Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that the late Iranian leader Khamenei’s deep influence will be remembered for generations. Sharif, who has served as a key mediator between the United States and Iran, attended the funeral held in Tehran, according to Al Jazeera.

In a social media post on Saturday, Sharif praised Khamenei’s wisdom, leadership, and lasting impact on Iran and the wider region. The Pakistani delegation also included Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, and Army Chief Asim Munir, along with other senior government officials.

The participation of Pakistan’s top leadership in the ceremony highlights the country’s diplomatic engagement with Iran and its recognition of Khamenei’s regional significance.

Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced the withdrawal of an 18 percent sales tax on sanitary products and contraceptives in the 2026–27 national budget, a levy widely known as the “period tax.” The move has led to lower prices for sanitary napkins and related goods, bringing relief to consumers across the country, according to Middle East Eye.

UNICEF Pakistan welcomed the decision, calling it a meaningful step toward addressing period poverty and recognizing sanitary products as essential health and hygiene items rather than luxury goods. The policy shift followed a constitutional petition filed in January 2025 by women’s rights activist and lawyer Mahnoor Omar and tax lawyer Ahsan Jahangir Khan, who argued that the tax violated principles of equality and dignity. The Federal Board of Revenue initially defended the tax but later reversed its stance.

Activists noted that while the tax removal is a major milestone, social taboos, lack of awareness, and limited access to affordable sanitary products continue to hinder millions of women. They urged long-term efforts in education, awareness, and healthcare accessibility to ensure menstrual equity in Pakistan.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed officials to expedite the process of reopening unprofitable and closed state-owned factories through domestic and foreign investments. The directive was issued on Saturday during a meeting held at the Prime Minister’s Office. The meeting discussed the progress of attracting investors and the steps needed to restart operations at the affected industrial units.

According to information presented at the meeting, several private companies have expressed interest in investing in these factories. The feasibility of the proposed industrial ventures will now be assessed. The Prime Minister emphasized that the entire process must be conducted transparently and instructed authorities to avoid unnecessary delays while completing the procedures.

The meeting was attended by the ministers of commerce, industry, and textiles, along with senior officials from relevant ministries, the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, and the Prime Minister’s Office.

Police in Daudkandi, Cumilla, arrested ten individuals in separate operations related to robbery preparation and drug cases. The arrests took place late Friday night, including seven suspects detained near Amirabad Bridge while allegedly preparing for a robbery. Officers recovered local weapons such as machetes, a small ramda, a knife, and Swiss gears from their possession.

In another operation, police arrested one individual named Rasel Bhuiya, while a separate special drive led to the capture of Mohammad Ruhul Amin, an accused in rape and human trafficking cases, from the Dhaka International Airport area. Additionally, at Satpara Mor, police detained Md. Ramzan Sikdar with 61 yaba tablets and 200 grams of cannabis.

Daudkandi Model Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Shamsul Alam stated that legal action has been taken against all detainees, and they have been sent to court.

State Minister for Social Welfare Farhana Sharmin Putul declared that administrative officials will remain on 24-hour alert against corruption and irregularities. She emphasized that no complaint will be ignored and no negligence will be tolerated. The minister made these remarks on Saturday, July 4, during a general farmers’ gathering held at the Lalpur Upazila Auditorium in Natore.

She highlighted that agriculture is one of the main driving forces of the national economy. The government is implementing continuous programs to reduce farmers’ production costs and ensure food security through the supply of seeds, fertilizers, and agricultural incentives. She added that initiatives to expand modern agricultural technology aim to make farming more profitable and sustainable. The government is also prioritizing education, health, communication, and infrastructure development, with special focus on employment and skill development for women and youth.

Regarding Ishwardi Airport, the minister said necessary activities are underway to expedite its reopening, which is expected to boost communication, trade, agricultural transport, investment, and industrialization in the northern region.

Begum Rokeya University (BRU) in Rangpur has once again become immersed in memories of the July Movement as friends, classmates, and teachers recall the courage and sacrifice of Abu Sayeed, the first martyr of the 2024 uprising. Two years after his death, his companions say his presence still lingers across the campus—from the English Department corridors to the Freedom Memorial and Media Square—symbolizing resistance and selflessness.

