Bangladesh will experience continuous rain with thunder and possible heavy downpours for the next 10 days, according to the Meteorological Department. The monsoon remains active, influencing various regions including Dhaka, Khulna, Barisal, Chattogram, Sylhet, and others. Temperatures may slightly fluctuate during this period. Rainfall intensity will vary from light to heavy, with gusty winds expected temporarily in many areas. The department warns that this rainy pattern is likely to persist for an extended period, affecting daily life and activities nationwide.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has expressed concern over the health of renowned folk singer Farida Parveen, currently hospitalized in Dhaka. She sent party official Syed Emran Saleh Prince to check on Farida’s condition and called on the government to provide urgent advanced medical care. Earlier, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir visited the hospital and requested the caretaker government to ensure the best treatment, including the possibility of treatment abroad. Mirza Fakhrul also offered financial support to Farida.

Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysia’s former Prime Minister, marked his 100th birthday expressing skepticism about democracy, calling it a flawed, human-made system that can create weaknesses. Serving two terms totaling 24 years, he played a key role in Malaysia’s economic transformation from commodity dependence to a diversified manufacturing hub. In an interview, Mahathir also condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide and accused the United States of supporting the conflict and losing credibility as a global leader.

The BNP has expelled two leaders of its affiliated wings — Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, and Chhatra Dal — for their alleged involvement in the murder of Sohag near Mitford Hospital. BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed condemned efforts to blame the BNP as a whole, calling it a manifestation of "dirty politics." He asserted that the party does not tolerate criminal behavior. Leaders of Jubo Dal echoed the sentiment and called for strict law enforcement measures, instructing members to sever all ties with the expelled individuals.

India is undertaking a significant rail infrastructure project to strengthen connectivity between the Northeast and the mainland by 2030. The initiative aims to reduce reliance on the narrow 22-kilometer Siliguri Corridor, known as the "Chicken’s Neck," a critical geopolitical chokepoint. New rail lines in Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur, and Sikkim are progressing, while Meghalaya faces delays due to local opposition. This expansion also addresses growing security concerns linked to regional geopolitics and seeks to enhance military and civilian connectivity.

The government has announced that July 16 will be observed as "July Shaheed Day" but it will not be a public holiday, as it falls under the 'B' category of observance days. In contrast, August 5 has been declared a public holiday as "July Mass Uprising Day," categorized under 'A' days. The Cabinet Division issued the circular on July 2. All schools and colleges, both public and private, have been instructed to observe both days with appropriate programs by the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education.

Students of Dhaka University staged a protest rally condemning the brutal killing of scrap trader Sohag with stones and bricks. The protesters accused members of the Jubo Dal of murdering Sohag after he refused to pay extortion and claimed the perpetrators even danced over his body post-murder. Expressing concern over the country’s deteriorating political climate, they called for justice and systemic reform. They warned the BNP that adopting violent and criminal practices similar to the ruling party would lead to similar consequences. Members of the Bangladesh Student Federation also joined the protest, demanding justice and accountability.

With the national election possibly set for February, the BNP insists on holding it before Ramadan in 2026, while Jamaat-e-Islami and NCP demand major reforms and local polls first. Though BNP has shown flexibility, agreeing to February elections in a meeting with the interim government, it now emphasizes that full consensus on every issue is unrealistic. BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed views other parties' positions as part of political bargaining ahead of the vote, reflecting deeper negotiations behind public statements.

Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizens' Platform (NCP) insist on key reforms and a level playing field before the upcoming national election, rejecting any vote without the July Declaration. While Jamaat denies changing its stance on election timing, both parties criticize the current administrative setup and Election Commission. They also accuse some parties, notably BNP, of obstructing reform consensus. Tensions have grown within the opposition, highlighting divisions over how and when reforms should be implemented before any credible election takes place.

French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu warned Western nations against underestimating Iran, calling it a powerful, strategically deep, and technologically advanced country. In light of recent Iran-US-Israel tensions, he emphasized Iran's ability to withstand sanctions, develop missile technology, and safeguard its underground nuclear infrastructure. Lecornu stated that assassinating scientists won’t erase Iran’s technical knowledge. His remarks indicate a growing Western awareness of Iran’s resilience and the need to reassess its role as a serious geopolitical force rather than a marginal player.

US President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will supply weapons to Ukraine, with NATO covering the full cost. Trump revealed this in an interview with NBC News and mentioned he will make a significant announcement regarding Russia next Monday. Expressing frustration over the ongoing conflict following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Trump explained that while the US provides the arms, NATO will bear the financial responsibility before transferring them to Ukraine.

Dr. Shafiqur Islam Masud, a central executive council member of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has asserted that the party will not form alliances with extortionists, criminals, or land grabbers. Speaking at a street rally in Demra, he stated that Jamaat seeks coalitions only with honest, competent, and morally upright leaders. Addressing the recent murder related to extortion at Mitford, he said, “When party leaders start killing each other, the situation becomes more dangerous than Awami League’s past violent tactics.” He also stressed the importance of fulfilling Jamaat’s seven-point demand to ensure the success of their national rally on July 19.

Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) General Secretary Nasir Uddin has demanded the swift arrest of those involved in the brutal murder of scrap trader Sohag near Mitford Hospital in Dhaka. He emphasized that no political identity should shield criminals from justice, and warned against any negligence in the investigation process. Nasir also urged JCD members not to protect wrongdoers and called for legal and security support for the victim’s family.

Dhaka, July 11 – Two leaders of the opposition youth wing, Jubo Dal, have been expelled for life over allegations of involvement in the murder of scrap dealer Sohag near Dhaka's Mitford Hospital. The expelled individuals are Razzab Ali Pintu and Sabah Karim Lucky. A case has been filed against them by the victim's family. In a statement, Jubo Dal said the party would not bear responsibility for any criminal activities carried out by the expelled members and directed all activists to sever organizational ties with them. The party also urged law enforcement agencies to take appropriate legal action.

The Finance Division of the Ministry of Finance has been granted the authority to appoint primary dealers for government securities, a role previously held by Bangladesh Bank. The new policy aims to strengthen the primary and secondary markets by allowing banks and financial institutions to become primary dealers after evaluation. Primary dealers must actively participate in bidding and maintain transaction volumes. Annual performance reviews will determine continued appointments and rankings. The move follows IMF recommendations to enhance regulatory control and modernize the legal framework.