A 4.9-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Thursday night, with tremors felt as far as Chattogram, Bangladesh. The earthquake occurred at 8:26:50 PM, with its epicenter located in Myanmar’s Myinthar region, about 409 kilometers southeast of Dhaka, according to a bulletin signed by Bangladesh Meteorological Department's Wireless Supervisor Sanjoy Kumar Biswas.

No casualties or significant damage were reported, but many residents fled their homes in panic.

Amid light rain, families of the July martyrs and July freedom fighters staged a sit-in at Shahbagh, demanding full implementation of the July Declaration and July Charter as permanent policy.

Hundreds gathered, mainly from Tangail, Mymensingh, Jamalpur, and Kishoreganj. Protesters vowed to remain on the streets until their demands are met. A small stage was set up near the National Museum under the metro rail span for family members to address the crowd.

A new report by the Planning Commission’s General Economics Division shows that 24.05% of Bangladesh’s population—approximately 39.77 million people—live in poverty. The highest poverty rate is in the hill district of Bandarban, while the lowest is in Jhenaidah.

The data, however, is based on outdated metrics, raising questions about its current relevance. The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) measures access to services rather than income alone. Economist Dr. Anisuzzaman Chowdhury called this approach innovative and useful for identifying vulnerable populations, though more research is needed to understand regional disparities.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested Wasiur Rahman, Managing Director of Autumn Loop Apparels Ltd.—an affiliate of Beximco Group—on charges of laundering Tk 34 crore abroad under the guise of domestic trade.

CID officials stated the company received three LCs from Janata Bank but failed to repatriate export earnings within the stipulated four-month deadline, violating Bangladesh Bank regulations. The case is being pursued under the Money Laundering Prevention Act. Investigators are also probing possible overseas assets and the role of Salman F Rahman.

A sudden fire at the Shahjibazar grid substation in Habiganj has left the entire district without electricity for over seven hours. The outage began at 2 PM on Thursday, with repeated disruptions reported throughout the day. The fire broke out following a transformer explosion in the evening.

Engineer Abdul Mannan said that power department officials rushed to the scene and worked to control the blaze. While a transformer malfunction is suspected, the exact cause remains unconfirmed. Repair efforts are ongoing.

Bangladeshi students have achieved remarkable academic success at Egypt’s Al-Azhar University, securing top ten positions across various faculties. Ahmadullah Al Jami ranked 6th overall in the Sharia and Law faculty with a 90% average, while four other Bangladeshis also made the top ten. Students also excelled in Theology, Tafsir, Dawah, and Islamic Studies. Al-Azhar faculty praised their performance, calling it exceptional among students from 83 countries. Their success reflects the growing academic presence of Bangladeshis at this historic Islamic institution.

In the first 30 days of July, Bangladesh received remittances totaling USD 236.80 million, equivalent to 28,889.60 crore taka at an exchange rate of 122 taka per dollar. This marks a 32% increase compared to July last year when remittances were USD 179.40 million. Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan reported the figures on 31 July. Monthly remittance inflows earlier this year ranged between USD 218.52 million in January and USD 329.56 million in March.

The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education has initiated the direct recruitment process for 2,382 vacant headmaster posts in government primary schools across the country. A letter requesting recruitment has been sent to the Public Service Commission (PSC), which will soon issue the official notification. Currently, 34,106 headmaster positions remain vacant out of 65,502 approved posts. Additionally, 31,459 posts will be filled through promotions once related legal cases are resolved, ensuring timely staffing of schools.

Newly appointed Director General Sardar Md. Keramat Ali has launched multiple initiatives to energize the Bangladesh Rural Development Board (BRDB). These include virtual meetings with 500 field officers, forming a Project Management Group to implement poverty alleviation projects, and establishing monitoring committees for loan activities. To support the government's Youth Festival-2025, graffiti exhibitions and cleanliness drives have been organized. His efforts have created a dynamic work environment, expected to significantly contribute to rural development across the country.

Indonesia is purchasing land in Mecca to develop a dedicated Hajj village for its pilgrims. The plan was agreed upon by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Royal Commission of Mecca has offered eight plots near the city, ranging from 25 to 80 hectares, for the project. The Saudi government will relocate current residents, while Indonesia will focus on land acquisition. The village will provide accommodation and commercial areas to ease the pilgrimage experience for Indonesian Hajj and Umrah visitors.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur has announced that the repo interest rate will remain at 10% for now but may decrease in the coming months—if inflation drops below 7%. “We've made some progress in curbing inflation, which now stands around 8.5%. We want it to go below 3%, or I won't be satisfied,” said the governor. He emphasized a dual strategy of managing inflation through both supply and demand measures. Despite last year’s dollar crisis, essential imports like electricity, fertilizer, and LNG were not disrupted. He noted that interest rates on treasury bills and bonds have already decreased from 12% to 10%.

The Ministry of Housing and Public Works has directed all ministries and departments that vacant government staff housing must be occupied within 10 days of allocation. A circular issued recently stated that several officials fail to take possession of allotted government housing despite availability, depriving the government of revenue and preventing reassignment to other employees. Departments have been instructed to inform the Housing Directorate promptly if any allottees are unwilling to take possession.

The United States has finalized a trade agreement with Pakistan that includes plans for the joint development of the country’s substantial oil reserves. Former U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the deal, stating that the selection process for oil companies to lead the project is underway. “Who knows, maybe one day they’ll sell oil to India!” he quipped.

While details of the agreement are yet to be disclosed, Trump noted ongoing talks with other nations regarding trade. “This afternoon, I’ll be meeting with South Korea’s trade delegation. They currently impose a 25% tariff, but they’ve proposed a reduction, which I’m eager to review,” he said. Trump added that several countries are offering tariff reductions, which he believes will significantly help reduce the U.S. trade deficit.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has initiated formal proceedings against Sheikh Rehana and her three children in connection with fraudulent land allocations involving 30 kathas in the Purbachal New Town project. Three separate cases have been filed, and charges have been formally framed by Judge Md. Robiul Alam.

Warrants have been issued for the defendants, who are currently absconding. The accused include Sheikh Rehana, her daughter and British MP Tulip Rizwana Siddiq, her son Radwan Mujib Siddiq, and another daughter, Azmira Siddiq.

Bangladesh Press Secretary Shafiqur Alam stated that the next five to six days will be crucial in shaping the country’s new political arrangement. “Regardless of the developments, there will be no delay in holding elections. The Chief Advisor remains firm on this matter,” he said.

He added that if public participation is ensured, a fair and peaceful election is achievable. Alam acknowledged that the current government assumed power in a difficult situation, but has since demonstrated competent governance. He also reaffirmed the government's zero-tolerance policy on extortion, stating, “Anyone proven guilty will be held accountable.” He further expressed concern over the lack of transparency in political party fundraising, even after 54 years of independence.