The second round of trade discussions between Bangladesh and the United States concluded with partial progress, as both sides reached agreements on several matters while a few key issues remain unresolved. It was decided that inter-ministerial discussions will continue before the next round of meetings, which may be held virtually or in person. Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin and Security Advisor Khalilur Rahman expressed optimism about a positive outcome. The three-day talks were coordinated by the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Lisanul Alam Lisan, General Secretary of Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology’s student wing, the Student League, resigned on Friday night. In a lengthy Facebook post, while citing personal reasons, he strongly criticized the self-serving and extortion-based politics of BNP, NCP, and Jamaat. He expressed discontent over political parties’ roles following the August 5 mass uprising, accusing leaders of exploiting the sacrifices of martyrs for personal gains. He named NCP leader Hannan Masud in extortion allegations, which Hannan denied, demanding proof. Lisan stated he would return to activism when a genuine call for change arises.

Bangladesh Bank Deputy Governor Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman stated that inflation has dropped to a tolerable level of 8.48% and is expected to decrease further. Speaking at a stakeholder meeting in Sylhet, he emphasized the need for realistic monetary policy based on public input. The Sylhet region was highlighted for its importance in tea, remittance, tourism, and agriculture. Local stakeholders urged improvements in banking access, credit facilities, and infrastructure to boost investment and economic growth in the region.

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed has firmly ruled out the possibility of any electoral alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami, stating that the party is only in discussions with democratic forces such as the Nationalist Democratic Party (NCP) and others who were actively involved in recent political movements.

Speaking to the media, Salahuddin said that these discussions will continue until the election schedule is officially announced. “BNP is open to alliances only with parties that participated in the movement for restoring democracy,” he emphasized.

He also noted that the party is closely watching the upcoming review verdict by the Appellate Division regarding the restoration of the caretaker government system—a key demand of the BNP.

Criticizing the prolonged deliberations of the National Consensus Commission, he urged for a more decisive and timely approach. Salahuddin also rejected the idea of a Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system, arguing that it disconnects voters from their elected representatives and contributes to political instability.

“Bangladesh is not ready for the PR system,” he said. “BNP will not support any electoral mechanism that undermines direct representation.”

Gano Adhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur announced that the party is preparing to contest all 300 seats in the upcoming national election. Speaking at a street rally in Eidgaon, Cox’s Bazar, Nur emphasized the need to preserve the unity achieved through the July Revolution to guide the country in the right direction. He positioned the party as a rising alternative political force. During his visit, Nur also plans to visit the grave of July martyr Ahsan Habib in Chakaria and meet his family.

The spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Islamic Emirate, Zabihullah Mujahid, criticizes the International Criminal Court (ICC) for ignoring Israel’s alleged crimes in Gaza while issuing arrest warrants against Afghan leaders implementing Islamic law. He denounces the court’s double standards and rejects its authority. Analysts suggest that internal Afghan issues should be resolved through dialogue rather than external sanctions. The UN respects the ICC’s independence but faces calls to recognize Afghanistan diplomatically and address the situation through negotiations.

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian told EU President Antonio Costa that any future attack on Iran will provoke a stronger and more precise retaliation. The statement came during a phone call, amid rising tensions following an IAEA report revealing Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile. After Israel’s air strikes and subsequent missile attacks from Iran, the conflict ended with US intervention. Tehran criticized the UN nuclear agency’s report as biased, accusing it of providing Israel justification for its actions.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has ruled out forming an electoral alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami but hinted at ongoing talks with the Nationalist Citizen Party (NCP) until the election schedule is announced. He emphasized that the upcoming national election will likely be held under an interim government by mid-February next year. Salahuddin criticized delays in the National Consensus Commission’s discussions and opposed introducing a Proportional Representation system, stating Bangladesh lacks the political and electoral culture for it. He also questioned the Awami League’s commitment to democracy.

Water levels in the Teesta River are rapidly increasing due to upstream hill runoff from India, raising flood concerns in northern Bangladesh. As of Friday morning, the water is flowing 23 cm below the danger level at Dalia Point. Authorities have opened 44 sluice gates at Teesta Barrage to manage the flow. Residents in char areas and riverbanks remain on high alert, especially in Lalmonirhat, Rangpur, Nilphamari, and Kurigram. Officials have initiated precautionary measures in anticipation of potential flooding.

Quantum Cosmo School, located in a remote area of Lama, Bandarban, has topped the district in the 2025 SSC exams. All 97 students from its general section passed, with 16 scoring GPA 5. From its vocational branch, 50 out of 51 students passed, and 14 achieved GPA 5. The school credits its success to meditation, residential support, and dedicated teaching. Alikadam and Bandarban Cantonment schools secured second and third places respectively. Lama’s overall pass rate was low, with Sarai High School performing the worst.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s recent comment that leaders should retire at 75 has stirred a political storm in India, as both he and Prime Minister Modi are turning 75 this year. The statement, made during a book launch in Nagpur, was interpreted as a subtle hint at Modi. Opposition leaders quickly responded, reminding Modi of his past enforcement of the same age rule on senior BJP leaders. The remark has fueled fresh debate over political succession and retirement norms.

Following a violent clash and exchange of gunfire between two rival groups of BNP in Sujanagar, Pabna, the party has expelled 10 leaders, including the upazila unit’s member secretary. The central BNP also filed a case against the expelled individuals on Friday night under the directive of Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. The complaint was lodged by Joint Organizing Secretary Amirul Islam Alim.
During a visit to Sujanagar, central leaders reaffirmed the party's zero-tolerance policy toward political violence and internal disorder, warning of strict organizational actions against any future misconduct.

The water levels of the Selaonia and Muhuri rivers in Feni district are falling and currently remain below the danger mark. Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected in the region over the next three days. Other river basins like Teesta, Dharla, Surma, Kushiyara, Ganges-Padma, and Brahmaputra-Jamuna also show varying water level changes but remain mostly below danger levels. The overall flood situation in Feni and surrounding areas is likely to improve within 72 hours as rainfall patterns continue.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar has urged all supporters to play an active role in ensuring the success of the national rally scheduled for July 19, calling it a potential “turning point” in the country’s political future.

Speaking at a special members’ conference in Dhaka, Parwar called for unity under the Islamic flag. In a separate meeting commemorating the “July Revolution,” party leader Mahmudur Rahman accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of mass atrocities and demanded swift justice, also calling for the preservation of the memories of the revolution's martyrs.

Despite heavy U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, approximately 60% of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile remains undamaged and securely stored in special containers controlled by Iranian scientists. While many centrifuges were destroyed, the enriched uranium supply is believed to be sufficient for nuclear bomb development. The operation reportedly delayed Iran’s nuclear program by up to two years. U.S. and Israeli officials emphasize the strikes’ success, but warn of potential future attacks if Iran attempts to recover lost capabilities.