The United States and China have agreed to extend their tariff suspension for an additional 90 days, keeping the current tariffs in place until November 10. This extension pauses planned higher tariffs and allows more time to negotiate issues like reducing the trade deficit, unfair trade practices, and market access for US exporters. Both countries aim to resolve complex economic and security concerns, including rare mineral exports, Russian oil purchases, and technology restrictions, fostering constructive dialogue amid ongoing trade tensions.

At a Youth Day event, Tarique Rahman emphasized the public’s desire for genuine political transformation rather than mere promises.

He outlined BNP’s future focus on employment-driven politics and called for courage and integrity to avoid vendettas, declaring Bangladesh’s prosperity inevitable if its population can be transformed into productive manpower.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated attempts are underway to tarnish BNP by linking it to wrongdoing. He reaffirmed BNP’s commitment to ensuring free and fair elections as the main opposition party, aiming to eliminate allegations of vote-rigging similar to those leveled against the Awami League.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 has rejected senior Supreme Court lawyer Z I Khan Panna’s application in the ongoing July crimes against humanity case involving former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Despite Panna’s request to represent Sheikh Hasina, the tribunal appointed lawyer Amir Hossain as the state defense counsel on June 25. At the witness testimony stage, the tribunal questioned the purpose of Panna’s application and stated that no new applications can be accepted at this point, comparing it to missing a train after it has left.

NCP Convenor Nahid Islam warned that despite giving leeway over the past year, no concessions will be granted in the July manifesto or charter this year.

He claimed the revolutionary energy remains strong on the streets and stressed the need for unity within the opposition to prevent a repeat of 1/11-style setbacks. Nahid emphasized the demand for elections but insisted these must be accompanied by genuine reforms. Without fulfilling promises, no political party can assume power.

He urged reform to begin within parties and expressed a desire to see youth leadership in the future National Parliament. Calling for military training for youth to strengthen national defense, Nahid highlighted the rise of citizens’ and youth parties from grassroots movements, envisioning youth as the country’s vanguard.

He assured that the July march is not over and pledged to return to mobilize supporters soon.

Hasnat Abdullah accused hostile elements based in India of plotting against the state and claimed attempts are underway to rehabilitate the Awami League through the National Party.

He urged transparency from the government regarding its performance over the past year and called for public disclosure of plans involving media, administration, and the military. Abdullah appealed to media houses to maintain objective reporting, highlighting increased interference by state institutions post-August 5.

He alleged that a faction called ‘Banchito’ has seized administrative control and demanded reforms before the upcoming elections. Abdullah called for strict action against the DGFI, accused the agency of political manipulation, and suggested either reforming or banning it.

He ended by condemning defamatory remarks against Tarique Rahman’s leaders and warned of top-level complicity if no action is taken.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 has sentenced Sheikh Hasina to six months of continuous imprisonment over a leaked audio in which she threatened officers. In a conversation with Awami League leader Shakil Akand Bulbul, Sheikh Hasina said, “I have 227 murder cases across the country. Make a list. Assume I have received a license to kill at least 227 people. The punishment for one case, and the same punishment for more than 200 cases, right? So, fine, I will take that punishment, but before that, I will settle more than 200. Keep that in mind.”
The verdict states that Sheikh Hasina expressed a firm resolve to kill 227 people to Bulbul and instructed him to prepare a list of those 227 individuals.
The CID forensic lab has confirmed the authenticity of the audio. The investigation also revealed secret Awami League meetings and inciting speeches, which led prosecutors to conduct further inquiries and take legal action.

Michael Rubin, a former Pentagon official, has sharply criticized Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir for his recent nuclear threats, comparing him to Osama Bin Laden. Rubin accused Islamabad of acting like a rogue state by provoking war and warned that Munir’s statements resemble the ideology behind groups like ISIS. Munir claimed Pakistan would take half the world down if it faces existential threats. Rubin emphasized that such rhetoric raises doubts about Pakistan’s responsibility as a nation-state and condemned threats made on U.S. soil.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the high tariffs imposed on India for purchasing Russian oil have dealt a significant setback to Moscow’s economy. He emphasized that the ongoing global pressures and U.S. sanctions have severely disrupted Russia’s financial stability. Trump is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin soon, aiming to mediate peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He also warned that the U.S. may halt trade talks with India if it continues its commercial ties with Russia.

The Oman government has extended the validity of expatriate resident cards from two to three years, allowing expats to choose one, two, or three-year cards by paying respective fees. Fees are 5 rials for one year, 10 for two, and 15 for three years, with a 20-rial replacement fee for lost or damaged cards. Omani citizens’ personal ID validity is now up to 10 years. Residents must renew documents within 30 days of expiry. Around 1.8 million Bangladeshis currently live in Oman.

During a three-day state visit to Malaysia, Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus held a bilateral meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya, resulting in the signing of five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and three Notes of Exchange. The visit prioritizes immigration and investment issues and includes participation in a business conference and a discussion with the Bangladeshi expatriate community. Dr. Yunus is also set to receive an honorary degree from the University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi accused the Awami League of empowering fascist forces by manufacturing excuses to strengthen their grip, targeting nationalist forces with anti-democratic agendas.

He alleged that defeated fascists’ allies, backed by illicit funds and arms from neighboring countries, are actively undermining law and order, citing a recent violent attack on police in Chattogram. Rizvi warned of conspiracies to delegitimize the forthcoming election but expressed the nation’s hope for a free and fair vote.

Highlighting BNP’s commitment to an ideal, Rizvi claimed the death of Arafat Rahman Koko was unnatural, blaming the government’s oppression for the demise of many pro-democracy activists.

Nasiruddin Patwari, Chief Coordinator of the National Coordination Party (NCP), declared at the ‘National Youth Conference 2025’ organized by Jatiyo Jubo Shakti that the upcoming elections scheduled for February will not take place.

He stated, “If elections are held under the same constitution and the same fascist system, then what was the need for so many people to be martyred for reform and a new constitution?” Addressing the youth, he urged them to be the force behind bringing down the existing ‘factory of fascism’ — the Bangabhaban presidential palace — assuring that its fall will be achieved through their efforts, God willing.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s new tariffs on Indian goods have heightened tensions over India’s trade with Russia, which Trump claims funds Moscow’s war in Ukraine. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has engaged with both Ukrainian and Russian leaders in separate calls, signaling a neutral stance. While India vows not to bow to external pressure, the tariffs could impact exports to the U.S., pushing New Delhi to explore new markets. Analysts say India’s balancing strategy depends on U.S. policy shifts and the Ukraine war’s trajectory.

Dhaka – BNP standing committee member Goyeshwar Chandra Roy has said it cannot be confirmed that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had no involvement in the 1981 assassination of President Ziaur Rahman, noting it occurred just 13 days after her return to Bangladesh.
At a separate event marking Arafat Rahman Koko’s birth anniversary, BNP leaders called for a free and fair election to fulfill the dreams of “July martyrs.” Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said Koko’s death was politically motivated and accused certain groups of using religion to sow confusion and undermine the upcoming election.

Chattogram – A police sub-inspector was critically injured after being attacked with a machete during an overnight raid to apprehend Awami League activists in the Saltgola Crossing area. The incident occurred around 2 a.m. near Ishan Mistry Ghat. The injured officer, Abu Sayeed Rana, is now hospitalized. Police and army units have since launched a joint operation in the area, which remains tense.