The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has frozen 13 bank accounts linked to Motalles Hossain and entities connected to him, over allegations of impersonating Begum Khaleda Zia and posing as her liaison officer to extract money through fraud.

According to court orders, approximately BDT 50.33 million has been temporarily seized from these accounts. CID found suspicious transactions totaling BDT 268.4 million, raising concerns over potential money laundering and acquisition of assets through illicit means. Authorities are also examining Motalles Hossain’s property and financial activities, while continuing efforts to identify other suspects involved in the fraud ring.

Protesters identifying as "July Warriors" have blocked Shahbagh intersection demanding immediate implementation of the July Charter. Hundreds carrying red and green flags staged a sit-in, setting up banners and makeshift posts.

They claim families of wounded and fallen activists were forced into protest due to continued government inaction.

“The July Charter is not just a demand—it’s our right,” protesters said, vowing to remain until their demands are met.

Donald Trump has announced a 15% tariff on South Korean imports as part of a new trade agreement. Without the deal, South Korea would have faced a 25% tariff. The move comes shortly after Japan agreed to similar terms, increasing pressure on Seoul.

Under the deal, South Korea will invest $350 billion in the U.S. While officials in Seoul are touting it as a win—especially given last year’s $56 billion trade surplus with the U.S.—items like steel and aluminum will face a 50% tariff in line with Trump’s global trade policy. Despite the hike, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung welcomed the agreement.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order imposing a 50% tariff on selected Brazilian imports. Brazil responded with warnings of retaliatory measures. As the U.S. is Brazil’s second-largest trading partner after China, the tariff increase could significantly impact its economy.

Previously, Trump accused Brazil of targeting U.S. tech firms and harassing former President Jair Bolsonaro. However, several key Brazilian exports have been exempted from the new tariff list.

A stakeholder meeting was held in Feni to discuss the draft feasibility study of a proposed Tk 8,800 crore flood control, drainage, and irrigation project for the Muhuri-Kahua, Silonia, and Kalidas Pahalia rivers. Officials, experts, and political leaders emphasized transparency and suggested army involvement in project execution. The initiative aims to mitigate flooding, enhance irrigation, improve water retention, and boost socio-economic conditions. The project could free 4,000 hectares from flood risk and store 88 million cubic meters of water.

Umama Fatema, former spokesperson for the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, has announced the formation of an independent panel for the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections. She called on students, particularly first-years, to join the panel in advocating for fair access to housing, education, and student rights. Emphasizing the need for transformative change, she said, “Only an organized and legitimate student body can bring real reform. The student parliament must remain independent and committed to quality education and research.”

Bangladesh Police and the Royal Malaysia Police have agreed to strengthen cooperation in tackling transnational crimes, including terrorism, human trafficking, and money laundering. The agreement came during a bilateral meeting held in Dhaka, where IGP Baharul Alam led the Bangladeshi delegation, and Azman bin Abd Razak, head of Malaysia’s Counter-Terrorism Unit, led the Malaysian side. Both parties emphasized timely intelligence sharing and collaborative efforts to combat cross-border threats.

Seven individuals have been jailed in Kuala Lumpur’s Sentul area for allegedly kidnapping a Bangladeshi businessman. The abduction occurred on June 26 in front of a mosque. Of those arrested, two are Bangladeshi nationals — Sohel Rana and Shahjahan — while the remaining five are from Myanmar. The suspects are accused of kidnapping for ransom. Deputy Prosecutor Iman Nurhideya Izani confirmed that bail was not requested due to the seriousness of the offense.

Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, Honorary Fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), has emphasized the need for transparency and a clear "exit policy" from the current caretaker government. Speaking at a forum, he highlighted that any reforms undertaken must be fully transparent and legitimate in the eyes of the future elected government. “Reform is a continuous process. It should neither be excessive nor inadequate,” he said. BNP leader Moin Khan added that reforms should be minimal and essential, as it is the responsibility of an elected government to implement substantive reforms.

The High Court has granted bail to Shafiur Rahman Farabi, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in the high-profile murder case of blogger Avijit Roy. Farabi's lawyer, Muhammad Hujjatul Islam Khan, stated that the High Court accepted Farabi's appeal against the lower court's verdict in 2021. The court granted interim bail citing the absence of his name in the confessional statements of four accused, none of whom implicated Farabi. Additionally, no other witness, apart from the investigating officer, mentioned Farabi in their testimonies. Farabi himself never confessed. He has been in custody since March 3, 2015. These arguments were presented before the court, leading to the bail decision.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed a case against former Land Minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, his wife, and 25 others for loan fraud and embezzlement. The accused allegedly conspired to secure a 150 million BDT loan from United Commercial Bank’s Chittagong Port branch by submitting forged documents under the name of a fictitious company called Reliable Trading. The loan was subsequently misappropriated. ACC Director General Md. Akhtar Hossain confirmed the filing of the case on Wednesday.

For the 13th Parliamentary elections, the National Consensus Commission has proposed retaining the 50 reserved seats for women while introducing direct election nominations for women candidates in 7% of the total parliamentary seats. Under this proposal, each political party must nominate women candidates in 21 constituencies. Meanwhile, the Constitutional Reform Commission has suggested direct elections for women in 100 seats. The NCPC recommends a rotational system for women candidates in these 100 constituencies. Islamic parties, including Jamaat, have proposed proportional representation for women in 100 seats, while BNP and allied groups support the current system of 100 reserved seats. Additionally, on July 27, Salahuddin Ahmed proposed maintaining the existing 50 reserved seats and nominating women candidates in 5% of the general seats.

Workers of Satshira Tea Garden in Chunarughat staged a human chain and rally on July 30 to protest against alleged conspiracies and false propaganda surrounding National Tea Company (NTC) gardens. The workers claimed a vested group is trying to disrupt progress just as the gardens are recovering under new management. They demanded justice for those spreading misinformation. The workers highlighted past corruption and wage delays, but said their situation has improved since August 5, with regular salaries and better operations now in place.

Authorities started a 17,188-meter drainage project in Patuakhali town in June 2023, costing 96 crore taka, to resolve persistent waterlogging. Scheduled for completion by December 2024, the project remains unfinished, causing ongoing flooding during rains and high tides. Poor coordination between new and old drains, blocked channels, and incomplete road repairs have worsened conditions. Residents report submerged streets and homes, while officials acknowledge delays and infrastructural issues, urging pumping solutions to manage rising water levels and improve drainage.

The third unit of the 275-megawatt Barapukuria coal-based thermal power plant has started generating electricity. Since 7 PM on July 30, the unit has been supplying 150-160 megawatts to the national grid. The plant’s Chief Engineer, Md. Abu Bakkar Siddique, confirmed that the unit resumed operation after being shut down on July 21 due to a surveyor error. This restart is expected to help stabilize power supply and support the national grid’s demand.