Advisor Muhammad Fawzul Kabir Khan has revealed that the recently enacted Revenue Policy and Revenue Management Ordinance contained certain “cunning loopholes,” which will be corrected through amendments. He emphasized that neither the administrative cadre nor the customs and tax cadre will dominate the system. Separate guidelines will be introduced for appointments at the secretary level.

Following protests triggered by the decision to abolish the National Board of Revenue (NBR), a five-member committee was formed to address the issue. Fawzul Kabir further stated that some officials have lost the government’s trust and have obstructed revenue collection through their protests. He also denied any misuse of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in the process.

Additionally, he touched upon ongoing discussions with the United States regarding customs and security matters.

BNP has filed a case at the International Criminal Court accusing 16 individuals, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Law Minister Anisul Haque, and former Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed, of enforced disappearances. The complaint was lodged by BNP Central Committee Executive Member Salahuddin Khan. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam assured that legal action will be taken after investigation. According to the allegations, 11 enforced disappearances occurred between 2019 and the previous government’s fall, with victims claiming they were tortured for being BNP members.

Tension is running high in Manikkandi village of Titas upazila in Cumilla due to a longstanding dispute between two factions of the ruling Awami League—one led by Abul Molla and the other by Saiful Member. On Sunday morning, the situation escalated when Abul Molla’s group entered the village armed, prompting a standoff between the two sides. Titas police swiftly intervened and arrested seven individuals, including several outsiders. Locals fear the possibility of a major clash, as the feud has led to repeated violence over the past two years. Authorities, however, say the situation is currently under control.

Dr. A.F.M. Khalid Hossain, religious adviser, announced that 4,978 pilgrims will be refunded surplus funds totaling BDT 82,890,183 this year through government arrangements. The refunds will be deposited directly into the pilgrims’ bank accounts. The amount varies according to different Hajj packages. This year, 87,100 Bangladeshi pilgrims have returned after performing Hajj, including 5,413 under government arrangements and 81,687 under private arrangements.

The student wing of Jagannath University, Jabi Chhatra Dal, denied allegations of assaulting any teachers. They acknowledged an unintended incident occurred while trying to hand over Rafique Bin Sadek, linked with the student league, to university authorities near the Shaheed Sajid building, but insisted no teachers or students were attacked. They appealed for calm and patience until investigations conclude. However, accusations persist that Chhatra Dal members verbally abused and physically assaulted university teachers, the assistant proctor, and leaders of leftist organizations.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman condemned character assassination of individuals and parties as undesirable and reprehensible. Referring to recent painful incidents in society, he emphasized that restoring social discipline is a collective responsibility shared by the government, political parties, and all societal segments. He stressed that while freedom of expression must be preserved, protests should be conducted with respectful language, and criticism should be based on reason and facts. Highlighting the importance of national unity, he urged all sides to act with restraint and responsibility.

The National Unity Commission has agreed that emergency declarations should require approval from the Cabinet rather than just the Prime Minister’s signature. A proposal to amend Article 141 of the Constitution has been made to reduce the emergency duration from 120 to 90 days and replace terms like ‘internal conflict’ with ‘state sovereignty, independence, and pandemic.’ The Cabinet decided to ensure the presence of the parliamentary opposition leader or their deputy at meetings.

Dr. Ali Riaz, co-chair of the National Unity Commission, announced ongoing three-day talks this week aiming to reach a reasonable consensus by July, fulfilling the commission’s responsibility toward the martyrs of the July-August movement. The agenda includes emergency declarations, appointment of the Chief Justice, and formation of a caretaker government. He emphasized that the public is closely watching the dialogue and expects rapid progress. Political parties are participating earnestly, and the commission hopes to complete the process by July 30, including resolving critical issues like the Chief Justice appointment and emergency status.

Following nationwide outrage over the murder of a man named Sohag near Mitford Hospital, for which BNP has been blamed, a video circulated defaming BNP founder Ziaur Rahman. In response, law advisor Dr. Asif Nazrul shared an old Facebook post titled “The Exceptional Sector Commander” praising Ziaur Rahman as his favorite personality. Nazrul said that whenever the Awami League tried to belittle Ziaur Rahman, he would publish writings defending him — and even though the Awami League has now left power, he finds himself compelled to do so again.

At a rally in Pirojpur, NCP convener Nahid Islam said the party remains on the streets to free people from corrupt hands. He criticized those who thought they could weaken the people’s revolutionary power by offering two or three parliamentary seats or sharing power. “Those who embody the revolutionary spirit have returned from the brink of death, and no political party in Bangladesh has the power to buy them,” he said. Calling for a discrimination-free and exploitation-free Bangladesh, Nahid urged participation from all regardless of religion or caste. Central and local party leaders were also present. Earlier, NCP leaders paid homage at the grave of Allama Saidi.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has demanded the cancellation of the Awami League’s boat election symbol, whose registration has been suspended, and the reinstatement of the Shapla (water lily) symbol. After meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner on Sunday, NCP leaders stated that there is no legal barrier to restoring the Shapla symbol. Nasiruddin Patwary, the party’s chief coordinator, warned that if the symbol is not granted, their political struggle will continue. The party also called for the reconstitution of the Election Commission and amendments to relevant laws. The Election Commission has already prepared a draft list excluding the Shapla symbol.

On July 13, the government issued a notification through the Ministry of Public Administration extending the executive magistrate powers of commissioned army officers by 60 days. Under the Code of Criminal Procedure 1998 and relevant criminal procedure sections, commissioned officers of captain rank and above can exercise these powers nationwide.

Detective Branch (DB) police have arrested two additional suspects, Sajib Bepari and Rajib Bepari, in connection with the murder of scrap businessman Sohag near Mitford Hospital, bringing total arrests to nine. Police claim the motive was business rivalry, denying any extortion involvement. However, the BNP alleges the killing is part of a deep political conspiracy ahead of the national elections. While demanding justice, BNP accuses ruling party supporters of spreading false extortion allegations to defame their party, emphasizing that the crime—not party affiliation—is paramount.

Job seekers have presented an 11-point demand list to reform the Public Service Commission (PSC) recruitment process to ensure transparency and accountability. At a press conference at Dhaka University, they stated that merit-based and impartial recruitment remains unfulfilled, prompting renewed protests. Key demands include preventing question paper leaks in BCS exams, ensuring transparency in final results, extending age limits, allowing answer script rechecking, publishing oral exam scores, revising online preferences, and forming a judicial inquiry committee within the commission. They have given a 48-hour ultimatum to act or face intensified protests.

Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, advisor to the Ministry of Home Affairs, announced the start of a nationwide “comb” operation targeting criminals and terrorists in all districts starting today. Law enforcement agencies will continue regular and special operations based on the security situation. The Sohag murder case, which occurred near Mitford Hospital in Old Dhaka, is being fast-tracked to a speedy trial tribunal. He assured that no political or other biases will influence the process.