Ahead of the 13th national elections, the Election Commission (EC) published a draft of the revised Code of Conduct on Sunday evening. The draft includes provisions under the Cyber Security Act to take action against harmful online content and disinformation by political parties and candidates.

The EC is accepting public feedback on the draft until July 10. Citizens can submit opinions through the EC's official portal. The guidelines allow political campaigns on social media, but require prior submission of verification details to the returning officer. Violations of the code may result in fines up to Tk 1.5 lakh for political parties and candidates, while criminal penalties, including up to six months in jail, remain unchanged for candidates and supporters.

In a virtual address at North South University, Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus emphasized the transformative potential of social business, stating it is no longer merely a concept but a global movement. “We must unite to build a just and humane society,” he said, noting that youth, academics, and industry professionals are coming together worldwide with the shared goal of achieving the “Three Zeros”: zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero carbon emissions. He added, “Our current economic system isn’t eternal. We can reshape it—prioritizing human welfare over profit.”

Professor Nigar Sultana, Dean of the Business Faculty at Jahangirnagar University, has stepped down citing personal reasons after facing intense pressure from students. On Sunday, students gave her a 24-hour ultimatum for resignation, alleging favoritism, undemocratic behavior, and exploitation under her leadership. The protestors also accused her of acting against student interests due to her perceived closeness with the ruling Awami League.

Advisor Asif Mahmud clarified that carrying a magazine (ammunition) in his bag while en route to a Morocco-bound flight was an honest mistake. He said he had packed in a hurry and forgot to remove it after already securing other firearm parts at home. “As a licensed firearm holder, I carry for security purposes after surviving multiple assassination attempts,” he stated. “If I had ill intent, I wouldn’t have left the weapon behind.” He denied pressuring media to drop the story, calling such allegations "completely false."

Legal advisor Dr. Asif Nazrul announced that a new provision has been added to the Code of Criminal Procedure to prevent the filing of false cases and the wrongful inclusion of innocent individuals. “This amendment will empower police and judicial administration to jointly combat the trade in arrests and fabricated charges,” he said. Innocent people will benefit from this reform, although legitimate investigations will proceed as normal for suspects with credible evidence. The law will come into effect once officially gazetted.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, aged 80, has officially collected nomination papers to run for a seventh term, ignoring growing calls from influential opposition leaders to step down. This move brings him closer to extending his nearly five-decade grip on power. Museveni first seized power as a rebel leader in 1986 and has since won six elections—many of which were marred by allegations of fraud and violence. His main challenger in the upcoming January 2026 election is expected to be popular musician-turned-politician Bobi Wine, who, along with his supporters, continues to face intense repression from state security forces.

Following a series of recent attacks on Iranian territory, Tehran has lodged a formal complaint with the United Nations. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that between June 13 and 24, civilian infrastructure, hospitals, aid centers, and nuclear facilities in Iran were targeted. He demanded that the U.S. and Israel be officially recognized as "aggressor states." The letter argues that the attacks violate international law, the UN Charter, and core principles of human rights.

Bangladesh’s High Court has ordered immediate security and medical assistance for the woman who was raped in Muradnagar. The court also ordered all videos and images of the assault to be removed from the internet within 24 hours. The investigating officers have been instructed to report progress within 15 days. Police have arrested the main accused, Fozor Ali, from Dhaka’s Sayedabad, along with four others who allegedly filmed and circulated the video online.

As indirect negotiations continue between Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire, Hamas leader Mahmoud Mardawi claimed that Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu is only willing to release 10 hostages per truce phase and is unwilling to agree to a full release at once. Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump urged Israel to "make a deal" and "bring the hostages home."

Religious Affairs Advisor Khalid Hossain announced that a directive has been sent to the Finance Ministry to ensure imams and khatibs in government, semi-government, autonomous, and waqf-managed mosques receive salaries according to the 2015 pay scale. He added, "If elections are held in February, I will step down, but before that, I want to reform the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Islamic Foundation, and the Waqf system." He also revealed plans to digitize waqf operations and ensure quick settlement of waqf-related legal cases. Starting next year, the Ministry will cover all travel, food, and medical expenses for official Hajj assistants—though no political alliance quotas will be allowed.

The 31st meeting of Bangladesh's Advisory Council has given both preliminary and final approval to the draft of the Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Ordinance – 2025. The meeting was chaired by the Chief Advisor. A new committee has also been formed under the power advisor to address the National Board of Revenue’s ongoing crisis, including members from the Public Works, Labor, Environment, and Commerce ministries. Additionally, a MoU between Bangladesh and Turkey was approved, and the council gave in-principle approval for establishing a UN Human Rights Office mission in the country.

A Jerusalem district court has suspended the corruption trial of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, citing diplomatic and security considerations. The decision followed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s social media post criticizing the Israeli prosecution as “madness,” and warning that such actions are unacceptable given the billions in U.S. aid to Israel. Netanyahu thanked Trump for his support. The move has sparked controversy amid ongoing tensions in Israeli politics.

Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched investigations into six senior officials of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), accusing them of enabling tax evasion in exchange for bribes. ACC Deputy Director Akhtarul Islam confirmed the inquiry. The accused are: A.K.M. Badiul Alam (Member, Income Tax Policy), Hasan Muhammad Tarek Rikabdar (Additional Commissioner, Audit Intelligence and Investigation Directorate), Mirza Ashiq Rana (Additional Commissioner, Dhaka Tax Zone 8), Monalisa Shahreen Sushmita (Additional Commissioner, Dhaka Tax Zone 16), Sadhan Kumar Kundu (Additional Commissioner, Dhaka South Customs, Excise and VAT Commissionerate), and Mohammad Morshed Uddin Khan (Joint Commissioner, BSS Tax Academy). Notably, five of these officials are actively involved in the current protest movement.

Responding to long-standing demands from expatriates, the Election Commission will begin voter registration and Smart NID services for Bangladeshis in Malaysia. Starting Monday, the High Commission will offer these services, enabling Bangladeshis living in Malaysia to register to vote and collect their Smart NID cards. Applicants must complete a form, provide a copy of their passport, submit their online birth certificate, a color passport-sized photograph, and pay a fee of 75 ringgit.

Bangladesh’s Law Adviser Asif Nazrul announced that the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights will open a mission in Dhaka, initially for three years. The Adviser Council approved a memorandum of understanding in principle on Sunday. “UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk had visited Bangladesh and discussed opening a branch,” Nazrul said. “Today, we approved this in principle, and a group of advisers will review the draft before sending it to Türk.” He expressed hope the agreement would be signed soon.