Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attended the Primary Education Medal 2026 award ceremony held on Wednesday morning at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Agargaon, Dhaka. The event recognized outstanding students and contributors in the field of primary education across the country.

The program was organized as part of the government’s 17th and 18th election pledges to foster creativity and intellectual growth among children. Students from grades three to five participated in sports, cultural activities, subject-based quizzes, cub scouting, and debate competitions that began at the upazila level and advanced to the national stage. A total of 21,828,693 students took part in these competitions.

At the ceremony, the best-performing students received the Primary Education Medal 2026. Additionally, individuals and institutions with special contributions to education were honored. Awards were given in 15 individual categories to 12,384 people and in two institutional categories to 65,546 organizations selected nationwide.

Armed assailants opened fire targeting journalist Rokibul Islam Mati, a representative of SA TV and treasurer of the Metropolitan Journalists Union (MUJ) Khulna, near the United Nations Children’s Park in Khulna city around 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday night. Mati narrowly escaped injury as the bullets missed him, but fellow journalist Awal Sheikh sustained minor wounds from shotgun pellets.

Following the attack, the MUJ Khulna announced a protest rally and human chain to be held at noon on Wednesday in front of the Khulna Press Club, demanding the arrest of those responsible. Police recovered bullet fragments from the scene and are reviewing CCTV footage to identify the attackers. The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation.

Leaders of both the MUJ Khulna and the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) issued statements condemning the attack and calling for a thorough investigation and justice for those involved.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched an attack on a US military base in Mina Abdullah, Kuwait, which serves as a key supply and support hub for American forces in West Asia. The IRGC claimed that the strike, part of its ‘Nasr-2’ operation, set fire to and destroyed the ‘KJL’ facility. The incident occurred following a series of escalating military exchanges between the United States and Iran.

According to the IRGC statement, the assault came after US forces carried out cruise missile and bombing raids on Iran’s southern coastal bases and other locations on Tuesday night. In response, Iran continued counterattacks across the Gulf region. The United States also reinstated blockades on Iranian ports, further intensifying tensions.

Observers cited in the report said the reciprocal strikes have effectively nullified a temporary peace agreement between the two nations, raising concerns about renewed instability in the Gulf region.

The three-match T20 series between hosts Zimbabwe and Bangladesh begins today in Bulawayo, with the first match starting at 4:30 p.m. Bangladesh time. Several key Bangladeshi players, including Liton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, and Hasan Mahmud, are unavailable due to commitments in the Sri Lanka Premier League, while Mustafizur Rahman is sidelined by injury. Zimbabwe, led by Sikandar Raza, will play their first T20 series since the last World Cup.

Zimbabwe enters the series with confidence after winning both the Test and ODI series against Bangladesh earlier in the tour. They also carry momentum from their historic victories over Australia and co-host Sri Lanka in the previous T20 World Cup. Bangladesh, however, is looking to recover from a 3–0 home series defeat to Australia in June. The team’s morale is lifted by a win in the final ODI against Zimbabwe.

Young pacer Nahid Rana, who took seven wickets in the ODI series, is expected to play a key role in Mustafizur’s absence, supported by Shoriful Islam and newcomer Abdul Gaffar Saklain. Bangladesh has won 17 of the 25 T20 matches played between the two sides so far.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ long-anticipated direct flight between Dhaka and New York now depends on the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) safety evaluation. Bangladesh must pass the Significant Safety Concern (SSC) assessment and achieve Category One status through the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) to operate the route. Preparations are underway, with ICAO’s pre-audit scheduled from October 26 to November 6, 2026, followed by a final audit in 2027. Civil Aviation Minister Afroza Khanam (Rita) said that if progress continues as planned, the flight could begin in early 2028.

Officials report that about 75–80 percent of preparations are complete, including installation of advanced security equipment and internal audits. Three high-level committees are overseeing nine key safety areas to meet international standards. Bangladesh aims to exceed a 75 percent safety score, improving on its 2018 result of 68.55 percent.

