BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has stated that while structural reform of the state and economy cannot happen overnight, democratic practices are essential for achieving such transformation. Speaking at an event in Dhaka, he remarked that democracy has been systematically destroyed over the past 15 years, leading to rampant corruption due to lack of accountability. "BNP believes in democracy, which is why we are demanding elections," he said.

Criticizing the proportional representation (PR) system, Fakhrul noted that the people of this country prefer to directly elect their leaders. He also referred to the potential impact of Trump's proposed tariffs as a major threat, stressing the need for dialogue among political parties to address pressing national issues.

Nahid Islam, Convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), stated that while the current constitution is based on Mujibist ideology, it still requires reform to facilitate national development. At a roadside rally in Moulvibazar, he criticized the government for allegedly blaming the recent police killing in Baniachong on uprising participants. He reaffirmed NCP’s commitment to improving the living standards of tea workers and ensuring ethnic and cultural rights. The party's leaders are currently traveling from Moulvibazar to Kishoreganj as part of their campaign.

Professor Md. Nasir Uddin, acting director of the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute, stated that two more injured students—Ayan Khan and Rafsi (both 12)—have been discharged. A total of 36 patients remain hospitalized, with four in critical condition receiving treatment in the ICU. An additional nine patients are in the "CBR" category—serious but not immediately life-threatening. Nasir Uddin expressed hope that at least 10 more patients would be released next week. He also confirmed the deaths of two more patients and said that a specialized medical team including foreign doctors has been formed, with all necessary equipment available.

Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Advisor, Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, announced that the Chief Advisor has begun a third round of political consultations in Jamuna. Among the political leaders attending the dialogue are Tipu Biswas (Coordinator, National People's Front), Mustafa Jamal Haider (Leader, 12-Party Alliance), Maulana Abdul Majed Athari (Vice President, Nizam-e-Islam Party), Maulana Yusuf Ashraf (Senior Deputy Emir, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish), Fariduzzaman Farhad (Chairman, NPP), Syed Ehsanul Huda (Chairman, Jatiya Dal), Dr. Mushtaq Hossain (Bangladesh JASAD), and Bobby Hajjaj (Chairman, Nationalist Democratic Movement).

The government is planning to purchase three additional ships to increase revenue for the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC), according to Brigadier General (Retd.) M. Sakhawat Hossain, Maritime Affairs Advisor. During a visit to the shipbreaking yards in Sitakunda, Chattogram, he stated that 14 yards have received ‘green certification’ by complying with the Hong Kong Convention. Those that fail to meet standards must cease operations. He assured that the government will assist yards in complying with regulations.

Professor Asif Nazrul, legal advisor to the interim government, stated that regular changes in power through elections are essential to democracy. “Governments become monstrous when they lose fear of losing power—Sheikh Hasina is a prime example,” he said at the 11th Human Rights Conference organized by the Dhaka University Human Rights Society. Nazrul highlighted the increasing challenges to protecting human rights and urged reforms not just in law, but in mindset and institutional behavior. He stressed the importance of embedding human rights education at every level of society.

Economist and former central bank governor Salehuddin Ahmed stated that Bangladesh currently lacks well-functioning institutions. At a book launch event in Dhaka, he said that 80% of the country’s banking resources are misallocated and that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates $35 billion will be required to restructure the sector. He added that both legal integrity and procedural systems have deteriorated. Mirza Fakhrul Islam, Secretary General of the BNP, also spoke at the event, claiming that corruption has increased fivefold. Both speakers called for urgent democratic reforms and structural changes in political power.

Lieutenant General (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Advisor to the Ministry of Home Affairs, revealed that India has forcibly pushed back approximately 1,500 Bangladeshis across the border in the past month. “Leaving people in forests or riverbanks during such pushbacks is completely unacceptable,” he said during a visit to the RAB-11 headquarters in Narayanganj. He emphasized that India should follow formal repatriation procedures, as Bangladesh does. Chowdhury also alleged that Rohingya refugees were being sent through certain border points, which Bangladesh has refused to accept. He noted that protests have slightly reduced the number of recent pushbacks.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A. M. M. Nasir Uddin emphasized the Election Commission’s commitment to transparency and accountability ahead of the upcoming national election. Speaking at a discussion in Khulna, he stated, “We want all electoral activities to take place in broad daylight, not in secrecy.” The CEC also warned against the misuse of artificial intelligence and the spread of disinformation on social media, calling AI “a modern threat more dangerous than weapons.” He confirmed that operations to recover illegal firearms and suppress political violence will be conducted before the election. Regarding the Proportional Representation (PR) system, he noted that the Commission has yet to receive any formal directive. The overarching goal, he added, is to restore public trust and increase voter participation.

Two more victims of the recent plane crash at Milestone School & College in Dhaka’s Uttara area—13-year-old student Zarif Farhan and 32-year-old office assistant Masuma—died on Saturday morning from severe burns. According to the Burn Institute, a total of 17 people have now died from injuries sustained in the crash. Four others remain in critical condition. Zarif had suffered 40% burns, while Masuma had 90% of her body burned. Aiman and Makin, two other students, died the previous day.

A youth from Malda, West Bengal—Amir Sheikh—was reportedly deported to Bangladesh for "speaking Bengali." Despite holding valid Indian voter and Aadhaar cards, Amir was detained while working in Rajasthan and accused of being Bangladeshi. He was imprisoned for two months before being sent across the border with the help of the BSF, without a court order. In a viral video, Amir tearfully declared his Indian nationality. The incident has sparked outrage in West Bengal, with allegations of human rights violations and a call for investigation.

The Election Commission has received 43 opinions on the draft Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates in the upcoming national elections. Contributors include eight political parties, including the BNP, two non-governmental organizations, and 33 individuals. Most registered political parties did not submit any feedback. The BNP largely agreed with the proposed guidelines but also suggested additional amendments. Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) proposed significant changes, including greater financial transparency, impartiality of government officials, and regulation of AI technologies. The Election Commission has stated that it will review these suggestions and make necessary revisions.

Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. A. F. M. Khalid Hossain condemned the leak of photos taken during his official visit to Chattogram Central Jail, calling it a politically motivated act to distort facts. He clarified that the visit aimed to expand religious and moral education for inmates, and all protocols were followed. The photos were taken by a prison official and leaked without authorization. He warned against conspiracies by defeated political forces and reaffirmed commitment to transparency and national welfare.

National Citizens Party convener Nahid Islam called for a mass gathering on August 3 at the Sylhet Central Shaheed Minar to confirm the July Charter and Declaration. He paid tribute to 17 martyrs of the July Mass Uprising from Sylhet and emphasized the region’s historic role in Bangladesh’s freedom struggle. Nahid highlighted Sylhet’s ongoing marginalization in resource allocation and political representation, urging support for expatriates’ voting rights and their inclusion in national policy-making.

Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal is set to begin trials in August for four cases related to crimes against humanity committed during the July Uprising. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other top officials are among the 57 accused. Charges include mass killings, burnings, and targeted assassinations. Two cases will begin witness hearings in August, while two others are at the charge-framing stage. So far, 430 complaints have been filed, and 206 people charged in connection with the post-uprising atrocities.