As the 2026 FIFA World Cup enters its final stages, the competition for the Golden Boot has intensified, with Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland each scoring seven goals. The three stars have reached this tally through different performances: Messi’s goals came against Algeria, Austria, Jordan, and Cape Verde; Mbappe scored against Senegal, Iraq, Norway, Paraguay, and Sweden; and Haaland found the net against Iraq, Senegal, France, Japan, and Brazil. According to FIFA’s tiebreaking rules, Mbappe currently leads due to his two assists, while Messi and Haaland have none.

England captain Harry Kane remains in contention with six goals. With the quarterfinals and other knockout matches still ahead, a single goal could bring him back into the top race. The individual rivalry has added new excitement to World Cup history, featuring Messi’s potential farewell tournament, Mbappe’s pursuit of a second consecutive Golden Boot, and Haaland’s drive to make history in his debut World Cup.

The final outcome will depend on the remaining knockout matches, where the top scorer of the tournament will be decided.

BNP Chairperson’s adviser and former Member of Parliament Professor Shahjahan Mia stated that he aims to bring the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) into the hearts of every citizen through public service. He made the remarks on Monday afternoon while addressing a views-exchange meeting organized by the Shibganj Upazila BNP at Shibganj Bazar in Chapainawabganj, where he attended as the chief guest.

During his speech, Shahjahan Mia described BNP as a large political party that requires unity and organized efforts to strengthen its structure. He expressed optimism that if the party’s activities are properly managed, it will achieve victory in future elections. The event was attended by local BNP leaders including Shibganj Upazila BNP convener Ashraful Haque, member secretary Tosikul Alam, and former general secretary Sarwar Jahan Sentu, along with grassroots activists.

Speakers at the meeting emphasized strengthening organizational activities, maintaining unity at the grassroots level, and working collectively for public interest. They also called for communicating the government’s development plans and the party’s political strategies to the public.

A BNP youth leader in Chandla village of Brahmanpara upazila, Cumilla, has been accused of constructing a new building on a neighbor’s land in violation of a High Court order. Victim Zarina Begum filed a written complaint with Brahmanpara Police Station on April 10 and also appealed to the Deputy Commissioner for legal action. The complaint alleges that Hannan Mia, vice president of Madhabpur Union Jubo Dal, forcibly occupied the disputed land and began new construction despite a clear court directive prohibiting any structural changes.

According to case records, the High Court had allowed only repairs to existing structures on the disputed property but explicitly barred new construction or alteration of the land’s nature. The property, comprising 44 decimals in Uttar Chandla mouza, remains under judicial review in a civil revision case. Zarina Begum claims that despite notifying police, no effective action has been taken, and she has faced threats when trying to stop the work.

Local MP Haji Jasim Uddin stated that the assistant commissioner (land) has been assigned to resolve the issue, while the upazila executive officer confirmed that necessary steps will be taken after consulting relevant officials.

In Sherpur upazila of Bogra, rice was distributed among poor and disaster-affected families as humanitarian assistance. The distribution took place on 6 July 2026 at two separate events held at the municipal office and Mirzapur Union Parishad premises. Golam Mohammad Siraj, Member of Parliament for Bogra-5 (Sherpur-Dhunat), attended as the chief guest and handed over the rice to the beneficiaries.

During his speech, Golam Mohammad Siraj criticized the previous Awami League government, calling it a government for the wealthy and claiming it neglected the poor and underprivileged. He described the BNP as a people’s government that has always stood by the poor and urged people to support the BNP instead of what he called the “mad party.”

The event was chaired by Upazila Nirbahi Officer and municipal administrator Saiduzzaman Himu, with several BNP leaders and local representatives present. A total of 500 beneficiaries, including 333 from Sherpur municipality and 167 from Mirzapur Union, each received 15 kilograms of rice.

Many in Israel now believe US President Donald Trump is reassessing Washington’s relationship with Tel Aviv. The shift follows growing friction between the two governments over Israel’s ongoing conflicts in Lebanon and Gaza, and over US efforts to reach a peace deal with Iran. A leaked phone call reportedly revealed Trump harshly criticizing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for continuing attacks in Lebanon, calling him ungrateful and blaming him for Israel’s global unpopularity.

Trump’s remarks and the fallout have exposed deep divisions within both US and Israeli politics. Analysts note that despite being the head of the traditionally pro-Israel Republican Party, Trump retains flexibility due to his loyal base and growing bipartisan criticism of Israel. Israeli opposition leaders, including Yair Lapid and Gadi Eisenkot, have accused Netanyahu of isolating Israel diplomatically and damaging its most vital alliance.

