Bangladesh’s demand for dollars has dropped despite improved supply, largely due to a sharp decline in capital machinery imports. LC openings rose by only 0.18% in FY 2024-25, with June hitting a 4.5-year low. Economists link this to reduced investment, economic stagnation, and falling consumption. Remittance and exports have surged, stabilizing the exchange rate. The central bank is now buying dollars to build reserves. Experts say boosting imports and ensuring political stability are essential to revive economic momentum and meet long-term growth needs.

Water levels in Kaptai Lake have reached 107 meters above mean sea level, nearing the danger mark. In response, authorities at the Karnaphuli Hydroelectric Power Station may open 16 spillway gates this afternoon to release 9,000 cusecs of water. The situation is being monitored closely due to ongoing rainfall and upstream flow. If water levels rise unexpectedly, more gates will be opened. Currently, five power generation units are discharging about 32,000 cusecs into the Karnaphuli River, which flows into the Bay of Bengal.

OPEC Plus members have agreed to raise oil production by 547,000 barrels per day beginning September, aiming to stabilize the market amid Western pressure on Russian oil supplies. The decision follows virtual talks addressing global economic conditions and low reserves. Despite increased output, oil prices remain steady around $70 per barrel. Another meeting is scheduled for September 7, where potential production cuts might be discussed. OPEC Plus, including non-OPEC countries, produces nearly half the world’s oil and works to maintain market balance.

Former Bangladesh Army Chief M. Harun-ur-Rashid was found dead at the Chattogram Club guest house on Monday noon. He was 75. Police reported that he had arrived in Chattogram from Dhaka the previous day. When he failed to open his room door in the morning, suspicions arose, and his body was later seen through a window. The cause of death remains unknown. A decorated freedom fighter, Harun received the Bir Protik award and later served as ambassador to Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji.

The High Court has issued a rule asking why students from private schools are not allowed to participate in the Primary Scholarship Examination. The rule follows a writ petition filed by Arifur Rahman Murad Bhuiyan, a resident of Narsingdi, who challenged two recent circulars from the Directorate of Primary Education that exclude private institutions. Until 2022, all school types were eligible. The court has directed the Director General and Scholarship Division Director to respond within four weeks.

The Bangladesh Supreme Court has issued a new directive mandating that all individuals entering the court premises must carry valid identification to enhance security. This includes lawyers, their assistants, litigants, and court staff. The directive, signed by High Court Division Registrar Muhammad Habibur Rahman Siddique, also requests individuals to present their NID, passport, or official ID upon request by security personnel. The administration seeks full cooperation from everyone involved to ensure a safe and secure environment within the court premises.

The proposed Dhaka Central University will integrate seven colleges in Dhaka into four academic schools: Science, Arts and Humanities, Business Studies, and Law and Justice. Education will follow a hybrid model with 40% online and 60% offline classes. Students can change disciplines in their third year but not campuses. Existing HSC programs will continue in five colleges. All academic and administrative processes will be centralized, including admissions, staffing, and exams. Modern facilities and digital systems will support students throughout their studies.

To facilitate nationwide participation in the upcoming July Declaration ceremony, the government has chartered eight special train services.

The declaration will be presented tomorrow at 5 PM at a grand assembly at the South Plaza of the National Parliament, with representatives of all factions involved in the uprising expected to attend. Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus is also expected to be present.

The special trains will operate on the following routes:

Chattogram–Dhaka–Chattogram

Joydebpur–Dhaka–Joydebpur

Narayanganj–Dhaka–Narayanganj

Narsingdi–Dhaka–Narsingdi

Sylhet–Dhaka–Sylhet

Rajshahi–Dhaka–Rajshahi

Rangpur–Dhaka–Rangpur

Bhanga–Dhaka–Bhanga

A court has ordered the exhumation of 114 unidentified bodies buried at the Rayerbazar graveyard in Dhaka. The victims were killed during the July Uprising across various locations in the capital.

Sub-Inspector Mahidul Islam of Mohammadpur Police Station submitted the request, stating the need for proper legal procedures and identification of these martyrs. The court approved the petition after thorough review. While the exhumation was scheduled for today, police postponed the process due to unavoidable circumstances.

India’s suspension of visas for Bangladeshis since August 2024 has severely impacted Kolkata’s tourism-dependent economy. Areas like New Market and Free School Street—popular among Bangladeshi visitors—have suffered most. Businesses in these zones report over ₹5,000 crore in combined losses. Hotels, restaurants, transport, and currency exchanges face closures and layoffs. Informal workers are also struggling. The visa halt followed the fall of Bangladesh’s previous government and rising diplomatic tensions. Local businesses now hope for renewed bilateral ties and quick resolution.

In response to remarks by Nasiruddin Patwari, Election Commission (EC) Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed stated, “The Election Commission has a spine—it's standing tall because it has strength and integrity.”

He confirmed that a European Union observer team will arrive by mid-September, comprising three international and four local observers. Their goal will be to assess the EC’s preparations ahead of the polls. The press briefing comes amid speculation that the Chief Advisor will soon announce the proposed election timeline.

The Public Service Commission (PSC) has announced the schedule for the 3rd phase oral examination of 864 candidates for the Assistant Surgeon position under the Health Cadre in the 48th Special BCS. These candidates have provisionally passed the written MCQ exam. The five-day oral exam dates and times are now available on the PSC website and Teletalk Bangladesh Limited’s portal. The commission reserves the right to amend the schedule if necessary.

India has raised its visa processing fee for Bangladeshi applicants from BDT 824 to BDT 1,500, effective August 8, due to increased operational costs. Visa issuance remains suspended for nearly a year, except for emergency medical cases. Limited appointment slots are available for urgent visas at Indian Visa Application Centers in Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi, Sylhet, and Khulna. Bangladeshi students and workers transiting to third countries via India may still apply, provided they have prior appointments with the respective foreign embassies.

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus described the July Uprising as a turning point, reigniting hope for a just, equitable, and corruption-free Bangladesh.

In a message issued for July Uprising Day on August 5, Yunus stated, “The sacrifices of thousands of martyrs have opened a path for national reform that we must protect at any cost. The fallen dictatorship and its self-serving allies continue to conspire against the country’s progress. We must stand united, across political lines, to counter these plots.”

He extended his gratitude to the general public, saying, “This historic achievement is the result of mass protests led by the people. I salute all those who contributed to this movement.” The Chief Advisor also highlighted the government’s commitment to reforms and upcoming elections.

President Mohammad Shahabuddin has stated that the historic July Uprising Day marks a powerful eruption of the people's rage—especially the youth—against years of injustice, misrule, corruption, enforced disappearances, killings, abductions, and the denial of voting rights.

In a statement on the occasion of July Uprising Day, the President said, “On this day in 2024, students, workers, and citizens united to achieve a final victory against a discriminatory and fascist regime. I extend my heartfelt greetings and congratulations to all freedom-seeking students and citizens of the country.”

Remembering the martyrs and the injured, he added, “The July Uprising aimed to dismantle an oppressive, fascist system and reestablish democracy, empower the people, and ensure freedom of expression. I firmly hope that through reforms, the aspirations of this movement will be realized and a just, equitable, and democratic Bangladesh will emerge.”