A four-day book fair commemorating the July Uprising has kicked off at the Bangla Academy. Inaugurated by Academy President Prof. Abul Kashem Fazlul Haque, the event features publications focused on the July movement. The fair will continue until July 29 and is open to the public daily from 11 AM to 8 PM. Director General Prof. Mohammad Azam and Secretary Md. Selim Reza were also present during the inauguration at the Enamul Haque Building of the Academy.

Revolutionary Workers Party leader Junaid Saki has called for a major constitutional overhaul, criticizing the centralization of power in the hands of the Prime Minister. “Bangladesh can no longer afford a parliament where MPs simply raise their hands in agreement,” he said, pointing to Article 70 as a legal straitjacket. He proposed a bicameral legislature and shared authority over constitutional appointments, involving both government and opposition parties. Saki further criticized state-controlled livelihoods, saying, “Even street vendors now depend on ruling party approval — often enforced through extortion.”

The newly launched Bangladesh Muslim Council held its inaugural event with the unveiling of a biography series of 313 Bangladeshi Islamic scholars. Addressing the event, Religious Affairs Advisor Dr. A.F.M. Khalid Hossain emphasized the need for laws rooted in the country's cultural, historical, and religious heritage. He noted that the “July Revolution” has created an opportunity for Islamic scholars to actively engage in state-building and called on them to prepare themselves to lead responsibly. “The stronger and more united the scholars are, the greater their positive impact on society,” he said.

BNP leader Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has warned that true democracy in Bangladesh cannot be realized without timely elections. Speaking on the current interim government's performance, he said, “Though formed through significant sacrifices and supported by all major parties including the BNP, the interim council appears to be delaying elections to stay in power longer.” Hafiz also commented on the current proportional representation (PR) voting system, arguing that it distances voters from candidates. “BNP supports a system where individuals, not parties, are held accountable. Voters should be able to choose candidates based on merit, not just party affiliation.”

A recent Al Jazeera documentary titled “36 Days of July: Uncovering Sheikh Hasina’s Secret Directives” has sparked controversy, particularly regarding the portrayal of political activist Sadik Kayem. AHM Shaheen, writing critically about the film, argued that Sadik was strategically presented as a frontline leader of the July uprising, overshadowing others like Nahid and Asif, who, according to him, played more prominent roles. The post was shared by Nazifa Jannat, who added strong criticism, stating: “The journalists behind this Al Jazeera report deserve serious accountability — if not a slap in the face, at least a call to responsibility. How can someone hiding under the Student League’s umbrella be framed as a key figure of the July uprising? Shame!”

Police have arrested five individuals accused of attempting to extort money from the residence of a former Member of Parliament by falsely claiming to be "coordinators." The suspects — Md. Siam, Sadman Sadab, Md. Aminul Islam, Ibrahim Hossain, and Abdur Razzak Riad — are currently in custody, with a formal case under process. Among those detained, Abdur Razzak Riad is reported to be the acting convener of the Combined Private University Chapter of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, and a member of the Democratic Student Union. The others are affiliated with various ranks of the anti-discrimination movement. According to Gulshan Police Station Officer-in-Charge Hafizur Rahman, the group demanded Tk 10 million from former MP Shammi Ahmed. They had allegedly already taken Tk 1 million earlier and were caught when they returned to collect the remaining amount. Shammi Ahmed alerted the police, leading to their arrest.

In an exclusive interview with Turkish media outlet Yeni Şafak, Sadik Kayem revealed that during the July uprising, Dhaka was divided into ten strategic zones. He claimed that after internet shutdowns, curfews, and a wave of killings post-July 18, he assumed the central role of coordinating the movement. He named key contributors including Nahid Islam, Asif Mahmud, Hasnat Abdullah, Sarjis Alam, and Mahfuz Alam. Dr. Mirza Galib was described as the intellectual architect of the revolution, with notable contributions from Zulkarnain Sayer, journalist Elias Hossain, and Pinaki Bhattacharya. Sadik also emphasized the importance of August 4 as a turning point in the mass uprising and expressed hope for a people-powered Bangladesh.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus visited the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery on Saturday night to check on the victims injured in the recent aircraft crash at the Milestone School and College campus. He arrived at the hospital around 9:45 PM and later held a meeting with the attending physicians. Following news of his visit, security was tightened at the hospital. Hospital sources confirmed that two of the burn victims succumbed to their injuries earlier that day.

