Bangladesh’s Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud, has alleged that the former Awami League government, during its fifteen and a half years in power, did not undertake any project in the public interest. Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion organized by the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) at the Dhaka Reporters Unity on Monday, he claimed that all projects were designed for personal gain and that the previous administration had damaged the country’s power, energy, and economic sectors. He added that the responsibility for repairing this damage now rests with the current democratic government.

At the same event, energy expert Professor Dr. M. Shamsul Alam presented a keynote paper titled “National Energy Development Strategy.” The paper highlighted irregularities and corruption during the former Awami League government’s tenure and proposed measures to reduce import dependency in the power and energy sectors, aiming to make them more beneficial for the public.

The discussion emphasized the need for reforms to ensure that future energy policies prioritize national and consumer interests.

Bus owners and workers in Nilphamari’s Jaldhaka upazila staged a four-hour road blockade on Sunday evening to protest alleged extortion carried out in the name of transport owners’ and workers’ associations. The protest, held from evening until 9 p.m. near the Jaldhaka bus stand, caused severe traffic congestion, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded and passengers suffering long delays. Police later intervened, holding discussions with both sides, which led to the withdrawal of the blockade.

According to local sources and transport operators, buses operating on the Dimla route have been forced to pay around 900 taka daily as extortion under the guise of association fees. Those refusing to pay reportedly face harassment. Protesters said such practices are not common on most other routes in the country. The blockade disrupted traffic on the Jaldhaka-Dimla-Rangpur regional road, affecting long-distance and local routes alike.

Police officials confirmed that all forms of toll, extortion, or service charges on the route have been suspended until further meetings or decisions are made.

Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Bangladesh, Dr. Abdullah Zafar H. bin Abiya, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday morning at the Cabinet Division of the Bangladesh Secretariat. The meeting began at 9:40 a.m., where the ambassador handed over a letter from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud to the prime minister.

During the meeting, both sides discussed matters of mutual interest between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia. The discussion focused on strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation in areas significant to both nations. Present at the meeting were Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman, the Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir, and Saudi Deputy Ambassador to Dhaka Ibrahim Abdullah.

The meeting underscored the ongoing diplomatic engagement between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, reflecting continued efforts to enhance collaboration across shared areas of interest.

Iran’s Chief Justice Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei has pledged to identify and punish those responsible for the assassination of Islamic Revolution leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Speaking at a book launch in Tehran about Iran’s new leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, Ejei said the perpetrators would be found and justice ensured.

He stated that for more than four months, Iranians of all ages have mourned their slain leader and raised the flag of vengeance. Ejei accused the United States and Israel of committing crimes against the Iranian nation and said they must pay a heavy price. He cited the Geneva Conventions and related protocols as containing clear provisions regarding war criminals.

Ejei added that Iran would continue to strengthen the axis of resistance with determination and support any movement opposing American and “Zionist” oppressors. He also said Iran supports all neighboring countries as long as they do not act on behalf of its enemies.

Hojjatoleslam wal Muslimin Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei has been reappointed as the Chief of the Judiciary of Iran. The country’s Supreme Leader, Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, made the appointment under Article 157 of the Iranian Constitution through a decree issued on Sunday, according to the Mehr News Agency.

In the decree, Khamenei expressed gratitude to Ejei for his service as head of the judiciary and recalled both the late leader and his own emphasis on implementing the judiciary’s development plan. He voiced hope that through the collective and determined efforts of the judiciary’s leadership, officials, and judges, the Iranian people would receive improved judicial services.

The reappointment underscores continuity in Iran’s judicial leadership and signals an ongoing focus on institutional development within the judiciary, as highlighted in the Supreme Leader’s message.

Former interim government adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, writing in the newspaper Amar Desh on July 6, 2026, called for state action to protect the memory of victims of the July uprising and their families. He argued that fascism cannot exist without ideological support from certain journalists, cultural figures, and intellectuals, whom he accused of dehumanizing dissenters under the guise of progressivism. Farooki expressed concern that such individuals continue to undermine the dignity of those killed or disappeared during the past sixteen years.

