New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has intensified global debate over Egypt’s 3-2 loss to Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16, claiming the North African team was “robbed.” His remarks came a day after the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) lodged a formal complaint with FIFA against French referee François Letexier, citing controversial decisions and the use of VAR during the match. The most disputed moment occurred when Egypt’s Mostafa Zizo’s goal was disallowed after a VAR review found a foul 20 seconds earlier. Argentina later came from behind to win 3-2 and secure a quarterfinal spot. Mamdani made his comments during a New York bus service event, linking time-saving benefits for residents to having time to agree that “Egypt was robbed.” The EFA stated that the refereeing and VAR errors undermined the integrity of the World Cup. An unnamed Egyptian player also told The Athletic that the tournament was “fixed,” alleging referee pressure from Argentina. The controversy continues to draw scrutiny from football analysts worldwide.

Dhaka College authorities have formed a three-member investigation committee to probe an incident of student assault and unrest at the Dakshinayan dormitory. The committee was announced on Wednesday, July 8, through an official notice signed by Principal Professor A.K.M. Elias and Chemistry Department Professor Dr. Md. Arshad Hossain Chowdhury, who serves as the committee convener. The investigation concerns a June 27 late-night altercation reportedly triggered by a dispute over seat allocation in room 303 of the dormitory. The notice requested written statements, video clips, and other relevant evidence from students involved in the incident. It also stated that written testimonies and interviews would be collected on July 9 between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. in room 30 of the Chemistry Department. According to the report, the disputed seat had been vacant for some time and was allegedly used intermittently by different students with the support of a student leader. The accused parties have not yet issued any formal statement. College authorities said the actual causes and responsibilities will be determined after the committee submits its report.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has responded sharply to U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial and provocative comments made at the NATO summit in Ankara. In a post on his X account, Araghchi stated that Iran does not respond to rudeness with rudeness but with action, describing the response as fearless and marked by great bravery. Tensions between Tehran and Washington have escalated since Trump threatened military aggression against Iran during the NATO summit. Earlier, a spokesperson for Iran’s parliamentary committee had also issued a direct warning to U.S. forces. Araghchi’s latest statement signals that Iran intends to respond to any provocation not through rhetoric but through concrete measures. The exchange underscores the growing strain in U.S.-Iran relations following the summit, with both sides maintaining a confrontational tone amid regional uncertainty.

FIFA has provided an official explanation regarding two controversial VAR decisions during the World Cup round of 16 match between Egypt and Argentina. Egypt’s goal by Mostafa Zizo was disallowed after a VAR review found a foul by defender Marwan Attia on Argentina’s Lisandro Martínez during the buildup. The French referee Letexier agreed with the VAR assessment and canceled the goal. Later, Argentina’s winning goal by Enzo Fernández was upheld after VAR determined there was no foul on Mohamed Salah by Julián Álvarez inside the penalty area. The report clarified that VAR reviews only four types of incidents: goals, penalties, direct red cards, and cases of mistaken identity. The system checks every frame at 50 frames per second, while the match ball transmits tracking data 500 times per second, ensuring no incident is missed. In Egypt’s case, the foul in the buildup led to the goal being ruled out, while Argentina’s goal stood because the contact between Salah and Álvarez was deemed incidental. The explanation aimed to address widespread confusion over why one goal was canceled and the other allowed to stand.

