The Central Chhatra Dal has expelled Apu Das, Secretary of the Chawk Bazar Thana unit, for life following the murder of scrap dealer Sohag in Dhaka’s Mitford area. In a statement issued on Friday, the party cited violations of organizational discipline as the reason for his expulsion from all positions, including his primary membership. The statement also directed party members to sever ties with him and urged law enforcement agencies to take appropriate action.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has expressed deep concern and outrage over the brutal murder of businessman Mohammad Sohag in front of Mitford Hospital. Condemning the incident, he stated that it reflects a serious breakdown in state security and the rule of law. “Terrorism and barbarism have no place in our party’s ideology or politics,” he said, demanding a swift, impartial, and credible investigation. He warned that a culture of impunity would plunge society into darkness.

The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has initiated the disarmament process after four decades of armed struggle against Turkey. Starting with a symbolic ceremony in northern Iraq, 20 to 30 PKK fighters destroyed their weapons, signaling an end to long-standing violence. This voluntary move towards democratic politics was welcomed by Turkish President Erdoğan as a positive regional change. The conflict, which began in 1984, has claimed over 40,000 lives and displaced many Kurds. PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan emphasized democracy as the only path forward.

A leaked audio, verified by the BBC, reveals Sheikh Hasina ordered lethal force against protesters during last year's uprising. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, claimed the audio was from the 2016 Holey Artisan attack, but references in the clip contradicted him. After intense public criticism and mockery on social media, Joy deleted his post. Journalists and citizens accused him of lying and acknowledged the voice in the audio as Hasina's. The incident has reignited debates over state violence and accountability.

Maruf Kamal Khan, former press secretary to the BNP chairperson, has urged the party’s leadership to take a tougher stance following the brutal murder of businessman Md. Sohag in Old Dhaka. Sohag was killed with a stone near Mitford Hospital on Wednesday evening. Two suspects, including a Jubo Dal leader accused of extortion, have been detained. Expressing outrage on Facebook, Maruf Kamal called the act barbaric and urged both the BNP leadership and authorities to stop such violent incidents immediately.

Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist recently freed from a Louisiana immigration detention center, has filed a $20 million lawsuit against the Trump administration. He alleges wrongful imprisonment, biased treatment, and defamation as an anti-Semite due to his role in pro-Palestinian campus protests. After 104 days in detention, a federal judge ruled his deportation unconstitutional. Khalil demands compensation, a formal apology, and policy changes. He plans to share any damages with others affected by the administration’s crackdown on Palestinian activists.

Illegal sand extraction has resumed at night along the Meghna River in Kodalpur Union, Gosairhat Upazila, Shariatpur, causing significant land erosion. Around 100 acres of farmland and riverbank areas have already been washed away, threatening local homes and agriculture. Despite a recent promise by sand miners to halt operations, activities restarted three weeks ago. Residents live in fear of further damage and violence when reporting the issue. Authorities, including the army and police, have been alerted and plan to take strict action soon.

Bangladesh will experience continuous rain with thunder and possible heavy downpours for the next 10 days, according to the Meteorological Department. The monsoon remains active, influencing various regions including Dhaka, Khulna, Barisal, Chattogram, Sylhet, and others. Temperatures may slightly fluctuate during this period. Rainfall intensity will vary from light to heavy, with gusty winds expected temporarily in many areas. The department warns that this rainy pattern is likely to persist for an extended period, affecting daily life and activities nationwide.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has expressed concern over the health of renowned folk singer Farida Parveen, currently hospitalized in Dhaka. She sent party official Syed Emran Saleh Prince to check on Farida’s condition and called on the government to provide urgent advanced medical care. Earlier, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir visited the hospital and requested the caretaker government to ensure the best treatment, including the possibility of treatment abroad. Mirza Fakhrul also offered financial support to Farida.

Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysia’s former Prime Minister, marked his 100th birthday expressing skepticism about democracy, calling it a flawed, human-made system that can create weaknesses. Serving two terms totaling 24 years, he played a key role in Malaysia’s economic transformation from commodity dependence to a diversified manufacturing hub. In an interview, Mahathir also condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide and accused the United States of supporting the conflict and losing credibility as a global leader.

The BNP has expelled two leaders of its affiliated wings — Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, and Chhatra Dal — for their alleged involvement in the murder of Sohag near Mitford Hospital. BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed condemned efforts to blame the BNP as a whole, calling it a manifestation of "dirty politics." He asserted that the party does not tolerate criminal behavior. Leaders of Jubo Dal echoed the sentiment and called for strict law enforcement measures, instructing members to sever all ties with the expelled individuals.

India is undertaking a significant rail infrastructure project to strengthen connectivity between the Northeast and the mainland by 2030. The initiative aims to reduce reliance on the narrow 22-kilometer Siliguri Corridor, known as the "Chicken’s Neck," a critical geopolitical chokepoint. New rail lines in Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur, and Sikkim are progressing, while Meghalaya faces delays due to local opposition. This expansion also addresses growing security concerns linked to regional geopolitics and seeks to enhance military and civilian connectivity.

The government has announced that July 16 will be observed as "July Shaheed Day" but it will not be a public holiday, as it falls under the 'B' category of observance days. In contrast, August 5 has been declared a public holiday as "July Mass Uprising Day," categorized under 'A' days. The Cabinet Division issued the circular on July 2. All schools and colleges, both public and private, have been instructed to observe both days with appropriate programs by the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education.

Students of Dhaka University staged a protest rally condemning the brutal killing of scrap trader Sohag with stones and bricks. The protesters accused members of the Jubo Dal of murdering Sohag after he refused to pay extortion and claimed the perpetrators even danced over his body post-murder. Expressing concern over the country’s deteriorating political climate, they called for justice and systemic reform. They warned the BNP that adopting violent and criminal practices similar to the ruling party would lead to similar consequences. Members of the Bangladesh Student Federation also joined the protest, demanding justice and accountability.

With the national election possibly set for February, the BNP insists on holding it before Ramadan in 2026, while Jamaat-e-Islami and NCP demand major reforms and local polls first. Though BNP has shown flexibility, agreeing to February elections in a meeting with the interim government, it now emphasizes that full consensus on every issue is unrealistic. BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed views other parties' positions as part of political bargaining ahead of the vote, reflecting deeper negotiations behind public statements.