The United States has set two key conditions for Bangladesh during ongoing talks to waive the 35% tariff effective from August 1: investing in the U.S. manufacturing sector and ensuring labor rights in Bangladesh. Bangladesh aims to reduce the trade deficit by increasing imports of cotton, wheat, fuel, and purchasing Boeing aircraft. Despite challenges, both sides agree on most trade aspects. Discussions continue to finalize a bilateral trade agreement to protect Bangladesh’s interests amid growing U.S. tariff pressures.

NS Kamil Madrasa in Jhalokathi has emerged as the top performer in the Bangladesh Madrasa Education Board Dakhil exam this year. Out of 427 candidates, 227 achieved the highest GPA-5, with an impressive 99.77% pass rate. Founded by Islamic scholar Hazrat Azizur Rahman Qayed Sahib, the madrasa outperformed prominent institutions like Darunnajat Alia and Tamirul Millat Kamil Madrasa. Meanwhile, other local schools showed varied results, with some achieving high pass rates and GPA-5 scores, while others lagged behind.

Jessore district has secured the highest pass rate in the SSC exams under the Jessore Education Board, covering 10 districts of Khulna Division. Meherpur remains at the bottom with the lowest pass rate. This year’s overall pass rate dropped by 20% compared to last year, and GPA-5 achievers decreased by nearly 5,000. Higher failure rates in English and Mathematics impacted the results. Among 2,575 institutions, 75 achieved 100% pass, while two schools recorded a 100% failure rate.

Preparations for Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election are underway. Chief Election Commissioner Tahmida Ahmed will oversee the voting process, while Commissioner Brigadier General (Retd.) Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah will be responsible for election-time security. The interim government has directed law enforcement to be fully prepared by December. If reforms are completed on time, elections could take place before Ramadan next year.

The advisory council of the interim government has officially abolished the practice of addressing female officials and the Prime Minister as “Sir”—a rule that had been enforced during Sheikh Hasina’s 16-year tenure. A statement from the Chief Advisor’s press wing confirmed that this controversial protocol has been repealed and all related directives are under review.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has strongly condemned Israel for its actions in Gaza, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of committing crimes similar to those of Russian President Vladimir Putin in Ukraine. He criticized the European Union for not taking sufficient steps to address the humanitarian crisis in Palestine, warning that Israel’s actions will be remembered as a dark chapter of the 21st century. Sánchez called on European nations to act decisively and stated that any country violating EU principles, weaponizing hunger and war to destroy a legitimate state, cannot remain a partner of Europe.

Election Commissioner Abul Fazl Md. Sanaullah stated that the application from two political parties—Nagarik Oikya and NCP—requesting the Shapla (Water Lily) symbol was rejected. The application was made on April 17 and June 22 respectively. The symbol was excluded from the official list as it is considered a national emblem. Currently, 51 electoral symbols have been designated for registered parties, with 64 additional symbols reserved for new or independent candidates. NCP leader Sarjis Alam questioned the decision, arguing that if Shapla is excluded as a national symbol, so should Dhaner Sheesh (Paddy Sheaf), which is also nationally symbolic. The election symbol list includes 115 icons, including Nouka (Boat), even though the Awami League’s registration is currently suspended.

Feni has been severely affected by floods as the Muhuri, Kohua, and Silonia rivers breached their banks at 21 points, submerging large areas across the district. Upazilas including Parshuram, Phulgazi, Chhagalnaiya, and the district headquarters have seen tens of thousands of people stranded by floodwaters. The Bangladesh Army began rescue and relief operations using speedboats from 1 PM on Thursday. Residents have expressed frustration over delayed administrative response and a shortage of dry food. Power and communication have been severely disrupted. Despite some decline in water levels, new areas continue to be inundated due to embankment failures. The district has experienced continuous rainfall for the past four days. The District Commissioner reported an allocation of Tk 17.5 million for relief across six upazilas.

The Advisory Council, chaired by Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, held an in-depth discussion on Thursday regarding the severe flooding and waterlogging in Feni and Noakhali caused by excessive rainfall. Key topics included finalizing the design of the Musapur Regulator and Bamni Closure Dam, constructing permanent embankments in Feni, and improving canal and drainage systems in Noakhali. The meeting was informed that the World Bank-funded repair work on damaged embankments, riverbank protection, and water control structures is ongoing. Relief and rehabilitation efforts were also discussed.

Houthi-controlled Yemeni armed forces attacked and sank a cargo ship in the Red Sea using missiles and drone boats, killing four and leaving at least 15 missing. Six crew members were rescued. The assault was reportedly aimed at showing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza and pressuring the Israeli military. Yemeni military spokesperson Brigadier General Yahya Saree claimed the vessel, Eternity-C, was en route to Israel. He also stated that some sailors were rescued and provided with medical assistance by Houthi forces.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva strongly criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal to impose a 50% tariff on all Brazilian imports. Lula asserted that Brazil is a sovereign nation and will not accept foreign interference in its democratic institutions or judicial system. He dismissed claims of a U.S. trade deficit with Brazil, stating that over the past 15 years, the U.S. has enjoyed a $410 billion trade surplus. Lula emphasized that Brazil would respond to unilateral tariff actions through its own legal and economic frameworks.

The second round of three-day tariff negotiations between Bangladesh and the United States began in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday. Discussions covered nearly all major aspects of bilateral trade. The Bangladesh delegation is led by Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashiruddin, with Dr. Khalilur Rahman and Fayez Ahmed Tayeb joining virtually from Dhaka. Senior officials from U.S. agricultural, energy, trade, and copyright departments also participated. Bangladesh aims to finalize an agreement before the new U.S. tariffs — set to take effect on August 1 for 14 countries — come into force. Talks will continue through Friday.

Professor Ali Riaz, Vice Chairman of the National Consensus Commission, stressed the urgent need for a broad national agreement on fundamental state reforms. He highlighted progress in recent talks among political parties on key issues, including judicial independence, safeguarding civil rights, decentralization of power, and prevention of authoritarianism. A national charter is expected to be finalized by the end of July. Riaz stated that the commission is working in collaboration with political parties to ensure swift resolution.

The results of the 2025 Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent exams were released on Thursday by all 11 education boards in Bangladesh. The average pass rate stands at 68.45%, with 139,032 students achieving the highest grade of GPA-5. Students can access their results via www.educationboardresults.gov.bd or through their respective board websites. Results are also available via SMS.

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun has admitted his involvement in crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising. He voluntarily offered to become a state witness before the International Crimes Tribunal. On the same day, the tribunal formally framed charges against deposed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two other accused, initiating their trial. The investigation report identifies Hasina as the alleged mastermind behind the mass killings.