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.

Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizens' Platform (NCP) insist on key reforms and a level playing field before the upcoming national election, rejecting any vote without the July Declaration. While Jamaat denies changing its stance on election timing, both parties criticize the current administrative setup and Election Commission. They also accuse some parties, notably BNP, of obstructing reform consensus. Tensions have grown within the opposition, highlighting divisions over how and when reforms should be implemented before any credible election takes place.

French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu warned Western nations against underestimating Iran, calling it a powerful, strategically deep, and technologically advanced country. In light of recent Iran-US-Israel tensions, he emphasized Iran's ability to withstand sanctions, develop missile technology, and safeguard its underground nuclear infrastructure. Lecornu stated that assassinating scientists won’t erase Iran’s technical knowledge. His remarks indicate a growing Western awareness of Iran’s resilience and the need to reassess its role as a serious geopolitical force rather than a marginal player.

US President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will supply weapons to Ukraine, with NATO covering the full cost. Trump revealed this in an interview with NBC News and mentioned he will make a significant announcement regarding Russia next Monday. Expressing frustration over the ongoing conflict following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Trump explained that while the US provides the arms, NATO will bear the financial responsibility before transferring them to Ukraine.

Dr. Shafiqur Islam Masud, a central executive council member of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has asserted that the party will not form alliances with extortionists, criminals, or land grabbers. Speaking at a street rally in Demra, he stated that Jamaat seeks coalitions only with honest, competent, and morally upright leaders. Addressing the recent murder related to extortion at Mitford, he said, “When party leaders start killing each other, the situation becomes more dangerous than Awami League’s past violent tactics.” He also stressed the importance of fulfilling Jamaat’s seven-point demand to ensure the success of their national rally on July 19.

Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) General Secretary Nasir Uddin has demanded the swift arrest of those involved in the brutal murder of scrap trader Sohag near Mitford Hospital in Dhaka. He emphasized that no political identity should shield criminals from justice, and warned against any negligence in the investigation process. Nasir also urged JCD members not to protect wrongdoers and called for legal and security support for the victim’s family.

Dhaka, July 11 – Two leaders of the opposition youth wing, Jubo Dal, have been expelled for life over allegations of involvement in the murder of scrap dealer Sohag near Dhaka's Mitford Hospital. The expelled individuals are Razzab Ali Pintu and Sabah Karim Lucky. A case has been filed against them by the victim's family. In a statement, Jubo Dal said the party would not bear responsibility for any criminal activities carried out by the expelled members and directed all activists to sever organizational ties with them. The party also urged law enforcement agencies to take appropriate legal action.

The Finance Division of the Ministry of Finance has been granted the authority to appoint primary dealers for government securities, a role previously held by Bangladesh Bank. The new policy aims to strengthen the primary and secondary markets by allowing banks and financial institutions to become primary dealers after evaluation. Primary dealers must actively participate in bidding and maintain transaction volumes. Annual performance reviews will determine continued appointments and rankings. The move follows IMF recommendations to enhance regulatory control and modernize the legal framework.

Jashore, July 11 – Akhtar Hossain, Member Secretary of the National Citizens' Party (NCP), has said that the conversation around reform is already on the table, and warned against forcing the party to take its movement to the streets. Speaking at a street rally in Jashore, Hossain criticized political groups that are allegedly benefiting from student sacrifices while resisting genuine reform. He also claimed a conspiracy is underway to deny NCP the use of the "Shapla" (water lily) symbol. “While we are speaking about real reforms in Bangladesh, they are only focused on elections,” he said. “If we continue under Hasina’s system—her constitution, judiciary, and administration—our dream of building a new Bangladesh will remain just that: a dream. It will never be realized.”

Jashore, July 11 – Hasnat Abdullah, Chief Organizer of the National Citizens' Party (NCP) for the southern region, has stated that certain political parties become visibly agitated when the NCP speaks out against extortion, tender manipulation, double standards by the Election Commission, and conspiracies orchestrated from abroad. Speaking at a street rally as part of the NCP's July march at Zero Point in Jashore, Abdullah said, “Those who truly oppose fascism should not be disturbed by such criticism.” He emphasized that the party would continue to raise its voice against injustice and political conspiracies, no matter who feels offended.

President Trump’s recent policies, including strict immigration enforcement, tariff threats, and government instability, have already weakened the U.S. economy and global confidence in the dollar. Federal budget cuts to scientific research threaten America’s innovation leadership. Proposed legislation could increase national debt by trillions, deepen inequality, and reduce social support programs. Despite public opposition, these measures risk long-term economic slowdown, higher borrowing costs, and reduced labor supply, undermining both short-term recovery and future growth prospects for the U.S.

A plant survey has started at the Lake View Garden in Rangamati’s Fishery Ghat area, initiated by the Roads and Highways Department (RHD). The survey was launched by RHD's Executive Engineer Sabuj Chakma. The 650-meter-long garden is being developed along the Fishery Ghat–Old Bus Stand link road. The survey focuses on both existing and newly planted species. The RHD has created a collection of over 200 plant species in the garden, aiming to enhance biodiversity and promote environmental awareness in the region.