Belgium reached the World Cup quarterfinals after defeating the United States 4-1 in the round of 16. Following the match, Belgian midfielder Nicolas Raskin expressed frustration over FIFA’s controversial decision to suspend the red-card ban of U.S. forward Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play despite disciplinary rules. Raskin said the result proved that justice ultimately prevails in life. The controversy began when Balogun received a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which should have led to a one-match suspension. However, FIFA’s disciplinary committee lifted the ban, drawing criticism from multiple sides. The Belgian Football Federation filed an official complaint before the match, which was rejected. FIFA President Gianni Infantino later stated that the judicial body acted independently, though reports of his phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump fueled further debate. Belgium’s victory, powered by goals from Charles De Ketelaere, Hans Vanaken, and Romelu Lukaku, secured a quarterfinal clash with Spain, who advanced after defeating Portugal.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar has strongly condemned the bomb attack that occurred on Monday night at the National Citizen Party (NCP) rally in Tarapur Eidgah field, Savar. He described the incident as cowardly and brutal, noting that several NCP leaders and activists were injured, with four in critical condition. Porwar expressed sympathy for the victims and called for their quick recovery. In a statement to the media on Tuesday, Porwar said the attack reflected a severe deterioration of the country’s law and order situation. He criticized the local administration for failing to ensure security despite the presence of the opposition chief whip and alleged administrative involvement due to a sudden power outage before the explosion. He emphasized that political violence and bomb attacks are unacceptable in a democratic society. Porwar urged authorities to conduct a fair and impartial investigation, uncover the cause of the power outage, identify those behind the attack, and bring them to justice. He called on the government to act decisively to maintain political stability and public safety.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested 406 people in the capital during a 24-hour regular operation, according to Additional Police Commissioner Niyaz Mehdi. The arrests were made across various divisions, including Ramna, Lalbagh, Wari, Motijheel, Tejgaon, Mirpur, Gulshan, and Uttara. The DMP also filed 50 cases during the same period. Police reported seizing 1.215 kilograms of cannabis, 2,290 yaba tablets, 15 pieces of aluminum frame scraps, a knife, an anti-cutter, five mobile phones, a motorcycle, and 8,350 taka in cash. The operation covered multiple police station areas in Dhaka, targeting illegal drugs and locally made weapons. Authorities stated that legal proceedings against the detainees are underway following the recovery of narcotics and weapons during the raids.

Pakistan has begun a quiet mediation effort between Libya’s rival eastern and western power centers, according to two Pakistani sources cited by Reuters. The initiative, which started late last year, aims to bridge divisions that have persisted since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi. The United States is reportedly aware of and involved in the process, while Saudi Arabia is providing support. Both Libyan sides are said to have requested Pakistan’s involvement. The mediation follows Pakistan’s earlier roles in separate U.S.-Iran negotiations this year, which drew praise from Washington. Analysts note that any plan to reunify Libya must balance competing foreign interests and resolve disputes over government positions, election rules, and oil revenues. A proposed 36‑month transitional power-sharing arrangement under a “Government of National Consensus and Presidential Council” is under discussion, with Abdulhamid Dbeibah and Saddam Haftar expected to hold key roles. Pakistan’s army chief recently met Saddam Haftar in Rawalpindi, followed by Haftar’s visit to Washington. Observers describe Pakistan as a secondary actor in Libya, though it maintains ties with both factions and regional players such as Qatar, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.

Pakistan and Turkey are advancing toward a major defense agreement to jointly produce various technologies and components for Turkey’s ‘Kaan’ fighter jet. The initiative aims to deepen bilateral military cooperation and strengthen both countries’ defense capabilities. Under the proposed plan, advanced avionics and radar systems for the ‘Kaan-PK’ version of the aircraft will be developed collaboratively. The final agreement is expected to be concluded by 2026. Defense officials from both nations have shown strong interest in accelerating the joint projects. The ‘Kaan’ fighter jet program is viewed as a strategic milestone for enhancing Pakistan’s defense industry. The collaboration will integrate advanced technologies and leverage Turkey’s long-standing experience and expertise in aviation and aircraft manufacturing. According to related sources, both countries intend to utilize each other’s strengths and capabilities to advance defense technology development, marking a significant step in their growing defense partnership.

