Former Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful is set to travel to Zimbabwe with the national team after 13 years, this time as the team’s batting coach rather than a player. In a Facebook post, Ashraful expressed his emotions about returning to the country where he both began and ended his international playing career. His last international series was in Zimbabwe in 2013, and now he returns there in a new coaching role.

Ashraful mentioned that he has been working with the national team for the past seven months, participating in all home series during that period. This will be his first overseas assignment as batting coach. He described the opportunity to return to a place filled with memories in a new capacity as one of the most beautiful aspects of cricket.

He requested prayers for himself and the Bangladesh team, expressing hope that he can contribute to the team’s progress in his new role. The Zimbabwe tour marks a significant new chapter in his long cricketing journey.

BNP’s legal affairs secretary Barrister Badruddoza Badol has described the statements made by recently resigned assistant attorney generals with Jamaat affiliations as undesirable and politically motivated. He made the remarks on Wednesday afternoon in front of the Supreme Court’s annex court while reacting to their resignations.

Badol said that it is customary for government law officers such as the attorney general, deputy attorney general, and additional attorney general to resign voluntarily when a new government takes office. He criticized the officials who worked for four months under the current administration, receiving salaries and benefits, before resigning and making political comments. He termed their statements as politically influenced and unexpected.

He further urged the attorney general to review the files handled by those officers during their tenure to determine whether they worked in the government’s interest or against it. According to him, their recent allegations were baseless, politically motivated, and contrary to the responsibilities of their office.

Authorities in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, have issued loudspeaker warnings urging residents living on hill slopes to move to safer areas as continuous heavy rainfall has raised fears of landslides. Hundreds of low-income families continue to live in these risky zones due to poverty and lack of alternative housing. The administration has begun identifying landslide-prone settlements and conducting awareness campaigns with NGO support.

Local residents reported that illegal hill cutting continues at night in several areas, worsening the risk of collapse during the rainy season. Over the past year, more than a hundred new houses have been built on 12 highly vulnerable hills, now home to thousands of people. Officials said about 50,000 people, including displaced Myanmar nationals, are living illegally across 20 risky hills and 11 hillocks in the upazila.

The Forest Department stated that no new illegal settlements are being allowed and that relocation efforts are underway. The Upazila Nirbahi Officer confirmed that precautionary measures and public announcements are ongoing to prevent casualties during the monsoon.

During a press briefing in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio made a significant statement regarding Iran’s future direction. He said Iran has an extraordinary opportunity if it chooses to operate as a normal state rather than as a revolutionary movement. Rubio noted that such a shift could open new economic prospects and attract foreign investment, similar to other countries in the region. However, he clarified that any potential investments would not come from the US government or its funds.

Rubio emphasized that Iran’s political future depends on progress in upcoming discussions on several security-related issues. He also reiterated that once a final agreement is reached, Iran will not be allowed to impose tolls or fees in the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, he confirmed that talks concerning Lebanon will remain separate from the ongoing US-Iran negotiations.

The remarks, reported by Al Jazeera, highlight Washington’s conditional openness to Iran’s economic reintegration if Tehran alters its political stance and engages constructively in regional security talks.

Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will undertake his first state visit to China from Wednesday to Friday, marking his inaugural foreign trip since taking office. During the visit, he will attend the 17th Annual Meeting of the ‘New Champions’ in Dalian and witness the signing of several cooperation agreements between Bangladesh and China. The visit underscores the new government’s emphasis on strengthening ties with Beijing and attracting foreign investment, infrastructure collaboration, and trade facilitation.

Bangladesh’s economy has faced challenges since the 2024 political transition, including internal uncertainty and regional conflicts. China remains Bangladesh’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, hosting around a thousand Chinese enterprises that generate hundreds of thousands of jobs. Since December 2024, China has granted Bangladesh duty-free access on all tariff lines, boosting agricultural exports. The visit is part of a broader wave of high-level visits to China by South and Southeast Asian leaders seeking deeper cooperation.

Some Indian media outlets have expressed dissatisfaction, claiming Bangladesh overlooked India for the Prime Minister’s first foreign trip. However, the report emphasizes that China’s regional cooperation is not directed against any third party and supports inclusive, mutually beneficial partnerships across South Asia.

