Hours after making a controversial statement comparing the alleged actions of Sheikh Hasina and her associates to the atrocities committed by the Pakistani military in 1971, adviser Asif Nazrul issued an apology. He initially accused the Prime Minister of overseeing mass killings, burnings, and extrajudicial orders, but later admitted that comparing her actions to 1971’s genocide was “inappropriate.”

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed paid a courtesy visit to Shah Abu Nasar Nesar Uddin Ahmad Hossain, the spiritual leader (Pir) of the Charchina Darbar. Speaking to the press, Salahuddin said he visited the Pir to seek blessings, not for political reasons. He mentioned that BNP founder Ziaur Rahman had also met the Pir on several occasions.

Professor Dr. Nasir Uddin, Director of the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute, has confirmed that alongside physical treatment, the mental well-being of patients hospitalized with burn injuries from the recent plane crash is being given utmost priority. Currently, 33 burn patients are admitted to the hospital. Among them, three are in the ICU in critical condition. Eight patients fall under the 'severe' category, suffering from comparatively less critical burns. Nineteen patients are receiving treatment in cabins, while the rest are admitted to other wards. Dr. Nasir Uddin added that although no patient has been discharged yet, several are expected to be released gradually over the course of the week. Treatment and care will continue to ensure full recovery.

The Supreme Court of Bangladesh has announced that the High Court will remain closed on August 5 in observance of “July Uprising Day.” According to a notification signed by Registrar General Dr. Aziz Ahmed Bhuiyan, this holiday aligns with the Cabinet Division’s July 2 announcement, which officially designated August 5 as “July Uprising Day” to be observed annually. Both the Appellate and High Court divisions of the Supreme Court will be closed on that day.

Nahid Islam, convenor of the NCP in Gazipur, stated that political parties betrayed the students and people of Bangladesh after the 1990 mass uprising. “A tripartite agreement was made, but no party followed through. This time, we will not allow such betrayal,” he warned. He emphasized that any upcoming election must be based on the "July Charter," with a legal framework ensuring its implementation. “The new government, regardless of who forms it, must commit to these reforms,” he said. He added that both the charter and a declaration must be issued by August 5. “Mere consensus on reforms isn’t enough — we need agreement on the method of implementation,” he stressed, expressing hope for celebrating the anniversary of the July Uprising together.

Nasir Uddin Nasir, a leader of the Chhatra Dal student organization, has alleged that top administrators of Rajshahi University — including the Vice Chancellor, Pro-Vice Chancellor, and Proctor — were previously involved with Jamaat-e-Islami and continue to be affiliated with its political ideology. “There are even claims that the Vice Chancellor consults with Islami Chhatra Shibir before making any major decisions,” he said. Nasir further criticized the administration for hastily preparing for student union elections without consulting students following recent mass protests. “University leadership should act independently and uphold student spirit in every decision,” he urged.

The BNP has dissolved its Chattogram North District Convening Committee, according to a press release issued Tuesday by senior party leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. A new committee will be formed soon, he said. The announcement follows internal clashes during the council session of Thakurgaon’s Baliadangi Upazila BNP on July 12. As a result of disciplinary violations, the party expelled former acting president Md. Syed Alam and general secretary candidate Dr. T.M. Mahbubur Rahman from all party positions and primary membership. Additionally, five more leaders were expelled for creating unrest and violating party discipline.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stressed the importance of pursuing justice, reforms, and elections in parallel to prevent another national crisis. “Families of martyrs are not interested in elections unless justice is ensured,” he said. Referring to the UN fact-finding report, he noted certain gaps and demanded those be addressed to ensure transparent and fair justice. “Our leaders have faced judicial killings; we don’t want to see a repeat of that,” he said, calling for a justice system grounded in transparency and fairness. He added that whether Jamaat is in government or in opposition, the party’s stance will remain “clear, principled, and fearless.” He urged any future government to uphold this national trust with integrity and independence.

The Ministry of Information has announced a new committee for the Bangladesh Press Council, naming Nurul Kabir, editor of New Age, as a member—reportedly without his consent. In a Facebook post, Kabir expressed surprise and disapproval, stating, "The Ministry included my name (with a misspelling) in the gazette without prior permission. I had previously declined multiple requests from the government to join this council." He urged authorities to withdraw his name from the list, calling the move “truly bizarre.”

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has claimed that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the architect of fascism in Bangladesh, stating, “Before 1975, he buried democracy and established a one-party state under BAKSAL.” Fakhrul credited BNP founder Ziaur Rahman for reinstating multi-party democracy. “He restored political plurality, press freedom, and freedom of speech,” he said. “Zia also moved the country from a closed, flawed economic model to a free-market economy, dramatically changing the face of Bangladesh in just over three years.” He also noted that it was former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia who transitioned the government from a presidential to a parliamentary system. Addressing those opposing reforms within the BNP, Fakhrul stated, “Many of us fought on the streets, endured prison, and stood against autocracy alongside Begum Khaleda Zia.”

NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah has stated that the police force should not act as a tool of any political party. “The police must dedicate themselves to serving the general public,” he said. Highlighting internal divisions within the force, he remarked, “Whenever an incident occurs, the blame typically falls on the constables and officers-in-charge, while senior officials often become blinded by the allure of power.” He emphasized the urgent need to implement the recommendations of the Police Reform Commission. “The police should not belong to either the BNP or the NCP — they must belong to the people,” he asserted. Hasnat also criticized the current state of national defense, saying, “It’s unfortunate that Bangladesh still lacks a robust defense system. While India has systems like the S-400, we do not even have an Iron Dome. If the NCP comes to power, we will strengthen the country’s defense capabilities.” On the military, he added, “Prime Minister Hasina has turned our armed forces into construction workers. We must modernize the military to meet contemporary needs.”

A new US-EU trade deal has triggered disappointment across Europe. France slammed it as a "surrender," while Germany warned it could harm its economy. The deal imposes a 15% tariff on EU exports to the US, down from Trump’s earlier 30% threat. In return, the EU will buy more American energy and ease tariffs on some US goods. Critics say the deal is damage control, not a win. While some leaders welcome avoiding a trade war, skepticism remains widespread.

Bangladesh has entered the third round of trade negotiations with the United States, focusing on counter-tariff issues. The meeting began in Washington at 12:30 p.m. local time and will continue for three days. The Bangladeshi delegation is led by Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashiruddin, with National Security Advisor Dr. Khalilur Rahman also in attendance. Officials are optimistic about achieving positive results, building on the progress made in previous rounds of talks between the two countries.

Hong Kong-based Honda Industries will invest $250 million in Bangladesh to set up three factories—two garment processing units and one knitting and dyeing unit—creating 25,000 jobs. The decision follows government support and a previously signed MoU at the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025. Chairman Han Chun met with Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus and presented factory designs for the Mirsarai Economic Zone. The first phase will begin with an $80 million investment, with full project completion expected by the end of 2025.

Pharmaceutical companies in Bangladesh are aggressively offering doctors cash, electronics, and foreign trips in exchange for prescribing their drugs, including substandard or unnecessary ones. This unethical practice is inflating healthcare costs and endangering public health. Experts and regulators warn that many doctors are prioritizing incentives over patients’ wellbeing. Oversight is weak, allowing companies to exploit the system. Reforms are being planned, but enforcement remains limited. Foreign drug companies are exiting the market, unable to compete with these unethical tactics.