Election Commissioner Abul Fazl Md. Sanaullah stated that the application from two political parties—Nagarik Oikya and NCP—requesting the Shapla (Water Lily) symbol was rejected. The application was made on April 17 and June 22 respectively. The symbol was excluded from the official list as it is considered a national emblem. Currently, 51 electoral symbols have been designated for registered parties, with 64 additional symbols reserved for new or independent candidates. NCP leader Sarjis Alam questioned the decision, arguing that if Shapla is excluded as a national symbol, so should Dhaner Sheesh (Paddy Sheaf), which is also nationally symbolic. The election symbol list includes 115 icons, including Nouka (Boat), even though the Awami League’s registration is currently suspended.

Feni has been severely affected by floods as the Muhuri, Kohua, and Silonia rivers breached their banks at 21 points, submerging large areas across the district. Upazilas including Parshuram, Phulgazi, Chhagalnaiya, and the district headquarters have seen tens of thousands of people stranded by floodwaters. The Bangladesh Army began rescue and relief operations using speedboats from 1 PM on Thursday. Residents have expressed frustration over delayed administrative response and a shortage of dry food. Power and communication have been severely disrupted. Despite some decline in water levels, new areas continue to be inundated due to embankment failures. The district has experienced continuous rainfall for the past four days. The District Commissioner reported an allocation of Tk 17.5 million for relief across six upazilas.

The Advisory Council, chaired by Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, held an in-depth discussion on Thursday regarding the severe flooding and waterlogging in Feni and Noakhali caused by excessive rainfall. Key topics included finalizing the design of the Musapur Regulator and Bamni Closure Dam, constructing permanent embankments in Feni, and improving canal and drainage systems in Noakhali. The meeting was informed that the World Bank-funded repair work on damaged embankments, riverbank protection, and water control structures is ongoing. Relief and rehabilitation efforts were also discussed.

Houthi-controlled Yemeni armed forces attacked and sank a cargo ship in the Red Sea using missiles and drone boats, killing four and leaving at least 15 missing. Six crew members were rescued. The assault was reportedly aimed at showing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza and pressuring the Israeli military. Yemeni military spokesperson Brigadier General Yahya Saree claimed the vessel, Eternity-C, was en route to Israel. He also stated that some sailors were rescued and provided with medical assistance by Houthi forces.

Professor Ali Riaz, Vice Chairman of the National Consensus Commission, stressed the urgent need for a broad national agreement on fundamental state reforms. He highlighted progress in recent talks among political parties on key issues, including judicial independence, safeguarding civil rights, decentralization of power, and prevention of authoritarianism. A national charter is expected to be finalized by the end of July. Riaz stated that the commission is working in collaboration with political parties to ensure swift resolution.

The results of the 2025 Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent exams were released on Thursday by all 11 education boards in Bangladesh. The average pass rate stands at 68.45%, with 139,032 students achieving the highest grade of GPA-5. Students can access their results via www.educationboardresults.gov.bd or through their respective board websites. Results are also available via SMS.

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun has admitted his involvement in crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising. He voluntarily offered to become a state witness before the International Crimes Tribunal. On the same day, the tribunal formally framed charges against deposed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two other accused, initiating their trial. The investigation report identifies Hasina as the alleged mastermind behind the mass killings.

Amnesty International has called on Bangladesh's interim government to refer all incidents of political violence that occurred between July 1 and August 15, 2024, to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for investigation. The appeal follows the release of leaked BBC audio allegedly implicating former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in ordering the use of lethal force during the unrest. Citing a UN report, Amnesty stated that approximately 1,400 people were killed and thousands injured during that period. The organization emphasized the need for independent investigations, impartial justice, and an absolute ban on the death penalty.

The results for the 2025 Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent exams will be published today by 2:00 PM. Over 1.92 million students took part in the exams under nine general education boards, along with the madrasa and technical boards.

This year, results will be released directly through the education boards’ websites without formal ceremonies. The Dhaka Education Board is hosting a discussion session, and results have been compiled based on the latest competency-based assessment policy.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has urged India to act with conscience and uphold justice after a BBC investigation reportedly confirmed genocide allegations against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

He criticized India's longstanding refusal to honor Bangladesh's request for Hasina’s extradition and urged India not to dismiss the forensic evidence presented by the BBC. "India must show respect for the rule of law and international justice," he stated.

Following the tragic collapse of the 43-year-old Gambhira Bridge in Vadodara, India, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser, sent a message of condolence to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In his letter, Yunus expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended sympathy to the victims' families and the people of India, while wishing a swift recovery for the injured. At least 13 people were reported dead in the incident.

During a meeting with African leaders at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed surprise and admiration when Liberian President Joseph Boakai spoke fluent English. Despite English being Liberia's official language, Trump reportedly asked where Boakai learned to speak it so well. Boakai simply replied, "In Liberia, sir."

Liberia was established in 1822 as a colony for freed African Americans, and while English is the official language, several indigenous languages are also spoken across the country.

The Election Commission (EC) has received approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to expand expatriate voter registration to five more countries: the United States, Maldives, Jordan, South Africa, and Oman.

This brings the total to 16 registration centers across 9 countries, with Japan scheduled to begin voter enrollment on July 15. The EC plans to expand the initiative to 40 countries in the future.

So far, 47,380 applications have been submitted for registration, with 3,692 rejected due to various issues.

A court in Dhaka has ordered the freezing of approximately 113 crore 9 million BDT (about 1.13 billion) across 53 bank accounts belonging to Saiful Alam, chairman of the controversial S. Alam Group, and his associates. The accounts are held with First Security Islami Bank, Mutual Trust Bank, and Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) revealed attempts to withdraw large sums from these accounts, prompting the court order under the Money Laundering Prevention Act to prevent the funds from being moved during ongoing investigations. The ACC warned that any unauthorized removal of the money would complicate recovery efforts.

The results of the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent exams will be published on Thursday and are expected to reflect students’ actual merit, according to Education Adviser Dr. C.R. Abrar. He stated that past practices of inflating grades have been discontinued in favor of accurate assessment. Results will be accessible online, eliminating the need for formal ceremonies. The adviser noted that measures were taken to prevent question leaks and cheating. Publishing results in under two months will give students more time in the new academic year and ensure continued merit-based evaluation.