Authorities in Durgapur upazila of Netrokona have installed solar-powered street lights to deter increasing wild elephant attacks along the border. The installation work was inaugurated on Monday afternoon beside the hilly road in Dahapara area. The initiative includes setting up 20 solar street lights in border regions of Kullagara and No. 2 Durgapur unions to protect local residents and farmers from elephant incursions.

Every year, wild elephants crossing the border cause deaths and destroy crops, houses, and fruit orchards in the area. The project was undertaken following the death of a young man named Partha Rangsa in a wild elephant attack on May 5 in Bhabanipur area. The initiative was launched under the special direction of Deputy Speaker and local MP Barrister Kaiser Kamal, with the victim’s father inaugurating the installation work.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ahmed Sadat praised the project, saying it would enhance safety for both indigenous and Bengali farmers. Awareness programs are also being conducted through forest department volunteers to educate residents on how to respond during elephant encounters.

Ten years after the 2016 referendum in which 52 percent of Britons voted to leave the European Union, the United Kingdom continues to grapple with political instability and economic slowdown. Since the vote, the country has seen six prime ministers, with a seventh expected soon. The latest, Keir Starmer, announced his resignation after two years in office, citing a sluggish economy and a divided electorate. Analysts and academics describe Brexit’s lingering influence as an “underground imprint” that still shapes British politics.

Economists say Brexit has damaged the UK economy, reducing exports to the EU by about 12 percent and imports by 16 percent. Businesses face new trade barriers, paperwork, and border checks despite a zero-tariff agreement. Political divisions have deepened within major parties, and voter disillusionment has grown, pushing many toward smaller parties such as the Green Party and Reform UK. Public opinion polls now show a majority favoring rejoining the EU.

Experts warn that unless British leaders confront Brexit’s legacy, the country will remain in a state of prolonged crisis, with its political and economic vitality steadily eroding.

Police detained four activists of the banned Chhatra League in Mongla, Bagerhat, on Tuesday night while they were preparing to cut a cake marking the anniversary of the Awami League. The arrests took place around 9:30 p.m. at Mongla Port Municipality. According to police and local sources, the detainees were known as active members of the prohibited organization and were organizing a small celebration when officers arrived.

During the operation, police seized a cake and two organizational flags from the scene. The detainees were taken to the local police station, where legal proceedings were initiated against them. Officer-in-Charge Atikur Rahman stated that police are actively working to prevent any organizational activities of banned groups.

He added that the operation was part of regular police drives aimed at maintaining public order and preventing potential acts of sabotage. Police operations in the area will continue as part of these preventive measures.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has turned into a dramatic contest among three football superstars—Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland—each chasing records and goals. In Dallas, Messi scored twice against Austria, surpassing Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup record with 18 goals. All five of Argentina’s goals so far have come from the 38-year-old captain, underscoring his dominance and longevity on the world stage.

Mbappé, France’s captain, scored twice against Iraq in his 100th international match, bringing his World Cup tally to 16 goals across three tournaments. Analysts note his rapid rise and potential to challenge Messi’s new record. Meanwhile, Norway’s Haaland, in his debut World Cup, has scored four goals in two matches, equaling Mbappé’s total and setting new milestones for his country. Former players and commentators have praised the trio’s contrasting styles and relentless pursuit of goals.

After two matches, Messi leads with five goals, followed by Mbappé and Haaland with four each. This marks only the second time in World Cup history that three players have scored four or more goals after the first two games, setting the stage for an intense Golden Boot race.

The US Senate has passed a War Powers Resolution aimed at restricting any military action against Iran. The measure directs a halt to offensive operations without congressional approval. The decision drew an angry reaction from President Donald Trump, who expressed his discontent on the social media platform X.

In his post, Trump argued that the Senate’s move came at a time when Iran was under maximum pressure and ready to concede. He described the resolution as a poorly timed and meaningless act that undermines his administration’s efforts. Trump further claimed that the decision sends a wrong message to what he called the world’s top sponsor of terrorism, suggesting that the United States disapproves of his actions against Iran.

The president also criticized four Republican senators who voted with Democrats in favor of the resolution, accusing them of making his job harder. Despite the setback, Trump asserted that he would still achieve his goals by any means necessary.

South Africa and South Korea are set to meet in a crucial Group A match at the Monterrey Stadium on Thursday at 7 a.m. Bangladesh time. The game will determine which team advances to the knockout stage of the ongoing World Cup, as it marks the final group fixture for both sides.

