Two Bangladeshi nationals—Hafez Nurul Amin of Noakhali and Abu Nayeem of Manikganj—were killed in a road accident in South Africa after entering the country via Mozambique through illegal channels on July 29.
Seventeen others were injured, including Ekramul Haque, who is in critical condition. The group had entered South Africa early Sunday and boarded a minibus towards Johannesburg. The crash occurred at around 6:30 am on the Delmas–Witbank Old Road, killing the two instantly. Most injured survivors have since left for relatives’ homes after receiving primary treatment.

Cabinet Secretary Dr. Sheikh Abdur Rashid has said that past elections showed the administration’s failure to demonstrate its capacity. However, the civil service is eager to ensure a better election next time—though elections, he stressed, are not the administration’s responsibility alone.
Rashid reflected on Bangladesh’s shifting public moods, noting that in 1974, he saw Pakistani leader Zulfikar Ali Bhutto lay flowers at the National Memorial, welcomed by millions—despite being despised by Bangladeshis just four years earlier.
He also recalled December 1990’s political change, lamenting missed opportunities and urging all sectors—administration, media, and beyond—to rise above partisan interests and embrace professionalism.

Religious Affairs Adviser A F M Khalid Hossain has said that when the interim government took charge, there was virtually no police presence at stations and even in Dhaka, students were managing traffic.
“Law and order cannot be fixed in a single day, but the situation has improved many times over—and so has the economy,” he stated.
Speaking at Jamia Darul Arqam Madrasa in Brahmanbaria on Sunday, Khalid emphasized the invaluable role of Islamic scholars in building a “new Bangladesh.” He recalled that during the July Revolution, hundreds of madrasa students were injured and many embraced martyrdom. “In the days ahead, scholars, students, and teachers stand ready to make any sacrifice for our beloved motherland,” he said, adding that preparations are underway for a fair election in February.

Bangladesh Bank will release a new Tk 100 banknote with a fresh design on August 12, bearing the signature of Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur. The note is part of a new series themed “Historic and Archaeological Architecture of Bangladesh,” featuring images of the Sixty Dome Mosque and the Sundarbans. Initially available from the Motijheel office, the note measures 140mm by 62mm, has a blue color scheme, and includes a watermark of the Royal Bengal Tiger.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur has revealed that printing, storing, transporting, and distributing banknotes nationwide costs around Tk 20,000 crore annually. Speaking at a CPD dialogue, he urged reducing reliance on physical cash and expanding cashless transactions.
The central bank is promoting QR code-based payments, making it mandatory for all licensed institutions. Mansur said this would make transactions faster, safer, and more transparent for both businesses and consumers. He also announced efforts to make quality smartphones available for Tk 6,000–7,000, enabling universal smartphone access to support digital payments.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police have arrested 24 individuals involved in various crimes during separate raids in Mohammadpur and Adabor on Saturday. Police reports say the detainees include wanted criminals under the Speedy Trial Act, suspects preparing for robbery, extortionists, and others facing outstanding warrants.

The body of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) member Masum Billah has been recovered 24 hours after he went missing in Gowainghat, Sylhet. Local divers located the body at around 5:15 PM on Sunday from the riverbed in Ahar Kandi Ambari area.
Officer-in-Charge Sarker Tofayel Ahmed confirmed that joint rescue efforts by BGB, police, administration, and fire service divers had been underway since his disappearance. With the assistance of local divers, the body was finally retrieved after a prolonged search.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening when a BGB patrol attempted to intercept a boat carrying smuggled Indian goods. The smuggler’s boat collided with the BGB vessel, causing it to sink. Masum Billah of the Sylhet BGB-48 Battalion’s Sonarhat Camp went under with his weapon, while other members survived.

Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), announced that the government intends to finalize the recruitment of foreign operators for the country’s major ports by December this year.

