Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has announced that Bangladesh will begin exporting jackfruit to China. Speaking in parliament on Wednesday, he said that during his recent visit to China, an agreement was signed to facilitate the export. Rahman noted that Bangladeshi jackfruit is very popular in China and expressed optimism about the trade potential. The announcement came in response to a supplementary question from Mymensingh-6 MP Kamrul Hasan Milon, who highlighted the agricultural potential of Fulbaria, where lemons, pineapples, and jackfruits are produced in large quantities. The Prime Minister also shared that during his earlier visit to Malaysia, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim mentioned that Malaysia exports durian worth one billion dollars annually to China. Rahman said Bangladesh could similarly earn significant foreign currency through jackfruit exports. He further mentioned that the government plans to reopen a closed pineapple processing factory in Fulbaria but currently has no plan to establish a separate industrial zone there.

International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has reported that around 6,000 sailors are stranded aboard hundreds of ships in the Gulf amid rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. In a statement cited by Al Jazeera, Dominguez condemned recent attacks on several vessels crossing the strait over the past two days, warning that such incidents have placed innocent seafarers’ lives at severe risk. He stressed that no sailor should face danger merely for performing their duties and urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and work to de-escalate the situation. Dominguez called on flag states, shipowners, and operators to avoid transiting the strait if crew safety cannot be guaranteed. According to the IMO chief, the recent attacks have intensified fear, uncertainty, and psychological stress among the roughly 6,000 sailors unable to leave the Gulf. He reaffirmed that ensuring the safety of seafarers must remain the top priority.

Continuous heavy rainfall has flooded several low-lying areas in Dighinala upazila of Khagrachhari, disrupting road connections with Baghaichhari, Sajek, and Longadu in Rangamati. As a result, more than 450 tourists have been stranded in the hill resort town of Sajek. The flooding began on Wednesday morning when parts of the Dighinala–Sajek road, particularly the Kabakhali section, went underwater, halting all vehicular movement. In Merung union, roads and multiple villages were submerged, cutting off direct road communication with Longadu. Rising water levels in the Maini River have started flooding nearby lowlands, raising concerns among residents. The upazila administration has opened 20 shelters to assist affected people, while the district administration has opened 135 shelters and arranged dry food and other relief measures. According to the Sajek Cottage and Resort Owners Association, stranded tourists are being accommodated with utility bill-based lodging and discounted meals at local restaurants as authorities continue to monitor the situation.

The Bangladesh Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee has issued a strict directive urging everyone not to spread or share any misleading or unverified information regarding the ongoing Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations. The warning came through an emergency notice released on Wednesday, following the circulation of a fake announcement on social media claiming that the Chattogram Education Board’s exams would begin at 1 p.m. on July 8 as per the original schedule. The committee clarified that the notice was entirely false, fabricated, and intentionally misleading, and that neither the Chattogram Board nor the coordination committee had any involvement with it. The official statement advised students, parents, teachers, heads of institutions, examination center officials, and the general public to verify any exam-related information before believing or sharing it online. It emphasized that all legitimate updates, notices, and instructions are published only on the official websites and verified Facebook pages of the Ministry of Education, the Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee, and the respective education boards. Authorities have urged everyone to remain alert and refrain from spreading rumors in the public interest.

Four Indian citizens who were previously pushed into Bangladesh by India's Border Security Force (BSF) have returned to India through the Sonamasjid immigration point in Chapainawabganj’s Shibganj upazila. The return took place on Wednesday afternoon after completing necessary immigration formalities. The four individuals—Danis Sheikh, Sweety Bibi, Kurban Sheikh, and Imam Dewan—are residents of Dhritara village in Birbhum district, West Bengal, according to Sonamasjid Immigration Police in-charge Jamirul Islam. The group alleged that in June 2025, BSF forcibly pushed six Indian nationals, including two children, into Bangladesh through the Kurigram border. They were later detained by police in Chapainawabganj and sent to jail before being released on bail after about three months. Earlier, two other members of the same family, Sonali Bibi and her child, had been taken back by India, but the remaining four were not accepted at that time. Following legal proceedings in India’s High Court and Supreme Court, the six were confirmed as Indian citizens, prompting India to issue travel passes. The four expressed gratitude to the people and authorities of Bangladesh for their support before returning home.

