The BNP has dissolved its Chattogram North District Convening Committee, according to a press release issued Tuesday by senior party leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. A new committee will be formed soon, he said.

The announcement follows internal clashes during the council session of Thakurgaon’s Baliadangi Upazila BNP on July 12. As a result of disciplinary violations, the party expelled former acting president Md. Syed Alam and general secretary candidate Dr. T.M. Mahbubur Rahman from all party positions and primary membership. Additionally, five more leaders were expelled for creating unrest and violating party discipline.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stressed the importance of pursuing justice, reforms, and elections in parallel to prevent another national crisis. “Families of martyrs are not interested in elections unless justice is ensured,” he said. Referring to the UN fact-finding report, he noted certain gaps and demanded those be addressed to ensure transparent and fair justice. “Our leaders have faced judicial killings; we don’t want to see a repeat of that,” he said, calling for a justice system grounded in transparency and fairness.

He added that whether Jamaat is in government or in opposition, the party’s stance will remain “clear, principled, and fearless.” He urged any future government to uphold this national trust with integrity and independence.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has claimed that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the architect of fascism in Bangladesh, stating, “Before 1975, he buried democracy and established a one-party state under BAKSAL.” Fakhrul credited BNP founder Ziaur Rahman for reinstating multi-party democracy. “He restored political plurality, press freedom, and freedom of speech,” he said. “Zia also moved the country from a closed, flawed economic model to a free-market economy, dramatically changing the face of Bangladesh in just over three years.”

He also noted that it was former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia who transitioned the government from a presidential to a parliamentary system. Addressing those opposing reforms within the BNP, Fakhrul stated, “Many of us fought on the streets, endured prison, and stood against autocracy alongside Begum Khaleda Zia.”

NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah has stated that the police force should not act as a tool of any political party. “The police must dedicate themselves to serving the general public,” he said. Highlighting internal divisions within the force, he remarked, “Whenever an incident occurs, the blame typically falls on the constables and officers-in-charge, while senior officials often become blinded by the allure of power.” He emphasized the urgent need to implement the recommendations of the Police Reform Commission. “The police should not belong to either the BNP or the NCP — they must belong to the people,” he asserted.

Hasnat also criticized the current state of national defense, saying, “It’s unfortunate that Bangladesh still lacks a robust defense system. While India has systems like the S-400, we do not even have an Iron Dome. If the NCP comes to power, we will strengthen the country’s defense capabilities.” On the military, he added, “Prime Minister Hasina has turned our armed forces into construction workers. We must modernize the military to meet contemporary needs.”

A new US-EU trade deal has triggered disappointment across Europe. France slammed it as a "surrender," while Germany warned it could harm its economy. The deal imposes a 15% tariff on EU exports to the US, down from Trump’s earlier 30% threat. In return, the EU will buy more American energy and ease tariffs on some US goods. Critics say the deal is damage control, not a win. While some leaders welcome avoiding a trade war, skepticism remains widespread.

Bangladesh has entered the third round of trade negotiations with the United States, focusing on counter-tariff issues. The meeting began in Washington at 12:30 p.m. local time and will continue for three days. The Bangladeshi delegation is led by Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashiruddin, with National Security Advisor Dr. Khalilur Rahman also in attendance. Officials are optimistic about achieving positive results, building on the progress made in previous rounds of talks between the two countries.

The U.S. is exploring talks with Myanmar's Kachin rebels to secure access to rare earth minerals, challenging China’s control over critical resources. While formal discussions with the military junta remain unlikely, direct engagement with the Kachin Independence Army is being considered. The move follows rising frustration among rebels over Chinese dominance. However, logistical and diplomatic hurdles, especially China’s influence in the region, pose major challenges. Experts warn such a strategy could legitimize Myanmar’s military regime and weaken the U.S. stance on democracy and human rights.

Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen criticized the U.S. for using tariffs as a tool of pressure, calling it a clear case of trade suppression and hegemonic politics. He noted the 35% U.S. tariff on Bangladeshi goods as unfair and unethical for a least developed country. China expressed its willingness to work with Bangladesh to resist unilateralism, support fair trade, and uphold global justice. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to openness and multilateralism, despite growing global protectionism and trade barriers imposed by powerful nations.

The government has reorganized the Bangladesh Press Council, nominating 12 new members. A gazette notification in this regard was issued on Monday (July 28) by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

The newly appointed members are:
Obaidur Rahman Shaheen, Acting President of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists
Daulat Akhtar Mala, President of the Economic Reporters Forum
Md. Shahidul Islam, President of the Dhaka Union of Journalists
Mahfuz Anam, Editor of The Daily Star
Nurul Kabir, Editor of New Age
Shamsul Haque Zahid, Editor of The Financial Express
Dr. Ramiz Uddin Chowdhury, Editor of Dainik Purbokone
Akhtar Hossain Khan, Adviser to the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB)
Professor Mohammad Azam, Director General of Bangla Academy
Dr. Md. Fakhrul Islam, Secretary of the University Grants Commission
Zainul Abedin, Vice-Chairman of the Bangladesh Bar Council
This reorganization is seen as a significant step toward ensuring ethics and accountability in the country's media landscape.

A gunman opened fire at an office building in Midtown Manhattan, killing five people, including a Bangladeshi immigrant and NYPD officer Didarul Islam. The suspect, 27-year-old Shane Tamura from Las Vegas, used an M4 rifle and moved through multiple floors before being stopped. The motive remains under investigation. The tragic incident occurred at 345 Park Avenue, with one injured person hospitalized. Police and eyewitnesses confirm the shooter targeted several victims before the police responded.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Iran that if it continues its uranium enrichment program, the U.S. will swiftly destroy its nuclear capabilities. Speaking alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump called Iran’s stance a “very bad signal” and emphasized that previous nuclear infrastructure was already dismantled. Iran insists its enrichment is for civilian purposes. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi condemned threats, affirming Iran’s right to enrich uranium for medical and peaceful uses, and promised decisive retaliation if attacked again.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, emphasized the need for justice not only for the July 2024 massacre perpetrators but also for those who helped them escape the country. She warned that supporters of the killers remain active in various sectors, enabling their flight. Rizwana urged political leaders to prioritize national interest over personal and party gains. The event, held at the Judicial Administration Training Institute, included a documentary screening and prayers for victims.

The United States has redeployed nuclear weapons to the UK for the first time since 2008, aiming to strengthen European security and send a message to Russia. A military transport flew from New Mexico to the UK’s Lakenheath base, carrying advanced B61-12 bombs known for their precision and adjustable yield. This move marks a significant boost to NATO’s nuclear deterrence amid rising tensions. The UK is also acquiring new fighter jets capable of deploying these weapons, signaling renewed nuclear responsibilities for the British Royal Air Force.

Malaysian immigration authorities arrested six Bangladeshi nationals suspected of running illegal hundi operations targeting fellow Bangladeshis in the Klang Valley. One individual is believed to be the mastermind. Only one among them had a valid work pass; the rest were undocumented. Authorities seized RM 1.215 million in cash, transaction records, and mobile phones. The operation had allegedly been active for a year. A local woman and two other Bangladeshis were also summoned to assist with the ongoing investigation.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has raised concerns about introducing new electoral systems like proportional representation (PR), citing the general public’s lack of understanding of even existing systems such as Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

“People still don’t fully understand how EVMs work. How can you expect them to grasp proportional representation?” he asked.

Fakhrul continued, “There are many new ideas being floated, but our people are unfamiliar with them. When you mention PR, people ask, ‘What’s that?’” He urged for an electoral system that aligns with the people's familiarity and understanding, emphasizing that meaningful representation in parliament must remain the priority.

He also added, “Some accuse us of being against reforms, but the very idea of reform has always been central to our cause.”