In a protest rally on July 17, Jamaat-e-Islami leaders condemned the attack on an NCP rally in Gopalganj, calling it a sign of government weakness and the Home Advisor's failure.

Naib-e-Ameer Dr. Taher labeled the advisor as "Mr. Helpless" and demanded his removal. Party Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said the attack aimed to sabotage the upcoming national rally on July 19. They warned that both assailants and complicit elements within the administration must face justice. Jamaat also hinted at a possible long march and urged public participation in the July 19 rally.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced a target to enroll 10 million new members across the country. Speaking at the launch of a membership drive in Savar on July 17, he instructed party activists to recruit 20,000–25,000 members per upazila.

He called for the inclusion of honest, law-abiding, and socially accepted individuals while warning against giving shelter to criminal elements. Rizvi also labeled the proportional representation (PR) electoral system as misleading and a barrier to grassroots leadership. He accused the ruling Awami League of denying voting rights and fostering insecurity among the population.

Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed warned that the absence of meaningful and sustainable judicial independence threatens the establishment of rule of law and democracy.

Speaking at a memorial for Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed on July 17, he reaffirmed the importance of the Masdar Hossain case, which advocated for judicial separation. He raised concerns about Articles 109, 116, and 116(a) of the Constitution, warning against dual authority. He also pointed out that political interference and bureaucratic complexities remain major obstacles to judicial reform—stressing that real change depends on political will.

On July 17, during a rally at Rafiq Square in Manikganj, NCP Convener Nahid Islam declared the need for a new constitution based on justice, human dignity, and people’s rights.

He emphasized that the sacrifices of NCP activists would not be in vain, particularly in the wake of recent violence in Gopalganj. Criticizing the gap between activism and development in Manikganj, Nahid pledged that the five-month-old party would identify real issues rather than make false promises.

At a street rally in Rajbari, Dr. Tasnim Zara, Senior Joint Secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP), criticized the current constitution for enabling enforced disappearances and political killings under the Prime Minister's unchecked power.

She stated that the NCP is fighting to rewrite the constitution and establish a people-oriented, accountable state. Praising past citizen bravery on the streets, Dr. Zara emphasized that the NCP will push for essential reforms to transform the country.

On July 18, 2024, Bangladesh witnessed one of its most controversial days when internet access across the country was deliberately shut down under a state-led plan. The shutdown began with mobile networks, followed by broadband, initially justified by a fire incident. However, later investigations revealed it was a government-orchestrated move. Then-State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak later admitted the decision was intentional.

The internet blackout caused severe disruptions to the IT and e-commerce sectors, prompting many freelancers to leave the country. To commemorate the incident, the current government has declared July 18 as ‘Free Internet Day’, during which all users will receive 1GB of free mobile data.

Additionally, Starlink satellite internet has entered the Bangladeshi market, promoting unrestricted access. The Mobile Subscribers Association has demanded that the day be recognized as a ‘Digital Black Day’ and has called for symbolic, peaceful protests. There are also growing calls to declare internet access a fundamental right in the Constitution.

Zobairul Hasan Arif, Joint Chief Organizer of the National Citizens Party (NCP), has warned of possible attacks on the party’s upcoming rally programs in Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Rangamati, Bandarban, and Khagrachhari. Speaking at a press conference at the Chittagong Press Club on Thursday, Arif said that following recent incidents in Gopalganj, the party has been forced to reconsider security arrangements.

He confirmed that law enforcement agencies have been informed and assured that if any attack attempts occur, students and local supporters will resist them. The two-day rally will conclude with events in Cox’s Bazar and Bandarban, followed by a final program in Rangamati on Sunday. The party will return to Chittagong where a major rally is scheduled for 3:30 pm in the city center.

Hasnat Abdullah, Chief Coordinator of the NCP’s Southern Region, urged the youth to lead the movement for an Awami League-free Bangladesh, even if it means risking their lives.

Speaking at the conclusion of a march in Rajbari, Abdullah recalled past incidents involving the Awami League, including the use of sticks and oars during political conflicts, and the party’s alleged role in the Pilkhana and Shapla Square killings. He criticized media and cultural institutions like Bashundhara for allegedly aiding the ruling party.

