Norway’s remarkable World Cup run ended in the quarterfinals after a 2-1 defeat to England, marking the nation’s first-ever appearance at this stage of the tournament. Star striker Erling Haaland, who had been instrumental in Norway’s campaign, expressed frustration over a disallowed goal during the 55th minute. Tobiorn Heggem’s header from a corner was overturned following a VAR review that found Haaland had fouled England’s Elliot Anderson before the play.

Haaland said he felt he was being held throughout the match and called the decision harsh, noting that if such contact were always penalized, he would earn free kicks in nearly every game. Despite the setback, he refused to make excuses, citing the intense heat and humidity in Miami as challenging conditions. Haaland emphasized that small moments and key decisions made the difference in the match.

Playing in his first World Cup, Haaland scored seven goals and helped Norway reach new heights. He said the six-week tournament was an unforgettable experience and believed Norway’s performance, including a historic win over Brazil, could inspire the next generation of players.

The Bangladesh Football Referees Association held its Special General Meeting and Executive Committee Election 2026 last Saturday at the Sadek Hossain Khoka Community Center in Gopibagh, Dhaka. The event took place in a festive and peaceful atmosphere, attended by officials including BFF General Secretary Imran Hasan Tushar, former FIFA elite referee Taiyab Hasan Babu, and other former national and FIFA referees from across the country. The meeting began with a recitation from the Holy Quran and was presided over by former FIFA referee Abdul Hannan Miron, who later handed over voting responsibilities to the election commission.

Out of 401 eligible voters, 363 cast their votes to elect the new executive committee through a democratic process. R. Alam, nominated by the Bangladesh Football Federation, was elected president, with Shahadat Hossain Badol and Abdul Hannan Miron as vice presidents. Sadat Hossain Sohel became general secretary, while other key posts were filled by Alomgir Sarkar, Md. Nahid, Nuruzzaman, and Ferdous Ahmed. The newly elected committee expressed commitment to improving referee training, facilities, and unity nationwide.

Sports figures and football community members extended congratulations to the new leadership following the election.

Bangladesh’s Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre reported on July 12, 2026, that water levels in four rivers across four districts were flowing above the danger mark at five points. While flood conditions in Chattogram and the hill districts were slowly improving, the agency warned of a short-term flood risk in the country’s northeastern region due to continued heavy rainfall. The forecast indicated that heavy to very heavy rain could occur in six divisions and adjoining upstream areas of India over the next 24 to 48 hours, potentially inundating new areas.

According to the Disaster Management and Relief Ministry, seven districts—Khagrachhari, Rangamati, Bandarban, Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram, Moulvibazar, and Habiganj—have been severely affected by recent floods, impacting over one million people and leaving 51 dead and 39 injured. More than 1,100 shelters have been opened, housing over 44,000 displaced residents. Relief efforts, including food, cash, and materials, are ongoing with support from government and non-government organizations.

Officials expect gradual improvement in the northeastern flood situation within 72 hours if rainfall decreases, though continuous monsoon activity may prolong risks in low-lying areas.

BNP National Executive Committee member Abu Naser Muhammad Rahmatullah stated that the party aims to build a modern, planned, and livable Barishal. Speaking on Sunday afternoon at a large rally held at Sohel Chattar near Bibir Pukur in Barishal city, he said the development of Barishal and the resolution of long-standing public sufferings would be the way to repay the trust and respect shown by voters toward Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

The rally, organized to mark Tarique Rahman’s visit to Barishal, paraded through the city’s Launchghat, Bells Park, and Shilpakala Academy areas before concluding. A large number of BNP leaders, activists, supporters, and local residents participated in the event.

Rahmatullah emphasized that BNP would uphold democratic values and citizens’ voting rights while maintaining development continuity. He also called on party members to work together for Barishal’s overall development, addressing issues such as waterlogging, transport improvement, employment generation, and lasting solutions to civic problems.

Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher, along with newly appointed chairmen of several development authorities, paid tribute at the graves of late President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar’s Zia Udyan in Dhaka on Sunday. Floral wreaths were placed at the graves, followed by special prayers seeking eternal peace for their souls. A large number of leaders and activists from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its affiliated organizations were present during the ceremony.

The visit coincided with the recent establishment of six new development authorities under the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, covering Sylhet, Mymensingh, Barishal, Cumilla, Rangpur, and Narayanganj. These authorities aim to ensure balanced urban development, prevent unplanned urbanization, promote disaster-resilient city management, and foster growth in information technology and tourism sectors.

