The NBR Reform Unity Council has withdrawn its ‘complete shutdown’ and ‘march to NBR’ protests, leading to the resumption of import-export trade at Akhaura land port in Brahmanbaria. After two days of halted activity, five pickups carrying fish and three trucks with flour and wheat arrived at the port on Monday morning. Customs and port operations are returning to normal as traders start submitting documents again, reviving business and trade relations with India through the port.

Decades before Iran's nuclear program became a global flashpoint, the United States played a pivotal role in its foundation through the 1950s "Atoms for Peace" initiative. Under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Iran received nuclear reactors, enriched uranium, and engineering training from the U.S. Though cooperation ended after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the legacy endured. Today’s tensions, including recent U.S.-Israeli bombings of Iranian facilities, stem from a complex history that began with peaceful intentions but evolved into geopolitical confrontation.

Amid controversy over a magazine found in his bag at the airport, government advisor Asif Mahmud clarified that it was an unintentional mistake. He explained that he legally owns a licensed firearm due to past threats. He also shared a list of conditions required to obtain a firearm license in Bangladesh, including age, tax history, and physical and mental fitness. High-ranking officials such as ministers are exempt from some of these conditions under existing firearm licensing regulations.

A widow in Noakhali’s Subarnachar was allegedly gang-raped by two neighbors, Siraj Uddin and Osman, after being lured outside at night. The main accused, Siraj (26), was arrested by RAB from Chattogram’s Jorarganj area on Sunday. He confessed to the crime during interrogation. The victim, who lives with her child at her father's home after her husband's death, reported the incident to her family. Police have transferred Siraj to Char Jabbar police station, and he has been sent to jail through court.

Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan announced that the government will remove expired vehicles from roads and ban brick kilns around Dhaka as part of its fight against air pollution. She emphasized the need for short-, medium-, and long-term plans in coordination with various agencies. The government has approved the purchase of 250 new buses and will repair damaged roads by October. Efforts will focus on reducing dust pollution and learning from China's experience to improve air quality.

A clash broke out in Sreerampur village of Natore's Baraigram upazila over the construction of a road through privately-owned land. The conflict, involving supporters of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and the landowner Murad Hossain, left five injured, including an NCP coordinator. The dispute began when materials funded by the NCP were brought in to begin roadwork, prompting resistance from Murad and his family. Murad was transferred to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, while the others were treated locally. Police say the situation is now under control, with both parties preparing to file legal complaints.

The High Court has issued a rule questioning the legality of firing 18 engineers and officials from Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Ltd (NPCBL), asking why they should not be reinstated with full service benefits. The bench also directed the NPCBL Board to promptly address the engineers’ appeal for reinstatement. The engineers claim they were appointed permanently after proper training and evaluation, including international training funded by the government, and that their dismissal was arbitrary and unjust.

Shawkat Aziz Russell, Chairman of Amber Group and President of BTMA (Bangladesh Textile Mills Association), held a courtesy meeting with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. During the discussion, they addressed Bangladesh’s current economic challenges and the prospects for industrial growth. Russell, a candidate for the presidency of FBCCI, underscored the private sector’s role in ensuring economic stability. Fakhrul assured that BNP, if elected, would prioritize the private sector and restore economic confidence. Russell expressed willingness to support BNP in creating a corruption-free state, citing the damage done to business and banking sectors under the current government.

Nahid Islam, a prominent youth leader, has warned that if any group undermines national unity for political gain, the government must take responsibility and act alongside the people. Referring to the "July Declaration," he described it as a national charter born of student uprisings, political sacrifice, and visions for state reform. He criticized the government for failing to meet its promises to student leaders despite multiple deadlines. Nahid emphasized that the charter, which includes proposals for constitutional amendments, must be finalized by August 5 through public referendum or parliamentary means. He reiterated that no party should derail this historic process for partisan interest.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has stated that his party will collaborate with China to implement the long-pending Teesta River Project if it comes to power. He praised China’s constructive role in regional issues, including the Rohingya repatriation, noting that Beijing is sincerely working to persuade Myanmar to take back its nationals. Fakhrul emphasized that China is keen to engage with neighboring countries and prefers close ties with a democratically elected government. He also highlighted China's positive stance on restoring democratic processes in Bangladesh.

BNP leader Abdul Moin Khan warned against using the Proportional Representation (PR) issue to create confusion over the country’s democratic aspirations.

Speaking at an event, Moin Khan said those who truly contributed to the nation, especially the student leaders of the past, mostly supported BNP despite not always publicly identifying as such. He argued that Bangladesh does not belong to any one group and accused those weaponizing the PR debate of undermining national ideals. Fellow BNP leader Zainul Abedin Farroque claimed PR advocates were plotting against Tarique Rahman and trying to entrap Dr. Yunus in political conspiracies.

Controversy erupted just after the announcement of the new 20-member coordination committee of the NCP’s Matlab South unit.

DM Alaudin was appointed as Chief Coordinator, with Helal Uddin among the five Joint Coordinators. However, Helal Uddin soon announced his resignation via Facebook, accusing Alaudin of being an associate of fascists. In response, Alaudin stated he had already resigned from the Jatiya Party and had no connection to such accusations. He termed the resignation a misunderstanding and expressed hope that things would be resolved amicably.

Bangladesh’s Jamaat-e-Islami has announced plans for a national rally on July 19 at Suhrawardy Udyan, aiming to mobilize public support around a seven-point demand. The demands include justice for all mass killings, including the one on August 5, 2024, comprehensive state reform, implementation of the historic July Charter, rehabilitation for victims of the July uprising, proportional representation in elections, voting rights for expatriates, and ensuring a level playing field for all political parties.

The BNP has formed two sub-committees to support its ‘Uprising 2024: National Unity and Democratic Journey’ initiative. A "Media Sub-Committee" has been tasked with promoting the movement across national and international platforms and coordinating with the 'July–August Uprising, Mourning and Victory Anniversary' committee. Moudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel will lead this committee.

Additionally, a "Implementation Sub-Committee" was formed to oversee events under the program titled ‘Children in the Democratic Journey’, headed by BNP Media Cell member Atikur Rahman Ruman.

Nasir Mia, an active BNP member from Sunamganj, has alleged that he was subjected to brutal torture and extortion by members of the Detective Branch (DB) in Dhaka. According to Nasir, he was abducted and taken to the DB office on Mintu Road while visiting the capital to attend a High Court hearing regarding the legal leasing of the Jadukata-1 sand mine.

He claims a group led by Ratan Mia, a former leaseholder with alleged political ties to the ruling party, filed a court case against him, later joined by BNP leader Mahbubur Rahman. Despite agreeing to a revenue-sharing arrangement, Mahbub continued the lawsuit. Nasir alleges that during his visit to Dhaka on June 25, he was detained by DB officials aided by Ratan and Mahbub’s associates, threatened to drop the case, and forced to hand over Tk 5.74 lakh.