A new partial convening committee of the National Chhatra Shakti has been announced at Jamalpur University of Science and Technology (Jabiprabi). The one-year approved committee names Liton Akand, a student of the Management Department (2020–21 session) and central co-coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, as convener. Mamunur Rashid has been appointed as member secretary, and Monir Ahmed as chief organizer. The approval was confirmed through a notice signed by the organization’s central president Zahid Ahsan and general secretary Abu Bakar Mojumdar on Monday, July 6. According to the notice, Liton Akand played a significant role in organizing movements at the university during the July 2024 mass uprising. Mamunur Rashid is a student of the Fisheries Department (2022–23 session), while Monir Ahmed studies in the Computer Science and Engineering Department (2021–22 session). The committee also includes Riyad Hasan and Tariful Islam Sharif as senior joint conveners, Ananta Ashraf Uddin and Mujahid Sarkar as senior joint member secretaries, Sajib Islam as joint member secretary (office), and Limon Bhuiyan as joint member secretary (media). The newly formed committee has been instructed to submit a full committee to the central council for approval within seven working days.

The Al-Quran Foundation Bangladesh has called on the government to organize national-level Qirat and Hifz competitions under official initiative. The appeal was made by the foundation’s secretary general, Maulana Qari Golam Mostafa, who emphasized that regular government-backed events could help more Bangladeshi Qaris and Hafizes showcase their talent internationally. According to the foundation, Bangladeshi participants have achieved remarkable success in global Qirat and Hifz competitions over the past four decades. From 1980 to 2025, a total of 37 Bangladeshi Qaris and Hafizes have won 180 international awards. The country’s first international recognition came in 1981 when Qari Hafiz A. Haque secured fourth place in Libya, followed by Golam Mostafa’s second-place finish in Saudi Arabia in 1982. The foundation also urged the government to formally honor internationally awarded Qaris and Hafizes, stating that such recognition would inspire the younger generation to pursue Quranic education and enhance Bangladesh’s image abroad.

Seven Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinees were expelled and five teachers were dismissed in Matlab North upazila of Chandpur for involvement in examination malpractice. The incident occurred during the English second paper exam under the Comilla Education Board when a visiting team inspected the Sujatpur Degree College examination center on Wednesday and caught the students cheating. According to the center secretary Masud Parvez, the expelled students included six irregular students from Nauri Adarsha College and one regular student from Nishchintapur Degree College. They were found carrying written notes hidden inside their shirts. The five teachers serving as invigilators were relieved of their duties following the discovery. Upazila Executive Officer Mahmuda Kulsum Moni confirmed that the students were expelled after being caught red-handed during the inspection. The disciplinary actions were taken immediately to maintain the integrity of the ongoing HSC examinations.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman told Parliament on Wednesday that the government is actively considering establishing communication and dialogue with all relevant parties, including Myanmar’s main junta, to facilitate the repatriation of displaced Rohingya people. He said the verification of Rohingya data is progressing regularly, and efforts for their repatriation or resettlement in third countries are ongoing. The Prime Minister described the repatriation process as complex and dependent on security in Rakhine State, international pressure, and cooperation from Myanmar authorities. He added that the government is pursuing strong diplomatic initiatives on bilateral, regional, and multilateral fronts to achieve a sustainable and dignified solution. Rahman also discussed labor market expansion efforts in Thailand, South Korea, Japan, and Malaysia, and said the government continues diplomatic efforts to reopen the Malaysian labor market. On the economy, he said investigations into past stock market manipulation are ongoing, with fines imposed and further legal actions under review. The Prime Minister emphasized restoring investor confidence and ensuring transparency in the capital market, while also pledging to strengthen both the Dhaka and Chattogram stock exchanges based on expert recommendations.

A clash broke out between Brazil and Argentina football supporters in Mirsarai, Chattogram, on Tuesday night during the Argentina–Egypt match. The incident occurred in Tetoya village of Katachhara Union when a Brazil supporter, Mainuddin Mithu, celebrated Egypt’s goal, leading to an argument with Argentina supporter Mohammad Sakib. The dispute escalated into a physical fight, leaving both men injured. Mithu sustained a serious nose injury, while Sakib suffered a head wound. Local residents took both injured men to Mirsarai Upazila Health Complex. The on-duty doctor, Raju Singh, confirmed that Mithu had severe bleeding from his nose and was later referred to Chattogram Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment. As of Wednesday, both injured individuals remained under medical care at the hospital. According to Jorarganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Abdul Halim, no formal complaint had been filed regarding the incident. He stated that police would take legal action if a complaint is received.

