A draft of the July Declaration has been finalized, promising official and constitutional recognition of the 2024 student-popular uprising that led to the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. The 26-point document outlines the people’s struggles against fascism, corruption, and authoritarianism, and calls for systemic reforms, justice for past crimes, and a fair electoral process. It also affirms the formation of an interim government under Dr. Muhammad Yunus and expresses a collective vision for a democratic, equal, and accountable Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Bank has warned of potential cyberattacks targeting banks, financial institutions, and critical infrastructure in the coming days. The central bank advised updating security systems, enabling multi-factor authentication, and restricting remote access. Financial entities must activate 24/7 Security Operations Centers and ensure regular backups. Any irregular activity must be reported immediately. Institutions are also urged to implement Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Plans to remain operational during crises. The alert follows credible intelligence of likely small- to mid-scale cyberattacks.

Brazil will impose sanctions on Israel over its actions in Gaza since October 2023, citing credible allegations of genocide. Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira announced the decision at a UN conference, adding that Brazil will halt military exports to Israel and investigate imports from illegal West Bank settlements. He stressed the need for accountability and political will. Brazil has also recalled its ambassador from Tel Aviv and will support South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

Bangladesh has received a positive response from the United States regarding tariff reductions during the third round of bilateral trade talks held in Washington, D.C. Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman confirmed productive discussions and expectations of significant tariff cuts on Bangladeshi products. The talks aim to address the U.S. plan to impose a 35% counter-tariff starting August 1. Bangladesh is negotiating to increase imports from the U.S. and secure a favorable tariff arrangement to protect its export interests.

The third round of formal tariff negotiations between Bangladesh and the United States began at 2 PM local time in Washington. Informal discussions had started earlier at 12:30 PM and will continue until 5:30 PM. Talks will resume tomorrow morning. The Bangladeshi delegation is led by Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin, with senior officials from the commerce ministry. The U.S. side is headed by Assistant Trade Representative Brendan Lynch. The Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, D.C. is coordinating the negotiations.

The government has removed Md. Ali Afroz, the personal secretary (PS) of former Senior Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division, Siddiqur Zobair, amid allegations of corruption and irregularities. This follows the secretary’s earlier withdrawal due to student protests. Afroz has been transferred to the Economic Relations Division and must report by August 4. Previously, two other officials were also released from the education ministry for overstaying and alleged misuse of power, raising concerns over influence and favoritism within the ministry.

In a court statement, former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun disclosed that Barrister Arman was secretly detained in the TFI cell under orders from the Prime Minister’s military advisor, Tariq Siddiqui. Mamun stated that many abductions and illegal detentions were executed through intelligence agencies without his knowledge or approval, even during his tenure as IGP. He admitted knowing about Arman’s detention but took no action, citing pressure and direct orders from higher authorities, bypassing the police command chain.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on his social media platform, Truth Social, that starting August 1, a 25% tariff will be imposed on Indian goods entering the American market. While calling India a “friendly nation,” Trump expressed concerns over India’s trade relations with Russia and China and cited high tariffs on American products in India as justification. He also mentioned an additional unspecified fine on India but did not provide further details.

Faruk-e-Azam, adviser on the Liberation War to the interim government, revealed discrepancies in the official lists of those injured and killed during the July movement. Some individuals who were not involved have been mistakenly included as martyrs. The government is working to correct these records by verifying information with relevant ministries and local authorities. Efforts are also underway to ensure monthly stipends and rehabilitation support for the injured. The aim is to preserve the memory of July accurately and respectfully.

Dr. Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, Deputy Amir of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, emphasized that the reform proposals agreed upon by political parties can lead to qualitative change if properly implemented. He expressed disappointment over the draft charter's lack of clear timelines and legal backing. Taher stressed the importance of legally binding reforms to gain public trust and warned that without this, the proposals would be symbolic and meaningless. He called for discussions with legal experts to ensure enforceability.

Discussions between political parties and the National Consensus Commission are nearing completion, but fundamental disagreements remain. BNP seeks parliamentary debate on caretaker government formation if the ranking system fails, while Jamaat and NCP oppose some proposals, calling the July Charter draft incomplete and risky. Legal frameworks and implementation methods, including ordinances or referendums, are major points of contention. The commission aims to finalize the charter by July 31, incorporating agreed issues and awaiting party feedback in the next two days.

Education Advisor C.R. Abrar revealed that during the Awami League government, secret deals were made with representatives of a neighboring country on critical state matters without ministry officials present. He criticized the past 17 years for political subservience, abductions, and lawlessness, crediting youth movements for reclaiming citizens’ rights. Abrar emphasized the need for political neutrality in universities and highlighted ongoing efforts to improve education quality and provide accurate textbooks. The remarks were made during Sylhet Agricultural University’s orientation program.

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court will announce its verdict on August 6 regarding the review petition over the Order of Precedence for key state officials. The case stems from a dispute over ranking constitutional post holders below administrative officials in the 1986 protocol. The Bangladesh Judicial Service Association initiated the legal battle, later joined by deputy and assistant attorney generals. A previous verdict had revised the High Court’s directives, sparking this review to seek further changes.

Malta has announced it will officially recognize the State of Palestine during the United Nations General Assembly in September. Prime Minister Robert Abela confirmed the decision amid growing domestic pressure and support for a two-state solution. This move follows similar intentions by the UK and France, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer warning of recognition if Israel fails to meet conditions. Ireland, Norway, and Spain have already recognized Palestine, highlighting increasing European support for Palestinian statehood.

Seventeen countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt have joined Western nations in calling on Hamas to disarm and step down from governing Gaza to end the ongoing conflict. In a joint declaration led by France and Saudi Arabia, the nations also called for Hamas to hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority as part of efforts to establish a sovereign Palestinian state. The statement proposed a UN-supervised peacekeeping mission in Gaza and urged peaceful coexistence through the end of violence and occupation.