To mark July Uprising Day, the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications has declared July 18 as ‘Free Internet Day.’ All mobile users in Bangladesh will receive 1GB of free data, valid for 5 days.

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has directed all operators to implement this. Users can claim their data by dialing:

Grameenphone: 1211807#

Robi: *41807#

Banglalink: 1211807#

Teletalk: 1111807#

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.

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 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.

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 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.

Asif Mahmud, Advisor to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, described the recent attack in Gopalganj as unfortunate but commended law enforcement for swiftly and safely evacuating all affected individuals. He expressed hope that the attackers would soon be arrested. Mahmud emphasized that all rallies and gatherings should remain peaceful and urged the Ministry of Home Affairs to take decisive action against the perpetrators. Questioning the symbolism of the ruling party’s “boat” emblem, he said it represents the denial of voting rights and contradicts the spirit of the July uprising.

Adviser Farida Akhtar shared her memories of the July 2024 mass uprising, where she actively participated in street protests under the banner of the ‘Angry Women’s Platform’. Despite being injured in joint attacks by police and ruling party affiliates, she said she and her fellow activists continued their protests. Akhtar recounted organizing women-led demonstrations at key locations including Shahbagh, Sat Masjid Road, and the Press Club. She highlighted that ordinary citizens—students, rickshaw-pullers, and the general public—played vital roles in the movement. Describing the uprising as more than just a political event, Akhtar said it symbolized public sacrifice and unity. She added that the government is now planning initiatives to honor the martyrs, ensure rehabilitation, and provide medical care for the injured.

Malaysian immigration authorities detained 35 undocumented migrant workers during a July 15 raid in Johor province. The detainees include nationals from Indonesia, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Thailand, Afghanistan, and India, aged between 18 and 55. All were held at the Setia Tropika Immigration Depot pending investigation.

Following recent Iranian missile attacks, Israel has replaced its Air Defense Forces Commander. Brigadier General K. will take over from Brigadier General G. in a leadership reshuffle approved by the Defense Minister and Chief of Staff. The change will be implemented in the coming months. Iran’s 12-day conflict with Israel exposed vulnerabilities in Israeli defense systems, prompting Iran to refine its missile strategies.

At least 50 people were killed in a massive fire at a five-story shopping mall in Al-Kut city, eastern Iraq, according to the state-run INA news agency. Wasit Governor Mohammed Al-Miyahi said the cause of the blaze remains unknown but promised an investigation report within 48 hours. Firefighters are still working to control the flames, and the mall owner is facing legal action.