An old episode of Channel i’s live talk show ‘To the Point’ has gone viral, featuring former army officer and politician Shahjahan Omar Bir Uttam as a guest and Soma Islam as the host. In the video, Soma Islam asks whether Tarique Rahman truly loves Bangladesh or democracy. The video was shared on Thursday by Daily Amar Desh joint editor M Abdullah and Al Jazeera investigative journalist Zulkarnain Saer, drawing renewed attention online.

The talk show, recorded before the political shift of 2024, shows Soma Islam questioning Tarique Rahman’s leadership and describing the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) as facing a “leadership crisis.” She noted that grassroots activists appeared frustrated and lacked proper guidance. Soma Islam also remarked that the party chief was leading from abroad through virtual meetings and repeatedly apologizing to the public, which she said made the party’s future uncertain.

The video shared by M Abdullah and Zulkarnain Saer has reportedly received around 350,000 views, reflecting significant public interest in the resurfaced discussion.

At RoboCup 2026 in Incheon, South Korea, humanoid robots played football autonomously without human control. The event showcased major advancements in artificial intelligence and robotics, as the robots made their own decisions during matches. Human involvement was limited to relaying referee instructions to the robots.

RoboCup, established in 1997, aims to develop a fully autonomous robot football team capable of defeating a FIFA World Cup champion team by 2050. Researchers believe that rapid progress in AI is bringing this goal closer to reality. Spectators also expressed confidence that robot football could become a popular sport with its own fan base in the future.

The competition highlighted the growing intersection of robotics and sports, suggesting that autonomous systems may soon achieve complex teamwork and decision-making comparable to human athletes.

Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Professor Dr. A Z M Zahid Hossain paid tribute at the first burial site of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam, located in Jianagar of Rangunia upazila, Chattogram. The tribute took place on Friday, followed by prayers seeking forgiveness for the late president’s soul.

Local BNP leaders, party workers, and supporters were present during the minister’s visit and prayer session. The event marked a gesture of respect toward the late leader, who was initially buried in Rangunia after his death.

According to the source, Ziaur Rahman was killed on May 30, 1981, at the Chittagong Circuit House. His body was first buried in Rangunia before being reinterred at Chandrima Udyan (now Zia Udyan) in Dhaka.

Sri Lanka’s Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption has arrested former navy commander Fleet Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda on charges of corruption. Authorities allege that he unlawfully assisted former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s son, Yoshitha Rajapaksa, in securing a naval appointment and overseas training without proper qualifications. The 73-year-old was taken into custody on Friday in connection with a 2006 recruitment case, according to AFP reports from Colombo.

Karannagoda, who led the navy during the final phase of the Tamil separatist war in 2009, is now retired. Yoshitha Rajapaksa was arrested last month over allegations of receiving training at Britain’s Dartmouth Naval College using public funds but was later released on bail. Karannagoda also faces accusations of war crimes and human rights violations, and Britain imposed sanctions on him in 2025. A murder conspiracy case related to the killing of 11 youths between 2008 and 2009 has also been revived against him.

Since President Anura Kumara Dissanayake took office in 2024, investigations into corruption and high-profile crimes involving the Rajapaksa family and their associates have gained renewed momentum.

Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anny has warned that law enforcement agencies will take strict action against those involved in drug trading, regardless of political or personal influence. He made the remarks on Friday afternoon at a brief meeting in Dakshin Chiladi area of Kushakhali Union under Chandraganj upazila in Lakshmipur, where he served as the chief guest.

The minister said that anyone continuing drug trade despite 17 years of Awami League’s governance will face legal consequences. He emphasized that there will be no room for lobbying or interference, adding that some influential individuals are still involved in the trade. He urged them to quit, warning that no one will be able to rescue them if they fall into trouble. He also discussed government initiatives on women’s empowerment and social safety programs, noting that family cards are being used to provide financial support to women heads of households.

According to the minister, the goal of this support is to help mothers become financially self-reliant and capable of educating their children, viewing the assistance as an investment in the nation’s future.

State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku announced that the government will ensure unrestricted fishing rights for genuine fishermen in all open water bodies across the country. He made the statement on Friday while speaking to journalists at the Netrakona Circuit House, emphasizing the government’s commitment to protecting the livelihoods of fishermen in the haor regions.