Speaking after inaugurating the agent desk at Chattogram port, he said ongoing port reforms are expected to reduce corruption and harassment. The port’s capacity is projected to multiply several times by 2030. Since the Navy-run Dry Dock Limited took over management of the New Moring Container Terminal, container handling has increased by 30%, and ship waiting times have dropped by 13 hours.

The High Court has issued a rule seeking clarification on why the MPO-included teacher transfer policies of 2021 and 2024 for private schools, colleges, and madrasas should not be declared unconstitutional. The court also questioned why teachers appointed before December 30, 2015, by managing committees or governing bodies are not given equal transfer opportunities under existing or future policies. The petition, filed by 50 private school teachers, argues the transfer rules cause discrimination, violating Articles 27 and 29 of the Constitution.

The Election Commission of Jahangirnagar University has released the schedule for the Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) election, set for September 11. The draft voter list was published on August 10, with objections accepted until August 14. Nomination submissions will be open on August 18-19, followed by verification and appeals. Campaigning runs from August 29 to September 9. Voting will take place from 9 AM to 5 PM on election day, with results to be announced shortly after. Measures for a fair election will be ensured.

At least 30 workers were injured in a bloody clash between laborers of two factories near Dubail Bus Station in Tangail. The conflict erupted around 10:30 AM when workers from Nasir Quality Glass Industries Limited attempted to lay a water pipeline next to the gas line of Nasir Float Glass Limited.

Fearing the gas pipeline might be damaged, Float Glass workers obstructed the installation, prompting an attack by the Quality Glass laborers. The violent confrontation continued intermittently for two hours until police and military patrols arrived to restore order.

Officer-in-Charge Soheb Khan confirmed both sides have signed agreements pledging to avoid further violence.

ASM Amanullah, Vice-Chancellor of the National University, recently observed alarming academic malpractice and lack of industry relevance during a visit to a college in Dhaka. He noted students openly using AI tools on their mobile phones during exams while principals remained indifferent.

Speaking at a CPD event, Amanullah criticized the university’s outdated examination system and curriculum, saying the connection between education and industry is nearly nonexistent. Yet, no one addresses this issue because major companies continue to recruit graduates from National University despite their low skills and ambition.

He disclosed troubling academic irregularities, such as physics teachers entering marks for philosophy courses and full marks being awarded in science exams without practical labs. Many colleges either lack proper labs or do not conduct meaningful laboratory work.

To ensure smooth passenger flow, reduce traffic congestion, and maintain security, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport authorities have issued new directives limiting the number of people accompanying passengers inside the airport premises.

From now on, a maximum of two accompanying persons can enter with each passenger to see them off or welcome them. This rule does not apply to the interior of the terminal building.

Passengers and their guests are urged to exit the airport area promptly after arrival or departure to avoid overcrowding. Additionally, all passenger vehicles are requested not to remain at the arrival or departure gates for more than two minutes.

Airport authorities also called for proper disposal of trash in designated bins to maintain cleanliness. This guideline has been effective since July 27.

Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain, religious advisor, announced that the construction of an impressive Islamic complex at Pagla Mosque will begin very soon. Following his inspection of the mosque, he revealed that over 900 million taka has already been raised in the mosque’s fund. The foundation stone is expected to be laid before the upcoming election.

He issued a stern warning that anyone attempting to attack or vandalize the shrine, mosque, madrasa, or orphanage will face strict legal action without exception. Law enforcement will arrest offenders immediately upon filing cases. To enhance security, he urged the mosque authorities to install CCTV cameras and strengthen protection measures.

Earlier, Dr. Khalid Hossain also visited the under-construction district model mosque and Islamic cultural center to review ongoing developments.

Since the downfall of fascism in the July popular uprising, the government has revoked medals awarded to 40 police officers who have fled their posts. Among them are notable figures such as Mohammad Harun-or-Rashid, Additional Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, Deputy Inspector General Syed Nurul Islam, and Additional DIG Biplob Kumar Sarkar.

A directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs states that these officers abandoned their duties and are currently subject to departmental action. Consequently, the police medals previously granted to these 40 officers have been officially withdrawn as part of disciplinary measures.