Bangladesh's Election Commission has removed the Awami League’s boat symbol from its official website. Since Wednesday morning, the symbol has been absent next to the party name, now labeled as "Awami League (Registration Suspended)." According to the EC's system manager, the removal followed orders from higher authorities. The removal comes amid controversy over attempts to re-register the banned party's symbol. After the fall of the Awami League government, the interim administration suspended the party’s registration and banned its activities in May.

Faiz Ahmad Tayeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, stated that the government is working to enhance internet speed and reduce costs. Alongside updating the National AI Policy, Data Governance Act, and Telecom Policy, initiatives are underway to develop cloud infrastructure and improve the digital payment ecosystem. He criticized superficial digitization measures, such as simple online form downloads, emphasizing the government's push for genuine digital transformation. A National API Hub and active front desks at city corporations are also in progress. While these efforts began under the interim government, Tayeb expressed hope that future administrations would continue the reforms.

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan met Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus at Jamuna on Tuesday evening. The VC briefed him on the overall situation at the university, including plans for Daksu elections, security issues, academic research, development projects, and student welfare initiatives. Dr. Khan sought the Chief Adviser’s assistance to accelerate pending projects awaiting ECNEC approval and to increase research funding. Dr. Yunus expressed satisfaction with the university's progress and pledged full support, also expressing interest in attending the upcoming convocation.

US President Donald Trump has advised Ukraine against launching strikes on Moscow, countering earlier reports that claimed he encouraged attacks inside Russia. According to the White House, Trump’s comments were exploratory rather than directive. He has issued a 50-day ultimatum to Russia to end the war or face 100% tariffs on its exports. Simultaneously, Trump pledged continued military assistance to Ukraine.

A Chattogram court has ordered Shahnaz Parvin, Chief Assistant of the Department of Agricultural Extension, to be sent to jail in a corruption case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). She, along with her husband Sultanul Alam Chowdhury, an official of the Forest Department, is accused of amassing illegal wealth worth Tk 7.8 million. The ACC investigation found inconsistencies exceeding Tk 2.7 million and undisclosed assets worth Tk 200,000 in her wealth statement. Parvin was arrested Monday night and sent to jail after being presented before the court on Tuesday.

In a significant policy shift, the Malaysian government has introduced a multiple entry visa system for Bangladeshi workers. According to the Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian Immigration Department issued an official circular on July 10 announcing the new policy. Going forward, workers renewing their PLKS (Temporary Employment Visit Pass) will automatically receive a multiple entry visa, allowing them to travel back and forth without the need for new applications. Previously, Bangladeshi workers were only granted single-entry visas, often causing serious travel complications. Advisor Asif Nazrul noted that this breakthrough is the result of long-term diplomatic efforts.

The Greater Chattogram Goods and Public Transport Owners’ Federation has announced a 24-hour suspension of goods and public transport services on all routes across Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, and the three hill districts on July 20. Announcing the strike at a press conference at Chattogram Press Club, the federation’s Member Secretary Md. Humayun Kabir Sohel outlined four key demands: amending anti-worker and anti-owner clauses in the Road Transport Act, suspending the economic life notification, stopping the transfer of vehicle fitness inspections to private entities, and withdrawing the increased advance income tax. The federation claims that the transport sector is suffering heavy losses due to government inaction.

A drone strike targeted a U.S.-owned oil facility in the Sarsang oil field in Iraq’s Duhok province, located in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region. The attack caused a fire, though no casualties were reported. Operations at the site have been suspended until security can be assured.

The incident is part of a recent surge in drone and rocket attacks in the Kurdistan region, often linked to Iran-backed groups. A similar attack occurred earlier at the Erbil airport, where U.S. forces are stationed. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the latest strike.

Asif Mahmud, Local Government Adviser to the Interim Government, has strongly criticized the move to reintroduce the banned ‘Boat’ electoral symbol of the Awami League in the Election Commission’s schedule. In a statement on his verified Facebook page, Mahmud questioned why the decision was forwarded to the Ministry of Law for approval. He accused authorities of ignoring the ongoing public uprising and attempting to rehabilitate the defeated party. After the fall of the Awami League last year, the party’s political activities were banned and its registration was suspended.

Following the deadly June crash of an Air India Boeing 787 in Ahmedabad, India’s aviation regulator has directed all airlines to inspect the fuel switch locking systems on Boeing 737 and 787 aircraft. While Boeing and the FAA assure the system is safe, India and other countries are conducting precautionary checks. Air India has already inspected most of its affected fleet, with no issues found so far. Investigators noted previous FAA guidance on the switches and discrepancies in cockpit communication before the crash.

The Karnaphuli Hydroelectric Power Plant in Rangamati’s Kaptai Lake has increased electricity production to 218 megawatts due to rising water levels. All five units are operational, with units one to three generating 138 megawatts and units four and five producing 80 megawatts combined. Continuous rainfall has boosted water levels in the lake, enhancing power output. The plant’s maximum capacity is 242 megawatts. As of July 14, water levels were nearly 12 feet above normal, reaching 98.67 meters above mean sea level.

Nearly 200 Bangladeshi expatriates were forcibly sent back from Oman due to alleged political vendetta, losing jobs and businesses. At a press conference, returnees accused embassy officials of plotting their arrests and denied legal support. They demand the interim government intervene by July 29 to cancel forced repatriations, restore livelihoods, and prosecute responsible officials, including political figures linked to the Awami League in Oman. Compensation and justice for victims are central to their four-point demand.

Starting July 27, Russia and North Korea will begin direct flights between Moscow and Pyongyang once a month. The flight duration is expected to be around eight hours. The decision follows a bilateral agreement to reintroduce regular air service. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is currently in Tianjin, China, attending the SCO Foreign Ministers’ meeting.

Authorities in Libya have rescued more than 100 migrants held hostage by human traffickers in the city of Ajdabiya. According to a statement from the Libyan Attorney General's office, the traffickers—who included nationals from Libya, Sudan, and Egypt—were holding the group, including five women, for ransom and subjecting them to physical abuse.

While the identities and nationalities of the rescued migrants have not yet been disclosed, officials confirmed that five traffickers have been arrested. Libya remains a major transit point for migrants attempting to reach Europe, despite the serious risks involved. As of December 2024, the United Nations reported that more than 825,000 migrants were residing in Libya.

In a phone interview with the BBC, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed disappointment in Russian President Vladimir Putin but said he has not severed ties. He warned that if no ceasefire agreement is reached within 50 days, the U.S. would impose heavy tariffs on Russia. Trump affirmed his commitment to NATO’s collective defense and said he doesn’t want his near-death experience to change his life’s direction. Despite the tensions, he still hopes for a “fruitful dialogue” with Putin.