Saudi Arabia has introduced a new 'package visa' program aimed at simplifying travel procedures for tourists from seven countries, including Bangladesh. According to a Gulf News report published on Friday, the first phase of the initiative covers Bangladesh, Egypt, Jordan, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Mexico. The program allows eligible travelers to obtain tickets, accommodation, and other travel services under a single booking. Under the new system, travelers can complete their visa and travel arrangements together without visiting a Saudi embassy. The package includes a return flight ticket, accommodation in licensed hotels, and an electronic tourist visa. The visa will be issued electronically within 48 hours of completing the booking through approved travel providers, currently identified as 'Rizerval' and 'Almosafer'. The visa will be valid for three months and allow a single entry for stays between two and eighty-eight days. The minimum package cost is set at 4,000 Saudi riyals for the first two days, with an additional 1,000 riyals per extra day. The total visa fee, including travel insurance, is 402.21 riyals.

The Bangladesh Army is deploying ten speedboats in Satkania, Chattogram, to rescue people stranded by severe flooding. The deployment follows a request from the Chattogram district administration, and the boats, each with a driver and assistant, will begin operations on Saturday morning. Officials clarified that the army has not been fully deployed in Satkania; only the speedboats are being provided to assist in rescue and relief work. According to the district commissioner and divisional commissioner, the boats will be used to rescue trapped residents, deliver emergency food, and distribute essential relief materials in areas cut off by floodwaters. Continuous heavy rainfall and hill runoff have inundated large parts of Satkania, leaving many families confined to their homes and disrupting road communication. Local administration, fire service, volunteers, and public representatives are already conducting rescue and relief operations, but remote areas remain difficult to reach. The army’s speedboats will prioritize these isolated zones to deliver dry food, clean water, and medicine. Authorities are monitoring the flood situation closely and plan to intensify operations if water levels rise further.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Friday, July 10, held extensive discussions with deputy commissioners, superintendents of police, and civil surgeons from flood-affected districts across Bangladesh to assess the ongoing flood situation. He instructed the administration and party members to stand beside affected people and ensure coordinated rescue, relief, medical, and rehabilitation operations. The Prime Minister also spoke with ministers, secretaries, and officials from relevant ministries, emphasizing effective disaster management and relief coordination. According to Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumman, the Prime Minister assigned State Minister for Power and Energy Aninda Islam Amit to oversee coordination of relief and rehabilitation activities in flood-hit areas. Amit, along with State Minister for Disaster Management M. Iqbal Hossain and other officials, is scheduled to visit Chattogram on Saturday. Officials informed the Prime Minister that floodwaters have begun to recede in some areas, though close monitoring continues. The Prime Minister instructed authorities to prioritize the safety of women and children, particularly pregnant women, and to ensure sufficient food, clean water, and medical aid. Law enforcement agencies were directed to remain vigilant against potential criminal activities during the disaster period.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that Bangladesh belongs to all 180 million people, not just the ruling party. He made the remarks on Friday while addressing a local Jamaat gathering in flood-affected Banshkhali, Chattogram. Rahman stated that his party’s 90 parliamentary seats were not won to remain idle and criticized past governments for corruption and capital flight. During his visit, Rahman toured several flood-hit areas, met affected families, and distributed cash and relief materials. He announced that Jamaat would provide Tk 50,000 to each of the 23 families who lost members in the floods, promising delivery within three days. He emphasized that political parties have a duty to stand by people during disasters. Speaking to journalists, Rahman said that in times of disaster, human identity transcends religion, ethnicity, or politics, and helping victims is a moral responsibility. Several local MPs and officials accompanied him during the visit.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar stated that party leaders and activists are prepared to make the highest sacrifices for the establishment of faith. Speaking on Friday afternoon at a Jamaat-e-Islami Dhaka South educational camp for Rukon members in Motijheel-Shahjahanpur, he said that such sacrifice is obligatory for believers, comparable to prayer, fasting, pilgrimage, and almsgiving. Parwar explained that if the movement to establish faith demands losing everything, even life, Jamaat members are ready for it. He emphasized that the party does not allow personal or factional interests, focusing solely on seeking divine satisfaction. He also discussed the Election Commission’s suggestion to replace the term “Rukon” with “member” in the party’s registration application, noting that Jamaat retained both terms to preserve the spiritual significance of “Rukon.” The event, held at the Institution of Diploma Engineers auditorium, was chaired by Muhammad Shamsur Rahman and attended by senior Jamaat leaders including ATM Ma’sum, Nurul Islam Bulbul MP, and Muhammad Delwar Hossain.