The minister said the government is determined to uphold the fair rights of real fishermen under the principle of “Jal jar, jala tar,” meaning those who own the nets should have access to the waters. He noted that the lease system had allowed influential groups to occupy water bodies and prevent ordinary fishermen from fishing, but the government is taking legal steps to remove such obstacles. He also mentioned ongoing initiatives for dredging rivers and canals to maintain navigability and improve fishery management.

According to the minister, these measures aim to ensure sustainable fishery resources, prevent waterlogging, and make water bodies more suitable for fish cultivation, thereby supporting rural livelihoods.

A centenarian named Mofiz Uddin was found crying beside a bridge in Boilla area of Tangail Sadar upazila on Thursday evening after being abandoned by relatives. Locals informed police, who rescued him following instructions from Sultan Salauddin Tuku, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock and Member of Parliament for Tangail Sadar. The minister announced he would personally bear all expenses for the elderly man’s treatment, food, and accommodation.

According to local sources, Mofiz Uddin, a resident of Enayetpur village, had three sons and three daughters. After his wife’s death eight years ago, he lived with his paralyzed eldest son’s family, who allegedly left him by the roadside. Police later placed him in the custody of his youngest daughter, Rina Begum, who agreed to care for him after speaking with the minister. The minister also directed police to take legal action against those responsible, leading to the detention of the granddaughter while her husband fled.

Authorities are arranging Mofiz Uddin’s old-age allowance and considering separate housing if needed, as part of the minister’s commitment to his welfare.

A human chain and protest rally were held on Friday in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka, demanding the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of the accused in the murder case of Milon Hawlader from Banimardan village in Nazirpur Union, Muladi upazila of Barishal. Speakers said Milon had returned home on May 30 for Eid-ul-Azha with his wife and two-year-old child when a dispute broke out with neighbors over harassment of children. The accused allegedly attacked him with local weapons, leaving him critically injured.

Milon was first admitted to a local hospital and later transferred to a hospital in Dhaka, where he died on June 25 after 26 days in intensive care. According to the speakers, his family spent over 3.5 million taka on treatment and is now destitute. They alleged that none of the accused have been arrested and that the suspects are openly threatening the victim’s family to withdraw the case.

Protesters demanded immediate arrests, trial in a speedy tribunal, and maximum punishment for those found guilty, warning of tougher movements if their demands are ignored.

After more than 100 hours of rescue operations, Venezuelan man Hernan Alberto Gil Flores was pulled alive from the rubble following two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24. The quakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, caused widespread destruction and killed more than 2,500 people. Gil had been trapped for eight days beneath 140 tons of concrete debris from a collapsed multistory shopping mall where he worked as a security guard.

Rescue team member Minyar Collado from Costa Rica said Gil repeatedly asked rescuers not to inform his wife that he was alive, explaining that he was uncertain how long he would survive. Despite his request, news of his survival reached his wife, Gusbiman Gonzalez. Gil described his ordeal, saying he had feared rescuers would never find him and credited divine mercy for his survival.

Authorities continue searching for survivors under the debris as the country grapples with the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes.

On July 3, 2024, Bangladesh witnessed widespread student protests and strikes following a court verdict reinstating a 56 percent quota in government jobs. Students across the country blocked roads, highways, and railways, demanding the abolition of the quota system. The movement spread to nearly all public universities, including Dhaka University, where halls were locked and thousands of students marched under the banner of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. In Barishal University, protesters were attacked by members of the banned student organization Chhatra League.

Students presented four key demands, including reinstating the 2018 circular as law, abolishing quotas across all job grades, and ensuring unfilled quota posts are filled from merit lists. Movement coordinators announced further programs, including sit-ins, online campaigns, and a nationwide student strike through July 7. Chhatra League activists reportedly attempted to intimidate protesters in multiple university halls, locking gates and preventing participation.

The protests disrupted major highways and urban traffic, with heavy police deployment in Dhaka. Student leaders emphasized that their movement was not against the court but sought a prompt resolution from the public administration ministry.

Iran has issued a strong warning to the United States and Israel ahead of the state funeral of its late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The commander of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbia headquarters, Ali Abdullah, said any attack during the funeral would trigger ‘severe retaliation’. He stated that Iran’s armed forces are fully prepared to respond to any aggression, urging enemies, particularly the US and Israel, to avoid missteps.

