International Labour Organization (ILO) Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo paid a courtesy call on Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Prime Minister’s Office in Dhaka on Monday. The meeting covered key issues including labor standards, social protection, labor reforms, and employment generation. Houngbo congratulated Rahman on assuming office and expressed confidence that the new government’s election through direct public vote had strengthened international trust in Bangladesh.

During the discussion, both sides emphasized enhancing cooperation to advance ongoing labor sector reforms, improve worker rights, and ensure safe workplaces. The ILO chief praised Bangladesh’s diplomatic achievements and congratulated Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman on being elected President of the 81st UN General Assembly session. The meeting also focused on strengthening social security, skill development, and addressing global labor market challenges.

Prime Minister Rahman reaffirmed his government’s commitment to a worker-friendly and sustainable work environment, while the ILO Director-General pledged to expand collaboration with Bangladesh for continued progress in the labor sector.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned that no oil or gas will be transported through the Strait of Hormuz if the United States continues what it calls aggression in the region. The IRGC declared that as long as US actions persist, the strait will not remain safe for navigation or energy shipments.

According to the IRGC, two oil tankers were disabled after explosions while attempting to pass through the southern route of the strait, which it described as unsafe. The group alleged that the US military had encouraged those vessels to use that route. However, the IRGC statement did not disclose the tankers’ names, flags, crew identities, or any information about casualties. Reuters reported that it could not independently verify the claims.

The IRGC also warned that US forces should be prepared for what it called punitive operations, signaling heightened tension in the strategic waterway.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran is not Venezuela and will never fear US threats. He made the remarks in an interview with a Turkish media outlet, emphasizing that Israel’s short-term attacks failed to weaken Iran as intended. Araghchi alleged that Israeli strikes were made possible due to internal information leaks and security vulnerabilities that have not yet been fully resolved.

He further claimed that individuals linked to Israel’s intelligence agency were aware of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s daily presence at his office. Araghchi revealed that Iran had prearranged a plan to close the Strait of Hormuz if an attack targeted the Supreme Leader. He also said that Iran’s initial ceasefire with the United States was approved by the country’s Supreme National Security Council.

According to Araghchi, Iran joined diplomatic talks to test the effectiveness of negotiations, and extensive discussions were held on whether to resume them in the future.

Major Mozzafar Hossain, convicted by a military court for direct involvement in the assassination of President Ziaur Rahman, was transferred from Chattogram Cantonment to Dhaka Cantonment under special security arrangements. The transfer took place on Sunday night aboard a military aircraft supervised by Military Police and the Army Security Unit, according to multiple sources.

Officials indicated that Mozzafar may face intensive interrogation in Dhaka Cantonment, following approval from higher government authorities. It remains uncertain whether the questioning will be conducted solely by the army or by a joint task force including representatives from DGFI, NSI, DB Police, SB, and key civilian officials. Sources suggested that his arrest could help uncover the masterminds and foreign actors behind the 1981 assassination of Ziaur Rahman.

Mozzafar was arrested last Wednesday night in Dhaka’s Banani DOHS area after 45 years in hiding. He had previously fled to India after the assassination and reportedly lived there under aliases before secretly returning to Bangladesh in 1996.

A 26-year-old man named Md. Ilias Khan was killed in a stabbing incident in Kalinja village of Pangashi Union, Raiganj upazila, Sirajganj, on Sunday night. The attack occurred around 10:30 p.m. following a dispute related to a football game. Ilias, son of Sattar Khan, was reportedly attacked by local residents Russell and his son Siam Ahmed after an argument escalated.

According to local sources, the conflict began earlier in the evening during a discussion about a World Cup football match. Although villagers initially calmed the situation, the argument resumed later, leading to the fatal assault. Ilias was seriously injured and died on the way to the hospital. The incident caused tension in the area.

Raiganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Ahsanuzzaman said police arrived at the scene to restore order. The body was sent to Sirajganj Medical College Hospital for autopsy, and an investigation is underway to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice.

BNP leader Rashed Khan has been appointed as the political assistant to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman with the rank of secretary. The appointment was confirmed through a notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration on Saturday, July 19, 2026. Rashed Khan shared the news on his verified Facebook account the following day, posting a photo of the official order.

According to the government notification, Rashed Khan’s appointment is on a contractual basis, effective from the date he assumes office. The tenure will continue either for the duration of the Prime Minister’s term or until the Prime Minister’s satisfaction, whichever comes first. The order also requires him to resign from any other professional or organizational affiliations before joining. The terms of the contract will be detailed separately, and the decision was made in the public interest.

In his Facebook post, Rashed Khan expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and sought public support and prayers to fulfill his new responsibilities faithfully.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has launched ballistic missile attacks on the Aqaba Airport in Jordan, targeting US military aircraft stationed there. According to a statement published by the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) and cited by Al Jazeera, the strikes were aimed at US C-17 transport and P-8 surveillance aircraft. The IRGC claimed that several aircraft were severely damaged and that 20 hangars used by US forces at Jordan’s Al-Azraq airbase were destroyed.

The IRGC also stated that it carried out drone strikes on US military installations at Kuwait’s Ali Al Salem Air Base, destroying an early warning radar system. The attacks come amid ongoing hostilities between Iran and the United States, following a series of nightly US strikes over the past ten days.

The report did not include independent verification of the IRGC’s claims or details on casualties, leaving the full extent of the damage uncertain.

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has assured support for Lebanese President Joseph Aoun during a phone conversation held on Monday. According to a statement from the Lebanese president’s office, the two leaders discussed the current national and regional situation.

