BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for strong political will to implement the Padma Barrage and the proposed Second Padma Bridge, projects vital for the livelihood of nearly 80 million people.

Despite seven feasibility studies, no final decision has been made yet, which Fakhrul called "deeply unfortunate." He stressed that the Farakka Barrage is not a localized issue but one affecting the entire southern region. Fakhrul reiterated that any future government must prioritize these projects.

He also affirmed the BNP’s commitment to building the Second Padma Bridge and said, “The people of this country want real progress and a true democratic system.”

BNP leader Amir Khasru stated that individuals or groups afraid of elections have no place in politics and should instead operate as pressure groups or NGOs.

"You can’t be in politics, avoid elections, and simultaneously obstruct democratic processes," he said. Khasru warned that countries delaying elections often experience civil unrest and division, while those returning to democracy through timely elections prosper socially and economically.

He emphasized the need for tolerance and mutual respect in politics and predicted that those ignoring the psychological shift among the people after the fall of the authoritarian regime led by Sheikh Hasina have no future in politics.

The Scottish National Party (SNP) plans to introduce a "Palestine Recognition Bill" in the UK Parliament after the summer recess, pressuring Prime Minister Keir Starmer to formally recognize Palestine. SNP leader Stephen Flynn warned that if Starmer doesn’t shift his stance, they will push the bill to a vote. The move comes amid rising calls from over 220 MPs, including many from Labour, following France’s recent commitment to recognize Palestine. The SNP holds only nine seats but aims to spark significant political debate.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Towhid Hossain has departed for the United States to attend a high-level UN conference in New York on July 28–29, focused on the peaceful resolution of the Palestine crisis and advancing the two-state solution. Co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, the summit follows a UN resolution adopted in December 2024. Global foreign ministers and UN officials will join the event. Bangladesh, a long-time supporter of Palestine, was among the first to recognize its independence in 1988.

Industry Advisor Adilur Rahman has called for urgent reforms in Bangladesh's judicial and bureaucratic systems, emphasizing the importance of youth participation. Speaking at a conference on the July Revolution at Dhaka University, he criticized remnants of the former Awami League regime for ongoing instability. He asserted that justice for the martyrs of the July Movement is inevitable and condemned past incidents of enforced disappearances, mass arrests, and killings. Rahman urged young people to remain vocal and active in ensuring justice and institutional accountability.

NCP leader Nasir Uddin Patwari has stated that he and his team are mobilizing across the country with July Movement fighters to demand systemic reforms, justice, and a new constitution.

He warned that without a new constitution, the country could continue to see the return of authoritarian regimes like that of Sheikh Hasina. Patwari criticized the 1972 constitution, claiming it disregarded the core values of the Liberation War—equality, human dignity, and justice—and instead enabled a family-centric political structure aligned with Indian interests. He also demanded an immediate halt to killings along the border.

In a sharp critique, he addressed Baber, a senior BNP leader, holding him partly responsible for the sufferings of party members over the last 15 years, stating, "If you cannot handle weapons, why bring them in the first place?"

A Dhaka court has approved a seven-day remand for four individuals — including student activist Abdur Razzak Riad — in connection with an extortion case at the residence of a former Member of Parliament in Gulshan.

Riad currently serves as the acting convener of the Combined Private University chapter of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. The other accused are Sakadaun Siam, Sadman Sadab, and Md. Ibrahim Hossain.

Police presented the suspects in court and sought a 10-day remand, citing serious allegations. The case accuses the group of demanding Tk 50 lakh (approximately $45,000) and gold ornaments from the former MP’s household and collecting Tk 10 lakh in cash before being apprehended.

The investigation is ongoing as authorities question the suspects over the extortion claims.

Former Pakistani PM Imran Khan has challenged the Lahore High Court's decision denying him bail in a May 9, 2023 violence case. In a petition to the Supreme Court, his legal team argues the government offered inconsistent claims to link him to the conspiracy—each dismissed by various courts. They assert no arrest attempts were made in 14 months despite knowing his jail location, suggesting political harassment. Khan has already secured bail in 21 similar cases tied to the same incident.

