An opinion piece published on July 5, 2026, discusses the evolution and strategic importance of foreign policy in global politics, emphasizing how nations shape their policies based on self-interest and changing geopolitical realities. The author highlights that Bangladesh’s guiding principle of “friendship to all, malice toward none” may not fully reflect its national interests in the current context. The government’s revised “Bangladesh First” policy is described as a pragmatic attempt to adapt to modern challenges, though its implementation remains questionable.

The article contrasts Bangladesh’s foreign policy with Vietnam’s post-1975 approach, noting that Vietnam’s independent and strategic policy helped it achieve progress across governance, infrastructure, industry, and education. In contrast, Bangladesh’s policy weaknesses, particularly in managing relations with India, have delayed fair outcomes such as the Teesta River water-sharing agreement. The author argues that a more competitive and strategic stance could strengthen Bangladesh’s position in trade and regional diplomacy.

The piece concludes that Bangladesh must overcome external pressure and prioritize its own interests to ensure true independence in policymaking and sustainable national development.

Two years after the 2024 July uprising in Chattogram, most of the 151 cases related to killings and violence remain under investigation. Of the 69 cases filed with police stations, only one has reached the charge sheet stage. Police officials said investigations are nearing completion and charge sheets will be submitted gradually. Victim families, however, allege that the judicial process is moving slowly and that communication with them has declined under the new government.

According to police and court sources, the 69 police cases name 21,906 accused, including 15 murder cases. Among them, 13,450 are named individuals and around 30,000 are unidentified. The Chattogram Metropolitan Police Commissioner stated that 90–95 percent of investigations are complete and that reports are being prepared carefully to avoid weaknesses in court.

Families of victims claim that after the BNP government took office, official follow-up and assistance diminished. Some families, such as those of slain student leaders Wasim Akram and Faisal Ahmed Shanto, report uncertainty about justice and financial hardship despite limited support from other political groups.

In a commentary published on July 5, 2026, journalist M Abdullah argues that Bangladesh’s former authoritarian regime under Sheikh Hasina relied not only on state power but also on a network of cultural collaborators who legitimized repression through art, academia, and media. The article claims that these 'cultural fascists'—including intellectuals, artists, and bureaucrats—helped normalize state violence and suppress dissent during fifteen years of rule.

The author warns that even after the regime’s fall following the 2024 July uprising, many of these figures remain active, attempting to rewrite history and rehabilitate the fallen order. Some are accused of using media platforms to question the legitimacy of the uprising and to portray the previous regime more favorably. Such narratives, the article contends, risk eroding public trust in ongoing democratic reforms and could psychologically prepare the ground for authoritarian resurgence.

The piece concludes that safeguarding the revolution’s achievements requires confronting these cultural and intellectual enablers of fascism to prevent its ideological and institutional return.

Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee on Saturday expressed strong disapproval of rebel members’ attempt to take control of the party’s Metropolitan office. Speaking in a Facebook Live, she criticized the locking of the office by rebels claiming to represent the 'real Trinamool.' Banerjee presented documents and receipts to counter allegations that the building was ownerless or rent unpaid, insisting that all dues were regularly paid by cheque.

She explained that the Metropolitan office had been temporarily rented because the party’s original Kalighat office was under renovation. Banerjee questioned the rebels’ use of central forces to seal the premises and declared that while a building could be locked, people’s hearts could not. She reaffirmed that her residence at 30B Harish Chatterjee Street had always been and would remain the party’s true headquarters.

The dispute followed a meeting led by Ritabrata Banerjee and other rebel legislators who locked the office gate. Senior leader Chandrima Bhattacharya resigned from all organizational posts amid the tension, while Kunal Ghosh filed a police complaint. The confrontation has intensified political conflict within West Bengal’s Trinamool Congress.

Leaders of the organization Rastro Songlap Forum have filed a written complaint with Shahbagh Police Station in Dhaka against six individuals, accusing them of making misleading and objectionable comments about the July uprising on social and mass media. The complaint names journalist Anis Alamgir, TV presenter Soma Islam, lawyer and model Jannatul Piya, former student leader Momin Mehdi, Maria Kispotta, and actress Shamima Tusti. Shahbagh Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Moniruzzaman confirmed the filing on the night of July 4, 2026.

