An article published on July 7, 2026, highlights the persistent problem of polythene bag use in Bangladesh despite existing legal bans. Under the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act of 1995, the government has the authority to prohibit the production, import, and sale of environmentally harmful polythene and plastic materials. Although enforcement initially reduced usage after severe flooding in 2004, weak monitoring since 2008 has allowed illegal production and free distribution to return.

The article notes that one-time-use polythene bags have become pervasive across cities and rural areas, clogging drains and polluting soil and waterways. Efforts by the interim government’s trade and environment advisers to promote jute bags have faced public resistance due to cost differences. The author argues that instead of maintaining a full ban, the government could impose high tariffs, taxes, and VAT on polythene bags so that their retail price exceeds 20–30 taka, discouraging use and encouraging consumers to switch to reusable jute alternatives.

Such a policy could simultaneously reduce environmental damage and generate significant government revenue, similar to existing high-tax models on cigarettes and soft drinks.

An opinion piece published on 7 July 2026 in the Bangladeshi daily *Amar Desh* reflects on the events of July 2024, when student protests demanding reform of the government job quota system spread across the country. The article describes how the movement, initially focused on fairness in recruitment, escalated after state suppression into a broader call for political change and the end of what it calls a mafia-style regime. The death of a protester named Abu Saeed on 16 July is portrayed as a turning point that intensified public participation.

The writer recounts how the protests united people from all walks of life, with students, parents, and teachers joining in solidarity. The government’s use of force, resulting in casualties and widespread fear, is depicted as failing to silence the movement. The piece emphasizes the emotional toll on families and the enduring symbolism of July as a time of sacrifice and collective courage.

It concludes that July represents a nation’s conscience, urging remembrance of those who died and continuation of their struggle for justice and equality.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is scheduled to visit the White House at the end of July to meet U.S. President Donald Trump. The visit aims to advance a framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel. Preparations for the trip began after a 17-minute phone conversation between the two leaders, which Aoun described as positive. He confirmed the plan in an interview with Lebanon’s daily An-Nahar.

Aoun acknowledged that the framework deal with Israel is not ideal but said it reflects the current balance of power in southern Lebanon, which favors Israel. He emphasized that the agreement is only a framework, not a final treaty, and warned against betting on divisions within the Lebanese army. Aoun stated that the deal would not halt Lebanon’s struggle to reclaim occupied territories.

The president added that a pilot security deployment will begin in Zawtar, Nabatieh district, where Lebanese forces will assume control of certain towns as Israeli troops gradually withdraw. He also noted that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was asked to ensure Lebanese control over the nearby Ali al-Taher mountain, a proposal reportedly accepted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Dengue infections in Chattogram have risen sharply, with an average of 11 new cases daily. In the first five days of July alone, 57 people were infected, including 18 in a single day. The divisional health director’s office has identified eight city wards as high-risk dengue hotspots, where one in every four houses contained Aedes mosquito larvae. The survey found that 70–80 percent of the larvae were of the Aedes aegypti species, the primary dengue carrier.

Residents have expressed concern over inadequate mosquito control, alleging irregular spraying of insecticides across the city’s 41 wards. In response, the Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) and the district civil surgeon’s office stated that dengue corners have been set up in all government hospitals, with increased test kits and beds. The CCC claimed that spraying is being conducted daily across seven zones with upgraded equipment and additional manpower.

Health officials have urged citizens to destroy mosquito breeding sites at home. The divisional health director confirmed that coordinated action plans are underway to strengthen mosquito control and ensure effective treatment at the upazila level.

An alleged attack on Sajib, president of the Satutia Union unit of the Jhalakathi Rajapur Chhatra Dal, took place on the night of July 6 at Lebubunia market. According to reports, Sajib, his elder brother Babul, and another person named Kaif were injured when a group of 10–12 people armed with sharp weapons attacked them. Sajib was admitted to Rajapur Upazila Health Complex, while the others received primary treatment.

Local sources said the attackers, led by Sohel Akon, Shamim Akon, and Afzal along with his brothers Faisal and Solaiman, had long been involved in drug trading in the area. The clash reportedly began after Sajib and locals protested against their activities, leading to a heated argument that later escalated into violence.

Afzal denied the allegations, claiming the dispute stemmed from a business issue involving coconuts. Rajapur police said they had received verbal information about the incident and would take legal action upon receiving a written complaint.

