Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia and the United States, as the world’s two largest nuclear powers, bear a special responsibility for ensuring global security and stability. The statement was reported by Turkey-based Anadolu Agency on Saturday. According to information released by the Kremlin, Putin made the remarks in a congratulatory message to U.S. President Donald Trump on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of American independence.

In his message, Putin said that the signing of the Declaration of Independence marked not only the birth of the United States but also a significant milestone in world history. He recalled that Russia had unconditionally supported the North American colonies in their struggle against British rule and noted that Moscow and Washington had been allies during both World Wars.

Putin expressed hope that constructive, equal, and mutually beneficial relations between Moscow and Washington would serve the interests of both nations and the broader international community.

On July 4, 2026, the United States marked the 250th anniversary of its independence while Iran began the funeral ceremonies for its late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His death, caused by a joint U.S.-Israeli attack, had triggered a war that Washington hoped would alter the Middle East’s balance of power in its favor. Instead, Iran’s institutions remained intact, and the conflict failed to achieve U.S. strategic goals.

The coincidence of the U.S. Independence Day and Khamenei’s funeral date was not officially planned, as Iran’s religious and national calendars determine such events. Yet, the timing carried symbolic political significance. Millions in Iran and Iraq gathered to bid farewell to a leader viewed as a lifelong opponent of U.S. dominance.

The report also cited historian John Glubb’s theory that empires pass through stages of expansion and decline, though it cautioned against treating this as inevitable. As the U.S. enters its 250th year, it faces pressures linked to imperial overstretch, debt, waning global influence, and a political class still acting as if the unipolar era never ended.

Maulana Jamil Siddiqi, president of the Bangladesh Qawmi Student Forum, has called for official state recognition of Qawmi madrasa students’ role in the July 2024 mass uprising. He made the demand on Saturday at the ‘July National Conference 2026’ held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, attended by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Siddiqi said Qawmi students were directly involved in the mid-July uprising and provided shelter in mosques and madrasas to many protesters during the unrest. He added that their organization arranged food and medical care for the injured, noting that at least 79 madrasa students were listed as martyrs in a record published by the ‘Young Scholars Generation’ in September 2024. He urged the prime minister to ensure equal recognition for Qawmi students’ contributions in building an inclusive Bangladesh.

Several cabinet members, including the ministers for home, liberation war affairs, law, and housing, also spoke at the event, which highlighted calls for broader acknowledgment of Qawmi students’ participation in national movements.

A 25-year-old man named Mohammad Islam died after consuming poison in front of his girlfriend’s house in Sondra village under Ichapur Union of Ramganj upazila, Lakshmipur. The incident occurred on Thursday, and he passed away on Saturday morning while undergoing treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Islam, son of Motaleb Hossain, reportedly took the step after his marriage proposal was rejected by the girl’s family.

According to locals, Islam had been in a long-term relationship with 16-year-old Juthi Akter, daughter of expatriate Alamgir Hossain. When Islam’s family sent a marriage proposal, Juthi’s family refused it outright, leading to emotional distress for Islam. Overwhelmed by rejection, he drank poison in front of their house. Despite being taken to local and later Dhaka hospitals, he succumbed to his injuries.

Police confirmed that officers were sent to the scene. The Ramganj police chief stated that legal action would follow if a written complaint is filed.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has sent a congratulatory letter to US President Donald Trump on the occasion of the United States’ 250th Independence Day. The letter, dispatched from the Prime Minister’s Office on Saturday, conveyed warm greetings on behalf of the government and people of Bangladesh, expressing admiration for the milestone celebration.

In his message, Rahman emphasized the enduring friendship between Bangladesh and the United States since Bangladesh’s independence. He noted that bilateral relations have evolved into a strong and multifaceted partnership encompassing trade, investment, education, defense, and people-to-people ties. The prime minister highlighted recent progress in trade, energy cooperation, and investment, and expressed gratitude for continued US support in addressing the Rohingya crisis.

