Bangladesh and the United States will conduct three joint military exercises this year—Tiger Lightning, Tiger Shark 2025, and Pacific Angel—to strengthen defense cooperation and regional security. These include counterterrorism, disaster response, and special forces training. A new RQ-21 Blackjack unmanned aerial system will also be introduced to boost Bangladesh’s surveillance and peacekeeping capacity. The initiatives reflect the deepening military ties between the two countries and aim to enhance interoperability, crisis response, and strategic capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

A high-level Bangladeshi government delegation, led by BIDA and BEZA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, has traveled to China to attract and facilitate foreign direct investment (FDI). The delegation will attend events in Shanghai and Guangzhou from July 20-26, including a major investment seminar featuring over 100 Chinese companies from sectors such as electronics, textiles, agriculture, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. This visit aims to strengthen long-term economic partnerships, increase industrial investment, and promote technology transfer and export growth.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is set to open a mission office in Dhaka following an agreement with Bangladesh’s interim government. The mission aims to support human rights protection and accountability, focusing on serious violations and capacity building. While human rights activists welcome the move, Islamist groups oppose it, fearing interference with national values. The government assures respect for Bangladesh’s cultural and religious traditions, promising the office will work within legal and social frameworks.

Shafiqul Alam, former Press Secretary of the interim government and then head of AFP’s Bangladesh bureau, has revealed his personal concerns during the student uprising period.

Despite receiving warnings from international journalists about possible arrest, his primary worry was not imprisonment itself but the lack of access to a “high commode” toilet facility, which he required due to a knee injury.

In a recent Facebook post, he shared how the fear of being detained without adequate sanitary provisions continues to haunt him.

Education Advisor Dr. C. R. Abrar stated that efforts have begun to swiftly implement the educational proposals outlined in the recently released white paper.

He noted that through extensive discussions, many important issues have been identified, reflecting the opinions of all stakeholders. The recommendations focus on improving the quality of education, developing market-relevant skills, enhancing technical and madrasa education, and tailoring education for expatriates.

Dr. Abrar emphasized that the secretary and officials are actively participating in the implementation process with full awareness and commitment.

Acclaimed Bangladeshi sculptor and artist Hamiduzzaman Khan has died at the age of 78. He passed away on July 20 after being taken off life support at a hospital in Dhaka, where he was admitted with pneumonia and dengue. A pioneer in modern sculpture, Khan taught at Dhaka University for over four decades. His works include iconic pieces like Unity, Jagrat Bangla, and Steps. He received the Ekushey Padak in 2006 and was made a Bangla Academy Fellow in 2022.

Scholars from Qawmi madrasas have formally appealed to the Chief Advisor to ensure job opportunities for their students in various government sectors. A delegation representing Allama Mahmudul Hasan, Chairman of Al-Haiatul Ulya Lil-Jamiatil Qawmia Bangladesh, met with the Religious and Education Advisor to present their demands.

The appeal requests employment opportunities for holders of the Dawra-e-Hadith certification as religious teachers, imams, khatibs, qazis, as well as positions in various government and semi-government institutions. Additionally, they have sought opportunities for higher education at universities.

Education Advisor Professor Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar assured that the demands would be given serious consideration.

Professor Ali Riaz, Vice-Chairman of the National Consensus Commission, announced that the majority of political parties have reached an agreement on the appointment procedure for the Chief Adviser of the caretaker government. After 15 days of ongoing discussions, the commission has submitted a revised proposal to the parties. The final decision will be made on Tuesday following a thorough review of the language and finer details.

While there are differing opinions regarding the establishment of a high-level body, political parties have proposed entrusting the responsibility to the commission. Efforts are underway to prepare the national certificate by July 31.

The commission also paid tribute to those injured and the families of martyrs during the July uprising.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir attended the Bangladesh vs Pakistan T20 match at Mirpur after many years. In an interview, he commented on the possible return of national cricketer and former Awami League MP Sakib Al Hasan’s team, saying, “It depends on Sakib’s form and whether he is still active in cricket.”

He emphasized his personal stance of keeping politics separate from sports, stating, “I have never wanted to bring politics into sports and do not believe in it. So whoever is deserving will certainly come back.”

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast five days of continuous rain across the country, including Dhaka, due to active monsoon conditions. A low-pressure system may form over the northern Bay of Bengal by July 24, 2025. Moderate to heavy rainfall with gusty winds is likely in several divisions, especially Rangpur, Mymensingh, Sylhet, and Chattogram. Temperatures in Khulna and Barisal may remain stable, while other areas could see a 1–2°C drop in daytime temperatures. Nighttime temperatures may slightly decrease nationwide.

Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim, the Chormonai Pir, urged giving the 'Hatpakha' party a chance in politics, saying many parties have already had their opportunities. Speaking at a youth rally in Kishoreganj, he warned that repeated failures call for new leadership, promising to quit politics if they fail.

He also criticized India, stating Bangladesh differs from India not by physical barriers but by ideals and principles. The Pir issued a stark warning that if Islam declines in Bangladesh, the country could end up under Indian control like Sikkim.

Gayeshwar Chandra Rai, BNP Standing Committee member, criticized the misuse of religion as a political tool. Speaking at a tree-planting event in South Keraniganj commemorating July martyrs, he said religion is a source of spiritual faith and moral guidance and should never be exploited for political gain.

He pointedly referenced Jamaat-e-Islami, accusing them of failing to admit their 1971 war crimes despite receiving forgiveness. Rai reminded all political parties of their responsibility to protect the safety and dignity of all religious communities and called for unity inspired by the spirit of the July revolution.

National Citizens Party convener Nahid Islam met with families of martyrs in Chattogram, listening to their grievances about financial hardship, insecurity, and neglect. He affirmed, "Martyrs belong to no party—they sacrificed for the nation."

Following the visit, NCP leaders departed for their march in Rangamati. In response to recent attacks in Cox’s Bazar, the Chattogram Metropolitan Police deployed SWAT and dog squads around NCP’s office and rally venues.

Nahid Islam expressed disappointment that despite government pressure, respect for martyrs’ families remains insufficient. He also voiced optimism ahead of a major NCP event scheduled for August 3 and the government’s upcoming July certificate issuance.

Abu Ahmed Lipu (49), Organizational Secretary of Sutrapur Thana Awami League, was arrested early Sunday morning by Shyampur police from the Hatkhola Road area of Tejgaon.

According to police, Lipu faces multiple cases including attempted murder and involvement in violent clashes registered with Wari and Shyampur police stations. The arrest followed a secret operation based on confidential intelligence. Legal proceedings against him are currently underway.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir attended the first T20 match between Bangladesh and Pakistan held in Mirpur. Pakistan lost the toss and went in to bat, but Fakhrul left the stadium before the innings concluded.

On the same day, former national team captain Mushfiqur Rahim was also spotted at the stadium with his son. The high-profile match drew a large crowd, especially around the Eastern Gallery, Abu Saeed Stand, and Club House Gate.