Iranian parliamentary spokesman Ebrahim Rezaei issued a sharp warning to the United States following a threat from former US President Donald Trump to attack Iran’s Kharg Island. In a post on his X account, Rezaei declared that not a single American soldier would return alive if such an assault occurred. His remarks came after Trump made the threat during a NATO summit held in Ankara, Turkey. Rezaei, who serves as the spokesperson for Iran’s parliamentary committee on foreign policy and national security, directly challenged the US military, stating that Iran was ready and waiting. The exchange follows a period of heightened tension between Washington and Tehran, which analysts believe could worsen after these latest statements. Observers cited in the report suggested that Rezaei’s strong response to Trump’s aggressive comments may further inflame the ongoing disputes between the two nations, adding to an already volatile regional situation.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced in parliament that the government is considering establishing a separate Defense Industrial Zone (DIZ) to develop the local defense industry. Responding to questions from lawmakers during a parliamentary session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, he said the initiative aims to strengthen national defense capacity, reduce foreign dependence, and achieve long-term self-sufficiency. The government is also working on a national defense industry policy to guide domestic production under the 'Made in Bangladesh' initiative. The Prime Minister detailed ongoing efforts to enhance capabilities in advanced military technology, drone systems, sensors, electronics, and defense equipment through technology transfer with friendly nations. He said three-year and seven-year plans are underway to modernize the army, with an estimated requirement of 860 billion taka over ten years. The plans include adding tanks, armored vehicles, artillery, rocket systems, and air defense systems to improve combat readiness. He further noted that the navy will receive new frigates, corvettes, offshore patrol vessels, and submarines, while the air force will establish a drone factory in Bogura and strengthen air defense and surveillance systems under a fast-track process.

A major political controversy has erupted in West Bengal after Prabhas Mondal, a key accused in the rape and murder of a minor Muslim girl in Baruipur, was killed in a police encounter. Opposition parties have denounced the incident as an extrajudicial killing, calling it an example of the 'Uttar Pradesh model'. Police stated that Mondal tried to snatch a revolver during a crime scene reconstruction late Tuesday night and fired at officers, prompting retaliatory fire that fatally injured him. A judicial inquiry has been ordered, and two police officers have been summoned by the superintendent of police. Congress leader Adhir Chowdhury, Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra, and CPM leader Bikash Bhattacharya sharply criticized the encounter, questioning the police version and demanding adherence to judicial process. Human rights groups have also long warned that such killings undermine the rule of law. In contrast, BJP leaders defended the police, saying officers acted in self-defense and that the action reflected the government’s zero-tolerance stance on crime. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has sought a detailed report within 72 hours, while the incident continues to fuel debate over law enforcement methods and human rights in the state.

A development meeting was held on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at the office of the opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, following the Prime Minister’s directive. The discussion focused on development and civic issues in the Dhaka-15 constituency, including road, drain, and footpath repair, gas, electricity, and safe water supply, as well as law and order conditions. Decisions were made to instruct relevant departments to take prompt measures to ease public suffering. The meeting was attended by State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam, along with senior officials from the Local Government Division, Dhaka North City Corporation, WASA, DESCO, the Department of Public Health Engineering, and law enforcement representatives. The participants reviewed the current state of civic infrastructure and coordinated plans for improvement. The initiative reflects a government effort to address local development challenges through inter-agency coordination under direct instruction from the Prime Minister.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud, told Parliament that contracts with private power companies cannot be canceled at will because they include sovereign guarantees. He made the statement on Wednesday during the parliamentary question-and-answer session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, responding to a supplementary question from MP Mardia Momtaz. The minister explained that canceling such guarantees is a time-consuming process and that discussions are ongoing with the concerned parties to reduce additional fees related to delayed payments. He added that once a power plant begins production, immediate decisions cannot be made to alter operations, and efforts will continue to keep electricity prices affordable for consumers during the contract period. In response to other parliamentary questions, the minister reported that gas supply remains below demand, with 2,700 million cubic feet supplied daily against a demand of 3,800 million. He also shared updated figures on transmission and distribution losses and confirmed that no quick rental power plants are currently operational. The minister expressed hope that ongoing discussions would lead to effective solutions regarding payment delays and cost management in the power sector.

Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, a Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker from Cumilla-11 and deputy leader of the opposition, has been appointed as the chair of the parliamentary standing committee on government accounts in Bangladesh’s 13th Jatiya Sangsad. The appointment was approved unanimously during a parliamentary session on Wednesday after Chief Whip Mohammad Nurul Islam presented the proposal on behalf of the leader of the house. The committee includes members from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, such as Amanullah Aman, ABM Ashraf Uddin Nizan, AKM Fazlul Haque Milon, Mohammad Hafiz Ibrahim, AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon, Mohammad Jalal Uddin, Md. Mahbubur Rahman, SK Azizul Bari Helal, Mohammad Monjurul Islam, Fazle Huda, Mohammad Zakir Hossain, Syed Zainul Abedin, Md. Ruhul Amin, and Mohammad Anwarul Islam. The standing committee on government accounts plays a crucial role in ensuring accountability in state financial management. It reviews public expenditure, audit objections, and ministry responses to audit findings, serving as a key mechanism for parliamentary oversight of government spending.

