The government has ordered the release of 56 inmates serving life sentences, who have been in prison for more than 20 years, including remission periods. Assistant Inspector General of Prisons Jannatul Farhad said on Tuesday that under Rule 569 of the Jail Code and Section 401(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, the remaining sentences of these prisoners have been pardoned. This measure, commonly referred to as the “Twenty Years Rule,” allows for their early release after completing two decades behind bars.

Professor Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar, Adviser to the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, has remarked that the promises made during the July uprising and subsequent movement have not been fulfilled. Speaking at a discussion and prayer event at the Dhakeshwari Temple, he noted that widespread inequality still persists in the country. However, he added that the government continues its efforts to build a society free of discrimination. “Every citizen is equal in the eyes of the state, as minorities, too, have sacrificed their lives,” he said, calling on all to remain united against injustice.

Istanbul, Turkey — Intense unrest has erupted in Istanbul following allegations that a satirical magazine published a cartoon depicting Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The controversy has sparked widespread protests and condemnation across the city. Turkish authorities have issued an arrest warrant for the editor-in-chief of the satirical magazine Le Man on charges of religious defamation. Additionally, four cartoonists associated with the publication have been detained. The incident has drawn strong criticism from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who described the act as a “vile provocation.” The magazine’s office was attacked, and protests took place in front of their premises. Police responded by deploying tear gas and rubber bullets to bring the situation under control. In response to the backlash, the editor claimed that the controversial cartoon did not depict Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) but rather used the name of a Palestinian child in the image. He emphasized that the cartoon was not intended as religious defamation.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said that without mutual cooperation, neither the state nor society can sustain itself — warning that such a void could lead to the rise of fascism. Speaking at an event commemorating the sacrifices of youth during the July Movement, Rizvi emphasized that democracy thrives on dialogue, dissent, and the freedom to express differing opinions. He stated that it is only through mutual cooperation that democratic values within both the state and society can be preserved and strengthened. Reflecting on the spirit of the July Movement, Rizvi said the united call of the youth continues to inspire today’s democratic struggles. He also made an emotional appeal by referencing the phrase “Pani lagbe pani” (We need water), suggesting that even in such simple words lies a powerful epic. Rizvi added, “We must build a platform for national unity so that no more bright young lives — like Mugdha, Abu Saeed, or Wasim Akram — are lost. It’s time to come together before more dreams are shattered.”

BNP leader Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaykobad has alleged a coordinated campaign of propaganda and conspiracy against the BNP. Speaking during a visit to Muradnagar to console the family of a rape victim, he emphasized the need for unity and vigilance, particularly in ensuring the safety of minority communities. "Minorities are a trust in our care," Kaykobad stated, urging BNP activists and the public to stand together to protect them. He also called for strict punishment of the perpetrators involved in the Muradnagar incident but claimed no BNP member was involved. Kaykobad criticized attempts to link the BNP to the crime, calling them politically motivated and destined to fail. Reaffirming the party’s legacy, he said, “BNP is the party of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman. It cannot be destroyed.” He also questioned the legitimacy of the Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system being discussed, claiming that those who support it lack public support, and thus their opinions hold no value.

Police have submitted a chargesheet naming Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari — former organizer of ISKCON and spokesperson of the Sanatani Jagaran Jote — as the prime accused in the murder of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif in Chattogram. A total of 38 individuals have been charged, while police have requested the release of four others from the case. The incident traces back to November 25 last year, when Chinmoy was arrested in a sedition case. The following day, during his court appearance, his followers violently clashed with law enforcement in the court premises. The unrest escalated, spreading from Laldighi to Kotwali. During this chaos, Alif was brutally hacked to death near the Bundel Sevak Colony. On November 29, the victim’s father filed a case naming 31 individuals — all reportedly followers of Chinmoy. The police investigation has since expanded, leading to the current chargesheet implicating 38 people.

Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, a leader of the Islamic movement, stated that the majority of political parties in the country have reached consensus on adopting the Proportional Representation (PR) system for elections. He said this system would ensure political stability as well as inclusive representation. Karim explained that the PR system increases parliamentary participation of smaller parties, prevents dominance by a single party, and fosters an environment of mutual dialogue and collective decision-making. He emphasized that this approach helps decentralize power, counters autocracy, and enhances diversity and accountability. Addressing divisions within the Muslim world and crises in Muslim societies, he urged for unity among Islamic scholars (Ulama), warning that disunity allows oppressive forces to rise. Karim stressed that differences should never become a cause for division.