Gas supply in Bogura city and surrounding areas will remain suspended for 24 hours due to urgent maintenance and gas commissioning work. According to the West Zone Gas Company Limited (PGCL), the suspension will begin at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, and continue until 6 p.m. on Friday, July 10. The interruption is required for tie-in operations connected to the Bogura District Regulating Station (DRS) under the SASEC-2 project. The project involves relocating and removing existing gas pipelines from Bonani Mor to Tinmatha Railgate in the Bogura region. The tie-in work will be carried out at both ends of the pipeline and at the Bogura DRS. During this period, gas supply will remain halted for all categories of consumers, including industrial, captive power, CNG filling stations, commercial, and residential users. PGCL stated that tie-in work will take place at about 12 points, including Bonani, Tinmatha Mor, Shakpala Bus Stand, Millennium School, Bogura Jahangirnagar Cantonment, Palli Bidyut, Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital, PGCB, GTCL, and Agathi CNG Filling Station. The company assured that gas supply will be restored as soon as the work is completed.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced in parliament on Wednesday that the government plans to gradually increase the honorarium of primary and secondary school teachers. Responding to a question from NCP MP Hasnat Abdullah during the question-answer session, he acknowledged that many teachers are compelled to take second jobs or engage in agriculture to support their families. He emphasized the need to raise their honorarium to ensure they can focus fully on teaching. The Prime Minister stated that the current budget allocates 2 percent of GDP to the education sector, with a target to raise it to 5 percent within five years. He highlighted that improving teacher training and financial conditions is essential for enhancing education quality. Rahman also criticized past regimes for focusing only on infrastructure rather than developing human resources. He confirmed that the government will implement training and honorarium increases for teachers in phases, aiming to reduce their financial hardship and improve the overall standard of education.

Iran has stated that it turned back an Indian oil tanker attempting to use a maritime corridor along Oman’s coast through the Strait of Hormuz. According to Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency, the vessel was redirected after trying to pass through the Oman corridor. The report cited Al Jazeera as the source of the information. On June 24, Oman and the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO) announced the opening of a temporary sea route near Oman’s coast to facilitate the removal of stranded ships in the Gulf. Iran claimed that the United States was overseeing the management of this corridor. Fars reported that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has been issuing radio warnings to ships attempting to use the Oman corridor, instructing them to follow Iran-designated routes instead. The report added that, according to shipping data, all vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday morning used Iran-approved corridors. However, there has been no independent confirmation of Iran’s claims from India, Oman, or international authorities.

Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity reported that several of the country’s power lines were damaged by splinters from an Iranian attack, rendering them temporarily inoperative. The ministry stated that despite the damage, electricity supply across the country remained unaffected. Emergency engineering teams have already begun repair work on the affected lines. According to Kuwait’s army, two ballistic missiles and thirteen drones were detected in the country’s airspace early Thursday morning. All were successfully intercepted before causing further harm. Authorities confirmed that there were no casualties or significant damage resulting from the incident. The ministry and military statements indicate that the situation is under control, with restoration efforts underway to ensure full operational stability of the power infrastructure.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has given policy approval to relocate Dhaka’s Sayedabad inter-district bus terminal to Kanchpur in an effort to reduce traffic congestion in the capital. The decision was made at a meeting chaired by Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury at the Secretariat. The move follows a directive from Prime Minister Tareq Rahman to modernize traffic management in Dhaka. According to the Local Government Division, Dhaka South City Corporation has been instructed to complete necessary infrastructure and operational preparations within four months to make the proposed Kanchpur terminal functional. The project will be implemented by state-owned Chittagong Dry Dock Limited under the Bangladesh Navy through direct purchase due to state emergency needs. The estimated cost of the project is Tk 6.88 crore. It includes construction of a 4,012-square-meter platform, installation of tiles, a shed using 15,573 kilograms of profile sheets, 120 ticket counters, 32 toilets, and office rooms. Officials expect the new terminal to significantly reduce traffic pressure in eastern Dhaka and improve overall traffic management.