The Finance Division of the Ministry of Finance has been granted the authority to appoint primary dealers for government securities, a role previously held by Bangladesh Bank. The new policy aims to strengthen the primary and secondary markets by allowing banks and financial institutions to become primary dealers after evaluation. Primary dealers must actively participate in bidding and maintain transaction volumes. Annual performance reviews will determine continued appointments and rankings. The move follows IMF recommendations to enhance regulatory control and modernize the legal framework.

Jashore, July 11 – Akhtar Hossain, Member Secretary of the National Citizens' Party (NCP), has said that the conversation around reform is already on the table, and warned against forcing the party to take its movement to the streets.

Speaking at a street rally in Jashore, Hossain criticized political groups that are allegedly benefiting from student sacrifices while resisting genuine reform. He also claimed a conspiracy is underway to deny NCP the use of the "Shapla" (water lily) symbol.

“While we are speaking about real reforms in Bangladesh, they are only focused on elections,” he said. “If we continue under Hasina’s system—her constitution, judiciary, and administration—our dream of building a new Bangladesh will remain just that: a dream. It will never be realized.”

Jashore, July 11 – Hasnat Abdullah, Chief Organizer of the National Citizens' Party (NCP) for the southern region, has stated that certain political parties become visibly agitated when the NCP speaks out against extortion, tender manipulation, double standards by the Election Commission, and conspiracies orchestrated from abroad.

Speaking at a street rally as part of the NCP's July march at Zero Point in Jashore, Abdullah said, “Those who truly oppose fascism should not be disturbed by such criticism.” He emphasized that the party would continue to raise its voice against injustice and political conspiracies, no matter who feels offended.

President Trump’s recent policies, including strict immigration enforcement, tariff threats, and government instability, have already weakened the U.S. economy and global confidence in the dollar. Federal budget cuts to scientific research threaten America’s innovation leadership. Proposed legislation could increase national debt by trillions, deepen inequality, and reduce social support programs. Despite public opposition, these measures risk long-term economic slowdown, higher borrowing costs, and reduced labor supply, undermining both short-term recovery and future growth prospects for the U.S.

A plant survey has started at the Lake View Garden in Rangamati’s Fishery Ghat area, initiated by the Roads and Highways Department (RHD). The survey was launched by RHD's Executive Engineer Sabuj Chakma. The 650-meter-long garden is being developed along the Fishery Ghat–Old Bus Stand link road. The survey focuses on both existing and newly planted species. The RHD has created a collection of over 200 plant species in the garden, aiming to enhance biodiversity and promote environmental awareness in the region.

Despite the completion of the Boro harvest in early June, rice prices in Rangpur have surged by over 4 taka per kilogram in a month. Coarse, medium, and fine rice varieties have all seen sharp increases, putting pressure on low-income consumers. Traders blame corporate competition and mill owners for market instability, while officials remain unsure of the cause. Though the government continues procurement and subsidized sales, market monitoring remains weak, raising concerns over future affordability.

Moeazzem Hossain Alal, advisor to the BNP Chairperson, has urged all parties not to hinder the country's path toward a new political arrangement for the sake of democracy.

He accused the ruling Awami League of having a legacy of attacking Parliament and undermining democracy, claiming the party is capable of committing even atrocities to cling to power — including acts that constitute genocide. Alal cited a former Inspector General of Police's alleged confession to being complicit in such acts as evidence.

Advising the Nationalist Citizens’ Party (NCP) to remain restrained, Alal called on all groups to prioritize the nation’s democratic future. While reaffirming his commitment to multiparty democracy, he sharply criticized the Awami League for "defiling Parliament" and repressing the opposition. He concluded by stressing the importance of preserving peace and democracy during this critical period of political transformation.

BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu has stated that while many now dismiss the BNP, the party’s true strength will be revealed through free and fair elections. He accused the ruling government of attempting to sabotage elections under the guise of reforms and judicial processes. Dudu emphasized that the BNP has a history of winning elections and expects to return to power again. He urged the government to announce an election date and warned that democracy is the only way to safeguard citizens’ rights and prevent the return of authoritarianism in Bangladesh.

Violent clashes broke out between Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Shibir activists in Patharghata, Barguna, following allegations that a schoolgirl was harassed by a Shibir leader at a street food stall. Chhatra Dal members confronted 18-year-old Shibir activist Md. Nayeem, which led to verbal abuse and eventually physical altercations. During the brawl, Jamaat-e-Islami activist Md. Nasir Uddin was attacked with a machete and seriously injured. Police and Navy personnel have been deployed to restore order, and legal action is underway. Protesters are demanding the arrest of those responsible for the assault on Jamaat activists.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has instructed all customs houses across Bangladesh to remain open on Friday and Saturday to ensure uninterrupted import-export operations. This decision comes after recent disruptions in cargo clearance caused by slow performance of the ASYCUDA World System. Affected customs houses include Chattogram, Dhaka, Benapole, Kamalapur ICD, Mongla, and Pangaon. All trade associations and related government bodies have been notified. This move follows earlier shutdowns linked to NBR staff protests demanding the chairman’s removal.

Mahbub Molla (35), a former leader of the opposition Jubo Dal who was previously expelled from the party, was brutally murdered in Daulatpur, Khulna, while on his way to attend Jummah prayers.

According to eyewitnesses, three attackers on motorcycles ambushed Mahbub, shooting him and slashing his tendons in a gruesome attack. One of the assailants was reportedly wearing a helmet. Mahbub was rushed to Khulna Medical College Hospital in critical condition, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.

Though Mahbub was no longer officially affiliated with Jubo Dal — having been expelled over alleged disciplinary violations related to an incident at KUET — police have launched a full investigation into the politically charged killing.

The interim government has approved the establishment of a United Nations Human Rights Office in Dhaka. However, the National Revolutionary Council has strongly opposed the move, claiming it exceeds the government's authority and violates national sovereignty. Protest leaders accused the UN Human Rights Commission of failing to protect Muslims globally, citing its inaction in crises in Palestine, Kashmir, and Arakan. The council called on Muslim-majority countries to take decisive action to protect Palestinians and criticized what they describe as the UN’s selective concern for human rights.

The Ministry of Commerce has appointed administrators to the Bangladesh CNG Filling Station and Conversion Workshop Owners Association and the Bangladesh Acid Merchant Association due to irregularities in their operations. Joint Secretary Shayla Yasmin and Deputy Secretary Md. Abdul Malek will serve as administrators respectively. The ministry dissolved the existing committees and tasked the administrators with holding fair elections within 120 days. The elected committees will then take over responsibilities, and the ministry must be informed of the handover.

A scrap dealer named Md. Sohag was brutally murdered in Dhaka after refusing to pay extortion money. The horrific incident took place on Wednesday evening at Rajoni Ghosh Lane near Mitford Hospital. According to police, Sohag had been under pressure for months to pay extortion fees but consistently refused. In retaliation, Moin, a local youth leader and candidate for the position of General Secretary of the Jubo Dal in the Chawkbazar area, along with his associates, attacked Sohag with stones, killing him on the spot. Shockingly, witnesses report that the attackers danced on Sohag’s body after the killing. Moin has a history of extortion from street vendors and chemical traders near the hospital, and is also accused of taking bribes in exchange for third-class hospital job placements. Police have arrested Moin and another suspect in connection with the crime.

Singapore will launch a "Business Adaptation Grant" in October to support companies facing challenges due to U.S. tariff-related uncertainties. The initiative, led by the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce (SERT), will provide up to SGD 100,000 per company, with SMEs prioritized. The grant will help cover costs for legal and trade consultations, supply chain improvements, and market diversification. Additionally, it will support workforce training to enhance adaptability in a shifting global trade environment.