Jamaat-e-Islami leader and potential Gazipur City Corporation mayoral candidate Dr. Hafizur Rahman wrote on Facebook that Jamaat Ameer and opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman is making politicians’ lives difficult by transforming the nature of politics in Bangladesh. In his post, Dr. Hafizur said that Shafiqur Rahman’s immediate response to humanitarian crises, including his recent actions in Chattogram, has set a new standard for political leadership.

He noted that while the Jamaat chief personally engages with affected communities, other elected representatives often remain detached. According to Dr. Hafizur, this contrast has increased public expectations and pressure on politicians, including ministers and the prime minister. He added that after Shafiqur Rahman’s visit to Chattogram, government assistance and coordination in disaster-affected areas improved noticeably.

Dr. Hafizur concluded that Shafiqur Rahman’s approach represents a turning point in Bangladeshi politics, demonstrating that opposition leaders can influence governance and remain close to the people through active public service.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has identified the upcoming local government elections as a significant organizational challenge for the party. During a meeting of its Standing Committee held on Saturday night at the BNP chairperson’s office in Gulshan, Dhaka, members also supported holding the party’s national council by the end of this year. The meeting, chaired by BNP Chairperson and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, discussed local elections, organizational activities, economic issues, and the government’s election pledges, though no final decisions were made.

According to party sources, most members emphasized strengthening grassroots structures and preparing for the elections. The meeting also discussed reorganizing expired district and metropolitan committees, creating new leadership, and improving the party’s organizational capacity. Economic conditions, employment, and the implementation of government promises such as family and farmer cards were reviewed. Members also addressed the financial struggles of long-time activists and stressed rehabilitation and self-reliance.

The committee further discussed ongoing flood relief efforts, urging stronger support for affected communities. This was the BNP Standing Committee’s third meeting since the 2026 national election.

The Supreme Court of Bangladesh announced that judicial proceedings in both its divisions would remain suspended for the second half of Sunday following the death of former Speaker, former minister, and senior Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Jamir Uddin Sarkar. The chamber court’s activities were also halted as a mark of respect. Sarkar passed away early in the morning at a private hospital in Dhaka while undergoing treatment.

Chief Justice, on behalf of himself, the judges of the Appellate and High Court Divisions, and the officers and employees of the Supreme Court Registry, expressed deep sorrow over his death. The condolence message prayed for the departed soul and conveyed sympathy to the bereaved family.

According to a notice signed by Supreme Court Public Relations Officer Md. Shafiqul Islam, the decision to suspend court activities for half a day on July 12 was taken to honor the memory of Barrister Jamir Uddin Sarkar, who had held several important positions in Bangladesh’s state and constitutional history.

Former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has passed away at the age of 74. The Amiri Diwan, Qatar’s royal office, confirmed his death in a statement on Sunday, expressing deep sorrow and describing the event as an irreparable loss for the nation. The statement added prayers for his soul and gratitude for his service and contributions to the country.

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013. During his leadership, the country utilized its energy resources to achieve rapid economic growth, develop infrastructure, and emerge as an influential state on the international stage. In 2013, he voluntarily transferred power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and since then had been known as the “Father Emir.”

The royal office’s announcement marks the end of an era for Qatar, as Sheikh Hamad’s tenure is widely associated with the nation’s transformation into a modern and prosperous state.

Allegations of corruption and misconduct among state-appointed legal officers in Bangladesh have resurfaced following the Attorney General’s recent show-cause notices to four Deputy Attorney Generals on July 5, 2026. Reports indicate that many government lawyers, including those in the High Court and lower courts, are accused of colluding with defendants, lacking professionalism, and misusing their positions for personal gain. Analysts say the Attorney General’s Office and Public Prosecutor’s Office have turned into political rehabilitation centers, undermining state interests and public trust in the judiciary.

The article traces the problem to politically motivated, temporary appointments that encourage unethical practices and weaken accountability. Despite repeated recommendations for a permanent attorney service to ensure transparency and merit-based recruitment, successive governments have failed to enact the necessary law. The Attorney General, Barrister Ruhul Kudduz Kajol, stated that no corruption will be tolerated and that proper action is being taken against proven misconduct.

Experts argue that establishing a permanent attorney service through competitive recruitment could improve case outcomes, reduce corruption, and restore public confidence in the justice system.

National Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Barrister Jamir Uddin Sarkar. Sarkar, who was born on December 1, 1931, in Nayabari village of Tetulia upazila in Panchagarh district, passed away at a hospital in Dhaka at the age of 94. In a condolence message, the Speaker prayed for the salvation of the departed soul and conveyed sympathy to the bereaved family.

Jamir Uddin Sarkar earned his MA and LLB degrees from the University of Dhaka and later obtained a Barrister-at-Law degree from Lincoln’s Inn, London, in 1961. Upon returning to Bangladesh, he became a prominent Supreme Court lawyer specializing in constitutional, civil, and criminal law. He served as the Speaker of the Eighth National Parliament from October 28, 2001, to January 25, 2009.

He also held several key ministerial positions under President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, including roles as State Minister for Public Works, Foreign Affairs, Land, Education, and as Minister for Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs.

Former Bangladeshi leader Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted two years ago in a mass uprising and has been living in exile in India, announced that she will return to Bangladesh in December to surrender before the court. In a phone interview with Reuters from Delhi, she said the Bangladesh government is seeking her extradition from India, but she intends to return voluntarily. Hasina urged her exiled party leaders to come back with her and expressed confidence in the judicial process, saying she wants to prove the trial will expose the court as a farce.

Her announcement has stirred intense discussion in political and media circles, coinciding with the second anniversary of the July uprising. Critics and commentators questioned the timing and sincerity of her plan, noting her past avoidance of political risks. Nahid Islam, head of the NCP and a leader of the July revolution, stated that the government, not Hasina, will decide how and when she returns to face her death sentence.

Analysts cited in the report suggested that the ruling Awami League aims to act before losing influence in the administration and judiciary, learning from the BNP’s earlier strategic mistakes.

Former Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad and former Acting President of Bangladesh, Jamir Uddin Sarkar, has passed away. His youngest son, Nowfel Jamir, confirmed the news in a Facebook post, stating that he died at dawn on July 12, Bangladesh time.

Journalist Oliullah Noman shared on Facebook that he had many memories with Jamir Uddin Sarkar, recalling his time as Acting President and Speaker when he often invited journalists for discussions and news advice. Noman described him as a patriotic politician whose political philosophy centered on establishing a sovereign Bangladesh free from foreign dominance. He expressed that the nation has lost a distinguished political figure with his passing.

Prayers were offered for the forgiveness of his sins and for his acceptance in paradise, along with wishes for patience and strength for his bereaved family.

Mohammad Sarjis Alam, chief organizer of the National Citizen Party (NCP) for northern Bangladesh, made strong remarks against Sheikh Hasina and the current BNP government during a rally in Rahanpur, Chapainawabganj, on Saturday night. Speaking after a July march demanding a referendum, employment, and border security, he accused Sheikh Hasina of disgraceful defeat and alleged she had fled the country. He also claimed that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s family members were not true Bangladeshis and criticized their legacy.

Sarjis Alam further accused the BNP government of distributing state benefits only among its supporters, questioning whether the government served the entire nation or just its party members. He also expressed concern over media freedom, alleging that the Awami League previously controlled the press and that similar interference was re-emerging under the current administration.

Calling for public support, Alam urged citizens to trust the NCP, emphasizing that the party was newly formed and committed to protecting voters’ trust and rights.

Prominent political figures, lawyers, journalists, and injured fighters have demanded the immediate implementation of the 'July Charter', justice for those convicted of crimes against humanity including Sheikh Hasina, and proper rehabilitation for injured and martyred families. The demands were made on Saturday, July 11, at a program organized by the July Martyrs Memorial Foundation at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Dhaka, where an audio-visual series on the July Revolution and its first song were launched.

Speakers including Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar, ICT Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam, former adviser Sharmin S Murshid, and lawyer Tajul Islam emphasized fulfilling the aspirations of the July Revolution and ensuring equality and justice. They criticized the current parliament and government for neglecting the revolution’s ideals and failing to rehabilitate injured fighters. Several speakers also called for the establishment of a July Museum and media boycott of those opposing the revolution.

Former BFUJ president M Abdullah expressed frustration over the foundation’s financial crisis and urged MPs and officials to contribute one month’s salary. Injured fighters described their dire living conditions, alleging government inaction in their rehabilitation.

Leaders of Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam Bangladesh have called for a full evaluation of the July martyrs and urged that those still injured receive proper medical treatment. The demand was made at the council and member conference of the party’s Dhaka North unit, held on Saturday at the Kabi Nazrul Islam Hall of the National Press Club. The event was chaired by Mufti Mokbul Hossain Kasemi and conducted by Maulana Nur Mohammad Kasemi, with party president Shaikhul Hadis Maulana Ubaidullah Faruq as the chief guest.

