The Chinese Embassy in India has described the issue of selecting the Dalai Lama’s successor as a "thorn" in India-China relations. Chinese spokesperson Yu Jing stated that matters related to Tibet are purely internal affairs of China and have become a burden for India. China’s frustration grew after Indian ministers attended the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday and following remarks from the Tibetan spiritual leader. While China emphasizes its role in selecting the successor, Indian Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Dalai Lama’s office will decide on the reincarnation, prompting objections from Beijing. The issue has gained diplomatic significance ahead of Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar’s upcoming visit to China.

Newly appointed Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh, Dr. Abdullah Jafar H. Bin Aabiyah, has expressed keen interest in working closely to enhance bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia. The ambassador conveyed this during separate courtesy meetings with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Tawhid Hossain and Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam. Tawhid Hossain warmly welcomed the ambassador and expressed satisfaction over the existing strong ties between the two countries.

Increased remittance inflows have boosted the value of the Bangladeshi Taka, causing the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar to fall by Tk 2.20. According to Bangladesh Bank data, the interbank rate stood at Tk 120.10 on Monday, down from Tk 122.30 on July 9. Remittance inflows in FY 2024–25 rose by 26.81%. On July 13, Bangladesh Bank purchased $171 million from the market for the first time, helping stabilize the forex market. Reserves now stand at $24.54 billion, higher than last year. However, bank officials warn that a weakening dollar may harm exporters and overseas workers.

The Prime Minister’s Press Wing has dismissed as false the claims by Indian media outlets that murdered Mitford businessman Lal Chand alias Md. Sohag was a Hindu. In a Facebook statement released Sunday night, the press wing clarified that Sohag was a Muslim, son of Md. Ayub Ali and husband of Laki Begum. Outlets like NDTV, India Today, and WION were accused of publishing misleading reports. The statement further alleged that Indian media have consistently propagated false narratives about minority oppression in Bangladesh.

Trade negotiations between the United States and Bangladesh have so far yielded no positive developments regarding the proposed reduction of the 35% additional tariffs on Bangladeshi goods. Discussions are expected to continue throughout July, but policymakers have not issued any clear statements. Representatives from the garment sector warn that if the current 50% total duty remains in effect, it could severely impact exports, with some buyers already suspending orders. Economist Dr. Zahid Hussain criticized the government’s lack of preparation and failure to include relevant experts in the talks.

Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder has dismissed reports of a press conference by Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus at Ganabhaban on Monday (July 14) as "completely baseless." Posting on his verified Facebook account, he stated that no such event was scheduled and labeled the circulating reports as "false." Earlier, some media outlets had cited Senior Assistant Press Secretary Fayez Ahmed regarding the alleged press conference, which has now been refuted.

In a joint operation led by the Bangladesh Army in the Nikunja-2 area under Khilkhet Police Station, Md. Ismail Hossain Babu and his associate Sheikh Saiful Islam were caught red-handed with extorted money. The operation was conducted on Saturday night. Earlier that afternoon, six others were detained on similar extortion charges from the Uttara Sluice Gate area. The Army has reiterated its commitment to curbing criminal activities and urged the public to come forward with information.

Following a meeting with Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, World Bank Vice President for South Asia, Johannes Zutt, commented positively on Bangladesh’s economic progress. “Contrary to previous concerns, Bangladesh is now on the right track,” he said. Discussions included reforms in the financial sector, foreign exchange, and budget support, with an emphasis on attracting private and foreign investment. The World Bank expressed interest in supporting NBR reforms, bank restructuring, and infrastructure development. Further support will be finalized during the World Bank-IMF annual meetings this October.

Chinese automaker GAC has opened its flagship showroom in Dhaka’s Tejgaon area, expanding its footprint in Bangladesh’s automobile industry. The launch follows GAC’s official brand debut at the Dhaka Motor Show in May. DHS Motors, GAC’s sole distributor, plans to introduce the AION electric vehicle line soon. Senior officials from both DHS Motors and GAC International attended the inauguration. The company also aims to establish a local assembly plant, contributing to the development of an eco-friendly and sustainable transport sector in Bangladesh.

On July 13, the government issued a notification through the Ministry of Public Administration extending the executive magistrate powers of commissioned army officers by 60 days. Under the Code of Criminal Procedure 1998 and relevant criminal procedure sections, commissioned officers of captain rank and above can exercise these powers nationwide.

Close sources from the Syrian presidency confirm that interim President Ahmad al-Shara attended at least one secret meeting with Israeli officials in Baku, Azerbaijan. However, Damascus has officially denied the allegations. The discussions, jointly organized by Israel and the United States, covered sensitive issues including Iran’s influence, Hezbollah, the resettlement of Gaza refugees, and a potential security agreement. Talks also touched on opening an Israeli coordination office, signaling a possible shift in Syria-Israel relations. Both parties have yet to make public comments on the matter.

Following U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of a 30% tariff on imports from the EU and Mexico starting August 1, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that the EU would take reciprocal measures to protect its interests. While remaining open to negotiations, she stated that the EU would not hesitate to act if necessary. Trump has also proposed increased tariffs on imports from Japan, Canada, Brazil, and other countries.

Donald Trump has announced that a 30% tariff will be imposed on imports from the European Union and Mexico starting August 1.
Although he gave limited praise to Mexico, he accused the country of not doing enough to stop drug trafficking. He labeled the EU's trade practices as a national security threat and declared that one-sided trade relationships would no longer be tolerated.
This move will bring 24 countries, including all 27 EU member states, under the new tariff regime. Trump had earlier announced a similar 35% tariff on imports from countries including Bangladesh.

Garment exporters in Bangladesh have expressed serious concern about the potential suspension of up to $2 billion worth of orders if the Trump administration's proposed 35% tariff comes into effect.
Ongoing trade negotiations between the US and Bangladesh have yielded little progress, prompting brands—including retail giant Walmart—to delay or cancel orders.
Exporters blame the slow pace on disagreements over tariff structures and local value addition. Leaders of BGMEA and BKMEA say the talks are stalling due to undisclosed agreements and a lack of consultation with the business community. They are urging the government to take bold and strategic steps immediately.

At least 23 people, including four children, were killed in an airstrike by Myanmar’s military on a Buddhist monastery in Lin Ta Lu village, Sagaing region. The attack occurred around 1:00 AM on Saturday, where over 150 displaced civilians had taken shelter. More than 30 people were injured, many critically, and the death toll is expected to rise. The military has not issued a statement yet. The region is known as a resistance stronghold, and such attacks have intensified recently.