Veteran South Asian singer and composer Runa Laila performed her first solo concert at the main auditorium of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Segunbagicha, Dhaka, on the evening of July 24. Although she had sung at the academy two or three times during her 62-year professional music career, this was her first appearance there for a solo musical programme.

Culture Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury, State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam, academy Director General Sheikh Rezauddin Stalin and Secretary Mohammad Zakir Hossain presented her with an honourary memento. Hosted by actor Afzal Hossain, the programme featured about 10 modern, film and patriotic songs over roughly an hour and a half, including a Nazrul song performed in observance of Nazrul anniversary.

Laila opened with a song dedicated to those who gave their lives for the country and ended the evening with “Damadom Mast Kalandar.” She said audiences’ love, respect and prayers were the greatest achievements of her musical life. Organisers said all ticket-sale proceeds would be deposited in the Prime Minister’s Relief and Welfare Fund to support flood-affected people.

Sohel Rana Bayati’s film Noya Manush will open the first three-day New York Bangla Film Festival in New York, United States, on July 30. The screening is scheduled for 7 pm local time at RTV Theatre on the festival’s opening day. The festival will feature selected Bangladeshi short films, documentaries and feature films.

The film is based on A. M. M. Hasanuzzaman’s novel Bedonar Baluchore, with dialogue and screenplay by Masum Reza. Its cast includes A. M. M. Hasanuzzaman, Ashish Khandakar, Jhuna Chowdhury, Rawnak Hasan, Mousumi Hamid, Shikha Karmakar and Nilufar Wahid, among others. Bayati said Noya Manush has already been screened at film festivals in several countries.

The director said the festival is especially significant because only films by Bangladeshi filmmakers will be screened and awarded, adding that it could support the promotion of domestic cinema. The movie was filmed by Kamal Chandra Das in remote Kanudir Char in Chandpur during Super Cyclone Sitrang. The festival’s closing and award ceremony is scheduled for August 2.

A mobile court in Tongibari, Munshiganj, fined three people a total of Tk350,000 over allegations of illegally cutting and selling soil from agricultural land. According to a report published on July 25, the operation was conducted from 7:50am to 1:50pm on Saturday around Betka Bazar, the canal in the Chhatphatia area, and the bank of a Dhaleshwari branch river. Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Md Wazed Wasif led the drive.

Mobile court sources said the accused were loading soil cut from farmland onto trawlers within about one kilometre of Betka Bridge. Three people were detained along with soil-laden trawlers and soil-cutting equipment during the operation. The fines were imposed under the Sand Quarry and Soil Management Act.

Md Wazed Wasif said such operations would continue to protect agricultural land and stop illegal soil cutting. The report did not identify the three detainees or specify how the Tk350,000 penalty was divided among them.

A programme to plant 100,000 tree saplings within a year has been launched in Sreemangal upazila of Moulvibazar. Mujibur Rahman Chowdhury, MP, inaugurated the initiative on Saturday morning at the Sreemangal Victoria High School field. He said the saplings would be planted across the upazila over the coming year.

Chowdhury said the initiative is part of the prime minister's announced programme to plant 250 million saplings over five years. The programme will be implemented through coordination among the upazila administration, elected representatives and political leaders. The launch was attended by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Ziaur Rahman, municipal executive engineer Md Zahurul Islam, officer-in-charge Abdullah Al Mamun and representatives of political and social organisations.

Under the plan, 10,000 saplings will be planted gradually in each of the upazila's nine unions. The programme will also be expanded to every ward, while saplings will be distributed free among members of the public. A similar initiative is planned for Kamalganj upazila. Chowdhury sought overall cooperation from Sreemangal residents and urged them to plant more trees.

Persistent rain and adverse weather have driven vegetable prices sharply higher across markets in Cumilla, with most items selling for Tk100 or more per kilogram on Friday morning. Retail green chilies were selling for Tk400 per kilogram, while shoppers, particularly low-income residents, said they were struggling to manage household food costs amid the increase.

Vendors said farmland, including areas around the Gomti char, had been submerged, damaging crops and preventing timely harvesting and transport to markets. Supply shortages have raised prices of eggplant, cucumber and other vegetables by Tk50 to Tk80 per kilogram within a week. Market prices included eggplant at Tk120, bitter gourd at Tk150 to Tk160, okra at Tk120, ridge gourd at Tk130 and tomatoes at Tk140 per kilogram.

Rajganj market seller Liton Mia said farmers were not bringing enough vegetables to market and retailers had to charge more after paying higher purchase prices. Cumilla consumer rights official Kawsar Mia said inspections were underway and action would be taken against attempts to charge excessive prices. Traders said prices could fall if weather normalizes and supplies increase, but may rise further if rain continues.

