The Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) has announced a month-long program to commemorate the martyrs and injured of the historic July-August mass uprising and to strengthen the national unity against fascism. The announcement was made through a press release signed by JCD Central Office Secretary Md. Jahangir Alam on Tuesday. The first event will take place at the Central Shaheed Minar at 11 p.m. on Tuesday, titled “Aloy Aloy Smriti Samujjwal,” featuring the national anthem and candle lighting in memory of the martyrs.

According to the statement, the program marks the second anniversary of the heroic victory of students and people in the July-August uprising. Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Political Adviser to the Prime Minister and Senior Joint Secretary General of the BNP, will attend as the chief guest, while National Parliament Whip and BNP Central Executive Committee Student Affairs Secretary Rakibul Islam Bakul will be the special guest.

The JCD stated that the initiative aims to preserve the historical memory of the uprising, recognize contributions from all participants, and uphold national unity. Similar events will be organized by JCD units across the country throughout the month.

A narcotics control officer in Rangpur has been accused of taking a bribe from a liquor trader to reduce the amount of seized evidence and avoid legal action. The allegation involves Sipahi Al-Amin of the Department of Narcotics Control’s divisional intelligence office, who allegedly accepted 10,000 taka from the family of detained trader Abzal Hossain. The incident reportedly occurred on June 25 during a raid in Mithapukur upazila’s Baldipukur union, where 10 liters of liquor and 600 liters of brewing materials were confiscated. A video of the alleged transaction later spread on social media, sparking public uproar.

According to the complaint, Al-Amin threatened to implicate Abzal’s sons in the case unless the family paid the demanded amount. The video shows him acknowledging receipt of 5,000 taka and directing another person to collect the remaining sum. Al-Amin has denied the allegations, saying he has been working in the area for four years. Rangpur divisional deputy director Dilara Rahman confirmed that the matter is under investigation and that legal action will be taken if the charges are proven.

Local residents have called for a fair investigation and accountability for those involved.

The Bangladesh Parliament has passed the Gambling Prevention Bill 2026, introducing 14 categories of penalties for various forms of gambling, including online and remote betting. The law replaces the Public Gambling Act of 1867. Under the new provisions, involvement in online betting can lead to a maximum of seven years in prison or a fine of up to 50 million taka, or both. The bill was presented by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and passed by voice vote on Tuesday.

During the discussion, opposition and independent lawmakers expressed both support and concern. Independent MP Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Iqbal urged stricter measures, citing the growing attraction of online gambling among children. MP Akhtar Hossain warned that the bill’s provisions allowing police to block websites and seize materials without court approval could threaten civil rights. Home Minister Ahmed defended the clause, saying immediate action is necessary to prevent evidence from being destroyed.

Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam said his party supported the bill but hoped the government would later consider their proposed amendments to prevent misuse and protect human rights.

An elderly man named Md. Tajem Ali Howlader, aged 75, was killed after being struck by a speeding motorcycle in Muladi municipality of Barishal. The accident occurred around 12 p.m. on Tuesday at the Chardigri area along the Muladi-Mridhahat road. The motorcycle rider was also injured in the incident. Tajem Ali was a resident of Chardigri village and the son of the late Bajlu Howlader.

According to local and eyewitness sources, Tajem Ali was crossing the Muladi-Mridhahat road when the speeding motorcycle hit him forcefully, causing him to fall and sustain severe head and body injuries. The motorcycle rider lost control and fell to the road, sustaining injuries as well. Locals immediately rescued the victims and took them to Muladi Upazila Health Complex, where the on-duty doctor declared Tajem Ali dead.

The report did not include further details about the condition of the injured rider or any official investigation into the accident.

A teacher’s retirement farewell ceremony at Jagannathpur Government Primary School in Ishwardi, Pabna, was disrupted on Tuesday when followers of district BNP convener Habibur Rahman Habib allegedly attacked the venue. The assault reportedly occurred because Habib was not invited as a guest. Witnesses said 12 to 15 people armed with sticks vandalized the stage, chairs, tables, and banners, and destroyed prepared food, causing an estimated loss of Tk 50,000.

The event had been organized by the school to honor acting head teacher Md Jahurul Islam, with invitations extended to former district BNP president and ex-MP Sirajul Islam Sardar and several education officials. School committee president Md Fazlur Rahman and invited guest Humayun Kabir Dulal Sardar condemned the attack, calling it politically motivated and disgraceful. Upazila Education Officer Shahina Akter also denounced the incident, saying such violence at an educational institution is unacceptable.

