At least seven warehouse workers were killed and dozens injured in a series of Ukrainian drone strikes across several Russian regions, according to local governors on July 18, 2026. The attacks also triggered a fire at an oil depot in the wider Moscow area. In Tambov region’s Kotovsk city, about 475 kilometers southeast of Moscow, a drone hit a warehouse of Russia’s largest online retailer Wildberries, injuring 25 people. Governor Yevgeny Pervyshov said seven night-shift workers died at the scene and that 28 drones had been shot down before impact.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukrainian forces targeted two Russian logistics facilities used for supplying drone components and navigation equipment, as well as an oil installation. In Moscow’s Elektrostal city, another Wildberries warehouse was struck, injuring 24 people, according to regional governor Andrei Vorobyov. Wildberries CEO Tatyana Kim described it as a “terrible night” for Russia and the company, expressing condolences to victims’ families.

Vorobyov added that debris from a downed drone caused a fire at an oil depot in Noginsk, injuring two and prompting the evacuation of a nearby maternity hospital.

The Iraq-based armed group Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI) has announced a $10 million bounty for anyone who kills U.S. President Donald Trump. The group, known for its pro-Iran stance, made the declaration on Thursday, stating that the reward money was collected from donations by its members and supporters. The announcement described Trump as a criminal and claimed that those who carry out the killing—whether individuals, groups, or institutions—would receive the reward.

In its statement, IRI said that freedom-loving people around the world would continue efforts to bring Trump to justice, accusing him of killing children and scientists. The group added that revenge for their fallen fighters was a mandatory commitment and vowed that tyrants would not remain unpunished.

According to a Gulf News report, the declaration followed Trump’s recent comment during a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi at the White House, where he acknowledged his role in the 2020 killing of Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a missile and drone attack on a US air base located in Al-Azraq, Jordan. The strike targeted areas used for housing American fighter jets and a large aircraft parking ramp. According to the IRGC, at least two US fighter jets were completely destroyed, and several others sustained significant damage.

In a statement, the IRGC called on Jordan’s military to target US forces, describing them as an aggressive and illegitimate presence. The group framed the attack as part of a religious and humanitarian duty to remove what it termed as foreign military aggression from Jordanian soil.

The report, citing Al Jazeera, did not include any immediate response from the United States or Jordanian authorities regarding the incident or its aftermath.

Iraq and the United States signed 48 agreements and memorandums of understanding during Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s visit to Washington. The deals include major partnerships in the energy sector, particularly oil, involving companies such as ExxonMobil, KBR, GE Vernova, Shell, and Halliburton. Iraq also reached agreements with Syria on constructing a crude oil pipeline and signed a deal with satellite communications firm Starlink to launch its services in the country.

Iraq, rich in oil resources, is seeking to rebuild its economy after decades of war and instability. The country continues to face challenges including weak infrastructure, poor public services, mismanagement, and widespread corruption. The recent halt in oil exports due to regional conflicts has severely impacted state revenues, prompting Baghdad to seek urgent investment and cooperation.

Prime Minister al-Zaidi, who took office earlier this year with U.S. support, has pledged to strengthen Iraq’s fragile economy and disarm Iran-backed armed groups. Iraq continues to balance its diplomatic relations between the United States and neighboring Iran.

The Skill Institute of Technology (Skill-IT) was inaugurated in Bagerhat on Saturday with the aim of developing skilled human resources and equipping young people with modern technology and job-oriented education. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament Barrister Kaiser Kamal as the chief guest. Barrister Sheikh Md. Zakir Hossain, Administrator of the District Council, was present as a special guest, and former secretary Dr. Md. Faridul Islam presided over the event.

Among others, former student leader CPO Rafiqul Islam Jaglu and acting principal of Government P.C. College Jahangir Ali were present along with local dignitaries. In his speech, Barrister Kaiser Kamal praised the charitable activities of the Latif Master Foundation and expressed confidence that the institution would gain national and international recognition. He also said such initiatives would help realize the vision of a self-reliant Bangladesh.

The event concluded with prayers seeking the overall success of the institution, attended by people from various professions, students, parents, and social and political figures.

