South Korea’s Supreme Court has upheld a seven-year prison sentence for former president Yoon Suk Yeol, confirming lower court rulings related to his failed attempt to impose martial law in 2024. The verdict, delivered on Thursday, rejected appeals from both prosecutors and Yoon’s defense team, stating that no legal errors were found in earlier judgments. Yoon remains imprisoned and is also serving a separate life sentence for leading a rebellion through the declaration of martial law.

The case centered on allegations that Yoon obstructed full cabinet discussions before declaring martial law, used a forged signature of the prime minister, and ordered the destruction of related documents. He was also accused of directing misleading press releases and instructing a military commander to delete secure communications data. Prosecutors had sought a ten-year sentence, while lower courts initially imposed five years, later increased to seven by the appellate court.

Yoon’s lawyers expressed deep regret over the Supreme Court’s decision, claiming the case was resolved without sufficient review. They announced plans to challenge the ruling on constitutional grounds.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh has initiated short-term training programs aimed at enhancing university students’ employability and soft skills. The announcement came during a meeting at the Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) project office, where officials discussed the design of the new training modules. The programs will cover soft skills, ethics, values, and life-oriented competencies. Before finalizing the content, UGC will conduct an assessment to identify skill gaps and training needs among students.

UGC Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed stated that the framework for the initiative is expected to be finalized within three months, with plans to gradually include students from all universities. A separate two-day ‘Professional Knowledge Sharing Program’ for vice-chancellors, pro-vice-chancellors, and treasurers is also being planned to strengthen university governance and leadership. Additionally, a seven-day capacity-building course for associate professors and professors will be introduced.

The UGC is updating its strategic plan for long-term higher education reform, aligning it with government priorities and current realities, with completion targeted within the current month.

Three active members of the notorious Boro Jahangir gang surrendered to the Bangladesh Coast Guard in the Sundarbans, handing over weapons, ammunition, and a walkie-talkie. The surrender took place on Wednesday afternoon near the Tambulbunia Forest Office area under Sharankhola Police Station in Bagerhat. During the same operation, a fisherman held hostage by the gang was rescued alive. The information was confirmed in a press release by Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon on Thursday morning.

According to the Coast Guard, the surrender occurred as part of ongoing operations titled “Operation Restore Peace in Sundarbans” and “Operation Mangrove Shield,” aimed at eliminating forest banditry and ensuring the safety of fishermen and forest workers. The three who surrendered were identified as residents of Bagerhat, Satkhira, and Khulna districts.

Since February 12 of this year, Coast Guard operations have recovered 49 firearms, various ammunition, and rescued 41 hostages while arresting 42 bandits. Legal processes and rehabilitation efforts for the surrendered members and rescued individuals are currently underway.

At a discussion in Dhaka marking the second anniversary of the July Revolution, speakers stated that preventing the recurrence of fascism in Bangladesh requires not just constitutional amendments but a complete transformation of the state structure. Organized by the Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party at the Dhaka Reporters Unity, the event featured leaders from various political parties, families of July martyrs, and organizers of the uprising. Participants also pledged to continue united efforts against those who exploited and fled the country.

Speakers including BNP Vice Chairman Asaduzzaman Ripon, Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad, and Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna emphasized that the July uprising symbolized public resistance to injustice and authoritarianism. They argued that the reforms mandated by the people must be implemented to prevent the return of fascist governance. AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju described the July Revolution as a historic commitment to justice and dignity, while others called for accountability for past human rights violations and the preservation of July’s legacy.

Several participants urged the government to reinstate canceled reform ordinances, establish a July museum, and ensure that the revolution’s achievements are constitutionally protected.

Police in Kishoreganj’s Katiadi upazila arrested Abdul Khalek Sarkar Raju, 55, president of the Jalalpur Union unit of the Awami League, in connection with a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The arrest took place around 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday near a petrol pump at Katiadi bus stand area. Raju, a resident of Uttar Charpukhiya village in Jalalpur Union, is the son of the late Abdur Rashid.

Officer-in-Charge Md Rafiqul Islam of Katiadi Model Police Station confirmed that the arrest was made under an anti-terrorism case and that the accused was produced before court on Thursday. Police stated that investigation and subsequent legal proceedings are ongoing.

No further details about the nature of the case or the specific allegations were disclosed in the report.