United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support Atul Khare has commended the professionalism, courage, and discipline of Bangladeshi peacekeepers during a bilateral meeting with Bangladesh’s Home Minister Asaduzzaman Ahmed at the UN headquarters in New York on Monday. Khare praised Bangladesh’s leadership in environmental protection and assured that proposals, including the deployment of specialized police units in Haiti, would be given serious consideration. He also expressed commitment to strengthening the UN’s partnership with Bangladesh. The meeting discussed operational cooperation, financial compensation, environmental sustainability, the Women, Peace and Security agenda, and Bangladesh’s readiness to deploy specialized police contingents to Haiti. The Home Minister thanked the UN Department of Operational Support for its assistance in peacekeeping reimbursements and environmental initiatives such as solar panel installations. He reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of peacekeeping missions and promoting renewable energy. Bangladesh has prepared three advanced specialized police units for Haiti, trained in SWAT, rapid response, explosives disposal, forensics, and cybercrime. A three-member delegation will visit the UN headquarters from July 15–17 for MOU discussions to finalize deployment details.

Portugal’s national football team coach Roberto Martinez announced his resignation after the team’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup in the round of 16 against Spain. The Spanish coach said he saw no reason to continue after failing to achieve the goal of winning the World Cup. Portugal lost 1–0 to Spain, and Martinez confirmed in the post-match press conference that it was his final game in charge, coinciding with the end of his contract. Martinez, who took charge of Portugal in 2023, led the team for about three and a half years. Under his leadership, Portugal won the UEFA Nations League but fell short in both the European Championship and the World Cup. Expressing gratitude to supporters, Martinez said it was an honor to serve as national coach and hinted that the team now needed a “new voice.” According to international media reports cited in the source, the Portuguese Football Federation will begin the process of appointing a new coach, with European outlets already speculating about possible successors.

Cristiano Ronaldo said Portugal’s Euro 2016 victory holds the same value to him as winning the World Cup, after his team was eliminated from the 2026 tournament. Portugal lost 1–0 to Spain in the round of 16 at Dallas Stadium, ending Ronaldo’s World Cup journey. The 41-year-old forward had limited impact in the match, managing only one notable shot before Spain’s Mikel Merino sealed the result in stoppage time. Speaking in the mixed zone after the match, Ronaldo reflected on his international career, highlighting Portugal’s three major titles under his leadership: the 2016 Euro, the 2019 UEFA Nations League, and the 2025 UEFA Nations League. He said these achievements transformed the country’s football history and expressed satisfaction for giving his all to the national team. Ronaldo did not confirm whether this was his final match for Portugal, saying he would not make emotional decisions and that his future in the national team was not the most important issue at the moment.

Authorities in Chattogram city have announced a one-day closure of all secondary schools on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, due to continuous heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions. The decision covers government, city corporation-run, and private institutions, with all scheduled examinations postponed for the day. The move aims to ensure student safety and reduce travel difficulties caused by flooding and poor weather. Kissinger Chakma, Education Officer of Chattogram City Corporation, confirmed that the closure was declared prioritizing student safety amid the natural disaster. He added that if weather conditions improve, school activities and postponed exams will resume according to a revised schedule. A notice circulated in the Chattogram Teachers’ Association WhatsApp group also prompted private school principals to declare the closure. Ariful Ul Hasan Chowdhury, Principal of Bawa School, said heavy rain and waterlogging made student travel risky, leading to the closure. Schools have advised parents to follow official notices for further updates.

A video showing Mofizul Islam, the land assistant officer (tahsildar) of Jambaria Union in Bholahat upazila, Chapainawabganj, allegedly taking bribes for land-related services has gone viral on social media. The footage shows him receiving money from a service recipient inside the union land office and putting it in his pocket. The video’s circulation has sparked widespread discussion and criticism in the area. Several service seekers accused the union land office of openly engaging in bribery, claiming that no work is done without payment. One complainant said he was forced to pay Tk 9,000 for two deeds, while another person identifying himself as a broker described varying rates for different services. When contacted, Mofizul Islam declined to comment and referred inquiries to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO). Bholahat UNO Nahid Hossain confirmed that a preliminary investigation is underway. He said the administration will verify the authenticity of the viral video and take legal action if the allegations are proven true.