Khamenei was killed on February 28 when the US Department of Defense launched ‘Operation Epic Fury’ against Iran. After more than four months of preservation, his funeral began in Tehran on Sunday morning, with leaders from several countries, including India, invited to attend. The burial is scheduled for July 9 in his hometown of Mashhad, with ceremonies in five cities expected to draw over 15 million people. Tehran has not ruled out possible attacks during the massive gatherings.

Diplomatic observers believe Iran is using the funeral to reinforce its anti-US stance internationally, coinciding with America’s 250th Independence Day celebrations led by President Donald Trump.

Iran’s armed forces chief Amir Hatami has pledged to avenge the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a US-Israeli assault. Hatami made the vow during Khamenei’s funeral ceremony in Tehran, according to Al Jazeera. Speaking to reporters at the event, he declared that Iran would take revenge for the blood of the slain leader and warned the United States and Israel of the nation’s determination.

The report notes that Khamenei and several other Iranian leaders were killed on February 28 in an airstrike that marked the beginning of a US-Israeli offensive in Iran. The funeral in Tehran drew significant attention, with regional and international figures paying respects, including Pakistan’s Prime Minister Sharif.

The developments come amid heightened tensions in the region, with Iran expressing anger and signaling possible calls for severe retaliation against those it holds responsible.

Motorcycle toll collection at the Hatuvanga Bridge over the Bangshai River in Mirzapur upazila of Tangail has been suspended following the intervention of local Member of Parliament Abul Kalam Azad Siddiqui. The decision was confirmed on Friday morning by Mirzapur Upazila Nirbahi Officer Khan Salman Habib. The toll collection had begun on July 1 under a government-approved rate of five taka per motorcycle, sparking widespread dissatisfaction among residents and regular bridge users.

The leaseholder, Masudur Rahman of Masud Enterprise, decided to withdraw the toll after discussions with the MP and local administration. He stated that although the move would cause financial losses—estimated at about 5,000 taka daily and 5.4 million taka over three years—the decision was made in the public interest. The Roads and Highways Department’s executive engineer, Dr. Cynthia Azmeri Khan, said a recommendation has been sent to higher authorities to prevent future toll leases on the bridge.

MP Siddiqui added that a legal amendment would be required to permanently abolish the toll and that he plans to raise the issue in the next parliamentary session.

Mohammad Selim Uddin, chairman of the Urban Development Forum and Jamaat mayoral candidate for Dhaka North City, met with members of Hatirjheel Probati Sangha on Friday after Fajr prayers. The meeting took place at the public yard of the Hatirjheel Metropolitan Project, following the group’s morning walk and exercise session.

In his speech, Selim Uddin highlighted his plans and initiatives for urban development and civic services. He praised the group’s regular physical exercise activities as a significant contribution to building a healthy and morally strong society. He also pledged that his team would remain active in supporting all social and humanitarian needs of the area and announced plans to organize a large-scale medical camp for underprivileged residents soon.

Members and leaders of Hatirjheel Probati Sangha expressed support for Selim Uddin’s initiatives and commitment to civic improvement. The meeting was chaired by the organization’s president, Harunur Rashid Dulal, and attended by local council candidates and community representatives.

Bangladesh Khelafat Student Majlis, Dhaka Metropolitan unit, organized a rally and ‘July March’ at Shahbagh on Friday demanding justice for alleged enforced disappearances, killings, and massacres, and calling for the full implementation of the July Charter. After the student gathering, participants marched to the Central Shaheed Minar. The event was presided over by Adnan Rafi, president of the Dhaka Metropolitan West unit, with central president Muhammad Abdul Aziz as the chief guest.

Abdul Aziz stated that implementing the July Charter is now a pressing demand and called for impartial investigations into incidents such as the Pilkhana killings, the Shapla Chattar operation, and the July uprising. He urged state recognition for those killed at Shapla Chattar, publication of a complete list of victims, and rehabilitation of affected families. Aziz emphasized that the July uprising aimed not only at regime change but also at ending inequality, authoritarianism, and fascism.

Speakers including former central president Principal Rakibul Islam and others echoed calls for justice, reforms, and a fair environment in educational institutions, urging unity to uphold the spirit of the July movement.