Authorities in Mirsarai upazila of Chattogram have imposed a three-day ban on tourist entry to all hilly waterfalls under the Baraidala Range due to adverse weather conditions. The Chattogram North Forest Division and the upazila administration announced the restriction through a notice signed by Range Officer Md Ashraful Alam on Monday afternoon. The ban will remain effective from July 7 to July 10, during which no tickets will be sold and visitors will not be allowed to enter the waterfalls within Baraidala National Park.

Officials said the decision was taken to ensure tourist safety amid heavy rainfall that has increased the risk of flash floods, landslides, and strong water currents in the waterfalls. Leaseholders have been instructed to prevent tourist access and suspend ticket sales during the closure period.

Mirsarai Upazila Nirbahi Officer Somaia Akter stated that the water flow in the waterfalls has risen sharply, making visits extremely risky. Similar precautionary measures are taken every monsoon to prevent accidents caused by heavy rain and hill torrents in the area.

Dr. Zubaida Rahman, wife of the Prime Minister and vice president of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation, said the government is identifying and addressing existing deficiencies in Bangladesh’s health sector. Speaking on Tuesday at a workshop titled “The Path to Becoming a Health Entrepreneur in Bangladesh” in Gulshan, Dhaka, she stated that the government is committed to ensuring quality healthcare for every citizen and is focusing on greater youth engagement to achieve this goal.

Dr. Rahman highlighted the need to develop young health entrepreneurs capable of tackling current and emerging challenges in the health system. She emphasized training, mentorship, and collaboration among researchers, innovators, investors, and public institutions. Stressing the role of universities, she called for practical learning environments that foster innovation and interdisciplinary cooperation.

She noted that around 72 percent of healthcare expenses are borne out-of-pocket by citizens, making illness a major cause of poverty. Dr. Rahman reiterated that healthcare is a basic right, not a privilege, and said the government’s priority is to deliver services to every household amid rising non-communicable diseases, aging populations, and climate-related health risks.

Extensive preparations are underway in Iraq’s Karbala for the funeral of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, described by Iranian and Iraqi officials as a symbol of unity between the two nations. Brigadier General Esmail Qaani, commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force, said the ceremonies in Najaf and Karbala would strengthen solidarity between the peoples of Iran and Iraq and reinforce their joint stance against U.S. conspiracies.

Qaani emphasized that the Iraqi government’s initiative and the people’s large-scale preparations reflect the deep spiritual and fraternal ties between the two countries. He also recalled the sacrifices of Qassem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis as shared symbols of resistance. Karbala Governor Nassif Jassem al-Khattabi confirmed that all security and logistical measures have been completed, with coordination among federal forces, the prime minister’s office, and service agencies.

The funeral will take place in three stages: official ceremonies on Tuesday evening, a procession in Najaf on Wednesday, and final events in Karbala later that day. Authorities expect large crowds and have declared a public holiday in Karbala Province.

The Comilla University unit of the Chhatra Dal has demanded the construction of a 'July Memorial' at the Ansar Camp area, where police first clashed with students during the July uprising. The demand was made on Tuesday, July 7, during a courtesy meeting with Comilla City Corporation administrator Yusuf Molla Tipu. The student leaders also called for installing lamp posts around the campus to ensure safe movement for students.

According to the Chhatra Dal leaders, the clash occurred on July 11, 2024, when students participating in the 'Bangla Blockade' program were stopped by police near the university’s Ansar Camp. The confrontation led to injuries among students and journalists. The following day, students held protests and renamed the site 'Chhatra Andolon Chattar' in memory of the incident.

Chhatra Dal member secretary Md. Abul Bashar said the city administrator assured them that the demands would be considered seriously and that the foundation of the memorial could be laid before August 5. A city corporation team has already inspected possible locations for the project.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar said the main political crisis in the country stems from the failure to implement the referendum verdict. Speaking on Tuesday in front of the National Parliament’s NAM Building in Dhaka during a human chain organized by the 11-party alliance, he warned that politics could move toward conflict if the verdict is not enforced. The event was part of a 36-day program demanding the implementation of the referendum’s outcome and justice for all mass killings.

Earlier, a six-point memorandum was submitted to the Speaker of the National Parliament, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, on behalf of the 11-party alliance, martyr families, and the injured. Porwar said the Speaker assured them he would discuss the matter with the Prime Minister. Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad urged the government to heed the memorandum and warned that ignoring public opinion would not be tolerated.

