The state-owned National Jute Mill in Sirajganj, one of northern Bangladesh’s largest industrial units, has remained closed for two years, leaving thousands of workers unemployed. Machinery has rusted due to prolonged inactivity, while the government continues to spend around Tk 6.5 to 7 million monthly on salaries for 189 officials and employees, as well as electricity bills. Despite generating no income, the mill continues to drain public funds.

The mill, originally built in 1960 as Qaumi Jute Mill, was once a major source of employment for about 5,000 people. It faced repeated closures due to corruption and bureaucratic complications, first in 2007, then again in 2020. A private group briefly leased and operated it in 2022 but shut down in 2024, leaving unpaid wages and bonuses. Workers and local leaders have demanded the mill’s reopening to restore livelihoods and prevent further waste of public money.

The mill’s general manager said efforts are underway through the Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation to lease the facility again, expressing hope that operations could resume soon.

Journalist Raihan Ali, injured during the July Revolution protests in Nilphamari, is now fighting for his life at Vejthani Hospital in Thailand. He was attacked by police on August 4, 2024, while covering events at Chourangi intersection. After receiving treatment at Nilphamari Sadar Hospital, Rangpur Medical College Hospital, and CMH, doctors advised his transfer abroad for advanced care.

According to his family, Raihan has undergone more than 18 surgeries in Thailand, with several more procedures still ahead. His condition remains critical, and his recovery is uncertain. Meanwhile, his elderly parents and four-year-old son Labib are living in deep anxiety back home in Nilphamari, struggling emotionally and financially as the family’s resources have been exhausted.

Colleagues and members of the journalist community have called for urgent financial and institutional support for Raihan’s treatment and his family’s survival, describing it as both a humanitarian and moral responsibility.

Iran carried out missile and drone attacks on 85 United States military installations located in Bahrain and Kuwait, according to a statement from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The IRGC said its naval and air forces jointly executed the strikes, targeting the US Fifth Fleet base in Bahrain and the Ali Al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait. The operation was described as Iran’s first retaliatory response against the United States.

The IRGC accused the US of violating a ceasefire and the Islamabad Agreement by launching airstrikes on Iran’s coastal bases and civilian facilities in Hormozgan and Mahshahr. It further claimed that the US attacks were intended to undermine the significance of the funeral ceremony of Iran’s former supreme leader.

The report, citing Al Jazeera, did not provide details on casualties or damage, and there was no immediate comment from US authorities regarding the incident.

Continuous heavy rainfall has caused severe waterlogging across low-lying areas of Chattogram, disrupting daily life and transport. Streets have gone underwater, slowing vehicle movement and forcing residents to wade through water to reach destinations. The city recorded 237.5 millimeters of rain in 24 hours until Wednesday morning, following 412 millimeters the previous day. Despite city corporation claims of improved drainage, incidents such as a wall collapse in East Nasirabad killing one person and road damage near Patenga have highlighted the impact.

Transport and port operations have been severely affected. Train services on the Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar route remain suspended, and several flights failed to land at Shah Amanat International Airport due to adverse weather. The district administration has issued warning signal number three, citing increased landslide risks. Evacuation drives are underway in 26 risky hill areas, with schools and mosques prepared as temporary shelters.

Meteorologists attribute the heavy rain to active monsoon winds and moisture from the Bay of Bengal. Forecasts warn of continued heavy rainfall and potential flash floods in Chattogram and nearby districts over the next 48 to 72 hours, with gradual improvement expected after July 11.

Global oil prices climbed again after the United States launched airstrikes on Iran and reinstated trade sanctions. According to a Reuters report, oil prices rose more than 2 percent on Wednesday, with Brent crude increasing by 1.92 dollars to 76.08 dollars per barrel and West Texas Intermediate rising by 1.82 dollars to 72.26 dollars per barrel. The renewed sanctions on Iranian oil sales and the breakdown of a temporary truce between the two countries have fueled market instability.

Analysts noted that while the decision may not cause major structural changes in the oil market, investor anxiety has increased. The United States said its strikes followed Iranian attacks that damaged three commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Experts warned that the incident underscores ongoing risks to shipping in the region, and prolonged tensions could reduce global oil supply if vessel traffic falls below half of normal levels.

Oil prices had previously declined after a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran last month, which had raised expectations of increased Middle Eastern oil supply.