Friends described Abu Sayeed as humble, compassionate, and always ready to help others. Fellow activist Md. Shamsur Rahman Suman recalled his leadership during the July 2024 protests, while English Department head Dr. Mohsina Ahsan remembered him as a bright and modest student who joined the movement against merit-based discrimination. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Md. Shawkat Ali said initiatives are underway to build a dormitory, memorial, museum, and gate in his name.

Students have urged the university to expedite permanent measures to preserve Abu Sayeed’s legacy, emphasizing that his ideals remain alive in their collective consciousness.

Iran has begun unprecedented funeral and burial arrangements for its former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed four months ago in a joint U.S.-Israel attack. The six-day program spans five cities in Iran and Iraq, with Tehran expecting between 10 and 20 million participants. During this period, extensive discussions are taking place about Khamenei’s life and teachings.

Khamenei’s autobiography, “Cell Number 14,” provides insight into his early years as an imam. He began leading prayers at the small Imam Hasan Mosque in Mashhad before moving to the larger Keramat Mosque, which became a hub for students and merchants. Authorities later barred him from leading prayers there due to his growing popularity. He then returned to Imam Hasan Mosque, delivering sermons after evening prayers.

The book also recounts his time in Tehran in 1966, his exile in Iranshahr where he led prayers at Al-Rasul Mosque, and his imprisonment in Mashhad’s military prison, where his religious influence led guards to restrict his activities.

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan is set to marry his partner Gauri Spratt on July 5 in a private ceremony at his residence in Bandra, Mumbai. The event will be a modest family gathering rather than a lavish celebration, with attendance limited to close relatives, friends, and a few well-wishers. The announcement has drawn significant attention from fans following the couple’s recent public acknowledgment of their relationship.

A notable aspect of the wedding is the expected presence of Aamir Khan’s two former wives and their children, reflecting the actor’s continued cordial relationship with his previous families. In a recent video message, Aamir emphasized that spending time with family is more meaningful to him than grand festivities, and he sought blessings and good wishes from his fans for this new chapter.

This will be Aamir Khan’s third marriage, while it is Gauri Spratt’s second. Both bring children from their previous marriages, and all four children are expected to be part of the ceremony, symbolizing a blended family beginning.

Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Professor Dr. A Z M Zahid Hossain has called on doctors to contribute more actively to social development, emphasizing their close connection with ordinary people. He made the remarks on Friday night while addressing the post-Eid reunion of Chittagong Medical College Alumni Association at the Bhatiari Golf Club auditorium.

The minister recalled with respect the contributions and sacrifices of the people of Chittagong in the Liberation War and the 2024 mass movement. He stated that within four and a half months of forming the government, notable progress had been achieved in poverty alleviation and establishing a corruption-free environment. He also mentioned that the Bangladesh Public Service Commission had initiated recruitment to fill vacant medical positions across the country.

The event was presided over by Professor Dr. Saifuddin Md. Tariq, with Chittagong City Corporation Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain as special guest. Four former students of Chittagong Medical College were honored for their special contributions in various fields.

A fire was set at the 'July' monument located on the premises of Khagrachhari Government College on Friday night, July 3, causing widespread commotion across the district. Police arrested Nurul Alam Roni, a former senior vice president of the banned district unit of the Chhatra League, early Saturday from the Sabujbag area of the district town. Authorities said the act appeared to be a planned attempt at sabotage, but heavy rain and the monument’s iron structure prevented major damage.

A video of the incident showing a masked man pouring a flammable liquid from a plastic bottle and setting the monument ablaze spread rapidly on social media. Police recovered the bottle as evidence and are investigating whether others were involved. The college night guard reported that two young men entered the campus claiming organizational work before the fire broke out. Law enforcement officials described the act as an attempt to create fear and instability by attacking a symbolic structure.

Student representatives condemned the incident as disrespectful to the institution and national memory, demanding a full investigation, punishment for those responsible, and stronger campus security.

Russia’s military has claimed control over the eastern Ukrainian city of Kostyantynivka as part of its ongoing offensive in the Donetsk region. The announcement was made by Russian Armed Forces Chief Valery Gerasimov during President Vladimir Putin’s visit to a command post in Ukraine. Gerasimov stated that Russian southern forces were continuing their offensive to take full control of Donetsk and that Kostyantynivka, a key stronghold in the Sloviansk–Kramatorsk–Kostyantynivka defense line, had been ‘liberated.’ Russia’s defense ministry also shared footage on Telegram showing soldiers raising the national flag in the city.

