Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced in parliament that the government is considering establishing a separate Defense Industrial Zone (DIZ) to develop the local defense industry. Responding to questions from lawmakers during a parliamentary session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, he said the initiative aims to strengthen national defense capacity, reduce foreign dependence, and achieve long-term self-sufficiency. The government is also working on a national defense industry policy to guide domestic production under the 'Made in Bangladesh' initiative.

The Prime Minister detailed ongoing efforts to enhance capabilities in advanced military technology, drone systems, sensors, electronics, and defense equipment through technology transfer with friendly nations. He said three-year and seven-year plans are underway to modernize the army, with an estimated requirement of 860 billion taka over ten years. The plans include adding tanks, armored vehicles, artillery, rocket systems, and air defense systems to improve combat readiness.

He further noted that the navy will receive new frigates, corvettes, offshore patrol vessels, and submarines, while the air force will establish a drone factory in Bogura and strengthen air defense and surveillance systems under a fast-track process.

A major political controversy has erupted in West Bengal after Prabhas Mondal, a key accused in the rape and murder of a minor Muslim girl in Baruipur, was killed in a police encounter. Opposition parties have denounced the incident as an extrajudicial killing, calling it an example of the 'Uttar Pradesh model'. Police stated that Mondal tried to snatch a revolver during a crime scene reconstruction late Tuesday night and fired at officers, prompting retaliatory fire that fatally injured him. A judicial inquiry has been ordered, and two police officers have been summoned by the superintendent of police.

Congress leader Adhir Chowdhury, Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra, and CPM leader Bikash Bhattacharya sharply criticized the encounter, questioning the police version and demanding adherence to judicial process. Human rights groups have also long warned that such killings undermine the rule of law. In contrast, BJP leaders defended the police, saying officers acted in self-defense and that the action reflected the government’s zero-tolerance stance on crime.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has sought a detailed report within 72 hours, while the incident continues to fuel debate over law enforcement methods and human rights in the state.

A development meeting was held on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at the office of the opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, following the Prime Minister’s directive. The discussion focused on development and civic issues in the Dhaka-15 constituency, including road, drain, and footpath repair, gas, electricity, and safe water supply, as well as law and order conditions. Decisions were made to instruct relevant departments to take prompt measures to ease public suffering.

The meeting was attended by State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam, along with senior officials from the Local Government Division, Dhaka North City Corporation, WASA, DESCO, the Department of Public Health Engineering, and law enforcement representatives. The participants reviewed the current state of civic infrastructure and coordinated plans for improvement.

The initiative reflects a government effort to address local development challenges through inter-agency coordination under direct instruction from the Prime Minister.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud, told Parliament that contracts with private power companies cannot be canceled at will because they include sovereign guarantees. He made the statement on Wednesday during the parliamentary question-and-answer session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, responding to a supplementary question from MP Mardia Momtaz. The minister explained that canceling such guarantees is a time-consuming process and that discussions are ongoing with the concerned parties to reduce additional fees related to delayed payments.

He added that once a power plant begins production, immediate decisions cannot be made to alter operations, and efforts will continue to keep electricity prices affordable for consumers during the contract period. In response to other parliamentary questions, the minister reported that gas supply remains below demand, with 2,700 million cubic feet supplied daily against a demand of 3,800 million. He also shared updated figures on transmission and distribution losses and confirmed that no quick rental power plants are currently operational.

The minister expressed hope that ongoing discussions would lead to effective solutions regarding payment delays and cost management in the power sector.

Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, a Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker from Cumilla-11 and deputy leader of the opposition, has been appointed as the chair of the parliamentary standing committee on government accounts in Bangladesh’s 13th Jatiya Sangsad. The appointment was approved unanimously during a parliamentary session on Wednesday after Chief Whip Mohammad Nurul Islam presented the proposal on behalf of the leader of the house.

The committee includes members from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, such as Amanullah Aman, ABM Ashraf Uddin Nizan, AKM Fazlul Haque Milon, Mohammad Hafiz Ibrahim, AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon, Mohammad Jalal Uddin, Md. Mahbubur Rahman, SK Azizul Bari Helal, Mohammad Monjurul Islam, Fazle Huda, Mohammad Zakir Hossain, Syed Zainul Abedin, Md. Ruhul Amin, and Mohammad Anwarul Islam.

