In a dramatic turn of events in Rajshahi, activists of the BNP detained and handed over a local Awami League leader, Moinul Islam Swapan (55), to police from a residential hotel. Swapan, president of Tanore Upazila AL, was out on bail in a case linked to a mass uprising incident. Although Boalia police said he was not previously listed as an accused in their station, he has now been arrested as an unidentified accused in the same case and will be presented in court.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has recently issued an unconditional apology for all activities carried out by his party since 1947. This move has been welcomed by Dr. Redwan Ahmed, Secretary General of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and a veteran freedom fighter.

In a statement, Dr. Ahmed said: “During a recent talk show, in response to a question from the host, the Jamaat leader sought an unconditional apology on behalf of the party. Such an apology reflects the ideals and principles of a political figure. Even after so many years of independence, if they can acknowledge their mistakes and seek forgiveness from the nation, I, as a freedom fighter, believe it deserves recognition.”

He further remarked that no government has the authority to grant a ‘humanitarian corridor’ without consensus among all political parties. “Only when an elected government assumes power and the issue is thoroughly discussed in parliament can a decision be made on granting any humanitarian corridor,” he added.

The Islamic Movement of Bangladesh has presented a 16-point demand list during a mass gathering at Suhrawardy Udyan. Party spokesperson Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman read out the declaration, calling for the reinstatement of "complete trust and faith in Almighty Allah" as a guiding principle in the Constitution. Key demands include:

Proportional representation (PR) in elections to both houses of parliament

A national consensus for a just, exploitation-free state

Structural reforms in the state

Ensuring a level playing field for all parties

Prosecution of past authoritarian regimes and return of fugitive criminals

Recovery of laundered money and decisive anti-corruption actions

Diplomatic renegotiation or cancellation of anti-national agreements with India

Electoral reforms including local elections prior to national polls and return of the caretaker system

Banning corrupt, loan defaulters, and criminals from elections

Curbing politically motivated cases and ensuring religious values at all levels of governance

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi emphasized that the martyrs and fighters of the July Revolution deserve appropriate recognition and must be honored this July and August.

Speaking to reporters, Rizvi announced a 36-day program centered around July 1. He noted that Tarique Rahman had inspired people across the country to join the July Movement.

Rizvi also visited venues for the first event in observance of the July-August People's Uprising Day. He added, “Our society is facing economic hardship and social crises. There is a culture of mob rule. We must free ourselves from these issues.”

Notably, Tarique Rahman is expected to participate virtually as the chief guest in the BNP’s July 1 event, which will be attended by representatives of all major political parties.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that the United States will "definitely" bomb Iran if it resumes its nuclear weapons program. His remarks came in response to Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei's claim of victory in a recent conflict with Israel. Trump criticized Khamenei as violent and deceitful, asserting that Iran's key nuclear sites have already been destroyed. Despite intelligence reports suggesting only limited damage, Trump insists Iran is already devastated and vows further action if nuclear ambitions are revived.

Due to the ongoing strike by National Board of Revenue (NBR) officials in Bangladesh, export and import operations are severely affected, prompting international buyers to threaten cancellation of shipments and export orders. Limited office hours and unresolved delays in customs clearance are increasing lead times and costs. Business leaders warn of serious economic fallout and urge the government to initiate immediate dialogue. They also call on NBR staff to resume work unconditionally for the sake of the national economy.

U.S. President Donald Trump has suspended all trade negotiations with Canada, criticizing Canada’s new digital services tax on American tech firms as a “direct attack.” He plans to impose new tariffs on Canadian goods within a week. This move disrupts the positive momentum from the recent G7 summit. Canada will implement a 3% tax on digital revenues from U.S. companies like Amazon and Google starting Monday. The U.S. may retaliate with tariffs after a formal investigation.

