Pakistan has taken over the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council for July 2025, marking its eighth term and first since 2013. As a non-permanent member elected with overwhelming support, Pakistan will lead discussions on pressing global security issues, including crises in Gaza and Ukraine. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized commitment to UN principles amid growing conflicts. Pakistan will chair key high-level meetings, including an open debate on Palestine, highlighting its important diplomatic role during this tenure.

Inquilab Mancha has announced plans to lay siege to the Secretariat on August 3 if the government fails to declare the "July Charter" by July 31. Spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi issued the warning during a long march in Dhaka, calling the charter a symbol of anti-fascist struggle. The group presented 13 demands, including justice for victims of past state violence, rehabilitation for injured protestors, and constitutional reform. They also demanded that July 36 be declared National Liberation Day and the charter be made public for feedback.

Retired judge Nizamul Huq Nasim, previously criticized for his role in the 2012 Skype scandal involving alleged government interference in war crimes trials, has been elected to the executive committee of Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK). Nasim had also served as Press Council Chairman under the Awami League, facing backlash for actions against journalists. Human rights groups had strongly condemned his conduct during the tribunal. ASK announced the new committee in a press release following its May 9 general meeting.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has called for preserving national unity at any cost to protect Bangladesh’s democracy and sovereignty. Speaking virtually at a Dhaka event honoring martyrs of the 2024 mass uprising, she condemned the ruling Awami League for 16 years of authoritarian rule. She urged the nation to remember the sacrifices of the victims, compile lists of the disappeared and killed, ensure justice, create employment, and institutionalize democracy. Khaleda appealed to all to realize the vision of building Bangladesh as dreamt by Shaheed Ziaur Rahman.

The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has officially added 10 more names to the July Mass Uprising martyrs list, bringing the total number of martyrs to 844. The updated list was published in a government gazette on Monday under the July Mass Uprising Martyrs’ Family and July Fighters’ Welfare and Rehabilitation Ordinance, 2025. The newly included martyrs come from various districts including Kurigram, Shariatpur, Dhaka, Chattogram, Noakhali, Jessore, and Bagerhat.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir emphasized that blaming BNP for opposing reforms undermines national unity. He highlighted that BNP has long advocated for state reforms, announcing 31 demands earlier. Fakhrul stated that the autocratic rule of Sheikh Hasina fleeing opens a chance to build a democratic Bangladesh. Speaking at the July popular uprising anniversary event, he reiterated BNP’s commitment to democracy, unity, independence, and sovereignty, urging the government to implement the proposed “July Charter.”

After 14 years of civil war, Syria is exploring the possibility of normalizing ties with Israel, facilitated by the UAE and supported by U.S. mediation. Talks have reached an advanced stage, focusing on a security agreement similar to the 1974 ceasefire. Key conditions include the removal of Turkish and Iranian-backed forces from Syria and demilitarization of southern regions. Despite deep-rooted hostility, both sides see potential for peace, though challenges remain, particularly over Israel’s control of the Golan Heights.

The government has approved a decision for the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) to operate the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) under its own management for six months or until a new operator is appointed. This comes as the contract with Saif Powertec Ltd., the current operator for 17 years, ends on July 6. The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed. No tender will be floated; a direct procurement process will be used.

The Bangladesh Food Security Network (KhaNi) has raised alarms over a severe food security crisis caused by skyrocketing rice prices and inflation. Human chains were held across eight districts demanding urgent government measures. KhaNi stated that rice alone caused 40% of May’s food inflation. Citizens are struggling to afford basic nutrition, with 20% facing food insecurity. KhaNi proposed five key solutions, including direct rice procurement from farmers, rationing for the poor, and stronger market regulation to stop hoarding and stabilize prices.

Finance Advisor Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed has assured that the government will not adopt a tight-fisted approach in allocating funds for the upcoming national parliamentary elections. Speaking to reporters after a Cabinet Committee meeting on government purchases, he emphasized that necessary funds have been allocated for the electoral process, and there will be no hesitation in spending where needed. His statement comes amid growing discussions on election spending and signals the government’s commitment to ensuring a smooth and adequately funded electoral process.

Former Chief Election Commissioner Nurul Huda voluntarily confessed in court to responsibility for the controversial midnight voting during the 2018 elections. After eight days in remand, the PBI presented him before the court to record his statement. This case, filed by BNP leader Salah Uddin Khan, names Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and three Chief Election Commissioners and commissioners involved in the 2014, 2018, and 2024 elections as accused.

Nidhi, daughter of the disappeared student leader Parvez, has not seen her father for many years. Her emotional words brought BNP’s acting chairman Tareq Rahman to tears during the event titled “National Unity and Democratic Journey” held at the China-Bangladesh Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka. When Nidhi asked, “Will my brother and I ever be able to embrace our father again?” Tareq was seen wiping away tears. Several relatives of those who have been victims of enforced disappearance and torture also shared their painful stories at the event. Sanjida Islam Tuli of the organization Mayer Dak emphasized the urgent need to hold Prime Minister Hasina and others responsible for the disappearances accountable.

Rashed Khan, a key leader of the Gono Adhikar Parishad and a prominent figure in the 2018 quota reform movement, has criticized the erasure of that movement's historical significance. He emphasized that the quota reform protests were the precursor to any modern mass uprisings in Bangladesh.

Khan warned that ignoring the contributions of real activists only deepens divisions within the anti-authoritarian movement. He cautioned that such disunity could pave the way for the return of the Awami League and renewed suppression of dissent. He called for unity built on mutual respect and tolerance.

At a recent discussion commemorating the July uprising, Nurul Haque Nur, President of the Gono Adhikar Parishad, expressed disappointment over remarks made in London by the group's chief advisor, suggesting a temporary ban on the Awami League for national security reasons.

Nur stated, “We are deeply disheartened by such comments. There will be no compromise on this issue.” He added that the government's failure to act on proposals for a national unity government has only deepened political divisions. He urged all political forces to rally around the ideals of the July uprising and avoid further polarization.

In a moving scene in Pirganj, Rangpur, Monowara Begum, mother of martyred activist Abu Sayeed, tearfully blessed Nahid Islam, Convener of the NCP, by placing her hand on his head. The moment marked the beginning of the party’s nationwide "July March."

Following a visit to Abu Sayeed’s grave, NCP leaders met with his family. Party representatives reaffirmed their commitment to building a new Bangladesh by realizing Abu Sayeed's dreams.