Ukraine’s General Staff, however, denied Russia’s claim on Saturday, saying that Kostyantynivka remained under Ukrainian control. The Ukrainian military did not provide further details about the situation or comment on Russia’s statements. Independent verification of the battlefield situation or either side’s claims was not possible according to the report.

The conflicting statements highlight the ongoing uncertainty surrounding control of key areas in the Donetsk region, where both sides continue to wage intense battles for strategic positions.

In Jamalpur, 100 students from Government Jaheda Safir Mohila College took their HSC Bangla second paper exam using question papers based on the 2025 syllabus instead of 2026. The incident occurred on Saturday morning in room 4202 of the Government Ashek Mahmud College examination center. Students discovered the error only after completing the exam, prompting concerns about their results and fairness.

Center Secretary and Principal Mir Shawkat Alam Mir explained that although the bundles were labeled as 2026 question papers, five bundles for that room mistakenly contained 2025 syllabus papers. Since invigilators could not verify the contents before distribution, the wrong papers were handed out. The issue was immediately reported to the education board.

According to the board’s directive, the answer scripts of the affected 100 students will be evaluated separately and leniently, following the 2025 syllabus. The center had over 900 examinees in total, including 69 irregular and improvement candidates for whom the 2025 papers were originally intended.

Iran is holding an unprecedented six-day mourning program across five cities in Iran and Iraq for former supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed four months ago in a joint U.S.-Israel attack. Tehran expects between 10 and 20 million people to participate in the funeral and burial ceremonies. During this period, discussions have intensified about various aspects of Khamenei’s life and teachings.

In his autobiography ‘Cell Number 14,’ Khamenei wrote extensively about his wife, Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, praising her courage and resilience. He described how she remained steadfast during repeated raids by SAVAK agents and his multiple arrests, showing no fear or weakness. Khamenei noted her patience during his imprisonment, her modest lifestyle before and after the revolution, and her refusal to seek luxury or jewelry, instead donating valuables to charity.

The publication of these reflections has drawn renewed attention to Khamenei’s personal values of simplicity, endurance, and devotion, which continue to shape public remembrance during the national mourning period.

A case has been filed in Feni against local Jubo Dal leader Jahangir Alam and four others for allegedly hijacking a truck loaded with fish. The complaint was lodged on Saturday morning by fish farm owner Nurul Amin at Sonagazi Model Police Station. According to the case statement, the incident occurred at midnight on Friday when the truck, carrying fish from Char Khondkar fish enclosure, was intercepted in the Kechidia area. The driver was reportedly held hostage, and the truck was taken away.

After Nurul Amin reported the incident to the national emergency service 999, police conducted a raid early Saturday and recovered the truck from the health complex area. Police said the suspects fled before officers arrived. Nurul Amin claimed the attack stemmed from an ongoing dispute with Jahangir Alam over the fish farm. Jahangir Alam, a Sonagazi municipal Jubo Dal leader, denied the allegations, saying the case was fabricated due to a land dispute. Police confirmed receiving the written complaint and said efforts were underway to identify and arrest those involved.

The headteacher of Nukali Bahuporshik High School in Shahjadpur, Sirajganj, Md. Ruhul Amin, has been temporarily suspended after an objectionable video of him spread across various media and social platforms. The video reportedly showed him in an intoxicated state engaging in indecent behavior and incoherent speech. The Ministry of Education confirmed the authenticity of the incident and announced his suspension along with the suspension of his MPO benefits. The decision was communicated on Saturday by the ministry’s Public Relations Office.

According to the ministry, the Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister, Ehchanul Haque Milon, instructed officials to take appropriate action as soon as the matter came to his attention. The ministry stated that such behavior is unethical, unlawful, and damaging to the dignity of the teaching profession. The suspension was made under the 1979 employment regulations for recognized private secondary school teachers.

On the same day, Shahjadpur Upazila Executive Officer and school president Sabrina Sharmin appointed Assistant Headteacher Md. Abdur Rashid as acting headteacher to ensure smooth administrative, financial, and academic operations. The order took immediate effect.