Malaysian immigration authorities detained 200 foreign nationals, including Bangladeshi citizens, during a large-scale operation at the Taman Maluri night market in Kuala Lumpur. The raid, named 'Op Kutip', followed two weeks of surveillance based on local residents’ complaints. Officials from the Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya Immigration Departments and the Kuala Lumpur City Hall jointly conducted the operation, which began around 6 p.m. According to Immigration Director Hamsha Inzau, documents of 500 people were checked, including 407 foreigners and 93 Malaysians. Among those detained were 125 men and 75 women from Indonesia, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Vietnam, China, Pakistan, and India. The detainees are accused of violating immigration laws, such as lacking valid travel documents, overstaying visas, misusing social visit passes, and breaching visa conditions. Authorities said similar operations will continue in other Kuala Lumpur night markets frequented by foreigners. Action will also be taken against employers, business owners, brokers, and others who shelter or employ undocumented migrants.

The historic Zamindar House in Kalsakathi village of Bakerganj upazila, Barishal, is on the verge of destruction due to years of neglect and absence of preservation initiatives. Built in the late seventeenth century by Janaki Ballav Roy Chowdhury, the estate once symbolized wealth and cultural refinement but now stands as a fading relic of history. Despite its architectural and archaeological significance, no official steps have been taken to protect or restore the site. The Kalsakathi Zamindar House complex once hosted around thirteen Zamindar families and includes eleven buildings and three temples adorned with intricate terracotta and brick designs. The structures feature tunnels, secret chambers, and ornate carvings of deities and foliage that still attract visitors. However, plaster is peeling off, vines cover the walls, and valuable artifacts are being stolen. Local residents have expressed concern that without immediate intervention from the Department of Archaeology, this heritage site may disappear entirely, erasing a vital part of regional history and tourism potential.

An opinion piece by Shekhar Gupta argues that India’s national politics is evolving toward a de facto one-party system under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), despite the party lacking an absolute majority in the Lok Sabha. The article claims that the BJP has consolidated power by weakening or absorbing regional parties, leaving the Congress as the only significant opposition. However, with a limited electoral success rate, Congress has failed to present itself as a credible alternative. The analysis identifies four pillars driving the BJP’s dominance: hardline Hindutva, intensified nationalism, effective welfare programs, and visible infrastructure development. It contends that Congress lacks convincing counter-narratives in these areas and has lost its earlier assertive stance on national security and nationalism. The piece recalls Congress’s past military decisiveness under leaders like Indira and Rajiv Gandhi, contrasting it with the party’s current cautious tone on defense and foreign policy issues. The author warns that if Congress continues to project weakness on national issues and fails to articulate a distinct vision, India’s emerging two-party dynamic could easily shift into a one-party political order.

A section of an old connecting bridge in Shahjir Para area of Lemshikhali Union, Kutubdia, Cox’s Bazar, collapsed on Monday morning, July 6, 2026, following two days of heavy rainfall. The incident disrupted movement between Lemshikhali and Kaiyarbil unions, causing severe suffering for local residents who rely on the bridge for daily travel. The decades-old Lemshikhali–Kaiyarbil bridge had long been in a risky condition, forcing thousands of people to cross it on foot as vehicles could not pass. Locals and school authorities said the bridge had been unsafe for years, and the continuous rain caused one side to give way. Lemshikhali Union Parishad Chairman Akhtar Hossain stated that repeated requests for repair or reconstruction had gone unanswered. Upazila Engineer Abus Uddin confirmed that a proposal for a new bridge beside the old one already exists and that urgent information about the collapse has been sent to higher authorities for necessary action.

Revenue collection at Benapole Customs House, the country’s largest land port, fell sharply in the 2025–26 fiscal year. Against a government target of Tk 11,290 crore, only Tk 6,559 crore was collected, leaving a shortfall of Tk 4,731 crore. The decline coincided with a significant drop in trade volume, as both imports and exports through the port decreased notably. Data show that total imports through Benapole fell to 1.4 million metric tons in 2025–26 from 1.6 million metric tons the previous year. Revenue also dropped by about Tk 470 crore compared to 2024–25. Traders attributed the shortfall mainly to reduced imports of high-duty goods such as industrial raw materials, electronics, machinery, and chemicals. They suggested that improved digital monitoring, scanning, and anti-corruption measures could curb irregularities. Port officials said allegations of manipulation in weight scales and other irregularities are under investigation, with legal action promised against those found guilty. The customs commissioner affirmed that strict vigilance is in place to prevent revenue evasion.