Experts cited in the report say there is no indication that Trump intends to cut ties with Israel entirely. However, they suggest any future pressure from Washington would likely be tied to a major diplomatic breakthrough that could bolster Trump’s global standing.

In Kotalipara upazila of Gopalganj, allegations have surfaced of serious irregularities in a Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) road maintenance project. Within just ten days of completion, the carpeting on several sections of the road began peeling off. A video showing the surface being lifted by hand went viral on social media, sparking widespread criticism. Locals accused contractor Yasin Sheikh of threatening journalists and residents who raised complaints.

Residents alleged that substandard materials and technical flaws were used in the road stretching from Shikirbazar Scout Building to Purba Chitrapara. They claimed that the required soil shoulders were missing and old, low-quality bricks were used for edging. The damage was attributed to improper application of prime and tack coats and poor-quality bituminous carpeting. The project, worth about Tk 7.47 million, was awarded to Chuadanga-based Zakawullah & Brothers Ltd, with Yasin Sheikh acting locally.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sagufata Haque confirmed receiving complaints and informed the relevant department. LGED Executive Engineer Ehsanul Haque said a technical team had inspected the site and that corrective work would be required if irregularities were confirmed.

France is seeking to rebuild its long-strained relationship with Turkey as Europe’s security environment rapidly evolves. The two countries, historically divided over Syria, Armenia, and the Eastern Mediterranean, are now exploring cooperation. French officials view Turkey as a key pillar in Europe’s future security framework, particularly within the new ‘Coalition of the Willing,’ a non-NATO defense initiative led by France. Ankara’s participation is seen as strategically important for Paris.

Several factors have driven this policy shift. Turkey’s relations with Russia have cooled since 2023, with no bilateral visits between their leaders and Ankara refraining from renewing major gas contracts. Former French ambassador Gérard Araud noted that Turkey’s balanced stance during the Ukraine war impressed many in France. Both nations now share interests in Syria, Lebanon, and Iran, while defense cooperation is expanding through potential arms deals and industrial partnerships.

Ahead of the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara, discussions between French and Turkish defense officials have intensified, raising prospects for new agreements. However, mutual distrust and political sensitivities, including issues involving Armenia and Greece, continue to challenge full normalization.

A violent riot erupted inside a Sri Lankan prison on Sunday, leaving 19 people dead and more than 100 inmates injured. The injured were taken to Negombo Hospital, located north of Colombo. Hospital director Pushpa Gamalath confirmed that the bodies of four prison guards and fifteen inmates were brought in. The unrest began around 1 p.m. when two groups of inmates clashed inside the facility, and although authorities regained control by night, violence flared again on Monday morning.

According to reports, inmates broke into the prison armory and seized firearms. The overcrowded correctional facility became the scene of heavy gunfire as authorities attempted to regain control. The conflict reportedly stemmed from tensions between two inmate groups—one accused of running a drug trafficking network from inside the prison and another opposing their activities. The initial clash on Sunday left two inmates dead and 38 injured.

The Sri Lankan government launched a joint military and police operation to restore order and began an investigation into the incident. Officials later described the situation as stable.

A newborn was found abandoned beside the Shayestaganj–Jagadishpur road in Habiganj early Monday morning. Local residents discovered the infant and immediately took the baby to a hospital for treatment. The child was admitted to LabAid Hospital in Madhabpur with the assistance of Abdur Rashid, president of the Baghasura Union BNP. The newborn was reportedly found with a saline line attached.

According to local accounts, the baby is currently under medical care and in stable condition. Abdur Rashid stated that upon receiving news of the incident, they rushed to the spot and rescued the infant, prioritizing the child’s safety and health. The newborn’s condition has since been reported as physically sound.

Authorities have not yet provided further details about how the newborn came to be left by the roadside or whether any investigation is underway.

A 27-year-old Brazil football supporter named Jewel Rana died in a road accident in Banshkhali, Chattogram, about an hour after posting a Facebook status. The accident occurred around noon on Monday in front of the Banshkhali Daroga Bazar Fire Service Station. Jewel Rana was the son of Shamsul Alam from the Uttar Chambal Sikdar Dokan area.

According to police, preparations were underway to send the body for autopsy. The officer-in-charge of Banshkhali Police Station, Md. Robiul Haque, stated that legal action would be taken if the family filed a case. The report mentioned that Jewel Rana had posted a Facebook status expressing his feelings about Brazil’s football performance roughly an hour before the accident.

Authorities have not yet disclosed further details about the cause of the accident or whether other vehicles were involved.

