Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Tawhid Hossain has arrived in Malaysia to attend the ASEAN Regional Forum Ministerial Meeting, scheduled from July 8 to 11. He is expected to return to Dhaka on July 12.

The visit has drawn attention amid growing criticism over the recent detention of 36 Bangladeshis in Malaysia over alleged militant links. During the trip, Hossain may hold meetings with Malaysian authorities to discuss the issue, as well as the upcoming visit of Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus to Malaysia in August.

A crude bomb (cocktail) exploded outside the National Citizen Party (NCP) office on Wednesday night at 10:58 PM, injuring Imon Howlader, the Joint Convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in Kalabagan. He was admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment.

This marks the third such incident outside the NCP office, with previous attacks occurring on June 23 and July 2, leaving several others injured. Police have launched an investigation into the latest explosion.

Aminul Haque, Convener of BNP's Dhaka North Metropolitan Unit, has criticized the Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system, calling it “disconnected from the people.” He argued that individuals who are not even qualified to be Union Parishad members are now dreaming of becoming Members of Parliament under this system.

Speaking at a party event, Haque stated that the people of Bangladesh have been deprived of their voting rights for the past 15 years and are now eagerly waiting for a truly free and fair election—one in which they can elect candidates of their own choosing.

He called on party leaders and activists to remain disciplined, emphasizing that no injustice should be done to ordinary citizens and urging coordination with law enforcement agencies to maintain order.

Expressing hope that the next general election will be held by February, Haque urged all BNP supporters to stay united and vigilant. He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to confronting all political conspiracies under the leadership of Tarique Rahman.

BNP Joint Secretary General Advocate Abdus Salam Azad has called on Jamaat-e-Islami to abandon what he described as its "misguided path." Speaking to reporters, he criticized the party for its controversial role during the Liberation War and accused it of political opportunism, citing its shifting alliances with the Awami League, Jatiya Party, and BNP.

Azad also lashed out at Chormonai Pir, condemning his recent remark: “Money is raised at Paltan and sent to London.” He labeled the statement as “completely false and baseless,” and urged the Pir to publicly repent in front of his followers for spreading misinformation.

Azad further accused Jamaat of trying to delay national elections under the pretext of prioritizing local polls and pushing for a Proportional Representation (PR) system as part of a broader political conspiracy.

The ongoing dengue outbreak in Bangladesh is becoming increasingly complex due to changes in the nature of the virus, according to the Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Prof. Dr. Md. Abu Jafar.

He stated that the number of severe cases has risen, with many patients now requiring intensive monitoring. As a result, there is a growing need for portable ultrasound machines and bedside hematocrit devices to enhance patient care.

While recent outbreaks in districts like Barguna appear to be under control, nationwide alertness has been heightened. In the last 24 hours alone, 406 new dengue patients have been admitted to hospitals. So far this year, over 13,000 people have been hospitalized with dengue, and 52 have died.

Dr. Jafar urged the public to seek immediate medical attention if fever develops and to strictly follow official health advisories. The World Health Organization has also provided essential medical equipment to aid in dengue management.

A violent clash broke out between two rival factions of the BNP in Sujanagar, Pabna, leaving at least 25 people injured, including five with gunshot wounds. Among the injured is Sheikh Abdur Rouf, a local BNP leader.

The conflict occurred between 2:00 PM and 3:30 PM on the Nandita Cinema Hall Road. Long-standing tensions between supporters of Sheikh Abdur Rouf and his rival Mujibur Khan escalated into a deadly confrontation, with both groups engaging in chase and counter-chase before violence erupted.

To control the situation, police were joined by members of the army and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). Law enforcement sources have claimed that the incident stemmed from personal enmity rather than political rivalry.

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has requested Belarus to establish a full-fledged embassy in Dhaka. Currently, Belarus operates only an honorary consulate in the city, with its main diplomatic mission located in New Delhi—causing delays in visa and consular services. Chowdhury emphasized that a full embassy would enhance bilateral diplomatic and commercial ties. The Belarusian ambassador responded positively, noting that it would require commitment from both governments. Bangladesh also promised to expedite overdue fertilizer payments to Belarus. Legal complexities surrounding prisoner extradition were also discussed. Both countries addressed shared concerns, including law enforcement cooperation, irregular migration, human trafficking, and trade.