Former Member of Parliament for Kishoreganj-5, Afzal Hossain, has been shown arrested in a case filed over arson and vandalism at Dhaka’s Bangabazar Market. The order was issued on Monday, July 6, 2026, by Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md. Jewel Rana. The prosecution was represented by state lawyer Shamsuddoha Suman. The investigating officer, Sub-Inspector Md. Mainul Islam Khan Pulak of Shahbagh Police Station, submitted the petition to show the accused as arrested. According to the case statement, the incident dates back to April 4, 2023, when a fire at Bangabazar Market caused an estimated loss of Tk 500 crore. The case was filed by Md. Kamal Hossain Ripon, naming Afzal Hossain and 17 others, along with 20 to 30 unidentified individuals, as accused. The investigation officer stated that preliminary findings indicated Afzal’s involvement in the incident, making his formal arrest necessary. Following the hearing, the court granted the petition and ordered that Afzal Hossain be shown arrested in the case.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury announced that Bangladesh will be brought under complete digitalization as quickly as possible to expand banking and financial services to citizens’ doorsteps. Speaking as chief guest at the ‘Innovation Showcasing 2025–26’ program organized by the Financial Institutions Division on Monday, he said the initiative aims to simplify public services, enhance transparency, and save time and costs. The minister emphasized that inclusive development requires participation from all citizens, including workers, farmers, and small entrepreneurs. He noted that a high-level government team is currently in Estonia to study its technological excellence and model for possible adaptation in Bangladesh’s financial sector. Chowdhury urged banks and insurance companies to assess how many of their clients are receiving digital services and to encourage customers to adopt online platforms. He added that expanding digital coverage across all financial institutions will help citizens access services easily from anywhere, boosting national productivity. The event was chaired by Financial Institutions Division Secretary Nazma Mobarek and attended by senior officials from the division, Bangladesh Bank, and top executives from banks, insurance, and financial organizations.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh has intensified its investigation into allegations of large-scale corruption in the recruitment of Bangladeshi workers for Malaysia between 2021 and 2024. The commission is scrutinizing the personal assets of recruiting agency owners accused of charging several times the government-fixed fees. So far, 232 individuals linked to 100 agencies have been charged, and 213 have been ordered to submit detailed asset statements. The total embezzled amount cited in the cases stands at over Tk 7,984 crore. According to an ACC letter signed by former director S M M Akhter Hamid Bhuiyan, those failing to submit accurate statements within the deadline will face legal action under the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2004. Among the accused is Golam Mostafa, managing director of Prantik Travels and Tourism Ltd, who has been asked to declare assets held in his and his family’s names. As of May 2026, 167 individuals have submitted their statements, with 25 cases recommended for full investigation. The ACC has also filed 12 separate cases against former ministers, MPs, and local leaders accused of colluding with recruiting agencies to overcharge workers and launder the proceeds abroad.

Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad attended the funeral and mourning procession of the country's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The event took place in Iran and drew participation from political, military, and religious leaders, along with a large number of ordinary citizens. Ahmadinejad, known for his conservative political stance, had long been regarded as a loyal follower of Khamenei. Before his presidency, he served as a commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). During his student years, he was associated with a hardline faction of the conservative student organization 'Office for Strengthening Unity,' formed after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Over time, he emerged as a key figure in Iran’s conservative politics. The funeral underscored the deep influence of Khamenei across Iran’s political and religious spectrum, as the nation’s leadership and citizens gathered to pay their final respects.

