The Bangladesh Climate Change Trust (BCCT) will develop a 10-year strategic plan to become a more skilled, self-reliant, and modern institution. Syeda Rizwana Hasan, advisor to the Environment and Water Resources ministries, announced plans to update the Climate Change Trust Act and build a dedicated BCCT office if government land is allocated. Efforts will include securing patent rights for funded research, launching real-time digital monitoring for transparency, and enhancing staff training to improve effectiveness and accountability.

Archaeologists have uncovered Péniko, a 3,500-year-old city in northern Peru’s Barranca province, believed to be connected to the Caral civilization, the oldest in the Americas. Located 200 km north of Lima at 600 meters elevation, the site includes 18 structures with religious and residential significance. Findings like mud sculptures and jewelry indicate it was a cultural and religious hub. Led by Dr. Ruth Shady, researchers suggest Péniko symbolizes the successor to Caral, thriving after climate change affected the earlier civilization.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), announced that they will wait until August 5 for the government and all parties to announce the July Charter. He urged the government to clarify the delay. Nahid warned that if the government fails to deliver, the party will consult other uprising stakeholders to decide the next steps. Speaking from Rajshahi, he emphasized the need for unity to rebuild Bangladesh and highlighted strong local support for the NCP.

The National Consensus Commission held the 10th day of its second-phase discussions with political parties on Monday in Dhaka, aiming to finalize agreements on key state reforms under a proposed interim government. Topics included expanding subordinate courts at the upazila level, emergency declaration protocols, and women’s political representation. Representatives from major and smaller parties such as BNP, Jamaat, CPB, and others attended. Professor Ali Riaz will brief the media, followed by political party representatives.

Interim Food Advisor Ali Imam Majumder stated that while rice prices have slightly increased during the peak season, claims of a significant surge are exaggerated. Speaking after a food security seminar in Dhaka, he confirmed the government is closely monitoring the market to prevent further hikes. He also announced a Japan-assisted loan deal to build a modern food testing lab in Dhaka, with additional advanced facilities in Khulna and Chattogram under BFSA to ensure food safety and accelerate quality control processes.

Following a visit to Dhaka Customs House, NBR Chairman assured officials that there is no reason to fear if duties are performed responsibly. He emphasized that only those involved in large-scale violations will be treated differently. Responding to questions, he said action taken against certain officers was based on government policy and not all protestors were punished. He also noted revenue collection reached Tk 3.68 trillion in the last fiscal year. The BR Invoice and DM Software systems were also inaugurated.

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said law enforcement agencies are preparing for a national election likely to be held in five months. Speaking to media after visiting police facilities in Dhaka, he dismissed political concerns about the election environment. He assured there would be no law and order issues and emphasized the Election Commission and political parties also share responsibility. On recent mob violence and militant activity, he confirmed action is being taken and stated that militancy has no foothold in Bangladesh.

NCP senior joint convener Samanta Sharmin has emphasized the pivotal role of women in nation-building, citing the historical contributions of Natore to Bangladesh's political struggles. Speaking at a street rally at Shadhinata Chattar in Natore, she recalled the legacy of Rani Bhabani, a prominent female leader during British colonial rule.

“Natore has always been at the forefront of national movements,” Sharmin stated. “The contribution of Natore residents to the 2024 mass uprising will not be forgotten.”

The event marked the seventh day of the NCP's July march, with central party leaders arriving in Natore from Rajshahi, greeted warmly by local activists with floral receptions.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed both hope and disappointment regarding the National Consensus Commission’s activities. He said that despite BNP’s active participation and willingness to compromise on key issues, delays are being caused by new and conflicting proposals. Fakhrul emphasized the need for public involvement in major decisions and warned against bypassing democratic processes. BNP has agreed to most reform recommendations but raised concerns over proposals that may hinder institutional independence or contradict earlier agreements.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia has been acquitted in three arson-related cases filed in connection with petrol bomb attacks on a bus and a covered van in Chauddagram, Comilla, in 2015.

The court ruled that Khaleda Zia could not have been involved, as she was confined to her residence in Gulshan during the incidents. Citing the politically motivated nature of the cases, the Law Ministry ordered their withdrawal. With this decision, no pending cases remain against Khaleda Zia in Chauddagram Police Station.

Bangladesh's National Human Rights Commission has been inactive for eight months since its chairperson and members resigned in November 2024. Over 300 complaints have been filed during this period, but investigations are stalled due to the absence of leadership. Rights groups report a surge in violations, including mob killings, political violence, custodial deaths, and sexual assaults. Human rights activists have expressed concern over the government's inaction, urging immediate reformation of the commission to address the worsening human rights situation.

Bangladesh lacks the conditions necessary for a free and fair election, said Mia Golam Parwar, Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. He criticized the absence of a level playing field and stated that the government's actions have failed to assure the public of a neutral electoral process.

Despite the challenges, Jamaat is not in favor of delaying the upcoming elections. Instead, the party is calling for a conducive environment that ensures fairness and transparency.

While visiting Suhrawardy Udyan on July 7, Parwar announced that Jamaat-e-Islami will hold a national grand rally on July 19. The rally will press for key demands, including a level playing field before the election, the implementation of proportional representation (PR) in the voting system, essential electoral reforms, and visible steps toward justice.

He urged citizens from all walks of life to participate in the rally and support the call for fair and democratic elections in Bangladesh.

BNP leader Ishraq Hossain has condemned recent remarks by a student leader comparing a "16-year struggle to 7 minutes" as deeply disrespectful to martyrs. Ishraq emphasized that no single group should claim sole credit for a movement and highlighted the sacrifices of leaders who were abducted or killed, including Ilyas Ali, Chowdhury Alam, and others. He warned that if the sacrifices of the fallen are dishonored and patience runs thin, the public will not hesitate to reject their leaders.

Samanta Sharmin has compared Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to "the Yazid of Bengal," invoking the legacy of Karbala as an eternal source of strength, dignity, and sacrifice in the fight against colonialism, fascism, and autocracy. Drawing parallels between historical female warriors and modern struggles, she wrote that every land is a Karbala, every day an Ashura. Referring to the memory of a young woman from the July movement who asked, “Am I old enough to be widowed?”, Samanta criticized the government’s record on enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings of women’s partners. She emphasized the need for new perspectives on women's rights and resistance.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Secretary General of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), expressed optimism that the country will move forward through elections. He hopes that an interim government will oversee national elections by February. Speaking in Sylhet after visiting the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (R), Fakhrul emphasized the need for electoral progress. He also attended a prayer session for the recovery of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and the well-being of Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. Later, he honored families of those killed in the July–August uprisings.