Despite continuous heavy rainfall, flash floods, and landslides disrupting communication in Bandarban, law enforcement agencies and various government and non-government organizations are continuing awareness campaigns to ensure the safety of affected residents. Teams from the Bangladesh Army, Fire Service and Civil Defense, Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, municipal authorities, and several NGOs are conducting public announcements and direct outreach in disaster-hit areas. The campaigns focus on urging people living on risky hillsides, steep slopes, and low-lying areas near rivers and canals to move to safer locations. Authorities are encouraging residents to take shelter in temporary centers established by the administration. Field officials report that some residents remain reluctant to leave their homes, prompting repeated appeals to highlight potential dangers and the importance of relocation. According to the district administration, the awareness activities will continue until weather conditions improve. The coordinated efforts of government and private organizations are playing a key role in motivating local residents to seek safety during this ongoing disaster.

Two Bangladeshi multiplexes, Lion Cinemas in Keraniganj and Madhuban Cineplex in Bogura, have begun screening live FIFA World Cup matches instead of films to attract audiences. The initiative, launched amid a shortage of quality movies and declining viewership, has drawn strong public interest. Lion Cinemas has already shown several matches across its four screens, with most shows reportedly going houseful as fans buy multiple tickets to enjoy the games with friends and family. Madhuban Cineplex started its large-screen broadcasts with the Argentina–Egypt match on Tuesday. Managing Director Sayekhuzzaman said the decision followed a sharp drop in cinema attendance, with some shows drawing as few as ten viewers and causing financial losses. To counter this, the cineplex priced tickets at 100 and 200 taka. If the current response continues, the management plans to screen the semifinal and final matches as well. The move reflects a creative attempt by theater owners to sustain operations and reconnect with audiences through live sports entertainment.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he is considering removing Syria from the United States’ list of state sponsors of terrorism. He made the remark while responding to a journalist’s question during a meeting with Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharar. Washington had earlier indicated that Syria’s inclusion on the list was under review. Countries on the U.S. terrorism sponsor list face strict restrictions on foreign aid, defense exports, and certain financial transactions. Last month, Trump signed an executive order ending the U.S. sanctions program against Syria, a move that eased the country’s long-standing isolation from the international financial system and reinforced Washington’s commitment to assist in Syria’s post-war reconstruction. The potential delisting could mark a significant shift in U.S. policy toward Syria, signaling a broader effort to normalize relations following years of conflict and sanctions.

The investigation into the Shapla Chattar massacre case in Dhaka’s Motijheel area has been completed, according to Chief Prosecutor Md. Aminul Islam of the International Crimes Tribunal. He stated that after verification, formal charges will be submitted to the tribunal on July 21. The announcement was made to journalists on Wednesday. Aminul Islam said that the accused in the case include former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted from power, as well as several former heads of security forces, some journalists, and former ministers. The case concerns the killings that occurred during a Hefazat-e-Islam rally at Shapla Chattar. No further details about the investigation findings or the number of accused were disclosed. The completion of the investigation marks a significant step toward formal legal proceedings, with the tribunal expected to receive the charges later in July.

Ali Akbar Velayati, senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, has blamed the United States for reigniting conflict in the Gulf region. According to a report by Al Jazeera, Velayati stated on his X account that former U.S. President Donald Trump’s verbal acknowledgment of canceling a U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding has once again pushed the region toward instability. Velayati emphasized that Iran had previously warned the Gulf was not a place for small nations to gamble politically and asserted that Tehran has repeatedly demonstrated its readiness to respond immediately to any act of audacity. He added that Iran’s finger remains on the trigger and that the country will not remain silent in the face of insult or provocation. The comments come amid heightened regional tensions, with Iran signaling a firm stance against perceived U.S. aggression and asserting its preparedness for swift retaliation.