Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. A. F. M. Khalid Hossain has said that Bangladesh’s traditional madrasa education system must not be allowed to collapse under the pressure of excessive modernization. Speaking at a seminar in Dhaka, he highlighted the historic contributions of Alia madrasas and called for restoring their unique identity and past glory.

He noted that after being suppressed for 16 years, Islamic studies are now gaining renewed attention in national universities, which could positively impact the broader education system. He urged unity to protect madrasa education from fascist influences.

The BNP has expelled Abdul Kaiyum Sarkar, Member Secretary of the party’s Alokbali Union unit in Narsingdi, citing serious allegations including murder, illegal sand trading, land grabbing, and extortion. A statement signed by BNP Assistant Office Secretary Advocate Md. Taiful Islam Tipu confirmed the expulsion due to breaches of party discipline and ethical misconduct. Local leaders welcomed the decision, calling it a positive move for party integrity.

In Shahidnagar, Lalbagh, Dhaka, army personnel arrested former Jubo Dal ward president Chan Mia on charges of illegal land grabbing and extortion. He allegedly ran a rickshaw garage on government land and collected money from locals. The operation, conducted by the Azimpur Army Camp, uncovered evidence of extortion. Chan Mia has been handed over to Lalbagh Police, who confirmed legal proceedings are underway.

At the U.S. State Department's July 8 press briefing, spokesperson Tammy Bruce avoided directly answering several controversial questions related to India and Bangladesh. These included India's statements on counterterrorism at a recent Quad meeting, minority issues in Bangladesh, and allegations of weapons found in the bag of political adviser Asif Mahmood—allegedly linked to violence during the 2024 anti-government protests.

Bruce called the matters "complex diplomatic issues" and referred reporters to official statements from the U.S. Secretary of State. She declined to comment on statements made by other countries or allegations raised by individual journalists.

Legal analyst Professor Asif Nazrul stated on Facebook that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina personally authorized the use of lethal force during the student-led protests in July 2024, citing a leaked and verified audio recording. According to the BBC Eye investigation, Hasina instructed security forces to “shoot protesters wherever they are found.” Nazrul called the recording the clearest evidence yet of her direct role in the July crackdown and affirmed that “justice for Hasina must be served in Bangladesh.”

Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, the interim government’s economic advisor, stated that reforms in Bangladesh’s financial sector are being driven not solely by IMF and World Bank recommendations but also by domestic initiatives. Speaking at a press briefing, he emphasized the importance of transparency, auditing, and accountability. Dr. Ahmed highlighted the need for auditing the National Board of Revenue (NBR), pointing out the implausibly high number of zero-tax filings. He stressed that to attract foreign investment, Bangladesh must enhance its auditing and accounting standards.

During the National Citizens Party’s (NCP) “Build the Nation July March” in Chuadanga’s Alamdanga upazila, local students joined the event in school uniforms to greet party leaders. However, regional organizer Sarjis Alam expressed dissatisfaction over them skipping classes. While criticizing their absence from school, he also praised their passion and said he was “grateful for their love” and ready to sacrifice his life for the cause.

Prosecutor Gazi M.H. Tamim of the International Crimes Tribunal stated that internationally verified phone recordings involving Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina ordering lethal force will enhance the transparency of ongoing trials. These recordings, previously examined and confirmed by Bangladesh’s Crime Investigation Team, are being submitted as documentary evidence. Tamim said international forensic analysis further strengthens the case. A ruling on the formation of formal charges is expected on July 10.

Nahid Islam, convenor of the Nationalist Citizens’ Party (NCP), has warned that extortion is spreading across Bangladesh like a pandemic. Speaking at gatherings in Meherpur and Kushtia, he emphasized that small changes at the local level can trigger large-scale national transformation.

He called for a new constitution, judicial reforms, and institutional overhaul in line with the dreams of martyr Abrar Fahad and others who stood against Indian hegemony. "If political parties continue to act under foreign dominance, the people will rise in resistance," he declared.

A high-level delegation from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is set to visit China, following a similar trip last month by a major BNP delegation at the invitation of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Ahead of the visit, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen hosted a reception in Dhaka, where Jamaat's Ameer, Shafiqur Rahman, addressed attendees. Earlier this year, two other BNP delegations also visited China, indicating growing political engagement between the CPC and opposition forces in Bangladesh.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has stated that the responsibility for mass killings in Bangladesh does not rest solely on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, but that the ruling Awami League as a party must also be held accountable. He made the remarks on Wednesday while speaking to journalists after visiting ailing BNP leader Abdul Kuddus at the Neuroscience Hospital in Dhaka.

"BNP has been the primary victim of the Awami League’s and Sheikh Hasina’s crackdown. In the latest massacre, Sheikh Hasina was directly involved," Fakhrul said. He also noted that reform and elections are not contradictory, urging those advocating election delays to reconsider their stance, as the public clearly desires to vote.

An investigation by BBC Eye has revealed that at least 52 civilians were killed in indiscriminate police firing in Dhaka’s Jatrabari area on August 5, 2024. The incident occurred during the final day of protests following the fall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government. The report is based on over 100 videos, photographs, eyewitness accounts, and on-the-ground verification. According to BBC, the shooting began at 2:43 PM and lasted for approximately 30 minutes. One protester, Miraj Hossain, captured the moment he was shot in a video that has since been authenticated. Hospital records and social media posts corroborate the death toll. While police admitted to excessive force and unprofessional conduct, they have promised accountability and justice.

According to a BBC investigation citing a leaked audio recording, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina allegedly authorized the use of deadly force against anti-government protesters. In a conversation dated July 18 with a senior official at Ganabhaban, she is heard instructing security forces to open fire on protesters. The recording has been forensically verified by British firm Earshot, which found no signs of editing or manipulation. Human rights lawyer Toby Cadman has called the tape critical evidence of Hasina’s direct involvement. The Awami League has questioned the recording’s authenticity, stating no illegal instructions were given.

The United States has invited Bangladesh for the second round of discussions on the 2025 tariff agreement. Talks are set to begin Wednesday in Washington, D.C. The Bangladeshi delegation is being led in person by Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashiruddin, with National Security Advisor Dr. Khalilur Rahman participating virtually. Senior trade ministry officials have already arrived in the U.S. Bangladesh is among the first nations to respond following President Trump’s July 7 letters to 14 countries about tariff revisions. Following initial talks on June 27, Dhaka is hopeful for a swift finalization of the agreement.

BNP Joint Secretary General Abdus Salam Azad has asserted that national elections in Bangladesh must be held under a non-partisan caretaker government. Speaking at the biannual conference of the Bhola Municipal BNP, he said free and fair elections are not possible under the current administration. He also suggested the caretaker government could consider a Proportional Representation (PR) system. Azad accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of usurping power in the dead of night and suppressing the people’s voting rights. He reiterated BNP’s commitment to restoring democracy under the leadership of Tarique Rahman.