Maulana Mamunul Haque, Amir of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, has strongly criticized the country’s current electoral system, calling it fundamentally flawed. Speaking at a mass rally organized by the party’s Jessore district unit, he warned that holding elections without reforms could pave the way for a resurgence of fascism.

Haque argued that past so-called “fair elections” were merely façades and that without systemic reform, democracy in Bangladesh remains under threat. Leaders from the Khulna division were also present at the event.

At least 15 people were injured during a violent altercation following a Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) preparatory meeting in Chawra Union, Amtali, Barguna. The clash reportedly erupted over internal disputes regarding party positions.

The incident occurred Thursday afternoon at Talukdar Bazaar. Eleven of the injured were admitted to the Amtali Upazila Health Complex. Repeated scuffles broke out between factions led by Salam Mallik and Hasan Boyati. Local leaders have pledged disciplinary action against those violating party discipline. Police confirmed no formal complaints have been filed yet.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has demolished an illegally constructed second floor at Mohammadpur Krishi Market, originally rebuilt as a single-story market for fire-affected traders. The unauthorized structure was built by a market committee syndicate, creating obstacles for 411 legitimate shop owners awaiting access. DNCC conducted the eviction drive, also clearing footpaths. Traders welcomed the move, demanding swift shop handovers. DNCC confirmed legal shops would be handed over soon, and items from the demolition were auctioned for Tk 125,000.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed a case against Dr. Iqbal Kabir, former project director, and Saifur Rahman, managing director of SRS Design and Fashion Ltd, over alleged corruption in the DNCC Mohakhali Covid-19 Hospital project. The hospital, funded by the World Bank, saw unauthorized work awarded verbally and an inflated bill of over Tk 4 crore submitted. An independent review valued the work at only Tk 69 lakh, revealing an attempt to embezzle over Tk 3.3 crore in public funds.

China and Canada have committed to ongoing humanitarian assistance for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, emphasizing trade diversification and investment. During separate meetings at the ASEAN Regional Forum in Kuala Lumpur, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed full support for Bangladesh’s reforms and cooperation in sectors like medical tourism and water management. Canada’s Foreign Minister Anita Anand assured sustained support to address the Rohingya crisis. Both countries highlighted strengthening bilateral ties and regional collaboration to resolve the humanitarian challenge.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) has proposed regaining the authority to cancel voting across an entire constituency in cases of electoral irregularities. It currently holds the power to nullify votes at specific centers only. The EC also decided to allow expatriate Bangladeshis to vote through an IT-based postal ballot system, allocating Tk 48 crore for the project. Additionally, it will no longer use EVMs in elections and plans to revise voter lists, redefine constituency boundaries, and enforce stricter affidavit requirements for candidates.

Muslim umbrella organizations from across Europe have jointly issued the "Gaza Declaration" in Brussels, calling for an immediate ceasefire, release of detainees, and unrestricted humanitarian aid in Gaza. Representing over 15,000 mosques and Islamic institutions, the leaders condemned civilian killings, infrastructure destruction, and violations of international law. They outlined seven key demands, including recognition of Palestine and press freedom in Gaza. The declaration also emphasized unity against extremism and urged continued respectful dialogue with Jewish communities across Europe.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi criticized the push for a Proportional Representation (PR) voting system, stating, “It’s the politically orphaned parties that advocate for PR.” He argued that PR confuses voters, as it requires voting for party-nominated lists rather than individual candidates. Rizvi accused the reform advocates of plotting to delay elections after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina succeeded in conducting one-sided polls. He added, “Reforms must be implemented by an elected parliament—how can you renovate without a building?” At the event, BNP leader Aminul Haque called on party workers to stay connected with the people and announced a symbolic tree-planting campaign.

Nahid Islam, the convenor of the National Change Platform (NCP), has demanded the implementation of the July Declaration and the July Charter by August 3. "If the government fails to meet this deadline, we will take to the streets once again, joined by students and citizens across the country," he warned. He further stated that despite a popular uprising in July, the country continues to face deep-rooted crises. "To rebuild Bangladesh, we need justice for those involved in fascism, fundamental reforms, and a new constitution," he emphasized. NCP plans to hold a mass gathering at Dhaka’s Shaheed Minar on August 3.

The second phase of discussions by the National Consensus Commission ended without a final decision on the proposed caretaker government system. Jonayed Saki stated that past experiences with caretaker government heads and judicial involvement were not fruitful. He noted that political parties have proposed a seven-member committee, elected by Parliament, to choose the chief advisor before national elections. Another suggestion was made to select the Chief Justice from a pool of two candidates rather than automatically appointing the senior-most judge. Concerns were raised over political influence in past judicial appointments, with calls for a more transparent and revised process for appointing the Chief Justice.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has welcomed the interim government’s directive to prepare for elections by December, calling it a positive and promising step. Speaking at a discussion at the National Press Club, he said the BNP has submitted its July Declaration to the government, underscoring the importance of the July uprising. Fakhrul supported political reforms but stressed the need to acknowledge the repression faced by BNP members over the past 17 years. He also highlighted issues including border killings, unresolved water-sharing with India, the potential imposition of a 35% U.S. tariff, and the need for national unity to restore democratic governance. Jamaat leader Mia Ghulam Parwar echoed the need for synergy among political parties, the public, and the media.

Tahsina Rushdir Luna, wife of missing BNP leader M Ilias Ali, has urged religious leaders to play a unified role not only in spiritual matters but also in promoting justice, human rights, and societal harmony. Speaking at a discussion with the Imam Association in Osmaninagar, she said Imams are the successors of prophets and have a crucial role in guiding society towards righteousness. She emphasized BNP’s longstanding respect for religious values and the clergy community.

NCP Convener Nahid Islam has expressed concern over the lack of student union elections in universities despite high expectations following the mass uprising. Speaking at a rally at the main gate of Islamic University on Wednesday night, he stated that student unions are essential for safeguarding students' rights, promoting free expression, and initiating reforms. He called for immediate elections in all universities, including Dhaka and Islamic University. Nahid emphasized that the mass uprising was not just about regime change, but about transforming the state structure and people’s lives. He urged universities to eliminate discrimination based on religion or political identity and promote democratic coexistence.

Jamaat-e-Islami has declared its readiness to participate in national elections at any time, provided that seven core demands are met — including implementation of a proportional representation (PR) electoral system and adoption of the "July Charter." Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ehsan Mahbub Zubayer announced plans for a massive rally at Suhrawardy Udyan on July 19, expected to draw hundreds of thousands. He added that all anti-fascist parties, including the BNP, will be invited to join.

Rana Sanaullah, an adviser to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, has warned that participants in PTI’s protests may be arrested if the demonstrations turn violent. While reaffirming the right to peaceful protest, he stressed that the government would act firmly against any unrest.

He noted that Prime Minister Sharif had invited PTI for dialogue and mentioned that while some rallies may occur in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, overall turnout is expected to be low elsewhere. Sanaullah also met with senior JUI-F leaders in Islamabad to discuss political developments and the upcoming Senate elections in KP.