The Lebanese army has neutralized four large unexploded Israeli bombs and munitions left behind after recent airstrikes in southern Lebanon. According to an official military statement, bomb disposal experts carried out the operation in the Nabatieh region’s Mifdoun area and in the Bint Jbeil district’s Baraashit, Kafr Dunin, and Shaqra towns. The bombs were safely defused as part of ongoing efforts to clear remnants of the attacks.

The army urged residents in affected areas to remain on high alert and to immediately report any suspicious objects or explosive materials to the nearest military camp or authority. The statement emphasized public safety amid continuing risks from unexploded ordnance in the aftermath of Israeli strikes.

The clearance operation reflects Lebanon’s continued efforts to secure civilian areas following cross-border hostilities, though the source did not specify the timing or scale of the preceding attacks.

Tehran’s Applied Science and Technology University professor Mostafa Khoshcheshm told Al Jazeera that Iran will not be deceived by any potential memorandum of understanding or negotiations with the United States and Israel. He stated that the large turnout at the funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader sent a clear message that Iranians remain aware of ongoing hostility from those nations.

Khoshcheshm emphasized that regardless of whether a nuclear agreement is reached in the coming weeks or months, Iranians expect continued hostile actions against their country. He described these as hybrid warfare tactics, including economic pressure, sanctions, cyberattacks, soft warfare, assassinations, sabotage, and possibly military strikes by the United States and Israel.

He added that the mass participation in the funeral demonstrated the Iranian people’s support for their government and their commitment to the goals and policies declared by the Supreme Leader.

A total of 29 people were killed and 36 others injured in 29 road accidents across Sylhet Division in June, according to data released on July 5, 2026, by the Sylhet divisional committee of Nirapad Sarak Chai (NISCHA). Among the deceased, 12 were pedestrians. The highest number of fatalities occurred in Sunamganj district, while Sylhet district recorded the fewest incidents.

The report identified key causes of the accidents, including lack of awareness among pedestrians, speeding, reckless overtaking, poor-quality helmets used by motorcyclists, and road construction defects. The victims included 20 men, 5 women, and 4 children. District-wise, Sylhet saw 6 accidents with 5 deaths, Sunamganj 11 accidents with 10 deaths, Moulvibazar 5 accidents with 7 deaths, and Habiganj 7 accidents with 7 deaths.

In comparison, May had seen 51 deaths and 65 injuries in 42 road accidents across the division, indicating a slight decrease in fatalities in June.

Iran transformed the mourning ceremony for its late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei into a significant diplomatic event, using Quranic recitations instead of political speeches. The ceremony, held in Tehran, featured verses chosen to convey symbolic political and spiritual messages to the international audience present.

Bangladesh’s National Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Bir Bikram, attended the event, where he was recited verse 23 from Surah Al-Ahzab. Leaders from an 11-party alliance were recited verses 169–170 from Surah Al-Imran. Each verse carried themes of faith, sacrifice, and steadfastness, reflecting the ceremony’s solemn tone.

According to the report, the verses recited for the Bangladeshi delegation symbolically honored the martyrs of the July Revolution of 2024, recognizing their sacrifice against oppression. Through this spiritual gesture, Iran extended an implicit acknowledgment of those who gave their lives in that struggle, elevating their memory on an international stage.

BNP Vice Chairman and Noakhali-3 MP Barkat Ullah Bulu stated that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman did not want Bangladesh’s independence but instead aimed to become Pakistan’s chief minister. He made the remark on Saturday, July 4, during a rally at Chaumuhani Public Hall in Noakhali, organized against drugs, terrorism, and extortion. Bulu credited former President Ziaur Rahman with declaring the country’s independence from the battlefield.

During his speech, Bulu criticized unqualified individuals who became mayors and MPs, alleging that such representatives formed armed groups involving drug dealers and teenage gangs, turning the country into a haven for crime. He warned that those involved in arms trading, robbery, and murder could face a military-style operation similar to “Operation Clean Heart.”

