Dhaka, Thursday — Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar emphasized the urgent need for proportional representation (PR) in Bangladesh’s electoral system, stating that such a method would prevent the emergence of authoritarian rule and eliminate opportunities for election fraud.

Speaking at a party conference held in Kakrail, Parwar said, “One-party governance is at the root of inequality, fascism, and the erosion of citizens’ rights in this country.” He urged that local government elections be completed prior to the upcoming national polls and asserted that PR-based elections ensure genuine representation of the people’s vote.

Welcoming recent calls for a national consensus, he expressed concern that opposition from certain parties is obstructing progress. Additionally, Parwar called for ensuring voting rights for expatriates, proper trials for war crimes, and official recognition of those killed in mass atrocities.

Dr. Tasnim Jara, Senior Joint Member Secretary of the National Citizens' Party (NCP), has emphasized that Bangladesh’s brightest hope lies in its youth, who are not just the future—but have already begun shaping the nation through their sacrifices and aspirations.

In a Facebook post following her participation in an NCP event in Nilphamari, Dr. Jara wrote, “Our young generation has created the opportunity to build a better country through their dedication and selflessness. It is our responsibility to ensure their dreams are not lost.” She stressed the need to significantly increase investment in healthcare and education to fulfill those dreams.

Dr. Jara also highlighted the importance of direct engagement with citizens. “I am traveling across the country, listening to people’s stories—because true political leadership is not possible without a deep and genuine connection with the public,” she added.

After a five-and-a-half-month pause, exports through Dinajpur’s Hili land port to India have resumed, beginning with mango juice shipments for the first time. On July 1 and 2, about 20 tons of mango juice were exported, earning $6,000 in foreign exchange. Exporters hope this marks a new phase in trade, though they stress the need for infrastructure improvements and bilateral cooperation to resolve customs and logistics issues. Officials are optimistic regular exports will enhance the national economy and open new trade opportunities.

Rumi A. Hossain, a sponsor director of Bank Asia PLC, plans to sell 2 million shares via the Dhaka Stock Exchange within 30 working days. He currently holds nearly 39.8 million shares. The bank reported improved earnings, with Q1 2025 EPS at BDT 1.42 and NAVPS at BDT 29.34. For FY 2024, it declared a 10% cash and 10% stock dividend. Bank Asia holds strong credit ratings and solid reserves, with over 51% of shares owned by sponsor directors.

The Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSC) has allegedly removed Novartis Bangladesh Limited's information from its website without legal grounds, prompting concerns among legal experts and foreign investors. The company profile has been locked, blocking any share transfers despite no pending litigation or court orders.

Despite two formal requests from the company, the profile remains inaccessible. When contacted, the registrar's office stated that any clarification must be sought in person, adding to the frustration surrounding the lack of transparency.

Mohammadpur has expanded beyond its historical boundaries, overtaking Buriganga's floodplain due to rapid and unplanned urbanization. Former agricultural and river areas are now covered with high-rise housing. RAJUK is preparing a policy to legalize some unauthorized structures but plans strict action against encroachment on rivers and government land. Local memories and historical maps confirm the area's transformation from river to city. Experts blame flawed embankment planning and weak regulation. The situation now poses serious challenges to urban services and environmental sustainability.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has strongly criticized Ghulam Maula Roni for his controversial remarks during a recent talk show on Somoy TV, where Roni claimed that Nur Hossain was killed by a mob, not by security forces. Alam denounced this as a distortion of history, reminding the public that Nur Hossain was shot dead by Ershad’s security forces on November 10, 1987.

In a Facebook post, Alam labeled Roni as a "source of lies and misinformation," and questioned whether Roni had taken it upon himself to erase the crimes of former military ruler Ershad. He also criticized the talk show host for failing to challenge these false claims, suggesting that such platforms are complicit when they enable historical revisionism.

Bangladesh’s interim government faces backlash over its Draft Telecom Policy 2025, which proposes restructuring the telecom licensing framework. Industry stakeholders fear the changes will harm local businesses, reduce government revenue, and lead to mass job losses. The policy introduces new licensing categories and plans to phase out existing ones like IGW and ICX. Critics argue frequent policy shifts disrupt investment and stability. Meanwhile, the government claims the new policy aims to reduce consumer costs and modernize the sector with a sustainable digital infrastructure.

On August 5, during the ‘March to Dhaka’ peaceful rally in Dhaka’s Chankharpul area, police opened indiscriminate fire, killing six protesters. According to the charges filed at the International Crimes Tribunal, the order to open fire came from former ADC Habibur Rahman of the Ramna zone. When Constable Ajay Ghosh refused to shoot, his rifle was reportedly taken from him, and the shots were fired by Sujon Hossain.

The incident is currently under investigation as a crime against humanity. While former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the ex-Home Minister are mentioned in the charge sheet under the doctrine of "superior command responsibility," they have not been formally accused due to the ongoing investigation. Of the eight individuals implicated, four have been arrested while four remain fugitives. A formal indictment is expected on July 14.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur has stated that the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant and the railway section of the Padma Bridge project cost nearly twice the estimated amount. The Rooppur project, he said, could have been completed for $6 billion but ended up costing $13 billion. The railway bridge expenses were described as unnecessarily extravagant. Dr. Mansur criticized policymakers for prioritizing personal gain over national interest and vowed to bring back funds that were illicitly transferred abroad.

Bangladesh has finalized a draft trade agreement with the United States aimed at reducing the bilateral trade imbalance. Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman stated that both parties are optimistic about reaching a mutually beneficial deal before proposed U.S. tariffs take effect. Bangladesh has proposed increasing imports of U.S. wheat, cotton, oil, and Boeing aircraft. Former President Trump had postponed the imposition of a 37% tariff until July 9. In 2024, Bangladesh exported $8.36 billion worth of goods to the U.S. while importing $2.21 billion. So far, 28 meetings and document exchanges have taken place as part of the negotiation process.

The U.S. Congress has passed President Donald Trump’s controversial ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ with a narrow 218-214 vote in the Republican-controlled House. The bill, already approved by the Senate 51-50 with Vice President J.D. Vance’s tie-breaking vote, funds immigration enforcement, makes 2017 tax cuts permanent, and enables new tax cuts promised for 2024. The White House confirmed Trump will sign it soon. The bill could cut $930 billion from healthcare but may cause 12 million people to lose insurance coverage.

A Dhaka court has set September 15 for submitting investigation reports in four corruption cases against former military adviser Tarique Ahmed Siddique and 18 others. The Anti-Corruption Commission filed the cases over the alleged embezzlement of Tk 812 crore from projects at Dhaka, Sylhet, and Cox’s Bazar airports. The accused include top former officials from the Civil Aviation Ministry and CAAB. The embezzlement involved radar installation, terminal expansion, and runway development works at three key airports in Bangladesh.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has announced strict security measures and issued a set of guidelines for the observance of Ashura and Tazia processions. Participants are prohibited from carrying weapons, bags, or fireworks. Imambara organizers are advised to deploy volunteers and ensure backup power. CCTV monitoring, checkposts, and police presence—both in uniform and plainclothes—have been increased. Counter Terrorism Unit will sweep venues beforehand. Police urge public cooperation, especially as Hindu Rath Yatra will be held the same day.

Colonel Md. Shafiqul Islam of the Military Operations Directorate announced that the army will take tough measures if mob violence or public disturbance occurs. He mentioned that anyone involved in damaging life or property will face strict consequences. The army has already arrested one individual linked to harassment of a former Chief Election Commissioner. The briefing also covered law enforcement efforts in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Investigations will lead to action against army personnel involved in enforced disappearances if evidence is found.