After three decades, the Nasirpur Canal in Paikgachha has been reopened, leading to a celebratory atmosphere across 20 surrounding villages. Hundreds gathered as authorities removed illegal encroachments. The canal, vital to the livelihood of local fishermen and farmers, was declared free and accessible. Residents rejoiced by organizing fishing events, processions, and sweet distribution. The long-awaited decision was finalized in a Khulna Land Ministry meeting on June 30 and implemented on Wednesday, bringing life and hope back to the canal’s banks.

Major political parties in Bangladesh have agreed to establish a constitutional committee to redraw parliamentary constituencies following each census. Jamaat-e-Islami leader Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher said the upcoming 13th national election will involve an expert committee under the Election Commission due to time constraints. The committee will ensure transparent and fair boundary delimitation. There’s consensus to constitutionally enshrine this independent expert body. Key parties, including BNP and Jamaat, compromised on terminology, choosing “committee” over “commission” to reach agreement.

Nahid Islam, Convener of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), has warned that any delay or negligence in implementing the Teesta Mega Project will not be tolerated. Speaking at a roadside rally during the July March in Kurigram, he emphasized the importance of implementing the project in a realistic and inclusive manner, ensuring that Kurigram is not left behind in national development. Highlighting ongoing inequality in the country, Nahid stated that Kurigram has become a symbol of regional disparity. Referring to the fall of Sheikh Hasina during the 2024 mass uprising, he said, “This proved that no autocracy can hold power forever.” He also condemned recent police attacks on NCP and student activists in Patiya, warning of severe consequences if such actions continue.

The Dalai Lama has declared that his successor will be chosen solely by the Gaden Phodrang Trust without any external interference, reaffirming centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist traditions. China rejected the announcement, insisting that the next Dalai Lama must be approved by Beijing and selected through a state-sanctioned process. The Dalai Lama's statement comes ahead of his 90th birthday and follows global Tibetan appeals to preserve the spiritual lineage. Experts say the move signals a rejection of Chinese control and a bid for religious autonomy.

In a strong statement delivered at an event in Tehran on Monday, Major General Yahya Rahim Safavi, senior military advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader, declared that the collapse of the Zionist regime and the downfall of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are inevitable and only a matter of time. General Safavi criticized the recent military actions by Israel and the United States against Iran, claiming they have failed to achieve their strategic objectives. “These aggressions have only accelerated the cycle of death for Zionism,” he asserted. He further emphasized that Iran’s military and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) possess detailed intelligence on enemy interests, infrastructure, and military bases. “The power of the IRGC now extends beyond the borders of the Middle East,” Safavi said, highlighting Iran’s expanding regional influence. Issuing a stark warning, Safavi cautioned that any further missteps by Iran’s adversaries would put their assets and military bases at severe risk. He promised that Iran would respond with decisive and forceful retaliation if provoked again.

Police have arrested Shihab Ali Chowdhury, a banned Chhatra League leader and former assistant secretary of the Chittagong North unit, from Farhadabad in Hathazari. He was detained Tuesday evening after using abusive and offensive language on Facebook in reference to the "July Uprising." His posts went viral on social media. Shihab is a named suspect in a legal case and faces multiple charges. He was produced in court on Wednesday morning.

BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan has claimed that no corruption charges have been proven against acting party chairman Tarique Rahman over the past 17 years. He assured that legal action will be taken against any party member involved in wrongdoing, and internal disciplinary measures are ongoing. Khan stated that the struggle to dismantle fascist rule continues, as citizens have yet to elect a government of their own choosing. He warned that some factions are attempting to disrupt opposition unity, but said the people can now distinguish between pro-democracy fighters and those who support authoritarianism.

Professor Dr. Ali Riaz, Vice President of the National Consensus Commission, has expressed hope that a National Charter could be finalized by mid-July. While he acknowledged slow daily progress, he noted that both formal and informal dialogues among political parties are yielding positive momentum. He emphasized that parties must prioritize national interest over partisan agendas. Most parties favor a bicameral legislature and seat allocation based on vote share in the upper house, though some disagreement remains.

Press Secretary Shafiqur Rahman has made it clear that he has no intention of joining any political party or becoming a Member of Parliament. He expressed a desire to avoid the lifestyle associated with political influence, citing concerns about corruption. Once the interim government completes its tenure, he plans to return to journalism and continue working on projects such as the “July Uprising.” Despite safety concerns following recent political changes, he said he relies fully on God for protection.

Former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) KM Nurul Huda has testified that the 2018 general election was marred by widespread irregularities, including 90–100% voter turnout in some centers—an indication that votes were cast the night before. He stated that field officials were under the influence of then Election Commission Secretary Helaluddin and that the ruling Awami League manipulated the process. Huda said he lacked the authority to annul the election results after the official gazette was published. He also clarified he had no personal involvement with his nephew SM Shahzada, who contested the election.

Finance Advisor Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed has stated that ongoing reforms in the banking and SME sectors will be completed by December 2025, aiming to restore transparency and public confidence. He acknowledged structural weaknesses in struggling banks and emphasized coordinated efforts by the government and Bangladesh Bank to modernize the SME sector. He added that complications over the planned division of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) led the IMF to avoid a scheduled meeting on loan relief. He further noted that the IMF disregarded a formal letter from the NBR chairman, prompting him to provide an explanation.

At least 11 student activists were reportedly injured after police baton-charged protesters demanding the removal of Patiya police station officer-in-charge (OC) Zayed Noor. The incident occurred Wednesday morning when protesters from the anti-discrimination student movement were staging a sit-in outside the police station. Following the clash, they blocked the Dhaka-Cox’s Bazar highway to press their demand. This comes a day after similar protests turned violent over the alleged handover of a banned student leader.

U.S. intelligence reports have revealed that Iran’s military loaded naval mines in the Persian Gulf last month, although they have not yet been deployed. The information comes amid rising concerns following Israeli strikes across Iran, and fears that Tehran may move to block the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The strait handles roughly one-fifth of global oil trade, and any disruption could significantly impact global energy markets. While Iran’s parliament has approved a motion to consider the blockade, the final decision rests with its National Security Council. The origin of the U.S. intelligence report has not been disclosed.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has sentenced fugitive Sheikh Hasina to six months in jail for contempt of court. Another individual, Shakil Akand Bulbul of Gobindaganj, received a two-month sentence in the same case. The tribunal, led by Justice Golam Mortuza, delivered the verdict following the circulation of a viral audio clip involving Sheikh Hasina, the authenticity of which was confirmed by CID forensic analysis. In the interest of justice, the court appointed a defense lawyer on her behalf.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has indicated that a political understanding between the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is now more likely and could have a positive impact on advancing the national agenda. While no final decision has been reached, Asif spoke optimistically based on his political experience. Although the PPP is not currently part of the federal cabinet, it has supported the government on crucial issues, including the budget. The PPP has clarified it is not considering joining the government at this moment but will evaluate any proposal if it arises in the future.