A total of 74 activists affiliated with the Awami League and Chhatra League have been named in a case for allegedly obstructing traffic by felling trees on the Dhaka-Khulna highway in Kalia upazila of Gopalganj. The disruption reportedly aimed to block the NCP’s planned rally in the region.

Sub-Inspector Nur Alam Mia filed the case on Thursday evening, confirmed by Kalia Police Station Officer-in-Charge Kamal Hossain. The accused include prominent local leaders from the Awami League, Jubo League, and Chhatra League, as well as current and former union parishad chairmen. The case mentions the use of sharp weapons and notes that the suspects fled upon police arrival. An additional 250–300 unidentified individuals are also listed as suspects.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) will hold a march in Chattogram on Sunday, July 20, as part of its ongoing countrywide movement to implement the 'July Charter'. Central NCP leaders including Nahid Islam and Akhtar Hossain will join the program. The two-day campaign will begin in Cox’s Bazar on July 19, followed by events in Bandarban, Rangamati, and Chattogram. Local leaders are preparing to welcome the central delegation and ensure smooth coordination across the scheduled events.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made a pointed remark against the Modi government of India, suggesting that ousted leaders from Bangladesh’s Awami League are currently residing in Kolkata with the support of the Indian government. She emphasized that when neighboring countries face crises, India offers refuge, but in Bengal, anyone speaking up is quickly labeled a ‘Bangladeshi’ and calls for their eviction arise.

Mamata reminded that under the 1971 Indira-Mujib Agreement, those who sought shelter in India became Indian citizens, and many residents of West Bengal were born in India even before the 1947 Partition or the 1971 Liberation War. Highlighting the importance of the Bengali language, she called for unity against divisive rhetoric and discrimination.

Bangladesh Railway has approved four pairs of special trains for participants traveling to the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami rally scheduled on July 19. The party has paid BDT 3.2 million in advance for the service.

According to the Ministry of Railways, this is a commercial decision made in accordance with established policies—not a political one. The ministry noted that similar facilities have previously been extended to other political parties as well. Officials added that the move is expected to increase railway revenue and ease congestion for regular passengers. While some confusion has circulated on social media, the ministry has dismissed the claims as baseless.

The United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHCR) mission has officially commenced operations in Bangladesh following the signing of a three-year memorandum of understanding between Bangladesh and the UNHCR. The agreement aims to provide protection and support in human rights issues, offering training and technical assistance. Since August last year, the UN's involvement in Bangladesh has increased, focusing on human rights promotion, reforms, and fact-finding investigations into crowd suppression incidents, working closely with various stakeholders.

SpaceX’s satellite-based internet service, Starlink, has officially launched operations in Bangladesh. The announcement was made by Lauren Dreyer, VP of Business Operations at Starlink, during a press conference at the InterContinental Hotel. She described Starlink as a “reliable and critical lifeline,” especially for maintaining communication during natural disasters. Starlink is now active in over 150 countries, and this marks its formal launch in Bangladesh following a soft launch. The announcement coincides with the one-year anniversary of the country’s digital shutdown. While internet access remains limited in remote areas, Starlink is expected to serve as a "digital equalizer." However, concerns over affordability persist.

Dengue continues to claim lives in Bangladesh, with one more person—a male—succumbing to the disease in the past 24 hours. Additionally, 114 new patients were hospitalized during the same period, according to a Health Directorate bulletin released Friday. This brings the total death toll from dengue this year to 61, including 32 men and 29 women. So far, 16,395 people have been infected in 2025.

The interim government is making significant changes in three major diplomatic missions. Tareq Md. Ariful Islam, currently serving in Geneva, will be posted to the US. Canada’s Ambassador Nahida Sobhan is being reassigned to Geneva, while former Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin will become the High Commissioner to Canada. The official agreements from the US and Switzerland have already been received, and Canada’s approval is expected soon. The reshuffle follows earlier changes in top diplomatic positions, including the removal of Jashim Uddin as Foreign Secretary in May.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast continuous rainfall over the next five days across various regions. Light to moderate rain or thundershowers with gusty winds are expected in Rangpur, Mymensingh, Chattogram, and Sylhet, while parts of Dhaka, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Barishal may also see rain. Isolated areas in the northeastern and southeastern regions may experience heavy rainfall. Day and night temperatures may slightly fluctuate. Rainfall activity is likely to intensify in the coming days, according to the extended forecast.

E-ticketing using the Rapid Pass system is being introduced on Dhaka’s Hatirjheel circular bus and water taxi services. The trial began on July 14, with a full rollout planned for July 20. Ten machines are being installed across key terminals and bus counters, including FDC, Police Plaza, Rampura, and Badda. The system will ease commuting, allowing passengers to use one card across metro rail, buses, and water taxis. The Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority says this move will reduce hassle and streamline urban transportation.

A leaked audio clip has surfaced allegedly implicating Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in planning an attack on an NCP rally in Gopalganj while she was in India. As part of the NCP’s month-long “March for National Reform” campaign, a rally was scheduled for July 16. Prior to the event, a smear campaign spread rumors about grave desecration involving NCP leaders. In the audio, Hasina is heard instructing leaders of the Chhatra League and other affiliated organizations to prevent NCP leaders from leaving the area alive. Following the directive, local leaders including Ataur Rahman Piyal and Newton Molla reportedly carried out attacks on the stage, convoy, and local administration. Senior Awami League figures are believed to have coordinated the assault both domestically and from abroad. NCP’s rally in Shariatpur also faced disruption.

LP Gas Limited, a subsidiary of Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation, will recruit 20 people for six different positions, including office assistant cum computer operator, driver, security guard, operator (operations and re-testing), and electrician. Applicants must be under 32 years of age as of August 18, 2025. Applications must be submitted online, and a fee of BDT 56 is payable through Teletalk. The application window runs from July 20 to August 18, 2025.

BNP Standing Committee Member Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain has cautioned political leaders that disunity for personal gain may result in disastrous consequences, some of which are already evident. Addressing a protest in front of the National Press Club, he emphasized that the fight to restore democracy is a national issue, not a local one. He criticized the PR election system and dismissed the idea that local polls could restore democratic governance. Referring to recent violence in Gopalganj, he accused the government of failure and said anti-democratic forces remain active and must be exposed.

Hasnat Abdullah, Chief Coordinator for the southern region of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has called on youth to unite and build a policy-oriented, not leader-centric, Bangladesh. Speaking at a rally in Munshiganj, he warned of ongoing conspiracies against the state, emphasizing the urgent need for unity. Northern NCP leader Sarjis Alam added that fascist forces are still active in the country and must be confronted for true independence to be realized. He also demanded justice for political assassins abroad and declared that he wants to see Hasina tried and sentenced.

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed has warned that failure to issue the ‘July Charter’ this month will fall squarely on the shoulders of the interim government and the Consensus Commission. Speaking at a silent rally organized by Dhaka North BNP to commemorate the martyrs of the 24th mass uprising, he criticized proponents of proportional representation (PR) elections, labeling their motives as insincere. He reiterated that BNP views the interim government as akin to a caretaker administration and accused certain factions of trying to divide democratic forces. He called for a united national front against fascism.