Chinese-owned Huaran Tex Company Limited will invest 30 million US dollars to establish a textile manufacturing factory at the BEPZA Economic Zone in Mirsarai, Chattogram. The land lease agreement between the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) and Huaran Tex was signed on July 16 at the BEPZA Complex in Dhaka. The factory, to be built on 36,000 square meters of land, will produce 24,000 tons of yarn and 20 million meters of grey woven fabric annually once fully operational, creating employment for 580 Bangladeshi workers.

The agreement was signed by BEPZA Member (Investment Promotion) Md. Tanvir Hossain and Huaran Tex Managing Director Mr. Bin Wang, with BEPZA Executive Chairman Major General Mohammad Moazzem Hossain witnessing the ceremony. Senior officials from BEPZA and representatives of the company were also present.

During the event, the BEPZA Executive Chairman thanked Huaran Tex for choosing the BEPZA Economic Zone as its investment destination and reaffirmed BEPZA’s commitment to providing a secure, modern, and business-friendly environment for investors.

Bangladesh’s Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) aims to strengthen its geopolitical, economic, and business relations with China. Speaking at a discussion organized by the Bangladesh-China Friendship Association at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka, he said that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s recent visit to China had further deepened the existing ties between the two nations.

The event, titled “Long Live Bangladesh-China Friendship,” was attended by Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen as guest of honor. Mirza Fakhrul highlighted that BNP’s relationship with the Communist Party of China has been longstanding, continuing even during periods of political repression. He emphasized that China maintains relations not only with the ruling Awami League but also with other political parties, including BNP.

He added that Bangladesh seeks Chinese technological assistance in infrastructure, solar and green energy, and technical education. Mirza Fakhrul expressed optimism about future cooperation, noting ideological and business alignment between the two countries and BNP’s interest in maintaining balanced relations with China, India, and the United States.

Three suspended leaders and activists of the Chhatra League have been accused of assaulting an imam after breaking into a mosque in Borhanuddin upazila of Bhola. The incident occurred on Friday at the Tofayel Member Bari Jame Mosque in Gangapur Union’s Ward No. 6. The accused are identified as local ward president Labib and activists Sabnur and Hossain. According to the complaint, they broke the mosque door, entered inside, and beat imam Al-Amin, leaving him seriously injured. Locals rescued him and admitted him to Borhanuddin Upazila Health Complex.

Following the attack, locals organized a protest march and rally demanding the arrest and exemplary punishment of those involved. Speakers at the rally strongly condemned the assault and urged authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice. Mosque committee president Selim Member expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling for a fair investigation and strict punishment. Vice president Md. Bokul said such an act inside a mosque was unacceptable and legal action should be taken promptly.

Reporters visited the accused persons’ homes but could not locate them, and their comments could not be obtained.

The National Sports Council (NSC) announced new ad-hoc committees for 27 sports federations on Saturday, according to a circular signed by its Executive Director, Daulatuzzaman Khan. The decision was made under Section 21 of the National Sports Council Act, 2018 (amended 2026), which led to the dissolution of the existing ad-hoc committees. The previous committees were dissolved for failing to hand over responsibilities to newly elected bodies. The new ad-hoc committees have been made effective immediately.

The circular further stated that, under Section 14(3) of the same Act, each new ad-hoc committee must organize elections within three months and transfer responsibilities to elected committees. The announcement has generated mixed reactions in the sports community. Analysts noted that some members from the previous committees remain in the newly formed bodies, raising questions about transparency and accountability.

The NSC’s three-month deadline aims to ensure democratic management within sports federations, but the inclusion of former organizers in the new committees has prompted debate over the credibility of the reform process.

Israeli forces reportedly disrupted dawn prayers in Husan village of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank on July 18, 2026. According to the Wafa news agency citing a security source, soldiers raided a mosque, prevented the call to prayer and the performance of prayers, and forced worshippers out of the building. The occupying troops then fired stun grenades and tear gas at the people gathered outside.

The Palestinian news agency further reported that Israeli forces closed all entrances and gates to Al-Arqub village, located southwest of Bethlehem. They also attacked a resident of Nahalin city while he was crossing the main gate that separates the city from the rest of the governorate.

The report, sourced from Al Jazeera, did not mention any casualties or official responses from either side, leaving the extent of injuries or arrests unclear.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced that the government has adopted long-term plans, including the construction of sustainable embankments, to minimize losses from floods and tidal surges. He said the government’s primary goal is public welfare and that as an elected administration, it is committed to standing by citizens during any disaster. He made the remarks on Saturday at an event in Pekua, Cox’s Bazar, where 100 houses are being built for flood-affected families under the Shamsul Haque Foundation’s initiative.

