Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and local residents stopped an attempt by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) to push an Indian citizen into Bangladesh through the Jimonal border area of Patgram upazila in Lalmonirhat. The incident occurred around 5 p.m. on Friday near the Nayabari area of Ward 3 under Patgram Union.

According to BGB and local sources, members of the BSF’s Bagdobara camp tried to push the Indian citizen across the border between pillars 818 and 819, which fall under the jurisdiction of the Rangpur Battalion 51 BGB’s Patgram Border Outpost. BGB patrol members and local residents intervened, prompting the BSF personnel to retreat and take the individual back into Indian territory.

No official statement from the BGB regarding the incident was available at the time of reporting.

The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has ordered an investigation into allegations of misappropriation of donation materials at the Badrinath Dham in India. The directive came on Friday following social media claims of financial irregularities, shortly after similar accusations surfaced regarding donations at the Ayodhya Ram Temple. BKTC President Hemant Dwivedi said the committee is taking the matter seriously and has asked for written explanations from concerned officials and employees.

The allegations were raised by an organization named Bhairav Sena, which also demanded a fair inquiry into claims against the president’s personal assistant. Dwivedi denied that the accused individual was his personal secretary, clarifying that the person is a permanent government employee who previously served under three former presidents. BKTC CEO Sohan Singh Rangad confirmed that CCTV footage from the temple premises was reviewed but found to be unclear.

Rangad added that an internal committee has been proposed to conduct a detailed investigation. He warned that if wrongdoing is proven, strict disciplinary and legal action will be taken under the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Act, 1939, and employee conduct rules.

Local residents of Ward No. 5 in Katiadi Municipality, Kishoreganj, organized a human chain and protest program on Saturday afternoon at Kadamtala area beside the Kishoreganj–Bhairab regional road. The event was held under the banner of the local Anti-Drug Committee and community members to demand action against the growing spread of drugs and gambling in the area.

Speakers at the protest, including committee leaders and local dignitaries, alleged that the rise of drugs and gambling has worsened law and order, leading to increased theft, robbery, and insecurity among residents. They said that despite changes in government and local representatives, criminal activities have not decreased. The speakers added that a community-based Anti-Drug Committee has been formed to combat the issue, and its members regularly detain drug users and dealers for handover to authorities.

Participants further claimed that those involved in drugs and gambling have no political identity but are being protected by an influential group. They urged the administration to take strict and effective measures to restore safety in the area.

Bangladesh’s Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan stated that the modern world is passing through a deep and multidimensional crisis rooted in ethnic, religious, linguistic, cultural, and geographical divisions. He emphasized that lasting solutions cannot come from dominance but through mutual respect, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence. He made these remarks on Saturday at a hotel in Dhaka while inaugurating the Al Ummah Foundation’s website and Al Ummah Journal.

The minister described the foundation’s initiative as timely amid global instability and division, expressing hope that it would serve as an open platform for intellectual exchange among people of diverse philosophies and ideologies. He said diversity in language, ethnicity, religion, and culture is a natural part of human civilization, and no group or ideology can realistically dominate the world. He added that history shows war and power displays have never provided lasting solutions, while free thought and mutual respect have advanced civilization.

Welcoming the initiative on behalf of the government, Swapan said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s administration supports peaceful coexistence, harmony, and an inclusive world order. He expressed hope that the Al Ummah Journal and website would enrich dialogue and understanding among different cultures and nations.

BNP leader and adviser to the party chairperson Aslam Chowdhury has drawn renewed attention in north Chattogram politics after unofficially securing the highest votes in the Chattogram-4 (Sitakunda) constituency during the national election. Despite this, his victory has become entangled in legal complications following an Appellate Division ruling related to loan default allegations. His legal team confirmed preparations are underway to take necessary steps under the law.

Chowdhury, a former joint secretary general of the BNP, was arrested in 2016 on sedition charges and later faced 76 cases under various laws. The BNP claims these were politically motivated, while state agencies have described them as part of legal procedures. After his release from prison in August 2024, he intensified organizational activities across northern Chattogram, which local observers say revitalized the party’s grassroots.