Bulu urged religious leaders, teachers, and the public to build social awareness against drugs and called on the administration to act decisively. He linked the success of the government’s newly announced national budget to eliminating drugs, terrorism, extortion, and armed gangs from society.

A Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Court has directed the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) to investigate an extortion and defamation case filed against Face the People editor and publisher Saifur Sagar and investigation reporter Mohammad Yusuf. The order was issued on Sunday, July 5, 2026, after Mastul Foundation representative Abu Md Kamruzzaman filed the case. The court recorded the plaintiff’s statement and later instructed PBI to submit its report by August 10, according to the plaintiff’s lawyer Md Azad Rahman.

According to the case statement, the accused allegedly demanded Tk 20,000 for publishing a report and Tk 15,000 for a press release on the Face the People online portal. They also reportedly sought a monthly payment of Tk 50,000 from Mastul Foundation to continue its activities. When the foundation refused, the accused allegedly threatened to harm its reputation.

The complaint further states that on June 28, the accused published a report on the Face the People portal that damaged Mastul Foundation’s reputation, causing an alleged defamation loss of Tk 20 crore.

Police in Narail have arrested six members of an inter-district robbery gang following a three-day operation across Narail, Gopalganj, and Khulna districts. The arrests were made in connection with a robbery that took place on June 8 at a farmer’s house in Pakhimara village under Naragati police station. Law enforcement officials said they identified the suspects through investigation and later confirmed their locations through secret surveillance before conducting the raids.

The arrested individuals include residents from Khulna and Narail districts, among them a goldsmith accused of purchasing stolen gold. During interrogation, the suspects admitted to committing the Pakhimara robbery. Police recovered melted gold ornaments looted during the incident. Except for the gold buyer, the others have multiple prior cases of theft, robbery, and snatching filed against them in various police stations.

All six accused were sent to jail through the court on Sunday afternoon following their arrest and initial questioning.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi stated that normalization of relations with Israel will not be possible until Israel ends its occupation of Palestinian territories. Speaking on Sunday, Sisi emphasized that lasting peace and genuine stability cannot be achieved without ending occupation, halting aggression, restoring rights to their rightful owners, and ensuring security for all.

Sisi, whose country became the first Arab state to sign a peace treaty with Israel in 1979, reiterated that a comprehensive peace agreement between Israel and Palestine is the only solution to the Middle East crisis. He said that fair peace would allow the region’s people to live in stability and prosperity.

The Egyptian leader also urged the international community to uphold the Gaza ceasefire that took effect in October 2025, claiming that more than a thousand Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks since the truce began.

Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has questioned the credibility of a recent honor awarded to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Seychelles, describing it as an embarrassing event for India. In a statement posted on X, Asif raised doubts about the timing and authenticity of the award, claiming it was introduced only days before Modi’s visit. He alleged that the certificates were produced using low-quality artificial intelligence and contained spelling errors, though he provided no evidence.

Asif further claimed that Modi was the first and only recipient of the honor, suggesting it reflected either propaganda or political bias. He argued that the incident had embarrassed India and criticized the publicity surrounding the award. India condemned Asif’s remarks, with NDTV reporting that Seychelles’ government rejected his claims. The Seychelles president’s office clarified that the “Order of the Guardian of the Blue Horizon” was established under national honors law and formally approved before Modi’s arrival.

The exchange comes amid ongoing political and diplomatic tensions between Pakistan and India, reflecting continued friction between the two neighbors.

Sweden’s former striker Zlatan Ibrahimović has praised France’s restraint during their World Cup Round of 16 match against Paraguay, which drew widespread criticism for the South American team’s aggressive play. The match saw 23 fouls, and observers noted that the referee could have issued more cards. Ibrahimović told Fox Sports that if he had played in such a match, he would have received four red cards, highlighting the provocations faced by the French players.

Throughout the game, Paraguay’s players repeatedly disrupted France’s rhythm, making it difficult for Didier Deschamps’ team to play their natural game. Despite the physical challenges, France maintained composure and discipline, ultimately securing victory. Ibrahimović commended the French side for staying calm and responding with goals and smiles, calling it the best way to answer provocation.

