BNP Vice-Chairperson Nargis Begum has warned of a serious conspiracy to delay the national elections and has urged all democratic forces to unite against any attempt to establish an unelected government.

Speaking at a women’s rally organized by the BNP’s women’s wing in Jessore, she said, “We must not allow a regime of chaos and plunder to return. No non-political or unelected government is acceptable.”

She also recalled the efforts of the late President Ziaur Rahman in empowering women. Addressing the event, BNP leader Anindya Islam Amit stated that the freedom to breathe in a “Hasina-free” Bangladesh has come at the cost of sacrifices by both men and women, and such sacrifices must be recognized. He assured that if elected, the BNP would take all necessary steps to improve the lives of women.

President Donald Trump is set to restart negotiations with China over purchasing TikTok’s U.S. operations. He may speak directly with President Xi Jinping or his representatives early this week. Trump emphasized the deal is nearing finalization but still requires China’s approval. The September 17 deadline remains, following a series of executive orders banning the app over security concerns. Talks had previously stalled after Trump raised tariffs on Chinese goods. A successful deal could mark a major strategic win amid ongoing U.S.-China tensions.

BNP Standing Committee Member Goyeshwar Chandra Roy has declared that no one will be able to stop the upcoming parliamentary elections. Speaking at a public rally in Keraniganj, he said, “To those who say the BNP couldn’t achieve anything in 16 years — we can now deliver results in just 16 days.”

Referring to Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the chief advisor of the newly formed advisory council, Goyeshwar stated, “A gentleman has made a promise for a fair election, and we believe he will fulfill it in due time.”

He also criticized Jamaat-e-Islami, alleging that the group has established dominance in the education and health sectors while recruiting corrupt individuals from the ruling Awami League. BNP leaders Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel, Shama Obaid, and Azizul Bari Helal also addressed the rally, urging voters to elect Goyeshwar from Dhaka-3 and called for setting a clear timeline for the upcoming election.

A family in Brahmanbaria’s Nasirnagar was shocked to receive a bank notice demanding repayment of a farm loan allegedly taken by Riaz Uddin, who died 12 years ago. The Bangladesh Krishi Bank approved the loan in January 2024 using his identity, raising serious concerns about fraud. The loan, now BDT 130,000 with interest, was never authorized by the family. Local officials have promised an investigation. The family insists Riaz Uddin never borrowed money, questioning how a dead man secured a loan.

Indian Border Security Force (BSF) pushed 15 Bangladeshi nationals—including men, women, and children—across two border points in Panchagarh Sadar upazila on Friday night. The group, detained by Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) within Bangladeshi territory, included residents from Khulna, Bagerhat, Jashore, and Narail districts who had been working in India. After filing a General Diary, the BGB handed them over to local police. They will remain under upazila administration supervision until family contacts are made and legal procedures are completed.

President Donald Trump has signed letters to impose new tariffs on 12 countries, with details on affected goods and rates to be revealed on July 7. Trump hinted some tariffs could reach up to 70%, effective from August 1. Negotiations with countries like Japan and the EU failed, prompting this decisive move. The 90-day suspension period for higher tariffs ends July 9. These letters carry significant economic and diplomatic implications, with global responses now under watch.

Zohran Mamdani’s primary victory in the New York City mayoral race has sparked both celebration and outrage. As the first South Asian, Muslim, and Indian-origin candidate likely to become mayor, his stance on human rights and criticism of Prime Minister Modi has angered Hindu nationalist groups and some in the Indian diaspora. Accusations of anti-Hindu bias and links to “anti-India” organizations have emerged. Yet, Mamdani remains firm, symbolizing resistance against religious intolerance and rising global Islamophobia.

Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna condemned recent mob violence, particularly the forced eviction of former Chief Election Commissioner Nurul Huda from his home. “This is not justice—it’s chaos,” he said. Manna emphasized that legal accountability, not mob action, should prevail. He also raised concerns about Section 35 of the Cyber Security Ordinance, which allows warrantless arrests, and criticized the increasing trend of political vandalism, including attacks on former MP AK Azad’s residence. “If this culture of destruction continues, how will democracy return?” he asked.

BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan criticized ambiguities in the new Cyber Security Ordinance, warning that they open the door for state repression. “Anyone misusing the law to oppress the public must be punished and held accountable,” he said. He noted the ordinance failed to address key reform needs and allows multiple penalties for a single offense, undermining legal integrity. Stressing that laws must serve the people, he called for active roles from political parties and civil society in raising awareness.

In a statement marking Ashura, BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman drew a parallel between the ruling Awami League’s 16-year governance and the tyrannical regime of Yazid. Citing enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, state-sponsored terror, and widespread corruption, he described the period as one of “unspeakable oppression.” Honoring the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) at Karbala as a symbol of resistance against injustice, Tarique vowed to continue the struggle for truth and justice until victory is achieved. He also condemned the treatment of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, alleging she was sentenced in false cases and left to die.

At a rally in Bogura during the “July March,” NCP Convenor Nahid Islam declared that “July” is not just emotional—it is a political destination and must be included in the new constitution. He accused opponents of this inclusion of becoming “new gatekeepers of Mujibism” and warned there would be no place for them in the political future. Emphasizing the need for judicial and administrative neutrality post-uprising, he said those clinging to the old system will meet the same fate as previous regimes. NCP leaders stressed that the newly emerged Bangladesh must not fall into the hands of extortionists.

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed criticized individuals now speaking of political reform, saying they were formerly aligned with the ruling Awami League under the 14-party coalition. Speaking at a Keraniganj rally, he described them as a “team of opportunists” advocating proportional representation at Suhrawardy Udyan. He called for swift reforms followed by elections, pledging that a BNP government would implement comprehensive constitutional changes. While acknowledging the organizational efforts of NCP-affiliated student leaders, he questioned their electoral intentions. Despite differences, he urged all forces behind the July uprising to remain united.

In an interview with Thikana, Mufti Faizul Karim, the Nayeb-e-Ameer of Islami Andolon Bangladesh, claimed that party leaders do not collect donations—they contribute instead. Referring to a recent party conference, he said both he and the Ameer paid BDT 100,000 each from personal funds to attend. According to him, the party’s multi-crore budget is met through voluntary contributions from members. “There’s a difference between personal gifts and organizational funding,” he added. "We may accept personal donations, but we do not engage with party funds." He also emphasized his business background, mentioning ownership of a company and a brick field, and said his time is divided between family, business, and religious outreach.

Religious Adviser Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain reaffirmed the government's commitment to holding the national election on schedule, dismissing any doubts or misinformation. He spoke during the foundation stone unveiling of the Bandarban district model mosque and Islamic Cultural Center at Meghla Tourism Area. Highlighting the mosque’s role in promoting Islamic values and social development, he urged locals to manage it effectively and maintain regular prayers. The mosque, costing nearly 160 million taka, features a four-story international standard building constructed by the Public Works Department.

BNP Standing Committee member Dr. Abdul Moin Khan criticized the Awami League for its authoritarian rule and failure to establish true nationalism in Bangladesh. Speaking at a discussion at Dhaka University on July 5, he praised former President Ziaur Rahman for promoting Bangladeshi nationalism as a solution to the issues within Bengali nationalism. Moin Khan claimed that while the Awami League has long governed, it has lost its core values and identity, effectively abandoning the country’s nationalist spirit.