The BNP has rejected the proposal to include the July Declaration as a fundamental principle of Bangladesh’s constitution, suggesting instead that it be added to the Fourth Schedule to recognize the spirit of the July-August 2024 student uprising. In contrast, the NCP demands full constitutional recognition of the declaration in a new constitution draft. BNP argues that including July’s uprising in the main constitution raises questions about the placement of other historic uprisings, emphasizing the declaration’s political rather than constitutional value.

The Election Commission (EC) has sent 46 newly selected election symbols to the Law Ministry for legal vetting, aiming to expand its current list of 69 symbols to 115. This move comes as political party numbers increase, with 147 new parties applying for registration. The EC had initially shortlisted 150 symbols but finalized 115 for vetting. The Law Ministry can recommend changes to the list. Notably, the proposed amendment to the election rules excludes the “Shapla” (Water Lily) symbol.

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam emphasized the need for a new constitution and fundamental reforms to combat dominance, inequality, and fascism in Bangladesh. Speaking at a street rally in Magura, he said the current crises persist due to the absence of constitutional change even after the July mass uprising. He urged unity against extortion, terrorism, and land-grabbing, and called for justice for the martyrs of the uprising. The rally was part of the “July March” that took place across key areas in the town.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has expressed grave concerns over Bangladesh’s deteriorating economic situation, warning that fears of a possible famine in September-October are growing among the public. Speaking at an event in front of the party’s central office on Friday, Rizvi said,

“This is no longer just talk—people are genuinely afraid of famine in the coming months. With garment factories shutting down, widespread job losses, and the unaffordability of basic food items, the signs of famine are already visible.”

He blamed the economic crisis on the lack of a people's government, citing no accountability and a worsening job market. Rizvi reaffirmed that BNP is fighting for democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law, and emphasized the need to return power to the people.

In a brief rally held Thursday night at Chourasta in Bagharpara, Jessore, the National Citizens' Party (NCP) declared the end of their association with the ruling Awami League.

Addressing the gathering, central NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah said, “We’ve closed the Awami League chapter. They have carried out repression in Jessore and across the country.” The five-minute event ended with leaders departing for Jessore town, where a major rally is set for Friday near the central Eidgah.

Senior Co-Chairman of Jatiya Party, Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud, accused Party Chairman GM Quader of authoritarian behavior and challenged him to test his popularity through a party council. Speaking at a solidarity meeting in Gulshan, he stated that many leaders oppose Quader’s actions but remain silent out of fear of expulsion.

Secretary General Mujibul Haque Chunnu added, “GM Quader has unlawfully and undemocratically expelled 11 of us, which we do not accept. We remain in our positions until the next council.” He further alleged that Quader is trying to run the party with a personal syndicate involving his wife, vowing not to allow any fragmentation of the Jatiya Party.

Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has expressed deep concern over the ongoing floods caused by continuous heavy rainfall across several regions of Bangladesh, including Feni, Noakhali, Chattogram, and Sylhet. In a statement, he highlighted that thousands are stranded without access to food and clean water, and waterborne diseases are a looming threat.

He called on the government to intensify relief and rescue operations and urged Jamaat activists as well as compassionate and capable individuals in society to stand by those affected.

A high-level eight-member delegation from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, led by party Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, is currently on a visit to China from July 11 to 15, at the invitation of the Chinese government and the Communist Party of China (CPC). The delegation was seen off at the airport by Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen and senior Jamaat leaders on Thursday night.

Dr. Rahman stated that the visit aims to strengthen Bangladesh-China bilateral ties and to learn from China’s development experience.

Maulana Mamunul Haque, Amir of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, has strongly criticized the country’s current electoral system, calling it fundamentally flawed. Speaking at a mass rally organized by the party’s Jessore district unit, he warned that holding elections without reforms could pave the way for a resurgence of fascism.

Haque argued that past so-called “fair elections” were merely façades and that without systemic reform, democracy in Bangladesh remains under threat. Leaders from the Khulna division were also present at the event.

At least 15 people were injured during a violent altercation following a Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) preparatory meeting in Chawra Union, Amtali, Barguna. The clash reportedly erupted over internal disputes regarding party positions.

The incident occurred Thursday afternoon at Talukdar Bazaar. Eleven of the injured were admitted to the Amtali Upazila Health Complex. Repeated scuffles broke out between factions led by Salam Mallik and Hasan Boyati. Local leaders have pledged disciplinary action against those violating party discipline. Police confirmed no formal complaints have been filed yet.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has demolished an illegally constructed second floor at Mohammadpur Krishi Market, originally rebuilt as a single-story market for fire-affected traders. The unauthorized structure was built by a market committee syndicate, creating obstacles for 411 legitimate shop owners awaiting access. DNCC conducted the eviction drive, also clearing footpaths. Traders welcomed the move, demanding swift shop handovers. DNCC confirmed legal shops would be handed over soon, and items from the demolition were auctioned for Tk 125,000.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed a case against Dr. Iqbal Kabir, former project director, and Saifur Rahman, managing director of SRS Design and Fashion Ltd, over alleged corruption in the DNCC Mohakhali Covid-19 Hospital project. The hospital, funded by the World Bank, saw unauthorized work awarded verbally and an inflated bill of over Tk 4 crore submitted. An independent review valued the work at only Tk 69 lakh, revealing an attempt to embezzle over Tk 3.3 crore in public funds.

China and Canada have committed to ongoing humanitarian assistance for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, emphasizing trade diversification and investment. During separate meetings at the ASEAN Regional Forum in Kuala Lumpur, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed full support for Bangladesh’s reforms and cooperation in sectors like medical tourism and water management. Canada’s Foreign Minister Anita Anand assured sustained support to address the Rohingya crisis. Both countries highlighted strengthening bilateral ties and regional collaboration to resolve the humanitarian challenge.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) has proposed regaining the authority to cancel voting across an entire constituency in cases of electoral irregularities. It currently holds the power to nullify votes at specific centers only. The EC also decided to allow expatriate Bangladeshis to vote through an IT-based postal ballot system, allocating Tk 48 crore for the project. Additionally, it will no longer use EVMs in elections and plans to revise voter lists, redefine constituency boundaries, and enforce stricter affidavit requirements for candidates.

Muslim umbrella organizations from across Europe have jointly issued the "Gaza Declaration" in Brussels, calling for an immediate ceasefire, release of detainees, and unrestricted humanitarian aid in Gaza. Representing over 15,000 mosques and Islamic institutions, the leaders condemned civilian killings, infrastructure destruction, and violations of international law. They outlined seven key demands, including recognition of Palestine and press freedom in Gaza. The declaration also emphasized unity against extremism and urged continued respectful dialogue with Jewish communities across Europe.