The Israeli Navy has hijacked the British-flagged relief ship Handala en route to the blockaded Gaza Strip. The vessel, carrying 21 unarmed personnel including doctors, parliament members, and volunteers, had departed from Italy with humanitarian aid such as food, formula, and medicine for Gaza’s children. The crew issued a distress call after spotting Israeli drones and naval ships approaching. This incident follows previous similar hijackings by Israel targeting ships delivering aid to Gaza, highlighting ongoing tensions in the region.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi reported to the Election Commission that the party earned Tk 15.66 crore and spent Tk 4.8 crore in 2024, resulting in a surplus of Tk 10.85 crore.

The income came from member contributions, book sales, bank interest, and donations. Expenditures included aid, campaign activities, and printing costs. Rizvi criticized past Election Commissions as spineless and sycophantic toward Sheikh Hasina. He expressed hope that the current commission would ensure a free, fair, and inclusive election.

Nahid Islam, Convener of the National Constitution Party (NCP), has voiced strong concerns over the poor state of education, healthcare, and employment in Netrokona. During a recent public address, he emphasized that the NCP aims to tackle these issues through nationwide reform.

“We have launched a movement demanding comprehensive reforms across the country. A Constituent Assembly election is essential to draft a new constitution,” Nahid stated.

He added, “Back in July-August, we declared our commitment to building a new Bangladesh — one rooted in justice and public welfare. We envision a country where every citizen is treated with dignity and has access to quality education and healthcare.”

Nahid also made bold claims regarding political upheaval, saying, “Exactly one year ago in July, Bangladesh was liberated from Sheikh Hasina’s rule. Those responsible for mass atrocities — including Sheikh Hasina and other leaders of the Awami League — must be brought to justice.”

He concluded by reaffirming the party's mission: “In Netrokona, the condition of education and healthcare is dire, and job opportunities are scarce. The NCP is committed to resolving these crises.”

Writer Umama Fatema responded to the recent extortion scandal in Gulshan by questioning the public's shocked reaction. “It’s amusing how everyone pretends to be surprised,” she said. “This is just the first time one of these guys got caught.”

She shared a personal experience, identifying one of the accused—named Riyad—as having behaved aggressively toward her at Rupayan Tower in December. “When we tried to stop him, he turned on us,” she wrote. “After digging, I found multiple accusations already existed against him for threats and extortion. Sadly, people like him have long been embedded in elite circles.”

NCP leader Sarjis Alam highlighted the humanitarian role of the Bangladesh Army in supporting those injured and the families of those martyred in the July uprising.

“Let’s acknowledge some unpopular facts,” he wrote. “Since August 5, the Army Chief has visited CMH every Saturday to see the injured—more than all advisers combined. The most critical patients received high-quality treatment at CMH with the highest per-person expenses. After the July Martyrs’ Memorial Foundation and the Ministry of Health, the Army and its chief have done the most in terms of financial aid and rehabilitation.”

At a rally in Kishoreganj, National Constitution Party (NCP) convenor Nahid Islam accused the current regime of failing to protect basic rights. “The people of Kishoreganj once gave the country a president, but they never got access to proper education or healthcare,” Nahid said.

He alleged that the former "fascist" president dismantled democracy and handed it over to Sheikh Hasina. Echoing this sentiment, Hasnat Abdullah added, “The days of corrupt leaders are numbered. If we can unite, corruption will be eradicated permanently. No one should be spared, not even if it's your own father.”

Assistant Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami, Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, has sparked controversy by saying that to keep Dhaka's rivers—especially the Buriganga—clean, mayors, administrators, and politicians should be required to bathe in the river at least twice a year.

In response, environmental activist Rizwana Hasan remarked, “I must admit, this idea never crossed my mind. With all due respect, it is ultimately the responsibility of politicians to solve the nation’s problems. If our political system worked as it should, civil society wouldn't need to intervene during times of crisis. But in the end, lasting solutions must come from the political leadership.”