Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has accused UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk of being an agent of the US government and imperialist Europe. Maduro criticized Türk for failing to act on the plight of 252 Venezuelan citizens detained in El Salvador after deportation from the US. Despite promises to engage Washington, Türk has not intervened. This comes amid stringent US immigration policies under President Trump, resulting in mass deportations, including over 4,000 immigrants expelled to Venezuela and revoked humanitarian status for 500,000 immigrants from several countries.

BNP’s Standing Committee member Ameer Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has assured the government of full cooperation in addressing the challenges posed by US tariffs. Speaking after a meeting with business leaders in Dhaka, he acknowledged the concerns of traders over the impact of increased tariffs. He emphasized the need to strengthen negotiation efforts and pledged BNP’s backing for government measures, especially considering competition from countries like Vietnam.

Nahid Islam, central convener of the National Citizens Party, vowed to rebuild a new, inclusive Bangladesh during a rally in Bhola. He honored the sacrifices of Bhola’s people in the July uprising and emphasized the ongoing quota movement that began last year. Addressing local issues such as gas, hospitals, and infrastructure, Nahid and party leaders highlighted the government’s shortcomings. The joint visit by central leaders to Bhola is seen as strengthening the party’s organizational base in the region.

The government has announced that it will observe a day of national mourning on July 16 in honor of July Martyrs' Day. All government, semi-government, autonomous institutions, educational facilities, and Bangladesh missions abroad will fly the national flag at half-mast. Special prayers will be held in mosques across the country for the forgiveness of the martyrs, while other religious institutions will organize prayers for their souls' peace. The decision was confirmed in an official notification signed by the Cabinet Secretary.

Political parties have reached a consensus that any future changes to the caretaker government system must be decided through a referendum. The National Consensus Commission’s Vice-Chairman, Professor Ali Riaz, said there is no disagreement among parties on the caretaker system itself. The commission hopes to finalize an agreement soon on appointing the caretaker government head. Discussions also touched on constitutional amendments, including forming a bicameral parliament, with ongoing talks to reach consensus on key issues.

The Bangladesh Police have clarified that the 27 deaths reported in the past six months were not caused by communal violence. Investigations reveal these cases stemmed from disputes over land, finances, robbery, and other personal conflicts. Over the last 11 months, police have been probing 2,442 communal attack cases with seriousness. Most incidents were politically motivated, and the police are committed to ensuring safety for all communities while thoroughly investigating reported crimes related to temples, worship places, and violence.

Citizens for Good Governance (Sujon) announced plans to file an appeal to fully overturn the High Court’s verdict that annulled the caretaker government system through the Fifteenth Amendment. Sujon argues the amendment, passed on June 30, 2011, was not enacted following proper procedures. The organization insists the entire verdict, not just the partial ruling, will be challenged. Sujon’s secretary also accused Sheikh Hasina of autocratic rule and declared the government formed under this amendment illegal.

Police have secured a 10-day remand for Khairul Bashar, chairman of BSB Global Network, in a money laundering investigation linked to Gulshan Police Station, Dhaka. Following a hearing, Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Sanaullah approved the remand upon the request of CID Sub-Inspector Khalid Saifullah. Bashar, along with his wife and son, is accused of defrauding over Tk 182 million by falsely promising to send 141 students abroad for higher education. The case was filed on May 4 by CID Sub-Inspector Ruhul Amin.

Jahangirnagar University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan warned that division among people could empower defeated forces, urging unity to confront rising disorder. Speaking at a protest rally titled “Oath of July: Jahangirnagar Means Resistance,” he condemned growing lawlessness and urged political parties to avoid divisive reforms. The event marked the launch of July–August programs and featured testimonies from students allegedly assaulted by Chhatra League activists in 2024. Several university officials also addressed the crowd, demanding justice and accountability.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced a major government reshuffle over three years into Russia’s invasion. He has proposed Finance Minister Yulia Svyrydenko as the new Prime Minister and plans to appoint current Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal as Defense Minister. The reshuffle comes amid military setbacks and intensified Russian airstrikes. Zelensky emphasized the need for fresh energy in leadership and a renewed focus on the war effort, economy, and defense. Parliamentary approval is required, but backing is likely.

BNP categorically opposes any form of proportional representation (PR) system, said senior party leader Salahuddin Ahmed. Speaking to the press following a meeting with the National Consensus Commission at the Foreign Service Academy on July 15, he stated that while discussions were held on the concept of a bicameral legislature, consensus on its structure and function remains elusive.

He noted that BNP had proposed a 100-member upper house based on their 31-point framework to ensure representation from diverse social and professional groups. However, some parties questioned the necessity of a second chamber. Constitutional reforms were also a key point of discussion at the meeting.

BNP leaders and activists in Narsingdi's Nozorpur Union held a human chain protest to condemn the recent attack on local BNP leader Abul Hossain Siam. According to speakers at the event, Siam was assaulted on July 11 by known assailants led by Sohel Sarkar after he intervened to stop illegal sand extraction from a nearby river.

Siam, who sustained serious injuries, is currently hospitalized. Protesters claimed that despite filing a complaint with the police, no arrests have been made, leaving them in a state of insecurity. They accused "terrorists backed by the fascist Awami League" and demanded the immediate arrest and maximum punishment for the perpetrators.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi alleged that Dr. Muhammad Yunus garners public support because, unlike Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he would not be involved in laundering money abroad. Speaking at a donation event in Kurigram, Rizvi emphasized that elections should be held before Ramadan, taking into account the public’s sentiments amid the ongoing national crisis.

He accused the government of denying citizens the right to vote for 16 years and dragging its feet over election scheduling. Rizvi also urged political opponents to stop defaming Tarique Rahman, describing him as the "guiding star of democracy" whose leadership has propelled the ongoing movement. He claimed that many Islamist parties owe their political presence to the patronage of Ziaur Rahman. At the conclusion of the event, ten families of political martyrs received Tk 50,000 each in financial aid.

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed has called for official state recognition of the recent "student-public uprising" by August 5. Speaking at a student discussion organized by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal at Dhaka University on July 15, he revealed that a draft declaration was submitted to the government on February 12, followed by a refined version more recently.

Labeling Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as a "fascist" and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as a "double fascist", Salahuddin declared that politics under the banner of the Awami League should no longer be permitted. He termed the July 2024 uprising as a continuation of 17 years of ongoing political resistance. Chhatra Dal President Rakib, also speaking at the event, condemned the lack of accountability for crimes committed by the Chhatra League and vowed to resist any attempts at creating unrest through mob violence.

Anindya Islam Amit, Acting Organizing Secretary of BNP’s National Executive Committee, stated that those attempting to delay or undermine elections are enemies of democracy. Speaking at a protest rally organized by the Jessore district unit of the BNP’s volunteer wing, Amit said that not a single BNP activist will leave the streets until citizens' voting rights are guaranteed. He added that just as past movements have toppled fascist regimes, this time too, the people's right to vote will be established through a nationwide movement.

Addressing party activists, he emphasized the need for restraint and vigilance, urging them not to fall into the traps of political opponents. Amit also warned that although BNP members refrain from offensive rhetoric, the people will not remain silent if Shaheed Ziaur Rahman and Tarique Rahman continue to be defamed.