Environmental activist and advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan has stressed that environmental issues must be placed at the heart of politics. She urged political parties to be held accountable by the public for fulfilling their environmental commitments. “Environmental protection is no longer just a policy issue—it is a moral responsibility,” she said. “We must ensure a healthy, safe, and livable Bangladesh for future generations.” Referring to unregulated stone extraction in Jaflong and the degradation of the Sonadia forest, she criticized the lack of political will to protect nature. “We’ve seen united political efforts to extract resources, but not the same unity when it comes to protecting the environment. Sustainable development is not possible by destroying nature.” Hasan also called for increased investment in the Ministry of Environment, noting that environmental initiatives often remain underfunded despite their critical importance. “Eco-tourism can significantly boost government revenue, but that potential remains largely untapped,” she added.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a $566.5 million loan package during his two-day visit to the Maldives and initiated discussions on a bilateral free trade agreement. Modi aims to deepen development cooperation amid growing competition with China for influence in the island nation. Despite recent political tensions, India has supported the Maldives economically. The financial aid will enhance security, health, housing, and education in the Maldives. Modi also inaugurated the Hanimaadhoo airport expansion project remotely.

Microsoft has accused Chinese state-linked hacker groups of exploiting vulnerabilities in its SharePoint server software to carry out cyberattacks targeting global organizations. The attackers, identified as Lilin Typhoon, Violet Typhoon, and Storm-2603, infiltrated on-premises servers to steal sensitive data. Microsoft confirmed its cloud-based SharePoint was not breached and has released security updates, urging users to patch systems immediately. The hackers reportedly used encryption to maintain ongoing access. Investigations continue as Microsoft warns of potential repeat attacks on unpatched systems.

U.S. President Donald Trump has accused Hamas of avoiding a ceasefire deal with Israel due to fears of retaliation once Israeli hostages are freed. Speaking at the White House, Trump said Hamas doesn't truly want peace and warned its members will be hunted down. He emphasized that the U.S. and Israel seek only a temporary pause in fighting. Hamas, however, claims it wants a permanent ceasefire and criticized the U.S. stance, while Israel has pulled its negotiators from Qatar-mediated talks.

A 10-day exhibition has begun in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka, showcasing what organizers describe as 16 years of misrule under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The display includes events such as attacks on students during the Safe Roads Movement, border killings, enforced disappearances, judicial killings, and the 2013 Shapla Chattar crackdown. It also highlights the 2009 Pilkhana massacre and the 2006 logi-boitha violence. Organized by Inqilab Mancha and July Oikko, the exhibition will continue until August 6.

Heavy rainfall triggered by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is causing river water levels to rise rapidly, threatening fresh floods in low-lying areas of Chattogram, Sylhet, and other districts. The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre has warned that several rivers may cross danger levels in the next three days. Coastal regions like Feni, Noakhali, and Lakshmipur are particularly at risk. Authorities have issued alerts for inland river ports, with storms and heavy rain expected to continue throughout the week.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has stated that if the party comes to power, it will implement programs to eliminate child labor and reintegrate working children into education and a normal life. Joining an event in Thakurgaon virtually, he said, "Bangladesh's economic realities are forcing children into labor. However, ESDO’s initiative in Thakurgaon sets a commendable example. If replicated nationwide, child labor can be eradicated." He emphasized that child labor has no place in a civilized society and reaffirmed BNP’s commitment to protecting child rights. "We will continue to support such initiatives across the country," he added.