Lakshmipur district Jamaat-e-Islami chief Ruhul Amin Bhuiyan has accused the government of betraying the nation by rejecting a referendum proposal in parliament. He made the remarks on Thursday, July 2, during a meeting at the district Jamaat office marking the second anniversary of the July uprising, where a month-long program and prayer event were announced.

Bhuiyan claimed that national leader Begum Khaleda Zia was freed from prison and Tarique Rahman gained the opportunity to return to Bangladesh and become prime minister due to liberation from Indian dominance. However, he alleged that the government’s actions have denied the sacrifices of martyrs, including Abu Sayeed, and amounted to betrayal of more than 1,500 martyrs.

The event was attended by district Jamaat leaders including Naib-e-Ameer Advocate Nazir Ahmed, Secretary A.R. Hafiz Ullah, Assistant Secretary Maulana Nasir Uddin Mahmud, Advocate Mohsin Kabir Murad, and other Shura and executive council members. Prayers were offered for the recovery of the injured and for the forgiveness of the martyrs.

The organization 'July Jote', which works with the goal of establishing an equitable, just, humane, and welfare-oriented state inspired by the spirit of the July uprising, has announced a partial 21-member central executive committee. The committee was approved on Thursday at a meeting held at the organization’s central office in Purana Paltan, Dhaka, through a unanimous decision of its responsible members.

According to the organization, the new committee aims to make its activities more dynamic, organized, and expanded across the country. Md. Mabrurul Haque has been appointed president, Jamil Siddiqui general secretary, and Saifullah Tamim senior vice-president, among others. Leaders stated that since its inception, July Jote has been working to uphold Islamic values, national interests, democratic ideals, social justice, and people’s rights.

They added that the newly formed council will work to extend organizational activities to the grassroots level in line with current realities and public expectations. The group called on patriotic youth, students, scholars, intellectuals, and conscious citizens to join the movement for a prosperous, just, and welfare-oriented Bangladesh.

The High Court has concluded the hearing on the rule regarding the validity of BNP candidate Sarwar Alamgir’s nomination for the Chattogram-2 constituency in the 13th National Parliamentary Election. After the hearing on Thursday, the bench of Justice Fahmida Kader and Justice Md Asif Hasan set July 9 for the verdict. Senior lawyers Ahsanul Karim and Barrister A.M. Mahbub Uddin Khokon represented the petitioner, while senior lawyer Shishir Monir and lawyer Azim Uddin Patwari appeared for Jamaat candidate Nurul Amin.

Earlier, the Election Commission had canceled Sarwar Alamgir’s candidacy over loan default allegations, but the High Court suspended that order and allowed him to contest. Nurul Amin later filed a leave-to-appeal with the Appellate Division, which was granted on February 3. Although Alamgir contested and won the February 12 election, the result was withheld pending the appeal’s resolution.

Following the Appellate Division’s June 16 directive, the High Court was instructed to dispose of the rule within two weeks. Until the rule is resolved, the February 3 order remains effective, keeping the publication of Alamgir’s election result suspended.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun declared that Lebanon will not surrender even an inch of its territory to Israel, emphasizing that the government’s ongoing discussions with Israel do not amount to surrender or betrayal. His statement was released by the presidential office on Thursday, according to Al Jazeera.

Aoun said it is time for Lebanon to move beyond the era of war and subjugation, noting that most Lebanese people, especially those in the southern region, support this path toward dignity and security. The government has recently faced criticism from those who believe that the current agreement with Israel compromises Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Rejecting these allegations, Aoun asserted that the structural terms of the understanding do not conflict with Lebanon’s rights or fundamental principles but instead aim to ensure their full protection. He added that those who respect the principle of sovereignty should also respect the state’s decisions in this context.

BNP’s Self-Reliance Affairs Deputy Secretary and reserved-seat MP Nilufar Chowdhury Moni has come under sharp criticism for her recent comments about the July Revolution. During a television talk show, she questioned the leadership of the movement and raised doubts about the nature of the killings, suggesting the use of snipers and hinting at a possible design behind the events. She stated that she could not disclose everything, implying that some individuals involved might be exposed if she did.