He asserted that although some forces attempted to eliminate opposition leaders, they failed—because new visionary leaders are emerging as alternatives. Addressing young people and Islamic scholars (ulema), Abdullah warned that the country's freedom will not be fully restored unless the Awami League is eradicated from politics.

Central NCP leaders and others also addressed the rally, chanting slogans demanding change.

At a street rally in Faridpur, Akhtar Hossain, Member Secretary of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), stated that the people of Bangladesh no longer want to see the Awami League or the politics of Mujibism.

He alleged that certain so-called civil society members are trying to bring the Awami League back into power, but the public will resist such efforts.

Hossain accused the ruling party of undermining democracy through what he called “midnight elections” in 2014, 2018, and 2024. Referring to recent attacks on NCP leaders in Gopalganj, he claimed that even firearms could not silence the party’s slogans.

Calling for the formation of a caretaker government, Hossain demanded that all Awami League members be brought to justice to ensure the country’s sovereignty and security.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami organized a protest rally and gathering in Chattogram condemning the recent attacks, arson, and unrest in Gopalganj. The demonstration began on the afternoon of July 17 from the north gate of Andarkilla Shahi Jame Masjid and marched through key city streets before concluding with a rally in front of the Press Club.

Addressing the rally, Jamaat's Acting Metropolitan Ameer Muhammad Nazrul Islam stated that the July 2024 uprising was a mass explosion against fascism, symbolized by the martyrdom of Abu Sayeed and others. He alleged that during this significant anniversary, an orchestrated attack in Tungipara aimed to destabilize the situation.

Nazrul Islam also highlighted the historical contexts of the Liberation War, national unity, and ongoing political oppression during his speech.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami organized a protest march and rally in Chattogram on July 17, condemning recent attacks, arson, and unrest in Gopalganj. Starting from the north gate of Anderkilla Shahi Jame Mosque, the procession moved through major city streets before concluding at a rally in front of the Press Club. Addressing the gathering, acting city Ameer Muhammad Nazrul Islam described the 2024 July Uprising as a public rebellion against fascism, symbolized by martyrs like Abu Saeed. He accused authorities of attempting to destabilize the situation by orchestrating attacks in Tungipara on the anniversary of the uprising. Nazrul also referenced the country’s liberation war, national unity, and the historical context of political oppression in his speech.

The government is reintroducing the scholarship examination for public primary schools, expected to be held in December this year, between December 21 and 24. Students will sit for a 2.5-hour exam covering four subjects: Bangla, English, Mathematics, and a combined paper on Bangladesh & Global Studies and Primary Science, each carrying 100 marks. Based on first-term exam results, up to 40% of fifth-grade students will be eligible to participate. The exam will be mandatory for public primary schools, PTI-affiliated institutions, and primary sections attached to government secondary schools. Schools have been instructed to email participant data and center numbers by July 24.

A high-profile delegation from Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet venture, led by Vice President Lauren Dreyer, will visit Dhaka on July 18. The team, which includes International Strategy Director Richard Griffiths, is scheduled to hold meetings with government IT officials and policymakers to discuss potential investment opportunities and technology implementation strategies. The government views the visit as a significant step toward advancing digital connectivity, particularly in rural areas. During their visit, Dreyer and Griffiths will meet Dr. Yunus, tour a nursing college, attend a press conference, and participate in a drone show at Hatirjheel. The delegation will depart Bangladesh on July 19.

Former State Minister for Home Affairs Tanjim Ahmed Sohail Taj and his elder sister Sharmin Ahmed have paid a courtesy visit to the Chief Adviser of the Interim Government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus. The meeting took place on Thursday at the State Guest House Jamuna. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam confirmed the meeting by sharing a photograph on Facebook. Sohail Taj, son of Bangladesh’s first Prime Minister Tajuddin Ahmad, previously served as a junior minister under the Awami League government.

The Bangladesh Army has announced recruitment for female nurses under its 42nd Direct Short-Term Commission (AFNS). Applicants must have a B.Sc. in Nursing from a recognized college with a minimum GPA of 3.50 in both SSC and HSC, and be under 26 years of age by January 1, 2026. Married, unmarried, widowed, and divorced women are eligible. Benefits include competitive salary, secure housing, military hospital care, and educational opportunities for children. Applications are open online until August 2, 2025.