Bangladesh’s new government is pursuing large-scale Chinese investment to revive its economy while attempting to maintain balanced relations with neighboring India. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s first foreign visits to Malaysia and China last month signaled a new direction in Dhaka’s foreign policy. During his Beijing trip, several bilateral agreements were signed, including on Teesta River management and a special economic zone near Mongla port, drawing close attention from both India and China.

Relations between Dhaka and New Delhi cooled after Sheikh Hasina’s ouster in August 2024 and her subsequent refuge in India. Although ties have improved since the BNP’s electoral victory in February, lingering tensions remain over border issues and anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh. India’s new high commissioner in Dhaka and partial resumption of cross-border transport indicate cautious normalization.

China’s involvement in the Teesta project has raised Indian security concerns due to its proximity to the Siliguri Corridor. Beijing has stated that its cooperation with Bangladesh is not aimed at any third party. Analysts note that while Bangladesh values India as a key neighbor, its growing partnership with China reflects a strategic recalibration in South Asia.

The High Court has overturned the death sentences of four individuals convicted in the murder of fifth-grade student Rima Akter from Jajira, Shariatpur. On Monday morning, a dual bench led by Justice Mohammad Ali delivered the verdict, acquitting Swapna Begum and Selim Chowkidar while sentencing Chunnu Morol and Nuru Morol to life imprisonment.

According to the case details, Rima Akter, daughter of Ilias Chowkidar from Ahmad Chowkidar Kandi village in Naodoba Union, went missing on 11 September 2017. Two days later, police recovered her mutilated body from an abandoned homestead in Majid Howladar Kandi village. Her father filed a case on 14 September alleging rape and murder. In 2019, the Shariatpur Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal had sentenced four accused to death for the crime.

The High Court’s latest ruling modifies the earlier tribunal judgment, reducing the punishment for two and acquitting the other two, thereby concluding a significant legal development in the long-running case.

Three people were killed in a gunfight between two factions of the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (JSS) in Khagrachhari’s Panchhari upazila on Monday afternoon. The clash occurred at Madhumangalpara along the Panchhari-Logang road, reportedly over establishing local dominance. Police recovered two misfired rounds, 14 used cartridge cases, and four bullets from the scene.

The deceased were identified as Padma Chakma and Dhona Chakma of Sajek in Rangamati, and Riel Chakma of Panchhari in Khagrachhari, all aged 18. Witnesses said the confrontation began after an autorickshaw was stopped, leading to close-range gunfire that killed the three on the spot. Initial information suggests one of the deceased was a JSS member who had surrendered to a Border Guard Bangladesh camp on May 19, 2026, and the incident may have stemmed from internal disputes following his defection.

Panchhari police said the bodies will be handed over to families after autopsy. The UPDF (Prasit) coordinator in Panchhari denied any involvement in the incident.

Iranian Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Baqer Galibaf stated that Tehran will not recognize Israel. He made the remarks during a meeting with Hamas leader Mohammad Darwish, who visited Iran to attend the funeral of Supreme Leader Khamenei. Galibaf acknowledged that while a memorandum of understanding exists, deep disagreements remain between Iran and the United States. He emphasized that implementing the memorandum is difficult but not impossible.

Galibaf reiterated that Iran has no peaceful relations with the United States and will continue to support Muslim nations and allied groups in line with the Supreme Leader’s directives. He stressed that discussions should lead to tangible results rather than dialogue for its own sake.

According to Galibaf, Muslim countries now realize that cooperation with the United States and Israel does not guarantee security. His comments reflect Tehran’s continued resistance to normalization with Israel and its commitment to regional alliances.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch (DB) Cyber and Special Crime (South) Division has arrested five members of a gang accused of blackmailing a man after luring him into a romantic trap. The arrests were made during raids between Friday night and Saturday morning in Sabujbagh, Badda, and Khilgaon areas of the capital. The detainees are identified as Md. Anwar Hossain, Badiuzzaman Shahin, Morium, Shahadat Hossain, and Urmi Begum. Police recovered nine mobile phones, a walkie-talkie, and cash during the operation.

According to DB sources, the victim, a loan officer at a private financial institution, was deceived by a woman posing as a borrower. After gaining his trust, the gang took him to a flat in Khilgaon, assaulted him, and recorded an objectionable video. They then extorted Tk 1.1 lakh from his bank account and demanded Tk 3 lakh more, threatening to release the video online. The victim filed a case at Khilgaon Police Station on June 22.

Preliminary investigation revealed evidence of similar crimes involving multiple victims. Police said the suspects are in remand, and efforts continue to identify other members and victims of the gang.