Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has called for using alternatives like jute, paper, and cloth instead of harmful polythene. Speaking at the Environment Fair, she highlighted ongoing government actions to curb plastic pollution, enforce bans on single-use plastics, and recover forest and river ecosystems. New policies, including the EPR model and 3R principles, are being implemented. She emphasized that environmental protection is vital for survival and urged active public participation in combating pollution and conserving natural resources.

A 36-member national committee has been formed to commemorate the anniversary of the July-August mass uprising. The committee will be chaired by Interim Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, with Faruq E Azam as vice-chair and Mostofa Sarwar Farooki as coordinator. It includes key government advisors, military chiefs, senior officials, and civil society representatives. The 36-day observance will begin on July 1 with interfaith prayers in memory of the martyrs, continuing until August 5 with various events nationwide.

BNP leader Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie has criticized the interim government for not meeting with party chairperson Khaleda Zia over the past ten months.

“Although there was some interaction during Armed Forces Day, we expected a political meeting to discuss future governance, trials for Sheikh Hasina, necessary reforms, and the national election,” he said.

Annie expressed hope that such a meeting would still take place. He praised Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus as a “good man” and noted his recent visit to London, where he met with BNP acting chairperson Tarique Rahman to discuss elections and reforms.

He added that the London meeting was well-received by the public, though “a few individuals are struggling to accept it,” and also condemned what he called the Awami League’s authoritarian governance.

The Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party has rejected the existing appointment system in constitutional institutions, calling it a continuation of fascist policies. Chairman Mujibur Rahman Manju criticized past political appointments under Sheikh Hasina, urging reforms to ensure neutrality and transparency. During a National Consensus Commission meeting, he emphasized inclusive principles like equality and justice. Joint Secretary General Barrister Sani Abdul Haque added that forming independent appointment committees would enhance executive accountability rather than weaken it, promoting fairness in state governance.

At the NATO summit in The Hague, U.S. President Donald Trump compared the Iran-Israel conflict to a fight between schoolchildren. He drew parallels between the U.S. strike on Iran and the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, stating both were decisive actions that ended wars. Trump emphasized that the U.S. investment in confronting Iran yielded little progress without strong measures. Before his speech, he discussed the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.

Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin stressed the urgent need for policy diversion to overcome 16 years of economic inconsistencies and criminalization in Bangladesh. Highlighting the country’s high logistics costs and the vital role of logistics in agriculture, industry, and services, he urged regulators to adopt clear policies. With a large demographic dividend and growing logistics demand, he emphasized coordinated efforts to boost labor productivity and sustainable growth. The remarks were made at a seminar on automobile policy for green growth.

Ganosamhati Andolon leader Zonayed Saki stated that no consensus has been reached yet on the core principles of the state. However, discussions have taken place about which values must be enshrined in the Constitution.

He noted support for five key values: equality, human dignity, justice, democracy, and religious freedom, harmony, and neutrality. “I’m hopeful that a consensus will emerge ensuring these values are constitutionally protected in the future,” Saki said.

He also mentioned a proposal to limit the tenure of a Prime Minister to a maximum of 10 years, adding that some agreement has started to form on this matter.

The fragile Israel-Iran ceasefire and ongoing Ukraine war have reignited global focus on nuclear weapons. Recent U.S. threats against Iran’s nuclear sites, along with SIPRI’s warning of a new nuclear arms race, highlight expanding arsenals worldwide. With over 12,000 warheads globally—mostly held by the U.S. and Russia—and declining transparency, experts warn current deterrence strategies may fail. Rising tensions risk reversing disarmament gains, potentially pushing the world into a more dangerous era where mistakes could have catastrophic consequences.

During talks with the National Consensus Commission (NCC), Jamaat-e-Islami demanded the inclusion of “complete faith in Allah” and “Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim” in the constitution, citing Bangladesh’s Muslim-majority identity. Party leader Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher stated that except for the CPB and a few left-leaning parties, most political groups agree with this proposal. Jamaat also recommended a Constitutional Appointment Committee to oversee top constitutional roles, reducing the Prime Minister's unilateral appointment power and restoring institutional balance.

AB Party leader Asaduzzaman Fuad criticized civil society for expressing sympathy for Nurul Huda while remaining silent on the issue of enforced disappearances. “Have we seen media discussions for hours on the victims’ families?” he asked. Fuad recalled a grieving mother’s plea: “Tell us how long we have to cry before we get justice.” He also highlighted the social stigma faced by families of missing persons, which impacts issues like property claims and even marriage prospects for daughters.

GOP leader Rasheduzzaman Khan stated that former Election Commissioner Nurul Huda was arrested solely due to public pressure. “Would he have been arrested without the mob? Absolutely not,” he said. Khan argued that mob justice is never desirable but arises from the government's failure to act against ruling party criminals. He questioned why members of the Sheikh family, proxy MPs, and ministers are not being held accountable, nor their assets seized. “This is why mobs form—due to state inaction,” he concluded.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has announced a nationwide rally to be held at Suhrawardy Udyan on July 19 at 2 PM, calling on members and citizens to participate peacefully. The party’s demands include:

A level playing field for the upcoming general elections

Prosecution of all mass killings

Implementation of the “July Charter”

Reforms in governance and administration

PR-based electoral system

Voting rights for expatriates

Rehabilitation of victims from the July uprising

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed confirmed that the party supports a constitutional amendment to limit any individual from serving as Prime Minister for more than 10 consecutive years. This position was presented during a national consensus dialogue. However, BNP opposes the formation of the proposed National Consensus Council (NCC), citing constitutional conflicts. Salahuddin himself introduced the term-limit proposal during discussions over Prime Ministerial tenure and the role of parliament in transitional periods.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi stated that the people expect the rule of law from the current interim government. He urged the administration to set a precedent that elected governments can later improve upon. Questioning the recent rise in crimes, he asked, “Why so many killings, robberies, and thefts now? Why hasn't public trust in the police been restored?” Rizvi credited Tarique Rahman as the architect behind the July-August 2024 student-led uprising, noting that he actively directed party members to join in solidarity. He also criticized the commission investigating the BDR mutiny for avoiding mention of politically affiliated individuals.

BNP leader Ishraq Hossain has alleged that a planned attack was orchestrated to suppress the ongoing public movement within the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). Speaking at a press conference at the Abdus Salam Hall of the National Press Club, he condemned a recent media statement by DSCC advisor Asif Mahmud, calling it "misleading and defamatory." Notably, unlike previous events, the banner at the press briefing did not include the title "Honorable Mayor" before Ishraq's name, reflecting growing tensions.