managing sudden floods caused by continuous heavy rainfall and hill torrents. According to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement issued on Friday night, members of the 10th and 24th Infantry Divisions are conducting search, rescue, and relief operations in flood-affected areas under the 'In Aid to Civil Power' framework. Earlier on Friday evening, local officials had stated that reports of army deployment in Satkania were inaccurate, mentioning only the provision of speedboats for rescue efforts. However, the ISPR later confirmed the formal deployment across several upazilas following an urgent request from the Chattogram district administration. The floods have severely affected Lohagara, Satkania, Chandanaish, and Banshkhali, leaving around four lakh people stranded. The 24th Infantry Division has also been deployed in Boalkhali, Hathazari, and Fatikchhari, where flood conditions have worsened. Temporary camps have been set up to coordinate relief operations, and the army will continue rescue and aid activities until the situation stabilizes.

The Bangladesh Army has moved 221 families to safe shelters in the Chittagong Hill Tracts as heavy rainfall, hill torrents, and landslides continue to disrupt the region. According to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) release issued on Friday, army personnel are working with local administrations, security forces, and government agencies to conduct rescue operations, distribute relief, and restore communication networks. The army has deployed engineering equipment and heavy machinery to clear debris and reopen blocked roads caused by landslides and waterlogging. In addition, stranded tourists have been rescued from remote areas, with 140 people evacuated from Bandarban and 150 of about 600 tourists in Sajek moved to safety in the first phase. Relief efforts include distributing cooked and dry food, clean water, and essential supplies such as rice, lentils, oil, and potatoes to affected families. The army continues to monitor the situation closely and coordinate with local authorities to sustain rescue, relief, and rehabilitation operations, reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives, property, and infrastructure during national emergencies.

The government has urged all media outlets and citizens not to broadcast or publish any statements, speeches, interviews, or audio-video messages from former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is described as deposed and fugitive. The appeal was made on Thursday through an official information release. According to the statement, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) issued a ban on December 5, 2024, prohibiting the dissemination of Sheikh Hasina’s statements. It further noted that under existing Bangladeshi law, there are legal restrictions on broadcasting or publishing the words or messages of any convicted fugitive. The government emphasized that this request aims to uphold law and order and to respect the court’s directives. The statement expressed hope that all media organizations, stakeholders, and citizens would show due respect to the law and the court’s instructions and would fully cooperate in complying with them.

During an official visit to Turkey, Iceland’s Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir expressed admiration for the country’s Muslim population, highlighting their tolerance, warm hospitality, and the spiritual atmosphere she experienced. In a post on social media platform X, she said she was deeply moved by the sound of the Azan, describing it as a profound and heartfelt melody. Frostadóttir also noted the warm welcome she received throughout her visit and shared her appreciation for the positive experiences in Turkey. She stated that she intends to return to Turkey soon, emphasizing the impression the country and its people left on her. The remarks reflect a tone of cultural appreciation and mutual respect between Iceland and Turkey, as conveyed through the Prime Minister’s personal reflections during her trip.