Human rights activists, two civic organizations, and members of the BNP staged a human chain protest in Tongi, Gazipur, demanding justice for the murder of garment worker Mahfuzur Rahman.

The protesters called for immediate arrest of the perpetrators and highlighted the lack of safety on public roads. Mahfuzur was fatally stabbed by unidentified assailants on Wednesday night near the Abdullahpur flyover on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway, while heading toward the Sena Kallyan Bhaban link road in Tongi.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has alleged that Bengali-speaking individuals are being labeled as illegal immigrants and Bangladeshis in several BJP-ruled Indian states. She expressed grave concern over a recent incident in Delhi’s Jai Hind Colony, where the electricity and water supply of Bengali-speaking residents was cut off before forced eviction. Banerjee highlighted the significant contributions of Bengali laborers to the development of Delhi and stressed that rights should be based on citizenship, not language. She accused the BJP of inciting hatred against Bengalis and carrying out targeted oppression across various states.

A devastating fire broke out at a footwear factory located on the ground floor of a four-story building in the Karnaphuli Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Chattogram on Friday. The blaze started around 2:55 PM and quickly spread.

Eight units from the Fire Service responded to the scene and began efforts to control the fire. As of now, the cause of the fire and the extent of the damage remain unknown.

Greece has temporarily suspended the processing of asylum applications for migrants arriving by sea from North Africa, initially for a period of three months. The move comes amid a growing influx of migrants on the islands of Crete and Gavdos, which has prompted Greek authorities to declare an emergency situation.

In response, the Greek government is planning to detain migrants arriving by boat and deploy naval forces in the southern maritime region of the country. Additionally, preparations are underway to establish a detention center on the island of Crete to manage the escalating migrant situation.

After 42 days in captivity, two Bangladeshi nationals—Alamgir Hossain and Siraj Uddin—were rescued in Libya’s Tripoli by the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI). The kidnappers had demanded a ransom of Tk 2.2 million per person and subjected them to severe physical abuse.

Two individuals—Russel Haque from Rajshahi and Mintu Farazi from Bagerhat—were arrested during the investigation. With support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and BRAC Migration, the victims were placed under the protection of the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya. Alamgir was brought back to Bangladesh on July 9, and efforts are underway to repatriate Siraj.

Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, Director General of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), stated that BGB is prepared to follow Election Commission directives to ensure security in the upcoming polls. He emphasized that no part of the country’s territory will be compromised.

He also vowed to curb continuous cross-border infiltration from India and instructed new recruits to uphold discipline, integrity, and professionalism. Highlighting the role of female recruits, he recalled the contributions of women during the Liberation War.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that Tehran will only resume cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) if the organization avoids what he called "double standards." His remarks come amid strained relations with the IAEA following recent attacks by Israel and the United States.

Pezeshkian accused the agency of biased behavior and misrepresenting Iran’s peaceful nuclear program. He warned that any future aggression would be met with a much stronger response from Iran.

The Advisory Council of Bangladesh has granted final approval to a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of a mission office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNOHCHR) in the country.

Additionally, the Council has approved Bangladesh's accession to the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention Against Torture. These measures aim to strengthen the country's efforts in promoting and safeguarding human rights and implementing preventive mechanisms against torture and inhumane treatment.

According to political analyst Professor Ali Riaz, major political parties have reached a consensus on appointing the Chief Justice from among the senior justices of the Appellate Division. There is also general support for amending Article 95 of the Constitution. However, parties have yet to agree on the framework for a caretaker government. In their second meeting with the National Consensus Commission, discussions included reforming emergency powers, replacing the Prime Minister’s countersignature with cabinet approval, and drafting a long-term national charter for state restructuring.

The government has retired 18 judges from the Supreme Court after they completed 25 years of service. According to a circular issued by the Ministry of Law, the retirement was conducted under Section 45 of the Government Service Act, 2018, following consultation with the Supreme Court. The decision was made official by presidential order.

An injured Kalanagini snake, rescued after being beaten by locals in Barguna’s Amtali area, is being taken to Dhaka for advanced medical treatment. Animal Lovers of Patuakhali conducted the first-ever X-ray of a snake in the district at a Kalapara clinic, revealing a fracture in its body. The mildly venomous snake, about three feet long, received initial care with support from local administration. The rescue and medical response have drawn praise from animal welfare advocates in the region.

After a nine-day halt due to worker protests at Dinajpur’s only stone quarry in Madhyapara, stone extraction has resumed as workers returned following a reconciliation meeting between local representatives, contractors, and authorities. The stoppage began after disputes over wage demands and illegal activities led to contractor JTC temporarily halting operations. The quarry produces 5,500 tons of stone daily, generating around 18 million BDT in government revenue. Current stockpiles hold over 1.25 million tons of unprocessed stone.

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.