In a dramatic turn of events in Rajshahi, activists of the BNP detained and handed over a local Awami League leader, Moinul Islam Swapan (55), to police from a residential hotel. Swapan, president of Tanore Upazila AL, was out on bail in a case linked to a mass uprising incident. Although Boalia police said he was not previously listed as an accused in their station, he has now been arrested as an unidentified accused in the same case and will be presented in court.

The Ministry of Education has announced a special grant of Tk 64.1 million to support 7,100 individuals and institutions, including 101 educational institutions, 250 teachers and staff, 4,047 secondary school students, and 2,702 college and university students. Priority has been given to underdeveloped institutions, teachers suffering from serious illnesses, and financially disadvantaged, disabled, transgender, and meritorious students from marginalized communities.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has recently issued an unconditional apology for all activities carried out by his party since 1947. This move has been welcomed by Dr. Redwan Ahmed, Secretary General of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and a veteran freedom fighter. In a statement, Dr. Ahmed said: “During a recent talk show, in response to a question from the host, the Jamaat leader sought an unconditional apology on behalf of the party. Such an apology reflects the ideals and principles of a political figure. Even after so many years of independence, if they can acknowledge their mistakes and seek forgiveness from the nation, I, as a freedom fighter, believe it deserves recognition.” He further remarked that no government has the authority to grant a ‘humanitarian corridor’ without consensus among all political parties. “Only when an elected government assumes power and the issue is thoroughly discussed in parliament can a decision be made on granting any humanitarian corridor,” he added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated his stance that Ukrainians and Russians are one nation, claiming, “From this perspective, all of Ukraine is ours. Wherever Russian troops set foot, it becomes our land.” In response, Ukraine’s foreign minister condemned the remarks, saying, “Wherever Russian troops go, they bring death, destruction, and terror.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also warned that Putin’s ambitions extend beyond Ukraine to Belarus, the Baltic states, Moldova, the Caucasus, and Kazakhstan. Meanwhile, European countries and Canada have pledged to ramp up military aid to Ukraine amid continued delays in U.S. support.

Hindu devotees across Bangladesh have celebrated the annual Rath Yatra festival of Sri Sri Jagannathdev with vibrant processions. ISKCON Bangladesh extended its gratitude to the government for its cooperation in organizing the event. In a statement, ISKCON noted that the sacred Rath Yatra of Sri Jagannath, Baladev, Subhadra Maharani, and Sudarshan Maharaj was observed peacefully and festively throughout 2025. The organization expressed deep appreciation to the interim government, law enforcement agencies, the power and health departments, fire service and civil defense, and all related public bodies for their sincere support in ensuring the festival’s smooth execution. The statement also commended political parties, the media, volunteers, and the general public for their contributions to making the event a success.

The Islamic Movement of Bangladesh has presented a 16-point demand list during a mass gathering at Suhrawardy Udyan. Party spokesperson Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman read out the declaration, calling for the reinstatement of "complete trust and faith in Almighty Allah" as a guiding principle in the Constitution. Key demands include: Proportional representation (PR) in elections to both houses of parliament A national consensus for a just, exploitation-free state Structural reforms in the state Ensuring a level playing field for all parties Prosecution of past authoritarian regimes and return of fugitive criminals Recovery of laundered money and decisive anti-corruption actions Diplomatic renegotiation or cancellation of anti-national agreements with India Electoral reforms including local elections prior to national polls and return of the caretaker system Banning corrupt, loan defaulters, and criminals from elections Curbing politically motivated cases and ensuring religious values at all levels of governance

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi emphasized that the martyrs and fighters of the July Revolution deserve appropriate recognition and must be honored this July and August. Speaking to reporters, Rizvi announced a 36-day program centered around July 1. He noted that Tarique Rahman had inspired people across the country to join the July Movement. Rizvi also visited venues for the first event in observance of the July-August People's Uprising Day. He added, “Our society is facing economic hardship and social crises. There is a culture of mob rule. We must free ourselves from these issues.” Notably, Tarique Rahman is expected to participate virtually as the chief guest in the BNP’s July 1 event, which will be attended by representatives of all major political parties.

A suicide car bombing in Pakistan’s North Waziristan region has left at least 13 soldiers dead and 24 others injured. According to security officials, the attacker detonated an explosive device near a vehicle belonging to the bomb disposal unit. A Taliban-aligned militant faction led by Hafiz Gul Bahadur has claimed responsibility for the attack. Reports indicate that nearly 290 people have died in militant attacks across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan since the beginning of this year.

Bangladesh is maintaining ongoing discussions to finalize a tariff agreement with the United States. In the latest round of talks held on Thursday, Dr. Khalilur Rahman led the Bangladesh delegation, while Brendan Lynch, the U.S. Assistant Trade Representative, headed the American side. According to the Press Wing, substantial progress has been made during these discussions. Dr. Rahman, the former Head of Trade Policy at UNCTAD, stated that both parties are working diligently to conclude the agreement swiftly. Sources indicate that the agreement aims to secure relief from the additional 37% tariffs imposed during the Trump administration. A draft of the agreement has already been sent to Bangladesh by the U.S., and Dhaka has submitted its feedback to Washington for further review.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that the United States will "definitely" bomb Iran if it resumes its nuclear weapons program. His remarks came in response to Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei's claim of victory in a recent conflict with Israel. Trump criticized Khamenei as violent and deceitful, asserting that Iran's key nuclear sites have already been destroyed. Despite intelligence reports suggesting only limited damage, Trump insists Iran is already devastated and vows further action if nuclear ambitions are revived.

Due to the ongoing strike by National Board of Revenue (NBR) officials in Bangladesh, export and import operations are severely affected, prompting international buyers to threaten cancellation of shipments and export orders. Limited office hours and unresolved delays in customs clearance are increasing lead times and costs. Business leaders warn of serious economic fallout and urge the government to initiate immediate dialogue. They also call on NBR staff to resume work unconditionally for the sake of the national economy.

A massive funeral procession was held in Tehran on Saturday morning for more than 60 Iranians killed in recent Israeli attacks. The mourners included high-ranking military officials, nuclear scientists, journalists, and many civilians including women and children. Coffins draped in Iranian flags were carried from Tehran University to Azadi Square. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian attended the ceremony. Reports indicate that the total number of Iranian casualties in the conflict has reached over 600.

Israeli soldiers reportedly received orders from high-ranking commanders to fire on unarmed Palestinians gathered for food aid in Gaza, according to Haaretz. The incident has prompted Israel to launch a possible war crimes investigation. Gaza officials report over 549 Palestinians killed and more than 4,000 injured while waiting for food. Israeli officials deny wrongdoing, calling the report defamatory. Gaza authorities condemn the actions as a deliberate attack disguised as humanitarian aid, highlighting the dire humanitarian crisis.

U.S. President Donald Trump has suspended all trade negotiations with Canada, criticizing Canada’s new digital services tax on American tech firms as a “direct attack.” He plans to impose new tariffs on Canadian goods within a week. This move disrupts the positive momentum from the recent G7 summit. Canada will implement a 3% tax on digital revenues from U.S. companies like Amazon and Google starting Monday. The U.S. may retaliate with tariffs after a formal investigation.

Employees of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) in Bangladesh have launched a complete shutdown demanding the removal of its chairman. Though a few staff entered the office in the morning, by 11 a.m. security forces had closed the main gate, effectively sealing off the NBR headquarters in Agargaon. Leaders of the NBR Reform Unity Council said they were blocked from entering the premises, prompting all levels of staff to stage a sit-in. “There can be no meaningful dialogue without the chairman’s removal,” they declared, as officials from across the country arrived to join the protest.