The Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh, or REHAB, has faced internal disagreement and stagnation over a Tk 20 million donation to the Prime Minister’s Relief and Welfare Fund. A section of the board alleged that proper board procedures were not followed in making the donation and other administrative and policy decisions. The current leadership said all major decisions, including the donation, were approved by the board and described the allegations as motivated.

Ten elected directors filed complaints against the current leaders with the Ministry of Commerce. After hearing both sides on July 30, the ministry postponed REHAB’s August 1 annual general meeting for further observation, contributing to the organisational deadlock. Separately, 16 elected directors wrote to the ministry supporting the leadership.

The supporting directors said the second board meeting had taken a policy decision to donate, though it did not set an amount. They said a sudden appointment with the Prime Minister left no opportunity to call another board meeting, and vice presidents discussed the amount before the Tk 20 million cheque was issued. President Dr Ali Afzal called for differences to be resolved through discussion.

The Department of Environment fined AristoCare, a private hospital in Chattogram’s Mehedibag area, Tk150,000 for operating without environmental clearance. The decision was announced after a hearing at the Department of Environment’s Chattogram metropolitan office on Monday.

According to the department, the hospital began medical operations on Mehedibag Road in the city’s Chawkbazar area without obtaining approval, violating the Environment Conservation Act, 1995, as amended in 2010. Operating without location clearance falls under environmental law violations. Assistant Director Muktadir Hasan said the hospital authorities were summoned to the hearing and acknowledged the irregularities, after which the fine was imposed under the law.

The hospital has also been instructed to promptly ensure proper and scientific management of liquid waste. The Department of Environment warned that operations may continue only after appropriate liquid-waste treatment arrangements are in place. Hasan said enforcement drives and legal action against establishments operating illegally without environmental clearance will continue to prevent environmental pollution.

Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal’s Dhaka University unit submitted a memorandum to Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr A B M Obaidul Islam on Tuesday, August 4, seeking six measures to improve cleanliness and environmental protection across the university campus, residential halls and academic buildings. The programme was held at the vice-chancellor’s office at 10:30am under the themes “Green & Clean Campus First” and “Let us build cleanliness habits, build a vibrant campus.”

The demands included installing sufficient bins and separating waste, ensuring shop cleanliness, conducting regular cleaning drives, improving sanitation, centrally monitoring canteens and cafeterias, and planting and preserving trees. The memorandum called for at least one bin within every 150 to 200 metres, separate coloured bins for biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste, and regular maintenance.

The organisation proposed cleaning campaigns at least two days a month in every residential hall and academic building with student participation. It also sought repairs and upkeep of toilets and washrooms, bins outside shops, measures encouraging biodegradable alternatives to plastic cups and bags, and quarterly food and environment white papers based on monitoring data. Unit president Ganesh Chandra Roy Sahas and general secretary Nahiduzzaman Shipon attended.

Imports of green chillies from India through Dinajpur’s Hili land port have begun affecting domestic prices within two days, the report said on August 4, 2026. Sixteen trucks carrying 104 tonnes entered through the port, increasing supply and cutting retail prices by about Tk130 per kilogram. Chillies that sold for Tk280 per kilogram a few days earlier were selling for Tk150.

Retailer Mobarak Hossain and other traders at Hili market said recent excessive rain and floods damaged chilli fields in several parts of the country, reducing production. They said the resulting supply shortage had driven prices higher, while the start of imports was now increasing availability. The price decline has brought relief to ordinary buyers, according to the report.

Hili land port plant quarantine centre assistant sub-officer Md Ujjwal Hossain said 74 importers had received import permits for a total of 36,000 tonnes of green chillies. Imported chillies were being sold in wholesale markets at Tk110 to Tk120 per kilogram depending on quality and supplied to Dhaka and other regions. Traders said prices could fall further if imports continue.

Bangladesh’s National Board of Revenue (NBR) missed its revised revenue collection target in the outgoing 2025-26 fiscal year, according to updated data released on Tuesday. Against a target of Tk 503,000 crore, the agency collected Tk 415,473 crore, leaving a shortfall of Tk 87,527 crore. The collection was 17 percent below the target.

Revenue collection nevertheless rose from Tk 370,875 crore in the previous 2024-25 fiscal year. The increase of Tk 44,598 crore represented growth of more than 12 percent, and NBR crossed the Tk 400,000 crore revenue collection mark for the first time despite missing its target.

The target was initially set at Tk 499,000 crore at the start of the fiscal year, raised to Tk 554,000 crore after five months, and later revised by the government to Tk 503,000 crore. NBR officials had expected collection of Tk 430,000 crore, but actual receipts were Tk 15,000 crore lower. In June, NBR collected Tk 54,523 crore against Tk 60,915 crore, while June revenue was 26.54 percent higher than the same month a year earlier.

