Dhaka is facing severe waterlogging as nearly half of its 41 sluice gates remain inactive, according to the engineering division of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). Only 19 gates are fully functional, while six are completely inoperative and 15 partially work but fail to drain water effectively. The city’s drainage system is further strained by a lack of manpower, malfunctioning pumps, and clogged canals. One of the three major pumps at the Kamalapur T&T Para station has been out of order for about a year and a half, limiting the city’s capacity to remove rainwater efficiently.

Officials said a new pump is planned to be installed next week to replace the broken one. Experts from the Bangladesh Institute of Planners emphasized that Dhaka’s current outlets and sluice gates are insufficient and called for immediate repairs and long-term urban planning. DSCC and DNCC officials stated that modernization of drainage, repair of nonfunctional sluice gates, and enhanced cleaning operations are underway to reduce flooding.

The authorities are monitoring the situation closely, but the city’s drainage infrastructure remains under heavy pressure during the monsoon season.

Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels have accused each other of launching attacks, putting their four-year truce at serious risk. On Monday, the Houthis alleged that Saudi forces bombed Sanaa’s main international airport to prevent an Iranian aircraft from landing. The Saudi-led coalition did not comment on the claim but said Houthi forces later fired ballistic missiles toward Saudi territory, which were intercepted by air defenses. The Houthis confirmed striking Abha airport in Saudi Arabia and warned airlines to avoid Saudi airspace. UN envoy Hans Grundberg expressed deep concern and said he was in contact with both sides to prevent escalation.

The renewed hostilities follow rising tensions since an Iranian plane landed in Sanaa on July 3, sparking disputes between Yemen’s Saudi-backed government and the Houthis. The government admitted responsibility for Monday’s strike, saying it aimed to block another Iranian flight. The Houthis blamed Saudi Arabia directly, declaring the end of the de-escalation phase. The UN warned that any escalation could worsen Yemen’s humanitarian crisis.

Fighting has also resumed in Hodeidah province, raising fears that Yemen’s fragile peace could collapse entirely.

United States referee Ismail Elfath has been appointed to officiate the highly anticipated 2026 World Cup semifinal between Argentina and England, scheduled for Wednesday at 1 a.m. Bangladesh time at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The 44-year-old referee has already handled three matches in the tournament, drawing attention for several controversial decisions.

Elfath previously officiated matches between the Netherlands and Japan, Spain and Uruguay, and Norway and Brazil, issuing a total of eight yellow cards and one red card. His red card to Uruguay’s Agustin Canobbio for a dangerous tackle on Spain’s Pau Cubarsi sparked debate in Spanish media. In the Norway-Brazil match, he initially denied a penalty before reversing the decision after a VAR review.

Born in Casablanca, Morocco, Elfath moved to the United States at 18 and has been on FIFA’s international referee list since 2016. He will be assisted by compatriots Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins, with Italy’s Maurizio Mariani serving as fourth official.

A week of continuous heavy rainfall and rough seas has severely disrupted import and export operations at Chattogram Port. Container handling at jetties and delivery from yards have slowed sharply, while more than 60 mother vessels remain idle offshore due to turbulent seas. The suspension of lighter vessel movement has also halted inland cargo transport, raising concerns about shortages of essential goods and industrial raw materials across Bangladesh.

Port sources report that daily container handling has dropped by nearly half, and deliveries have fallen from around 4,500 to 2,500 containers per day. Operators say general cargo unloading has decreased by 30–35 percent, while over 500 lighter vessels remain anchored at the Karnaphuli River and coastal areas. Importers are incurring significant demurrage costs, and garment factories are facing production slowdowns due to waterlogging, damaged containers, and reduced worker attendance.

Industry representatives have highlighted weaknesses in the port’s drainage and management systems. The port authority maintains that operations remain active and expects conditions to normalize once the weather improves.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attacked two supertankers in the Strait of Hormuz after the vessels allegedly ignored repeated warnings. The semi-official Tasnim News reported the incident on Tuesday, citing an IRGC statement. The United Arab Emirates earlier claimed that Iran targeted two of its oil tankers in Omani waters, resulting in the death of at least one Indian sailor. Hours later, the IRGC confirmed responsibility for the attack.

According to Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB, the IRGC said the tankers had turned off their navigation systems and were attempting to move south of Oman’s waters under U.S. direction. The statement added that both ships became disabled following the strikes.