Experts warn that inspector shortages, limited regulatory independence, and administrative challenges could hinder progress. However, authorities remain optimistic that ongoing modernization and oversight will strengthen Bangladesh’s global aviation standing and pave the way for the Dhaka–New York route.

The United States military has confirmed launching new strikes against Iran, targeting several dozen military sites near the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s coastal regions on Tuesday night. According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the seven-hour operation involved warplanes, drones, and naval vessels striking Iranian missile and drone bases, naval assets, and coastal defense systems.

CENTCOM stated that the objective of the latest assault was to weaken Iran’s ability to attack commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The command further noted that the action coincided with the resumption of a US naval blockade against vessels traveling to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas.

The report, citing Al Jazeera, did not mention any immediate Iranian response or details on casualties or damage resulting from the strikes.

The United States has imposed new sanctions aimed at dismantling a major Iranian shipping network allegedly used to evade existing restrictions on Tehran’s oil trade and other activities. The U.S. Treasury Department said the network, led by Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, was helping Iran bypass previous sanctions. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant stated that Washington is shutting down the financial infrastructure that enables Iran to threaten U.S. national security and the international maritime system.

According to the Treasury, the move is part of a broader effort to increase economic pressure on Tehran, following similar sanctions issued last year and in April this year. Under the new measures, more than 200 individuals, entities, and vessels linked to Shamkhani’s network have been sanctioned. All assets of the listed parties within the United States will be blocked, and U.S. citizens or companies are prohibited from conducting any transactions with them.

Iran’s mission to the United Nations declined to comment immediately on the new sanctions, according to the report sourced from Reuters.

Hasnat Abdullah, Member of Parliament for Comilla-4 and chief organizer of the National Citizens Party (NCP) for the southern region, said that Bangladeshis will again take to the streets if the country falls under fascism or fails to uphold the rule of law. He made the remarks on Tuesday at a roadside rally in Nimtala, Sirajdikhan, along the Dhaka-Mawa Expressway, as part of the NCP’s “July March to Build the Nation” program.

During his speech, Abdullah accused the current government of deceiving the people and criticized the Home Minister as a failed leader. He alleged that state institutions, including the police and educational establishments, have been politicized. He also questioned the government’s promise to create employment for ten million people, claiming that instead of jobs, the unemployed are being driven toward drugs. Abdullah further stated that 70 percent of citizens support structural reforms and accused the ruling party of selective adherence to the constitution.

At the event, Abdullah introduced Ali Newaz as the NCP candidate for the upcoming Sirajdikhan upazila election, urging public support for him.

Iraq-based armed group Kataib Hezbollah has warned that it will stand by Iran if the United States launches any military attack. In a statement, the group’s secretary-general, Abu Hussein al-Hamidawi, said that if Washington continues its war against Iran, Kataib Hezbollah will support the Iranian people and that the United States would pay a heavy price. He described the current situation as the beginning of a new conflict between the forces of truth and falsehood across the region, accusing the US of leading this confrontation.

Kataib Hezbollah, designated by the United States as a terrorist organization in 2009, is one of the most powerful Iran-aligned groups in Iraq. The US has previously accused Tehran of using Lebanese Hezbollah and Iraqi armed factions to suppress ongoing protests in Iran.

The warning underscores rising regional tensions as Iran and the US remain at odds, with the group reaffirming its commitment to defend Iran under any circumstances.

Spain advanced to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after a commanding 2-0 victory over France at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas on Tuesday night. The Spanish side dominated possession and tempo from the opening whistle, neutralizing France’s star-studded attack featuring Mbappé, Dembélé, Olise, and Barcola. Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring from a penalty in the 18th minute after Lamine Yamal was fouled in the box. Spain sealed the win in the 67th minute when Pedro Paro converted a low cross following a swift counterattack.

Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente’s tactical setup proved decisive, employing relentless pressing and positional play that left France struggling to create chances. Midfielders Rodri and Fabián Ruiz orchestrated the rhythm, while Yamal impressed on his 19th birthday. France’s attack, once considered the tournament’s most dangerous, was effectively contained throughout the match.