The results of the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent exams will be published on Thursday and are expected to reflect students’ actual merit, according to Education Adviser Dr. C.R. Abrar. He stated that past practices of inflating grades have been discontinued in favor of accurate assessment. Results will be accessible online, eliminating the need for formal ceremonies. The adviser noted that measures were taken to prevent question leaks and cheating. Publishing results in under two months will give students more time in the new academic year and ensure continued merit-based evaluation.

Press Secretary Shafiqur Alam announced that if all necessary preparations, including legal and security reforms, are completed on time, the 13th national election could be held before Ramadan. The Chief Adviser has instructed that 17,000 new law enforcement personnel be recruited and trained by December. A total of 800,000 officers will be deployed to ensure peaceful voting, with all training to be completed this year. Special voter lists and separate booths will be introduced for those aged 18 to 32. Around 16,000 vulnerable polling stations will be equipped with body cameras and CCTV monitoring. Judicial magistrates will also receive election-related training.

Nahid Islam also alleged that more than 1,200 Bangladeshis have been killed over the past 25 years, attributing many of these incidents to India's Border Security Force (BSF), which he called a “murderous and rights-violating force.” Speaking during a march in Jhenaidah demanding judicial reform and a new constitution, Islam urged the Indian government to treat Bangladeshis with dignity. He stressed that while Bangladesh may have overcome dictatorship, it has yet to be freed from anti-people governance. The NCP continues to demand free elections under a reformed legal and constitutional framework.

Nahid Islam, convenor of the National Citizens Party (NCP), stated that the relationship between Bangladesh and India must be based on equality and mutual respect. Speaking in Chuadanga, he claimed that the fall of the “authoritarian Hasina regime” came through public uprising, alleging via a BBC report that Sheikh Hasina had directly ordered violence. He accused India of sheltering her and demanded accountability. Islam asserted that India is as dependent on Bangladesh as Bangladesh is on India. He called for public resistance against corruption and extortion, comparing current governance to past autocratic eras.

Amid flash floods triggered by heavy rain and upstream water flow, Feni district has opened 153 shelters and launched a 24/7 control room to assist affected residents. Authorities have allocated cash, dry food, and rice for relief. Several embankments have broken, flooding villages in Phulgazi and Parshuram. Over 2,500 volunteers are on standby, and dozens of families have already taken refuge. Rivers Muhuri and Silonia are flowing above danger levels, and more heavy rainfall is expected until July 12.

The US is set to impose a 35% tariff on Bangladeshi goods from August 1, up from the current 15%, raising concerns for the ready-made garment sector—Bangladesh's largest export. Talks on a trade agreement remain unresolved, with controversial terms threatening the country’s economic and foreign policy independence. Past incidents show potential risks. Without a deal, export losses, job cuts, and economic strain may follow. Experts urge immediate action and diversification of export markets and products to reduce dependency on a few countries.

Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party, warned that postponing the national election could lead to serious multidimensional security risks. He cited rising lawlessness, mob violence, and social unrest as signs of deepening political instability. Haque criticized the Election Commission’s failure to announce an election schedule and dismissed local elections held before national polls as irrelevant. He also advocated for reforms and a proportional representation system in the upper house. Haque expressed hope that a national charter could be signed by the end of July.

Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Mahsud announced that political parties will no longer be allowed to use the national flower ‘Shapla’ (Water Lily) as an election symbol. The decision stems from its status as part of Bangladesh’s national emblem. Applications by parties such as Nagorik Oikya and the newly formed National Citizens Party (NCP) requesting the symbol were rejected. Although 69 symbols are currently scheduled, the EC plans to expand this list to over 100 ahead of the next general election. A proposal to amend the official symbol list will soon be sent to the Ministry of Law for approval.