According to the ministry, the overarching goal of these initiatives is to create well-planned, modern cities that maintain environmental balance while providing improved civic amenities.

An Iranian media outlet has clarified the identity of a masked man seen at the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which had sparked widespread speculation on social media. Many believed the man was Mojtaba Khamenei, the current Supreme Leader and son of the late Ayatollah, attending the ceremony in disguise. However, London-based Iran International reported that the individual was actually Mohammad Javed Khamenei, the youngest grandson of Ali Khamenei.

According to the report, Mohammad Javed is the son of Mostafa Khamenei, Ali Khamenei’s eldest son. He was reportedly injured in a February 28 attack by the United States and Israel that killed Ali Khamenei and several family members, while Mojtaba and others were wounded. Iran International stated that Javed wore a black mask and cap at the funeral to cover facial burns sustained in the attack.

Following Ali Khamenei’s death, Mojtaba Khamenei was chosen as Iran’s new Supreme Leader, reportedly aided by his close ties with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. He has not yet appeared publicly but issued a written message on state television calling for revenge against those responsible for the killings.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has called on private universities to use funds saved from tax exemptions to enhance education quality and research. Speaking as chief guest at a discussion organized by the Association of Private Universities of Bangladesh at The Westin Dhaka, he emphasized self-regulation over government control and announced plans to bring all sectors and marginalized groups under GDP coverage by 2034.

He justified the tax waiver by describing education as a non-profit sector and said the 5% tax savings should be directed toward achieving international benchmarks and improving university ratings. Despite economic challenges, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to private sector–driven growth and policy continuity for five years to support long-term planning. He also urged universities to engage with the capital market and prioritize local ICT graduates and companies to reduce foreign dependence.

The event, chaired by APUB Chairman Dr. Md. Sabur Khan, was attended by UGC Chairman Prof. Mamun Ahmed and representatives from academia and industry, who praised the government’s supportive stance toward private higher education and research.

Former Speaker of the National Parliament and former Acting President of Bangladesh, Barrister Jamir Uddin Sarkar, was laid to rest at the designated site within the Parliament complex on Thursday afternoon. The burial followed his funeral prayer held at the Parliament tunnel, attended by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikrom, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni, opposition leader Dr. Md. Shafiqul Rahman, cabinet members, political leaders, judges, lawyers, senior officials, and a large number of citizens.

Mourners paid their final respects with tears and prayers, recalling Sarkar’s wisdom, courtesy, humility, and unwavering commitment to democracy. The ceremony created an emotional atmosphere as he was buried in the same grounds where he had presided over parliamentary sessions for many years.

Barrister Jamir Uddin Sarkar passed away early on 12 July at a private hospital in Dhaka while undergoing treatment. His death has left a profound void in the country’s political and parliamentary spheres.

Dhaka experienced its heaviest July rainfall in 17 years as 175 millimeters of rain fell within 24 hours on Sunday, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department. The intense monsoon activity caused severe waterlogging across the capital, disrupting daily life. Meteorologists AKM Nazmul Haque and Khondaker Hafizur Rahman attributed the heavy rainfall to an active monsoon system.

Other regions also recorded significant rainfall, including 160 millimeters in Chattogram, 152 in Patuakhali, and 113 in Cox’s Bazar. The department warned that heavy to very heavy rainfall might continue for two more days across Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions. Experts linked the abnormal weather pattern to global warming and the El Niño effect, noting that climate change is intensifying rainfall patterns.

Senior meteorologist Bazlur Rahman said the monsoon’s traditional gentle rhythm has been replaced by short, intense bursts of rain. The report highlighted growing public distress over Dhaka’s inadequate drainage and called for urgent modernization to protect urban life from worsening climate impacts.

A Dhaka court has issued a summons against actress Tanjin Tisha in a fraud and breach of trust case. The order was given on Sunday, July 12, by Magistrate Md. Jewel Rana of the 10th Court of the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate. Tisha has been instructed to appear before the court on August 13 for the next hearing, confirmed by the plaintiff’s lawyer, Advocate Salimullah Sarkar.

According to the case statement, Tanjin Tisha allegedly took a sari worth 28,800 taka from an online fashion page named ‘Aponia’ for promotional purposes but neither paid for it nor maintained contact afterward. The plaintiff claims that conversations through Instagram, WhatsApp, and voice messages support the allegations. Tisha, however, stated in a Facebook post that the sari had been given to her as a gift.

The plaintiff’s lawyer said the investigation report found preliminary evidence supporting the complaint, and the matter will now proceed in court.