Rahman reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the United States in areas of mutual interest and extended best wishes for President Trump’s health and success, as well as peace and prosperity for the American people.

Cape Verde’s national football team ended its first-ever World Cup campaign with pride despite a 3–2 extra-time loss to reigning champions Argentina. The African island nation impressed fans worldwide with its spirited performance, pushing Argentina to the limit before bowing out. Coach Bubista expressed deep pride in his players, describing the dressing room as emotional but emphasizing that the experience would strengthen the team.

Throughout the tournament, Cape Verde demonstrated remarkable resilience. They drew with Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia in the group stage to reach the knockout round as runners-up. Against Argentina, they fought until the final moments, scoring twice and forcing extra time. Bubista praised his players for their courage and discipline, saying they played with dignity and never lost their identity.

The coach added that Cape Verde’s mission extended beyond results—they aimed to showcase their nation to the world. He said the team played positive football with integrity and represented the spirit of their small country with honor.

A major attack occurred in Dhaka’s Gulistan area on Saturday afternoon during preparations for a protest rally organized by the local unit of Jamaat-e-Islami against extortion and illegal occupation. Jamaat blamed the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for the assault, reporting that 15 to 20 of its members were injured. Three of the injured, who suffered stab wounds, are in critical condition and were taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Islami Bank Central Hospital.

According to Abdus Sattar Suman, publicity secretary of Dhaka South Jamaat, BNP activists and local extortion groups launched a sudden attack when traders and Jamaat supporters gathered for the rally. He alleged that several BNP and Awami League figures participated in the violence, naming specific individuals. Police officer Saikat Hossain from Bangshal Police Station confirmed that law enforcement had been deployed to the scene but said no arrests were made.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions among political groups in the capital, with law enforcement maintaining presence in the area following the violence.

The three-day International B-Beauty Tech Expo 2026 will be held in Dhaka from July 16 to 18 at the Bashundhara International Convention City (ICCB). Organized by WEM Bangladesh Limited, the event aims to boost investment, modern technology adoption, and local production capacity in Bangladesh’s beauty, cosmetics, personal care, wellness, and beauty technology sectors. The announcement was made at a press conference at the Dhaka Reporters Unity office.

According to the organizers, companies and brands from Bangladesh, China, India, Pakistan, South Korea, Thailand, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates will participate. The expo will feature over 60 exhibitors and 120 local and international brands, with around 8,000 industry visitors and business representatives expected. The event is positioned as a platform for international business networking, investment, and technology transfer.

Organizers highlighted that Bangladesh’s beauty and personal care market is valued between 10 and 12 billion US dollars, with potential annual growth of 6 to 9 percent. They expect the expo to help reduce import dependency, attract foreign investment, and create up to 800,000 new jobs over the next decade through enhanced local production and technology transfer.

Former state minister for home affairs and son of Bangladesh’s first prime minister, Tanjim Ahmad Sohel Taj, has said that an individual’s ego and arrogance can destroy both a country and a political party. He made the comment in a post on his verified Facebook account on Saturday, referring to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her family.

In his post, Sohel Taj cited Sheikh Hasina’s recent statement, “I will return this year,” and argued that her arrogance has harmed the nation and the Awami League. He alleged that genocide, enforced disappearances, killings, corruption, the destruction of democracy, and the misuse of the spirit of the Liberation War have led to the party’s downfall.

He further claimed that even after leaving the country, Sheikh Hasina’s talk of returning has placed innocent party leaders and activists in greater danger.

The chief executive officer of the Bogura Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Md. Masud Rana, has been relieved of his duties following allegations of bias and involvement in irregularities related to the chamber’s election management. The decision was announced in a letter signed by the Election Conduct Committee Chairperson and Additional District Election Officer, Mosha. Asiya Khatun.

Earlier, rival candidates accused the election committee of favoring a particular panel by violating electoral codes. Selim Reza, the presidential candidate from the Selim-Ershad panel, held an emergency press conference demanding the dissolution of the current election committee and the formation of a new one. He alleged that the committee ignored complaints about rule violations, including unauthorized advertisements, voter gatherings, and irregularities in distributing voter ID cards.