India declined to sign the SCO defense summit's joint statement after it failed to mention the recent deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam that killed 26 tourists. Citing unaddressed concerns on terrorism, India criticized what it viewed as a pro-Pakistan bias. The Indian defense minister condemned countries supporting cross-border terrorism. The incident heightened India-Pakistan tensions, with claims of airstrikes and retaliations until a U.S.-brokered ceasefire was announced—though India denied any third-party mediation.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mia Golam Parwar has expressed optimism about an emerging electoral alliance among Islamic parties ahead of the upcoming national elections. Speaking to reporters, Parwar said, “Islamic scholars and religious leaders in the country have realized the urgent need for unity among all Islamic forces in this election. Efforts are underway in that direction, and we firmly believe that a consensus among the parties will be reached very soon.”

He further stated, “Victory in the upcoming national election is the only way to fulfill the dreams of those visionaries who could not live to see the birth of a truly Islamic Bangladesh. By preserving the ideals of Islamic forces, we can repay our debt to them.”

Parwar also elaborated on the organization’s vision: “Our mission is to shape public opinion in favor of Islamic values and prepare competent individuals to lead the nation. Through this effort, we will witness the triumph of faith, please our Creator, and—God willing—earn His forgiveness and paradise.”

He concluded by emphasizing the importance of seizing the opportunity to ensure a free and fair election, which he described as a crucial chapter in the nation's political history.

BNP leader Rumeen Farhana declared during a party meeting in Durgapur that she has risked her life fighting against what she described as the "fascist rule" of the Awami League. “I stood alone against 300 MPs of an illegitimate government,” she said. Rumeen emphasized her commitment to the nation and promised to transform the Brahmanbaria-2 (Sarail-Ashuganj) constituency if elected. “I will work for the development that people aspire to,” she affirmed.

Umama Fatema has formally announced her departure from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement following the formation of its new National Council. She cited internal politics, online and offline pressure, smear campaigns, and attempts to sideline her despite her role as spokesperson. Fatema revealed she initially voted in the council elections with hopes of positive change but later withdrew her support. Expressing deep disappointment, she said the platform has been hijacked by opportunists and no longer holds promise. Concluding her statement, she said she would not forgive those who wronged her and urged students to focus on their education, ending with, “Fi Amanillah.”

Islamic Andolan Bangladesh held a massive rally at Dhaka’s Suhrawardy Udyan on Saturday, demanding electoral reform including the adoption of proportional representation. Though the main session was scheduled to begin at 2 PM, the venue was filled from early morning with supporters from across the country. The rally began at 10 AM with a Qur’an recitation, followed by speeches from district and city leaders. The party is calling for national elections to be held under a reformed system that ensures justice, fairness, and proper representation.

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that following the Pahalgam attack and last month's intense but brief military standoff with Pakistan, India has lost credibility on the international stage due to a lack of transparency and the dissemination of false information. Speaking on Friday, Bilawal stated, “The global audience has seen and accepted reports from Pakistani media. It is now widely understood that the Indian government is not being truthful. Despite claims of neutral journalism, the Indian media has failed to substantiate its assertions.” He praised Pakistan's leadership for its transparency, noting that while India took a month to acknowledge the downing of its fighter jet, Pakistan revealed it immediately. He also cited a U.S. general’s recent testimony before Congress, calling Pakistan “an exceptional partner in the fight against terrorism.”

Rashedul Islam, Chief Coordinator of the National Coordination Party (NCP) in Rajshahi, has resigned just eight days after taking office. In a letter to the central committee, he stated, “With utmost respect and a heavy heart, I resign from my position.” Citing personal reasons, he added, “Serving the nation under the NCP banner has been an honor, and I’m grateful for the trust placed in me.” Sources indicate that internal conflicts within the local organization prompted his decision.

Police in Mathbaria, Pirojpur have arrested a student leader for allegedly kidnapping a young Saudi expatriate and demanding ransom over the phone.

The accused is Naeem Hossain, General Secretary of the Student League at Mathbaria Government College. The victim, Riazul Islam, left for Saudi Arabia four years ago, but recently his mobile phone went unanswered. On June 24, a relative of Riazul in Saudi Arabia received a call from an unknown group claiming they had detained Riazul and demanding 50,000 taka as ransom. The family sent 20,000 taka before filing a police report, leading to Naeem’s arrest. Meanwhile, the expatriate’s family has confirmed that Riazul has been released by the kidnappers.