The 250th Independence Day of the United States was celebrated on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at the South Plaza of Bangladesh’s National Parliament through a musical performance organized by the US Embassy. Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal highlighted the architectural and cultural ties between the two nations, citing Louis Kahn’s design of the Parliament building and Fazlur Rahman Khan’s contributions to American architecture. He emphasized that such shared legacies reflect the deep historical connection between Bangladesh and the United States.

Kamal also noted the potential for expanded cooperation in diplomacy, trade, climate change mitigation, renewable energy, counterterrorism, maritime security, education, technology, and human resource development. Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqul Rahman praised the US for its humanitarian support to Rohingya refugees and reaffirmed the strength of bilateral relations based on shared democratic values. Chief Whip Md. Nurul Islam Moni described the event as a symbol of mutual trust and democratic partnership.

The US Ambassador reaffirmed commitment to strengthening global partnerships under the “America First” policy and underscored the importance of Bangladesh-US cooperation for Indo-Pacific security and regional peace.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that Israel's 'warlike' government must not be given another chance to cause bloodshed in the region. He made the remarks on Saturday in Istanbul during a joint press conference with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif following bilateral and delegation-level meetings.

Erdogan stated that the two leaders discussed bilateral relations as well as regional and global issues. He emphasized that Turkey supports all initiatives aimed at reducing tensions and resolving problems through diplomatic means and will continue to do so in the future. The Turkish president added that Ankara will continue to work in solidarity with 'brotherly' countries like Pakistan to strengthen regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

Erdogan also expressed his desire for an environment where people of all religions and ethnicities in the region can live in peace and security. He noted Turkey’s interest in deepening cooperation with Pakistan in energy, transportation, critical minerals, and information technology sectors.

Newly elected New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has sparked fresh debate in U.S. politics through his outspoken positions and growing influence. Analysts compare him to the Marvel character Daredevil for his defiance of corruption, entrenched political circles, and powerful lobbies. His influence became evident when three progressive candidates he supported—Brad Lander, Claire Valdez, and Darializa Avila Chevalier—won in the recent Democratic primary. The New York Times described him as a “kingmaker,” reflecting his expanding political reach.

Mamdani’s refusal to attend the city’s Israel Day Parade and his criticism of the pro-Israel lobbying group AIPAC have drawn widespread attention. He has publicly stated opposition to any state privileging one religion over another, a stance that has strengthened his appeal among progressive voters. His administration claims achievements including securing $1.2 billion in state funds for universal childcare, $9 million in compensation for workers and small businesses, and $31 million in tenant settlements.

Observers note that Mamdani’s multifaith progressive coalition could influence national politics, as similar movements emerge in Michigan and Colorado, challenging the Democratic Party’s traditional leadership.

Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury stated that modern treatment and rehabilitation can enable patients to return to normal life without medicine. He described it as a major achievement for doctors and a source of joy for patients. The minister made these remarks on Saturday afternoon while inaugurating the Advanced Rehab and Wellness Center in Shahjalal Upashahar, Sylhet.

He emphasized that the government will continue full support to make the country’s healthcare services more sustainable and advanced. Chowdhury also noted that the expansion of physiotherapy and rehabilitation medicine marks positive progress. According to him, physiotherapy, once little known in Bangladesh, has now become an important part of the healthcare system.

The event was attended by the center’s chairman Dr. Md. Almahir Ferdous, chief medical adviser Professor Dr. N. M. Kiran, and professionals from various sectors including doctors, media workers, and health staff.

The Gaza Health Ministry reported that seven Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip over the past 48 hours. According to the ministry’s statement released on Saturday, six bodies were brought to hospitals following recent attacks, one person died while receiving treatment, and nine additional bodies were recovered from under the rubble. Sixteen injured individuals were also admitted to hospitals. The ministry did not provide details about the specific circumstances of the incidents.

The statement added that since a ceasefire agreement took effect in October 2025, Israeli forces’ violations of the truce have resulted in 1,066 deaths and 3,445 injuries. The ongoing military campaign, which began in October 2023, has so far caused 73,090 deaths and 173,553 injuries in Gaza. Nearly 90 percent of the enclave’s civilian infrastructure has been damaged during the two-year conflict.

According to United Nations estimates cited in the report, rebuilding Gaza could cost around 70 billion US dollars.

Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher stated that Bangladesh regained democracy through the student and public movement of July 2024. Speaking as the chief guest at a citizens’ gathering at Comilla Town Hall on Saturday afternoon, he said the movement led to the end of an autocratic government and allowed citizens to assemble freely again.