A journalist in Naria upazila of Shariatpur has alleged that he was threatened by Motiur Rahman Sagor, the upazila BNP’s organizing secretary, after publishing a report about an assault complaint against the politician. The report, published in the online edition of daily Kalbela, covered a general diary filed by an office assistant of the local LGED office who accused Sagor of assault and issuing death threats. Following the publication, Sagor reportedly sent several messages to journalist Khan Mohammad Shihan’s WhatsApp, questioning his professionalism and implying influence over his employment.

When contacted, Sagor did not deny the allegations but expressed anger, saying he would take legal action against those who reported on him. Journalist Shihan described the threats as alarming and said he was consulting senior journalists and the local press club about possible legal steps. Abul Hossain Sardar, president of the district press club, condemned the intimidation, calling it a threat to media freedom and journalists’ safety.

The incident has sparked concern among local journalists about the safety of media workers and the environment for free reporting in the region.

An attempted land grab in Golapganj upazila of Sylhet turned chaotic on Wednesday afternoon when alleged attackers fled, abandoning a vehicle and local weapons after being confronted by residents. Police later seized the items from the scene. The incident occurred in Chaughari village under Golapganj Sadar Union, sparking tension in the area.

According to police, officers from Golapganj Model Police Station recovered a Noah microbus and several homemade weapons with help from locals. London expatriate Javed Ahmed filed a written complaint alleging that influential locals brought outsiders to seize his family’s land during his absence. He stated that the land is under a court case and subject to a Section 144 order prohibiting such actions.

Local residents claimed the attackers ignored the court’s restriction and attempted to occupy the land, prompting villagers to gather and resist. Police said an investigation is underway based on the complaint, and efforts continue to identify and arrest those involved.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has strongly condemned Iran’s recent attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain, expressing full solidarity with the two Gulf nations. In a statement issued by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 9, 2026, the UAE described the assaults as hostile acts that clearly violate the sovereignty of both Bahrain and Kuwait and threaten their security and stability.

According to the statement cited by Al Jazeera, the UAE reaffirmed its commitment to stand by Gulf countries in protecting their sovereignty and security. The condemnation underscores the UAE’s position against actions that destabilize the Gulf region and its emphasis on collective regional security.

The statement reflects growing concern among Gulf states over regional tensions and reiterates the UAE’s call for respect of national sovereignty and stability within the Gulf Cooperation Council area.

Hundreds of snakes escaped from a breeding farm in Hengzhou city of China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region after floods triggered by Typhoon Maysak damaged the facility. According to Chinese media outlet Global Times, around 800 to 900 snakes fled into surrounding areas, causing widespread alarm. The flood began on July 6 when heavy rainfall broke a local reservoir dam, inundating the farm. Initial reports suggest most of the escaped snakes are nonvenomous.

Local authorities confirmed that one villager was hospitalized after a snakebite, while many snakes were swept away by floodwaters. Residents formed volunteer teams to capture snakes using fishing nets, but officials urged people not to attempt this themselves. The Hengzhou administration strengthened emergency medical services, increased antivenom supplies, deployed additional rescue teams, and set up temporary clinics for bite victims.

Public awareness campaigns through loudspeakers, WeChat groups, and home visits advised residents to avoid risky areas, especially at night. Local media also issued safety guidelines, warning against traditional but unsafe snakebite treatments and urging immediate medical attention.

Assistant teacher Nasrin Sultana of Rahanpur No. 2 Model Government Primary School in Gomostapur upazila, Chapainawabganj, has been temporarily suspended. The district primary education officer, Md. Saiful Islam, issued the order on Thursday under Section 39(1) of the Government Employees Act 2018. The suspension followed allegations that she threatened to set fire to the education office, was frequently absent, stole a school laptop, assaulted students, and disrespected the head teacher.

According to the office order, two departmental cases are already pending against Nasrin under the Government Employees (Discipline and Appeal) Rules 2018, and she did not attend personal hearings. Officials said her irregular attendance and conflicts with colleagues disrupted the school environment. Assistant Upazila Education Officer A.K.M. Oliul Islam stated that Nasrin had threatened to burn the office and was caught on CCTV taking a laptop, which she later returned after a police report.

Nasrin Sultana denied all allegations, claiming she was being targeted with false information and asserting her honesty and dedication to teaching.