The incident has sparked debate about sportsmanship and refereeing standards in high-stakes matches, with France’s mental strength earning particular praise from football commentators.

A local BNP leader in Mirzapur, Tangail, was expelled from the party after a video of him dancing in a three-piece suit to celebrate Brazil’s victory over Japan in the ongoing World Cup went viral. The expulsion was announced on Sunday through a notice signed by Harunur Rashid, office secretary of the Mirzapur Upazila BNP. The notice stated that Khondkar Aminur Islam Mintu, president of Ward No. 1 of Gorai Union BNP, was permanently removed from both his position and primary membership.

According to local sources, Mintu’s celebratory dance drew widespread attention and criticism on social media. Following internal discussions, the party cited violations of organizational discipline and involvement in unethical activities as reasons for his dismissal. Attempts to reach Mintu for comment were unsuccessful.

Mirzapur Upazila BNP office secretary Harunur Rashid confirmed the expulsion in a statement released to the media.

A cargo ship was attacked off the coast of Yemen in the Red Sea, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The agency reported receiving a distress signal from the vessel located about 30 nautical miles southwest of the port city of Hodeidah. The incident occurred on July 5, 2026, and authorities have begun investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack.

UKMTO has advised ships operating in the area to navigate with caution and to report any suspicious activity. The organization issued safety guidance to vessels transiting the region as part of precautionary measures following the incident.

No country or group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far, and details about the extent of the damage or casualties remain unknown.

Authorities in Mumbai have issued a red alert after continuous heavy rainfall severely disrupted the city and nearby regions. The India Meteorological Department warned that many areas could experience very heavy to extremely heavy rain. Residents have been advised to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary. In the past 24 hours, several parts of Mumbai recorded more than 200 millimeters of rain, with some areas exceeding 300 millimeters.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has urged people to contact its helpline at 1916 for emergency assistance. Officials also cautioned residents in low-lying and coastal zones to remain alert due to a forecast of a 4.19-meter high tide on Sunday afternoon and another 3.51-meter tide early Monday morning. The heavy rain on Saturday caused flooding in several low-lying areas, road collapses, uprooted trees, damaged houses, and disrupted road and rail services.

Heavy rainfall has also affected normal life in Thane, Palghar, Navi Mumbai, and Pune, according to the report sourced from NDTV.

The Government of Bangladesh has initiated a process to modernize the laws, regulations, and policies under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to align with the realities of the digital age. Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan announced the initiative during a meeting at the ministry on Sunday, emphasizing the need for updated legal frameworks to address challenges arising from rapid technological development and the expansion of the digital ecosystem.

According to the minister, the review of all existing laws and regulations under the ministry has already begun. The committee will identify areas requiring modernization, new legislation, or legal reform. Swapan noted that the ministry’s scope has expanded beyond print and broadcast media to include numerous digital platforms that often fall outside current legal coverage. The committee has been tasked with studying relevant laws from the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States to develop a framework suited to Bangladesh’s context.

The minister also stressed the importance of coordination among government and private stakeholders, including technology experts and telecommunications entities, to ensure effective regulation of digital services and cyber activities.

Distinguished writer, researcher, essayist, and political thinker Professor Abul Kasem Fazlul Huq, former faculty member of the Department of Bangla at the University of Dhaka, passed away on Sunday afternoon after suffering cardiac arrest. The incident occurred at a restaurant in Mirpur, where he suddenly fell ill and was later declared dead at a local hospital. His death was confirmed by Professor Mohammad Azam, Director General of Bangla Academy, and his daughter-in-law Razia Rahman.

Professor Huq was widely respected for his contributions to Bangla language, literature, culture, and political thought. He served for many years as a professor at Dhaka University and played a significant role in promoting the use of Bangla across all spheres. He edited two literary journals, “Sundaram” and “Lokayata,” and authored more than 20 books, including notable works such as “Ekushay February Andolon,” “Rajniti Darshan,” “Sahitya Chinta,” and “Sanskritir Shohoj Kotha.”

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to literature and research, he received the Bangla Academy Award in 1981. Details regarding funeral and tribute arrangements will be announced later.