The attack came shortly after the United States reinstated a blockade on Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Washington would charge ships a 20 percent fee to ensure safe passage through the strategic waterway, declaring the U.S. would act as the “guardian” of the strait.

The United States launched new attacks on Iran and imposed a naval blockade on the country’s ports, President Donald Trump confirmed on Monday. Despite the escalation, Trump said a peace agreement with Tehran remained possible. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, he stated that a deal had been close two days earlier but was delayed when Iran requested further discussions.

The renewed confrontation followed a series of missile and drone exchanges between the two nations. Trump announced that the U.S. would take responsibility for securing the Strait of Hormuz and suggested that ships using the route should pay for safe passage. In a phone interview with Fox News, he added that wealthy nations benefiting from the waterway should contribute financially, arguing that the United States should not provide this service for free.

The remarks and actions mark a new phase in U.S.-Iran tensions, with Washington asserting control over a key global shipping route while leaving open the possibility of future negotiations.

Argentina will face England in the second semifinal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup wearing their traditional alternate blue kit. The match is scheduled for Wednesday at 1 a.m. Bangladesh time at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The decision on team kits was finalized after a meeting between representatives of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), the English Football Association (FA), and FIFA. England will play in their regular white home kit.

The blue jersey carries historical significance for Argentina, recalling the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal against England when Diego Maradona scored the famous 'Hand of God' and 'Goal of the Century'. In the current tournament, Argentina have worn the blue kit only once, defeating Jordan 3–1 in the group stage. England have used their white kit in five of six matches, switching to red only once against Panama.

According to FIFA regulations, the team listed as 'Team A' in the knockout stage, this time England, has priority for the home kit. Argentina’s choice of blue ensures a clear contrast between the teams’ colors.

Saudi Arabia has issued a strict warning to individuals residing illegally in the country after their visas expire. According to a Gulf News report published on Monday, those who overstay their visas could face fines of up to 50,000 Saudi riyals, imprisonment for up to six months, deportation, and a future entry ban. The Ministry of Interior stated that the move aims to enforce residency and labor laws more rigorously and to prevent misuse of entry visas.

The ministry urged citizens and residents to report any suspected violations of residency, labor, or border security laws. A 24-hour hotline has been established for this purpose, with residents of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province instructed to call 911, while those in other regions should dial 999. Authorities said the measures are part of broader efforts to strengthen security, protect the labor market, and reduce legal violations.

The report added that Saudi authorities are currently conducting a nationwide campaign targeting violators of residency, labor, and border laws, under which the new directive has been implemented.

Bangladesh’s university campuses erupted in protest on July 14, 2024, after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina referred to students demanding reform of the government job quota system as 'children of collaborators' during a press conference. The remark, seen as legitimizing suppression of the movement, triggered widespread outrage among students. Demonstrations broke out across major universities, including Dhaka and Chittagong, where violent clashes occurred between protesters and members of the banned Chhatra League. Internet access was cut off at Dhaka University, and students reported being blocked from leaving dormitories.

Student groups organized spontaneous rallies through social media, gathering at Dhaka University’s Raju Memorial Sculpture and chanting slogans demanding merit-based recruitment. Three Dhaka University Chhatra League leaders resigned in solidarity with the protesters. At Chittagong University, at least two students were injured in late-night attacks. Similar demonstrations spread to Jagannath University and other campuses.

Under the banner of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, students issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the government, demanding quota reform and withdrawal of police cases against protesters. Marches and memorandum submissions to the president were held nationwide, marking a new phase in the quota reform movement.

The United Kingdom has decided to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization under its new national security law. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the decision on Monday, saying it brings the group closer to being formally declared a terrorist entity. The move allows police to take action against anyone providing support to the IRGC. Alongside the IRGC, the UK also banned two other groups: the IMCR, accused of attacks on Jewish targets, and Russia’s GRU Volunteer Corps.

Officials said the decision follows recent threats against the UK, including alleged plots to kill Iranian journalists and cyberattacks targeting Britain, Australia, and Canada. The government had previously refrained from a full ban in 2023 due to diplomatic concerns with Tehran. Ministers now argue the new threats justify stronger measures.

Under the new law, assisting or benefiting from these organizations is now a criminal offense, punishable by up to life imprisonment. The bans are expected to further strain UK-Iran relations while reinforcing Britain’s stance against foreign-linked security threats.

A Jessore court has acquitted four families accused in a so-called 'militant' case nine years after it was filed. The verdict came following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in July 2024. The victims—Tanzir Ahmed, Md. Mohiuddin, Mehedi Hasan Pasha, and Saddam Yasir Sajal—were declared innocent after years of imprisonment, harassment, and social stigma. They alleged that former Jessore Superintendent of Police and later Rajshahi DIG Md. Anisur Rahman orchestrated the fabricated cases and was also linked to the extrajudicial killing of BNP activist Abu Sayeed.

According to the report, Abu Sayeed’s wife filed a murder case against Anis in August 2024, which is under investigation. Police sources confirmed that Anis was suspended in July 2025 for being absent from duty. The accused officer served as Jessore SP from March 2014 to August 2018 and became Rajshahi DIG in July 2023. He has been untraceable since Hasina’s resignation and has not commented on the allegations.

The acquittal marks the end of a prolonged ordeal for the families, who faced torture, wrongful detention, and loss of livelihood under the previous administration.

Bangladesh’s civil administration is facing stagnation due to frequent changes in promotion, posting, and contract-based appointments under the new government. Senior officials say that instead of becoming more dynamic, the bureaucracy has slowed down. Currently, nine top positions are held by contract officials, while several ministries have seen appointment orders withdrawn and reissued. The recent promotion of 179 deputy secretaries to joint secretaries, including some retired and controversial officials, has intensified debate over the integrity of the selection process.

Sources indicate that since the new government took office, multiple retired officials have been appointed as senior secretaries on contract in key ministries and constitutional bodies. Regular officials argue that overreliance on retirees undermines morale, promotion prospects, and administrative coordination. Experts warn that contract appointments should not replace the regular cadre system, as long-term stability depends on transparent promotions and merit-based evaluation.

Governance analysts emphasize that the current controversy reflects institutional weaknesses rather than individual failings. They call for reforms to ensure transparency in contract appointments, data verification by the Superior Selection Board, and fair career management for regular officials.

Global crude oil prices rose sharply on Monday, climbing more than 9 percent to reach their highest level in a month. The surge followed renewed tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and the United States’ announcement to reinstate a naval blockade against Iran starting Tuesday at 4 p.m. Washington time. The blockade had previously been lifted in mid-June.

Analysts from Gelbar & Associates said President Trump’s new restrictions on Iranian maritime movements, retaliatory attacks, and reduced shipping through the Hormuz Strait have heightened short-term concerns over energy supply. Brent crude closed up by $7.29, or 9.59 percent, at $83.30 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose $6.73, or 9.42 percent, to $78.14 per barrel.

Brent recorded its largest single-day dollar gain since April 2 and its highest closing price since June 12. WTI also saw its biggest daily increase since April 29 and reached its highest closing level since June 15, reflecting market anxiety over potential supply disruptions.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) reported that two of its oil tankers were damaged by Iranian missile strikes in the southern part of the Strait of Hormuz. According to the UAE Ministry of Defense, the tankers, named Al Bahiyah and Mombasa, were in Omani territorial waters when they were attacked. One Indian crew member aboard the Mombasa was killed, while six other Indian nationals and two Ukrainians were injured. Both vessels caught fire but the flames were later brought under control.

The UAE Defense Ministry stated that its armed forces are on high alert and that all necessary measures are being taken to counter any attempts to undermine the country’s security and stability. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack and expressed condolences to India over the death of the Indian sailor. It described the targeting of commercial shipping and the use of the Hormuz Strait for coercion or economic blackmail as acts of piracy that threaten regional stability and global energy security.

Iran has claimed responsibility for drone strikes on US military installations in Kuwait and a cruise missile attack targeting a US naval vessel on Monday, according to Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB. The Iranian military stated that the strikes targeted communication systems, fuel tanks, a Patriot air defense system, a surveillance tower, and an ammunition depot at a site identified as a US base in Kuwait.

The Iranian military described the attacks as a response to what it called the United States’ continued aggression against Iran. It also claimed that the missile strike on the US naval vessel was carried out in retaliation for alleged US missile attacks on Iranian military facilities.

The report noted that the United States has not yet commented on the Iranian claims, and the authenticity of the reported attacks could not be independently verified, according to CNN.