Speakers emphasized that millions of Qawmi madrasa students are citizens of the country but remain neglected in areas such as the national budget. They urged the government to ensure their rights and take effective steps for the full implementation of the Qawmi certificate. The conference also presented a 10-point demand, including improving law and order, stopping anti-Qawmi propaganda, and making religious education compulsory at all levels.

A 61-member committee was formed for the Dhaka North unit, with Mufti Mokbul Hossain Kasemi as president, Maulana Nur Mohammad Kasemi as general secretary, and Maulana Taher Saeed as organizational secretary.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer (southern region) of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and Member of Parliament for Comilla-4, said that citizens have been hurt by the government’s withdrawal from the referendum process. Speaking at a street rally in Chandpur’s Baitul Amin Square on Saturday, he claimed that ongoing crises have made civic life unbearable, citing unemployment, rising prices of essentials, and persistent power outages.

Abdullah alleged that the government failed to deliver on its promise to create jobs within six months of taking office. He also criticized the increase in fuel prices, saying it was justified by the government on the grounds of the Iran-related war situation, yet electricity supply did not improve. He described the fuel price adjustment committee as a “decorative initiative” that failed to break syndicates in the energy sector.

On the referendum issue, Abdullah claimed that around 70 percent of people supported the “yes” vote but the government did not reflect the true results. He accused the authorities of “stealing the results” rather than the votes themselves.

At a seminar titled 'Post-July Revolution Education Reform and Future Roadmap' held at the National Press Club, speakers emphasized that reforming the education system is essential for restructuring the state. They called for prioritizing moral and religious education to build a generation capable of competing globally. The event was organized by the Ideal Teachers Federation, with Professor Dr. Zubair Muhammad Ehsanul Haque presenting the keynote paper.

Former interim government adviser Professor A F M Khalid Hossain criticized past changes in education that, he said, weakened national identity and religious studies. He highlighted Japan’s education model and warned against excessive politicization in universities. Chief guest Mahmudur Rahman, editor of *Amar Desh*, stressed that teachers must free themselves from political influence to ensure merit-based recruitment and uphold the ideals of the July Revolution. He also called for strengthening religious and moral education to build ethical and self-reliant citizens.

Speakers including Professor Mujibur Rahman MP urged the government to end partisan appointments and make Quran education mandatory at all levels, arguing that a faith-based, merit-oriented education system is vital for national progress.

Speakers at a seminar in Dhaka on Friday said that the city’s intellectuals failed to play the expected role during the July Revolution, comparing their inaction to that seen in 1971. The event, titled “July Through Perspectives: Opinions and Differences,” was organized by the Center for Bengal Studies at Sirajul Islam Lecture Hall of Dhaka University. Among the speakers were Faisal Mahmud, Hasan Robayet, Faisal Ahmed, and Mowlobi Ashraf, with Abdullah Al Mahmud delivering the welcome address.

Participants described the July Revolution as an expression of collective anger and revolutionary aspiration against a former fascist regime. They emphasized the need to uphold the core spirit of July to continue the struggle against fascism and for state reform. The speakers urged sustained intellectual and political efforts to build an inclusive, just, and discrimination-free society reflecting the revolution’s ideals.

Additional remarks were made by researchers and representatives from various organizations, including the National Revolutionary Council and Inquilab Moncho, reinforcing the call for continued engagement with the revolution’s foundational goals.

Bangladesh’s Minister for Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare, Professor Dr. Abu Zafar Md. Zahid Hossain, arrived in Islamabad to attend the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women Affairs, scheduled for July 12–13, 2026. The delegation was received at Islamabad International Airport by Pakistan’s Minister of State for Law and Justice, Barrister Aqil Malik, and Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Md. Iqbal Hossain Khan.

The minister was accompanied by his spouse, Dr. Sharifa Karim Swarna, along with Women and Children Affairs Secretary Yasmin Parveen and Private Secretary Dr. Md. Mahmudul Haque. During the visit, the minister inspected Bangladesh’s newly constructed chancery complex in Islamabad’s Diplomatic Enclave, where embassy officials and staff welcomed him. He exchanged greetings with them and planted a tree in the chancery compound.

The visit highlights Bangladesh’s participation in the OIC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation among member states on women’s development and social welfare issues.