The minister expressed gratitude to Comilla residents for supporting the BNP in nine constituencies, noting that the party’s previous governments had brought significant development to the region. He highlighted the recent passage of the Comilla Development Authority Bill during the first parliamentary session of the new government, calling it the realization of a long-held dream. Taher also announced a major project to establish sports complexes in every division, including one planned for Comilla.

The event was chaired by Amiruzzaman Bhuiya, senior vice president of Comilla South District BNP, and attended by local leaders, university officials, and members of the Comilla Development Authority, who presented development proposals for the area.

Authorities in Cox’s Bazar have planned a special joint operation in Baharchhara, Teknaf, modeled after the earlier campaign in Jangal Salimpur, to combat abduction, ransom, drug trade, and human trafficking. The decision was made during a special law and order committee meeting held in Teknaf on Saturday, attended by top district and upazila law enforcement officials.

The meeting, chaired by Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner A. Mannan and attended by MP Shahjahan Chowdhury, discussed the worsening situation in Baharchhara, where abduction and ransom activities have become severe. Participants compared the area’s condition to the former criminal stronghold in Jangal Salimpur, Sitakunda. Proposals included setting up police outposts in abduction-prone areas, intensifying raids to recover illegal arms, and tightening control over the movement of Rohingyas from nearby camps.

Following the meeting, MP Shahjahan Chowdhury stated that a coordinated joint operation would soon be launched to suppress criminal networks and that measures would be taken to restrict uncontrolled Rohingya movement.

Super Typhoon Bavi is moving toward the U.S. Pacific territories of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, prompting both administrations to declare a state of emergency. The storm, with sustained winds of 259 kilometers per hour and gusts reaching 314 kilometers per hour, was located several hundred kilometers east of the islands on Saturday morning local time. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center reported that the system is equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane, leading to the suspension of many events planned for the United States’ 250th Independence Day celebrations.

The National Weather Service warned that the current forecast poses serious concern for the Mariana Islands and urged residents to prepare for at least tropical storm conditions. In the islands, home to about 200,000 people, residents have crowded fuel stations, hardware stores, and supermarkets to stock up on food, bottled water, plywood, batteries, candles, and other essentials. Local residents and resort workers have been securing properties and supplies to minimize damage and ensure quick recovery after the storm.

Authorities and communities are focusing on readiness and coordination to reduce potential losses as the typhoon nears.

Bir Muktijoddha Advocate Fazlur Rahman MP stated that in Bangladesh, a single Pir has more followers than the entire Jamaat party combined. He made the remark in an interview given to a media outlet on Saturday. Rahman added that he believes in the Kalema, prayer, Hajj, and Zakat, which Jamaat members also claim to believe in. He compared the large turnout at the funeral of the Fultoli Pir to the total number of Jamaat supporters, saying the latter is smaller.

Earlier, Fazlur Rahman accused the Jamaat-Yunus alliance of misleading the youth and destroying the country. He alleged that figures such as Asif and Hasnat were deceitful and that the group had corrupted new generations through conspiracies and secret organizations. According to him, the political party Jamaat, under the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus after August 5, had destroyed four generations.

The remarks reflect Rahman’s continued criticism of Jamaat’s political influence and its alleged role in undermining the nation’s younger population.

The proposed 2026–27 national budget of Bangladesh has reset the value-added tax (VAT) on locally produced refrigerators, air conditioners, and compressors to 7.5 percent, restoring the previous rate. The decision has brought relief to the domestic electronics industry, which had faced higher production costs and reduced sales after the VAT was raised to 15 percent in the 2025–26 fiscal year. Industry representatives said the adjustment will help stabilize prices, boost demand for local brands, and positively affect investment, production, employment, exports, and government revenue.

According to the Bangladesh Refrigerator Manufacturers Association, VAT rates on these products have fluctuated over recent years, with the latest reduction expected to make fridges and air conditioners more affordable for middle-class consumers. Stakeholders noted that the previous VAT hike had led to job losses for around 10,000 people due to increased costs and reduced production.

Industry leaders, including association officials and executives from Walton Hi-Tech Industries, welcomed the move as timely and supportive of domestic manufacturing. They believe continued policy support will strengthen the sector, reduce import dependence, and expand export opportunities.

