Faiz Ahmad Tayeb, Chief Advisor and Special Assistant on Telecommunications and ICT, declared on Friday that Bangladesh will never experience an internet shutdown again. In a media briefing, he announced plans to prioritize Starlink internet coverage in underserved and disaster-prone coastal areas. Marking the anniversary of the July 17 nationwide internet shutdown last year, Tayeb also revealed intentions to amend telecommunications laws to prevent such disruptions in the future.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is organizing a national rally at Suhrawardy Udyan on Saturday, focusing on demands including the adoption of proportional representation in elections and the trial of the July genocide, among other seven-point demands. The party is preparing extensively nationwide ahead of the event.

Dr. Mirza Ghalib, former president of Islami Chhatra Shibir’s Dhaka University branch and assistant professor at Howard University, USA, has offered three key recommendations to Jamaat: avoid arrogance from being a major party and prioritize national unity; maintain respectful relationships with other political parties including BNP; and clearly commit to protecting citizens’ rights.

Sarjis Alam, northern organizer of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has alleged that the July 16 armed attack on the party’s "March to Gopalganj" rally was orchestrated by the ruling Awami League to thwart the event and target top NCP leaders.

Alam claimed that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina coordinated the assault via phone from India. He further alleged that fugitive Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain incited violence in a Facebook Live video. According to Alam, thousands of ruling party activists were mobilized in advance, and religious rumors were spread—along with vandalism at local shrines—to provoke locals.

The NCP has condemned the attack, citing a newspaper report and viral audio clips on social media, and demanded a political ban on those involved.

Addressing a street rally in Narayanganj, NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah claimed that the attack on his party in Gopalganj proves they are on the Awami League’s "kill list."

Hasnat warned that any attempt to rehabilitate the Awami League would endanger the nation, especially those associated with the NCP. He emphasized that the party’s downfall has already occurred through what he described as an "internal coup" and stated that even public apologies or repentance by the Awami League would no longer be effective.

He also criticized intellectuals who, in his view, supported state violence for personal gain, labeling them as "traitors of knowledge." Hasnat concluded by announcing the launch of a movement titled “Bangladesh Without Awami League.”

Ariful Islam Adib, Senior Joint Convenor of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has raised concerns about possible involvement from neighboring India in the recent armed attack on NCP leaders in Gopalganj.

Speaking at a protest rally outside the National Press Club on July 18, Adib accused Sheikh Hasina of orchestrating the attack from Delhi and claimed that India had enabled the conspiracy. He called for a thorough investigation into foreign interference, setting a deadline of August 3 for the issuance of a "July Declaration." Adib warned that if the demands are not met, a national referendum may be necessary.

He also stated that fascist elements remain entrenched within the state and must be removed to ensure public safety.

A total of 74 activists affiliated with the Awami League and Chhatra League have been named in a case for allegedly obstructing traffic by felling trees on the Dhaka-Khulna highway in Kalia upazila of Gopalganj. The disruption reportedly aimed to block the NCP’s planned rally in the region.

Sub-Inspector Nur Alam Mia filed the case on Thursday evening, confirmed by Kalia Police Station Officer-in-Charge Kamal Hossain. The accused include prominent local leaders from the Awami League, Jubo League, and Chhatra League, as well as current and former union parishad chairmen. The case mentions the use of sharp weapons and notes that the suspects fled upon police arrival. An additional 250–300 unidentified individuals are also listed as suspects.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) will hold a march in Chattogram on Sunday, July 20, as part of its ongoing countrywide movement to implement the 'July Charter'. Central NCP leaders including Nahid Islam and Akhtar Hossain will join the program. The two-day campaign will begin in Cox’s Bazar on July 19, followed by events in Bandarban, Rangamati, and Chattogram. Local leaders are preparing to welcome the central delegation and ensure smooth coordination across the scheduled events.

Ukraine has appointed Yulia Svyrydenko as its new Prime Minister, replacing Denys Shmyhal after parliamentary approval. At 39, Svyrydenko previously served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development and Trade. She played a key role in strengthening Ukraine’s ties with the U.S. under the Trump administration. Her priorities include boosting domestic arms production, strengthening the military, and supporting economic growth. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba remains in office, and notable diplomatic changes are underway, including a new ambassador to the U.S.

Over 100 British spies and special forces personnel had their identities leaked along with nearly 19,000 Afghan citizens who worked with UK forces during the Afghan war. The data, originally protected by a court ban, included sensitive personal details. The UK government admitted the breach, which occurred in 2022 but was unnoticed until 2023. It led to the creation of a secret resettlement scheme amid security fears. Some Afghans may now be at serious risk from Taliban retaliation due to the exposure.

Taiwanese Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim stated that Taiwan does not seek conflict with China nor will it provoke one, emphasizing the island’s commitment to peace. Speaking in Taipei, she said Chinese pressure has increased, but Taiwan remains focused on stability. Hsiao reiterated President Lai’s offer for dialogue with Beijing and highlighted Taiwan’s contributions to China’s growth. She warned that aggressive military actions undermine regional prosperity and said maintaining the status quo is a responsible choice aligned with regional interests.

Oxford University Press will stop publishing the Chinese-funded journal Forensic Sciences Research by the end of 2025 due to ethical concerns. The journal, backed by China’s Ministry of Justice, faced criticism for publishing research involving DNA from Uyghur minorities, raising questions about consent and surveillance. One controversial study used blood samples from Uyghurs in Xinjiang, with ties to Chinese security forces. Though an “Expression of Concern” was issued, the original paper remains unretracted, prompting OUP to sever ties over human rights concerns.

The US State Department, under Secretary Marco Rubio, has directed diplomats worldwide not to comment on the transparency or fairness of foreign elections unless it involves clear US foreign policy interests. This marks a shift from longstanding US support for free and fair elections globally. Election-related statements will now be limited to congratulating winners and referencing shared interests, with any official comments coming only from senior officials. The move aligns with President Trump’s non-interventionist stance, emphasizing national sovereignty over election oversight.

Bangladesh Railway has approved four pairs of special trains for participants traveling to the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami rally scheduled on July 19. The party has paid BDT 3.2 million in advance for the service.

According to the Ministry of Railways, this is a commercial decision made in accordance with established policies—not a political one. The ministry noted that similar facilities have previously been extended to other political parties as well. Officials added that the move is expected to increase railway revenue and ease congestion for regular passengers. While some confusion has circulated on social media, the ministry has dismissed the claims as baseless.

Donald Trump has threatened to sue the Wall Street Journal following a report claiming he sent a controversial letter featuring a drawing of a naked woman to Jeffrey Epstein on his 50th birthday. Trump denies the allegations, calling the letter “fake” and “defamatory,” and plans to take legal action against the newspaper’s parent company, News Corp. The controversy adds to ongoing debates about Trump’s past ties to Epstein and recent developments in the Epstein case.

The United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHCR) mission has officially commenced operations in Bangladesh following the signing of a three-year memorandum of understanding between Bangladesh and the UNHCR. The agreement aims to provide protection and support in human rights issues, offering training and technical assistance. Since August last year, the UN's involvement in Bangladesh has increased, focusing on human rights promotion, reforms, and fact-finding investigations into crowd suppression incidents, working closely with various stakeholders.