Starting August 1, 2025, the US will enforce a 35% reciprocal tariff on Bangladeshi exports under President Trump's new trade policy. The move aims to address trade imbalances and unfair practices. While the tariff poses challenges for Bangladesh’s apparel sector, its cost-efficiency and strong supply chain may help sustain exports. Shared tariff burdens and potential market shifts from China and Vietnam offer new opportunities. Experts urge Bangladesh to strengthen trade diplomacy, improve infrastructure, and promote its competitiveness to retain its position in the US market.

The government has approved the import of two LNG cargoes—one from Singapore's Gunvor and another from South Korea's POSCO—for BDT 9.89 billion to meet energy demands. Additionally, several major infrastructure projects were cleared, including crane installation at Payra Port, a terminal in Narayanganj, road expansion near Mukterpur Bridge, consultancy for Dhaka WASA, and IT upgrades under a digital governance initiative. These projects, involving both local and international firms, aim to strengthen the country’s energy, transport, and digital infrastructure.

The U.S. Treasury plans to borrow $1 trillion in the July–September quarter, raising its target by $453 billion due to lower-than-expected cash inflows and a deepening budget deficit. It anticipates ending September with $850 billion in cash. In Q4, it expects to borrow another $590 billion. Analysts warn this move, driven by high interest rates and economic uncertainty, could impact global markets and future fiscal policy. In Q2, actual borrowing fell short of earlier projections despite plans for larger debt.

The Trump administration is considering a major policy shift toward Myanmar focused on rare earth minerals, potentially easing ties with the military junta to reduce China's control. Analysts warn this move could severely undermine efforts to repatriate Rohingya refugees, as human rights concerns are sidelined by strategic interests. Sanctions have already been lifted from junta allies, and new geopolitical strategies are in discussion. Aid shortages and worsening conditions in refugee camps further threaten the Rohingya's future and burden host communities in Bangladesh.

The Islami Andolan's Secretary General, Hafiz Maulana Yunus Ahmad, criticized the draft July Charter for failing to mention Sheikh Hasina, whom he accused of leading the fascist regime responsible for mass brutality. He claimed the document lacks legal mandates, participant protections, and any mention of madrasa students or collaborators of fascism. He also pointed to the charter’s “mysterious silence” regarding India, holding it responsible for Bangladesh’s prolonged authoritarian period.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed announced that a referendum will be held to protect the caretaker government framework from being easily amended. Speaking on the proposed "July National Charter," he emphasized a fully independent judiciary, an empowered Election Commission, and a two-term limit for Prime Ministers. He also called for direct nomination of 5% female candidates in the upcoming election, with a goal to increase it to 10% in the next. A functioning ombudsman system will precede permanent structural reforms, he added.

As part of a month-long campaign commemorating the July uprising, Chhatra Dal and the National Citizens' Party (NCP) have both scheduled student rallies at Dhaka’s Central Shaheed Minar on August 3. Chhatra Dal has already secured approval from Dhaka University authorities, having applied earlier, while NCP’s permit is still pending. Both parties are in discussions to resolve the scheduling issue, with final decisions expected by Wednesday.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed paid a courtesy visit to Shah Abu Nasar Nesar Uddin Ahmad Hossain, the spiritual leader (Pir) of the Charchina Darbar. Speaking to the press, Salahuddin said he visited the Pir to seek blessings, not for political reasons. He mentioned that BNP founder Ziaur Rahman had also met the Pir on several occasions.

Nahid Islam, convenor of the NCP in Gazipur, stated that political parties betrayed the students and people of Bangladesh after the 1990 mass uprising. “A tripartite agreement was made, but no party followed through. This time, we will not allow such betrayal,” he warned.

He emphasized that any upcoming election must be based on the "July Charter," with a legal framework ensuring its implementation. “The new government, regardless of who forms it, must commit to these reforms,” he said. He added that both the charter and a declaration must be issued by August 5. “Mere consensus on reforms isn’t enough — we need agreement on the method of implementation,” he stressed, expressing hope for celebrating the anniversary of the July Uprising together.

Nasir Uddin Nasir, a leader of the Chhatra Dal student organization, has alleged that top administrators of Rajshahi University — including the Vice Chancellor, Pro-Vice Chancellor, and Proctor — were previously involved with Jamaat-e-Islami and continue to be affiliated with its political ideology.

“There are even claims that the Vice Chancellor consults with Islami Chhatra Shibir before making any major decisions,” he said. Nasir further criticized the administration for hastily preparing for student union elections without consulting students following recent mass protests. “University leadership should act independently and uphold student spirit in every decision,” he urged.

The BNP has dissolved its Chattogram North District Convening Committee, according to a press release issued Tuesday by senior party leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. A new committee will be formed soon, he said.

The announcement follows internal clashes during the council session of Thakurgaon’s Baliadangi Upazila BNP on July 12. As a result of disciplinary violations, the party expelled former acting president Md. Syed Alam and general secretary candidate Dr. T.M. Mahbubur Rahman from all party positions and primary membership. Additionally, five more leaders were expelled for creating unrest and violating party discipline.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stressed the importance of pursuing justice, reforms, and elections in parallel to prevent another national crisis. “Families of martyrs are not interested in elections unless justice is ensured,” he said. Referring to the UN fact-finding report, he noted certain gaps and demanded those be addressed to ensure transparent and fair justice. “Our leaders have faced judicial killings; we don’t want to see a repeat of that,” he said, calling for a justice system grounded in transparency and fairness.

He added that whether Jamaat is in government or in opposition, the party’s stance will remain “clear, principled, and fearless.” He urged any future government to uphold this national trust with integrity and independence.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has claimed that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the architect of fascism in Bangladesh, stating, “Before 1975, he buried democracy and established a one-party state under BAKSAL.” Fakhrul credited BNP founder Ziaur Rahman for reinstating multi-party democracy. “He restored political plurality, press freedom, and freedom of speech,” he said. “Zia also moved the country from a closed, flawed economic model to a free-market economy, dramatically changing the face of Bangladesh in just over three years.”

He also noted that it was former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia who transitioned the government from a presidential to a parliamentary system. Addressing those opposing reforms within the BNP, Fakhrul stated, “Many of us fought on the streets, endured prison, and stood against autocracy alongside Begum Khaleda Zia.”

NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah has stated that the police force should not act as a tool of any political party. “The police must dedicate themselves to serving the general public,” he said. Highlighting internal divisions within the force, he remarked, “Whenever an incident occurs, the blame typically falls on the constables and officers-in-charge, while senior officials often become blinded by the allure of power.” He emphasized the urgent need to implement the recommendations of the Police Reform Commission. “The police should not belong to either the BNP or the NCP — they must belong to the people,” he asserted.

Hasnat also criticized the current state of national defense, saying, “It’s unfortunate that Bangladesh still lacks a robust defense system. While India has systems like the S-400, we do not even have an Iron Dome. If the NCP comes to power, we will strengthen the country’s defense capabilities.” On the military, he added, “Prime Minister Hasina has turned our armed forces into construction workers. We must modernize the military to meet contemporary needs.”

A new US-EU trade deal has triggered disappointment across Europe. France slammed it as a "surrender," while Germany warned it could harm its economy. The deal imposes a 15% tariff on EU exports to the US, down from Trump’s earlier 30% threat. In return, the EU will buy more American energy and ease tariffs on some US goods. Critics say the deal is damage control, not a win. While some leaders welcome avoiding a trade war, skepticism remains widespread.