Local sources said internal rifts within the BNP in Ishwardi-Atgharia have intensified since the recent national election, leading to repeated clashes between rival factions.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has announced an extension for expatriate workers facing work permit issues. The ministry said the deadline to regularize their status has been extended until the end of the current year, according to a report published on Tuesday by Gulf News.

The decision applies to expatriates whose work permits expired more than a year ago or who have not received a permit within six months of joining a company. The ministry stated that the move aims to ensure strict enforcement of labor laws, protect the rights of all contractual parties, and allow both employers and employees additional time to complete necessary legal and regulatory procedures.

Authorities have warned that failure to issue or renew work permits within the extended period will result in strict legal action. Additionally, the government has limited the number of immediate work visas available to new companies to a maximum of five.

Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman told parliament that if the foreign ministry’s budget were reduced to one taka, Bangladesh would have to close its embassies abroad and lower the national flag. He made the remark on Tuesday during the approval process of the 2026–27 fiscal year budget while responding to cut motions on the ministry’s allocation. The minister said such a drastic cut would halt services for expatriates and prevent Bangladesh from paying its United Nations dues, risking suspension of membership.

Earlier, he proposed an allocation of Tk 1,844.43 crore for the ministry. The session, chaired by Deputy Speaker Kaiser Kamal, heard 26 lawmakers submit cut motions. Several MPs discussed foreign policy issues, including the Teesta project, migrant worker challenges in the Middle East, and weaknesses in Rohingya repatriation efforts.

Khalilur emphasized that the proposed budget prioritizes national sovereignty, economic growth, and strategic diplomacy. He noted that most spending supports Bangladesh’s missions abroad and announced new missions in Johor Bahru, Detroit, Buenos Aires, and Dublin. He also confirmed allocations for the Rohingya genocide case at the International Court of Justice and for operational costs of existing missions.

Local residents of Merurchar Union in Bakshiganj upazila, Jamalpur, held a human chain on Tuesday afternoon along the Brahmaputra River at Bhati Kolkihara area. The demonstration called for urgent and effective measures to stop severe river erosion that has been destroying homes, farmland, and trees across nearly four kilometers of riverbank.

Speakers including Delwar Hossain, Aminul Islam, and Lepu Mia said continuous erosion has already engulfed parts of Fakirpara, Shantinagar, Baghadoba, and Bhati Kolkihara villages, leaving hundreds of families destitute. They warned that five villages risk disappearing from the map as new areas are being swallowed daily. Despite the growing threat, no permanent or effective steps have yet been taken to prevent further damage.

Participants demanded immediate construction of sustainable embankments and implementation of protective projects. They also urged government intervention, particularly from State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, MP, and announced plans for larger protests if no prompt action follows.

Professor Dr. A.K. Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan, Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), emphasized the importance of artificial intelligence (AI)-based training in the current era. He stated that while every technology has both positive and negative aspects, it is essential to ensure the positive use of AI in teaching, research, and knowledge development. He made these remarks on Tuesday at the closing and certificate distribution ceremony of a workshop titled 'Use of Artificial Intelligence in Teaching and Research' held at the university’s Graduate Training Institute (GTI).

The Vice-Chancellor further noted that educators must carefully consider the acceptable extent of AI use in both teaching and student evaluation. He stressed that proper and responsible use of technology is vital for improving the quality of education. The workshop aimed to enhance teachers’ skills in applying AI for teaching, research, and technology-based knowledge practices, with participation from faculty members of various departments.

The event was presided over by GTI Director Professor Dr. Md. Mozammel Haque, with Professor Dr. Md. Ruhul Amin, Convener of the Dean Council, attending as a special guest. Certificates were distributed among participating teachers at the closing session.

Rupganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Saiful Islam held a press conference on Tuesday at his office in Narayanganj, alleging that an online journalist attempted to extort him. He claimed that Shahin Mia, identifying himself as a reporter for the online portal Oporadh Bichitra, demanded either three Dhaka–Cox’s Bazar air tickets with hotel accommodation or Tk 50,000 in cash. When the demand was refused, Shahin Mia allegedly threatened to publish defamatory news against the UNO.

According to Saiful Islam, after he declined to pay, Shahin Mia, in collaboration with the Upazila Engineer Akhtar Hossain, published a report accusing him of embezzling funds from the one percent land registration fund. The report was also circulated on social media. The UNO clarified that he has no authority to spend money from that fund, which is managed and audited under government procedures involving local representatives and officials.

