French President Emmanuel Macron held discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi regarding the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Macron revealed that he also addressed an upcoming France-hosted summit in New York, which aims to promote a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. In his call with Erdogan, Macron stated, “Everything must be done to ensure peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.” Speaking about his conversation with El-Sisi, he emphasized, “We cannot accept that so many people, including children, are dying of hunger.”

Previously, Macron announced France's intention to formally recognize a Palestinian state.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the establishment of a Palestinian state is essential for resolving the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, including tensions with Israel. He reiterated Russia’s long-standing support for a two-state solution, noting that the country officially recognized Palestine's independence back in 1988.

Peskov urged all parties to adhere to UN Security Council resolutions to achieve lasting peace. Meanwhile, in the UK, 220 MPs—mostly from the ruling Labour Party—have called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to formally recognize Palestine. France has also announced its intention to recognize the Palestinian state soon.

Economist and former central bank governor Salehuddin Ahmed stated that Bangladesh currently lacks well-functioning institutions. At a book launch event in Dhaka, he said that 80% of the country’s banking resources are misallocated and that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates $35 billion will be required to restructure the sector. He added that both legal integrity and procedural systems have deteriorated. Mirza Fakhrul Islam, Secretary General of the BNP, also spoke at the event, claiming that corruption has increased fivefold. Both speakers called for urgent democratic reforms and structural changes in political power.

Pakistan is close to finalizing a trade agreement with the United States, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. He said a team has been formed under the Prime Minister’s directive to coordinate the deal, which could be concluded within days. The agreement is expected to focus on minerals, offshore gas, and broader commercial cooperation. Dar also invited U.S. investors to explore opportunities in Pakistan.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that a direct meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is imminent. Speaking to reporters before departing for Scotland, Trump remarked that the talks should have happened three months ago. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has also expressed interest in bringing Putin and Trump together in Istanbul. Meanwhile, Kyiv has proposed a peace summit in August, though the Kremlin insists any such meeting must be part of a finalized peace agreement.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Towhid Hossain and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a phone conversation to discuss the urgent need for coordinated action to halt Israel's ongoing atrocities in Gaza. Araghchi condemned Israel’s crimes and the denial of food and water to Palestinians, urging a unified response from Muslim nations, including an emergency session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Adviser Hossain echoed the condemnation and stressed the need for meaningful support to the Palestinian people. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

A progress review meeting on customs and VAT revenue collection was held under the leadership of NBR’s Chairman of the Internal Resources Division, Md. Abdur Rahman Khan. The chairman praised the performance of high-achieving commissionerates and customs houses. He emphasized preventing tax evasion, expediting cargo clearance, timely audits, and regular updates on bonded licenses and BIN suspensions. Plans are underway to introduce a new software system as an alternative to ASYCUDA, following a successful pilot. The meeting stressed the importance of trade facilitation and risk management in boosting revenue.

In remembrance of the victims of the recent plane crash involving Milestone School & College students in Uttara, the Bangladesh Embassy in Tehran has opened a condolence book. The book was made available on July 22, Bangladesh’s National Day of Mourning. Ambassadors from Iran, Belarus, Malaysia, Kuwait, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam have already signed. The book will remain open until Sunday, and messages of sympathy can also be sent via the embassy’s official email.

The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has officially invited Bangladesh for final tariff negotiations in Washington on July 29, confirmed Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman. The Bangladeshi delegation will be led by Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin. Discussions may also be held virtually. Bangladesh hopes to negotiate a reduction in the current 35% tariff rate and has proposed duty-free imports of cotton, wheat, LNG, aircraft, and agricultural products from the U.S. A deal has already been signed to import 700,000 tons of wheat.

Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin has assured that Bangladesh will not take any actions that compromise its national interests in response to the recent imposition of U.S. tariffs. Speaking at the Secretariat on Thursday, he confirmed that a formal letter has been sent to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, and a request has been made for an online meeting.

Regarding the appointment of lobbyists, Sheikh Bashir noted that while businesses may engage lobbyists independently, the government has not taken any such initiative. He stressed that the government remains actively engaged in discussions and is not passive on the issue.

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi met with Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury in Dhaka to discuss several bilateral issues. The agenda included combating drugs and terrorism, police training, on-arrival visas for diplomatic and official passport holders, and cooperation on the Rohingya refugee crisis.

Bangladesh urged Pakistan to support repatriation efforts, pointing out that while Pakistan does not offer citizenship to Rohingyas, it is issuing passports under a separate code. Bangladesh also extended condolences for a recent aviation tragedy and invited further diplomatic engagements.

Pakistani Interior Minister and ACC President Mohsin Raza Naqvi paid a courtesy call on Advisor Asif Mahmud Sajib. During the meeting, Naqvi expressed condolences over the recent Uttara aircraft crash and discussed bilateral cooperation. The two sides expressed interest in enhancing collaboration in sports—particularly cricket, hockey, and kabaddi—as well as in youth skill development and employment initiatives. They also discussed potential partnerships in education, scholarships, and renewable energy. Naqvi extended an invitation for an official visit to Pakistan.

Senior officials from Iran, Russia, and China have pledged to strengthen trilateral cooperation during a meeting in Tehran focused on nuclear issues, sanctions, and resisting Western dominance. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi denounced the European “snapback” sanctions as legally baseless and illegitimate. The three nations warned against coercive diplomacy and highlighted the harmful impact of sanctions on Global South nations. They agreed to maintain close consultations and to participate in upcoming nuclear talks with the European “Troika” in Istanbul. Iran reiterated its demand for the unconditional lifting of all sanctions as a prerequisite for a lasting agreement.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a “massive” trade agreement with Japan. According to Trump, the deal will see Japan invest $550 billion in the United States and impose a 15% reciprocal tariff.

The agreement will also open Japanese markets to American automobiles, trucks, and agricultural products. Speaking at the White House, Trump called the deal "one of the largest in history." Japanese negotiator Ryosei Akazawa also praised the agreement as a success.

Bangladesh has submitted its final position paper to the United States Trade Representative (USTR), seeking a reduction in the 35% additional tariffs imposed during the Trump administration. The country has also requested a third round of negotiations to be held on July 26–27.

The previous discussions ended without a breakthrough, raising uncertainty about potential tariff relief. The new tariffs are scheduled to take effect from August 1.

In an inter-ministerial meeting, Bangladesh decided to increase imports of U.S. goods—including wheat, soybeans, LNG, and military equipment—and to lower tariffs on some American products. However, the talks remain under a non-disclosure agreement, keeping key details confidential.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) is considering hiring a lobbying firm in Washington, although securing one has reportedly become increasingly difficult.