Supporters allege his long imprisonment severely affected his business ventures under the Rising Group, including steel, shipbreaking, and real estate operations. Analysts believe his current challenges include rebuilding organizational unity, balancing old and new leadership, and navigating ongoing legal processes that could shape the region’s political dynamics.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has warned that Tehran will not tolerate the military presence of non-regional powers in the Strait of Hormuz. His statement came as France and the United Kingdom announced their readiness to deploy joint forces to ensure safe navigation through the vital waterway.

In a post on social media platform X, Gharibabadi said Iran considers itself responsible for the security of the strait and will take any military activity there seriously. He emphasized that the security of the Strait of Hormuz lies in the hands of the coastal nations and warned that those who create problems will face consequences.

France and the United Kingdom, in a joint statement, described the Strait of Hormuz as a crucial maritime route for the global economy. They said ensuring safe passage for all nations’ vessels is a matter of global importance and confirmed that Oman has agreed to cooperate with them to maintain maritime safety in the area.

At least 13 countries refrained from attending the funeral of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, reportedly due to intense pressure from the United States. According to Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, the countries that stayed away include several from Eastern Europe, Africa, the Persian Gulf, and East Asia. Some governments later attempted to explain their absence through diplomatic channels, but Tehran rejected those explanations.

The report cited an unnamed senior source claiming that US officials conducted a five-day “comprehensive campaign” to discourage foreign delegations from traveling to Tehran for Khamenei’s memorial. On June 26, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio allegedly issued a secret directive instructing all American embassies to warn host governments that attending the funeral would be considered an “unfriendly act” and could harm bilateral relations. Two Arab diplomats told Tasnim that Rubio personally discussed the issue with at least five Arab foreign ministers, while US ambassadors in Africa reportedly warned that participation could jeopardize American development aid.

The funeral took place four months after the start of Iran’s war with the United States and Israel, drawing millions of mourners across the country.

White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt described Generation Z as lazy and overly influenced by liberal ideals during an interview with Fox News host Jesse Watters. She claimed that some young Americans complain about economic conditions and suggested that if they were sent to Cuba or Iran, they would quickly want to return to the United States. Leavitt argued that liberal teachers and professors have shaped Gen Z’s mindset, weakening their work ethic and sense of responsibility.

She emphasized that the United States was built on merit, hard work, and individual effort, referring to this as the 'American Dream' that must be preserved. When Watters raised questions about economic pressures and the high cost of living, Leavitt said such factors influence young people’s attitudes and behavior. She also noted that some parents are opting for homeschooling or religious schools to keep their children away from what she called liberal or communist influences.

Following the interview, Leavitt’s remarks drew widespread criticism on social media. Many users argued that she ignored real economic challenges such as high housing costs, student loans, and limited job opportunities, calling her comments disconnected from reality.

An attack was reported at the family home of Mahabub Hossain Samir, the recently former general secretary of the Savar unit of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, a day after his detention. According to the victims, the assault, vandalism, and attempted occupation were led by Sathi Akter, wife of alleged drug figure Shamim Reza. Five women were injured in the incident.

On Saturday, Shirin Akter filed a written complaint with Savar Model Police Station, naming Sohrab, Sathi Akter, Nilufa Yasmin, James Gomez alias Gupta Kajol, Shakib, Rakib, and Monir among the accused, along with several unidentified individuals. The complaint stated that the attack stemmed from a land dispute and involved looting and assault on women, including Rumi Akter and Minara Begum, who were hospitalized.

Police confirmed receiving the complaint and said they had visited the scene. The investigating officer, Nur Mohammad, stated that legal action would follow upon completion of the investigation.

Yemen’s Houthi Ansarullah movement has threatened to strike Saudi Arabia’s airports and key installations, accusing Riyadh of violating Yemeni airspace. In a statement on Friday, July 3, the group claimed that a Saudi warplane attempted to block the landing of an Iranian civilian aircraft at Sana’a International Airport. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sari warned that any further Saudi aggression would trigger ground and maritime attacks on Saudi targets.

According to Al Jazeera, Sari said the attempted intrusion occurred at 5:20 a.m. local time and was repelled by Houthi forces. He asserted that the Iranian aircraft, carrying over two hundred stranded, injured, and ill passengers, later landed safely in Sana’a and returned to Tehran with a delegation. The Houthis stated they remain ready for any confrontation and are working to break the Saudi-U.S. blockade.