According to the complaint, forum member Millat Hossain lodged the report after noticing various online statements and videos on July 3 at Hadi Chattar in Shahbagh. The complaint alleges that the accused made derogatory and confusing remarks about the July movement, its participants, and the victims, and engaged in politically motivated activities aimed at tarnishing the movement’s image.

The complainant requested a proper investigation and legal action against those involved. Police said the matter will be examined further.

An eleven-party alliance held a protest march in Satkhira on Saturday afternoon demanding the implementation of the July National Charter to establish democracy, justice, good governance, and fairness. The march began at Abdur Razzak Park and moved through the main streets of the city. The event included a brief rally before the procession.

During the rally, Satkhira-2 Member of Parliament and Jamaat-e-Islami central organizational secretary Muhaddis Abdul Khalek stated that the July National Charter must be implemented to ensure democracy and justice. He criticized the government for failing to meet public expectations and urged it to carry out necessary reforms reflecting the people’s aspirations. The rally was presided over by district Jamaat chief Shahidul Islam and conducted by district secretary Maulana Azizur Rahman.

Leaders from Jamaat, NCP, AB Party, and other allied groups participated, along with activists from district, upazila, municipal, and union levels, as well as people from various professions.

Bangladesh’s Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed is set to travel to New York to attend the fifth United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit (UN-COPS 5) at the UN headquarters. According to a statement from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the two-day summit will take place on July 7 and 8, 2026. The minister will lead a five-member delegation that includes Inspector General of Police Md. Ali Hossain Fakir.

During the summit, Salahuddin Ahmed will participate in the opening session and three plenary discussions focusing on the future of UN policing, innovation and new technologies in UN police operations, and strengthening international cooperation to address transnational challenges. He is also scheduled to attend a high-level dinner on the sidelines of the event.

The minister will hold bilateral meetings with UN Under-Secretaries-General Atul Khare, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, and Rosemary A. DiCarlo, as well as with several other home ministers. Discussions will cover Bangladesh’s contributions to UN peacekeeping, police capacity building, deployment of specialized units, and future priorities in peace operations. He is expected to depart Dhaka on July 5 and return on July 12.

At least 22 people were injured in a violent clash between two factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) over the formation of a mosque committee in Shailkupa upazila of Jhenaidah district. The incident occurred on Saturday night in Uttar Mirzapur village under Kancherkol Union. The conflict reportedly stemmed from disputes surrounding the formation of the Eidgah committee three days earlier, which had already created tension among local groups.

According to local sources, after the Maghrib prayer, supporters of BNP leader Insan Ali Babu allegedly attacked followers of Ward No. 8 BNP General Secretary Biplob Mia. The attack left 22 people injured, including Kancherkol Union Jubo Dal Joint Convener Apel Mahmud, who was reported to be seriously hurt. The injured were taken to the upazila health complex for treatment, and tension spread throughout the village following the incident.

Shailkupa Police Station Officer-in-Charge Humayun Kabir Molla confirmed that police were deployed to the scene and that the situation was now under control.

The government of Bangladesh is set to establish a Media Commission aimed at promoting the overall development of the media sector. Chief Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmad announced the plan during visits to several newspaper offices in Chattogram on Saturday. He said the commission would be formed based on opinions from all media stakeholders and would prioritize the interests of an independent press.

During his visit, Ahmad emphasized that misinformation and rumors have become major challenges for free journalism, urging journalists to counter false narratives through factual reporting. He stated that the government expects the media to act responsibly rather than submissively, highlighting that some outlets are attempting to revive roles reminiscent of authoritarian periods. The government is closely monitoring such activities, he added.

Earlier in Bandarban, Ahmad inaugurated a daylong workshop for journalists organized by the Department of Information. The event focused on accurate reporting of government development activities, election pledges, and public awareness, underscoring the importance of fact-based journalism in national progress.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that Israel's 'warlike' government must not be given another chance to cause bloodshed in the region. He made the remarks on Saturday in Istanbul during a joint press conference with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif following bilateral and delegation-level meetings.

Erdogan stated that the two leaders discussed bilateral relations as well as regional and global issues. He emphasized that Turkey supports all initiatives aimed at reducing tensions and resolving problems through diplomatic means and will continue to do so in the future. The Turkish president added that Ankara will continue to work in solidarity with 'brotherly' countries like Pakistan to strengthen regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

Erdogan also expressed his desire for an environment where people of all religions and ethnicities in the region can live in peace and security. He noted Turkey’s interest in deepening cooperation with Pakistan in energy, transportation, critical minerals, and information technology sectors.