A 54-kilogram giant trevally, locally known as tabala fish, was caught in deep waters of the Bay of Bengal off Kuakata in Patuakhali. The fish was brought to Mahipur fish landing centre on Tuesday morning and purchased at auction by local fish trader Rubel Gharami for Tk36,000, or about Tk667 per kilogram.

Fishermen said the fish was caught in the net of the fishing trawler FB Salma Karim. It was sold through the Ankhi Fish and Tahura Fish wholesale outlets, drawing local traders, fishermen and curious visitors. Experts identified it as giant trevally, Caranx ignobilis, a powerful marine predator from the Carangidae family that can exceed one metre in length and weigh up to about 80 kilograms.

Bakhtiar Rahman, a research assistant with the Shustho Sagor project, said the species is occasionally caught along Bangladesh's coast and helps regulate populations of smaller fish, crabs and squid. Fisheries academic Rajib Sarkar called for documenting identification, size, weight and catch location, while fisheries officer Apu Saha noted its economic value for fishermen.

Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain said canal restoration and regular maintenance are being given the highest priority to reduce waterlogging, preserve environmental balance and ensure sustainable urban management. He made the remarks while inspecting Chaktai Canal in the city on Tuesday, August 4. The mayor said keeping the canals’ water flow active is among the corporation’s key commitments.

Shahadat said ensuring the natural flow of canals is essential to transform Chattogram into a clean, safe and waterlogging-free city. He described canals as more than drainage routes, saying they are also an important part of the city’s environmental balance. He called for uninterrupted canal restoration, routine cleaning and development work.

The mayor said progress in ongoing excavation and cleaning at Rasulbagh, or Chaktai, Canal was satisfactory. He added that every project funded by public money must ensure transparency, accountability and quality. Chattogram-9 lawmaker Abu Sufian and City Corporation Chief Cleanliness Officer Captain Ikhtiar Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury were present during the inspection.

Bangladesh Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid met Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh H. E. Mohammad Shuhada Osman at the Secretariat on Tuesday. They discussed strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation in fisheries, livestock and agriculture, including trade, investment, technology transfer and joint initiatives.

The talks emphasized halal meat export prospects, ensuring international standards for animal products, technology and knowledge exchange, research cooperation, skills development and increased investment. Export potential for Bangladesh’s Black Bengal goats to Malaysia received particular attention, alongside possible exports of fish, meat, milk and other animal products.

The two sides exchanged views on animal health certificates, halal certification, quarantine arrangements, sanitary and phytosanitary standards, and stronger cooperation between relevant agencies to expand markets. The minister sought Malaysian experience and technical assistance to improve Bangladesh’s capacity in the international halal meat market. The high commissioner praised Bangladesh’s progress in agriculture and livestock and expressed Malaysia’s interest in expanding trade in promising agricultural and animal products.

The Burichong উপজেলা administration has formed a nine-member conservation committee to protect a migratory bird habitat in Kishore Nagar village, Cumilla. The initiative was announced after উপজেলা নির্বাহী কর্মকর্তা Md Tanvir Hossain visited the site on Monday afternoon and met local residents, landowners, representatives and community figures. The administration said it aims to ensure safe movement for the birds and protect the natural environment.

The habitat spans about three acres of bamboo groves, ponds and trees of various species owned by four families. It hosts five to six species of migratory birds each year, with the birds staying for around three to four months from Jyaishtha to Shraban. The meeting noted that hunting is not common locally, though some people occasionally try to catch birds.

Engineer Tofazzal was named convener and the উপজেলা forest officer member secretary of the committee. Plans include installing warning signs, using fencing or barbed wire in vulnerable areas where necessary, and planting more trees. The administration also plans awareness activities involving local people. Residents welcomed the effort, while Hossain said the administration would take necessary measures with public cooperation.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives State Minister Mir Shahe Alam called on residents to act responsibly in building a clean, environmentally friendly and livable Dhaka. He spoke on August 3 at a RAJUK-organized consultation at Gulshan Society Park in the capital, involving society members from Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara and Niketan on sewage management.

Shah Alam said activities were under way to improve greening, cleanliness and modern urban management in Dhaka under the direction of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. He said active public participation was vital alongside government agencies for those initiatives to succeed. The minister said the government would seriously consider problems and suggestions raised by society representatives and take steps toward practical and sustainable solutions, while seeking patience and cooperation.

Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher assured participants that sewerage networks in the four areas would be connected in phases by pipeline to the Dasherkandi Sewage Treatment Plant. Representatives raised issues concerning sewage management, environmental protection and other civic services during an open discussion. Five private companies also gave brief presentations on sewage treatment plant technology and modern sewage management.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said coordinated action by ministries, agencies and local government institutions is needed for sustainable pollution control, effective waste management and environmental protection. He made the remarks while chairing a ministerial discussion on waste management, water pollution and other pollution controls at the Local Government Division’s meeting room in the Secretariat on Tuesday.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintu and State Minister Sheikh Faridul Islam attended the meeting. Alamgir described environmental pollution as one of the country’s major challenges, citing urbanisation, unplanned waste management, dumping waste into rivers and water bodies, and the use of single-use plastics and polythene as growing pressures on the environment. He said the problems require planned, integrated measures rather than isolated initiatives.

The minister said government action alone would not be sufficient, stressing public awareness and environmentally friendly behaviour. He called for measures to reduce harmful polythene bags and expand use of environmentally friendly alternatives. Participants discussed water pollution, solid-waste management, pollution control, river conservation and polythene regulation, while speakers emphasised stronger inter-ministerial coordination.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held a consultation with experts to address existing water-management challenges and secure sustainable solutions for the country. The meeting took place on Tuesday at the Prime Minister’s Office under the Cabinet Division at the Secretariat, according to Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu.

Environmental, water and engineering specialists, along with representatives of several related institutions, attended under the leadership of social development organisation Footsteps Bangladesh. Participants shared experience and recommendations on water-management problems, current limitations and possible solutions. They urged long- and medium-term planning, use of modern technology, stronger coordination among relevant agencies and effective action that considers the impacts of climate change.

Discussions covered canal restoration, the stability of rivers and embankments, improvements to urban drainage, wastewater treatment and rainwater management. Participants also stressed the need for integrated and effective urban planning amid rapid urbanisation. The prime minister listened to the experts and assured them of cooperation to support sustainable development, environmental protection and safe, effective water management for citizens.

Bangladesh signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, or CEPA, with South Korea at the Ministry of Commerce on Tuesday. Under the agreement, 97 percent of Bangladeshi products will receive preferential tariff treatment in the South Korean market, while 87 percent of South Korean products exported to Bangladesh will receive the same benefit. Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir announced the details at a news briefing after the CEPA Negotiation Conclusion Ceremony.

Muktadir said this was Bangladesh’s first CEPA agreement within five months of the current government taking office. He said the deal would create new opportunities for duty-free access and other benefits for Bangladeshi exports including ready-made garments, leather and leather goods, jute and jute products. Bangladesh would also benefit when importing agricultural products, plastics and spare parts from South Korea, he said.

According to the Ministry of Commerce, bilateral trade currently totals about $1.39 billion, with Bangladesh running a deficit of about $411 million. South Korean Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo cited the need for more diversified trade and said the countries could work together in technology and supply-chain management. He expressed hope that the agreement would encourage Korean companies to invest in Bangladesh in a more accessible and favorable environment.

A coordinated overnight operation has freed the container vessel MV CNC Uranus after it became stranded in the Karnaphuli River navigation channel at Chattogram Port. On Monday, seven tugboats moved the vessel safely to the port’s outer B Anchorage. Chattogram Port Authority Secretary Syed Refayet Hamim confirmed the successful recovery on Tuesday afternoon, saying port operations and vessel movements were normal after the ship was anchored safely.

Port sources said the 170-metre, Malta-flagged vessel, built in 2017, became stranded at about 2pm Monday while entering the Karnaphuli channel because of a mechanical fault. Its steering failed, causing it to strike red buoy number 2 and crash into a retaining wall near the river mouth. The vessel had arrived from China’s Shikou port and had a draft of 9.50 metres.

The ship carried 1,282 TEUs of containers and 24 sailors, including its master. APL (Bangladesh) was its local agent. The recovery began immediately under the port authority’s leadership with support from the Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Coast Guard. Four port tugboats, one Navy tugboat, one Coast Guard tugboat and one tunnel tugboat took part.

Jamuna Fertilizer Company Limited in Jamalpur has remained without urea production for about two and a half years, with operations halted since early 2024 because of a gas supply shortage. The plant, once a key producer and supplier for farmers in 19 districts, is now storing and distributing imported urea and fertilizer produced at other domestic factories. The report was published on August 4, 2026.

General Manager for Operations Fazlul Haque said production has been stopped because of the gas crisis and he could not confirm when the factory would receive a gas connection again. Commercial General Manager Abdul Hamim said fertilizer imports are necessary because production is suspended. He said BCIC supplies fertilizer to buffer warehouses and consignments arriving at the Jamuna plant identify it as a buffer warehouse.

Registered dealer Chan Mia Chanu called for gas supplies to be restored quickly so the plant can resume production. Local businesspeople and concerned residents warned that a prolonged shutdown could affect equipment effectiveness, skilled personnel and technical capacity. Attempts to reach Managing Director Afaz Uddin by phone for comment were unsuccessful.