BNP Standing Committee member Dr. Abdul Moin Khan said that his goal is to build an equitable society in Bangladesh where the gap between rich and poor will narrow and people's suffering will be alleviated. He made the remarks on Saturday at a memorial meeting for the late Khorsheda Banu, organized by Khan Foundation at Amdia Pakuria School ground in Narsingdi. Addressing women attendees, he urged them to become aware of their rights and emphasized that rights must be claimed rather than awaited.

Moin Khan recalled his family’s modest background, noting that his father, former cabinet secretary Abdul Momen Khan, began his career as a lecturer in economics, and his grandfather Abdul Barik Khan was dismissed from service for participating in the anti-British movement. Khan Foundation Executive Director Advocate Rokhsana Khondkar remembered Khorsheda Banu as a compassionate mother and a dedicated social worker. Since 1993, the foundation has worked to empower disadvantaged women and distributed about Tk 14 crore in rural loans this year.

Expressing concern over the current education system, Moin Khan called for keeping educational institutions free from political influence and urged local administrations to focus funds on improving education quality rather than only constructing buildings.

Authorities at Dum Dum Airport in West Bengal have initiated the relocation of the 136-year-old Gauripur Jame Mosque, locally known as Bankra Mosque, as part of plans to expand the airport’s second runway and strengthen security. From Saturday, public entry and regular congregational prayers at the mosque have been suspended. Officials said the mosque’s current location has long obstructed runway expansion and limited safe aircraft operations.

The relocation plan, discussed for years, gained momentum after recent meetings among district administration, airport authorities, and the mosque management committee. Security teams inspected the site, and access through Gate 3 from Birati Mor has been closed, with additional guards deployed. The mosque committee expressed willingness to cooperate for development and safety but requested preservation of the mosque’s religious and historical significance.

Airport authorities have proposed building a larger, modern mosque outside the airport premises. Discussions between both sides continue, with officials stating that all future steps will be coordinated and publicly announced once relocation and construction plans are finalized.

England advanced to the World Cup semifinals after a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway in Miami on July 12, 2026. Despite the win, head coach Thomas Tuchel expressed dissatisfaction with his team’s performance, admitting that England were helped by luck and could not progress further with such play. Jude Bellingham scored both goals to secure the comeback after England trailed in the first half.

Tuchel highlighted numerous flaws in England’s game, including poor ball control, decision-making, and defensive errors. He said the team played disorganized football and failed to maintain control of the match. While he praised the players’ fighting spirit and Bellingham’s leadership, Tuchel warned that relying on one player or luck would not be enough to win the tournament.

The coach also hinted at tactical adjustments ahead of the semifinal clash against Argentina, stressing the need for rapid improvement. Tuchel described the Norway match as a warning sign and urged his team to become more organized, confident, and technically sound to compete for the title.

A mobile court in Rajapur upazila of Jhalakathi sentenced three drug dealers to imprisonment on Sunday evening. The operation took place in the Kanudaskathi area, led by Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Md. Shamim Reza Sajib, who conducted the mobile court proceedings. The convicted individuals are Md. Kalam Sardar and his two wives, Mosammat Rupia Begum and Mosammat Shiuli Begum, all residents of Kanudaskathi.

According to the mobile court, the three had been involved in drug trading in the area for a long time. During the operation, authorities recovered 13 yaba tablets from their possession. Under the Narcotics Control Act, Rupia Begum and Shiuli Begum were each sentenced to three months of imprisonment, while Kalam Sardar received six months of imprisonment.

The sentencing marks a continuation of local enforcement efforts against illegal drug activities in Jhalakathi district.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman met with a delegation of Bangladeshi students who won gold medals at the International Olympiad Association. The courtesy meeting took place on Sunday, July 12, at 5:30 p.m. in the Prime Minister’s Office at the National Parliament Building. The Prime Minister congratulated the students and expressed pride in their international success, emphasizing his government’s commitment to nurturing innovation and creativity among the new generation.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister learned about the students’ winning projects, studies, and future plans, encouraging them to pursue further innovative initiatives. The delegation also informed him about their upcoming participation in the AI International Olympiad in Kazakhstan from August 2 to 8. The Prime Minister wished them success and assured full government support for their participation.

He presented laptops to three gold medalists and books to other team members, reaffirming the government’s efforts to identify and support talented youth across the country through training and research opportunities. The delegation expressed interest in hosting an AI Olympiad in Bangladesh, to which the Prime Minister pledged full cooperation.