Protesting officials of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) have continued their pen-down strike and sit-in demonstrations demanding the removal of the NBR Chairman, among other demands. To maintain order, a large number of personnel from the army, police, RAB, Coast Guard, and Ansar have been deployed in and around the Revenue Building since Thursday morning. From 12 PM to 5 PM, the protesters observed their previously announced schedule of demonstrations. However, due to the significant presence of security forces, they were unable to enter the main Revenue Building. Meanwhile, the NBR has urged employees to return to work, a call that the demonstrators have rejected.

The Chief Adviser has commended the Ministry of Religious Affairs for successfully managing this year’s Hajj. During a meeting with ministry officials, he instructed them to begin preparations early to ensure smooth operations for next year. Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain informed him that a roadmap has already been announced, and the Hajj quota for Bangladesh will be declared on July 10.

The Chief Adviser has directed authorities to initiate solar energy production by installing panels on rooftops of all government buildings. He also suggested exploring private sector involvement. Officials present at the meeting pointed out that Bangladesh lags behind its neighbors in solar energy: while India generates 24%, Pakistan 17.16%, and Sri Lanka 39.7% of their power from solar sources, Bangladesh generates only 5.6%.

Press Secretary Shafiqur Alam has addressed concerns over rising "mob behavior," arguing instead that these are pressure groups formed due to failures in journalism. He cited a 2023 incident where top journalists allegedly incited violence against protestors by urging the Prime Minister to “shoot them.” Alam emphasized that these journalists are now realigning ahead of a possible political transition, compromising the credibility of journalism in Bangladesh. He also dismissed claims of media repression in the country as baseless.

Former Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal has admitted to overseeing a one-sided "dummy election" due to political deadlock but denied any involvement in corruption. He stated that he never accepted bribes during his tenure. He also criticized historical election irregularities, mentioning that even Sheikh Mujibur Rahman manipulated the 1973 polls. When asked about election officials receiving unusually high allowances, he evaded responsibility, stating, “When votes are cast at night, I’m usually fast asleep.”

The Gano Adhikar Parishad has scheduled a special extended meeting for Friday at the Institution of Diploma Engineers in Dhaka. The session aims to finalize the party’s strategy for upcoming national and local elections. Party leader Abu Hanif confirmed that President Nurul Haque Nur will preside over the meeting. Discussions will include feedback from grassroots leaders and whether the party should contest elections independently or as part of an alliance.

European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh, Michael Miller, paid a courtesy call on BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury. The meeting took place Thursday morning at the BNP Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan. BNP’s organizing secretary Shama Obaid was also present during the discussion.

The Iranian Embassy in New Delhi has expressed deep gratitude to the people of India for their moral support during Iran’s 12-day war with Israel. The embassy acknowledged the solidarity shown by Indian citizens, politicians, NGOs, religious leaders, academics, journalists, and civil society. According to the embassy, these gestures reflect a shared commitment to global justice and awakened conscience in the face of military aggression supported by Israel and the U.S.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe stated that recent U.S. military strikes have caused significant damage to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, setting its nuclear ambitions back by several years. His remarks came after an internal intelligence report downplayed the impact of the attacks, reportedly angering former President Donald Trump. Ratcliffe clarified, however, that while Iran's nuclear program has been delayed, it has not been completely dismantled.

The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) reportedly pushed nine individuals—women and children included—into Bangladesh territory through the Shantipur border in Matiranga upazila of Khagrachari. According to UNO Manzur Alam, the group was pushed across the border late at night. These individuals were reportedly working in India as laborers. They are currently being held at Belchari High School, where authorities are verifying their identities before making further decisions.

A Dhaka court has granted a 3-day remand for former Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal in a treason case filed at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station. The court previously approved a 4-day remand for AKM Nurul Huda on June 23. Habibul Awal was arrested Wednesday from Moghbazar by Detective Branch police. The BNP had filed the case, accusing former CECs of conducting sham elections.

The National Moon Sighting Committee will convene at 7 PM today at Baitul Mukarram to determine the beginning of the Islamic month of Muharram and the date of Ashura. The meeting will be chaired by Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. A.F.M. Khalid Hossain. Local administrators across Bangladesh have been requested to report any moon sightings immediately.

Prosecution has received the final investigation report in the murder case of Abu Saeed—the first martyr of the July uprising in Rangpur. The report identifies 30 individuals linked to the killing. Formal charges are expected to be submitted today at International Crimes Tribunal-2. Among those already in custody are former proctor Shariful Islam of Begum Rokeya University, ex-police officers Amir Hossain and Sujan Chandra Roy, and Chhatra League leader Imran Chowdhury.

Adviser Asif Nazrul expressed frustration over being falsely labeled and harassed due to his government role. “People bring me unethical requests, and when I refuse, they insult me and call me an agent of India,” he said. Despite facing baseless allegations, he claims he cannot respond. He also urged journalists to unite and avoid factionalism, warning that a divided press can never be truly independent.

Three former Chief Election Commissioners and 21 others are now facing new charges of treason, fraud, and embezzlement. On Wednesday, the investigation officer submitted an appeal to add charges under Penal Code sections 124(a), 420, and 406. The court approved the request after a hearing. Notable accused include ex-CECs Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad, AKM Nurul Huda, and Kazi Habibul Awal, as well as former IGPs Hasan Mahmood Khandker, AKM Shahidul Haque, Javed Patwary, Benazir Ahmed, and Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun.