Workers at Madhyapara Hard Rock Quarry in Dinajpur have launched an indefinite strike demanding timely payment of wages, profit bonuses, and reinstatement of four dismissed leaders. The quarry, operated by a German consortium and a Belarusian company, produces around 5,500 tons of stone daily, worth approximately 17.6 million taka. The strike has halted extraction since Wednesday, causing significant revenue losses to the government. Disputes over wage payments and worker dismissals remain unresolved, escalating tensions on-site.

Nahid Islam, Convener of the Nationalist Change Party (NCP), has alleged that a small group of authoritarian elites has taken control of the country's resources, effectively reviving a form of feudalism. Speaking at the inauguration of the NCP’s new office in Atwari, he emphasized the need for a mass uprising to dismantle these power structures and prevent the emergence of new authoritarian regimes or extortionist systems. He further claimed that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country amid public dissent, abandoning her party members in crisis. “Those who plundered the nation have now escaped, leaving their own activists behind—this is not the mark of a true leader,” Nahid said.

Gaza, Thursday — The Quds Brigade, the armed wing of Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), has launched a missile strike targeting the Israeli military command center in southern Gaza, according to a statement from the group. They claimed the strike hit its intended target directly. In a coordinated operation, the group also reportedly fired mortar shells at Israeli military positions north of Khan Younis and announced the destruction of an Israeli tank in the city center. The attacks come amid ongoing escalations between Palestinian resistance groups and Israeli forces in the region.

Business leaders from Bangladesh and Pakistan see strong trade potential in motor electronics, pharmaceuticals, surgical products, textiles, and industrial components. At a networking event in Dhaka, both sides expressed optimism about joint ventures to diversify and strengthen bilateral trade. The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) will collaborate to expand trade and investment opportunities. Pakistani Acting High Commissioner Muhammad Wasif highlighted ongoing efforts to explore new business areas between the two countries.

Dhaka, Thursday — Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar emphasized the urgent need for proportional representation (PR) in Bangladesh’s electoral system, stating that such a method would prevent the emergence of authoritarian rule and eliminate opportunities for election fraud. Speaking at a party conference held in Kakrail, Parwar said, “One-party governance is at the root of inequality, fascism, and the erosion of citizens’ rights in this country.” He urged that local government elections be completed prior to the upcoming national polls and asserted that PR-based elections ensure genuine representation of the people’s vote. Welcoming recent calls for a national consensus, he expressed concern that opposition from certain parties is obstructing progress. Additionally, Parwar called for ensuring voting rights for expatriates, proper trials for war crimes, and official recognition of those killed in mass atrocities.

Dr. Tasnim Jara, Senior Joint Member Secretary of the National Citizens' Party (NCP), has emphasized that Bangladesh’s brightest hope lies in its youth, who are not just the future—but have already begun shaping the nation through their sacrifices and aspirations. In a Facebook post following her participation in an NCP event in Nilphamari, Dr. Jara wrote, “Our young generation has created the opportunity to build a better country through their dedication and selflessness. It is our responsibility to ensure their dreams are not lost.” She stressed the need to significantly increase investment in healthcare and education to fulfill those dreams. Dr. Jara also highlighted the importance of direct engagement with citizens. “I am traveling across the country, listening to people’s stories—because true political leadership is not possible without a deep and genuine connection with the public,” she added.

After a five-and-a-half-month pause, exports through Dinajpur’s Hili land port to India have resumed, beginning with mango juice shipments for the first time. On July 1 and 2, about 20 tons of mango juice were exported, earning $6,000 in foreign exchange. Exporters hope this marks a new phase in trade, though they stress the need for infrastructure improvements and bilateral cooperation to resolve customs and logistics issues. Officials are optimistic regular exports will enhance the national economy and open new trade opportunities.

In a powerful open letter published by Reuters, eleven imprisoned Russian political activists have appealed to world leaders to stand with those persecuted for their beliefs. They claim over 10,000 Russians and Ukrainian civilians are currently jailed for opposing the government or supporting democracy. The letter condemns Russia's repressive legal system, citing over 100 oppressive laws passed between 2012 and 2022. It calls for the unconditional release of ill prisoners and demands an immediate exchange of prisoners of war and civilians caught in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Although Saudi Arabia publicly condemned Israeli airstrikes during a recent 12-day conflict with Iran, a report by Israel Hayom alleges that Riyadh covertly assisted Israel. The report claims that the Saudi Air Force, with support from Jordan and Iraq, deployed helicopters to intercept Iranian drones. While Saudi Arabia has not officially acknowledged this collaboration, the revelation has drawn criticism from Iran, which views such actions as contradictory and damaging, especially given the involvement of fellow Muslim-majority nations.

Rumi A. Hossain, a sponsor director of Bank Asia PLC, plans to sell 2 million shares via the Dhaka Stock Exchange within 30 working days. He currently holds nearly 39.8 million shares. The bank reported improved earnings, with Q1 2025 EPS at BDT 1.42 and NAVPS at BDT 29.34. For FY 2024, it declared a 10% cash and 10% stock dividend. Bank Asia holds strong credit ratings and solid reserves, with over 51% of shares owned by sponsor directors.

The Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSC) has allegedly removed Novartis Bangladesh Limited's information from its website without legal grounds, prompting concerns among legal experts and foreign investors. The company profile has been locked, blocking any share transfers despite no pending litigation or court orders. Despite two formal requests from the company, the profile remains inaccessible. When contacted, the registrar's office stated that any clarification must be sought in person, adding to the frustration surrounding the lack of transparency.

A remarkable example of interfaith unity in history is the story of Rahab Sidh Datt, a Hindu Saraswat Brahmin from India, who fought alongside Imam Hussain in the Battle of Karbala. He and his seven sons sacrificed their lives in support of the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) grandson. Their descendants, known as Hussaini Brahmins, still participate in Ashura commemorations, honoring Shia Islamic traditions regardless of religious differences. Historians and scholars cite this as a profound example of cultural and spiritual ties between Islam and the Indian subcontinent.

Mohammadpur has expanded beyond its historical boundaries, overtaking Buriganga's floodplain due to rapid and unplanned urbanization. Former agricultural and river areas are now covered with high-rise housing. RAJUK is preparing a policy to legalize some unauthorized structures but plans strict action against encroachment on rivers and government land. Local memories and historical maps confirm the area's transformation from river to city. Experts blame flawed embankment planning and weak regulation. The situation now poses serious challenges to urban services and environmental sustainability.

Though Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is reportedly eyeing the post of UN Secretary-General, his candidacy is under scrutiny due to perceived bias and controversial actions. Grossi’s reports on Iran’s nuclear program have allegedly been influenced by Western political agendas, casting doubt on his neutrality. Critics point out that in 2023–24, unverified claims about high-enriched uranium particles in Iran were politically weaponized, leading to Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. These events have prompted Iran to suspend cooperation with the IAEA. With growing distrust among developing countries—including China, Russia, and India—Grossi’s aspirations face serious hurdles.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has strongly criticized Ghulam Maula Roni for his controversial remarks during a recent talk show on Somoy TV, where Roni claimed that Nur Hossain was killed by a mob, not by security forces. Alam denounced this as a distortion of history, reminding the public that Nur Hossain was shot dead by Ershad’s security forces on November 10, 1987. In a Facebook post, Alam labeled Roni as a "source of lies and misinformation," and questioned whether Roni had taken it upon himself to erase the crimes of former military ruler Ershad. He also criticized the talk show host for failing to challenge these false claims, suggesting that such platforms are complicit when they enable historical revisionism.