In Lalmati Upazila of Comilla, allegations of irregularities have surfaced regarding the appointment of Open Market Sale (OMS) dealers for food products. In protest, leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement forcibly broke the old lock on the Upazila Food Controller’s office and installed a new one. The controversy arose following the announcement of dealer appointments after application screening. While some candidates were excluded, the protesting students claimed the process lacked transparency. The Upazila Food Controller clarified that there were valid reasons for excluding certain applicants but acknowledged the students had locked the office without full knowledge of the matter. Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Himadri Khisa assured that the recruitment process had been conducted transparently. He confirmed that the food department and the Upazila administration have launched an investigation and promised strict action if any wrongdoing is found.

In Tangail’s Kalihati area, Mridul Hasan, president of the college branch of the student wing, was arrested for attempting to supply cheating materials during the HSC examination at Shajahan Siraj College. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon during the English first paper exam when Mridul was caught trying to deliver unauthorized assistance. Executive Magistrate and Assistant Commissioner (Land) Mohammad Sifat bin Sadek apprehended him on the spot and handed him over to the police. College Principal Md. Mojibur Rahman confirmed the arrest and stated that instructions have been issued to take appropriate action. Further steps will be decided after consultation with senior faculty members.

Fatema Tuz Johra, mother of martyr Abdullah Bin Zahid who died during the popular uprising, accused the interim government and its advisers of completely neglecting them despite Abdullah’s ultimate sacrifice for power. She revealed that within 14 days of Abdullah’s death, her younger son was diagnosed with cancer and later her husband suffered a fatal brain stroke. During these difficult times, only the BNP family stood by them and provided medical assistance for her younger son. She further claimed that despite calling Serjis and Hasnat 100 times, they never answered their phones.

US President Donald Trump has announced that a ceasefire in Gaza could be reached at any time next week. He revealed plans for successful discussions at the White House with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu on Gaza and Iran. Trump stressed the priority of securing the release of hostages. His administration has already approved a $510 billion arms deal for Israel. Netanyahu is scheduled to visit Washington on July 7.

Iran has been conducting a secret influence campaign within the UK to bypass sanctions and create social and political instability. The UK Treasury is investigating multiple sanctions breaches linked to Iran, but these are only a fraction of Tehran’s broader efforts. Iranian state media, banned from UK TV, continue online propaganda. Fake accounts tied to Iran have spread divisive content targeting issues like Scottish independence. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is suspected of orchestrating these operations, while UK authorities struggle to respond effectively.

Iranian nuclear scientists have developed an advanced plasma-generating device using the Surface Dielectric Barrier Discharge (SDBD) method. This cold plasma device, which operates at atmospheric pressure, offers applications in medicine, sterilization, agriculture, and industry. Developed under the late nuclear scientist Amir Hossein Faqihi, the innovation demonstrates Iran’s scientific resilience despite geopolitical challenges. It reduces energy consumption and costs compared to traditional methods. The achievement is seen as a strategic advancement in integrating nuclear technology into Iran’s industrial and healthcare systems.

India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has directly dismissed former US President Donald Trump’s claim that trade pressure from the US led to the ceasefire between India and Pakistan in May. Jaishankar clarified that during a phone call with Modi in May, there was no connection between trade discussions and the ceasefire. He explained that Pakistan had threatened a major attack, to which Modi responded that the Indian military would give an appropriate reply. Pakistan subsequently proposed the ceasefire after the attack. He also mentioned that India launched ‘Operation Sindur’ on April 22 in retaliation to a Pakistan-supported terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir.

Iranian Major General Yahya Rahim Safavi has warned that the downfall of Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is imminent. Speaking at a memorial event in Tehran, he stated that any further mistake by Israel would put all of its interests and military bases at serious risk. Safavi, a top adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said recent aggression against Iran by the U.S. and Israel has failed and accelerated the collapse of the Zionist regime, warning of intensified Iranian retaliation if provoked again.