Students at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR), have launched a sit-in protest rejecting a recent report by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). Demonstrators blocked administrative building gates and demanded a fair investigation into the killing of student Abu Sayeed. Protest leader Raihan Kabir argued that a Dhaka-based investigation is unacceptable, as the incident took place on campus and involved police action. He claimed the university administration is being scapegoated and criticized the former proctor being framed as the instigator. The protest will continue until the report is officially withdrawn.

Tapan Chowdhury, Chairman of CDBL and Managing Director of Square Pharmaceuticals, highlighted the risks faced by investors in Bangladesh’s volatile stock market, where many have lost their life savings. Speaking at a DBA event, he emphasized the need for investor education and market stability. Dr. Anisuzzaman Chowdhury stressed that reforms require time and commitment to succeed. Officials from BSEC, DSE, and other organizations confirmed ongoing efforts to implement crucial market reforms and strengthen the capital market.

Chief Adviser of the interim government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, is scheduled to visit Malaysia in August on an official bilateral trip, confirmed Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Tauhid Hossain during a press briefing on Thursday.

Originally planned for July, the visit was rescheduled to August due to a packed schedule that month, Hossain stated.

Speaking on the Rohingya issue, the foreign affairs adviser noted, “Apart from the Rohingya crisis, Bangladesh has no major conflict with Myanmar. The only viable solution to the Rohingya issue is their safe and voluntary repatriation to Myanmar.”

On Thursday night, July Unity held a protest march demanding justice for the genocide, constitutional protection for revolutionaries, and the announcement of the July Charter. After the march, the organizers gathered for a brief assembly where Musaddiq Ali, a leader of July Unity, said that the student and general public of Bangladesh would never accept any endorsement from foreign embassies.

He urged the government to clarify its position swiftly and immediately announce the July Charter. Failure to do so would result in a strict action program. Musaddiq Ali criticized how, in 1972, a constitution—written by foreigners—was imposed on the people of Bangladesh, which he claimed made Prime Minister Hasina a fascist ruler. He demanded that the government disclose which foreign country is currently behind the drafting of the July Charter.

The organization also criticized the government for not taking concrete action against India’s "push-in" incursions and highlighted various other failures.

The first group of 28 Bangladeshis seeking repatriation from war-torn Iran has successfully reached the Pakistan border by road. With assistance from the Pakistani government, they are expected to travel to Karachi and return to Bangladesh by air. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, most of those returning had gone to Iran for medical treatment. The Bangladesh Embassy in Tehran will continue to support any other nationals wishing to return home until the situation stabilizes. However, officials noted that with the easing of hostilities, most Bangladeshis are now opting to stay.

Public sector employees in Bangladesh will enjoy a three-day long weekend in the first week of July, combining regular weekly holidays with a public holiday on the occasion of Ashura.

The holy day of Ashura will be observed on Sunday, July 6, and has been declared a national holiday. Combined with the regular Friday and Saturday weekend (July 4 and 5), this will give government employees an extended break. This follows an earlier extended holiday period of 10 consecutive days from June 5 to 14 for Eid-ul-Adha celebrations.

The interim government has officially renamed 808 public structures that were previously named after Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and other members of their family. According to a statement from the Press Wing of the Chief Adviser, a total of 977 infrastructures and institutions had been named after members of the Sheikh family or Awami League-affiliated politicians during the past 16 years under the previous government.

These included military bases, air force stations, naval vessels, megaprojects such as bridges and highways, as well as schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, and research institutions. The renaming of the remaining 169 establishments is currently underway, as part of what the government describes as a depoliticization and neutralization effort in public infrastructure.

The National Moon Sighting Committee has confirmed the sighting of the new moon marking the beginning of the Islamic month of Muharram, 1447 Hijri. Muharram will commence on Friday, making Ashura fall on Sunday, July 6. The announcement was made following a meeting chaired by Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. A.F.M. Khalid Hossain and based on reports from district administrations, the Islamic Foundation, the Meteorological Department, and space research organizations.

After a meeting with representatives of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed stated that the government will hold a meeting next week with the officials and employees currently protesting over several demands, including the removal of the NBR Chairman, to find a resolution.

Dr. Ahmed mentioned that although the protesters did not attend today’s meeting, discussions were held with senior officers and commissioners who are responsible and well-informed. He also noted that most of the protesting officials work closely with those who participated in the talks. The adviser expressed hope that even if the protesters skip the upcoming meeting, they will eventually withdraw their agitation.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Tawhid Hossain confirmed that Dr. Muhammad Yunus's recent trip to the United Kingdom was officially recognized by the UK government. While a meeting with the British Prime Minister did not materialize, Hossain said he could not confirm the reasons due to his absence from the delegation. “We had expectations regarding the meeting,” he added.

The Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) has received the National Environment Award 2024 in recognition of its contributions to environmental research and technological innovation. The award was presented during World Environment Day celebrations at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka. BARI Director General Dr. Md. Abdullah Yusuf Akhand accepted the award on behalf of the institute. According to BARI’s officials, this honor reflects their ongoing commitment to sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation across the country.

A rare leopard has been captured on camera in the deep forests of the Chittagong Hill Tracts by the wildlife organization Creative Conservation Alliance (CCA). The photos, shared on CCA’s Facebook page, show the leopard walking peacefully among trees. Researchers use hidden cameras to monitor wildlife but keep the forest location undisclosed to protect animals from poachers. This sighting highlights the rich biodiversity of the region and the ongoing efforts to conserve endangered species in remote, protected habitats.

The interim government has formed a five-member committee to investigate allegations surrounding the controversial national elections held in 2014, 2018, and 2024 under the previous Awami League government. The committee, headed by former High Court Justice Shamim Hasnain, has also been tasked with recommending reforms to ensure future free and fair elections. Other members include former additional secretary Shamim Al Mamun, DU Law Associate Professor Kazi Mahfuzul Haque, lawyer Tajrian Akram Hossain, and election expert Md. Abdul Alim.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated that the United States failed to achieve any success in the recent Iran-Israel war, claiming that Iran emerged victorious and dealt a “hard slap” to America. He alleged that the U.S. directly entered the conflict to protect Israel from complete destruction. Responding to former President Trump’s past comments demanding Iran's surrender, Khamenei said, “Iran will never surrender. Our nation is strong.” He warned that any aggression against Iran would come at a heavy cost and praised Iran’s military for striking at Israel’s core targets.

French President Emmanuel Macron, in a phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, where hostilities have continued for nearly two years. Macron also advocated for unrestricted humanitarian aid access and reaffirmed France’s support for a two-state solution. He emphasized the importance of all parties honoring ceasefires, particularly in the context of the Iran-Israel conflict. Both leaders agreed on the need to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.