Former U.S. President Donald Trump said he has heard that India may stop importing oil from Russia, calling it a “positive step.” Previously, Trump criticized India for engaging in what he called unfair trade practices and maintaining deep energy and defense ties with Russia. On Wednesday, Trump wrote, “India will now pay a 25% tariff, along with penalties starting in early August, for their previous actions.” He added, “India is our friend, but for years we’ve had minimal trade because their tariffs are extremely high—some of the highest in the world.”

Following a UN statement urging Hamas to disarm and surrender authority in Gaza, the group responded firmly, declaring it would not cease resistance until a fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital is established.

Seventeen nations, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, France, Egypt, and institutions like the EU and Arab League, backed the UN call. However, Hamas maintained that its fight will continue until the occupation ends and Palestinian independence is realized.

A fire broke out on the fifth floor of Sundarban Square Market in Gulistan at around 10 AM on Saturday. Eleven firefighting units were deployed to bring the blaze under control. Duty officer Lima Akter of the Fire Service confirmed the incident but said the cause and extent of the damage remain unknown.

Anwar-ul-Alam Chowdhury Parvez, President of the Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI), expressed concern over the proposed 20% tariff on exports to the U.S. While it may sustain competitiveness on paper, he warned that demand for Bangladeshi goods could drop by 30–35%, citing research from American analysts.

He also criticized the lack of internal cost-reduction measures and unexpected port charge hikes. “Instead of finding solutions, we are facing rising shipping costs due to mismanagement and reduced container traffic,” Parvez lamented.

Philosopher and political thinker Farhad Mazhar stated that the July uprising was a spontaneous people's movement without a central mastermind or organizational control. “That’s not a flaw,” he said, “Most revolutions happen this way.”

Mazhar urged young leaders not to overly rely on electoral politics, warning, “Elections alone will not solve the country's structural problems. Our mission is greater — rebuilding institutions from the ground up.” He acknowledged strategic mistakes made by youth-led political groups but also highlighted their courage and evolving wisdom.

Milestone authorities have published the names and photographs of 33 individuals who perished in a recent aircraft accident linked to the institution. The list includes students from various grades, teachers, parents, and staff.

Among the victims were fourth-grade student Mahit Hasan Arian, several classmates from Sky, Cloud, and Sepia sections, Coordinator Maherin Chowdhury, Assistant Teacher Masuka Begum, and caregiver Masuma Begum. The tragedy has left the institution and community in deep mourning.

Dr. A.F.M. Khalid Hossain, Religious Affairs Advisor, stressed the importance of utilizing technology to convey the timeless messages of Islam to today’s youth. “Attractive visuals, short videos, animations, and engaging multimedia formats can significantly boost interest,” he noted.

He added that crossing language and geographical barriers through subtitles, translations, and multilingual content can enhance global outreach. Leveraging internet platforms and social media, he argued, can exponentially amplify Da’wah efforts.

Renowned cultural advisor Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has described July as a month of defiance and powerful resistance against inequality. He praised the younger generation for crafting a modern-day epic through their achievements, asserting, “July is both our inspiration and awakening.”

Farooki called for national unity among supporters of cultural progress in Bangladesh, stating that in July 2024, once again, youth sowed the seeds of liberation on this blood-stained soil. At the same event, Press Secretary Shafiqur Alam emphasized the need to embrace Bangladesh’s cultural identity to overcome ideological challenges, including the legacy of Mujibism.

The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education has launched a special initiative to fill vacant head teacher positions in public primary schools. A request has been sent to the Public Service Commission (PSC) to begin recruitment for 2,382 direct recruitment posts. An additional 31,459 positions remain on hold due to ongoing legal cases. Once resolved, those will be filled through internal promotion. On July 14, the chief advisor directed that the recruitment process be expedited to address the staffing crisis.

Shipping Advisor Sakhawat Hossain visited the Sultanpur River Port and Protocol Port in Rajshahi. He stated that while Bangladesh can dredge its side of the river, it cannot operate on Indian territory. He expressed hope for joint discussions, noting India’s commercial interest in the port. Despite initial trial runs, the port's operation stalled due to insufficient navigability and infrastructure deficiencies. The advisor said the government will seek NBR approval and undertake road and infrastructure upgrades if there is positive response from all stakeholders.

A clash erupted at Shahbagh Friday evening when a group of youths claiming to be the "real July warriors" attacked and dispersed another group blocking the intersection. Police intervened with baton charges to break up the confrontation and clear the road. Arman Shafin, coordinator of the 'July Warrior Council,' claimed that their peaceful protest was disrupted by outsiders and that eight of their members were injured during police action. The protesting group had been demonstrating since Thursday.

Advisor Mahfuz Alam announced that the ‘July Declaration’ will be officially unveiled by August 5. He thanked all contributors for keeping the issue alive through public demand. The interim government has sent a draft of the declaration to major political groups, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizens’ Party. The document outlines 26 points, the first 21 of which recount historical democratic struggles, including the July uprising. The final five points call for democratic reforms, justice for crimes during Awami League rule, human rights, rule of law, and the establishment of an inclusive democratic system.

Dhaka University authorities have suspended the Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) degree of former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed after confirming he obtained it through procedural irregularities without meeting eligibility requirements. The decision was taken following a Syndicate meeting held on July 20, where Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan presented the findings of a fact-finding committee. A five-member probe committee has been formed to conduct further investigation and is expected to submit a report within 30 working days. The suspension will remain in effect until the final report is submitted.

Following US President Donald Trump’s decision to slash tariffs on Bangladeshi textile products from 35% to 20%, shares of several major Indian textile companies plummeted. The move is expected to make Bangladesh even more competitive in the US market. According to Upstox, KPR Mills fell by 5%, Welspun Living by 2%, Alok Industries by 0.8%, Pearl Global by 3.7%, Gokaldas Exports by 2.6%, Kitex Garments by 3.21%, and Bardhaman Textiles by 2.8%. The new tariff structure has caused concern among Indian exporters, especially in labor-intensive sectors such as textiles and electronics, with the US being India’s largest export destination.

About 110 meters of the protective embankment at the Padma Bridge construction yard in Shariatpur’s Jajira area collapsed due to strong river currents, causing at least 30 homes to be washed away. Locals are relocating amid fear of further erosion. The Water Development Board is dumping geobags and geotubes to halt the damage, but heavy currents and rain hinder efforts. Authorities plan permanent embankment repairs before the next rainy season and will assist affected families.