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.

The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that eight Palestinians were killed and 17 others injured in the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours due to Israeli military attacks. The ministry’s daily update, cited by Al Jazeera, stated that many bodies remain trapped under rubble and along roads, as ongoing strikes have prevented emergency and civil defense teams from reaching affected areas.

According to the ministry, since the ceasefire that took effect on October 11, 2025, a total of 1,084 people have been killed in Gaza. During the same period, 3,491 have been injured, and 799 bodies have been recovered from the debris. The report highlights the continuing humanitarian toll and operational challenges faced by rescue workers amid the persistent violence.

The situation underscores the fragility of the ceasefire and the ongoing risks to civilians in Gaza as hostilities continue to obstruct rescue and recovery efforts.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan told Parliament that the government does not support unauthorized, unprofessional, or unethical activities under the name of mobile journalism. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring media freedom, professionalism, accountability, and responsible journalism. The minister made these remarks while responding to a parliamentary question on Wednesday.

He said a proposal has been made to amend the 1974 Press Council Act to make the council stronger, more effective, and media-friendly. The proposed amendments include setting minimum educational qualifications for journalists, introducing a registration system similar to the Bar Council, imposing financial penalties for false or unethical reporting, and empowering the council to investigate and act on fake news, hate speech, or content against national interest. The minister also noted that the government is reviewing policies on electronic media advertising and digital content to align with technological changes and international standards.

Swapan added that the government is considering a balanced policy framework for podcasts, blogging, and influencer-based digital content, ensuring harmony between freedom of expression and public interest.

U.S. President Donald Trump has accused Iran of being responsible for the recent escalation of attacks between the two sides. He claimed that during the week-long funeral of Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Iranian leaders requested a 'timeout' from the United States, asking that no attacks be carried out during the ceremonies.

Trump stated that the Iranian side wanted to attend Khamenei’s funeral, and he agreed to allow them that opportunity. However, he alleged that soon after, Iran launched missile strikes. He described the situation as 'madness' but added that the killing of Khamenei should also be considered in understanding the events.

According to Trump, Iranian leaders also asked the United States not to target or kill them during the funeral period, and he said the U.S. had assured them that no such action would be taken.

US President Donald Trump said the United States could launch new strikes on Iran on Wednesday night, following Tuesday’s attack that he claimed had a “massive impact.” Speaking to reporters in Ankara before meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a NATO summit, Trump warned that the US would deliver a “hard hit” against Iran. He said the latest strike destroyed Tehran’s radar system, though he provided no evidence for the claim.

Trump added that the US might target Iran’s power plants and desalination facilities if necessary, saying the goal was to make Iran nuclear-free. He expressed frustration with Iran’s negotiation team, accusing them of lying about closed-door discussions, and suggested that Washington could achieve its objectives without a formal deal. He also hinted at reimposing sanctions solely on Iran.

In response, Ali Akbar Velayati, senior adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, blamed the US for reigniting conflict in the Gulf region. He warned that Iran’s “finger is on the trigger” and that any act of aggression would receive an immediate response.

On July 8, 2026, Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party launched a fully digital selection process to send skilled women workers to Moldova through its Welfare Trust. The initiative began with 139 female members from the Dhaka Metropolitan Ansar North and East zones participating in the first phase at the Ansar headquarters. Candidates completed self-declaration forms and took live written tests using Google Forms under strict supervision, followed by physical assessments and interviews before a jury board.

The process, guided by Director General Major General Abdul Motaleb Sajjad Mahmud, aims to eliminate middlemen and ensure merit-based selection through five oversight committees. A specialized software automatically compiles evaluation results, minimizing human interference. The second phase, involving 161 candidates from the South and West zones, follows the same transparent digital procedure.

Selected candidates will receive advanced training to adapt to European work environments and enhance professional skills. The program seeks to create a sustainable model for safe, legal migration, empowering Bangladeshi women while strengthening the country’s reputation and economy through skilled labor exports.