Customs officers and staff at Hili Land Port in Dinajpur have launched a complete shutdown demanding the removal of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) chairman. The shutdown began on the morning of June 28, disrupting import and export activities. Although the customs office remains open, no work is being done, causing delays in submitting bills of entry and inspection processes. Businesses face significant losses and urge the government to intervene and end the shutdown promptly.

Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud has called on government officials and employees to start preparing immediately for a credible national election. Speaking at a meeting in Chattogram, he emphasized the need to maintain law and order and recover illegal arms ahead of the polls. Drawing from his experience in the 1996 caretaker government, he noted that good governance takes time but urged that steps now can ensure progress. He also stressed that legally held weapons should be secured during the election period.

Protesters in Khulna have demanded the resignation of KMP Commissioner Md. Zulfikar Ali, accusing him of political bias. They approached the Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, Md. Shafiqul Alam, during his visit to the Khulna Press Club, seeking his assistance. The demonstration follows the release of Sub-Inspector Sukanta, who allegedly assaulted students during July protests. Demonstrators gathered in front of the press club, calling for justice and urging the Press Secretary to inform Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus of their demands.

On the occasion of the birthday of Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarek Rahman extended floral congratulations. On Saturday evening around 6 PM, ABM Abdus Sattar, representing Tarek Rahman, visited the Chief Advisor’s office bearing a bouquet of flowers and a cake. Major General Ferdous Hasan Selim, the military secretary to the Chief Advisor, received the gifts. Shairul Kabir, a member of BNP’s media cell, stated that the Chief Advisor expressed heartfelt gratitude to Acting Chairman Tarek Rahman upon receiving the floral greetings.

Speaking at a rally organized by the Islamic Movement, NCP leader Sarjis Alam alleged that people wearing traditional Islamic attire have long faced harassment. He called for unity in the pursuit of justice for the people and victims of past violence. “If we stay united, no one like Hasina will ever return to power,” he said. Sarjis dismissed propaganda against religious groups and emphasized that post-2024 Bangladesh will be based on collective will, not individual leaders. He also endorsed proportional representation in the electoral system.

The advisory committee and public servant representatives have reached a consensus to remove several controversial clauses originally taken from the 1979 Special Provisions on Government Employment, now included in the Government Service Ordinance 2025. Both sides agreed to eliminate new clauses related to disobedience and dismissal from service. However, the provision for compulsory retirement will remain. These decisions were made during a meeting held on June 25, where a legal advisory committee was also formed to further review the ordinance.

In a dramatic turn of events in Rajshahi, activists of the BNP detained and handed over a local Awami League leader, Moinul Islam Swapan (55), to police from a residential hotel. Swapan, president of Tanore Upazila AL, was out on bail in a case linked to a mass uprising incident. Although Boalia police said he was not previously listed as an accused in their station, he has now been arrested as an unidentified accused in the same case and will be presented in court.

The Ministry of Education has announced a special grant of Tk 64.1 million to support 7,100 individuals and institutions, including 101 educational institutions, 250 teachers and staff, 4,047 secondary school students, and 2,702 college and university students. Priority has been given to underdeveloped institutions, teachers suffering from serious illnesses, and financially disadvantaged, disabled, transgender, and meritorious students from marginalized communities.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has recently issued an unconditional apology for all activities carried out by his party since 1947. This move has been welcomed by Dr. Redwan Ahmed, Secretary General of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and a veteran freedom fighter.

In a statement, Dr. Ahmed said: “During a recent talk show, in response to a question from the host, the Jamaat leader sought an unconditional apology on behalf of the party. Such an apology reflects the ideals and principles of a political figure. Even after so many years of independence, if they can acknowledge their mistakes and seek forgiveness from the nation, I, as a freedom fighter, believe it deserves recognition.”

He further remarked that no government has the authority to grant a ‘humanitarian corridor’ without consensus among all political parties. “Only when an elected government assumes power and the issue is thoroughly discussed in parliament can a decision be made on granting any humanitarian corridor,” he added.

Hindu devotees across Bangladesh have celebrated the annual Rath Yatra festival of Sri Sri Jagannathdev with vibrant processions. ISKCON Bangladesh extended its gratitude to the government for its cooperation in organizing the event.

In a statement, ISKCON noted that the sacred Rath Yatra of Sri Jagannath, Baladev, Subhadra Maharani, and Sudarshan Maharaj was observed peacefully and festively throughout 2025.

The organization expressed deep appreciation to the interim government, law enforcement agencies, the power and health departments, fire service and civil defense, and all related public bodies for their sincere support in ensuring the festival’s smooth execution.

The statement also commended political parties, the media, volunteers, and the general public for their contributions to making the event a success.

The Islamic Movement of Bangladesh has presented a 16-point demand list during a mass gathering at Suhrawardy Udyan. Party spokesperson Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman read out the declaration, calling for the reinstatement of "complete trust and faith in Almighty Allah" as a guiding principle in the Constitution. Key demands include:

Proportional representation (PR) in elections to both houses of parliament

A national consensus for a just, exploitation-free state

Structural reforms in the state

Ensuring a level playing field for all parties

Prosecution of past authoritarian regimes and return of fugitive criminals

Recovery of laundered money and decisive anti-corruption actions

Diplomatic renegotiation or cancellation of anti-national agreements with India

Electoral reforms including local elections prior to national polls and return of the caretaker system

Banning corrupt, loan defaulters, and criminals from elections

Curbing politically motivated cases and ensuring religious values at all levels of governance

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi emphasized that the martyrs and fighters of the July Revolution deserve appropriate recognition and must be honored this July and August.

Speaking to reporters, Rizvi announced a 36-day program centered around July 1. He noted that Tarique Rahman had inspired people across the country to join the July Movement.

Rizvi also visited venues for the first event in observance of the July-August People's Uprising Day. He added, “Our society is facing economic hardship and social crises. There is a culture of mob rule. We must free ourselves from these issues.”

Notably, Tarique Rahman is expected to participate virtually as the chief guest in the BNP’s July 1 event, which will be attended by representatives of all major political parties.

Bangladesh is maintaining ongoing discussions to finalize a tariff agreement with the United States. In the latest round of talks held on Thursday, Dr. Khalilur Rahman led the Bangladesh delegation, while Brendan Lynch, the U.S. Assistant Trade Representative, headed the American side.

According to the Press Wing, substantial progress has been made during these discussions. Dr. Rahman, the former Head of Trade Policy at UNCTAD, stated that both parties are working diligently to conclude the agreement swiftly.

Sources indicate that the agreement aims to secure relief from the additional 37% tariffs imposed during the Trump administration. A draft of the agreement has already been sent to Bangladesh by the U.S., and Dhaka has submitted its feedback to Washington for further review.

Due to the ongoing strike by National Board of Revenue (NBR) officials in Bangladesh, export and import operations are severely affected, prompting international buyers to threaten cancellation of shipments and export orders. Limited office hours and unresolved delays in customs clearance are increasing lead times and costs. Business leaders warn of serious economic fallout and urge the government to initiate immediate dialogue. They also call on NBR staff to resume work unconditionally for the sake of the national economy.

Employees of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) in Bangladesh have launched a complete shutdown demanding the removal of its chairman. Though a few staff entered the office in the morning, by 11 a.m. security forces had closed the main gate, effectively sealing off the NBR headquarters in Agargaon. Leaders of the NBR Reform Unity Council said they were blocked from entering the premises, prompting all levels of staff to stage a sit-in. “There can be no meaningful dialogue without the chairman’s removal,” they declared, as officials from across the country arrived to join the protest.