Seven years after the brutal murder of Feni madrasa student Nusrat Jahan Rafi, the High Court has yet to complete the hearing of the death reference and appeals of 16 convicts sentenced to death. Although the trial court delivered its verdict in just 61 working days in October 2019, the final judicial process remains stalled. The case documents were sent to the High Court in October 2019, but repeated bench changes and procedural delays have prevented completion of the hearing.

In December 2024, a new bench began hearing the case, completing arguments for seven convicts before proceedings were again interrupted. In June 2026, Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury formed a special bench to expedite death reference cases, including Nusrat’s. The case is currently listed for hearing, but lawyers cannot confirm when it will resume.

Nusrat’s family continues to live under police protection and expresses frustration over the prolonged delay. Prosecutors warn that such delays could embolden offenders, urging swift completion and execution of the verdict to ensure justice.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department, the country’s main source for early disaster warnings, is facing a severe operational crisis as all five of its Doppler radar stations are currently out of service. The radars located in Dhaka, Cox’s Bazar, Khepupara, Rangpur, and Moulvibazar have become nonfunctional due to technical faults, expired components, and lack of maintenance. Experts warn that this situation could significantly reduce the accuracy of real-time forecasts during cyclones, heavy rainfall, and other natural disasters.

Officials from the department claim that they are using alternative data sources, including radars from the Air Force, India’s Agartala, and Japan, as well as satellite imagery, to continue monitoring weather conditions. Repairs are underway for the Rangpur and Dhaka radars, with expectations of partial restoration by July 9. The remaining radars are planned to be replaced under a JICA-funded project.

Experts emphasize that a functional radar network is vital for Bangladesh’s disaster preparedness and public safety. They urge the government to establish a sustainable maintenance system to prevent future disruptions in early warning capabilities.

French captain Kylian Mbappé has strongly condemned Paraguayan senator Celeste Amaria for making racist remarks about him following Paraguay’s exit from the World Cup. After France defeated Paraguay 1–0 in the round of 16 through Mbappé’s penalty goal, Amaria posted on social media calling him a “Cameroonian colonial man” and a “barbarian,” even suggesting that Paraguayan players should have physically confronted him. Mbappé responded sharply, calling Amaria a hateful person unworthy of her position and saying her comments tarnished Paraguay’s image.

The French Football Federation (FFF) also denounced the senator’s statements as “vile, hateful, and completely unacceptable.” In an official statement, the FFF expressed solidarity with Mbappé, the French team, and all victims of racism. The federation announced it would file a formal complaint with the prosecutor’s office to initiate legal proceedings against Amaria.

France emphasized that such remarks insult not only an individual player but the entire nation, urging stronger international action against racism in football.

Hamas has announced its decision to dissolve the civilian administration it has maintained in Gaza for nearly 20 years. The group stated that all administrative responsibilities will be transferred to a new body called the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza. If implemented, this move would mark a major shift in Gaza’s governance structure. Despite the announcement, Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip continued on Monday, with at least six Palestinians reported killed, including a couple whose apartment was struck by a rocket.

The declaration has raised several questions about how the new committee will be formed, who will oversee it, and whether it will gain international and public legitimacy. These issues are expected to play a central role in any post-war discussions or agreements regarding Gaza’s future. The announcement signals Hamas’s willingness to step back from direct governance, though it remains unclear whether this represents a genuine transfer of power or a tactical move linked to ongoing ceasefire negotiations.

For ordinary Gazans, the political uncertainty continues amid relentless airstrikes, displacement, and a deepening humanitarian crisis that no political proposal has yet resolved.

An elderly rice mill owner was brutally murdered inside his mill in Shibganj upazila of Bogura between Sunday midnight and early Monday. The victim, Mohammad Ali, aged 70, was found with his hands, feet, and mouth tied, and his body bore multiple stab wounds and severe head injuries. After the killing, the assailants stole three electrical transformers from the mill and fled the scene. The incident occurred in the Phulthola area of Feni village.

Local residents discovered the crime on Monday morning and informed the police, who recovered the body and sent it to Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital morgue for autopsy. The murder has sparked anger and shock across the area.

According to Shibganj police, initial investigation suggests that Mohammad Ali might have recognized the thieves or tried to stop them from stealing the transformers, leading to his murder. Police are working to identify and arrest those involved.

