BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed remarked that while political parties may wish for proportional representation (PR) elections from their respective positions, there has been no consensus on the PR system within Bangladesh’s context. “Based on our past discussions with the Reform Commission, we have found no agreement on implementing PR elections here. It is not applicable to this country,” he said.

Salahuddin emphasized, “The people of Bangladesh are united, and all democracy-loving citizens have struggled not just for local government elections but for broader democratic reforms.” Addressing the Reform Advisor, he humorously suggested, “You might as well write a poem: ‘O Reform, how long will you talk and dine without taking action?’”

He further added that everyone must be willing to accept the National Consensus Commission’s proposals. “If the intent is genuine, consensus can be achieved. We are in dialogue and moving closer to what benefits the nation,” he concluded. He also highlighted that reform is not a rigid manual but an ongoing transformative process.

A violent clash erupted between BNP and Gazipur Metropolitan Volunteer Group members over a jute business dispute in Tongi, Gazipur, turning the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway into a battleground. The incident involved chases, fights, and cocktail bomb explosions near Saturn Garments, leaving at least 10 people injured, including bystanders. The highway was temporarily closed due to panic and smoke. Law enforcement restored order after two hours. This conflict follows a similar violent episode in May, with both sides blaming each other for the unrest.

At Jahangirnagar University, three Awami League-aligned Senate members—two professors and one faculty dean—left the annual Senate meeting following strong protests from students. The students opposed the presence of members accused of supporting attacks on students and anti-uprising stances in July. Chanting anti-fascist slogans, the students demanded their removal, forcing the members to exit under university supervision. Student groups vowed to block any fascist collaborators from future meetings and hold them accountable for their actions.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi shared photos from the funeral of IRGC Chief Hossein Salami, killed recently, expressing pride in his nation’s resilience. He praised Iranians for bravely defending themselves against two nuclear-armed states, preserving their honor and dignity. The funeral also commemorated military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians killed in Israeli attacks since June 13. Araghchi highlighted that the pride of a nation is its most valuable asset, inspiring hope and determination for Iran’s future.

Customs officers and staff at Hili Land Port in Dinajpur have launched a complete shutdown demanding the removal of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) chairman. The shutdown began on the morning of June 28, disrupting import and export activities. Although the customs office remains open, no work is being done, causing delays in submitting bills of entry and inspection processes. Businesses face significant losses and urge the government to intervene and end the shutdown promptly.

Thousands gathered in Bangkok demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Pita Tangtarn Sinawatra after a leaked phone conversation revealed controversial remarks about Cambodia and the Thai military. The scandal led to a key coalition party withdrawing support, weakening the government’s majority. Protesters, including many senior citizens and former Yellow Shirt activists, accused the PM of betraying national sovereignty. The political divide between pro-Thaksin Red Shirts and monarchy-backed Yellow Shirts deepens amid growing unrest.

Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud has called on government officials and employees to start preparing immediately for a credible national election. Speaking at a meeting in Chattogram, he emphasized the need to maintain law and order and recover illegal arms ahead of the polls. Drawing from his experience in the 1996 caretaker government, he noted that good governance takes time but urged that steps now can ensure progress. He also stressed that legally held weapons should be secured during the election period.

Protesters in Khulna have demanded the resignation of KMP Commissioner Md. Zulfikar Ali, accusing him of political bias. They approached the Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, Md. Shafiqul Alam, during his visit to the Khulna Press Club, seeking his assistance. The demonstration follows the release of Sub-Inspector Sukanta, who allegedly assaulted students during July protests. Demonstrators gathered in front of the press club, calling for justice and urging the Press Secretary to inform Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus of their demands.

On the occasion of the birthday of Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarek Rahman extended floral congratulations. On Saturday evening around 6 PM, ABM Abdus Sattar, representing Tarek Rahman, visited the Chief Advisor’s office bearing a bouquet of flowers and a cake. Major General Ferdous Hasan Selim, the military secretary to the Chief Advisor, received the gifts. Shairul Kabir, a member of BNP’s media cell, stated that the Chief Advisor expressed heartfelt gratitude to Acting Chairman Tarek Rahman upon receiving the floral greetings.

Speaking at a rally organized by the Islamic Movement, NCP leader Sarjis Alam alleged that people wearing traditional Islamic attire have long faced harassment. He called for unity in the pursuit of justice for the people and victims of past violence. “If we stay united, no one like Hasina will ever return to power,” he said. Sarjis dismissed propaganda against religious groups and emphasized that post-2024 Bangladesh will be based on collective will, not individual leaders. He also endorsed proportional representation in the electoral system.

The advisory committee and public servant representatives have reached a consensus to remove several controversial clauses originally taken from the 1979 Special Provisions on Government Employment, now included in the Government Service Ordinance 2025. Both sides agreed to eliminate new clauses related to disobedience and dismissal from service. However, the provision for compulsory retirement will remain. These decisions were made during a meeting held on June 25, where a legal advisory committee was also formed to further review the ordinance.

In a dramatic turn of events in Rajshahi, activists of the BNP detained and handed over a local Awami League leader, Moinul Islam Swapan (55), to police from a residential hotel. Swapan, president of Tanore Upazila AL, was out on bail in a case linked to a mass uprising incident. Although Boalia police said he was not previously listed as an accused in their station, he has now been arrested as an unidentified accused in the same case and will be presented in court.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has recently issued an unconditional apology for all activities carried out by his party since 1947. This move has been welcomed by Dr. Redwan Ahmed, Secretary General of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and a veteran freedom fighter.

In a statement, Dr. Ahmed said: “During a recent talk show, in response to a question from the host, the Jamaat leader sought an unconditional apology on behalf of the party. Such an apology reflects the ideals and principles of a political figure. Even after so many years of independence, if they can acknowledge their mistakes and seek forgiveness from the nation, I, as a freedom fighter, believe it deserves recognition.”

He further remarked that no government has the authority to grant a ‘humanitarian corridor’ without consensus among all political parties. “Only when an elected government assumes power and the issue is thoroughly discussed in parliament can a decision be made on granting any humanitarian corridor,” he added.

The Islamic Movement of Bangladesh has presented a 16-point demand list during a mass gathering at Suhrawardy Udyan. Party spokesperson Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman read out the declaration, calling for the reinstatement of "complete trust and faith in Almighty Allah" as a guiding principle in the Constitution. Key demands include:

Proportional representation (PR) in elections to both houses of parliament

A national consensus for a just, exploitation-free state

Structural reforms in the state

Ensuring a level playing field for all parties

Prosecution of past authoritarian regimes and return of fugitive criminals

Recovery of laundered money and decisive anti-corruption actions

Diplomatic renegotiation or cancellation of anti-national agreements with India

Electoral reforms including local elections prior to national polls and return of the caretaker system

Banning corrupt, loan defaulters, and criminals from elections

Curbing politically motivated cases and ensuring religious values at all levels of governance

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi emphasized that the martyrs and fighters of the July Revolution deserve appropriate recognition and must be honored this July and August.

Speaking to reporters, Rizvi announced a 36-day program centered around July 1. He noted that Tarique Rahman had inspired people across the country to join the July Movement.

Rizvi also visited venues for the first event in observance of the July-August People's Uprising Day. He added, “Our society is facing economic hardship and social crises. There is a culture of mob rule. We must free ourselves from these issues.”

Notably, Tarique Rahman is expected to participate virtually as the chief guest in the BNP’s July 1 event, which will be attended by representatives of all major political parties.