The Prime Minister’s Press Wing has dismissed as false the claims by Indian media outlets that murdered Mitford businessman Lal Chand alias Md. Sohag was a Hindu. In a Facebook statement released Sunday night, the press wing clarified that Sohag was a Muslim, son of Md. Ayub Ali and husband of Laki Begum. Outlets like NDTV, India Today, and WION were accused of publishing misleading reports. The statement further alleged that Indian media have consistently propagated false narratives about minority oppression in Bangladesh.

The Dhaka Bar Unit of the pro-BNP Bangladesh Nationalist Lawyers' Forum has announced it will not defend any of the accused in the murder case of scrap dealer Md. Sohag. At a press conference on Monday, the forum said this stance was taken in protest of the “brutal killing” and to reject what they called politically motivated attempts to smear BNP. They called for a speedy trial and urged all lawyers to refrain from defending the accused.

The National Consensus Commission has proposed a 76-seat upper chamber in a bicameral parliamentary system, with members elected directly by voters. The second round of dialogue concluded on Monday, proposing that the upper house represent 64 districts and 12 city corporations. The elections for both the national parliament and the upper house would be held simultaneously. Previously, the Constitutional Reform Commission had recommended naming the upper house the "Senate," intended to serve a legislative review function.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has condemned the use of children in what he termed "malicious and degrading" political slogans targeting party leader Tarique Rahman. Speaking at a press conference in Gulshan on 14 July, he said this reflects a disturbing trend of character assassination aimed at derailing democratic progress. He criticized the government's inaction over the murder of Sohag, noting that despite video and photographic evidence, no arrests have been made. He announced the formation of a BNP-led fact-finding committee to investigate the incident.

A third and final group of 30 Bangladeshi nationals stranded in Iran due to the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict were repatriated this morning (14 July). According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the returnees traveled from Tehran to Dhaka via Mashhad and Sharjah. This marks the final phase of government-funded repatriation efforts. Earlier, 28 Bangladeshis were brought back on 1 July, and 32 more on 8 July—bringing the total number of returnees to 90.

Trade negotiations between the United States and Bangladesh have so far yielded no positive developments regarding the proposed reduction of the 35% additional tariffs on Bangladeshi goods. Discussions are expected to continue throughout July, but policymakers have not issued any clear statements. Representatives from the garment sector warn that if the current 50% total duty remains in effect, it could severely impact exports, with some buyers already suspending orders. Economist Dr. Zahid Hussain criticized the government’s lack of preparation and failure to include relevant experts in the talks.

A video showing National Citizen Party (NCP) central member Imamur Rashid allegedly accepting Tk 7 lakh from a female entrepreneur has gone viral on social media. The footage, shared by BNP leader Dr. A.K.M. Wahiduzzaman, sparked widespread criticism. Rashid claims the money was a voluntary donation to the party fund and accused the woman of releasing the video after failing to gain undue advantages. However, the entrepreneur alleges she provided nearly Tk 48 lakh for project opportunities that never materialized. The incident raises serious concerns about political fundraising practices in Bangladesh.

Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder has dismissed reports of a press conference by Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus at Ganabhaban on Monday (July 14) as "completely baseless." Posting on his verified Facebook account, he stated that no such event was scheduled and labeled the circulating reports as "false." Earlier, some media outlets had cited Senior Assistant Press Secretary Fayez Ahmed regarding the alleged press conference, which has now been refuted.

To reduce dropout rates at the primary level, the Government of Bangladesh is expanding its school stipend program alongside a free midday meal initiative, according to Professor Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Podder, Advisor to the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education.

Speaking at a consultation meeting in Habiganj, Dr. Podder said that the midday meal program has already been launched in 150 upazilas and will gradually be rolled out nationwide. Special measures are also being taken to support children in low-lying areas who migrate seasonally with their families for agricultural work, ensuring their education is not disrupted.

Authorities at the Faridpur Regional Passport Office have detained three Rohingya nationals and two local brokers who attempted to obtain passports using forged national ID cards. The Rohingyas had traveled from Cox’s Bazar and agreed to pay BDT 30,000 each to the brokers. A financial dispute led to their exposure and eventual arrest by Ansar members. Verification confirmed the IDs were fake. The detainees have been handed over to law enforcement.

BNP's affiliated wings—Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal, and Swechchhasebak Dal—have announced nationwide protests condemning the deteriorating law and order situation, mob violence, and disruption in educational institutions. Chhatra Dal will hold a march from Nayapaltan to Shahbagh on Monday, July 14. Swechchhasebak Dal will protest on July 15, and Jubo Dal on July 17, both at the central and district levels. The parties insist the protests will be peaceful and are a response to politically motivated unrest.

The High Court has suspended legal proceedings for three months in a flat fraud case involving British MP Tulip Siddiq, daughter of Sheikh Rehana. The decision came on July 8 following a petition by former RAJUK official Shah Md. Khasruzzaman. A rule has also been issued. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) stated it would appeal the stay. The case alleges Tulip received a Gulshan apartment in exchange for facilitating illegal benefits for Eastern Housing. The investigation is nearing completion.

Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Mahsud has confirmed that the 'Boat' symbol will remain in the official election symbol list for now, as no final decision has been made regarding the affiliated party. Meanwhile, the National Citizen Party (NCP)'s proposed 'Shapla' symbol will not be included yet. However, their request will be reconsidered upon official registration. Earlier, NCP leaders met with the Chief Election Commissioner to press for the inclusion of the symbol.

Trains will not stop at the Dhaka University metro station from 5 PM on Monday, July 14, due to a large public gathering for the "July Uprising Commemoration Program," according to a notice from DMTCL. The measure has been taken to manage the anticipated heavy crowd and is effective for one day only. The decision was made based on recommendations from the Uprising Implementation Committee.

In a joint operation led by the Bangladesh Army in the Nikunja-2 area under Khilkhet Police Station, Md. Ismail Hossain Babu and his associate Sheikh Saiful Islam were caught red-handed with extorted money. The operation was conducted on Saturday night. Earlier that afternoon, six others were detained on similar extortion charges from the Uttara Sluice Gate area. The Army has reiterated its commitment to curbing criminal activities and urged the public to come forward with information.