The BRICS summit has kicked off in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, notably without the presence of the presidents of China and Russia. Although the bloc seeks to present itself as a counterweight to Western dominance, the agenda is expected to focus heavily on U.S. tariffs and economic pressures. With the bloc now expanded to 10 members, internal disagreements—particularly over the Gaza and Iran issues—have raised questions about its unity and future effectiveness.

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed stated that in order to prevent the return of authoritarianism and fascism in Bangladesh, it is essential to limit the Prime Minister's term to no more than 10 years. "There is no precedent worldwide for term limits because no democratic country wants to encourage dictatorship," he said. Salahuddin reiterated BNP's stance against adopting any NCC-style framework, emphasizing the need for consensus without dragging negotiations indefinitely.

China’s Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipping Building Company has developed a state-of-the-art vessel named ‘Brands Hatch’ that primarily uses wind power as its driving force. Built for the British company UML, this ship measures 250 meters in length and 44 meters in width. It features three smart sails, each over 40 meters tall, which automatically adjust their direction by sensing wind speed and direction. This innovative design significantly reduces fuel consumption and carbon emissions — saving approximately 14.5 tons of fuel and 45 tons of carbon dioxide daily. Over the course of a year, the ship is expected to use 12% less fuel, resulting in a reduction of 3,800 to 5,000 tons of carbon emissions and cost savings of around 150 million US dollars. With this project, the vessel sets a new global benchmark in environmentally friendly shipping technology.

In a joint overnight operation in the Jadimura hills of Teknaf, the Bangladesh Coast Guard and police recovered a large cache of local and foreign firearms, 3,100 rounds of live ammunition, 1 kilogram of crystal meth (ICE), and locally-made liquor. The raid led to an exchange of gunfire with a local gang, which fled into the deep hills. Authorities later rescued a kidnapped youth named Md. Sohel from the gang’s hideout.

As dengue fever continues to spread across the country, Bagerhat District Jail has launched a cleanliness and awareness campaign to prevent its outbreak. On Saturday morning, 50 prison guards participated in a three-hour cleaning operation both inside and outside the prison premises. The initiative was led by Jail Superintendent Md. Mostafa Kamal. Alongside cleaning efforts, mosquito control measures were implemented, including insecticide spraying by municipal workers. The drive aimed to reduce mosquito breeding grounds and raise awareness among staff and inmates about dengue prevention.

Tomato farmers and traders in Panchagarh and Nilphamari have urged the government to stop tomato imports from India, citing a drastic fall in local prices. They held a human chain protest, stating that they bought tomatoes at high prices after the season ended, but prices dropped after Indian imports resumed. Many are now unable to repay farmers and workers. They warned that without a two-week suspension of imports, they could face major financial losses, including selling land to cover debts.

Gazipur Agricultural University has developed GAU-1, Bangladesh’s first salt-tolerant wheat variety. Withstanding salinity up to 12 dS, GAU-1 is ideal for coastal regions and offers high yield and protein content. It matures quickly, is disease-resistant, and contributes to livestock feed due to high straw production. Approved by the National Seed Board, GAU-1 yields up to 4.5 tons per hectare in normal soil and 3.75 tons in saline soil. Researchers see it as a breakthrough for food security and climate-resilient agriculture in the country.

A court has issued a gazette requiring Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and 97 others to appear in connection with six corruption cases related to the allocation of 60 kathas of government land in the Purbachal New Town Project. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed the cases and has already submitted charge sheets. The gazette was issued after the accused failed to appear in court following arrest warrants. The next hearing is scheduled for July 20. If the accused do not appear, the trial will proceed in their absence.

At Rajshahi University's 72nd founding anniversary, Education Advisor Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar said, "While we may have political beliefs and party affiliations, we cannot let negative political influences seep into our educational institutions. These are spaces for intellectual growth." He acknowledged the students' achievements, adding, "Of course, you've achieved a lot—but alongside you, the working people and general public have also played a vital role. Without their support, your success would not have been possible." He urged students to avoid actions that disrespect teachers or cause public suffering, even if they have grievances.

The Liton Chowdhury Bridge in Madaripur's Shibchar is at risk due to severe riverbank erosion near the Arial Khan River. Built without protective embankments, the 550-meter bridge has seen erosion less than 100 feet from a pillar as monsoon waters rise. Local residents and engineers warn that further damage could threaten the structure. Opened in late 2023, the bridge improved regional connectivity but now faces urgent protection needs. Authorities say steps will be taken to prevent further erosion around the bridge.

The government has decided to cancel the route permits for 2,615 new buses in Dhaka following allegations of irregularities in the approval process. The move comes amid concerns that the permits conflict with the ongoing bus route rationalization project aimed at improving public transport. Authorities found that rules were bypassed, including granting permits beyond Dhaka's jurisdiction. The Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges confirmed the cancellation, stating that the priority is restoring order before allowing any further expansion.

Saudi Arabian universities have recently announced 700 full scholarships open to students worldwide for postgraduate and PhD studies. Candidates from Bangladesh can apply without restrictions. The age limit for master’s applicants is under 30, while PhD candidates must be 35 or younger. Each applicant is eligible for only one scholarship. Applications are accepted online until October 31, 2025.

A national workshop was held in Dhaka as part of the four-year ‘Biodiversity for Resilient Livelihoods’ project. Funded by the Swedish Embassy and led by CNRS, the project collaborates with BELA, IUCN, North South University, Prerana, and CDO. It aims to ensure food security, wetland restoration, and sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable coastal populations facing climate risks. Advisor Farida Akhtar was the chief guest and highlighted the significant participation of women and the critical issues of wetland lease policies. Participants welcomed the project’s adaptive farming techniques, canal excavation, and biodiversity conservation initiatives. The workshop featured presentations of pilot phase videos and photos.

Microsoft has ended its 25-year operations in Pakistan, closing its local office as part of a global cost-cutting and restructuring effort. The company will now serve the country through regional offices and authorized partners. Though only five employees were directly affected, experts see this as a major setback for Pakistan’s tech sector. Microsoft had already shifted key functions abroad in recent years. The company confirmed ongoing support for existing customers despite the closure.

Apple’s iPhone sales in China rose by 8% in the April–June quarter of 2025, marking the first growth in two years, according to Counterpoint Research. Discounts on the iPhone 16 series and attractive trade-in offers ahead of the 618 Shopping Festival drove the increase. While the growth is encouraging for investors, Apple still faces stiff competition, especially from Huawei, which saw a 12% sales rise. Apple remains in third place in China’s smartphone market behind Huawei and Vivo, and experts urge more innovation to retain its position.