Speakers from martyr families expressed dissatisfaction over delays in genocide trials, alleging that accused individuals remain free and witnesses face threats. They called on the government to ensure fair and speedy trials.

The Sajek Valley tourism center in Baghaichhari upazila of Rangamati has been temporarily closed following continuous rainfall and adverse weather conditions. According to an emergency notice issued by the district administration, the closure took effect from Tuesday evening, July 7, and will remain in force until further notice. The decision was made to ensure the safety of tourists and residents amid potential risks caused by the current weather.

The notice, signed by Rangamati Deputy Commissioner Nazma Ashrafi, stated that all tourist sites, waterfalls, hill trails, remote areas, and risky locations within Sajek Valley will remain off-limits to tourists, tour operators, and the general public during this period. The administration also urged everyone to exercise caution while traveling in different parts of the district and to follow official instructions.

The announcement comes as heavy rainfall continues across the region, prompting local authorities to prioritize public safety and restrict movement in vulnerable areas until conditions improve.

Bangladesh’s foreign currency reserves declined following the settlement of Asian Clearing Union (ACU) import bills for the May–June period. According to Bangladesh Bank data, the country’s total reserves stood at 36.17 billion dollars on Tuesday, down from 37.84 billion dollars the previous day. Under the IMF’s BPM-6 calculation method, reserves dropped to 31.72 billion dollars from 33.19 billion dollars, while net reserves were recorded at 27.29 billion dollars.

The ACU payment for May–June amounted to about 1.67 billion dollars. Earlier, Bangladesh paid 1.51 billion dollars for March–April, 1.37 billion dollars for January–February, 1.53 billion dollars for November–December, and 1.61 billion dollars for September–October. The ACU is a regional settlement system among nine Asian central banks, including Bangladesh, India, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bhutan, and the Maldives.

The ACU mechanism allows participating countries to settle import and export payments every two months, unlike other international transactions that are settled immediately.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh has condemned a bomb attack that occurred during a rally of the National Citizen Party (NCP) at the Tarapur Eidgah ground in Savar. The rally was attended by NCP convener and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam. According to a statement issued on Tuesday by Islami Andolan’s joint secretary general, Engineer Ashraful Alam, at least four people were injured in the explosion that took place on Monday night.

In the statement, Ashraful Alam expressed sympathy for the injured and said that the attack reflected the country’s growing insecurity. He noted that political gatherings and leaders require special protection, emphasizing that ensuring their safety is the government’s responsibility. The statement described the incident as a sign of overall state insecurity.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh demanded a thorough investigation into the attack and called for accountability from intelligence and security agencies. The party urged the government to take swift and exemplary action against those responsible.

Opposition Leader Md. Shafiqul Rahman has expressed concern that the cost of medical treatment for ordinary citizens may increase following the introduction of the Bangladesh Medical University (Second Amendment) Bill 2026. He made the remarks in parliament after Special Committee Chairman Zainul Abedin presented the committee’s report on the bill. Rahman noted that the bill mentions profit and non-profit concerns, warning that any attempt to generate income from such institutions would naturally raise healthcare expenses. He also argued that while the national budget aims to reduce public spending, the bill’s intent appears contradictory.

Rahman further cautioned that allowing such entities to share profits could lead to unhealthy competition, benefiting a particular group more than the general public. In response, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed said the bill had only been presented and assured Rahman that he would have ample time for detailed discussion during its consideration.

In the same session, MP Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan protested receiving late notice for a special committee meeting. The Speaker instructed the committee chair to ensure timely notification for all members in the future.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Sadiq Kayem has alleged that around two dozen projects approved during the interim government period have been stalled due to what he described as extreme non-cooperation from the university administration and obstruction from various quarters of the current government. He made the allegation in a Facebook post on Tuesday, sharing documents related to the projects.

According to Kayem, the stalled initiatives include ICT-based projects such as computer labs, innovation hubs, and internship programs; infrastructure works like hall entrances, cafeteria renovation, and lighting; as well as welfare projects such as subsidized food supply, public washrooms, and facilities for students with disabilities. He also mentioned that projects funded by the Bangladesh Cricket Board and the Ministry of Religious Affairs have been halted without explanation.