Archaeologists in Thailand’s Phetchaburi province have discovered two gold rings believed to be between 1,900 and 2,100 years old during an excavation at the Don Yai Thong archaeological site. The rings were found alongside ancient human skeletons and other artifacts, according to local media reports. One of the rings bears an inscription in an ancient Indian script, officials from the Fine Arts Department confirmed.

Experts suggest that the inscription is in the ancient Brahmi script and that the ring may have belonged to a member of an Indian merchant community. The Fine Arts Department noted that similar Brahmi-inscribed ornaments and artifacts had previously been unearthed at the Khlong Thom and Khao Sam Kaeo archaeological sites.

The newly recovered rings are now preserved at the Phra Nakhon Khiri Museum. Authorities are accelerating the collection and preservation of bronze relics and human remains at the site due to rising groundwater levels and rainfall posing risks of damage.

Amit Kumar Sarkar, an office assistant at Abdulpur Government College in Natore, has been sent to jail over allegations of fraud and deception involving eight students. On Saturday, the students were allowed to sit for their Bangla second paper exam after missing the first day due to the incident. The college’s acting principal, Md Mamdudur Rahman, distributed admit cards sent by the Rajshahi Board. Police arrested Amit Kumar on Friday night, and he was sent to Natore District Jail the following day.

The issue began when eight students paid Amit Kumar Tk 3,500 each in March to complete their exam registration with a late fee. He falsely assured them that the process was done, but they later discovered their forms were never submitted, leaving them without admit cards. Following media coverage, Education Minister Ehsanul Haque Milon directed the Rajshahi Education Board to arrange their exams. The board’s controller of examinations, Iffat Jerin, confirmed their participation.

The case was filed at Lalpur Police Station by a guardian named Imamul Haque on behalf of the affected families.

At a tribute ceremony held on Friday for Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, different verses from the Holy Quran were recited before visiting foreign delegations. For the Saudi Arabian delegation, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Walid Al-Khereiji, Iran chose to recite verse 13 from Surah Al-Imran, which references the historic Battle of Badr between believers and non-believers.

According to Iran International, the selection of this specific verse may have carried symbolic meaning, though Iranian authorities have not issued any official explanation. The verse describes divine support for believers during the battle, emphasizing lessons for those with insight. Other foreign delegations present at the event were also read different Quranic verses.

The incident has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many observers speculating about possible diplomatic implications. However, neither Iran nor Saudi Arabia has made any formal comment on the matter.

France is taking steps to rebuild its long-strained relationship with Turkey, driven by changing European security dynamics, the Russia-Ukraine war, and evolving defense and Middle Eastern geopolitical realities. Western diplomatic sources indicate that after years of disagreements over Syria, Armenia, and the Eastern Mediterranean, Paris now views Ankara as a key part of Europe’s future security framework. A recent joint appearance by Presidents Emmanuel Macron and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at a Cairo press event symbolized this thaw.

French policymakers see Turkey’s cooling ties with Russia and its cooperation in enforcing Western sanctions as positive signals. Former ambassador Gérard Araud noted that Turkey’s balanced stance since the Ukraine war has effectively aligned it with Kyiv. Shared interests in Syria, Lebanon, and Iran are also drawing the two countries closer, while growing friction between Turkey and Israel has opened new strategic space for coordination.

Defense cooperation is emerging as a major area of progress, including Turkey’s interest in the Franco-Italian SAMP/T air defense system and a new partnership between France’s Safran and Turkey’s Bayraktar on drone and sensor technology. However, ideological and political differences, disputes over Armenia and Greece, and uncertainty over Macron’s successor remain key challenges to sustained rapprochement.

Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast increased rainfall across the country from Sunday due to a low-pressure system over the northwestern Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal areas. The system has intensified into a well-marked low, prompting expectations of heavy to very heavy rainfall in Sylhet, Chattogram, and coastal regions. The department reported that most parts of the country have been experiencing temperatures between 35°C and 37.6°C, with Rangpur recording the highest at 37.6°C on Saturday.

Meteorologists said the monsoon is moderately active over Bangladesh, and rain is likely to spread to Dhaka, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Khulna, Barishal, and Sylhet divisions throughout the week. Ports have been advised to hoist cautionary signals, and river ports have been asked to operate carefully due to possible gusty winds and thunderstorms. Farmers expect the rainfall to aid Aman paddy seedbed preparation, which had been hampered by prolonged dry weather.

Authorities warned that excessive rainfall could trigger short-term flooding in low-lying areas of northern, northeastern, and southeastern Bangladesh. While temperatures may drop slightly, humidity is expected to keep the weather uncomfortably humid for several more days.