The Bangladesh government has announced a plan to perform one million cataract surgeries free of cost to restore eyesight for people suffering from blindness or visual impairment due to untreated cataracts. The initiative was revealed by State Minister for Health Dr. M A Muhith after a meeting between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Peter Holland, Chief Executive of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), at the Cabinet Division in Dhaka on Monday. According to the minister, around one million people in the country are visually impaired or blind solely because they have not received cataract surgery. The government aims to provide free surgeries for poor and underprivileged citizens, while others will receive treatment at a minimal cost. Patients will also receive necessary lenses free of charge after surgery. The initiative is part of the government’s priority to restore vision and improve eye health nationwide. A global conference on eye health improvement is scheduled for November, co-hosted by Bangladesh, where Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will participate. Peter Holland praised the government’s efforts and pledged continued international cooperation in the sector.

Former US Central Command (CENTCOM) chief General Frank McKenzie has suggested moving American military bases from the Persian Gulf to Israel and neighboring countries to protect them from potential Iranian missile and drone attacks. Speaking in a recent webinar, McKenzie criticized the current placement of CENTCOM’s forward headquarters in Qatar, only about 100 miles from Iran, calling it strategically unsound. He revealed that in 2022 he and other officials had warned the Biden administration that US bases in the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain were highly vulnerable to Iranian strikes, but the proposal to relocate westward was rejected. McKenzie argued that the existing US base network in the Middle East is a Cold War legacy, originally designed to counter Soviet threats and later used during operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. He said Iran’s growing capabilities have effectively forced US forces away from the Gulf coast. Citing recent Iranian attacks on Saudi and Gulf facilities, he emphasized that Israel offers fewer restrictions on access, airspace, and base construction, along with stronger air defense systems. He proposed maintaining limited Gulf presence for refueling while developing long-term bases in Israel, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast.

United States forward Folarin Balogun has been fined 40,000 US dollars by FIFA following a controversial red card incident during the World Cup match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Although FIFA’s disciplinary committee suspended his one-match ban for one year, allowing him to play against Belgium, the financial penalty remains in effect. Half of the fine will be paid by the United States Football Federation. FIFA stated that Balogun violated two separate articles of its disciplinary code. The decision to suspend his ban sparked widespread debate in world football. Both the Belgian Football Association and UEFA publicly opposed the ruling, while allegations surfaced that US President Donald Trump had spoken with FIFA President Gianni Infantino before the decision was changed. Infantino responded to the controversy, asserting that FIFA’s judicial bodies operate independently and that he does not interfere in their decisions. He acknowledged receiving a call from Trump but said he only clarified that the matter was under independent judicial review. The debate over Balogun’s case continues across the football world.

The Prime Minister’s Office has directed relevant authorities to complete administrative procedures for declaring Mahipur Police Station in Patuakhali as a full-fledged upazila. The directive, signed by Director General (Administration) Md. Mohiuddin Ahmed on June 7, was sent to the Cabinet Division and other ministries. The move follows a proposal submitted on June 5 by MP A.B.M. Mosharraf Hossain of Patuakhali-4 constituency, seeking to establish Mahipur Upazila comprising four unions and one municipality. According to the proposal, Mahipur has grown in administrative and economic importance since the establishment of the police station in 2016. The area includes the Mahipur-Alipur fishery port, various government and private offices, banks, educational and health institutions, and the country’s second submarine cable landing station. It also has direct road connectivity to the Kuakata tourist center. Following the directive, local residents, businesspeople, and community leaders expressed optimism that the new upazila would improve administrative services, enhance law and order, and accelerate regional development in southern Bangladesh.

The fecal sludge treatment plant (FSTP) project in Nilphamari municipality has been shut down due to shortages of modern machinery, skilled technical staff, and waste segregation systems. The Tk 11 crore project, designed to reduce environmental pollution and produce organic fertilizer from human waste, has failed to deliver expected results and is now non-operational. According to municipal sources, the FSTP was built in 2023 on 2.89 acres of land as part of a planned sanitation initiative. It aimed to collect human waste from households and institutions using vacuum tankers, treat it in an environmentally friendly way, and convert it into organic fertilizer. However, the plant could not function effectively as collected waste remained untreated and piled up. Officials cited the absence of modern equipment to separate biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste as the main obstacle. With about 95 percent of the collected waste consisting of plastic and other non-degradable materials, manual separation proved impractical. Authorities noted that proper machinery could enable fertilizer production and generate municipal revenue.