Kayem stated that no rational reason has been provided for the cancellation of these student-friendly projects and warned that blocking them for partisan reasons would foster what he termed a new fascist culture within the university environment.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and opposition chief whip in parliament, accused the government of betraying the people and failing to implement promised reforms. Speaking at a July Awakening rally and march in Talatala Square, Sakhipur, Tangail, on Tuesday afternoon, he alleged that authorities were restricting opposition activities and curbing freedom of expression. He vowed that his party would continue to fight for sovereignty, border security, and an end to terrorism, drugs, and extortion.

Islam claimed that attempts were made to disrupt their peaceful program in Savar with explosions, but the public thwarted those efforts. He said the sacrifices made by students and citizens in 2024 for change would be meaningless if corruption and extortion persisted. He warned against any move toward one-party rule and criticized the ruling Awami League for allegedly silencing dissent and engaging in corruption and case trading.

He urged reforms in administration and law enforcement to ensure justice and public service without bribery, emphasizing that without reform, inequality and corruption would continue.

The Bangladesh Parliament has passed the Public Examinations (Offences) (Amendment) Bill 2026, introducing stricter penalties to prevent digital manipulation and ensure confidentiality in public examinations. The bill, approved by voice vote on Tuesday, stipulates up to five years of imprisonment and fines for unauthorized access to examination databases or the use of prohibited electronic devices in exam centers.

The amendment also includes penalties for violating lawful instructions related to exam administration. The bill was passed during the second session of the 13th National Parliament and the 2026–27 budget session, presided over by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikrom.

In the same session, Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan introduced the Bogura University Bill 2026, aiming to establish a comprehensive university in Bogura. The proposed law would replace the 2001 Bogura Science and Technology University Act, which was never implemented, and expand academic programs across multiple disciplines.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman met with teachers and students from various educational institutions who visited the National Parliament session on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. During a break in the session, he exchanged greetings with them, inquired about their studies, and urged them to develop their skills to contribute to nation-building. Local Government State Minister Mir Shah Alam and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumman were also present during the meeting.

The visit was part of an initiative by the BNP government allowing teachers and students from different institutions to observe parliamentary sessions. On this occasion, participants included 69 teachers and students from Rupganj, Narayanganj, 53 from Notre Dame College, 8 participants including 4 foreign students from the University of Oxford through Bangladesh Legal Aid, and an 18-member delegation from the Centre for Governance Studies. They toured the parliament building, visited the library, took photographs, and later observed the session before meeting the Prime Minister.

The program aims to familiarize students with parliamentary activities and inspire them to engage in national development through education and civic awareness.

Law Minister Asaduzzaman announced that the government will take strict legal action over the attack on the National Citizens Party (NCP) rally in Savar. Speaking in parliament, he said that anyone found involved in the incident will face the toughest possible measures under the law, carried out transparently. The attack occurred during an NCP street rally on Monday night, organized as part of the party’s July march program, where several people were injured in a cocktail explosion.

In parliament, NCP member secretary Akhtar Hossain raised the issue, alleging that electricity was cut off before the explosion and questioning why power was unavailable during the opposition rally. He emphasized that both ruling and opposition parties have equal constitutional rights to hold assemblies. Akhtar also claimed that NCP events related to July have repeatedly faced obstruction and that previous attacks had occurred near their office.

The Speaker advised Akhtar to submit a formal notice, while the law minister, speaking on behalf of the absent home minister, assured that the government is treating the matter seriously and will act accordingly.

Malaysia has reopened its labor market for Bangladeshi workers, according to Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury. Speaking to journalists at Sylhet Circuit House on Tuesday, he said worker deployment could begin within one to two months under a new system. Bangladesh will now select recruiting agencies to ensure transparency in the hiring process.

The announcement comes less than two weeks after Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s official visit to Malaysia, during which he discussed labor recruitment, regularization of irregular workers, and a free trade agreement with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Malaysia had previously suspended worker recruitment from Bangladesh in March 2024 after irregularities resurfaced, following earlier closures and reopenings since 2018.

The minister also indicated that positive developments may soon follow regarding labor markets in the Middle East, Japan, and Mauritius. Authorities emphasized coordinated efforts between the government and recruiting agencies to prevent syndicates and corruption in the new recruitment framework.