At the U.S. State Department's July 8 press briefing, spokesperson Tammy Bruce avoided directly answering several controversial questions related to India and Bangladesh. These included India's statements on counterterrorism at a recent Quad meeting, minority issues in Bangladesh, and allegations of weapons found in the bag of political adviser Asif Mahmood—allegedly linked to violence during the 2024 anti-government protests.

Bruce called the matters "complex diplomatic issues" and referred reporters to official statements from the U.S. Secretary of State. She declined to comment on statements made by other countries or allegations raised by individual journalists.

Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, the interim government’s economic advisor, stated that reforms in Bangladesh’s financial sector are being driven not solely by IMF and World Bank recommendations but also by domestic initiatives. Speaking at a press briefing, he emphasized the importance of transparency, auditing, and accountability. Dr. Ahmed highlighted the need for auditing the National Board of Revenue (NBR), pointing out the implausibly high number of zero-tax filings. He stressed that to attract foreign investment, Bangladesh must enhance its auditing and accounting standards.

The United States has invited Bangladesh for the second round of discussions on the 2025 tariff agreement. Talks are set to begin Wednesday in Washington, D.C. The Bangladeshi delegation is being led in person by Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashiruddin, with National Security Advisor Dr. Khalilur Rahman participating virtually. Senior trade ministry officials have already arrived in the U.S. Bangladesh is among the first nations to respond following President Trump’s July 7 letters to 14 countries about tariff revisions. Following initial talks on June 27, Dhaka is hopeful for a swift finalization of the agreement.

Bangladesh's foreign exchange reserves have fallen below the $30 billion mark following a $2.01 billion payment to the Asian Clearing Union (ACU) for import bills. The payment, made on July 8, brought the gross reserves down to $29.53 billion. Net reserves also saw a significant decline, dropping to $24.46 billion from over $26 billion before the transaction.

The decline is attributed to payments covering import liabilities for the months of May and June. Officials say this is a routine payment under ACU obligations but highlights ongoing pressure on the country’s reserve position.

Economists caution that sustained drops in reserves could impact the country's import capacity and exchange rate stability, particularly amid global economic uncertainties.

Bangladesh Bank is set to establish a special fund of Tk 250 crore in honor of the martyrs and injured of the July Movement. Of this amount, Tk 140 crore will come from the central bank's own resources, while 11 private banks will contribute a total of Tk 110 crore. The decision was finalized on July 8 in a meeting chaired by Governor Ahsan H. Mansur. The fund will be channeled through the “July Martyrs Memorial Foundation” to provide support to the families of those killed and injured during the movement. Stakeholders are describing the initiative as a testament to the state’s humanitarian responsibility.

Iran has firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand to restart nuclear negotiations, with Tehran confirming that it has not requested any talks with the United States. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, stated that no meeting request has been made by Iran to Washington.

Previously, Trump and his Middle East envoy had claimed that discussions between Iran and the U.S. would take place in Norway. Last month, amid heightened tensions, Iran’s military and nuclear facilities were targeted in multiple Israeli strikes. In retaliation, Iran launched “Operation True Promise Three.” After 12 days of clashes, a ceasefire was agreed upon on June 24, temporarily easing the hostilities.

The United States may reconsider the recently imposed 35% tariff on Bangladeshi products, according to Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed. He stated that a key meeting between Bangladesh’s Trade Adviser and representatives of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) will be held on Wednesday, July 9, to discuss the issue.

Dr. Ahmed noted that the trade deficit between Bangladesh and the U.S. is only $5 billion, making such a high tariff unjustifiable. The 35% tariff is scheduled to take effect on August 1. Previously, a 37% tariff was proposed in April but was suspended for three months.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam stated that Dhaka is eager to secure a mutually beneficial (“win-win”) tariff agreement with the U.S. Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin is currently in Washington leading discussions with the U.S., accompanied by National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman. Following a letter from President Trump regarding the imposition of a 35% tariff starting August 1, several rounds of talks have taken place. Another meeting is scheduled for July 9.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that a schedule has been set for direct talks with Iran, stating that "they want to negotiate." Speaking at a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, Trump revealed that Iran has requested a meeting and is ready to reach a settlement. Expressing optimism, he added, “Hopefully, no further attacks will be necessary. Dialogue can lead to resolution.” Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, mentioned the meeting may take place “within the next week.”

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a warning that Bangladeshi exports may face a 35% tariff starting August 1. In a letter to interim Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, Trump cited Bangladesh’s trade surplus, non-tariff barriers, and discriminatory policies as threats to U.S. economic interests and national security. He indicated that unless these trade barriers are lifted, the additional tariffs will be implemented. However, if Bangladesh opens its markets and reforms its policies, the U.S. is open to reconsidering the move. Similar letters were reportedly sent to 14 other nations.

Bangladesh's inflation rate fell to 8.48% in June 2025, down from 9.05% in May and 9.72% in June 2024, according to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. The drop is mainly attributed to a decrease in both food and non-food prices. Food inflation declined significantly to 7.39% in June from 8.59% the previous month, offering some relief to consumers. Non-food inflation saw a slight decrease to 9.37% from 9.42%. The easing of inflation reflects improved price stability in essential commodities.

Overseas Bangladeshis continue to play a vital role in strengthening the country’s economy through remittance inflows. In the first six days of July 2025, remittance reached $427 million, marking a 15.34% increase compared to the same period last year. During the 2024-25 fiscal year, a record $30.33 billion was sent home, the highest ever in Bangladesh’s history, reflecting a 26.8% rise from the previous year’s $23.91 billion.

U.S. President Donald Trump's upcoming tariff hikes, set to begin August 1, have triggered uncertainty across South and Southeast Asian markets. Companies face rising costs, disrupted supply chains, and pressure to find alternative trade routes. Nations like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Japan are reassessing U.S. relations, while poorer countries like Cambodia face harsh duties. Experts warn the shift from globalization to regionalization is accelerating, with China emerging as a stabilizing trade partner amid the U.S.’s unpredictable policies.

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the President Guard Regiment (PGR), President Md. Sahabuddin instructed the members to always remain loyal to leadership and diligently fulfill their responsibilities. He paid tribute to the martyrs of the regiment, prayed for their souls, and commended the members’ focus, dedication, discipline, and professionalism. The President exchanged greetings with the Chief of Army Staff and the PGR commander and addressed the officers and junior commissioned officers during the ceremony.

The first round of indirect ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel in Qatar has ended without any breakthrough.

Hamas had proposed amendments to the draft agreement, but Israel rejected them outright. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes continued in Gaza, killing at least 82 Palestinians on Sunday, including 39 in Gaza City alone.

U.S. President Donald Trump remains hopeful that a ceasefire deal could still be reached within the week. However, the lack of clear directives for the Israeli negotiators has stalled finalization of the agreement.