The Chattogram district administration has canceled all types of leave, including weekly holidays, for its officers and employees following five consecutive days of heavy rainfall that caused severe flooding, landslides, and waterlogging across the district. District Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah announced the decision during a press briefing at his office on Thursday, stating that 24-hour control rooms have been set up in every upazila and at the district office to coordinate rescue, relief, and monitoring efforts.

According to the district administration, around 450,000 people have been trapped by floodwaters, with Satkania upazila being the worst affected, as about 70 percent of its area is submerged. Large parts of Chandanaish, Lohagara, Banshkhali, and Boalkhali are also inundated. The administration has received 200 metric tons of rice and Tk 10 lakh from the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, along with Tk 20 lakh from the Prime Minister’s Fund. About 8,000 people have already taken shelter in designated centers.

A total of 629 shelters have been prepared with food, clean water, and medical services, including special care for children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Emergency speedboats have been requested for Satkania, and coordinated rescue teams from government agencies and volunteer groups are operating in the field.

Police in Nasirnagar, Brahmanbaria, detained a 20-year-old woman named Sumaiya Akter on Thursday morning for allegedly attempting to abduct a five-year-old schoolgirl. The incident occurred around 10 a.m. at Tullapara Government Primary School in Kunda Union. According to school sources, Sumaiya introduced herself as the girl’s aunt and tried to take her from the classroom. The headteacher became suspicious and contacted the child’s mother, who confirmed that the woman was not a relative. The school authorities then handed Sumaiya over to Nasirnagar police.

Police stated that Sumaiya claimed to be from Kishoreganj district and is currently in police custody. Nasirnagar Police Inspector (Investigation) Sohel Shikder said legal action would be taken if the victim’s family or the school filed a written complaint.

The detained woman remains under investigation as police await a formal complaint to proceed with legal measures.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s reserved seat Member of Parliament Advocate Sabikun Nahar Munni expressed concern in parliament over widespread food adulteration in Bangladesh. Speaking during the 22nd day of the 13th National Parliament’s first budget session, she questioned the food minister about government measures to ensure safe and unadulterated food. Munni remarked that while drugs appear free from adulteration, food items, especially fruits during the current season, are often contaminated, leaving consumers uncertain about what is safe to eat.

In response, the food minister acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, noting that adulterated food contributes to serious health problems such as cancer and kidney disease. He added that the Prime Minister is highly concerned about the matter. The exchange highlighted growing parliamentary attention to food safety and public health risks linked to adulteration.

The discussion underscored the need for stronger government initiatives to monitor food quality and protect consumers from harmful substances in the market.

The Election Commission (EC) has issued the official gazette recognizing BNP candidate Sarowar Alamgir as the elected Member of Parliament for the Chattogram-2 constituency in the 13th National Parliament. The decision followed receipt of the High Court verdict declaring his candidacy valid. The EC stated that after publishing the gazette on Thursday, a letter will be sent to the Parliament Secretariat to arrange his oath-taking.

Earlier, Alamgir had won the February 12 election, but the EC withheld the gazette due to legal complications over his candidacy. Although the returning officer initially accepted his nomination, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Muhammad Nurul Amin appealed to the EC alleging loan default. On January 18, the EC upheld the appeal and canceled Alamgir’s candidacy, prompting him to file a writ petition in the High Court.

The High Court later suspended the EC’s decision and allowed Alamgir to contest under the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol. The Appellate Division permitted his participation but ordered the result and gazette to remain pending until final judgment. With the latest High Court ruling, the legal barrier to publishing the result and taking oath has been removed.

At least eight Palestinians were killed and 17 others injured in fresh Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip within the past 24 hours, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The ministry reported that intense bombardment has made it difficult for rescue and civil defense teams to reach those trapped under rubble or lying on the streets, raising fears that the death toll could rise further.

The report stated that since the ceasefire agreement brokered by international mediators in October last year, Israeli forces have repeatedly violated the truce. Since then, at least 1,092 Palestinians have been killed and 3,507 injured in Israeli military operations. Despite the ceasefire, drone and missile strikes have continued in various parts of Gaza, deepening humanitarian distress and anger among local residents.

The ongoing attacks have heightened concerns over worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza as rescue efforts remain severely hampered by continuous bombardment.