Chris Papageorgiou, IMF mission chief to Bangladesh, emphasized the importance of government-led reforms and praised recent efforts by the National Board of Revenue (NBR). Speaking on the current economic challenges and upcoming elections, he stressed that public recognition of these reforms is essential to restoring economic stability. He noted the uncertain geopolitical and domestic conditions, urging continuity in reforms. Papageorgiou also mentioned that the World Bank has expressed interest in providing financial and technical support to bolster Bangladesh's tax reforms and revenue collection efforts.

Ahead of the 13th national elections, the Election Commission (EC) published a draft of the revised Code of Conduct on Sunday evening. The draft includes provisions under the Cyber Security Act to take action against harmful online content and disinformation by political parties and candidates. The EC is accepting public feedback on the draft until July 10. Citizens can submit opinions through the EC's official portal. The guidelines allow political campaigns on social media, but require prior submission of verification details to the returning officer. Violations of the code may result in fines up to Tk 1.5 lakh for political parties and candidates, while criminal penalties, including up to six months in jail, remain unchanged for candidates and supporters.

Nasir Mia, an active BNP member from Sunamganj, has alleged that he was subjected to brutal torture and extortion by members of the Detective Branch (DB) in Dhaka. According to Nasir, he was abducted and taken to the DB office on Mintu Road while visiting the capital to attend a High Court hearing regarding the legal leasing of the Jadukata-1 sand mine. He claims a group led by Ratan Mia, a former leaseholder with alleged political ties to the ruling party, filed a court case against him, later joined by BNP leader Mahbubur Rahman. Despite agreeing to a revenue-sharing arrangement, Mahbub continued the lawsuit. Nasir alleges that during his visit to Dhaka on June 25, he was detained by DB officials aided by Ratan and Mahbub’s associates, threatened to drop the case, and forced to hand over Tk 5.74 lakh.

In a virtual address at North South University, Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus emphasized the transformative potential of social business, stating it is no longer merely a concept but a global movement. “We must unite to build a just and humane society,” he said, noting that youth, academics, and industry professionals are coming together worldwide with the shared goal of achieving the “Three Zeros”: zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero carbon emissions. He added, “Our current economic system isn’t eternal. We can reshape it—prioritizing human welfare over profit.”

Professor Nigar Sultana, Dean of the Business Faculty at Jahangirnagar University, has stepped down citing personal reasons after facing intense pressure from students. On Sunday, students gave her a 24-hour ultimatum for resignation, alleging favoritism, undemocratic behavior, and exploitation under her leadership. The protestors also accused her of acting against student interests due to her perceived closeness with the ruling Awami League.

Ali Riaz, Vice-Chair of the Consensus Commission, reported that most political parties support the idea of a bicameral parliament in principle, though some have minor objections. Many parties favor proportional representation for elections, although a few remain opposed. Riaz explained that a new appointment committee will replace the existing NCC, responsible for key appointments in bodies like the Election Commission, Anti-Corruption Commission, Public Service Commission, Auditor General’s Office, National Human Rights Commission, and the Information Commission. He urged all political actors to consider the proposals seriously.

Advisor Asif Mahmud clarified that carrying a magazine (ammunition) in his bag while en route to a Morocco-bound flight was an honest mistake. He said he had packed in a hurry and forgot to remove it after already securing other firearm parts at home. “As a licensed firearm holder, I carry for security purposes after surviving multiple assassination attempts,” he stated. “If I had ill intent, I wouldn’t have left the weapon behind.” He denied pressuring media to drop the story, calling such allegations "completely false."

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Abdullah Mohammad Taher said there has been notable progress among parties regarding the formation of a permanent appointment committee for constitutional and statutory institutions. However, BNP still has reservations. “Total consensus is nearly impossible,” he remarked. “We are working to reduce complexity.” He emphasized the need for the upper house to reflect public sentiment and not just MP votes, stating that most parties are now broadly supportive of a bicameral legislature.

BNP leader Aminul Haque has alleged that some political advisors, aided by foreign interests and allies of the ruling Awami League, are conspiring to delay the upcoming February 2025 national election. “Regardless of the conspiracies, a free and participatory election will be held in February, Insha’Allah,” he said. He added that BNP will remain rooted in the people’s aspirations and warned that members found collaborating with Awami loyalists will face internal disciplinary actions.

BNP senior leader Mirza Abbas criticized certain political actors for making divisive demands, warning that they are attempting to derail the election process and endanger the nation's future. Speaking pointedly at the Islami Andolon, Abbas said, “While BNP-Jamaat was being crushed under state repression, your leaders applauded from the sidelines and tacitly supported Hasina.” He urged all parties to work together constructively, rather than issuing ultimatums such as requiring PR voting or local elections first. “Why must everything happen according to your script?” he asked.

Legal advisor Dr. Asif Nazrul announced that a new provision has been added to the Code of Criminal Procedure to prevent the filing of false cases and the wrongful inclusion of innocent individuals. “This amendment will empower police and judicial administration to jointly combat the trade in arrests and fabricated charges,” he said. Innocent people will benefit from this reform, although legitimate investigations will proceed as normal for suspects with credible evidence. The law will come into effect once officially gazetted.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed has stated that his party has not reached consensus on proposals concerning the formation of appointment committees for constitutional and statutory bodies, as well as the election process for the proposed upper house of parliament. "We shouldn't be forced to agree on everything," he said. While BNP has shown sincerity in talks around the July Charter and agreed on several core constitutional issues—including Article 70, presidential elections, and limits on the prime minister’s tenure—they argue that further consensus requires continued discussion. The party supports a 100-member upper chamber and the idea that deputy speakers should come from the opposition. However, it insists that upper house representation be based on lower house seat distribution.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, aged 80, has officially collected nomination papers to run for a seventh term, ignoring growing calls from influential opposition leaders to step down. This move brings him closer to extending his nearly five-decade grip on power. Museveni first seized power as a rebel leader in 1986 and has since won six elections—many of which were marred by allegations of fraud and violence. His main challenger in the upcoming January 2026 election is expected to be popular musician-turned-politician Bobi Wine, who, along with his supporters, continues to face intense repression from state security forces.

Following a series of recent attacks on Iranian territory, Tehran has lodged a formal complaint with the United Nations. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that between June 13 and 24, civilian infrastructure, hospitals, aid centers, and nuclear facilities in Iran were targeted. He demanded that the U.S. and Israel be officially recognized as "aggressor states." The letter argues that the attacks violate international law, the UN Charter, and core principles of human rights.

Bangladesh’s High Court has ordered immediate security and medical assistance for the woman who was raped in Muradnagar. The court also ordered all videos and images of the assault to be removed from the internet within 24 hours. The investigating officers have been instructed to report progress within 15 days. Police have arrested the main accused, Fozor Ali, from Dhaka’s Sayedabad, along with four others who allegedly filmed and circulated the video online.