Newly elected New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has sparked fresh debate in U.S. politics through his outspoken positions and growing influence. Analysts compare him to the Marvel character Daredevil for his defiance of corruption, entrenched political circles, and powerful lobbies. His influence became evident when three progressive candidates he supported—Brad Lander, Claire Valdez, and Darializa Avila Chevalier—won in the recent Democratic primary. The New York Times described him as a “kingmaker,” reflecting his expanding political reach.

Mamdani’s refusal to attend the city’s Israel Day Parade and his criticism of the pro-Israel lobbying group AIPAC have drawn widespread attention. He has publicly stated opposition to any state privileging one religion over another, a stance that has strengthened his appeal among progressive voters. His administration claims achievements including securing $1.2 billion in state funds for universal childcare, $9 million in compensation for workers and small businesses, and $31 million in tenant settlements.

Observers note that Mamdani’s multifaith progressive coalition could influence national politics, as similar movements emerge in Michigan and Colorado, challenging the Democratic Party’s traditional leadership.

Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher stated that Bangladesh regained democracy through the student and public movement of July 2024. Speaking as the chief guest at a citizens’ gathering at Comilla Town Hall on Saturday afternoon, he said the movement led to the end of an autocratic government and allowed citizens to assemble freely again.

The minister expressed gratitude to Comilla residents for supporting the BNP in nine constituencies, noting that the party’s previous governments had brought significant development to the region. He highlighted the recent passage of the Comilla Development Authority Bill during the first parliamentary session of the new government, calling it the realization of a long-held dream. Taher also announced a major project to establish sports complexes in every division, including one planned for Comilla.

The event was chaired by Amiruzzaman Bhuiya, senior vice president of Comilla South District BNP, and attended by local leaders, university officials, and members of the Comilla Development Authority, who presented development proposals for the area.

Bir Muktijoddha Advocate Fazlur Rahman MP stated that in Bangladesh, a single Pir has more followers than the entire Jamaat party combined. He made the remark in an interview given to a media outlet on Saturday. Rahman added that he believes in the Kalema, prayer, Hajj, and Zakat, which Jamaat members also claim to believe in. He compared the large turnout at the funeral of the Fultoli Pir to the total number of Jamaat supporters, saying the latter is smaller.

Earlier, Fazlur Rahman accused the Jamaat-Yunus alliance of misleading the youth and destroying the country. He alleged that figures such as Asif and Hasnat were deceitful and that the group had corrupted new generations through conspiracies and secret organizations. According to him, the political party Jamaat, under the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus after August 5, had destroyed four generations.

The remarks reflect Rahman’s continued criticism of Jamaat’s political influence and its alleged role in undermining the nation’s younger population.

At a tribute ceremony held on Friday for Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, different verses from the Holy Quran were recited before visiting foreign delegations. For the Saudi Arabian delegation, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Walid Al-Khereiji, Iran chose to recite verse 13 from Surah Al-Imran, which references the historic Battle of Badr between believers and non-believers.

According to Iran International, the selection of this specific verse may have carried symbolic meaning, though Iranian authorities have not issued any official explanation. The verse describes divine support for believers during the battle, emphasizing lessons for those with insight. Other foreign delegations present at the event were also read different Quranic verses.

The incident has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many observers speculating about possible diplomatic implications. However, neither Iran nor Saudi Arabia has made any formal comment on the matter.

State Minister for Social Welfare Farhana Sharmin Putul declared that administrative officials will remain on 24-hour alert against corruption and irregularities. She emphasized that no complaint will be ignored and no negligence will be tolerated. The minister made these remarks on Saturday, July 4, during a general farmers’ gathering held at the Lalpur Upazila Auditorium in Natore.

She highlighted that agriculture is one of the main driving forces of the national economy. The government is implementing continuous programs to reduce farmers’ production costs and ensure food security through the supply of seeds, fertilizers, and agricultural incentives. She added that initiatives to expand modern agricultural technology aim to make farming more profitable and sustainable. The government is also prioritizing education, health, communication, and infrastructure development, with special focus on employment and skill development for women and youth.

Regarding Ishwardi Airport, the minister said necessary activities are underway to expedite its reopening, which is expected to boost communication, trade, agricultural transport, investment, and industrialization in the northern region.