The statement said Saudi Arabia expressed support for President Aoun’s decisions aimed at safeguarding Lebanon’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. The Crown Prince reaffirmed his country’s commitment to continue assisting Lebanon in all priority areas identified by its government.

President Aoun thanked the Crown Prince for his cooperation and for measures taken to strengthen Lebanon’s economy. He also accepted an invitation to visit Saudi Arabia for further discussions on issues of mutual interest.

US President Donald Trump stated that the United States is carrying out heavy attacks on Iran to honor American soldiers who were killed. Speaking to reporters in Washington after returning from the World Cup final, Trump said the strikes were conducted in tribute to three patriots. He expressed deep sorrow over the soldiers’ deaths and emphasized that their mission aimed to ensure Iran never acquires nuclear weapons.

According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), American forces have conducted airstrikes on Iranian military sites for nine consecutive nights. The operations targeted Iran’s military command centers, air defense systems, coastal surveillance facilities, naval capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and communication networks.

The report, citing Al Jazeera, indicates that the strikes are part of an ongoing US military campaign against Iran following the killing of American personnel, with both sides engaged in escalating hostilities.

Bangladesh has formally requested the Indian government to return former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who has been sentenced to death. The request was made through a letter sent by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to New Delhi. The confirmation came on Monday morning from a source linked to the International Crimes Tribunal.

According to the source, Kamal was sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal for crimes against humanity committed during the July Movement. Along with the request, a copy of the tribunal’s verdict was also sent to the Indian government.

The report did not specify India’s response or any timeline for further action following Bangladesh’s request.

A general diary was filed against a journalist in Rangpur after he sought information on alleged irregularities involving Sumit Chowdhury, an Assistant Superintendent of Police at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Several current and former CID inspectors accused Chowdhury of corruption, including misuse of government funds, fake vouchers, and fuel embezzlement. They also alleged that he had previously faced disciplinary actions for misconduct and was demoted from Additional Superintendent to Assistant Superintendent following proven charges.

Senior CID officials confirmed that Chowdhury had filed the diary mentioning a conversation between a transferred inspector and the journalist, but claimed the journalist was not directly blamed. However, Rangpur journalists and civic leaders condemned the move, calling it an unjustified act against press freedom. They demanded withdrawal of the diary and warned of protests if it remained.

CID headquarters officials acknowledged awareness of Chowdhury’s past controversies and stated that filing a diary against a journalist for seeking information was inappropriate. The matter has been reported to higher authorities for review.

Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank erupted in celebration after Spain won the FIFA World Cup. Crowds gathered in public spaces and temporary viewing areas to watch the match, and celebrations began immediately after Spain secured the trophy. People took to the streets, cheering and waving flags in scenes of joy across war-torn areas.

The celebrations carried deeper meaning for many Palestinians, who expressed appreciation not only for Spain’s sporting triumph but also for the Spanish government’s continued support for Palestine. In Spain, fans also showed solidarity with Palestinians during their own celebrations, with many carrying Palestinian flags and chanting slogans of support.

Spain’s victory, achieved by defeating Argentina in New Jersey, marked the country’s second World Cup title, according to the report sourced from Al Jazeera.

A four-day World Artificial Intelligence Conference began last Friday in Shanghai, where China announced the formation of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) with 29 founding member countries. Chinese President Xi Jinping urged participating nations to strengthen collaboration in artificial intelligence and warned against any single country establishing dominance in the field. The conference, themed “AI Partnership for a Brighter Future,” showcased China’s latest AI technologies aimed at matching US capabilities.

WAICO, headquartered in Shanghai, aims to enhance international cooperation and develop safe and beneficial AI governance frameworks. Founding members include Indonesia, Brazil, Malaysia, South Africa, Senegal, Russia, and Pakistan. Analysts believe Beijing could use the alliance to influence AI policymaking at the United Nations and promote its state-centric governance model.

The initiative comes amid intensifying US-China competition over semiconductors and AI leadership. Washington has imposed export restrictions on advanced chips to China, while Beijing has responded with its own curbs. By leading WAICO, China seeks to shape global AI standards and expand its influence among Global South nations.

Google has failed to release its much-anticipated new artificial intelligence model within the promised timeframe, prompting widespread speculation in the technology sector. The company had announced during its annual developer conference in May that an advanced version of its AI model would be made publicly available in June. However, by July, no official announcement had been made. CEO Sundar Pichai had earlier stated that the model was already being used internally and would be released after necessary testing.

According to Bloomberg, the delay has caused frustration among some Google engineers, AI researchers, and managers, who fear it could affect the company’s competitive position in the rapidly evolving AI market. Mashable reported that Google said the model is still being tested with partners, with additional models and safety checks underway to ensure reliability and security before public release.

Analysts suggest the delay may stem from the time needed to integrate the new AI technology across Google’s products and from the company’s cautious approach to ensuring competitiveness against rival models recently launched by Anthropic, OpenAI, and a Chinese firm.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called on global powers to share the responsibility of ensuring safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking to reporters before departing for a visit to the Philippines, Rubio emphasized the need for collective action to maintain maritime security in the region, according to an AFP report.

Rubio stated that Iran is using the Strait of Hormuz as a bargaining tool amid regional conflicts. He urged other nations to take on greater responsibility in protecting maritime routes, either through providing equipment or financial support. The US, he said, will continue implementing measures to safeguard maritime traffic but expects other countries to contribute as well.

The remarks highlight Washington’s push for broader international involvement in securing one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, reflecting ongoing concerns about regional stability and freedom of navigation.