Ireland’s parliament has approved a bill banning the import of goods produced in Israeli settlements located in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, according to a report by the Times of Israel. The measure, titled the “Israeli Settlements” bill, will now move to the upper house of parliament for final approval. Dublin’s decision marks one of the toughest trade actions in Europe concerning Israeli-controlled territories. The bill prohibits the entry of products from residential, agricultural, and business establishments situated outside Israel’s recognized borders. Although Ireland is the first EU country to propose such a ban, Spain implemented a similar restriction package in October of the previous year. Economically, the impact is expected to be minimal, as total imports from those areas between 2020 and 2024 were valued at less than one million euros. Opposition politicians criticized the bill for excluding the services sector, arguing it would limit its effectiveness. The government responded that restricting services trade is legally more complex. Ireland has been a vocal critic of Israel’s military actions in Gaza since October 2023 and formally recognized a Palestinian state in 2024.

At a citizens’ rally in Mohammadpur, Dhaka, on Friday, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Amir Maulana Mamunul Haque announced plans to compile a list of extortionists and build social resistance against them. He alleged that ordinary people are being forced to pay illegal levies for construction and business activities, urging citizens to pay only government taxes. The rally was organized by the party’s Dhaka-13 branch to protest the spread of drugs, terrorism, extortion, and deteriorating law and order. Mamunul Haque pledged to launch a broad social movement to eliminate extortion, teenage gangs, illegal occupation, and drug and alcohol trade from Mohammadpur and Adabor areas. He said poor and orphaned youths exploited by criminal groups would be rehabilitated through skill development and employment initiatives. He also criticized the operation of liquor bars in Lalmatia and warned of tougher programs if authorities fail to act. He further emphasized strengthening moral and religious education, criticized certain ministry policies, and accused current representatives of failing to address civic issues. The event was attended by senior and local leaders of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim extended greetings and best wishes to former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad on the occasion of his 101st birthday. In a message posted on Facebook, Anwar wished Mahathir good health, longevity, and well-being, expressing hope that he remains blessed by the Almighty. Mahathir Mohamad is recognized as one of Malaysia’s longest-serving prime ministers and is widely credited for his significant contributions to the country’s modernization and economic progress. His leadership period is often associated with major national development initiatives and policy reforms that shaped Malaysia’s growth trajectory. The message from Anwar Ibrahim highlights a gesture of respect toward a key figure in Malaysia’s political history, reflecting acknowledgment of Mahathir’s enduring influence on the nation’s development.

The government has appointed State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit to supervise rescue, relief distribution, and rehabilitation operations in flood-affected areas of Chattogram and the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The Cabinet Division issued a gazette notification on Friday under the President’s order, signed by Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani. The directive takes immediate effect. According to the notification, the minister will coordinate and monitor the assessment of flood damage, available relief stock, and ongoing rescue efforts. He will also ensure coordination among relevant ministries, departments, agencies, district and local administrations, and security forces. Additionally, he will provide necessary guidance for damage assessment and rehabilitation planning in the affected regions. The order further states that the minister will oversee the adequacy of relief supplies, take prompt action to ensure their availability, and keep the government informed about the flood situation and measures taken. Relevant government bodies, including the Disaster Management and Relief Ministry, divisional and district administrations, law enforcement agencies, and local government institutions, will provide administrative and technical support to the appointed minister.

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener and opposition chief whip in parliament Nahid Islam stated that a death sentence awaits Sheikh Hasina if she returns to Bangladesh. Speaking on Friday at an event at the Diploma Engineers Institute in Dhaka’s Kakrail, he said the government should take diplomatic and legal steps to bring her back and implement the verdict. He claimed that the country had already suffered sixteen years of destruction and that Hasina’s return should only be for the execution of the judgment. Responding to journalists, Nahid Islam said the decision on Hasina’s return and the implementation of the verdict rests with the Bangladesh government, which should coordinate with Delhi. He alleged that Hasina’s decisions depend on permission from Delhi and that the issue is tied to diplomatic and political understanding between the two capitals. He also said participants of the July uprising are ready to face any situation to protect the country’s sovereignty and economy. He warned that if any attempt is made to inflame political tensions around Hasina or the Awami League, the government would suffer the most damage.

