Starting July 27, Russia and North Korea will begin direct flights between Moscow and Pyongyang once a month. The flight duration is expected to be around eight hours. The decision follows a bilateral agreement to reintroduce regular air service. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is currently in Tianjin, China, attending the SCO Foreign Ministers’ meeting.

Two Palestinian journalists were killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza within 24 hours. Fadi Khalifa died while inspecting his destroyed home in southeast Gaza City, and photojournalist Husam Saleh Al-Adlouni, along with his wife and three children, were killed in an airstrike on their tent in northern Khan Yunis. The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate condemned the attacks, highlighting the rising number of journalists killed since October 2023. Medical sources also reported 92 civilian deaths across Gaza on Sunday.

Authorities in Libya have rescued more than 100 migrants held hostage by human traffickers in the city of Ajdabiya. According to a statement from the Libyan Attorney General's office, the traffickers—who included nationals from Libya, Sudan, and Egypt—were holding the group, including five women, for ransom and subjecting them to physical abuse. While the identities and nationalities of the rescued migrants have not yet been disclosed, officials confirmed that five traffickers have been arrested. Libya remains a major transit point for migrants attempting to reach Europe, despite the serious risks involved. As of December 2024, the United Nations reported that more than 825,000 migrants were residing in Libya.

BNP categorically opposes any form of proportional representation (PR) system, said senior party leader Salahuddin Ahmed. Speaking to the press following a meeting with the National Consensus Commission at the Foreign Service Academy on July 15, he stated that while discussions were held on the concept of a bicameral legislature, consensus on its structure and function remains elusive. He noted that BNP had proposed a 100-member upper house based on their 31-point framework to ensure representation from diverse social and professional groups. However, some parties questioned the necessity of a second chamber. Constitutional reforms were also a key point of discussion at the meeting.

In a phone interview with the BBC, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed disappointment in Russian President Vladimir Putin but said he has not severed ties. He warned that if no ceasefire agreement is reached within 50 days, the U.S. would impose heavy tariffs on Russia. Trump affirmed his commitment to NATO’s collective defense and said he doesn’t want his near-death experience to change his life’s direction. Despite the tensions, he still hopes for a “fruitful dialogue” with Putin.

BNP leaders and activists in Narsingdi's Nozorpur Union held a human chain protest to condemn the recent attack on local BNP leader Abul Hossain Siam. According to speakers at the event, Siam was assaulted on July 11 by known assailants led by Sohel Sarkar after he intervened to stop illegal sand extraction from a nearby river. Siam, who sustained serious injuries, is currently hospitalized. Protesters claimed that despite filing a complaint with the police, no arrests have been made, leaving them in a state of insecurity. They accused "terrorists backed by the fascist Awami League" and demanded the immediate arrest and maximum punishment for the perpetrators.

The government will officially observe "July Martyrs' Day" on Wednesday, July 16, with a day of national mourning. Flags will be flown at half-mast at all government, semi-government, autonomous institutions, educational establishments, and Bangladeshi missions abroad. Special prayers will be held in mosques and religious institutions across the country for the souls of the deceased. The day commemorates the death of Abu Sayeed, a student at Begum Rokeya University, who was killed by police gunfire during an anti-quota movement in Rangpur on July 16 last year. The government has since declared the date a national day of remembrance.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi alleged that Dr. Muhammad Yunus garners public support because, unlike Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he would not be involved in laundering money abroad. Speaking at a donation event in Kurigram, Rizvi emphasized that elections should be held before Ramadan, taking into account the public’s sentiments amid the ongoing national crisis. He accused the government of denying citizens the right to vote for 16 years and dragging its feet over election scheduling. Rizvi also urged political opponents to stop defaming Tarique Rahman, describing him as the "guiding star of democracy" whose leadership has propelled the ongoing movement. He claimed that many Islamist parties owe their political presence to the patronage of Ziaur Rahman. At the conclusion of the event, ten families of political martyrs received Tk 50,000 each in financial aid.

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed has called for official state recognition of the recent "student-public uprising" by August 5. Speaking at a student discussion organized by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal at Dhaka University on July 15, he revealed that a draft declaration was submitted to the government on February 12, followed by a refined version more recently. Labeling Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as a "fascist" and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as a "double fascist", Salahuddin declared that politics under the banner of the Awami League should no longer be permitted. He termed the July 2024 uprising as a continuation of 17 years of ongoing political resistance. Chhatra Dal President Rakib, also speaking at the event, condemned the lack of accountability for crimes committed by the Chhatra League and vowed to resist any attempts at creating unrest through mob violence.

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has no interest in being declared a 'National Reformer,' according to Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. Following a High Court writ petition that sought such a declaration, the court issued a rule asking the government to respond. However, Yunus himself has declined the title, and the government has no such plans. The Attorney General's Office is reviewing the case, which also calls for the recognition of July Uprising martyrs as national heroes and the release of an official list. Respondents have been given four weeks to reply.

Anindya Islam Amit, Acting Organizing Secretary of BNP’s National Executive Committee, stated that those attempting to delay or undermine elections are enemies of democracy. Speaking at a protest rally organized by the Jessore district unit of the BNP’s volunteer wing, Amit said that not a single BNP activist will leave the streets until citizens' voting rights are guaranteed. He added that just as past movements have toppled fascist regimes, this time too, the people's right to vote will be established through a nationwide movement. Addressing party activists, he emphasized the need for restraint and vigilance, urging them not to fall into the traps of political opponents. Amit also warned that although BNP members refrain from offensive rhetoric, the people will not remain silent if Shaheed Ziaur Rahman and Tarique Rahman continue to be defamed.

Eight National Board of Revenue (NBR) officials have been suspended for openly defying and tearing up their transfer orders. Separate notifications were issued on Tuesday. The suspended officials, including Joint and Deputy Commissioners, were stationed in tax zones across Dhaka, Khulna, Rangpur, Cumilla, and others. NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan confirmed that departmental investigations will follow under civil service laws, and the officials will receive subsistence allowances during the suspension. The protest occurred on June 24 at the NBR headquarters, where the orders were described as “oppressive.”

The interim government has doubled the licensing fees for all types of firearms, including pistols, revolvers, rifles, and shotguns. Under the new policy, a license for a personal pistol or revolver will cost BDT 60,000 (up from 30,000), with renewal fees increased to BDT 20,000. Shotgun and rifle license fees have been raised from BDT 20,000 to 40,000, with renewals now BDT 10,000. Additionally, applicants must now show a minimum income tax return of BDT 500,000, up from BDT 300,000. Over 5,000 licenses issued during the previous Awami League tenure have also been revoked, with many weapons reportedly destroyed during acts of arson and looting.

In demand for reform in administration, media, culture, and politics, the ‘July Unity’ coalition will organize a symbolic coffin march in Dhaka on Wednesday. The announcement came during a recent conference involving 108 organizations. The march, in memory of martyr Abu Sayeed, will start from Science Lab and end at Shahbagh, where prayers will be held. Organizer Israfil Farazi urged all citizens to join the demonstration.

BNP leader and former MP Hasan Uddin Sarkar warned that the next national election will be highly challenging. Speaking at a gathering in Tongi, he alleged that even if the Awami League is not directly involved, their 'ghosts' are conspiring from India to sabotage the 13th parliamentary elections. He also emphasized that anyone in BNP involved in drugs or extortion will face disciplinary action. He urged party members to maintain transparency and discipline to win public trust.