Asif Mahmud, Local Government Adviser to the Interim Government, has strongly criticized the move to reintroduce the banned ‘Boat’ electoral symbol of the Awami League in the Election Commission’s schedule. In a statement on his verified Facebook page, Mahmud questioned why the decision was forwarded to the Ministry of Law for approval. He accused authorities of ignoring the ongoing public uprising and attempting to rehabilitate the defeated party. After the fall of the Awami League last year, the party’s political activities were banned and its registration was suspended.

BNP leader Rahim Uddin Sikder has died after succumbing to injuries from an attack over a land dispute in Varuakhali, Cox’s Bazar Sadar Upazila. Sikder, who served as Joint General Secretary of the local BNP unit and was a former president of the Jubo Dal, passed away at Evercare Hospital in Chattogram on Tuesday. His family alleges that local Jamaat leaders were involved in the attack, though Jamaat has denied the accusations. BNP leaders in Cox’s Bazar have condemned the killing and demanded justice. Police have arrested one individual and launched a manhunt to apprehend the remaining suspects.

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan stated that fulfilling numerous demands is challenging for a 1.5-year interim government, as locals along the Teesta River call for permanent embankments. She emphasized Bangladesh’s rightful claim over the Teesta as a downstream nation. Public hearings were held at five sites to protect the river. Talks with China on the Teesta Master Plan have resumed, with a final design expected by October. She also inspected river protection work and interacted with erosion-affected residents during her visit to Kurigram.

Following the deadly June crash of an Air India Boeing 787 in Ahmedabad, India’s aviation regulator has directed all airlines to inspect the fuel switch locking systems on Boeing 737 and 787 aircraft. While Boeing and the FAA assure the system is safe, India and other countries are conducting precautionary checks. Air India has already inspected most of its affected fleet, with no issues found so far. Investigators noted previous FAA guidance on the switches and discrepancies in cockpit communication before the crash.

While visiting a madrasa in Chattogram's Lohagara, Religious Affairs Adviser Professor Dr. AFM Khalid Hossain emphasized that true education must integrate ethics and Islamic values. He said students should not only focus on academic knowledge but also develop moral character and social responsibility. Islamic education, he noted, can cultivate these virtues. Highlighting the role of madrasas in shaping future leaders, he praised their contribution to nation-building. The adviser’s visit was marked by a festive gathering of students, teachers, and local dignitaries.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has accused UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk of being an agent of the US government and imperialist Europe. Maduro criticized Türk for failing to act on the plight of 252 Venezuelan citizens detained in El Salvador after deportation from the US. Despite promises to engage Washington, Türk has not intervened. This comes amid stringent US immigration policies under President Trump, resulting in mass deportations, including over 4,000 immigrants expelled to Venezuela and revoked humanitarian status for 500,000 immigrants from several countries.

BNP’s Standing Committee member Ameer Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has assured the government of full cooperation in addressing the challenges posed by US tariffs. Speaking after a meeting with business leaders in Dhaka, he acknowledged the concerns of traders over the impact of increased tariffs. He emphasized the need to strengthen negotiation efforts and pledged BNP’s backing for government measures, especially considering competition from countries like Vietnam.

The besieged Gaza Strip is enduring relentless violence, with over 58,000 Palestinians killed so far, including 17,000 children, according to local health authorities. UNICEF spokesperson Rozalia Bolen warns there is no safe place left for children, who face life-changing injuries and severe mental health crises amid continuous bombings and medical shortages. Many children are separated from or have lost their parents, living in constant fear of death and displacement. Hospitals have become battle zones, struggling to provide critical care under immense pressure.

Nahid Islam, central convener of the National Citizens Party, vowed to rebuild a new, inclusive Bangladesh during a rally in Bhola. He honored the sacrifices of Bhola’s people in the July uprising and emphasized the ongoing quota movement that began last year. Addressing local issues such as gas, hospitals, and infrastructure, Nahid and party leaders highlighted the government’s shortcomings. The joint visit by central leaders to Bhola is seen as strengthening the party’s organizational base in the region.

For nearly two years, Gaza’s Mediterranean coast was the sole source of food, livelihood, and refuge for its people amid conflict. Recently, the Israeli military declared a total ban on Palestinians entering the sea for fishing, swimming, or diving. This move, described by Gaza’s fishermen as an economic and psychological weapon, eliminates their last safe haven. Many fishermen fear this restriction threatens not only their survival but also a centuries-old cultural heritage tied to the sea.

The Karnaphuli Hydroelectric Power Plant in Rangamati’s Kaptai Lake has increased electricity production to 218 megawatts due to rising water levels. All five units are operational, with units one to three generating 138 megawatts and units four and five producing 80 megawatts combined. Continuous rainfall has boosted water levels in the lake, enhancing power output. The plant’s maximum capacity is 242 megawatts. As of July 14, water levels were nearly 12 feet above normal, reaching 98.67 meters above mean sea level.

NRBC Bank PLC, a leading private bank in Bangladesh, is hiring Management Trainee Officers (MTOs) with a starting monthly salary of BDT 60,000 during the one-year probation. After successful completion, recruits will be promoted to Executive Officer with a salary of BDT 76,065. Applicants must hold a UGC-approved four-year degree and meet GPA requirements. Candidates will undergo MCQ, written, presentation, and viva tests. The maximum age is 32 as of July 31, 2025. Applications must be submitted online by July 31, 2025.

The government has announced that it will observe a day of national mourning on July 16 in honor of July Martyrs' Day. All government, semi-government, autonomous institutions, educational facilities, and Bangladesh missions abroad will fly the national flag at half-mast. Special prayers will be held in mosques across the country for the forgiveness of the martyrs, while other religious institutions will organize prayers for their souls' peace. The decision was confirmed in an official notification signed by the Cabinet Secretary.

Political parties have reached a consensus that any future changes to the caretaker government system must be decided through a referendum. The National Consensus Commission’s Vice-Chairman, Professor Ali Riaz, said there is no disagreement among parties on the caretaker system itself. The commission hopes to finalize an agreement soon on appointing the caretaker government head. Discussions also touched on constitutional amendments, including forming a bicameral parliament, with ongoing talks to reach consensus on key issues.

The Bangladesh Police have clarified that the 27 deaths reported in the past six months were not caused by communal violence. Investigations reveal these cases stemmed from disputes over land, finances, robbery, and other personal conflicts. Over the last 11 months, police have been probing 2,442 communal attack cases with seriousness. Most incidents were politically motivated, and the police are committed to ensuring safety for all communities while thoroughly investigating reported crimes related to temples, worship places, and violence.