The minister stated that assistance programs have been introduced for affected farmers, fishers, and livestock owners, including the distribution of fertilizers, seeds, and other agricultural materials. Damaged educational institutions, roads, and other infrastructure will be repaired quickly. He added that local administrations and representatives, not the Water Development Board, will manage sluice gates to ensure timely water drainage.

Ahmed emphasized that floods and tidal surges are natural realities in coastal areas but said strong, permanent embankments and new sluice gates are being planned across Cox’s Bazar to reduce future damage.

The Department of Architecture under the Ministry of Housing and Public Works has issued a recruitment notice to fill 33 positions across nine categories. According to the announcement, applications opened on July 15, 2026, at 10 a.m. and will remain open until August 6, 2026, at 5 p.m. Interested candidates must apply online, and both men and women are eligible. The appointments will be made on a temporary basis, and selected candidates may be posted anywhere in the country.

Applicants must be between 18 and 32 years of age as of July 1, 2026, though departmental candidates for position number five may apply up to age 37. Affidavits will not be accepted as proof of age. Applications must include a scanned photograph sized 300×300 pixels and a signature sized 300×80 pixels. Incomplete or late submissions will not be accepted.

Application fees must be paid through Teletalk pre-paid SIM within 72 hours. The fee is 168 taka for positions 1 and 2, 112 taka for positions 3 to 8, and 56 taka for position 9.

A BNP leader in Langadu upazila of Rangamati has been served a show-cause notice after allegations surfaced on social media that he sold trees worth about Tk 2.4 million from a teak garden owned by an Awami League leader. The notice was issued on July 17 by the upazila BNP, signed by its president Md Tofazzal Hossain and general secretary Abul Kalam Azad, asking member Abdur Razzak to explain his actions.

According to party sources, a video circulating online showed Razzak claiming that after the political change on August 5, the upazila BNP sold the trees from the garden owned by Awami League leader Fayezul Azim Fayez. The video went viral, sparking widespread discussion locally. The upazila BNP has dismissed the allegation as false and politically motivated, saying it was intended to damage the party’s image.

Razzak has been asked to submit a written explanation with evidence within three working days. The upazila BNP warned that failure to provide a satisfactory response could lead to permanent expulsion and further organizational or legal action under district BNP directives.

Dr. Mahmudur Rahman, editor of Amar Desh, stated that Hindutva and Hinduism are distinct concepts and that Hindutva’s foundation lies in hostility toward Muslims. Speaking as chief guest at a book unveiling ceremony at Dhaka University’s R. C. Majumdar Auditorium on Saturday, he said India, as Bangladesh’s largest neighbor and a major regional power, should be engaged intellectually rather than militarily or economically. The event marked the release of two books published by Bedouin Publications: A. M. Abdullah’s “Bangladeshe July Biplob” and the Bengali translation of Syed Sadatullah Husaini’s “Hindutvabadi Extremism: Ideological Conflict and Muslims.”

Rahman emphasized that Hindutva is a political ideology, not merely a religious identity, and must be countered through intellectual and political discourse. He argued that the Muslim world has fallen behind due to a lack of research and intellectual leadership, urging renewed focus on knowledge and critical study. He also stressed preserving historical accuracy, promoting reading habits, and encouraging research-based publications to strengthen intellectual leadership among the younger generation.

He concluded by urging students to debate, question, and research before forming opinions, asserting that intellectual strength is essential to confront ideological challenges.

Iran has issued a strong warning to the United States, threatening a full-scale military operation if US bombings continue. Major General Mohsen Rezaei, a senior military adviser, declared that no political borders would remain safe should the attacks persist. He emphasized that Iran would no longer limit its response to proportional retaliation.

Rezaei stated that the era of negotiations during wartime has ended. He explained that until now, Iran’s focus had been on deterrence and ending conflict rather than expanding the war or pursuing aggression. According to him, Iran’s capture of Hormuz was aimed at bringing the conflict to an end.

The warning comes amid escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington, with recent reports of Iranian attacks on key oil facilities in Kuwait and a US airbase in Jordan, as well as continued violence involving other regional actors.