A severe wildfire in Spain’s eastern Valencia region has forced the evacuation of about 500 residents from Castellón province. The blaze, which began on Sunday, has already burned around 150 hectares of forest, according to local media reports. On Monday morning, authorities deployed 12 aircraft to help contain the fire as temperatures continued to rise under the country’s second heatwave of the summer. Firefighters from the Asturias region have joined the efforts to control the flames, while another wildfire that began on June 26 in a mountainous area remains under management. In Catalonia’s Girona area, a separate fire that started on Friday injured 14 people and burned approximately 2,300 hectares before being brought under control on Saturday. Fire crews continued working through early Monday to prevent reignition. Officials have warned that the intensifying heatwave could complicate containment efforts in the coming days, posing ongoing risks to affected communities and forested areas.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abul Muktadir stated that ship recycling in Bangladesh is now being conducted using scientific methods that comply with international and environmental standards. He made the remarks on Monday morning after visiting the PHP Ship Breaking and Recycling Yard in Sitakunda, Chattogram. The minister said the government aims to bring all ship recycling yards under green certification to enhance Bangladesh’s global market acceptance. During a meeting with leaders of the Bangladesh Ship Breakers and Recyclers Association, the minister discussed industry challenges, prospects, and development plans. He noted that the sector once faced international criticism for pollution, unsafe working conditions, and poor hygiene, but significant improvements have been made through modern technology and better safety measures. Several yards have already received international recognition. Muktadir added that Bangladesh previously dismantled about 45 percent of ships sold for recycling worldwide, but its position weakened due to global competition and policy challenges. The government is now working to restore its leading status while reviewing national policies on the Hong Kong and Basel Conventions to balance international compliance with national interests.

A massive funeral procession for Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei began on Monday in Tehran, drawing millions of mourners from early morning. According to Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB, participants carried national flags and portraits of Khamenei, chanting slogans to pay tribute and express national unity. The event filled major streets, including Azadi Avenue, with men and women of all ages joining in prayer and mourning. The procession included both civilians and military officials, creating an atmosphere of collective grief and reverence. Following the Tehran ceremony, the schedule announced that funeral and mourning events would continue Tuesday in the holy city of Qom. On Wednesday, special farewell and prayer gatherings are planned in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala, with final burial to take place Thursday at Imam Reza’s shrine in Mashhad. The multi-day observances reflect the scale of national mourning and the significance of Khamenei’s leadership in Iran’s recent history.

In Saidpur of Nilphamari, hundreds of battery-run auto-rickshaw, easy-bike, van, and mishuk drivers staged a protest and besieged the municipality office on Monday, demanding a reduction of the annual parking charge from Tk 2,000 to Tk 1,000. The demonstration was organized by the Saidpur Upazila branch of the Autobike Workers Welfare Society, which also submitted a memorandum to the municipal authorities. The workers warned of tougher programs within 72 hours if their demand is not met. During the rally, labor leaders argued that the current charge is double that of other municipalities in Nilphamari district, where the annual fee is Tk 1,000. They said the increased rate has become a financial burden for low-income drivers and called for equal treatment across municipalities. The workers emphasized that their demand is fair and aimed at removing discrimination. Municipal Executive Engineer Ayub Ali stated that the parking charge has not been increased recently and that the existing rate was set in 2019. He added that the submitted memorandum will be reviewed seriously and discussed in the next municipal meeting for a possible decision.

China has announced the successful launch of a missile from a nuclear-powered submarine in the Pacific Ocean. The test took place on Monday at 12:01 p.m. local time, when a strategic submarine of the People’s Liberation Army Navy fired a training missile carrying a simulated warhead toward a designated target area, hitting it accurately. The test followed earlier warnings from regional countries that China was planning an intercontinental ballistic missile launch. Beijing described the launch as part of its annual military training and said relevant countries had been notified in advance. The event is being viewed as a rare demonstration of China’s growing military capabilities in the strategically important South Pacific, where the United States, Australia, and New Zealand have long maintained security influence. Several regional nations, including Japan, criticized the launch, with Tokyo stating it had urged China to reconsider the test. It remains unclear whether the missile test was linked to a scheduled China-Russia joint naval exercise near Qingdao on the same day. Reports also note China’s rapid expansion of its nuclear arsenal and defense spending in recent years.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh is preparing to hold local government elections in phases starting from October. According to Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Mashud, the first phase is likely to include Union Parishad (UP) and municipal elections. He said the commission could complete preparations within one to one and a half months after coordination with the government. The EC plans to complete all levels of local government elections within about a year. Mashud explained that the commission is considering factors such as public exams, religious festivals, monsoon conditions, and regional connectivity before finalizing the election schedule. The EC has nearly completed revisions to laws, regulations, and the code of conduct, with draft rules published online for public feedback. Key changes include higher candidate deposits, no online nomination submission, and no use of electronic voting machines or postal ballots. Over 4,500 Union Parishads are ready for elections, with police, BGB, and Ansar to manage security. The commission aims to ensure peaceful voting and reduce violence seen in previous UP elections. The local government minister confirmed in parliament that preparations for free and fair elections are underway.