Bangladesh is set to send a position paper to the United States today regarding newly imposed tariffs. The move follows two earlier rounds of discussions, with a third round being planned. Commerce Ministry officials have finalized a draft after inter-ministerial meetings. Bangladesh seeks to lower the current 35% tariff rate on its exports and reach a reciprocal tariff agreement. While 80–85% of US conditions have been accepted, talks are ongoing over the rest. The final deal depends on US response to today’s submission.

Law Adviser Professor Asif Nazrul stated that the government will thoroughly investigate how the Air Force training plane crash occurred at the Milestone School and College campus in Uttara. Speaking on Monday afternoon during a visit to the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute where many of the injured are receiving treatment, he emphasized the importance of uncovering the facts behind the tragedy.

So far, at least 19 people have died, and nearly 150 have been injured, the majority of whom are young students. Approximately 70 burn victims are currently receiving care in various hospitals across Dhaka.

Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani praised Iran’s recent success against Israel in the latest conflict, calling it a historic victory despite strong U.S. and international support for Israel. He highlighted how Iranian citizens remained resilient, mocking the Israeli regime during air raids. Emphasizing the strong ties between Iran and Iraq, Mashhadani reaffirmed Iraq’s support for Iran against any aggression and honored Iran’s role in liberating Iraq from ISIS. He also stressed the need for greater cooperation among Islamic nations.

Iran has warned it may withdraw from maintaining regional maritime security, including in the Strait of Hormuz, if European nations reinstate international sanctions through the UN. A senior Iranian lawmaker made the remarks ahead of E3-Iran talks in Istanbul. The EU trio—UK, France, and Germany—has threatened to activate the snapback mechanism if Iran fails to engage in meaningful nuclear negotiations. Tehran argues the E3 no longer has legal standing to trigger the process due to their stance on recent Israeli and U.S. attacks.

Former Indian Foreign Secretary and ex-High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, was sworn in as a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha on the first day of the Indian Parliament’s Monsoon Session. Alongside him, historian Meenakshi Jain and educationist Sadanand Master also took oath. The session began with tributes to recent tragedy victims and ended with condolences for deceased former members. Birthday greetings were extended to several political leaders including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.

Responding to emotionally charged remarks from BNP leader Ishraque Hossain, National Citizens' Party (NCP) leader Sarjis Alam called for greater political maturity. During an NCP rally, Alam criticized Ishraque’s comments, particularly his statement suggesting violent retribution against political opponents. Alam said such rhetoric was even more extreme than that of Nasiruddin Patwari, who has also been controversial. He further labeled the Awami League’s recent hartal as “an act of terrorism.” NCP also confirmed that all necessary documentation for party registration has been submitted to the Election Commission.

Japan’s ruling coalition has lost its majority in the House of Councillors, the country’s upper house of parliament. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s coalition won only 47 seats — three short of its target. Meanwhile, the right-wing populist party Sanseitō gained significant traction, securing 14 seats with its “Japan First” campaign. Rising living costs, inflation, and political scandals are believed to have driven voter dissatisfaction.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s role is now under investigation for allegedly instructing security forces to open fire during the historic July uprising. She reportedly communicated with law enforcement and top party leaders before the shots were fired. In connection with the case, the phones of former Deputy Speaker Shamsul Hoque Tuku, former State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak, and Chhatra League leader Tanvir Hasan Saikat have been sent for forensic analysis. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is working to recover deleted messages, audio recordings, videos, and app usage data from seven seized devices. Investigators, with court approval, are preparing a charge sheet based on the recovered evidence, which is expected to play a key role during the trial.

There will be no special government job quota for families of those killed or injured in the July uprising, according to Faruq-e-Azam, Advisor on Liberation War Affairs. Speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat, he emphasized that the government is focusing on rehabilitation through vocational training, self-employment programs, and small-scale livestock initiatives. He clarified that there are no plans for flat allocations or job quotas. Azam also stated, “This should not be compared with the contributions of our freedom fighters, whose sacrifices remain unmatched.”

Nur Alam Sohag, recently removed from his role as Sonagazi Upazila Chhatra Dal secretary, has declared that leaders of the National Citizens’ Platform (NCP) will not be allowed to enter Feni unless they publicly apologize. He issued a warning to disrupt Monday's rally if no apology is made. While a local Jubo Dal leader expressed dissatisfaction over the use of relief funds, the Feni district BNP clarified they are not involved in such actions and have demanded punishment for those provoking unrest. The NCP stated they are maintaining communication with law enforcement to avoid further controversy.

NCP Convenor Nahid Islam has vowed to continue the struggle for justice despite facing attacks in various parts of the country. Referring to incidents in Cox's Bazar, he said, “Nasiruddin Patwari exposed the truth, and we are being targeted for it. If we're stopped, we will resist. We must win this fight.” Addressing a massive rally at Biploob Udyan, he declared Chattogram as both the economic lifeline and the epicenter of resistance in Bangladesh. NCP Secretary Akhter Hossain also announced anti-corruption initiatives in public offices, including passport services. Hasnat Abdullah said it is now time to build a successful state after removing autocracy.

Torchlight processions and protest rallies were held in several areas of Chattogram—Banshkhali, Laldighi, and Bahaddarhat—in response to what was termed “offensive” remarks by NCP leader Nasir Uddin Patwari against BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed. Organized under the leadership of local chairman Layekat Ali and led by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, the student wing of BNP, the rally started from Banshkhali and ended at the Upazila Parishad grounds. Leaders and activists from the youth, farmer, volunteer, and student wings of the BNP participated in the event.

Dr. Tasnim Jara, Joint Secretary of the National Citizens' Platform (NCP), stated that citizens are not protesting merely to change faces in elections or power, but to replace a broken, unjust system altogether. Speaking at a street rally in Cox’s Bazar, she emphasized the ongoing movement is for protecting people's rights. She called for an end to extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances and demanded accountability and justice. “The struggle will continue until justice is served for the martyrs,” she added, advocating for a political culture where the people's voice shapes the party’s agenda.

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev inaugurated the restored 150-year-old Jiyahly Mosque in Agdam on July 18. The reconstruction, overseen by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, began in 2022 and preserved the mosque’s original architecture using archival materials. The mosque, built between 1868-70 by architect Karbalayi Safikhan Karabakhi, survived decades of neglect after Agdam fell under Armenian control in 1993. Now reopened as a religious and cultural center, the mosque symbolizes Islamic heritage in the region and Azerbaijan’s commitment to preserving its historical monuments.

Gulshan Lake in Dhaka North City Corporation has become a polluted dumping site filled with foul-smelling stagnant water. Despite repeated complaints, no effective action has been taken, and no specific budget has been allocated for its cleanup. Sewage from nearby buildings is directly polluting the lake, causing health hazards and discomfort for locals and office workers. Authorities stress the need for coordinated efforts and increased public awareness to restore the lake’s condition before its existence is threatened.