He urged the government to ensure justice not only for the martyrs but also to safeguard their memory from what he described as the “manufacturers of fascist consent.” Farooki proposed enacting laws or establishing a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to hold accountable those who disrespect victims’ memories. He also suggested temporary legal restrictions on content that insults or trivializes the suffering of victims’ families.

Farooki emphasized that the July uprising was one of the bloodiest in Bangladesh’s history and should be treated as a continuation of the nation’s struggle for sovereignty rather than a normal political event.

Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain announced that all clinics in Bangladesh must arrange rooms for normal deliveries by next Saturday or risk losing their licenses. He made the statement on Monday morning while attending a workshop organized by the Midwifery Society at a hotel in Dhaka.

The minister said the decision aims to encourage normal childbirth, recalling that traditional midwives once assisted in deliveries in rural areas. He noted that most births now occur through cesarean sections, which often prevent newborns from receiving colostrum, leading to nutritional deficiencies. He also discussed health issues such as measles, describing it as a deadly disease caused by malnutrition, and emphasized that improving maternal and child health is essential for building a balanced economy.

Hossain further stated that there is no shortage of saline for dengue treatment and advised hospitals not to discharge patients until they are fully recovered.

The government has declared Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s residence at 196 Gulshan, Dhaka, as a special class key point installation (KPI), bringing it under the highest level of national security. The decision was finalized following a June 7 meeting of the KPI-related committee, with a formal gazette notification issued on June 15 and published on Friday. The designation ensures comprehensive protection for the premises, its occupants, and official documents.

According to the source, the residence was officially transferred to former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in 1981 and later handed over to Tarique Rahman after name registration in June of the previous year. Following his return to the country on December 25, he began residing there with his family and continued to use the house as his official residence after taking oath as Prime Minister on February 12. Although the state guesthouse Jamuna remains prepared for the head of government, Rahman has chosen to operate primarily from the Gulshan residence.

Under the new classification, the area will be secured by the Special Security Force and President Guards Regiment, with strict construction and surveillance restrictions within a defined perimeter.

England advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup after a thrilling 3-2 victory over host nation Mexico at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. The match, delayed by an hour due to a storm, saw England take control late in the first half with two quick goals from Jude Bellingham. Despite Mexico’s strong response, including a goal from Julian Quiñones and a late penalty by Raúl Jiménez, England held on under intense pressure to secure the win. Harry Kane scored from the spot for England, while goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made crucial saves to preserve the lead.

The match tested England’s resilience as defender Jarell Quansah was sent off early in the second half, leaving the team with ten men. Manager Thomas Tuchel adjusted tactics by reinforcing the defense with Dan Burn and Jed Spence to withstand Mexico’s late surge. Supporters hailed the result as one of England’s finest away performances in recent years.

England will now face Norway in the quarterfinals as they continue their pursuit of the World Cup title.

Sixteen soldiers from Yemen’s government forces were killed and sixteen others injured in clashes with Houthi rebels in the western province of Hodeidah, according to officials and medical sources cited by Al Jazeera. The fighting occurred in the Jabal Dabbas area and was described as one of the deadliest confrontations in recent years. Government-aligned minister Walid al-Qudaimi said the soldiers died defending their land and dignity.

Medical sources reported that sixteen bodies and twenty-two wounded soldiers were taken to a local hospital. A government military official stated that the Houthis launched an attack on Friday night, seizing several government positions, but government forces regained control of those areas early Saturday morning.

The conflict between Houthi rebels and Yemen’s internationally recognized government has continued since 2015. The Houthis currently control the capital Sanaa, much of northern Yemen, and the strategic port city of Hodeidah.

Millions of Iranians gathered in Tehran on Monday for the funeral and mourning rally of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a joint U.S.-Israeli attack on February 28. The procession began early in the morning at the Grand Mosalla religious complex, where Khamenei’s body had been kept for two days for public tribute. His coffin was later brought to Freedom Square as mourners, dressed in black and carrying red flags symbolizing revenge, vowed to avenge his death.

