In a significant shift, state-appointed lawyer Aminul Gani has withdrawn from representing Sheikh Hasina in her contempt of court case. He has been replaced by pro-Awami League lawyer Amir Hossain. Gani reportedly requested withdrawal himself, which the court granted. The move follows backlash over Gani’s prior Facebook post from August 5 demanding Hasina's execution after her resignation, raising questions about his suitability to defend her in court.

The National Consensus Commission (NCC) has abandoned its original model in favor of a new proposal to create a seven-member Constitutional and Statutory Institutions Appointment Committee. Political analyst Ali Riaz stated that the new committee would exclude the President and Chief Justice, previously proposed members. Instead, it will include the Speakers of both parliamentary chambers and will oversee appointments to key bodies such as the Election Commission, Human Rights Commission, PSC, and Auditor General’s office. The Attorney General and military chiefs’ appointments will remain outside the committee's scope. The Speaker of the lower house will serve as chair.

During talks with the National Consensus Commission (NCC), Jamaat-e-Islami demanded the inclusion of “complete faith in Allah” and “Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim” in the constitution, citing Bangladesh’s Muslim-majority identity. Party leader Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher stated that except for the CPB and a few left-leaning parties, most political groups agree with this proposal. Jamaat also recommended a Constitutional Appointment Committee to oversee top constitutional roles, reducing the Prime Minister's unilateral appointment power and restoring institutional balance.

AB Party leader Asaduzzaman Fuad criticized civil society for expressing sympathy for Nurul Huda while remaining silent on the issue of enforced disappearances. “Have we seen media discussions for hours on the victims’ families?” he asked. Fuad recalled a grieving mother’s plea: “Tell us how long we have to cry before we get justice.” He also highlighted the social stigma faced by families of missing persons, which impacts issues like property claims and even marriage prospects for daughters.

GOP leader Rasheduzzaman Khan stated that former Election Commissioner Nurul Huda was arrested solely due to public pressure. “Would he have been arrested without the mob? Absolutely not,” he said. Khan argued that mob justice is never desirable but arises from the government's failure to act against ruling party criminals. He questioned why members of the Sheikh family, proxy MPs, and ministers are not being held accountable, nor their assets seized. “This is why mobs form—due to state inaction,” he concluded.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has announced a nationwide rally to be held at Suhrawardy Udyan on July 19 at 2 PM, calling on members and citizens to participate peacefully. The party’s demands include:

A level playing field for the upcoming general elections

Prosecution of all mass killings

Implementation of the “July Charter”

Reforms in governance and administration

PR-based electoral system

Voting rights for expatriates

Rehabilitation of victims from the July uprising

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed confirmed that the party supports a constitutional amendment to limit any individual from serving as Prime Minister for more than 10 consecutive years. This position was presented during a national consensus dialogue. However, BNP opposes the formation of the proposed National Consensus Council (NCC), citing constitutional conflicts. Salahuddin himself introduced the term-limit proposal during discussions over Prime Ministerial tenure and the role of parliament in transitional periods.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi stated that the people expect the rule of law from the current interim government. He urged the administration to set a precedent that elected governments can later improve upon. Questioning the recent rise in crimes, he asked, “Why so many killings, robberies, and thefts now? Why hasn't public trust in the police been restored?” Rizvi credited Tarique Rahman as the architect behind the July-August 2024 student-led uprising, noting that he actively directed party members to join in solidarity. He also criticized the commission investigating the BDR mutiny for avoiding mention of politically affiliated individuals.

BNP leader Ishraq Hossain has alleged that a planned attack was orchestrated to suppress the ongoing public movement within the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). Speaking at a press conference at the Abdus Salam Hall of the National Press Club, he condemned a recent media statement by DSCC advisor Asif Mahmud, calling it "misleading and defamatory." Notably, unlike previous events, the banner at the press briefing did not include the title "Honorable Mayor" before Ishraq's name, reflecting growing tensions.

Marking the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed deep solidarity with victims of state oppression worldwide. Referring to enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and torture under the Awami regime, he stated, “The fascist government had no accountability to the people, turning state institutions into tools of tyranny.” Fakhrul demanded full rehabilitation and adequate compensation for victims and their dependents, and called for an immediate end to deaths and abuse in state custody.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Hamidur Rahman Azad has urged the Election Commission to conduct local government elections before the national elections under a neutral, interim government. “If local elections are held under a partisan government, it will ensure victory for the ruling party’s candidates. Only a nonpartisan government can ensure fairness,” he stated. Azad added that while his party did not oppose the current Election Commission's formation, they are carefully monitoring its actions. He welcomed the recent gazette notification on party registration and election symbols, and reiterated support for proportional representation (PR) in future elections.

The National Independent Investigation Commission has accused Bangladesh’s intelligence agencies of gross negligence and failure during the 2009 BDR mutiny. The commission stated that the massacre was the result of a long-term conspiracy, with political figures implicated to varying degrees. Major General (Retd.) A.L.M. Fazlur Rahman, chair of the commission, said officers and their families trapped inside Pilkhana repeatedly called for help on February 25, but no action was taken. He confirmed the investigation is ongoing and that Awami League leaders Mirza Azam and Jahangir Kabir Nanak have submitted written statements.

The Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations for 2025 begin this Thursday at 10 AM with the Bangla First Paper. A total of 1,251,000 students are registered to take part in the exams, which will continue until August 10. Practical exams will follow. This year, more than 1.05 million candidates are from nine general education boards, over 86,000 from the Alim (Islamic) board, and more than 109,000 from the Technical board. The number of candidates has dropped by 81,882 compared to last year. All coaching centers will remain closed until August 15, according to the Ministry of Education.

Google's digital payment platform, Google Pay, is officially launching in Bangladesh on Tuesday, signaling a new chapter in the country’s financial sector. The service is being introduced in collaboration with City Bank, with the inauguration to be officiated by Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur. Adviser Asif Mahmud remarked, “A new era of smart and seamless financial transactions begins with Google Pay’s entry. We welcome this innovation to Bangladesh.”

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus warned about the devastating impact of unmanaged plastic waste, saying, “Plastic is threatening us: either we survive, or it does. There’s no room for both.” He emphasized that without action, biodiversity will continue to decline. Citing efforts by the interim government, he expressed hope that wildlife could return if proper measures are implemented. Yunus called on youth to lead the fight against climate change and stressed the need to end plastic production altogether, warning that failure to change our lifestyle will lead to humanity’s collective defeat.