Bangladesh has entered the third round of trade negotiations with the United States, focusing on counter-tariff issues. The meeting began in Washington at 12:30 p.m. local time and will continue for three days. The Bangladeshi delegation is led by Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashiruddin, with National Security Advisor Dr. Khalilur Rahman also in attendance. Officials are optimistic about achieving positive results, building on the progress made in previous rounds of talks between the two countries.

The U.S. is exploring talks with Myanmar's Kachin rebels to secure access to rare earth minerals, challenging China’s control over critical resources. While formal discussions with the military junta remain unlikely, direct engagement with the Kachin Independence Army is being considered. The move follows rising frustration among rebels over Chinese dominance. However, logistical and diplomatic hurdles, especially China’s influence in the region, pose major challenges. Experts warn such a strategy could legitimize Myanmar’s military regime and weaken the U.S. stance on democracy and human rights.

Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen criticized the U.S. for using tariffs as a tool of pressure, calling it a clear case of trade suppression and hegemonic politics. He noted the 35% U.S. tariff on Bangladeshi goods as unfair and unethical for a least developed country. China expressed its willingness to work with Bangladesh to resist unilateralism, support fair trade, and uphold global justice. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to openness and multilateralism, despite growing global protectionism and trade barriers imposed by powerful nations.

The government has reorganized the Bangladesh Press Council, nominating 12 new members. A gazette notification in this regard was issued on Monday (July 28) by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

The newly appointed members are:
Obaidur Rahman Shaheen, Acting President of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists
Daulat Akhtar Mala, President of the Economic Reporters Forum
Md. Shahidul Islam, President of the Dhaka Union of Journalists
Mahfuz Anam, Editor of The Daily Star
Nurul Kabir, Editor of New Age
Shamsul Haque Zahid, Editor of The Financial Express
Dr. Ramiz Uddin Chowdhury, Editor of Dainik Purbokone
Akhtar Hossain Khan, Adviser to the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB)
Professor Mohammad Azam, Director General of Bangla Academy
Dr. Md. Fakhrul Islam, Secretary of the University Grants Commission
Zainul Abedin, Vice-Chairman of the Bangladesh Bar Council
This reorganization is seen as a significant step toward ensuring ethics and accountability in the country's media landscape.

A gunman opened fire at an office building in Midtown Manhattan, killing five people, including a Bangladeshi immigrant and NYPD officer Didarul Islam. The suspect, 27-year-old Shane Tamura from Las Vegas, used an M4 rifle and moved through multiple floors before being stopped. The motive remains under investigation. The tragic incident occurred at 345 Park Avenue, with one injured person hospitalized. Police and eyewitnesses confirm the shooter targeted several victims before the police responded.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Iran that if it continues its uranium enrichment program, the U.S. will swiftly destroy its nuclear capabilities. Speaking alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump called Iran’s stance a “very bad signal” and emphasized that previous nuclear infrastructure was already dismantled. Iran insists its enrichment is for civilian purposes. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi condemned threats, affirming Iran’s right to enrich uranium for medical and peaceful uses, and promised decisive retaliation if attacked again.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, emphasized the need for justice not only for the July 2024 massacre perpetrators but also for those who helped them escape the country. She warned that supporters of the killers remain active in various sectors, enabling their flight. Rizwana urged political leaders to prioritize national interest over personal and party gains. The event, held at the Judicial Administration Training Institute, included a documentary screening and prayers for victims.

The United States has redeployed nuclear weapons to the UK for the first time since 2008, aiming to strengthen European security and send a message to Russia. A military transport flew from New Mexico to the UK’s Lakenheath base, carrying advanced B61-12 bombs known for their precision and adjustable yield. This move marks a significant boost to NATO’s nuclear deterrence amid rising tensions. The UK is also acquiring new fighter jets capable of deploying these weapons, signaling renewed nuclear responsibilities for the British Royal Air Force.

Malaysian immigration authorities arrested six Bangladeshi nationals suspected of running illegal hundi operations targeting fellow Bangladeshis in the Klang Valley. One individual is believed to be the mastermind. Only one among them had a valid work pass; the rest were undocumented. Authorities seized RM 1.215 million in cash, transaction records, and mobile phones. The operation had allegedly been active for a year. A local woman and two other Bangladeshis were also summoned to assist with the ongoing investigation.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has raised concerns about introducing new electoral systems like proportional representation (PR), citing the general public’s lack of understanding of even existing systems such as Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

“People still don’t fully understand how EVMs work. How can you expect them to grasp proportional representation?” he asked.

Fakhrul continued, “There are many new ideas being floated, but our people are unfamiliar with them. When you mention PR, people ask, ‘What’s that?’” He urged for an electoral system that aligns with the people's familiarity and understanding, emphasizing that meaningful representation in parliament must remain the priority.

He also added, “Some accuse us of being against reforms, but the very idea of reform has always been central to our cause.”

Bangladesh has welcomed the ceasefire declared between Thailand and Cambodia after over four days of clashes. The Foreign Ministry praised both countries for agreeing to a ceasefire without conditions and commended Malaysia, the ASEAN Chair, for mediating talks. Bangladesh also acknowledged the role of other friendly parties involved. The statement expressed hope that both nations will continue resolving their century-old border dispute through dialogue and diplomacy, ensuring peace and stability in the affected border areas to restore normal life.

At a UN high-level conference, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand reiterated Canada’s strong support for a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine. She emphasized the need for a sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel for lasting peace. Anand also urged internal reforms in the Palestinian Authority and condemned Israeli settlement expansion and violence. Highlighting Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, she announced $40 million in aid, with $30 million for civilians and $10 million for governance reforms.

The National Consensus Commission has released the draft of the “July National Charter 2025,” outlining reforms in the constitution, elections, judiciary, administration, police, and anti-corruption systems. Following the 2024 student-led uprising, the charter aims to rebuild democratic governance. It reflects consensus among 35 political parties and pledges full implementation within two years of the next election. The draft honors those who sacrificed during the uprising and promises legal protections for all reform steps.

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), supported by the UN, has warned that Gaza is facing its worst famine crisis. Recent reports show widespread hunger, severe malnutrition, and rising death rates due to starvation-related illnesses. Nearly 2.1 million Palestinians are at severe risk, with Gaza City experiencing critical malnutrition. The ongoing Israeli blockade, imposed since March 2025, has restricted aid, worsening the food crisis. Since October 2023, 147 deaths from malnutrition, including 88 children, have been reported amid escalating conflict.

Bangladesh plans to present a comprehensive trade package to the United States to seek relief from the additional tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on Bangladeshi goods. A delegation led by the Trade Advisor departed for Washington to negotiate and explore opportunities for increased purchases, including wheat, soybean oil, and aircraft from Boeing. The government has also announced tariff exemptions on 626 products to ease trade tensions and aims to reduce the US trade deficit through strategic imports.