Israeli forces detained Sheikh Mohammad Hussein, the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and Imam of Al-Aqsa Mosque, immediately after Friday prayers on July 10, 2026, in occupied East Jerusalem. The Palestinian state news agency Wafa reported that the arrest occurred following his sermon and leadership of the Friday prayer at the mosque. According to local sources cited by Wafa, Israeli authorities did not provide any official explanation regarding the reason for Sheikh Hussein’s detention or his current location. The report did not mention any charges or further details about the circumstances surrounding the arrest. The incident adds to ongoing tensions in East Jerusalem, though no official responses or implications were included in the report.

The Bangladesh Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee has postponed Saturday’s (11 July) Alim and Higher Secondary (BMT) technical examinations in five districts under the Chattogram Education Board due to worsening flood conditions. The affected districts are Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Rangamati, Khagrachhari, and Bandarban. The announcement was made on Friday, 10 July 2026, through an emergency notice signed by Professor Syed Akhtaruzzaman, chairman of the Dhaka Education Board and president of the coordination committee. According to the notice, all examinations scheduled for Saturday under the Chattogram Board—including HSC, Alim, HSC (BMT), HSC (Vocational), and Diploma in Commerce—have been suspended. However, examinations under other education boards, as well as madrasa and technical boards in other districts, will proceed as planned. The committee stated that new schedules for the postponed exams will be announced later and requested authorities to take necessary measures in response to the situation.

Continuous rainfall and hill runoff from India’s Meghalaya have caused river levels in Sunamganj to rise, though none have yet crossed the danger mark. Low-lying areas are experiencing waterlogging, and the district administration has placed all 12 upazilas on high alert, preparing 1,311 shelters to handle potential flooding. According to the Water Development Board, river levels remain below danger levels but are being closely monitored as upstream flow continues. Field observations show parts of the Sunamganj-Tahirpur road submerged, disrupting transport and forcing residents to use boats. Water has also entered courtyards in several haor villages. The Surma River at Sunamganj point was recorded at 7.30 meters, 50 centimeters below the seasonal danger level, while rainfall reached 77 millimeters in 24 hours. The district administration has mobilized over 492 boats, more than a thousand volunteers, and 1,056 medical teams, with food and relief supplies stocked. Officials advised residents in low-lying areas to remain cautious as water levels may fluctuate depending on weather and upstream flow. Authorities remain on standby to provide assistance if conditions worsen.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Thalapathy Vijay has accused the police and the then administration of responsibility for last year’s fatal stampede at his election rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu. Speaking at an event in Karur on Friday, July 10, 2026, Vijay said law enforcement failed to manage the situation and later tried to shift the blame onto him. The September 2025 rally saw a massive crowd surge that led to at least 41 deaths, sparking widespread discussion across the state. Vijay described the tragedy as one of the most painful experiences of his life, saying he had trusted the police to ensure safety. He questioned why authorities did not cancel or stop the event if they saw the situation getting out of control and noted that police had facilitated his arrival on stage. Vijay also alleged that political opponents mocked his absence following the tragedy and hinted that the incident might have been influenced by politically motivated conspiracies. The case was initially investigated by a Tamil Nadu police special team before being transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation under Supreme Court orders.

Turkey’s importance in Europe’s defense and security architecture is rapidly increasing, driven by its expanding military capabilities, self-reliant defense industry, and active diplomacy. Hosting the latest NATO summit, Ankara showcased its emergence as a key partner in European security. Turkey, which has NATO’s second-largest army, now meets about 80 percent of its own defense needs and recorded over 10 billion dollars in defense exports last year. Its Bayraktar TB-2 drones, used effectively in Ukraine, have been purchased by several European nations. Turkish defense firms such as Roketsan and Aselsan are now part of major NATO projects, developing missile and air defense systems. Diplomatically, Turkey has played mediator roles in conflicts involving Ukraine, Syria, and the Middle East. During the summit, the UK and Turkey announced a new defense and security cooperation agreement to institutionalize intelligence sharing and joint defense efforts. Analysts cited Europe’s growing reliance on Turkey amid rising security threats from Russia. However, Turkey’s deepening defense ties with Europe may create new geopolitical challenges, including tensions with the United States and Israel over advanced fighter jet programs.