Several sections of an LGED road linking Rajabari and Jilbari in Baldia ইউনিয়ন of Nesarabad upazila, Pirojpur, have collapsed into a canal after several days of heavy rain. The report, published on July 25, said traffic by auto-rickshaws, vans and other light vehicles has completely stopped. At least 30,000 residents of five villages are facing severe disruption as a result.

Major subsidence was observed along roughly two kilometres of road, from in front of Mahiyuddin Chairman’s house in Rajabari through Binna Bazar to Jilbari. A significant portion of the road had already been lost to canal erosion over about 18 years, while recent rain created deep holes in the remaining sections. Residents have placed wooden planks and small temporary footbridges across damaged areas to allow limited motorcycle movement.

The route serves seven villages in Baldia Union and three villages in neighbouring Nazirpur upazila. Students, patients, older people and workers have been particularly affected. Union Parishad Chairman Md Saidur Rahman said an earlier repair tender was not implemented. Housing and Public Works Minister Ahammed Sohel Monjur Suman MP, after visiting the site, said repair work would begin soon.

More than 220,000 people have been moved to safety as severe wildfires spread rapidly across Spain and France. Spain declared a national emergency for the first time in its history on July 25 as conditions worsened, while France requested European Union assistance to contain fires in its southwest.

In Spain, three separate fires west of Madrid merged into a larger blaze, challenging firefighters. About 63,000 people were ordered to leave affected areas or remain indoors, including at least 25,000 who were evacuated. At least 6,000 hectares have burned in the Madrid region and about 9,000 hectares in Avila province. Residents were evacuated from eight municipalities, while lockdowns remain in several other areas.

In France, more than 140,000 people were evacuated from the Gironde and Landes regions. More than 19,000 hectares of forest burned in Gironde and about 80 homes were destroyed. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said the fire was advancing toward Bordeaux, and at least 50 firefighters were injured. The Czech Republic and Slovakia announced they would send two Black Hawk helicopters.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh is treating the semiconductor sector as a national priority and will be able to meet its industry goals by 2030. He made the remarks as chief guest at the opening of the two-day National Semiconductor Symposium and BEAR Summit at Novotheatre in Tejgaon, Dhaka, on Saturday, July 25.

The summit is jointly organised by the Bangladesh Semiconductor Industry Association and Silicon River Bangladesh. Policymakers, industry representatives, researchers, entrepreneurs, investors and Bangladeshi experts living abroad are expected to participate in the event.

Rahman said the government wants to move the country forward by overcoming all obstacles and expressed hope for a self-reliant, technology-driven Bangladesh. The programme is scheduled to include 11 plenary sessions, seven strategic panel discussions and technology exhibitions over two days.

Bangladesh’s e-commerce sector is facing a deep crisis as businesses scale back, consumer confidence weakens, investment declines and operating costs rise, a report published on July 25, 2026 said. Market contraction has pushed many companies toward layoffs, reduced operations or closure, while interest among new entrepreneurs has also waned. Daraz and several other platforms have reportedly reduced operations and closed delivery hubs amid continuing losses.

Analysts cited a high dollar rate, higher fuel prices and prolonged inflation as factors raising delivery and logistics expenses while reducing purchases of luxury and discretionary goods. Policy uncertainty, falling international investment, digital fraud and distrust among customers were also identified as pressures. A merchant said Daraz decided to permanently close 16 of more than 100 hubs from June 14, while alternatives were not retained for several hubs outside Dhaka.

The Bangladesh Mobile Phone Consumers Association said customers are owed Tk531 crore by 32 e-commerce companies, with 18 yet to return money. Experts called for transparent transactions, stronger consumer protection, policy support, easier loans and digital technology to lower logistics costs, saying businesses should prioritize sustainability over expansion.

A severe wildfire spreading across Europe damaged NASA’s Madrid Deep Space Communications Complex in Robledo, Spain, prompting the evacuation of all staff on Friday. The facility, about 65 kilometres west of central Madrid, is one of NASA’s three global deep-space communications centres. The incident raised concerns that communications with distant spacecraft could be disrupted.

NASA said the fire passed through the MDSCC area and that the extent of possible damage will be assessed once conditions are safe. A NASA spokesperson confirmed the location of the complex and the safe evacuation of personnel in a statement to AFP. The agency said the safety and wellbeing of its employees remain its highest priority.

The MDSCC is part of NASA’s Deep Space Network, which communicates with spacecraft exploring distant regions of the galaxy. Its other two centres are located in Canberra, Australia, and Goldstone, California, in the United States. NASA said support for space missions is continuing without disruption through those facilities. The agency also expressed sympathy for families and residents affected by the wildfire in surrounding areas.

BRAC Bank’s branch distribution network recorded Tk50 billion in growth in current account savings account, or CASA, deposits during the first six months of 2026. The bank said the achievement reflects growing customer confidence in BRAC Bank and the capacity of its distribution network.

