Environmental activist and advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan has stressed that environmental issues must be placed at the heart of politics. She urged political parties to be held accountable by the public for fulfilling their environmental commitments. “Environmental protection is no longer just a policy issue—it is a moral responsibility,” she said. “We must ensure a healthy, safe, and livable Bangladesh for future generations.” Referring to unregulated stone extraction in Jaflong and the degradation of the Sonadia forest, she criticized the lack of political will to protect nature. “We’ve seen united political efforts to extract resources, but not the same unity when it comes to protecting the environment. Sustainable development is not possible by destroying nature.” Hasan also called for increased investment in the Ministry of Environment, noting that environmental initiatives often remain underfunded despite their critical importance. “Eco-tourism can significantly boost government revenue, but that potential remains largely untapped,” she added.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a $566.5 million loan package during his two-day visit to the Maldives and initiated discussions on a bilateral free trade agreement. Modi aims to deepen development cooperation amid growing competition with China for influence in the island nation. Despite recent political tensions, India has supported the Maldives economically. The financial aid will enhance security, health, housing, and education in the Maldives. Modi also inaugurated the Hanimaadhoo airport expansion project remotely.

Microsoft has accused Chinese state-linked hacker groups of exploiting vulnerabilities in its SharePoint server software to carry out cyberattacks targeting global organizations. The attackers, identified as Lilin Typhoon, Violet Typhoon, and Storm-2603, infiltrated on-premises servers to steal sensitive data. Microsoft confirmed its cloud-based SharePoint was not breached and has released security updates, urging users to patch systems immediately. The hackers reportedly used encryption to maintain ongoing access. Investigations continue as Microsoft warns of potential repeat attacks on unpatched systems.

U.S. President Donald Trump has accused Hamas of avoiding a ceasefire deal with Israel due to fears of retaliation once Israeli hostages are freed. Speaking at the White House, Trump said Hamas doesn't truly want peace and warned its members will be hunted down. He emphasized that the U.S. and Israel seek only a temporary pause in fighting. Hamas, however, claims it wants a permanent ceasefire and criticized the U.S. stance, while Israel has pulled its negotiators from Qatar-mediated talks.

A 10-day exhibition has begun in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka, showcasing what organizers describe as 16 years of misrule under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The display includes events such as attacks on students during the Safe Roads Movement, border killings, enforced disappearances, judicial killings, and the 2013 Shapla Chattar crackdown. It also highlights the 2009 Pilkhana massacre and the 2006 logi-boitha violence. Organized by Inqilab Mancha and July Oikko, the exhibition will continue until August 6.

Heavy rainfall triggered by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is causing river water levels to rise rapidly, threatening fresh floods in low-lying areas of Chattogram, Sylhet, and other districts. The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre has warned that several rivers may cross danger levels in the next three days. Coastal regions like Feni, Noakhali, and Lakshmipur are particularly at risk. Authorities have issued alerts for inland river ports, with storms and heavy rain expected to continue throughout the week.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has stated that if the party comes to power, it will implement programs to eliminate child labor and reintegrate working children into education and a normal life. Joining an event in Thakurgaon virtually, he said, "Bangladesh's economic realities are forcing children into labor. However, ESDO’s initiative in Thakurgaon sets a commendable example. If replicated nationwide, child labor can be eradicated." He emphasized that child labor has no place in a civilized society and reaffirmed BNP’s commitment to protecting child rights. "We will continue to support such initiatives across the country," he added.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain will leave Dhaka for the United States on Sunday to attend a high-level United Nations conference focused on the peaceful resolution of the Palestine crisis and the implementation of the two-state solution. The two-day ministerial conference will be held on July 28–29 at the UN headquarters in New York. France and Saudi Arabia are jointly organizing the event in line with the UN General Assembly resolution A/RES/79/81 adopted in December 2024. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Adviser Hossain will reiterate Bangladesh’s unwavering support for peace in the Middle East, the rights of the Palestinian people, and the realization of a sustainable two-state solution.

At a ceremony in Chattogram, Advisor Faruq-e-Azam Bir Pratik stated, “The July Uprising fighters are an integral part of Bangladesh’s democratic history and will be honored forever.” He announced that all wounded fighters of the July Uprising will receive free lifetime treatment at government hospitals and will be categorized for monthly stipends. Category A recipients will get BDT 20,000, Category B BDT 15,000, and Category C BDT 10,000 per month. Certification and identification cards are already being issued accordingly. An independent directorate has been established for the rehabilitation of the July fighters, he added.

Despite progress in political reform under the Yunus administration, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has expressed ongoing concerns about religious freedom in Bangladesh. In its report, USCIRF noted that although the Constitution guarantees religious freedom, laws such as Section 295A of the Penal Code—relating to blasphemy—are still in effect. Moreover, certain provisions of the 2023 Cyber Security Act criminalize content that may hurt religious sentiments. The report also labeled BNP as a conservative party due to its past affiliations with Jamaat-e-Islami and its constitutional push to include “absolute trust and faith in Almighty Allah.” Some women have reported increased visibility of conservative Islamist ideologies on university campuses. Barriers faced by the Women's Commission were also mentioned.

Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus held discussions with Hefazat-e-Islam leaders. According to the press wing, the meeting focused on compensation for victims of the Shapla Square crackdown and collecting and preserving all related documentation. The possibility of initiating an investigation into the Shapla incident through the United Nations was also discussed. Additionally, the progress of withdrawing what Hefazat claims to be false cases against their leaders was reviewed. Key participants included Maulana Khulil Ahmad Quraishi, Maulana Sajedur Rahman, Maulana Mamunul Haque, Religious Affairs Advisor Dr. A.F.M. Khalid Hossain, Energy Advisor Muhammad Fawzul Kabir Khan, and Industry Advisor Adilur Rahman Khan, among others.

Milestone School and College in Uttara, Dhaka has extended its closure by two more days following a tragic plane crash on July 21 that killed 35 people, most of them children, and injured over 150. The school was initially set to reopen on Sunday, July 27, but authorities have now announced closures for Sunday and Monday. A final decision about reopening will be made on Monday. The crash involved a Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft that hit one of the school’s buildings.

During a meeting with political parties at Jamuna, Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus stated that “regressive forces are attempting to derail the electoral process through unrest.” He called for unity among all anti-fascist democratic forces to resist such attempts. He emphasized, “If all pro-democratic movements fail to organize a credible election, we risk losing a historic opportunity.” Seeking cooperation from all political parties, he added, “Every time we move forward with election preparations, conspiracies surface. However, no conspiracy can stop the march of democracy, as there is a clear unity among democratic forces against fascism.” A minute of silence was also observed in memory of the victims of the Milestone Tragedy during the meeting.

At least five people were killed in a grenade attack on a judicial building in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province, including a one-year-old child and their mother. Security forces later engaged the assailants in a shootout, killing three of them. Deputy police commander Alireza Daliri stated that the attackers entered the building disguised as visitors and launched the assault shortly afterward. A Pakistan-based group, Jaish al-Adl, has claimed responsibility for the attack. The region has long been home to Iran’s Sunni Baluch minority, who frequently allege political marginalization and systemic discrimination.

Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar, Advisor to the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, emphasized the need for modern, competency-based curricula, innovative teaching methods, and robust assessment systems to build a skilled workforce for the future. Speaking at the 11th convocation of the University of Asia Pacific held at Sena Prangan in Dhaka, he stressed the importance of technological and vocational education. During the ceremony, the Chancellor's and Vice Chancellor’s Gold Medals were awarded to outstanding graduates.