South Africa, returning to the World Cup for the first time since 2010, began their campaign with a 2–0 loss to Mexico and a 1–1 draw with the Czech Republic, where Teboho Mokoena scored from a penalty. However, Mokoena will miss this match due to suspension, forcing coach Hugo Broos to find a midfield replacement. The team has not won in its last six international matches, drawing three and losing three.

South Korea, after defeating the Czech Republic in their opener, lost 1–0 to Mexico. A win in this match would secure their place in the round of 32. Despite criticism of coach Hong Myung-bo, the team relies on captain Son Heung-min and midfielder Lee Kang-in, both expected to start. The encounter is seen as one of the most decisive in the group stage.

The Malaysian Prime Minister’s Office has released a video titled “Amar Bondhu Mohajadu Jane,” highlighting Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tareq Rahman’s first official visit to Malaysia after forming the new government. The two-day visit took place on Sunday and Monday, featuring meetings, cultural events, and bilateral discussions. The video, published on Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Facebook page on Tuesday morning, quickly went viral, surpassing one million views within four hours and drawing thousands of comments and shares.

During a joint press conference in Putrajaya, Anwar Ibrahim referred to Tareq Rahman as his brother and recalled his longstanding ties with the Zia family. The video also included Anwar’s remarks on the Rohingya crisis, expressing commitment to work jointly with Bangladesh and ASEAN to engage Myanmar authorities for a partial resolution. Throughout the footage, the song “Amar Bondhu Mohajadu Jane” played in the background, symbolizing friendship between the two nations.

Tareq Rahman expressed gratitude for Malaysia’s warm hospitality, emphasizing the historic and strategic depth of bilateral relations and his intention to strengthen multifaceted cooperation with Anwar Ibrahim in the future.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived in Beijing on Wednesday after traveling from Dalian, China, by high-speed bullet train. He reached Beijing at 5:35 p.m. local time, accompanied by his wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman. Earlier in the day, he attended the World Economic Forum’s “Summer Davos” annual meeting held at the Dalian International Conference Center.

The 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions brought together leaders from more than 90 countries and regions, including the prime ministers of Guinea, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Mongolia, and Montenegro. Over 1,700 representatives from political, business, academic, and media sectors participated in the event.

According to the report, Tarique Rahman’s participation in the “Summer Davos” is expected to help Bangladesh expand investment and employment opportunities while strengthening national capacity through the exchange of best practices and experiences with other countries. The Prime Minister had arrived in Dalian from Malaysia on June 22.

The United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO) has begun an operation to evacuate more than 11,000 sailors stranded in the Strait of Hormuz due to recent Middle East conflicts. The initiative follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States aimed at achieving a ceasefire and restoring peace. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said the effort is being carried out with cooperation from Iran, Oman, other Gulf coastal states, the United States, and maritime industry stakeholders.

According to the IMO, necessary security measures have been ensured for the safe relocation of the sailors, and maritime safety conditions have been thoroughly assessed. The crisis began after U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28 triggered regional hostilities, prompting Iran to close the strategic strait and trapping numerous commercial vessels. Following last week’s peace memorandum, shipping activity has gradually resumed.

Data from monitoring firm Kpler showed at least 36 commercial ships crossed the strait on Monday, marking a rare level of traffic since the conflict began. Oman’s defense ministry confirmed that discussions on the evacuation plan had been ongoing for months and are now being implemented in phases.

Medical students in Rangpur blocked roads on Tuesday night demanding the release of a fellow student arrested in connection with a recent death case. The blockade began around 7:30 p.m. in front of the city’s central jail and was lifted at about 9:45 p.m. after police assurances. The protest disrupted road communication between Rangpur and nearby districts including Nilphamari, Dinajpur, Thakurgaon, and Panchagarh.

The incident followed the death of HSC examinee Nuzhat Jahan, who fell from the rooftop of the North View Hotel on Monday evening. Her father filed a case the next day, naming Rangpur Medical College student Shahriar Ahmed Sakin and several others as accused. Students argued that the arrest was made without clear evidence and demanded a transparent investigation.

Rangpur Metropolitan Police’s Crime Division Deputy Commissioner Mahfuzur Rahman confirmed the arrest of Sakin, stating that the investigation into the hotel rooftop death is ongoing.