Following these allegations, the election committee chairperson issued a show-cause notice to Masud Rana and removed him from his election-related responsibilities.

The results of the primary scholarship examination in Bangladesh will be announced on July 9, according to a decision made at a meeting of the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education. The Directorate of Primary Education confirmed that 82,500 students across the country will receive scholarships this year, and the scholarship amount may increase up to four times. The examination was held nationwide from April 15 to 18, with special schedules for the three hill districts from April 17 to 20.

According to ministry data, 80 percent of the scholarships are allocated for students of government primary schools, while 20 percent will go to students from private schools and kindergartens. Scholarships will be awarded in two categories—Talent Pool (merit-based) and General Grade. Results will be accessible online through the IPEMIS portal and via mobile SMS.

Scholarship recipients will receive financial support for three years, from grades six to eight. A proposal to increase the current stipend amount two to four times is under active government consideration to further encourage students.

Thousands of Iranians gathered in Tehran’s Mosalla area to mourn the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, expressing grief and chanting slogans calling for the destruction of America and revenge, according to a BBC report. Iran’s state television said the six-day state funeral ceremonies began on Saturday. Before Khamenei’s coffin arrived, large crowds had already assembled, many carrying red flags and placards symbolizing calls for vengeance.

The ceremony drew religious figures, government officials, and foreign dignitaries who paid their respects. Among them were Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Russia’s former President Dmitry Medvedev, and Afghanistan’s Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. Representatives from Iraq, Armenia, Turkey, and Gulf nations including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman also attended.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Washington had given Tehran one week to bury the former leader, describing the gesture as an act of goodwill. Khamenei, who ruled Iran for nearly 37 years, was killed on February 28 during the early stages of U.S. and Israeli attacks, with his burial taking place more than four months later.

At the July National Conference held on Saturday at the China-Bangladesh Friendship Conference Center in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, Abu Horaira, president of the private university wing of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, questioned whether Meher Afroz Shaon was more powerful than Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Speaking in the presence of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, he accused Shaon of insulting the 'July warriors' and demanded justice for her remarks.

The event was organized jointly by the July 24 Martyrs’ Family Society and Amra July Joddha to commemorate the martyrs of the July uprising and mark the second anniversary of the '36 July' movement. The memorial meeting was presided over by Chief Whip of the National Parliament Nurul Islam Monir and attended by cabinet members, lawmakers, diplomats, military and civilian officials, and representatives of professional organizations. A minute of silence was observed in memory of the martyrs.

The student leader also highlighted the contributions of private university students to the movement during his speech.

Law enforcement officials in Satkhira seized drugs and Indian goods worth Tk 1.8 million and arrested one suspect. The operation was conducted by Bair-6 on Saturday morning in the Mathurapur area under Shyamnagar Police Station. The arrested individual was identified as Md. Abdul Majid, aged 36, son of Amjad Sheikh from Mathurapur village.

Authorities recovered 1,883 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup brands including Winserex, Escuf, and Fairdeal, valued at Tk 1,883,000. They also seized 1,500 strips of Indian Hist Mont medicine, 60 strips of Alpha-Kitozox medicine, and 320 bags of Indian Bappa cigarettes. The seized items were confiscated from a covered van during the operation.

A case has been filed against the suspect under the Narcotics Control Act at Shyamnagar Police Station following the seizure and arrest.

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are set to hold a meeting to discuss the Iran deal, according to a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office. The two leaders spoke by phone, during which Netanyahu extended greetings to Trump on the occasion of US Independence Day on July 4.

During the call, Trump described the United States as the 'guardian of global freedom,' the statement said. Israel’s public broadcaster Kan reported that both leaders agreed to meet in the United States in the near future, although no specific date has been determined yet.

The announcement highlights ongoing coordination between Washington and Tel Aviv on Iran-related issues, but details of the planned meeting’s agenda or timing remain undisclosed.