Following an aerial conflict with Iran, Israel launched an attack on Tehran’s Evin Prison on June 23, killing 71 people, according to judiciary spokesperson Asghar Jahangir. He stated that the dead included administrative staff, soldiers, inmates, visiting family members, and nearby residents. The prison also holds two French nationals, Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris, who have been detained for three years. France has strongly condemned the attack, calling it unacceptable.

The UAE Ambassador to Bangladesh, Abdullah Ali Al Hamoudi, has acquired a 34% share in a company tasked with operating the new “Passenger Information System” across Bangladesh’s airports. Under a bilateral agreement between Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates, this new data collection mechanism is being rolled out. The project is primarily led by Iteq, a state-owned Emirati firm, which subcontracted Dubai-based Identima. Notably, Ambassador Al Hamoudi owns 34% of Identima and is also listed as a manager. Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has called this a clear conflict of interest and a blatant abuse of power, pointing out that a serving ambassador cannot engage in private business without government approval.

Ten years after the death of JCD student leader Nuruzzaman Jony in an alleged police “gunfight,” his father Yakub Ali has filed charges in a tribunal against 62 people, including former Awami League MP Saber Hossain Chowdhury and ex-DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia. According to the complaint, on January 19, 2015, Jony and a classmate were returning from Dhaka Central Jail after visiting his younger brother when they were unlawfully detained by men claiming to be Detective Branch officers. Witnesses reported hearing cries near Jorapukur playground early the next morning. At dawn, police were seen nearby, and Jony’s body was discovered.

Ali Riaz stated that July 16, the death anniversary of Abu Sayeed, had been the expected date for signing the ‘July Charter.’ “Whether it happens on that day now depends on the political parties,” he said. Even if the target date is missed, he added, the Charter will be signed within July. Riaz noted that the Consensus Commission has shifted from its earlier position and accepted many of the parties’ proposals. “Now, the parties must also compromise and move forward,” he added. Emphasizing national unity, he said no political flag flew during the uprising—only Bangladesh’s flag did—so the country’s interests must come first. Riaz also called for constitutional safeguards to prevent any group from unilaterally amending the constitution and for ensuring the independence of constitutional bodies and the judiciary.

Thirteen police officers who disappeared from duty after the August 5 uprising that ousted the Hasina government have now been suspended. Following the fall of Hasina’s administration—many leaders fled to India—numerous police personnel who had opened fire indiscriminately to keep her in power also went into hiding. The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued separate suspension orders accusing them of desertion.

Facing prolonged protests and a complete shutdown by NBR employees after the decision to restructure the revenue board, the government has declared all categories of customs house, ICD, bond commissionerate, and customs station jobs under NBR as essential services in the national interest. In a statement, authorities said Bangladesh’s revenue collection falls significantly short of requirements due to systemic inefficiencies, irregularities, and corruption. The government condemned the protests as unjustified disruptions that have seriously hampered trade, imports, exports, and tax collection over the past two months, further noting that protesters have also blocked dialogue efforts.

Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed announced there will be no meeting on Sunday with protesting officials of the National Board of Revenue (NBR). “If the officers want to continue their shutdown program, they may do so,” he said. The issue was discussed at today’s advisory council meeting, and a press statement will be issued. Regarding the scheduled July 1 meeting with NBR staff, he added that a decision on whether it will proceed will be made later.

Amid the ongoing full shutdown called by the NBR Reform Unity Council, a delegation of protesters is scheduled to meet Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed at 4 p.m. Sunday. On the second day of the strike, tax officials and staff gathered outside the Revenue Building from early morning. Security forces remained on high alert. Protesters vowed to continue their movement until their demands are met.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam announced that the Advisory Council decided no observance will be held on August 8. Instead, August 5 will be celebrated as Uprising Day, and July 16 will be observed as Martyrs’ Day. Previously, the Cabinet Division had issued circulars declaring August 8 as New Bangladesh Day and July 16 as Abu Sayeed Martyrs’ Day.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi alleged that an Awami League figure was responsible for “heinous misconduct” in Muradnagar but the ruling party was falsely blaming the BNP. “Sheikh Hasina may have fled, but her accomplices remain, continuing their misdeeds,” he said, adding that the lack of strong action by law enforcement was emboldening such activities. He demanded swift prosecution of those involved. Meanwhile, the local chairman described the incident as “a mere extramarital affair,” claiming that student activists from the ruling party laid a trap, caught the couple red-handed, and filmed them.

NCP Convenor Nahid Islam announced plans to hold a public reading of the July Declaration and Manifesto on August 3 at the Central Shaheed Minar, marking Anti-Fascism Day. He said the declaration was meant to be accepted by consensus and implemented within 30 working days, which have now passed without any government action. “To honor the historic context of July, constitutional recognition, and the martyrs’ legacy, this declaration is essential,” he added. He called on citizens to join the event and voice their collective aspirations.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said on Saturday that France, along with Europe, is prepared to secure safe food distribution in Gaza. Amid growing criticism over civilian deaths near Israeli-controlled aid centers, Barrot said the initiative would also ease Israeli concerns that armed groups like Hamas are seizing relief supplies. He condemned the killing of “500 people who came for humanitarian aid.” Israeli newspaper Haaretz had reported that military commanders ordered troops to fire on Palestinians collecting food. Prime Minister Netanyahu dismissed the claim as “a blood libel.”

Speaking at a funeral ceremony for Iranian martyrs, the IRGC spokesman declared, “Today is a historic, decisive day for Iran. This mass gathering sends a message of strength to our enemies—a powerful display of national unity, honor, and resistance.” Addressing Trump directly, he added, “We advise him to open his eyes and stop his irrational statements and erratic behavior.” He further claimed, “The devastating defeat Israel suffered in 12 days has unhinged Trump, who is now responding hysterically.” Quoting Iran’s Supreme Leader, he said, “Trump utters words too big for his mouth to contain.”

International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi stated that despite U.S. and Israeli strikes damaging multiple Iranian nuclear sites, Iran could restart uranium enrichment within a few months. Regarding reports that some enriched uranium was removed, Grossi said, “Some material may have been destroyed, some relocated. Eventually, there needs to be clarity about what remains.” Tehran has rejected Grossi’s request to inspect the key enrichment facility at Fordow, where most damage reportedly occurred.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Israeli prosecutors, saying, “America spends billions more every year protecting and supporting Israel than any other country. What these uncontrolled prosecutors are doing to Netanyahu is madness, and we will not tolerate it.” Trump argued that the legal proceedings against Prime Minister Netanyahu were obstructing critical negotiations with Hamas and Iran. He claimed Netanyahu was working toward a truce and expressed hope that a ceasefire could be reached soon. Notably, Netanyahu had requested a two-week suspension of witness testimony in his domestic corruption trial, but the court denied the plea.