At an event commemorating ‘Jatrabari Resistance Day,’ Industrial Affairs Advisor Adilur Rahman Khan said fascism, even when defeated, attempts to return—hence it must be actively resisted.

He praised the sacrifices of students and madrasa youth during past protests in Jatrabari, calling it a foundation of today’s resistance. He said the cries of martyr families will turn into prayers, and young people's courage will build a new Bangladesh. Nurul Haque Nur, president of Gono Adhikar Parishad, stressed the importance of political unity to prevent further incidents like Gopalganj.

Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed warned that the absence of meaningful and sustainable judicial independence threatens the establishment of rule of law and democracy.

Speaking at a memorial for Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed on July 17, he reaffirmed the importance of the Masdar Hossain case, which advocated for judicial separation. He raised concerns about Articles 109, 116, and 116(a) of the Constitution, warning against dual authority. He also pointed out that political interference and bureaucratic complexities remain major obstacles to judicial reform—stressing that real change depends on political will.

On July 18, 2024, Bangladesh witnessed one of its most controversial days when internet access across the country was deliberately shut down under a state-led plan. The shutdown began with mobile networks, followed by broadband, initially justified by a fire incident. However, later investigations revealed it was a government-orchestrated move. Then-State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak later admitted the decision was intentional.

The internet blackout caused severe disruptions to the IT and e-commerce sectors, prompting many freelancers to leave the country. To commemorate the incident, the current government has declared July 18 as ‘Free Internet Day’, during which all users will receive 1GB of free mobile data.

Additionally, Starlink satellite internet has entered the Bangladeshi market, promoting unrestricted access. The Mobile Subscribers Association has demanded that the day be recognized as a ‘Digital Black Day’ and has called for symbolic, peaceful protests. There are also growing calls to declare internet access a fundamental right in the Constitution.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami organized a protest march and rally in Chattogram on July 17, condemning recent attacks, arson, and unrest in Gopalganj. Starting from the north gate of Anderkilla Shahi Jame Mosque, the procession moved through major city streets before concluding at a rally in front of the Press Club. Addressing the gathering, acting city Ameer Muhammad Nazrul Islam described the 2024 July Uprising as a public rebellion against fascism, symbolized by martyrs like Abu Saeed. He accused authorities of attempting to destabilize the situation by orchestrating attacks in Tungipara on the anniversary of the uprising. Nazrul also referenced the country’s liberation war, national unity, and the historical context of political oppression in his speech.

The government is reintroducing the scholarship examination for public primary schools, expected to be held in December this year, between December 21 and 24. Students will sit for a 2.5-hour exam covering four subjects: Bangla, English, Mathematics, and a combined paper on Bangladesh & Global Studies and Primary Science, each carrying 100 marks. Based on first-term exam results, up to 40% of fifth-grade students will be eligible to participate. The exam will be mandatory for public primary schools, PTI-affiliated institutions, and primary sections attached to government secondary schools. Schools have been instructed to email participant data and center numbers by July 24.

South Korea’s Supreme Court has cleared Samsung’s de facto leader Jay Y. Lee of all fraud accusations related to a 2015 merger deal. The case, which drew significant public attention amid widespread concerns over corporate corruption in chaebols, ended with the court ruling the merger and accounting practices lawful. Previously acquitted by lower courts, Lee faced allegations of manipulating share prices to consolidate control but was fully exonerated. This verdict strengthens Samsung’s leadership position in the country’s post-pandemic economic recovery.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has withdrawn the excise duty on raw materials used in the ready-made garments (RMG) sector, including cotton, synthetic fibers, and acrylic. According to a notification issued on July 17, these imported materials will now attract zero percent excise duty. Previously, there was a 2% advance income tax on cotton imports, which had been criticized by industry stakeholders.

The textile sector supplies approximately 70% of the yarn and fabric used in the RMG industry, which has investments worth nearly $23 billion. This decision is expected to provide some relief to the sector, which plays a crucial role in the country’s economy.

The Bangladesh Bank has announced that all scheduled banks across the country will be closed on August 5 in observance of 'July Uprising Day.' This day marks the downfall of the Awami League government following last year’s quota reform movement. The interim government has declared it a public holiday in memory of the bloodshed and government crackdown that occurred during the protests. The public is advised to complete all banking transactions in advance.

Maruf Kamal Khan, former press secretary to the BNP Chairperson, described the recent attack on NCP leaders in Gopalganj as barbaric. He alleged that even after losing power, Awami League’s armed wings continue to terrorize the public. In a Facebook post, Kamal questioned whether Gopalganj is being treated as an autonomous zone outside the reach of Bangladeshi law. He demanded the arrest and punishment of the attackers and warned that any obstruction to political activities in Gopalganj could pose a threat to national sovereignty.

Severe flooding in Pakistan’s Punjab province has claimed 63 lives and injured 290 within 24 hours due to continuous heavy rainfall. The National Disaster Management Authority reports most deaths were caused by collapsing homes, electrocution, or drowning. The government declared a holiday in Rawalpindi and urged residents near swollen rivers to evacuate. Punjab’s Chief Minister announced an emergency in several areas, with thousands of rescue workers deployed. The monsoon season has caused widespread disruption, with roads closed and flights canceled.

Professor Badiur Rahman, the respected president of Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi and a prominent cultural figure, passed away at the age of 81 while receiving treatment in Dhaka. He fell suddenly ill on Wednesday night and died at Health and Hope Hospital. His body was taken to the central Shaheed Minar for public homage and will be buried in his birthplace, Barisal. Badiur Rahman had been actively involved with Udichi since 1972. The organization expressed deep condolences on his passing.

Bangladesh’s total foreign currency reserves have increased to $30.02 billion, according to the latest data from Bangladesh Bank. However, using the IMF’s BPM6 calculation method, which excludes short-term liabilities, the net reserve stands at $24.99 billion. The recent rise follows a payment of $2.02 billion to the Asian Clearing Union, which had temporarily reduced reserves earlier this month. Officials noted a gradual recovery over the past weeks. The BPM6 method is now the global standard for reporting accurate net reserves.

Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen met with Bangladesh's Commerce Advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin on July 16 at the Secretariat in Dhaka. The two discussed strengthening trade and investment cooperation between the two nations. Both sides emphasized the importance of deepening bilateral ties and exploring new avenues for economic collaboration. The meeting reflects ongoing efforts by Bangladesh and China to enhance strategic partnerships, particularly in the areas of commerce and investment, aiming for mutual growth and long-term economic benefits.

Bangladesh's Election Commission (EC) has permanently revoked the registration of 96 domestic election monitoring organizations registered during the Awami League’s tenure. According to the EC’s public relations office, these cancellations are part of new policy guidelines that no longer recognize registrations under outdated rules. Among the delisted groups are controversial entities like JANIPOP and the SAARC Human Rights Foundation, both of which were criticized for endorsing questionable elections in the past.

India’s merchandise trade deficit is projected to rise to $300 billion in the 2025–26 fiscal year, up from $287 billion last year, driven by sluggish exports and robust import growth. According to an ICICI Bank report, weaker demand in major global markets—excluding the U.S.—has slowed export momentum. U.S. demand remains relatively high due to advance orders ahead of potential tariffs. Meanwhile, strong domestic consumption is expected to boost imports further, potentially widening the trade imbalance.