Information Advisor Md. Mahfuz Alam has called on district administrators to ensure neutrality and inclusivity in the upcoming ‘Notun Kuri’ talent competition.
Speaking at a briefing, the advisor said that after a long hiatus, the competition is resuming with the aim of inspiring cultural awakening among the younger generation. “If the most talented children from the grassroots are not fairly selected, it will impact the Dhaka round of the contest,” he warned.
He stressed that district administrations will play a crucial role in the regional selection process, while divisional administrations will oversee higher-level rounds. Mahfuz emphasized impartial judging and urged that children from all communities, regardless of religion or ethnicity, must be given the opportunity to participate.

The Busan International Film Festival in South Korea has announced a new international award titled the “July Memorial Prize.”

The award, introduced with support from the Ministry of Culture, will honor a film competing in the “Vision Asia” section that best addresses themes such as social justice, freedom of expression, civil rights, or struggles against inequality.

The prize will be presented during the festival’s closing ceremony on September 25.

The West Bengal Information and Culture Department has issued a directive making it mandatory for all cinema halls and multiplexes in the state to screen at least one Bengali film every day of the year. This show must be scheduled during prime time—between 3 pm and 9 pm. The move comes amid concerns that Bengali films are increasingly sidelined in favor of other languages, limiting audience access. Analysts say the decision sends a strong cultural message at a time of growing linguistic tensions in India.

In Gouripur, Mymensingh, farmer Md. Shahidullah has amazed locals by successfully growing pesticide-free tomatoes during the monsoon through grafting onto wild eggplant plants. This technique, supported by the Department of Agricultural Extension, protects against wilt disease and ensures high yields. Out of 1,000 grafts, 998 succeeded, producing premium tomatoes sold at Tk 180–200 per kg. From a small 10-decimal plot, Shahidullah earned Tk 70,000 from the first harvest and expects up to Tk 45,000 more, drawing nationwide attention from farmers and traders.

A four-day book fair commemorating the July Uprising has kicked off at the Bangla Academy. Inaugurated by Academy President Prof. Abul Kashem Fazlul Haque, the event features publications focused on the July movement. The fair will continue until July 29 and is open to the public daily from 11 AM to 8 PM.

Director General Prof. Mohammad Azam and Secretary Md. Selim Reza were also present during the inauguration at the Enamul Haque Building of the Academy.

The Rangpur agricultural region, including Gaibandha, Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, and Kurigram, faces a potential potato seed shortage next season due to delays in constructing a new 2,000-ton cold storage facility. Existing storage units are insufficient and affected by legal restrictions, increasing costs and difficulties for dealers and farmers who must source seeds from distant locations. Although 70% complete, the cold storage project has been extended multiple times, with hopes it will be operational before the next planting season.

Continuous rainfall since early July has damaged crops on over 3,000 hectares of farmland in Jashore, Bangladesh. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, vegetables, Aus and Aman rice, jute, and chili fields have been affected, with low-lying areas waterlogged for days. Farmers in major vegetable-producing unions are reporting heavy losses. Seedling fields in areas like Churamankati are submerged. Officials warn of further rot if rain continues but assure support and guidance to help farmers recover from the ongoing agricultural damage.

Bangladesh’s rapid growth in fish farming is threatened by heavy metal contamination. Recent research found chromium levels in farmed Mrigal fish four times above FAO’s safe limit. Though current levels may not harm humans, concerns arise over heavy metals in fish feed and polluted water sources. Lack of regular pond cleaning and use of contaminated feed contribute to the issue. Experts urge government action to monitor fish feed quality and water safety to ensure the health of consumers and sustain the aquaculture industry.

Jessore’s Gadkhali region, once known for native flowers, is now producing foreign flower seedlings like Dutch lilies and gerberas through tissue culture by a private firm, RRF. Previously imported from India at high costs, these seedlings are now locally grown, reducing import dependence. Though current production meets only a fraction of demand, efforts are underway to scale up. Farmers benefit from lower prices, better quality, and training support. Bangladesh aims to become self-sufficient in foreign flower seedling production soon.

Tomato farmers and traders in Panchagarh and Nilphamari have urged the government to stop tomato imports from India, citing a drastic fall in local prices. They held a human chain protest, stating that they bought tomatoes at high prices after the season ended, but prices dropped after Indian imports resumed. Many are now unable to repay farmers and workers. They warned that without a two-week suspension of imports, they could face major financial losses, including selling land to cover debts.

Gazipur Agricultural University has developed GAU-1, Bangladesh’s first salt-tolerant wheat variety. Withstanding salinity up to 12 dS, GAU-1 is ideal for coastal regions and offers high yield and protein content. It matures quickly, is disease-resistant, and contributes to livestock feed due to high straw production. Approved by the National Seed Board, GAU-1 yields up to 4.5 tons per hectare in normal soil and 3.75 tons in saline soil. Researchers see it as a breakthrough for food security and climate-resilient agriculture in the country.

As of now, the Chattogram Food Division has collected 28,280 metric tons of Boro rice during this year’s procurement drive—reaching 60% of its target with two months still remaining.
The government’s procurement program, which began on April 24, will continue until August 31. The initiative, offering farmers a fair price of Tk 36 per kg, has been well received. Farmers are reportedly pleased with the just compensation.

Premature flooding, attributed to climate change, has submerged vast areas of harvest-ready Boro paddy in Gurudaspur and Tarash upazilas of Natore's Chalan Beel region.
Farmers are facing severe financial loss due to crop damage, compounded by labor shortages and storage issues.
Agricultural officer Harunur Rashid explained that 30% of the land was planted with Namla variety paddy after mustard harvesting. Although profitable, the method is risky, and rising water levels have put the harvest in jeopardy.

Heavy upstream rainfall and mountain runoff have caused water levels in the Teesta River to surge, flooding large areas of farmland. The authorities have opened all gates of the Teesta Barrage in response. Many peanut fields have been submerged, and farmers are struggling to harvest crops by boat. One farmer, Anarul Islam, said his 150-acre peanut farm is now largely underwater, with only one-third of the crop harvested so far.

Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumder reported that the country's food situation is currently very satisfactory, with a stockpile of 1.5 million tons—300,000 tons more than the previous year. He noted that food reserves are in constant flux due to ongoing consumption and replenishment. "If the upcoming Aman harvest is successful, we may not need to import rice this year," he stated. Last year, significant imports were necessary, but strong Boro yields this season offer hope for self-sufficiency.