The warning follows a recent large-scale prisoner exchange between the Saudi-backed Yemeni government and the Houthis. Despite a UN-brokered truce in 2022 that reduced major clashes, tensions remain high as Yemen’s conflict continues to cause severe humanitarian suffering.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called for national unity and collective progress, emphasizing that the achievements of August 5 belong to all citizens, not any single person or political party. He made the remarks on Saturday at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Agargaon, Dhaka, during the 'July National Conference 2026' organized to mark the anniversary of the July-August uprising, mourning, and victory.

Rahman stated that all killings will be tried according to the law, cautioning that justice must not turn into injustice. He pledged that the government will honor the sacrifices made during the July movement and avoid dividing the nation. The prime minister reflected on personal losses and hardships over the past 17 years, saying his late mother and brother would have advised him to move the country forward without revenge.

Earlier at the event, Rahman presented the July Memorial Award to families of martyrs and injured fighters of the July movement, recognizing their contributions to the nation.

Severe flooding across Ghana this week has killed at least 34 people and displaced 89,736 others, according to the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO). Richard Amo Yartey, director of NADMO’s inspection department, confirmed the figures on Friday, noting that 12 of the deaths occurred in the capital, Accra. Authorities warned that the death toll could rise as search and rescue teams continue to locate missing persons.

Yartey told local media that emergency teams are still working to find those unaccounted for while distributing relief supplies to affected communities. NADMO reported that seven regions have been impacted by the floods, with the Greater Accra Region suffering the most severe damage, displacing 54,712 people. The Central Region followed with 21,882 displaced, while Volta, Western, Ashanti, Western North, and Eastern regions also reported significant impacts.

Officials indicated that ongoing rescue and relief operations remain a priority as authorities assess the full extent of the disaster and continue verifying missing persons’ data.

Iran’s Defense Minister Majid Ibn Reza announced that Tehran is ready to enhance defense cooperation with Pakistan. He made the statement during a meeting in Tehran with Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir. The Iranian minister thanked Pakistan for its principled stance in supporting Iran and emphasized the need to strengthen security and defense collaboration between the two nations.

During the meeting, Majid Ibn Reza also highlighted the importance of building a regional security framework and working jointly against threats originating from Israel. In response, Asim Munir expressed condolences over casualties caused by attacks from the United States and Israel and reaffirmed the historical, cultural, and fraternal ties between Iran and Pakistan.

Asim Munir further noted that defense cooperation between the two countries is progressing well and will continue to grow stronger in the future, referencing the Iranian defense minister’s earlier visit to Islamabad.

Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and activists in Jhalakathi formed a human chain on Saturday morning demanding the immediate opening of the district’s 250-bed general hospital. The hour-long demonstration took place on the road in front of the hospital, with participation from district Jamaat and its affiliated organizations. District Ameer Advocate Hafizur Rahman, Secretary Faridul Haque, and Assistant Secretary Maulana Abdul Hai addressed the gathering.

Speakers said that although construction of the hospital was completed long ago, it has yet to begin operations, depriving residents of essential healthcare. They blamed the delay on negligence by public representatives and authorities, noting that similar 250-bed hospitals in other districts are already functioning. Participants expressed frustration over the prolonged inaction.

According to the report, the foundation stone of the hospital was laid in 2018, and the building was inaugurated in 2023 by the then Member of Parliament. Nearly three years after the inauguration, the hospital remains unopened, leaving hundreds of thousands of residents without improved medical services.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated that the Awami League’s political demise occurred following the student and public uprising on August 5, 2024, and that its symbolic burial took place in Delhi. He made the remarks on Saturday at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Agargaon during the ‘July National Conference 2026,’ organized to mark the anniversary of the July-August uprising, mourning, and victory.

The minister said that the Awami League would soon face trial as a political party for alleged terrorist activities, with necessary legal processes already underway. He urged people not to commercialize the spirit of July and called for unity and patience amid the country’s economic situation, assuring that the government was working according to its plans.

Salahuddin Ahmed also accused exiled autocrats and their associates of conspiring to destabilize the country and undermine the democratic government. He emphasized that the government remained vigilant against such activities and urged citizens to uphold the ideals of the July movement to advance national development.