The Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) is planning to buy coaster buses to provide staff transportation services for government and private organizations. The initiative aims to meet the high demand for small buses, especially in cities where large buses struggle to operate on narrow roads. Funding for the purchase may come from government sources or foreign loans. Currently, BRTC operates 1,350 buses and 505 trucks, and expects this new service to improve public transport and increase its revenue.

At a prayer gathering in Ishwardi, Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that the Quran is the supreme book of humanity, and under its guidance, Islam will be established in Bangladesh, building a corruption-free nation.

He emphasized the party’s commitment to a strict fight against corruption, declaring that corrupt individuals will have no place in the country. Dr. Rahman vowed that Jamaat-e-Islami will never bow to oppression and will continue protesting injustice. He also paid tribute to the victims of the Dhaka Milestone air crash and pledged support for their families. Other Jamaat leaders were present at the event.

The UK and 27 other nations have condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, accusing it of committing inhumane killings while civilians sought food and water. In a joint statement, they called for an immediate ceasefire and criticized the aid system as degrading. Over 800 Palestinians have reportedly died while seeking aid. The UN and aid agencies say access is being hindered. Israel rejected the claims, accusing Hamas of interference. Gaza’s death toll since October 2023 has surpassed 59,000, according to its health ministry.

US President Donald Trump has threatened renewed military strikes on Iran following the admission by Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi that US attacks in June caused serious damage to Iranian nuclear facilities. Trump praised the operation’s success and warned Washington would repeat it if needed. He also criticized CNN for downplaying the damage and demanded the firing of a reporter. Iran acknowledged the damage for the first time but vowed to continue its nuclear program, escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Iran has ruled out any negotiations with the United States, according to its foreign ministry. Spokesperson Ismail Baghaei said Tehran has no plans to engage with Washington but will resume talks with the UK, France, and Germany on July 25 in Istanbul, focusing on its nuclear program. Deputy Foreign Ministers Majid Takht-Ravanchi and Kazem Gharibabadi will represent Iran. Despite severe damage to nuclear sites during the Israel-Iran conflict, Tehran insists it will not abandon its uranium enrichment efforts.

During the 17th day of the political dialogue in Dhaka, National Consensus Commission Vice Chairman Ali Riaz announced that most political parties agreed party chiefs should not hold the Prime Minister’s post. While some parties expressed dissent, they will be allowed to submit formal notes of disagreement in the National Charter. Discussions also covered caretaker government reforms and appointments to key institutions like the Election Commission and Anti-Corruption Commission. A few parties, including BNP and allies, supported allowing one individual to hold all three top positions.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the country will not abandon its uranium enrichment program, even after severe damage to nuclear facilities during recent conflict with Israel. In an interview, he emphasized the program’s national importance. Talks with the U.S., mediated by Oman, failed to reach a deal on enrichment limits. A 12-day air conflict in June, involving the U.S., ended with a ceasefire. The UN nuclear watchdog found no proof Iran seeks nuclear weapons, though Israel claims otherwise.

Lebanon has officially responded to a U.S. proposal that suggests disarming Hezbollah in exchange for Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon. President Joseph Aoun handed the reply to U.S. envoy Tom Barrack during a meeting in Beirut. The response outlines Lebanon’s stance under its ceasefire commitments with Israel. Meanwhile, the UN reports that 87.7% of Gaza is under Israeli military control or evacuation orders, leaving over 2 million people confined in areas with minimal services and shelter, amid worsening humanitarian conditions.

India’s Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has resigned, citing health concerns and medical advice as the reason. He submitted his resignation to the President, bringing his tenure to an early end. Dhankhar, elected in August 2022, was previously the Governor of West Bengal. In March, he was hospitalized due to a heart condition. In his letter, he thanked Prime Minister Modi and other ministers for their support and expressed gratitude for witnessing India’s development and economic progress during his term.

In response to the tragic crash of a Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft in Uttara that resulted in multiple casualties, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman cancelled several scheduled political programs as a gesture of mourning. He immediately ordered rescue efforts and sent the party’s Health Affairs Secretary, along with medical teams and ambulances, to the crash site.

Pre-scheduled events by the party’s Krishak Dal and Mohila Dal were also called off. During a discussion meeting, party leaders expressed condolences, offered prayers for the victims, and announced blood donation drives for the injured. The BNP Standing Committee convened on Monday night to observe a moment of silence and offer prayers for those affected.

The interim government has acknowledged the legitimacy of the six-point demand raised by protesting students after the Milestone School plane crash. Legal Advisor Asif Nazrul and Education Advisor C.R. Abrar met with the students and assured them that the demands would be met. These include the release of victim information, compensation, security reforms, and an apology for the mistreatment of teachers. The government also expressed regret over reports of assault by military personnel and has pledged changes in aviation policy. However, student protests remain ongoing.

In the past 24 hours, Israeli attacks on Gaza have killed another 134 Palestinians, raising the total death toll to 59,029. Over 142,000 people have been injured. In addition, 99 people were killed while attempting to receive humanitarian aid. Since May 27, a total of 1,021 people have been killed during aid collection. Many bodies remain trapped under rubble as rescue teams struggle to reach them, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

In a joint operation by law enforcement agencies in Mirpur, Dhaka, three activists of the opposition Jubo Dal were arrested with 30 rounds of ammunition. One of them, Asif Shikdar, reportedly fell ill during transport and died on the way to the hospital.

Asif, a former Chhatra Dal ward-level secretary and a candidate for a Jubo Dal leadership position, was alleged by his family to have been tortured to death during the raid. Police claim the ammunition was recovered during the operation and the suspects were transferred to the station after interrogation. Asif’s condition deteriorated in the police vehicle en route to the hospital, they said.

Dhaka Metropolitan West Chhatra Dal president condemned the incident, demanding a lawful investigation, stating, "We do not support any form of extrajudicial killing."

In response to the fatal crash of an Air Force training jet at Uttara’s Milestone School and College, the BNP will organize nationwide prayers and mourning on Tuesday. According to a statement signed by Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, the program will be held in Dhaka and across the country to pray for the deceased and the swift recovery of the injured. The central prayer gathering will take place at BNP’s Nayapaltan office at 11:30 AM. On Monday, Tarique Rahman directed party members to donate blood and participate in relief efforts, personally overseeing ambulance services. Events by BNP’s Women and Farmers’ wings were postponed in solidarity.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has voiced strong opposition to the adoption of a proportional representation electoral system, stating it could fuel separatism, fascism, and extremism, threatening national unity and stability. Speaking virtually at a seminar hosted by the Institution of Engineers, he accused some political forces of using demands for an interim government to block national elections for their own gain. The event also featured documentaries and tributes to professionals and victims of political violence. Following a tragic air crash in Uttara, he expressed condolences and directed party members to assist the victims.