The United States has reported a sharp rise in Iranian cyberattacks targeting its networks and infrastructure. In response, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) jointly issued a nationwide alert to government and private organizations connected to the internet. The advisory warns of Iran-backed cyber operations affecting various connected devices and urges heightened vigilance across sectors.

Brett Leatherman, assistant director of the FBI’s cyber division, stated that Iranian cyber groups continue to target critical US infrastructure. He emphasized the FBI’s commitment to identifying those responsible, stopping their malicious activities, and ensuring accountability. The new joint directive aims to help cybersecurity professionals detect harmful online activity more quickly, strengthen defense systems, and reduce the risk of disruptions to essential services.

The agencies expect that improved detection and coordination will limit the impact of Iranian cyber operations on US citizens’ daily services and national infrastructure resilience.

The Bangladesh government is set to finalize a purchase agreement with France’s Airbus for ten aircraft by August 31, 2026, according to officials. The decision reportedly follows pressure from the European Union (EU). State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat confirmed the plan, saying details on pricing and conditions will be disclosed after signing. The move will make Biman Bangladesh Airlines a mixed-fleet carrier for the first time, operating both Boeing and Airbus aircraft.

Civil Aviation Minister Afroza Khanom Rita said the government aims to modernize Biman’s fleet with 14 Boeing and 10 Airbus aircraft, along with five leased planes this year. Ministry sources indicated that the EU raised transparency concerns over the earlier Boeing deal and linked the Airbus purchase to broader trade and diplomatic interests, as nearly half of Bangladesh’s exports go to Europe. The Airbus agreement will follow the same evaluation process used for Boeing, with four A350-900 wide-body jets and six narrow-body aircraft to be added gradually.

Aviation experts cautioned that expanding the fleet without maximizing current capacity could create financial pressure, though the government views the deal as part of its long-term plan to modernize Biman and strengthen ties with the EU.

Bangladesh Railway has issued a final notice to SMEC Bangladesh, the supervising consultancy for the Dohazari–Cox’s Bazar–Ghumdhum rail line project, for failing to submit essential completion documents. Despite repeated reminders, SMEC has not provided performance certificates, final bills, project closure reports, ‘as-built’ drawings, or handover papers. The notice, sent on May 13, 2026, warns that payment suspension and contract termination may follow if the documents are not submitted on time.

Railway officials said the consultancy’s failure has stalled project closure, auditing, and final disbursements. The firm has been accused of cost escalations in multiple projects, including Akhaura–Laksam and the Jamuna Rail Bridge. Questions have also arisen over potential conflicts of interest, as several former senior railway officials, including former project directors, joined SMEC after retirement.

SMEC has been involved in 22 railway and bridge-related projects worth over 35 billion taka in the past decade. The company’s feasibility assessments have also faced criticism for labeling unprofitable routes as viable, raising concerns about oversight and accountability in Bangladesh’s railway consultancy contracts.

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has been accused of acting on behalf of Israel in its conflict with Iran, leading to widespread instability across the Middle East. The report claims that Trump’s decisions during the war have deeply affected regional relations, security, and internal stability. Questions have emerged over whether his wartime choices were politically motivated or influenced by personal and financial interests, as fluctuations in oil prices and stock markets appeared to align with his statements and policy shifts.

The article highlights that Trump retained ownership of major financial assets, including a fund exceeding $500 million, despite recommendations from the Office of Government Ethics to divest or place them in a blind trust. His administration’s trade and war-related decisions reportedly benefited large U.S. corporations, while his investment fund traded thousands of shares linked to those companies. The timing of oil futures sales before key announcements has also raised suspicion.

The conflict has strained Iran’s relations with Gulf Cooperation Council states and disrupted regional diplomacy. U.S. actions in the Strait of Hormuz and its alignment with Israel have further complicated ties among Iran, Oman, and neighboring countries.

The Begum Rokeya University (BRUR) central student union (BRACSU) and hall elections have been halted due to repeated schedule changes, resignations of chief election commissioners, and a growing debate over constitutional amendments. Despite multiple attempts to restart the process since the student union’s inclusion in the university law in October 2024, the election has faced five postponements and three commissioner resignations, leaving students frustrated and uncertain.

