Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed suspects that vested business interests may be fueling the ongoing protests by National Board of Revenue (NBR) officials. While reforms are meant to increase transparency and accountability without harming anyone’s career, the intensity of the protests raises concerns about hidden agendas. Dr. Ahmed emphasized that such issues can always be resolved through discussion and expressed surprise at the sudden mass absence of officials from work.

High Court Justice Md. Akhtaruzzaman, currently on leave, has been summoned by the Supreme Judicial Council led by the Chief Justice to explain allegations of misconduct. He is scheduled to appear before the Council on July 1. The President earlier directed a full investigation into the matter on March 23.

The BNP’s Tongi West Thana unit has issued show-cause notices to two leaders—Azizul Haque Raju and Sohel Siddiqui—for violating party discipline and disrupting the chain of command. Raju allegedly made disorderly comments during a membership renewal program, while Siddiqui distributed membership forms without approval from local BNP leadership. Both are affiliated with BNP and its allied organizations.

During a farewell meeting with outgoing German Ambassador Achim Troester, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus praised Germany as a reliable development partner and Bangladesh’s largest trade partner in Europe. He congratulated Ambassador Troester on the successful completion of his tenure and appreciated his efforts to strengthen bilateral ties. The ambassador commended Bangladesh’s investment summit and described his experience in the country as exceptional.

BNP leader Aminul Haque alleged that some corrupt individuals from the disgraced ranks of the Awami League are using BNP's name for extortion, land grabbing, looting, and mob intimidation. He emphasized that such elements have no place in the BNP. Haque further said the ruling party is feeling threatened by the announcement of a free and fair election in February, prompting them to hatch new conspiracies to delay the vote.

NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah criticized the lack of accountability in governance over the past 20 years. “In projects worth 10 million taka, 3 million would be looted,” he said. Highlighting bureaucratic irresponsibility, he added that officials are trained to deflect responsibility. Citing the example of a Tk 24.3 million road in Debidwar that failed to serve the public, he accused the authorities of skipping key construction requirements and exposing people to further hardship.

Mission Green Bangladesh’s nationwide tree plantation and awareness campaign has been formally recognized by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as part of the global observance of World Environment Day 2025. Despite the event coinciding with Eid holidays, the campaign saw successful tree planting, distribution, and anti-plastic awareness activities across all 64 districts with the support of local environmental groups.

Masum Billah, member secretary of the district Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, was brutally attacked with sharp weapons and hammers during an NCP worker meeting in Madaripur. He was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital in critical condition. Police said NCP district leaders Ratul Howlader and Adil Mahmud Tutul allegedly led the assault inside Bhuiyan Community Center before the meeting began.

Following the downfall of the fascist Awami League regime on August 5 last year through a mass uprising, an interim government was formed under Dr. Muhammad Yunus on August 8. To commemorate this historic transition, the government has declared August 8 as “New Bangladesh Day.” Additionally, July 16—the day student Abu Sayeed was killed by police in Rangpur during the uprising—has been designated as “Shaheed Abu Sayeed Day.” Both days have been officially included under Category B of the Cabinet Division's directive on national and international observances.

The Ministry of Agriculture has temporarily suspended three BCS cadre officials allegedly affiliated with the BNP. The suspended officers are Dr. Muhammad Mahbubur Rashid (assigned to Meherpur Horticulture Centre), Mohammad Golam Mostafa (Seed Certification Officer, Moulvibazar), and Md. Rezaul Islam Mukul (Deputy Director, DAE, Habiganj). They were accused of violating civil service rules.

The Tarail unit of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) organized a protest rally demanding the implementation of the 'July Reform Charter' and justice for the July massacre. The rally began at the Upazila Parishad premises and concluded with a brief gathering in front of Khan Brothers Commercial Complex in Tarail Bazar. NCP leaders warned that without a clear roadmap for justice and reform, the upcoming general election would be reduced to a mere power transfer, undermining the public’s aspirations for nation-building.

The first central council of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has elected Rifat Rashid as President and Md. Inamul Hasan as General Secretary. Mainul Islam has been chosen as Organizing Secretary, while Cynthia Jaheen Ayesha was named Spokesperson. Voting began at noon and continued until 5 PM on Wednesday.

Lemon prices in Bangladesh have hit a historic low due to a bumper harvest and increased cultivation. Sellers report a wide variety of lemons now flooding markets, with prices as low as Tk 10 for 20 small lemons. Wholesale prices range from Tk 40 to Tk 400 per hundred, depending on size and quality. Production has risen 25% in five years, with cultivation up 40%. Experts warn oversupply may harm farmers, urging region-specific planning to balance demand and supply.

Banks are not adhering to Bangladesh Bank’s existing loan renewal guidelines, which require full restructuring or renewal within the current loan tenure. Instead, some banks are approving renewals by setting new loan limits that exceed the original, sometimes transferring the excess amount as separate loans—actions against banking regulations. To maintain loan discipline, Bangladesh Bank has issued two strict directives: loans must be renewed within their original tenure, and any excess beyond the original limit cannot be separated or treated as a new loan.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has sent a gift package of seasonal Bangladeshi fruits—Langra and Amrapali mangoes, and lychees—to the Amir and Prime Minister of Qatar.

On Wednesday, BNP leader Enamul Haque Chowdhury handed over the gifts to Qatar’s Director of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ibrahim Yusuf Abdullah Y Fakhrul.

Chowdhury said the gifts were a gesture of goodwill, with Khaleda Zia expressing best wishes for Qatar’s continued prosperity and the personal health of its leaders. He also recalled with gratitude the provision of a special air ambulance by the Amir of Qatar for Khaleda Zia’s treatment in London.