On July 7, 2024, Bangladesh witnessed widespread disruption as students across the country enforced a 'Bangla Blockade' demanding the abolition of the quota system in government jobs. The protest, entering its seventh day, saw demonstrators shift from four demands to a single demand: eliminating discriminatory quotas across all grades and legislating minimal quotas only for underprivileged groups. Major intersections in Dhaka, including Shahbagh, Science Lab, and Nilkhet, were blocked, paralyzing traffic. Student coordinators were briefly called for talks by government representatives but later reaffirmed their stance against further dialogue.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stated that the quota issue was sub judice and should be resolved by the High Court, while senior Awami League leaders echoed that the matter was under judicial consideration. Former Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury suggested examining whether any conspiracy lay behind the movement.

Student groups announced continuation of the blockade and class boycotts nationwide, with demonstrations spreading to universities in Chattogram, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Barishal, Sylhet, and Kushtia, signaling an intensifying standoff between protesters and the government.

The July uprising in Bangladesh is remembered not only for the student and public protests but also for the sacrifices of women who played vital roles on the streets, in caregiving, and in communication. According to the official gazette, ten women and children were among those killed during the movement. Their stories reflect the human cost of the struggle against what the report calls a fascist regime, with victims including students, workers, homemakers, and a domestic worker.

Among them were 15-year-old Naima Sultana, shot while standing on her balcony in Uttara; six-year-old Riya Ghosh, killed in Narayanganj; and 17-year-old Nafisa Hossain Marwa, who died during a protest march in Savar. Others include Sumaiya Akter, Shahinur Begum, Liza Akter, Nasima Akter, Rita Akter, Maya Islam, and Meherun Nesa Tanha. Each story portrays a personal tragedy intertwined with the national democratic movement.

Families of the victims said these women and children represent enduring symbols of courage and sacrifice. They called for the state to preserve their memory, recognize their martyrdom, and ensure justice as part of the nation’s democratic and humanitarian commitment.

Several members of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami have recently faced criticism over alleged misuse of government allocations and benefits, prompting the party to issue strict disciplinary directives. Incidents involving MPs and local leaders—such as favoritism in distributing bicycles and inclusion of family members in aid lists—have sparked public debate and embarrassment for the party. In response, Jamaat has strengthened internal discipline, removed some officials, and instructed MPs to avoid conflicts of interest.

Party leaders, including Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar, argue that some controversies stem from inexperience among new MPs and media exaggeration. They claim that rival political groups and certain media outlets are amplifying minor mistakes while ignoring larger issues in other parties. The leadership has initiated training programs and issued written guidelines urging MPs to act with integrity, transparency, and accountability.

Analysts cited in the report note that Jamaat’s rapid expansion as a parliamentary opposition has increased scrutiny. They suggest that while disciplinary measures are positive, the party must remain cautious to preserve public trust and organizational stability.

Law enforcement agencies in Chhagalnaiya upazila of Feni conducted two separate operations that led to the seizure of 26 kilograms of cannabis and eight liters of locally brewed liquor. Two suspected drug dealers were arrested during the raids. On Monday evening, a team from the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) in Feni carried out an operation near Dumghat Bridge in Ghopal Union, where they arrested Md. Sabbir Ahmed Sabuj, 32, and recovered eight liters of liquor. A regular case has been filed under the Narcotics Control Act.

Earlier, on Sunday, police from Chhagalnaiya Police Station detained Nurul Amin Siddiqui, 50, in the Muhuriganj Bazar area of Ghopal Union. Officers recovered 26 kilograms of cannabis and seized a private car allegedly used for drug transport. Police confirmed that legal action has been taken against the detainee.

Authorities stated that such anti-drug operations will continue as part of ongoing efforts to curb narcotics trafficking in the region.

A missile attack struck an oil tanker near the coast of Lima, Oman, causing a fire onboard, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The incident occurred eight nautical miles east of Lima while the vessel was heading south. UKMTO confirmed that the missile hit the port side of the tanker.

Authorities reported no casualties or environmental damage from the attack. The cause and source of the missile strike have not been disclosed. Officials have launched an investigation into the incident to determine further details.

The UKMTO continues to monitor the situation as maritime security agencies assess potential risks in the area.