Following the resignation of two chief election commissioners, Associate Professor Masud Rana was appointed acting chief and announced a fifth schedule with voting set for February 25, 2026. However, the process was suspended again citing instructions from the Bangladesh Election Commission. Subsequently, a section of students demanded amendments to the BRACSU constitution, arguing that flaws in the current structure could undermine the election’s purpose.

The acting chief election commissioner stated that the commission lacks authority to amend the constitution and that disagreement among students over whether to proceed under the existing or revised constitution has prevented the election schedule from resuming.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for utilizing all existing opportunities to strengthen bilateral relations between Tehran and Islamabad. He made the remarks on Wednesday in Tehran while receiving the credentials of Pakistan’s newly appointed ambassador, Imran Ahmed Siddiqui. Pezeshkian also emphasized the importance of unity among Muslim nations.

Describing Pakistan as a brotherly country and a second home for Iranians, Pezeshkian said Tehran attaches great importance to its relationship with Islamabad. According to the Pakistani embassy in Tehran, the Iranian president praised Pakistan’s efforts to advance dialogue between Iran and the United States, noting Islamabad’s sincere commitment to peace. He expressed hope that bilateral relations would grow stronger in the coming years.

Ambassador Siddiqui conveyed greetings from Pakistan’s leadership to President Pezeshkian and the people of Iran. He highlighted the vast potential for expanding cooperation between the two countries in trade, economy, energy, and other sectors.

Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy will honor internationally acclaimed singer Runa Laila with a special award on July 24. The ceremony will take place at the National Theatre Hall at 6:30 p.m., where she will also perform a solo concert. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund to support flood victims.

The event, organized under the patronage of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, aims to pay national tribute to Runa Laila for her lifelong contribution to music. Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury will attend as chief guest, with State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyum and Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman as special guests. The session will be chaired by Cultural Affairs Secretary Kaniz Mowla, with welcome remarks by Shilpakala Academy Director General Sheikh Rezauddin Ahmed and closing thanks by Secretary Mohammad Zakir Hossain.

Runa Laila, one of South Asia’s most celebrated vocalists, will perform songs in multiple languages, reflecting her cross-cultural influence and enduring contribution to Bangladesh’s musical heritage.

Continuous heavy rainfall and mountain runoff have caused severe flooding in Satkania upazila of Chattogram, collapsing large portions of 61 roads under the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED). About 47 kilometers of roads, six culverts, and one drainage structure have been damaged. LGED’s initial estimate suggests that at least 30 crore taka will be required to rebuild and restore transport connectivity.

Engineers reported that key roads across unions such as Keochia, Eochia, Charati, Chadaha, Bajalia, Kaliaish, Kanchana, Dhemsha, Sonakania, and Nolua were severely damaged by strong flood currents. Road surfaces have eroded, embankments have broken, and large holes have formed, making travel risky. Residents described severe hardship as transport routes became impassable, affecting farmers, students, and patients.

Local officials said detailed damage reports have been sent to higher authorities. Emergency funds will be used to reopen major roads first, followed by permanent reconstruction. The upazila administration and local lawmaker have visited affected areas and assured that repair work will be prioritized to ease public suffering.

At least 37 people have died across Pakistan following flash floods and landslides caused by heavy rainfall. The worst-affected areas include Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Punjab. The disaster has caused extensive damage to homes, farmland, livestock, roads, and bridges. In Gujranwala and Sialkot, severe rainfall has worsened the situation, while water levels in border rivers rose rapidly after India reportedly released excess water without formal notice.

According to the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority, the Marala and Khanki headworks are facing moderate flood risks, while Qadirabad is under a low-level flood warning. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has reported 20 deaths from rain-related incidents, and Punjab has recorded 17 fatalities. Landslides in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir have damaged roads, homes, and agricultural land.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department stated that the ongoing rainfall, which began on July 19, may continue in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa until July 23, raising concerns about further flooding and damage.

The United States has issued a renewed worldwide security alert advising its citizens to remain on maximum alert due to rapidly escalating tensions in the Middle East. According to a report by Al Jazeera published on Thursday, the US State Department updated its global advisory, warning that the current security situation in the region is highly complex and could deteriorate unexpectedly.

The department noted that American diplomatic facilities outside the Middle East have also been targeted, and that Iran or Iran-backed armed groups could strike US interests anywhere in the world. The advisory further cautioned that American businesses and international organizations may also face risks.

