Ukraine has appointed Yulia Svyrydenko as its new Prime Minister, replacing Denys Shmyhal after parliamentary approval. At 39, Svyrydenko previously served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development and Trade. She played a key role in strengthening Ukraine’s ties with the U.S. under the Trump administration. Her priorities include boosting domestic arms production, strengthening the military, and supporting economic growth. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba remains in office, and notable diplomatic changes are underway, including a new ambassador to the U.S.

Over 100 British spies and special forces personnel had their identities leaked along with nearly 19,000 Afghan citizens who worked with UK forces during the Afghan war. The data, originally protected by a court ban, included sensitive personal details. The UK government admitted the breach, which occurred in 2022 but was unnoticed until 2023. It led to the creation of a secret resettlement scheme amid security fears. Some Afghans may now be at serious risk from Taliban retaliation due to the exposure.

Taiwanese Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim stated that Taiwan does not seek conflict with China nor will it provoke one, emphasizing the island’s commitment to peace. Speaking in Taipei, she said Chinese pressure has increased, but Taiwan remains focused on stability. Hsiao reiterated President Lai’s offer for dialogue with Beijing and highlighted Taiwan’s contributions to China’s growth. She warned that aggressive military actions undermine regional prosperity and said maintaining the status quo is a responsible choice aligned with regional interests.

Oxford University Press will stop publishing the Chinese-funded journal Forensic Sciences Research by the end of 2025 due to ethical concerns. The journal, backed by China’s Ministry of Justice, faced criticism for publishing research involving DNA from Uyghur minorities, raising questions about consent and surveillance. One controversial study used blood samples from Uyghurs in Xinjiang, with ties to Chinese security forces. Though an “Expression of Concern” was issued, the original paper remains unretracted, prompting OUP to sever ties over human rights concerns.

The US State Department, under Secretary Marco Rubio, has directed diplomats worldwide not to comment on the transparency or fairness of foreign elections unless it involves clear US foreign policy interests. This marks a shift from longstanding US support for free and fair elections globally. Election-related statements will now be limited to congratulating winners and referencing shared interests, with any official comments coming only from senior officials. The move aligns with President Trump’s non-interventionist stance, emphasizing national sovereignty over election oversight.

Bangladesh Railway has approved four pairs of special trains for participants traveling to the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami rally scheduled on July 19. The party has paid BDT 3.2 million in advance for the service.

According to the Ministry of Railways, this is a commercial decision made in accordance with established policies—not a political one. The ministry noted that similar facilities have previously been extended to other political parties as well. Officials added that the move is expected to increase railway revenue and ease congestion for regular passengers. While some confusion has circulated on social media, the ministry has dismissed the claims as baseless.

Donald Trump has threatened to sue the Wall Street Journal following a report claiming he sent a controversial letter featuring a drawing of a naked woman to Jeffrey Epstein on his 50th birthday. Trump denies the allegations, calling the letter “fake” and “defamatory,” and plans to take legal action against the newspaper’s parent company, News Corp. The controversy adds to ongoing debates about Trump’s past ties to Epstein and recent developments in the Epstein case.

The United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHCR) mission has officially commenced operations in Bangladesh following the signing of a three-year memorandum of understanding between Bangladesh and the UNHCR. The agreement aims to provide protection and support in human rights issues, offering training and technical assistance. Since August last year, the UN's involvement in Bangladesh has increased, focusing on human rights promotion, reforms, and fact-finding investigations into crowd suppression incidents, working closely with various stakeholders.

The interim government is making significant changes in three major diplomatic missions. Tareq Md. Ariful Islam, currently serving in Geneva, will be posted to the US. Canada’s Ambassador Nahida Sobhan is being reassigned to Geneva, while former Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin will become the High Commissioner to Canada. The official agreements from the US and Switzerland have already been received, and Canada’s approval is expected soon. The reshuffle follows earlier changes in top diplomatic positions, including the removal of Jashim Uddin as Foreign Secretary in May.

A leaked audio clip has surfaced allegedly implicating Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in planning an attack on an NCP rally in Gopalganj while she was in India. As part of the NCP’s month-long “March for National Reform” campaign, a rally was scheduled for July 16. Prior to the event, a smear campaign spread rumors about grave desecration involving NCP leaders. In the audio, Hasina is heard instructing leaders of the Chhatra League and other affiliated organizations to prevent NCP leaders from leaving the area alive. Following the directive, local leaders including Ataur Rahman Piyal and Newton Molla reportedly carried out attacks on the stage, convoy, and local administration. Senior Awami League figures are believed to have coordinated the assault both domestically and from abroad. NCP’s rally in Shariatpur also faced disruption.

LP Gas Limited, a subsidiary of Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation, will recruit 20 people for six different positions, including office assistant cum computer operator, driver, security guard, operator (operations and re-testing), and electrician. Applicants must be under 32 years of age as of August 18, 2025. Applications must be submitted online, and a fee of BDT 56 is payable through Teletalk. The application window runs from July 20 to August 18, 2025.

BNP Standing Committee Member Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain has cautioned political leaders that disunity for personal gain may result in disastrous consequences, some of which are already evident. Addressing a protest in front of the National Press Club, he emphasized that the fight to restore democracy is a national issue, not a local one. He criticized the PR election system and dismissed the idea that local polls could restore democratic governance. Referring to recent violence in Gopalganj, he accused the government of failure and said anti-democratic forces remain active and must be exposed.

Hasnat Abdullah, Chief Coordinator for the southern region of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has called on youth to unite and build a policy-oriented, not leader-centric, Bangladesh. Speaking at a rally in Munshiganj, he warned of ongoing conspiracies against the state, emphasizing the urgent need for unity. Northern NCP leader Sarjis Alam added that fascist forces are still active in the country and must be confronted for true independence to be realized. He also demanded justice for political assassins abroad and declared that he wants to see Hasina tried and sentenced.

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed has warned that failure to issue the ‘July Charter’ this month will fall squarely on the shoulders of the interim government and the Consensus Commission. Speaking at a silent rally organized by Dhaka North BNP to commemorate the martyrs of the 24th mass uprising, he criticized proponents of proportional representation (PR) elections, labeling their motives as insincere. He reiterated that BNP views the interim government as akin to a caretaker administration and accused certain factions of trying to divide democratic forces. He called for a united national front against fascism.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has voiced serious concern over rising extortion and harassment of ordinary citizens through false cases in Chattogram. In a statement signed by Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, the party urged local authorities to take immediate action. “If security and stability are not ensured in the country’s commercial hub, business and trade will suffer,” Rizvi warned. BNP also called on businesses and citizens to resist criminal elements.