Iran has outlined crucial conditions before engaging in talks with the U.S., including restoring trust, rejecting the use of negotiations for secret agendas or military threats, honoring Iran’s nuclear rights under the NPT, and lifting sanctions. Tehran remains distrustful of Washington and prepared for military defense. Past indirect talks, mediated by Oman, were disrupted after Israeli attacks on Iranian sites. Following Israeli and U.S. strikes, Iran launched retaliatory missile attacks on Israel and the U.S. base in Qatar. A ceasefire was later implemented to temporarily halt the conflict.

A medical team from Singapore General Hospital visited Dhaka’s National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery to aid treatment for those injured in the recent plane crash at Milestone School and College in Uttara. The team will monitor patients for several more days, reviewing their conditions every 12 hours. So far, 44 injured have been admitted, with 8 critical cases. The death toll has risen to 29, including a 9-year-old child who recently passed away in the ICU. Discussions continue on how long the team will stay and if any patients will be sent abroad.

Milestone School and College in Dhaka’s Uttara area will reopen classes on a limited basis starting July 27, beginning with grades nine to twelve. The decision follows a tragic plane crash on July 21 that severely affected the campus, causing casualties and suspension of all educational activities. The institution plans to gradually resume classes to support students’ psychological and academic recovery. A control room has been established on campus to manage information and avoid confusion regarding the incident.

Israel is currently examining a new ceasefire proposal submitted by Hamas in response to a previous offer. Hamas had initially submitted a proposal that was quickly rejected by Arab mediators for being unacceptable to the US and Israel. Following demands for a more constructive response, Hamas revised their demands, dropping some previous conditions. The latest proposal has been handed to mediators, but Israel is still thoroughly reviewing it. Mediators continue to push for a workable ceasefire solution between the parties.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in London to sign a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United Kingdom, described as a turning point in bilateral ties. The deal, finalized after legal reviews, promises increased market access, job creation, and economic growth for both countries. It includes tariff reductions on key goods like textiles, leather, cars, and whisky, and features a social security pact. The agreement also paves the way for £6 billion in new investments and expanded operations by British companies in India.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that Iran is fully prepared for a second round of war with Israel if necessary. He expressed skepticism about the current ceasefire and reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to its uranium enrichment program, claiming it complies with international law. Despite taking a tough stance, he indicated openness to diplomacy but stressed that Iran will not compromise its sovereignty. Tensions remain high following recent military clashes involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.

In a significant shift aimed at curbing arbitrary arrests under Section 54, Bangladesh’s interim government has introduced new legal requirements for law enforcement. Legal Advisor Dr. Asif Nazrul announced Thursday that police officers must now provide a written explanation when making arrests based on suspicion.

The new guidelines mandate identification disclosure during arrests, notifying family within 12 hours, ensuring medical treatment if injuries are present, and completing a detailed ‘Memorandum of Arrest’. Additionally, all agencies must report arrest details to the relevant police stations, which must also publicly display arrest lists. These reforms are being implemented in line with Supreme Court directives as part of broader judicial reforms.

In a major policy shift, former President Donald Trump now supports the crypto industry as the U.S. Congress passes the Genius Act, granting legal status to stablecoins. These digital currencies must be backed by U.S. dollars or equivalent assets, ensuring stability and safer transactions. The law addresses long-standing demands for regulation, boosting investor confidence. While critics warn of potential risks from increased tech-company involvement in finance, supporters see it as a step toward a modern, innovative financial system.

Germany has approved the sale of Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Turkey, marking a significant step in defense cooperation. A German government spokesperson confirmed written assurance has been sent to Ankara. The UK and Turkey also agreed to move forward with the jet export during a defense expo in Istanbul, where a memorandum of understanding was signed. UK officials hailed the multibillion-pound deal as a key move to strengthen NATO’s defense capabilities and deepen UK-Turkey industrial and defense ties.

Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin has assured that Bangladesh will not take any actions that compromise its national interests in response to the recent imposition of U.S. tariffs. Speaking at the Secretariat on Thursday, he confirmed that a formal letter has been sent to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, and a request has been made for an online meeting.

Regarding the appointment of lobbyists, Sheikh Bashir noted that while businesses may engage lobbyists independently, the government has not taken any such initiative. He stressed that the government remains actively engaged in discussions and is not passive on the issue.

Originally allotted in 2003 and later canceled due to non-payment, the plot was allegedly reallocated unlawfully in 2009 with the help of certain officials from RAJUK and the Ministry of Housing and Public Works. According to the ACC, the plot transfer was completed without full payment, using only a submitted check. The commission suspects collusion among government officials in this matter.

Akhtar Hossain, Member Secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has declared a renewed commitment to national reform, even at the cost of life and blood. Speaking at a rally in Brahmanbaria on Thursday, he emphasized the need to rebuild institutions weakened by decades of politicization.

The event, held at the municipal open stage, concluded a march honoring the martyrs and injured of the July uprising. The demonstration was led by NCP central leaders and saw participation from people across various professional groups.

The Gono Odhikar Parishad has released its first list of 36 candidates ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Elections. The announcement was made Thursday at the party’s central office by Senior Joint Secretary General Hasan Al Mamun, in the presence of party President Nurul Haque Nur and General Secretary Rashed Khan.

Key figures include Nurul Haque Nur, who will contest from Patuakhali-3, and Rashed Khan, who will run in Jhenaidah-2. Hasan Al Mamun himself is set to contest in Netrokona-2. Several central leaders will also contest from key constituencies such as Chattogram, Tangail, Gazipur, and Sylhet. The party has stated that it plans to eventually field candidates in all 300 constituencies across the country.

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has ordered a full investigation into deaths caused by alleged Awami League-led violence prior to the July uprising. On Thursday, Yunus met the family of Abrar Fahad, a student killed in a high-profile campus incident. Abrar’s father, Barkat Ullah, and brother Faiyaz demanded justice and steps to end campus violence and ragging. The Chief Advisor assured them of swift justice and confirmed that investigations into past political violence are ongoing.

Mufti Rezaul Karim, Amir of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, has called for the adoption of a proportional representation (PR) electoral system to eliminate corruption and misgovernance. Speaking at a rally in Pirojpur, he said the people have rejected tyranny and cultural decay over the past 16 years. Referring to the 2024 uprising, he stated that the nation now dreams of a future that can't be built on man-made ideologies, urging unity under the banner of Islam.