The standing committee on government accounts plays a crucial role in ensuring accountability in state financial management. It reviews public expenditure, audit objections, and ministry responses to audit findings, serving as a key mechanism for parliamentary oversight of government spending.

Despite continuous heavy rainfall, flash floods, and landslides disrupting communication in Bandarban, law enforcement agencies and various government and non-government organizations are continuing awareness campaigns to ensure the safety of affected residents. Teams from the Bangladesh Army, Fire Service and Civil Defense, Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, municipal authorities, and several NGOs are conducting public announcements and direct outreach in disaster-hit areas.

The campaigns focus on urging people living on risky hillsides, steep slopes, and low-lying areas near rivers and canals to move to safer locations. Authorities are encouraging residents to take shelter in temporary centers established by the administration. Field officials report that some residents remain reluctant to leave their homes, prompting repeated appeals to highlight potential dangers and the importance of relocation.

According to the district administration, the awareness activities will continue until weather conditions improve. The coordinated efforts of government and private organizations are playing a key role in motivating local residents to seek safety during this ongoing disaster.

Two Bangladeshi multiplexes, Lion Cinemas in Keraniganj and Madhuban Cineplex in Bogura, have begun screening live FIFA World Cup matches instead of films to attract audiences. The initiative, launched amid a shortage of quality movies and declining viewership, has drawn strong public interest. Lion Cinemas has already shown several matches across its four screens, with most shows reportedly going houseful as fans buy multiple tickets to enjoy the games with friends and family.

Madhuban Cineplex started its large-screen broadcasts with the Argentina–Egypt match on Tuesday. Managing Director Sayekhuzzaman said the decision followed a sharp drop in cinema attendance, with some shows drawing as few as ten viewers and causing financial losses. To counter this, the cineplex priced tickets at 100 and 200 taka. If the current response continues, the management plans to screen the semifinal and final matches as well.

The move reflects a creative attempt by theater owners to sustain operations and reconnect with audiences through live sports entertainment.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he is considering removing Syria from the United States’ list of state sponsors of terrorism. He made the remark while responding to a journalist’s question during a meeting with Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharar. Washington had earlier indicated that Syria’s inclusion on the list was under review.

Countries on the U.S. terrorism sponsor list face strict restrictions on foreign aid, defense exports, and certain financial transactions. Last month, Trump signed an executive order ending the U.S. sanctions program against Syria, a move that eased the country’s long-standing isolation from the international financial system and reinforced Washington’s commitment to assist in Syria’s post-war reconstruction.

The potential delisting could mark a significant shift in U.S. policy toward Syria, signaling a broader effort to normalize relations following years of conflict and sanctions.

The investigation into the Shapla Chattar massacre case in Dhaka’s Motijheel area has been completed, according to Chief Prosecutor Md. Aminul Islam of the International Crimes Tribunal. He stated that after verification, formal charges will be submitted to the tribunal on July 21. The announcement was made to journalists on Wednesday.

Aminul Islam said that the accused in the case include former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted from power, as well as several former heads of security forces, some journalists, and former ministers. The case concerns the killings that occurred during a Hefazat-e-Islam rally at Shapla Chattar. No further details about the investigation findings or the number of accused were disclosed.

The completion of the investigation marks a significant step toward formal legal proceedings, with the tribunal expected to receive the charges later in July.

Ali Akbar Velayati, senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, has blamed the United States for reigniting conflict in the Gulf region. According to a report by Al Jazeera, Velayati stated on his X account that former U.S. President Donald Trump’s verbal acknowledgment of canceling a U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding has once again pushed the region toward instability.

Velayati emphasized that Iran had previously warned the Gulf was not a place for small nations to gamble politically and asserted that Tehran has repeatedly demonstrated its readiness to respond immediately to any act of audacity. He added that Iran’s finger remains on the trigger and that the country will not remain silent in the face of insult or provocation.

The comments come amid heightened regional tensions, with Iran signaling a firm stance against perceived U.S. aggression and asserting its preparedness for swift retaliation.