Nilufar also claimed that no one knew who fired the shots, adding that the bullets might have come from nearby buildings rather than police forces. Her remarks followed earlier controversy when she referred to slain Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Bin Hadi as a “guinea pig,” which had already sparked outrage on social media. The new comments reignited criticism from within her own party.

Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib publicly condemned her statements, expressing deep disappointment and rejecting her remarks. He urged Nilufar to show restraint and respect when speaking about the July–August uprising.

Lebanon and Syria have signed an agreement pledging mutual respect for each other's sovereignty and a commitment not to interfere in internal affairs. The accord was signed in Beirut on Thursday in the presence of Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Syrian Foreign Minister Asad al-Shaibani, and delegations from both countries, according to Al Jazeera.

Lebanon’s state news agency reported that the agreement emphasizes respect for sovereignty, independence, national unity, and territorial integrity of both nations. It also highlights equality between the two sides and adherence to the principle of non-interference in domestic matters.

The understanding comes at a time when both Lebanon and Syria are facing Israeli military attacks and occupation operations. The two neighboring countries are also dealing with heightened security challenges along their shared border and broader regional instability.

Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal leader and former information minister Hasanul Haq Inu has been named as an accused in a new case related to the killings at Shapla Chattar. The Chief Prosecutor, Aminul Islam, stated that evidence links Inu to the 2013 incident, and formal charges will be filed by the end of this month. This development follows a June 30 verdict by the International Crimes Tribunal sentencing Inu to ten years in prison for crimes against humanity in a separate case involving six murders in Kushtia during the July movement.

The Shapla Chattar killings case was initiated after Hefazat-e-Islam filed allegations on November 26 of the previous year against 50 individuals, including Sheikh Hasina. The tribunal is now preparing to receive the investigation report and formal charge documents in the coming weeks.

The new charges mark a continuation of legal proceedings against Inu, expanding the scope of accountability for alleged crimes connected to political violence in Bangladesh.

Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has called for a massive public turnout at the funeral of the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a joint U.S.-Israeli attack. In a statement released on Thursday, Ghalibaf reaffirmed Iran’s pledge to avenge Khamenei’s death and urged citizens to attend the ceremonies starting Saturday to mark what he described as a historic moment for the Islamic Republic.

Ghalibaf said that the nation’s call for revenge should resonate across the world. According to Iranian leadership, the funeral events beginning Saturday are intended to demonstrate national unity and resistance through widespread participation.

The government has indicated that the ceremonies will serve as both a tribute to Khamenei and a show of solidarity amid heightened tensions following his death.

Iran’s parliament speaker, Bagher Ghalibaf, has called for a massive public turnout at the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In a statement, Ghalibaf urged Iranians to attend the ceremony to mark what he described as a glorious chapter in the nation’s history. He also declared that the nation’s call for revenge should be heard around the world.

According to the report, Khamenei was killed on February 28 in a joint attack by the United States and Israel. He had led Iran since 1989, following the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who spearheaded the Islamic Revolution a decade earlier. The funeral and burial ceremonies are scheduled to take place from July 4 to 9, with strict security measures in place across the country.

The call for mass participation reflects the government’s effort to project unity and national strength during the mourning period, as Iran prepares for several days of ceremonies honoring its long-serving leader.

The Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) has announced a month-long program to commemorate the July mass uprising. The initiative began at the Central Shaheed Minar in the early hours of July and will conclude on August 3 with a student rally at the same venue. BNP Chairperson and JCD’s organizational guardian Tarique Rahman will attend the concluding event as chief guest. The program was announced by JCD President Rakibul Islam Rakib and General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir through a press release signed by Office Secretary Md. Jahangir Alam.

According to the release, the program aims to honor the martyrs and injured of the July–August uprising, preserve its historical memory, recognize contributions of all participants, and promote national unity against fascism. Events include candle lighting and the national anthem at the Shaheed Minar, discussions at TSC, divisional student rallies, memorial meetings, art and poetry festivals, and prayers for the martyrs. JCD leaders will also visit graves of the martyrs and meet their families to deliver gifts on behalf of Tarique Rahman.

The month-long observance will culminate in a large student rally at the Central Shaheed Minar on August 3, marking the second anniversary of the movement’s victory.