The report said BRAC Bank has maintained notable deposit growth in recent years, with the latest milestone continuing that trend. The bank attributed its business expansion to relationship-based banking and customer-centric services, while describing the branch distribution network as a key contributor to the result.

BRAC Bank held an event to celebrate the achievement, attended by Managing Director and CEO Tareq Refat Ullah Khan, Deputy Managing Director and Head of Branch Distribution Network Sheikh Mohammad Ashfaque, Senior Zonal Head Taher Hasan Al Mamun, regional heads, branch managers and other senior officials. Khan said customer trust and the dedicated efforts of the branch distribution network were behind the result. He said the bank remains committed to strengthening customer relationships through improved banking experiences and sustaining its growth trajectory.

A Malaysian investor delegation has expressed interest in investing in the Debiganj Economic Zone in Panchagarh, Bangladesh. The group is initially assessing the feasibility of a 100-megawatt solar power project and has also indicated interest in establishing agriculture-based industries. On Friday afternoon, the delegation met State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad before visiting the economic zone to review infrastructure, industrialisation prospects and employment potential.

Azad said the government places special importance on development in the northern region and is showing the Debiganj Economic Zone to domestic and foreign investors for that purpose. Delegation head Mr Sim described the zone as highly promising for industrial investment. He said the proposed solar project, if implemented, would add renewable energy to the national grid, while agro-based industrial development also has considerable scope.

Officials cited improved road connectivity, easy availability of agricultural products and comparatively lower production costs as factors attracting investors. An agreement to establish the economic zone was signed on 24 August 2020. The planned area was revised to 250.85 acres, including 240 acres for the zone and 10.85 acres for a connecting road. BEZA has received settlement of 185.86 acres, while acquisition of the remaining land continues.

Reports in Indian media have put Thalapathy Vijay’s pay for the globally released film Jana Nayagan at about Rs 300 crore. The report, published on July 25, 2026, says the payment for the lead role would be a record in Indian cinema if confirmed. The film, directed by H. Vinoth, has also drawn attention for its reported box-office performance after release.

According to the reports, Vijay was paid the amount directly and did not have an agreement to share in the film’s profits. Neither the makers nor Vijay had issued an official statement on the claim. H. Vinoth reportedly received Rs 30 crore, while music composer Anirudh Ravichander was paid about Rs 15 crore. Lead actress Pooja Hegde reportedly received Rs 10 crore and Bobby Deol about Rs 12 crore.

Other reported payments include Rs 7 crore for Prakash Raj and Rs 5 crore each for Priyamani and Gautham Vasudev Menon. Jana Nayagan, described as a political action thriller, is said to have cost about Rs 500 crore to make. Box-office trackers estimated Indian pre-sales near Rs 30 crore and first-day worldwide earnings between Rs 107 crore and Rs 112 crore, but these figures remain unconfirmed officially.

Microloan installment collection has been suspended for three months in flood-affected areas of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Rangamati, Bandarban and Khagrachhari after severe flooding and heavy rainfall caused extensive damage. Dr Mohammad Zakaria, director general of the NGO Affairs Bureau under the Prime Minister’s Office, announced the measure in a report published on July 25.

He spoke while visiting flood-hit South Jaldi, Ashkaria Para and Saral areas of Banshkhali on Friday and distributing relief supplies among people affected by flooding. According to Zakaria, loan recovery will remain halted in the affected areas for the next three months under instructions from the Microcredit Regulatory Authority.

During the visit, Zakaria discussed the overall condition of affected families with relevant officials and received updates on ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts. He also heard accounts of hardship from flood victims and took part in humanitarian assistance activities. Local residents expressed hope that coordinated government and private initiatives would quickly ease suffering and strengthen rehabilitation work.

Residents of Nayanpur in Sreepur upazila, Gazipur, are building a drain with their own funds rather than waiting for government allocations or action by relevant offices. Published on July 25, 2026, the report says about 40 families are jointly financing the project to address waterlogging that has caused hardship for nearly two decades.

Locals said rainwater had accumulated for years on the affected stretch of the Maona-Dhanua regional road, making it a persistent waterlogging point. Students from nearby schools and colleges, thousands of garment workers, traders, pedestrians and vehicle drivers faced daily disruption. Students said the low-lying road section remained underwater for four to five months a year, at times preventing even rickshaws and bicycles from moving.

Grocer Ismail Hossain said the construction has created temporary inconvenience, but completion could bring relief from longstanding waterlogging. Local BNP leader and union council chairman candidate Ariful Islam Sarkar called drain construction during road repair the most logical decision and praised the collective initiative. The administration, however, said the drain was built by cutting the road without permission.