Two children, Maisha Akter (3.5 years) and Mujahidul Islam (3), drowned in a pond at Khondkarpara in Char Ramiz Union, Ramgati upazila of Lakshmipur on Wednesday afternoon. The cousins were playing together when Mujahid accidentally fell into the water. Maisha tried to rescue him but also drowned. Locals and relatives recovered them and took them to the upazila health complex, where doctors declared both dead.

According to police and local sources, the incident occurred in the 9th ward of Char Ramiz Union. Maisha was the daughter of expatriate Md. Riaz, and Mujahid was the son of tile worker Md. Monjur. Char Ramiz Union Parishad Chairman Mujahidul Islam Didar described the event as tragic, noting that one child died while trying to save the other. Medical Officer Masud Jahan confirmed that both children were brought to the hospital already deceased.

Ramgati Police Station Officer-in-Charge Liton Dewan said he had received information about the drowning but did not yet have further details.

A brief exchange between French President Emmanuel Macron and Turkish First Lady Emine Erdogan became viral on social media after being captured at a NATO summit dinner in Ankara. The video, published by the Times of India on Wednesday, shows Macron appearing to attempt a hand kiss during a red-carpet greeting before the dinner, while Emine Erdogan withdrew her hand. The two then continued their greeting normally. French First Lady Brigitte Macron was also present beside the French president during the moment.

The incident took place at a reception hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ahead of high-level discussions among NATO leaders. The summit focused on key issues including European security, increased defense spending, and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The video spread widely online, drawing attention to the brief interaction ahead of the formal talks among NATO member states.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury told Parliament that depositors of struggling banks will receive their full money back with interest, assuring that the 'haircut' provision limiting refunds to two lakh taka will not be implemented. He urged depositors to remain patient as the process continues. The statement came in response to a notice from BNP lawmaker Rehena Akter Ranu, who raised concerns about depositors losing access to their savings and called for strict punishment of those responsible for bank fraud.

The minister said five troubled banks have been merged under the Resolution Act to form the Combined Islami Bank, aiming to stabilize the financial sector. He added that a forensic audit is underway to identify those responsible for irregular investments, and Bangladesh Bank has been empowered to seize and auction their assets to recover funds. Legal actions are also being initiated to repatriate embezzled money from abroad, with nine international law firms engaged under a 'no win, no fee' arrangement.

Chowdhury reaffirmed that depositors will get back their money with interest, though the process will take time due to the banks’ ongoing losses.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte described the overnight US strike on Iran as 'absolutely necessary' during a joint appearance with US President Donald Trump at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey. Rutte said the operation weakened Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities and called it a 'very strong response.' He emphasized that the strike was crucial for Israel, the region, Europe, and the wider world.

Trump declared that the existing ceasefire with Iran had ended following the attack, stating that the US had delivered a severe blow and would continue to respond to any Iranian aggression. After the US strike in southern Iran, Tehran launched retaliatory attacks, claiming to have targeted American military installations in the Gulf region.

Rutte also noted that under Trump’s pressure, European NATO members and Canada had agreed to significantly increase defense spending, though differences remained. Trump criticized some NATO members for insufficient support in the Iran operation, singling out Spain as a 'very bad partner' and instructing his treasury secretary to halt trade with the country.

The Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) conducted a mobile court operation in Pirgacha, Rangpur, on Tuesday, targeting three filling stations accused of cheating consumers through inaccurate fuel measurements. The operation, jointly carried out by the BSTI divisional office in Rangpur and the Pirgacha upazila administration, resulted in fines totaling Tk 170,000 across three separate cases.

According to BSTI and court sources, Messrs. Chowdhurani Filling Station was fined Tk 20,000 for supplying 70 milliliters less petrol per 10 liters. Messrs. Swapan Filling Station was fined Tk 50,000 for supplying 150 to 310 milliliters less across petrol, octane, and diesel. Messrs. Sohel and Sohag Filling Station at Kadamtali Mor was fined Tk 100,000 for supplying up to 560 milliliters less fuel per 10 liters. Officials stated that such actions violate the Weights and Measures Standards Act, 2018.

BSTI officials affirmed that the monitoring and mobile court drives will continue to protect consumer rights, ensure accurate measurement, and maintain market discipline across Rangpur district.