Chief Whip of the National Parliament Nurul Islam Moni questioned whether temples in Bangladesh are demolished at the same rate as mosques in India. He made the remark on Thursday during a post-budget parliamentary conference held at the LD Hall of the National Parliament. Moni emphasized that Bangladesh does not want interference from neighboring countries in its internal matters and also does not wish its territory to be used against any neighbor.

He further stated that India’s reaction to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visits to Malaysia and China could be understood by observing that country’s actions. The Chief Whip also discussed the recent budget session, noting that it was the first budget prepared under Tarique Rahman’s leadership and that the opposition participated actively from start to finish.

Moni added that the opposition was given more time than usual to speak, with some members delivering speeches lasting up to 35 minutes. He highlighted that for the first time in parliamentary history, the opposition leader requested the Speaker to bring the guillotine proposal, later withdrawing their cut motions after concluding that discussions were sufficient.

The Barishal University unit of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal submitted a memorandum to the vice-chancellor demanding official recognition of the institution as the country's first 'fascist force-free university.' The memorandum was handed over at the vice-chancellor’s office on Thursday, July 2, 2026, around 12:30 p.m.

According to the memorandum, students of Barishal University actively joined the nationwide 'Anti-Discrimination Student Movement' in July 2024, aiming for a non-discriminatory and autocracy-free Bangladesh. On July 18, 2024, law enforcement and government-backed groups allegedly attacked students on campus and nearby roads, but were forced to retreat in the face of strong student resistance. The Chhatra Dal described this event as a turning point in the anti-autocracy movement in Barishal, noting that many students were seriously injured and continue to suffer from the aftermath.

The memorandum urged the university syndicate to officially recognize July 18 as 'First Fascist Force-Free Day' to honor the sacrifices of the students and inspire future generations. The student leaders expressed hope that the vice-chancellor would raise the issue in the next syndicate meeting.

Rakibul Islam Rakib, president of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, expressed deep disappointment and anger over remarks made by Member of Parliament Nilufar Chowdhury Moni regarding the July–August mass uprising. In a Facebook post on Thursday, he said that Moni, known for her role in anti-fascist movements and democratic struggles, should have shown more restraint when speaking about the historic events.

Rakibul stated that the organization rejects Moni’s comments with contempt, emphasizing that she has long been recognized as a patriotic politician who embodies the spirit of July. He urged her to maintain respect and sensitivity when discussing the uprising, which holds significant meaning for many political activists.

The statement came amid broader discussions about the July uprising, with other political figures highlighting the absence of government programs honoring July martyrs and calling for the opening of a July memorial museum by August 5.

A devastating fire in Sabupura market of Baufal upazila, Patuakhali, reduced several businesses and a home to ashes. In response, local Member of Parliament Dr. Shafiqul Islam Masud visited the affected area on Thursday morning and extended assistance to the victims. He provided each of the five affected business owners and one household with 7,500 taka in cash, two bundles of tin, and 30 kilograms of rice per family.

During his visit, Dr. Masud said the support was modest compared to the victims’ losses but symbolized solidarity in their time of need. He emphasized that aid was given without political or religious bias, noting that both Hindu and Muslim shop owners, as well as people from different political backgrounds, received help. The affected traders expressed gratitude, saying the assistance gave them hope to rebuild their livelihoods.

Local officials, political leaders, and community representatives were present during the distribution, and victims hoped that government and social support for rehabilitation would continue.

The Cabinet Division’s selection committee has invited applications from qualified and interested individuals for the position of Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The announcement was made through a circular issued by the District Magistracy Branch of the Cabinet Division on Thursday. The committee, formed under Section 7 of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2004, will recommend suitable candidates to the President for appointment to the posts of Chairman or Commissioner.

According to the circular, applicants must meet the qualifications and experience requirements outlined in Section 8(1) of the Act, while those mentioned in Section 8(2) are ineligible for appointment. Applicants must submit a signed curriculum vitae containing personal details, educational background, professional experience, and contact information, along with two recent passport-sized color photographs, a copy of the national identity card, and relevant certificates.

Applications must be submitted either to the Central Mail Receiving Center (Gate-5) of the Bangladesh Secretariat or to Room 935 of the District Magistracy Policy Branch by 4 p.m. on July 13, 2026. Those who have already submitted complete applications need not reapply.