BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has distanced the party from recent demonstrations at the income tax office, claiming a vested interest group is misusing BNP’s name to pursue its own agenda. “Anyone staging protests in BNP’s name without approval bears sole responsibility,” he said. Rizvi added that the hard-won opportunities created through sacrifice would ultimately lay the groundwork for genuine democracy. He further noted that even former Chief Election Commissioner Habibul Awal admitted elections under Hasina’s rule were rigged. Rizvi called for fair elections under an interim government, emphasizing the movement is not merely about changing governments but about restoring true democracy.

Following the collapse of the Awami League government on August 5 through mass protests, an interim administration led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus was formed on August 8. The Cabinet Division subsequently declared August 8 as “New Bangladesh Day.” In response, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said the commemoration should instead fall on August 5. The National Committee for Political Change (NCPC) has also rejected the new date.

Just a few years ago, Finland was known as a neutral European nation. Today, it stands as NATO’s northern frontline, right next to Russia. After Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Helsinki swiftly joined NATO, triggering a sweeping transformation in the country’s geography, military, and political stance.

Following the end of the 12-day deadly conflict between Israel, Iran, and the U.S., Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem publicly expressed renewed loyalty to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Speaking in a video message, Qassem praised Khamenei’s courage and wisdom, emphasizing widespread support around Iran’s leadership amid ongoing tensions. Hezbollah, a Palestinian armed group, has consistently backed Tehran since Israeli and U.S. airstrikes began, reaffirming its commitment to stand with Iran under Khamenei’s guidance.

A Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) candidate was unable to attend his first exam at the Government Mirpur Bangla College center after rushing his mother, who had suffered a stroke, to the hospital.

The incident has drawn public sympathy and media attention. Education Adviser C.R. Abrar stated that the case is being reviewed with humanitarian consideration. He emphasized that efforts are being made to resolve the issue within the framework of public examination laws and regulations.

"We stand in solidarity with the student during this difficult time," said Abrar, urging the candidate not to worry.

The Bangladesh Railway Authority has removed nearly 100 illegal structures, including shops, political party offices, a temporary market, and an unauthorized temporary temple from its land in Khilkhet.

Adviser Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan explained that during last year’s Durga Puja, a group set up a temple on railway land without prior permission. Although conditional approval was later granted on the promise of removal post-festival, the group not only failed to dismantle it but also attempted to establish a permanent temple.

Following repeated warnings, the Railway Authority cleared the site. The idol was respectfully immersed in the Balu River, maintaining religious decorum. Authorities have urged the public not to spread misinformation regarding the matter.

GOP leader Rashed Khan has issued a warning regarding the future of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement platform. He stated that if it becomes embroiled in further controversy, it could face the same disrepute as the Muktijuddho Mancha during the Awami League era.

Previously, on March 7, Nahid Islam had remarked that the platform had evolved into a student organization and was now part of a political alliance under the National Citizens' Platform (NCP). According to him, the original identity of the Anti-Discrimination Movement no longer existed.

However, Rashed Khan argued that a council of the platform was recently held, with NCP-affiliated leaders participating as voters. The election was conducted at the NCP office, indicating a revival of the original platform’s identity and nullifying Nahid Islam’s earlier claim. Khan cautioned that repeated controversies could tarnish the platform irreparably.

At the 47th SAARCFINANCE Governors’ Meeting in Dhaka, Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur emphasized financial inclusion, proposing that every school student should have a bank account. He highlighted the importance of early financial literacy to prepare future generations for economic participation. Despite political differences in South Asia, he stressed continued collaboration among SAARC central banks. The event focused on bridging financial gaps through policy exchange, shared research, and technological initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive growth in the region.

Following a meeting with the Gono Adhikar Parishad on Thursday, BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that the party intends to implement its 31-point reform agenda in coordination with allied groups.

He further added, "Both parties are satisfied that a preliminary announcement regarding the upcoming election schedule is expected by February. We’ve discussed our collective strategy for the coming days, including pre-election activities and how we can jointly work toward implementing the 31-point agenda."

Khasru also confirmed that the progress of recent meetings in London was reviewed, and reforms will be made based on mutual consensus. Referring to Ishraque Hossain, he said, “If we truly believe in the rule of law, it is only natural for Ishraque to assume mayoral responsibilities.”

In a shocking turn of events, one leader of the National Citizens' Committee (NCP) physically assaulted another in Rajshahi, sending the victim to the hospital. The incident occurred around 11 PM on Wednesday at a restaurant in the city’s Rani Bazar area.

According to sources, the restaurant is owned by Rashedul Islam, Chief Coordinator of the NCP’s Rajshahi District Coordination Committee. The injured leader has been identified as Firoz Alam, a Joint Coordinator of the same committee. Allegedly, he was assaulted by fellow Joint Coordinator Nahidul Islam Saju. Nahid has since claimed that the incident was the result of a misunderstanding, which has now been resolved.

Asadul Islam, President of the Islami Chhatra Shibir at Jagannath University, has publicly condemned Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib for allegedly calling him a member of Chhatra League. In a strongly worded statement, Asadul labeled the accusation as "baseless, defamatory, and degrading." He urged Rakib to withdraw his statement and accused him of lacking leadership qualities. Asadul concluded by advising, “If you can’t speak or act for your own organization and ideology, at least have the decency to remain silent.”

The government has officially designated July 16 as Shaheed Abu Saeed Day. This date will now be observed annually as a national and international commemorative day under the ‘Category B’ classification. Relevant ministries, departments, and organizations have been instructed to ensure proper observance of the day. The announcement was made through a circular issued by the Cabinet Division on June 25. This move aims to honor the legacy and sacrifice of Shaheed Abu Saeed through nationwide recognition.

Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old Democratic socialist, has energized New York’s mayoral primary with his grassroots campaign and candid political style. Walking Manhattan streets for hours, Mamdani connected with voters seeking a mayor who is approachable and outspoken. His strong stance against Israel’s actions in Gaza, and promises to expand affordable housing, free childcare, and public transit, have gained him wide support, especially among young voters. Facing the general election, Mamdani’s challenge lies in fulfilling his ambitious vision amid high expectations.

The government has approved the purchase of refined fuel oil worth 10,000 crore taka (about $1.2 billion) from seven state enterprises across six countries including China, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the UAE. Alongside fuel oil, proposals for importing octane, LNG, fertilizers (MOP, TSP, DAP), and 50,000 tons of wheat were also approved. These procurements are part of government-to-government agreements aimed at ensuring energy and food security, with a total expenditure exceeding 12,000 crore taka.

BNP leader Aminul Haque emphasized that the party is committed to creating a drug-free society and ensuring a drug-free Bangladesh. He expressed concern over the devastating impact of drug abuse on the youth, highlighting that many young people are falling victim to premature deaths due to narcotics.

Aminul Haque called for collective action to raise awareness and control drug use by involving every family, neighbor, and citizen in anti-drug campaigns. He revealed that nearly 8.3 million youths in the country are currently affected by drug abuse. The BNP leader stressed that their approach is first to warn and educate drug users, and if they fail to reform, legal action will be taken. He also clarified that BNP does not support extortionists, land grabbers, or groups that incite violence.