Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Khatibzadeh condemned Israel’s recent attack on Iranian nuclear facilities, calling it a “very bad move” based on mere assumptions. He stressed that Iran was still engaged in negotiations until Israel’s act of sabotage. Responding to questions about Iran’s nuclear ambitions, he denied the justification for war on assumptions. Meanwhile, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei urged Iranians to remain steadfast and unafraid, warning that fear would only embolden the enemy. Israel is believed to possess nuclear weapons but neither confirms nor denies it.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mohammad Selim Uddin said that while the August 5 mass movement succeeded in toppling the Awami regime, true victory remains out of reach. “Influences from the previous regime still persist across state institutions,” he claimed. He demanded immediate structural reforms, full implementation of the ‘July Declaration,’ visible justice for political killings, and transfer of power through free and fair elections.

Fisheries Adviser Farida Akhtar emphasized that safeguarding hilsa, Bangladesh’s national fish, is a collective national duty. Speaking at a workshop in Dhaka, she said hilsa has brought global prestige to the country. She addressed public concern over high prices, noting that quality products often cost more and hilsa should be enjoyed occasionally. The adviser urged fair pricing and market regulation. Experts highlighted that conservation efforts since 2014 have increased hilsa production and reduced jatka fishing through seasonal bans and awareness campaigns.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, initially supportive of the interim government, has raised concerns over Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus's neutrality following his London meeting with BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman. The party skipped a key consensus dialogue on June 17 in protest of the joint statement and press briefing issued afterward. Though they rejoined talks the next day, Jamaat leaders warned that continued bias could hinder reform progress. They also criticized the Home Adviser’s comments on election law and order.

The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) pushed 30 individuals into Bangladesh on Thursday through three border points: 13 through Tannakpara (Khagrachari), 11 through Motua (Feni), and 6 via Kushkhali (Satkhira). All individuals have been detained. Those identified as Bangladeshi nationals are being returned to their families. So far, BSF has pushed back a total of 145 Bangladeshis through the Khagrachari border this year.

In ongoing discussions led by the National Consensus Commission, most political parties have expressed support for electing the President through an electoral college system. Jamaat-e-Islami leader Abdullah Mohammad Taher proposed a bicameral parliament with 500 total electoral votes, including 100 reserved seats for women. Nurul Haque Nur noted that some parties are pushing to include union councils, potentially raising the total electorate to over 70,000.

As per a presidential order issued Thursday, Asad Alam Siam, a 15th batch BCS (Foreign Affairs) officer, has been appointed as Bangladesh’s new Foreign Secretary. He becomes the 28th person to hold the position and will serve until further notice. Siam previously served as Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna and as Ambassador to the Philippines.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has confirmed that the government plans to release the “July Declaration” ahead of August 5. A new committee, led by Planning Adviser Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmood, has been formed to oversee the initiative. He also revealed that discussions are ongoing to grant autonomous status to BTV and Bangladesh Betar. Another committee, led by Adviser C. R. Abrar, has been formed to examine this matter.

Following Ishraq Hossain's declaration as mayor and his attempt to assume control of city corporation functions, Adviser Asif Mahmud stated that “this is no longer a situation where silence is an option.” He indicated that a government decision will be made soon after high-level discussions. On the disruption of civic services during dengue season, he acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly in Dhaka South City Corporation. “We are trying to maintain essential services as much as possible—even if remotely,” he said.

Moinul Islam Chowdhury, Chairman of the Disappearance Commission, has claimed that during the Awami League's tenure, anti-terrorism campaigns were used as a political tool to consolidate power and gain international legitimacy. He revealed that of the 1,850 complaints received by the commission, evidence has been found for 253 enforced disappearances. He alleged that law enforcement agencies became politically influenced and that a culture of torture and secret detention was institutionalized—even to the extent of handing over Bangladeshi citizens to Indian forces.

Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah has announced a draft of the 2025 Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates, which proposes a ban on posters during election campaigns. Instead, candidates may use billboards, banners, flyers, and social media platforms for promotion—though foreign-funded advertisements on social media will be prohibited. He also stated that returning officers will set up a common platform for candidates to present their manifestos to voters. Moreover, individuals serving as heads or members of educational institution committees must resign before contesting elections.

Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has announced that a series of national programs commemorating the July Uprising will commence on July 1 and continue until August 5. The main events will begin from July 14, he added. Speaking about the importance of the movement, he said, “As the nation once united during the uprising, this year’s programs will reflect the same unity.” Notably, August 5 will now be observed as a national public holiday, officially recognized as "Student-People's Movement Day." Discussions are also underway to grant autonomous status to state-owned broadcasters, Bangladesh Betar and BTV.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $500 million policy-based loan to support stabilization and reform in Bangladesh’s banking sector under the "Stabilizing and Reforming the Banking Sector Program – Subprogram 1." Economic expert Sanjeeb Kaushik commented, “The major obstacles in Bangladesh’s banking sector are poor asset quality, liquidity shortages, and limited financial intermediation. This ADB initiative will enhance regulatory oversight and accountability in line with international standards and improve credit flow to SMEs.”

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam praised law enforcement officers who were injured during a drug raid in Fakirapool, Dhaka. While visiting the wounded officers at Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Thursday, he lauded their bravery. Despite being shot, the officers arrested three suspects and seized drugs and the vehicle involved. The operation was based on intelligence that a drug-laden vehicle was en route from Chattogram. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle at a checkpoint, at which point suspects inside opened fire, injuring three DB personnel.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry has summoned Germany’s ambassador in Tehran following controversial remarks made by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Merz had publicly supported Israel’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, stating that Israel was "cleaning up a mess for all of us." Iranian state media labeled the comments "ridiculous and disgraceful." Earlier this week, Iran also summoned Switzerland’s ambassador after he expressed support for former President Donald Trump’s call for Iran’s “unconditional surrender.”