State media IRIB described the gathering as one of the largest in modern history, with streets of Tehran overflowing with mourners. The funeral followed days of national mourning that began on Friday, attended by foreign dignitaries. Security was tightened across the capital amid warnings of overcrowding. Khamenei’s son and current Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei did not attend due to security threats from Israel.

The funeral procession will continue through Qom and Iraq before Khamenei’s burial in Mashhad on Thursday. Iranian authorities view the massive turnout as a message of strength and resistance following the recent war with the United States and Israel.

Sikandarpur Westgaon village in Sylhet has again become tense amid violent clashes between rival factions of the ruling Awami League. The conflict, ongoing for over a decade, involves supporters of Golam Kibria, a former union chairman, and former UP member Haji Nur Hossain. Local reports describe repeated incidents of armed demonstrations, shootings, and looting, with residents living in fear. Despite police visits confirming illegal arms displays, no effective arrests or weapon recoveries have been made.

The latest wave of violence followed the reemergence of Golam Kibria and Shafiqul Islam after a period of inactivity. In recent weeks, several homes were attacked, roads were blocked, and surveillance footage allegedly showed known local youths displaying firearms. Police officials acknowledged the authenticity of the incidents but said suspects fled using nearby wetlands. Residents have accused police of inaction and demanded a permanent police camp, special drives to seize illegal weapons, and an impartial investigation committee.

Golam Kibria denied involvement, claiming he was in Dhaka for medical treatment and called for a neutral probe. Police say the matter has been reported to higher authorities for further action.

A mysterious incident occurred at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka when 71 passengers failed to board a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight to Malaysia on Saturday night, despite completing check-in and immigration procedures. The issue surfaced after five passengers were found with fake e-visas at the boarding gate. The BG-386 flight eventually departed for Malaysia without 76 passengers, including those offloaded for visa irregularities.

Airport sources said the 76 passengers had been issued boarding passes without proper visa verification. Immigration authorities initially cleared them, but discrepancies were later detected at the gate. Biman officials confirmed that 10 passengers were offloaded by immigration, five were stopped for visa issues, and 61 did not appear at the gate. The flight left with 192 passengers instead of 288.

Authorities are investigating possible involvement of a fraudulent network known as “body contract,” suspected of facilitating illegal travel. Intelligence and police officials are probing whether airport or airline staff were complicit. Preliminary findings suggest the missing passengers intended to stay in Malaysia under tourist visas arranged by a travel agency.

A powerful pair of earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 has left at least 3,342 people dead and about 16,700 injured, according to a Reuters report published on July 6, 2026. Thousands remain missing following the twin quakes, which caused extensive damage across several regions, with La Guaira suffering the most destruction. The Venezuelan Information Ministry confirmed that 6,462 people have been rescued so far, while 856 buildings were damaged and 190 structures collapsed.

Authorities said 86,794 families have received assistance, and 17,345 residents remain homeless. The government has deployed 29,567 workers and 27,482 volunteers for relief operations, supported by 4,088 international rescuers. Relief efforts have included the distribution of 9,585 tons of food, 669,008 liters of water, and medical treatment for 23,820 patients. Seventy-nine temporary shelters have been established in affected areas.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the two quakes, measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, struck within 39 seconds of each other. The ministry also noted that 995 aftershocks have occurred since the initial disaster.

Super Typhoon Bavi struck the U.S. Pacific territories of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands on July 6, 2026, with wind speeds reaching 290 kilometers per hour. The storm disrupted normal life across the islands, bringing heavy rain and strong winds. The U.S. National Weather Service warned that the typhoon is extremely dangerous and could cause extensive damage, with waves as high as 35 feet expected.

Authorities reported significant destruction on Rota Island in the Northern Marianas, which lies northeast of Guam and was directly hit by the storm. The island’s mayor urged residents to stay indoors and remain safe. In Saipan, north of Rota, wind gusts exceeding 161 kilometers per hour were recorded at the airport. The weather service said strong winds would persist until Monday afternoon before gradually weakening.

Guam, home to about 170,000 people, opened five shelters with capacity for around 1,700 residents, though one was already full by Sunday afternoon. The U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center officially classified Bavi as a super typhoon.