Saiful Islam urged media professionals to take action against unethical journalism and sought cooperation to ensure justice. He reiterated that the land registration fund is used for development projects as per government regulations and that related information is regularly shared publicly.

A high-level parliamentary delegation from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami will travel to Iran to attend the funeral, farewell, and state ceremonies of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Hosseini Khamenei. The delegation, invited by the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, is scheduled to leave Dhaka on July 3 and remain in Iran until July 9. The team will be led by Jamaat’s Naib-e-Ameer Professor Mujibur Rahman MP, with members Md. Nurul Amin MP, Dr. Md. Keramat Ali MP, and Dr. S.M. Khaliduzzaman.

According to party sources, the delegation aims to express deep condolences, sympathy, and solidarity with the government and people of Iran. During the visit, they are expected to meet senior Iranian leaders and relevant government officials as part of official programs. Jamaat-e-Islami expressed gratitude to the Iranian government for the invitation and assistance in facilitating the visit.

The party believes the visit will further strengthen the longstanding fraternal ties, mutual understanding, and bilateral cooperation between the peoples of Bangladesh and Iran.

Five expatriates from Sylhet’s Kanaighat upazila, who died in a road accident in Qatar’s Shahaniya area, were buried in their family graveyards after a collective funeral on Tuesday afternoon. The funeral took place at Akuni Madrasa field, attended by thousands of locals. Their bodies had arrived earlier that morning at Sylhet MAG Osmani International Airport, where officials from the district administration and the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment formally handed them over to relatives.

The bodies were flown from Qatar’s Hamad International Airport on Monday night with financial support from the Bangladesh Wage Earners’ Welfare Board. The deceased were identified as Abdul Kadir, Mustak Ahmed Afnan, Zubair Ahmed, Jasim Uddin, and Jibal Ahmed. Local lawmaker Mufti Maulana Abul Hasan and community representatives attended the funeral. The Welfare Board provided each family with an initial grant of Tk 35,000 for burial expenses and promised an additional Tk 300,000 in compensation.

The ministry confirmed that necessary steps were taken to ensure the families received the bodies and their entitled government assistance following the June 21 accident that killed six people, including the five Bangladeshis.

The Gaza Health Ministry reported that at least 73,066 Palestinians have been killed and 173,514 injured since Israel began its military operations in October 2023. Despite a ceasefire that took effect last October, 1,053 Palestinians have been killed and 3,406 injured since then. In the past 24 hours alone, eight people were reported dead and 26 injured in Gaza.

The ministry stated that the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate as the conflict between Israel and Hamas persists. The casualty figures released by the Gaza Health Ministry could not be independently verified. Israel has described its military actions as operations directed against Hamas.

The report underscores the severe human cost of the ongoing conflict and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with no indication of a lasting resolution.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi sharply criticized the Yogi Adityanath government of Uttar Pradesh over alleged embezzlement of donations meant for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Speaking at a rally in Bijnor on Monday, Owaisi claimed that if a Muslim had been part of the Ram Temple Trust, that person would have been killed in an 'encounter' and their house demolished. He alleged that the accused in the current case were moving freely and that law enforcement had failed to take timely or strict action.

The controversy stems from allegations that large sums of money and valuable gifts donated by devotees to the Ram Temple Trust were misappropriated. The temple, built on the site of the demolished Babri Mosque, has long been a symbol of religious and political tension in India. Reports indicate that police have begun an investigation and made several arrests, while the issue has sparked political debate ahead of upcoming state elections.

Owaisi’s remarks drew loud applause from supporters at the rally, reflecting the charged political and communal atmosphere surrounding the case.

The Appellate Division has declared BNP candidate Aslam Chowdhury’s candidacy for the Chattogram-4 constituency in the 13th National Parliamentary Election invalid. Following the verdict delivered on Tuesday, June 30, Senior Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Machud told reporters that the Election Commission (EC) will determine its next steps only after receiving the full written judgment from the court.

He explained that the EC will act according to the court’s directive, whether it involves holding a re-election or declaring the runner-up as the winner. The commission will review the matter upon receiving the full or advance copy of the verdict but will not seek it proactively since it is not a party to the case. The copy will reach the EC through the concerned parties or the court itself.

Earlier, despite allegations of loan default, Aslam Chowdhury’s nomination had been upheld by the EC on January 18. Subsequent legal challenges led to the Appellate Division’s final ruling on June 30, invalidating his candidacy and leaving the election outcome for Chattogram-4 pending further decision.