US citizens currently in the Middle East were urged to stay aware of possible flight cancellations or travel disruptions, while those outside the region were advised to avoid traveling to or over the area, or to reconsider such plans.

The United States carried out airstrikes across Iran for the 12th consecutive night, targeting multiple military facilities including missile, drone, and naval sites. The attacks struck areas such as Bushehr and Khuzestan provinces, where local officials confirmed multiple missile impacts. The US Central Command stated that the strikes aimed to degrade Iran’s naval and air defense capabilities, while over 50,000 US troops remain on high alert across the Middle East.

President Donald Trump warned that US forces could expand operations to include Iranian civilian infrastructure such as bridges, drawing sharp criticism from Democratic lawmakers. They argued that such actions would violate international wartime norms. Military analysts noted a gap between Trump’s rhetoric and the Pentagon’s current operational limits, which have so far remained targeted and contained.

Iran responded with threats to disrupt oil exports from US allies in the Persian Gulf if its own oil sales remain blocked. The escalating confrontation has raised fears of broader regional instability and potential global economic disruption.

The United States House of Representatives has passed a $1.15 trillion defense spending bill, known as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), against the backdrop of ongoing military operations against Iran. The bill includes a key provision aimed at further integrating and coordinating the US and Israeli armed forces. The measure passed narrowly, with 216 votes in favor and 212 against.

The vote followed party lines in the Republican-controlled House, with most Republicans supporting the bill and most Democrats opposing it. However, seven Republican lawmakers voted against the measure, while six Democrats broke ranks to support it. The bill now moves to the Senate for final approval.

The passage of the NDAA reflects continued congressional support for large-scale defense spending and closer US-Israel military cooperation, though the narrow margin highlights partisan divisions over the scale and direction of US defense policy.

Crude oil prices rose again in the international market amid escalating tensions between Iran and the United States. On Thursday, Brent crude increased by 1.93 dollars or 2 percent to reach 96 dollars per barrel, marking its highest level since June 8. According to a report by Al Jazeera, the US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) also gained 1.44 dollars or 1.7 percent, trading at 88.27 dollars per barrel.

Earlier trading sessions had already seen Brent crude rise by more than 3 dollars to 94.07 dollars per barrel, while WTI climbed nearly 3 percent during the same period. Analysts cited renewed US military strikes in Iran and intensified attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on oil tankers in the Red Sea as key drivers of the surge. These developments have heightened strategic instability in the Middle East and disrupted supply confidence.

The report indicates that uncertainty in global oil supply chains continues to fuel price volatility, with markets reacting sharply to geopolitical risks in the region.

President Md. Shahabuddin Chuppu has decided to resign from his post due to health complications and is expected to leave Bangabhaban within the current month. He plans to travel to Singapore for advanced medical treatment, having previously undergone heart surgery there. Bangabhaban officials confirmed that the president has informed senior staff and close associates of his decision. No formal government statement has yet been issued regarding his resignation.

According to sources, President Chuppu’s health has deteriorated significantly, with recent medical tests revealing cardiac weakness and neurological issues. Specialists have advised him to seek immediate advanced care and complete rest. His family has prioritized his treatment, and officials indicated that he recently returned from a medical checkup in the United Kingdom. Political tensions between the president and the government reportedly worsened following his London visit, leading to growing distance and mistrust.

Shahabuddin, elected in April 2023 under the Awami League nomination, has served for three years and three months. Under the constitution, a presidential election must be held within 90 days of the office becoming vacant, with the Speaker acting as interim president until a successor is sworn in.

The Trump administration has signed a major nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia amid escalating military tensions with Iran. Described as a peaceful nuclear cooperation deal, it aims to strengthen the multifaceted partnership between Riyadh and Washington. Under the agreement, US companies will be allowed to export nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia, build necessary infrastructure, and create new employment opportunities.

Saudi Arabia, a long-time US ally, has been seeking such an agreement to enhance its national power grid. The Trump administration stated that this move reasserts US dominance in the global civilian nuclear market. Both countries claim the deal will deepen bilateral relations while maintaining nuclear safety and non-proliferation commitments.

Experts view the decision as significant given the current US military operations in Iran. Washington has said the move is part of efforts to counter potential Iranian nuclear weapons programs. Unlike a similar initiative under the Biden administration, this agreement does not include any condition related to Saudi-Israeli normalization.