An opinion analysis by Dr. Shafiul Islam, published on 8 July 2026, highlights growing instability in Bangladesh’s health sector, driven by dissatisfaction among intern doctors, trainees, and FCPS candidates. The unrest stems from proposed policies, poor working conditions, insecurity, and uncertainty about professional futures. The author argues that the quality of medical education underpins the entire healthcare system, and current weaknesses threaten both service delivery and public health.

The article traces the crisis to long-standing mismanagement and inadequate governance. Despite an expansion in the number of medical colleges since independence, quality improvements have lagged behind. Problems include outdated infrastructure, teacher shortages, limited research capacity, political interference, and lack of effective accreditation. Many medical colleges operate in unsafe and unhygienic environments, with insufficient laboratories and modern learning tools.

Dr. Islam calls for a comprehensive reform plan emphasizing infrastructure upgrades, faculty development, research investment, and internationally recognized accreditation. He stresses that sustainable improvement requires dialogue, accountability, and depoliticized regulation to ensure Bangladesh produces competent doctors and a resilient health system.

Iran has warned the United States of a decisive response to what it called military aggression. The country’s top joint military command, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, stated that any attack on southern Iran would be met with stronger retaliation than ever before. In a statement, the command described the recent assault as an open act of aggression and declared that Tehran would not tolerate US interference in the management of the Strait of Hormuz.

The statement emphasized that the only safe route for ship navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is the one established by Iran. The warning followed US airstrikes on several Iranian targets, which Washington said were carried out in response to attacks on three commercial vessels in the strategic waterway. The US Central Command confirmed the strikes in a statement issued on Tuesday.

The exchange of warnings underscores rising tensions between Tehran and Washington over control and security in one of the world’s most critical maritime trade routes.

Bangladesh is reconsidering its earlier Look East Policy as China has proposed a new transport corridor linking Kunming in Yunnan province to Chattogram through Myanmar. The proposal emerged during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to Beijing, where China suggested establishing road and rail connectivity via Lashio, Mandalay, and Sittwe. The corridor would give China direct access to the Bay of Bengal and potentially transform Bangladesh into a key regional trade hub.

The Look East Policy was first adopted in 2002 by Bangladesh’s four-party coalition government to reduce dependence on India and strengthen ties with ASEAN and East Asian economies. However, the initiative stalled after Myanmar withdrew under Indian pressure. The new Chinese proposal revives that vision but faces strong geopolitical resistance from both India and the United States, who view deeper Bangladesh-China cooperation as a strategic threat.

If implemented, the corridor could reshape South and Southeast Asian geopolitics, enhance Bangladesh’s connectivity, and reduce Indian dominance. However, the article cautions that Bangladesh must safeguard its sovereignty, economic independence, and security while engaging with China and managing regional rivalries.

A recent report by India’s government think tank NITI Aayog has revealed that despite producing about 20 percent of the world’s generic medicines, India remains heavily dependent on China for key raw materials. The report highlights that over 65 percent of key starting materials and active pharmaceutical ingredients used in Indian drug manufacturing come from China, with dependency exceeding 85 percent for critical drugs such as antibiotics and fever medicines. This structural reliance poses a major risk to India’s pharmaceutical supply chain, which could be disrupted by geopolitical tensions or trade restrictions.

The report contrasts India’s global reputation as the “pharmacy of the world” with its limited financial returns and fragile industrial base. It notes that while India supplies around 60 percent of global vaccines, its share in the vaccine market’s total value is only 0.6 percent. NITI Aayog attributes this imbalance to low research and development investment, bureaucratic hurdles, and restrictive environmental regulations that have driven manufacturers to import cheaper Chinese materials.

The analysis warns that without sustained R&D investment, streamlined patent processes, and practical environmental policies, India’s “Made in India” initiative will remain dependent on “Made in China.”

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s body was brought to Najaf, Iraq, where millions of mourners gathered for a funeral procession on Tuesday night. The procession began at the Al-Kufa Bridge and moved toward the shrine of Imam Ali, one of the holiest sites for Shia Muslims. Video footage showed Najaf transformed into a sea of people as Khamenei’s coffin and family members arrived by plane.

Following several days of memorial events in Iran, the funeral ceremonies were transferred to Iraq. Officials confirmed that Khamenei’s body will also be taken to Karbala, where additional processions are planned. Experienced Iraqi officials and volunteers have been preparing for the upcoming ceremonies in Karbala.

Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Revolution, was killed on February 28 in a U.S.-Israeli attack along with members of his family and senior officials, according to the report.

The Chattogram Railway General Hospital, located in the CRB area, has been opened to the general public but continues to face major challenges in providing comprehensive healthcare. Despite operating both outpatient and inpatient departments, the hospital suffers from shortages of specialist doctors, nurses, health workers, and modern equipment. Patients report delays in receiving treatment and limited diagnostic facilities. Hospital authorities say services will expand once recruitment and equipment upgrades are completed.

The hospital was renamed and opened to all following a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Railways and the Health Services Division during the interim government. It was previously restricted to railway employees and tuberculosis treatment. Currently, about 350–360 outpatients and around 10 emergency patients are treated daily, with 83 inpatient beds almost always occupied. However, only 13 of 40 approved doctor positions and 5 of 16 nursing posts are filled.

Officials said financial constraints have delayed the launch of full pathology services, though plans are underway to add surgery, dental, ENT, and radiology facilities. Limited transport access to the CRB area also discourages some patients from visiting, further complicating service delivery.

The Egyptian Football Association has lodged a written complaint with FIFA against French referee François Letexier and his officiating team following Egypt’s dramatic 3–2 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup round of 16 in Atlanta. Egypt, which led 2–0 until the 78th minute, conceded three late goals and was eliminated from the tournament. The federation’s letter, signed by president Hany Abu Rida, alleges that a disallowed goal, a denied penalty appeal, and several key decisions unfairly went against Egypt. It has requested FIFA to investigate the incidents and to exclude Letexier from officiating further matches in the tournament.

Egyptian officials claim the disputed calls influenced the match outcome, asserting that the refereeing team played a decisive role in Argentina’s victory. Midfielder Mostafa Zizo, whose goal was disallowed by VAR, and head coach Hossam Hassan both expressed dissatisfaction, with Hassan suggesting commercial motives behind keeping Lionel Messi and Argentina in the competition.

FIFA has not yet issued any official response to Egypt’s complaint. The controversy adds to broader criticism of refereeing standards in the ongoing World Cup, where several matches have sparked debate over officiating quality.

An NCP leader was killed in a road accident on the Akhtaruzzaman Chowdhury Flyover in Chattogram city on Tuesday night. The incident occurred around 10 p.m. near the GEC area when Faiyaz Tajrian, 25, a member of the Chattogram Metropolitan National Citizen Party (NCP), collided with a stationary covered van while riding his motorcycle. Locals took him to Chattogram Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. His body was later kept in the hospital morgue.

Police said the covered van had broken down and was standing on the flyover when the collision occurred. According to NCP city office secretary Riduan Hridoy, the road was slippery due to rain and the streetlights in that section were off, making it difficult for Faiyaz to see the vehicle ahead. He added that Faiyaz was an active party member and had attended a human chain program just hours before the accident.

The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns on the city’s flyovers, particularly during adverse weather and poor lighting conditions.

A Brazil football supporter died after being attacked by Argentina fans in Comilla on Tuesday night. The incident occurred in Dhanpur area of Durga Pur Union under Adarsha Sadar Upazila, near Kotbari Bishwaroad. Police confirmed that the victim, Md. Shariful Islam, aged 32, was a resident of Comilla city’s Ward 23 and originally from Nilphamari’s Jaldhaka. He was assaulted by two local Argentina supporters, Babu and Main Uddin Malu, following an argument over the World Cup football match.

According to police and local residents, the dispute escalated into a physical altercation, leaving Shariful Islam critically injured and unconscious. Locals took him to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Officer-in-Charge Touhidul Anwar of Kotwali Model Police Station stated that the body was sent for autopsy and that no case had been filed yet.

Authorities are investigating the incident, and further legal action is expected following the autopsy report.

Iran’s Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Bagher Ghalibaf stated that the era of making demands through threats and coercion has ended. He warned that Iran would not bow to pressure and said that intimidation would no longer yield results. His comments were made in a post on social media platform X, where he also accused the United States of serious violations of a ceasefire agreement.

According to Ghalibaf, the United States breached the truce by reinstating oil sanctions, coordinating attacks against Iran, continuing threats of further assaults, and supporting ongoing Zionist aggression in Lebanon. He also provided a list of instances where he claimed the memorandum of understanding had been violated.

The remarks, reported by Al Jazeera, underscore rising tensions between Iran and the United States over compliance with ceasefire terms and regional military actions.