With this victory, Spain reached the final scheduled for July 19, where they will face either Argentina or England. France exit the tournament reflecting on the importance of teamwork over individual talent.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that American attacks on Iran’s power plants and bridges will intensify next week if Tehran does not agree to a deal. He issued the threat during an interview with Fox News on Tuesday, saying that the coming week would be “really bad” for Iran if it refuses to return to negotiations. Trump stated that all of Iran’s power plants and bridges would be destroyed if no agreement is reached.

The warning came as U.S. forces continued airstrikes in Iran for a fourth consecutive day and reimposed naval blockades on the country’s seaports. The escalation follows the collapse of a fragile ceasefire reached on June 17, with the main conflict now centered on control of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

When asked how long the attacks would continue, Trump said they would go on “as long as I say it’s enough,” signaling no immediate end to the military campaign.

An air conditioner explosion at a salon in the Alu Bazar area of Bangshal, Dhaka, left ten people injured on Tuesday night, July 14. The victims include both customers and salon workers who sustained varying degrees of burns. All of them are currently receiving treatment at the National Burn Institute.

According to the institute’s resident surgeon, the injured are identified as customers Md. Faruk, Rinku, Roni, Jasim, and Rafiq, along with workers Shamshed, Raju, Pappu, Sakib, and Arman. The extent of burns ranges from 1 percent to 50 percent of body surface area, with Faruk suffering the most severe injuries.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of the explosion. The incident has raised safety concerns about electrical equipment in small commercial establishments in the area.

Iran carried out its seventh drone attack on a United States military base in Jordan, according to Iran’s state news agency Tasnim. The strike targeted F-18 fighter jet positions, troop housing, and a large hangar at the Azraq Air Base. Iranian forces said the operation was part of an ongoing campaign against US military installations across the Middle East.

Iran’s military claimed the attacks were in response to alleged US violations of a ceasefire and strikes on Iranian territory. It stated that six previous drone attacks had been launched under the same campaign. Tehran also warned that any future assaults on its land, sea, or airspace would be met with appropriate retaliation.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed conducting new strikes inside Iran, saying the goal was to weaken Iran’s military capabilities used for attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Narsingdi district administration conducted a mobile court operation on Tuesday in Hemendra Sahar Mor and Chouala areas of Narsingdi Sadar upazila to disconnect illegal gas connections. The drive, supported by a technical team from Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company and secured by Narsingdi district police, resulted in the collection of Tk 260,000 in fines from two cases. All illegal gas connections identified during the operation were immediately disconnected.

According to Titas authorities, some individuals had been illegally using gas connections for residential and commercial purposes for a long time. After verification, the mobile court imposed financial penalties under the Bangladesh Gas Act 2010 and took legal action against the offenders. Local residents were also made aware of the dangers of illegal gas use, waste of national resources, and potential legal consequences.

Officials stated that misuse of national resources would not be tolerated and that similar operations against illegal gas connections would continue regularly to ensure public safety and protect state assets.

Eastern Railway in Bangladesh is facing an escalating locomotive shortage that has severely disrupted passenger and freight services. According to officials, the region requires 119 engines daily to maintain normal operations but currently has only 75 to 76 available. The shortage has forced several local and mail train routes, including Chattogram–Laksam and Chattogram–Sylhet, to suspend operations. The Nasirabad Express, running between Chattogram and Jamalpur, now faces frequent cancellations, with seven to eight trips canceled each month.

Railway officials warn that the situation could further deteriorate if new engines are not procured soon. The Eastern Railway’s General Manager stated that existing engines are being overused without adequate rest or maintenance, leading to faster wear and breakdowns. The shortage has also prevented the introduction of new train services. The railway authority has submitted a request for additional engines to the ministry, but the decision depends on higher government approval.

Freight transport has also been hit hard, with only five engines available daily against a need for fifteen, causing significant logistical disruptions.