The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an investigation against five senior officials and members of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) over allegations of accepting bribes, facilitating tax evasion, and harassment. Those under investigation include NBR member Lutful Azim, Additional Commissioner of LTU-VAT Abdur Rashid Mia, former Additional Director General of the Tax Intelligence Unit Mohammad Alamgir Hossain, Deputy Commissioner of Tax Zone-16 Mohammad Shihabul Islam, and NBR Joint Commissioner Tarek Hasan. Preliminary findings suggest these officials abused their positions to provide tax and duty exemptions to various institutions and individuals. The ACC is now conducting an in-depth inquiry.

Farida Akhter, Fisheries and Livestock Advisor, has called for an immediate halt to tobacco farming along the banks of the Halda River, citing severe harm to soil, water, the environment, and human health. She assured tobacco farmers of ministry support to transition to alternative livelihoods. Highlighting Halda as one of Asia’s premier natural fish breeding grounds, she warned that environmental degradation threatens the nation’s fishery resources. She also noted that reduced river navigability is disrupting carp fish breeding but said the government is addressing this by increasing hatcheries to boost fingerling production.

Professor Haluk Gorgun, head of Turkey’s Defense Industry Organization, will visit Dhaka on July 8 to discuss enhancing defense ties with Bangladesh. During his one-day visit, he will meet top military officials and government advisors to explore collaboration in training, research, and arms procurement. Bangladesh has been diversifying its defense suppliers, increasingly turning to Turkey for advanced weaponry, including missiles and drones, to support its Forces Goal 2030 modernization plan.

The President of the Bangladesh Nationalist Freedom Fighters’ Party, Istiaq Aziz Ulfat, has accused Sheikh Hasina’s government of marginalizing the Bangladesh Freedom Fighters’ Council by promoting fake freedom fighters. Speaking at a press conference at the National Press Club, he alleged that under the current interim government’s Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, controversial individuals have caused discrimination against real freedom fighters. He pointed out that although there is no law banning BNP-affiliated individuals from joining the 1972-established Freedom Fighters’ Council, the present committee seems designed to exclude them deliberately.

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, has set July 16 for hearing the leave to appeal challenging the legitimacy of the caretaker government formed under Dr. Muhammad Yunus. The High Court had earlier dismissed the writ, stating that the government was legally formed based on a presidential reference and Supreme Court opinion. Senior lawyer Mohsin Rashid represented the petitioner. The caretaker government is said to reflect the will of the people under legal framework.

Dhaka’s Senior Special Judge has ordered the publication of a public notice directing 23 individuals—including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, Sheikh Rehana, Tulip Siddiq, Azmina Siddiq, and Radwan Mujib—to appear in court by July 20 in connection with five corruption cases involving plot allocations. The Anti-Corruption Commission’s report states that 12 of the accused, including Sheikh Hasina, are currently untraceable, prompting the court’s decision to issue a public notice.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarek Rahman has called for a careful reconsideration of the suitability of the proportional representation electoral system for Bangladesh’s current geographical and political context. Expressing concern, he warned that instead of promoting unity, such a system could deepen societal divisions and lead to unstable governments. While all parties have proposed reforms under the caretaker government, Tarek urged evaluation of whether these are effective for the nation’s interest. He cautioned that efforts may be underway to reinstate fascist forces under the guise of proportional representation. He underscored that people’s unity remains the cornerstone of true democracy.

Starting today, fixed internet package prices in Bangladesh have been reduced, with the minimum package speed set at 10 Mbps for BDT 500. The Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) aims to enhance service quality and improve the country's global broadband ranking. ISPAB also pledged to collect and deposit the 5% VAT from users, urging customers to subscribe only through licensed ISPs and pay monthly bills with receipts as per government regulations.

Tarek Rahman emphasized that to honor the sacrifices of the martyrs, the people’s right to vote must be ensured to build a just, democratic, and humane Bangladesh. Speaking virtually at a BNP-organized discussion in the capital, he stated that people have sacrificed their lives not for sending money abroad but to establish their rights and democracy. He called for making use of the freer environment created by breaking fascism through the 2024 popular uprising. According to him, now is the time to repay the martyrs’ debt by establishing a government truly accountable to the people without repeating past mistakes.

At an event marking Dhaka University Day, VC Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan warned against comparing 2024's uprising with the historic movements of 1952 and 1971. He emphasized the university’s legacy of political activism and commitment to education. A joint academic initiative with Kent State University was announced to study the 2024 events. Speakers highlighted the university’s inclusive values and historical significance. The day was celebrated with rallies, cultural performances, and a pledge to build a democratic, equitable society.

Inquilab Manch organized a ‘Red March’ on Tuesday (July 1), starting from Shahbagh and concluding at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, demanding the announcement of the July Certificate. Speakers at the rally criticized the caretaker government for failing to issue the certificate within the promised 30 working days. They warned that any government formed at the cost of martyrs’ blood must reveal the political pressure it succumbs to. The group called for the July Certificate to be established as the official document of the 180 million people of Bangladesh through a public referendum.

The AB Party has reaffirmed its stance against joining ideological or power-centric political alliances. Instead, it aims to build a coalition of democratic forces focused on anti-discrimination and reform, according to party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Manju.

Speaking at the launch of a 36-day July celebration program, Manju emphasized that the unity seen during last year’s uprising should continue, and divisions over reform are now unacceptable. He questioned the growing debate over individual contributions during that movement.

At the event, Amar Desh editor Mahmudur Rahman criticized the interim government for not finalizing the July Declaration yet, calling it a significant failure. He also warned political leaders against allowing foreign powers, particularly India, to interfere in the country’s future.

Inquilab Mancha has announced plans to lay siege to the Secretariat on August 3 if the government fails to declare the "July Charter" by July 31. Spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi issued the warning during a long march in Dhaka, calling the charter a symbol of anti-fascist struggle. The group presented 13 demands, including justice for victims of past state violence, rehabilitation for injured protestors, and constitutional reform. They also demanded that July 36 be declared National Liberation Day and the charter be made public for feedback.

Retired judge Nizamul Huq Nasim, previously criticized for his role in the 2012 Skype scandal involving alleged government interference in war crimes trials, has been elected to the executive committee of Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK). Nasim had also served as Press Council Chairman under the Awami League, facing backlash for actions against journalists. Human rights groups had strongly condemned his conduct during the tribunal. ASK announced the new committee in a press release following its May 9 general meeting.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has called for preserving national unity at any cost to protect Bangladesh’s democracy and sovereignty. Speaking virtually at a Dhaka event honoring martyrs of the 2024 mass uprising, she condemned the ruling Awami League for 16 years of authoritarian rule. She urged the nation to remember the sacrifices of the victims, compile lists of the disappeared and killed, ensure justice, create employment, and institutionalize democracy. Khaleda appealed to all to realize the vision of building Bangladesh as dreamt by Shaheed Ziaur Rahman.