A progress review meeting on customs and VAT revenue collection was held under the leadership of NBR’s Chairman of the Internal Resources Division, Md. Abdur Rahman Khan. The chairman praised the performance of high-achieving commissionerates and customs houses. He emphasized preventing tax evasion, expediting cargo clearance, timely audits, and regular updates on bonded licenses and BIN suspensions. Plans are underway to introduce a new software system as an alternative to ASYCUDA, following a successful pilot. The meeting stressed the importance of trade facilitation and risk management in boosting revenue.

At least 15 people have been killed in lightning strikes across West Bengal, India. The fatalities include 9 in Bankura, 5 in East Burdwan, and 1 in West Midnapore. Many victims were working in fields during thunderstorms when struck. Separate incidents occurred in Kotulpur, Onda, Indas, and Joypur. Several others were injured and are currently being treated at local hospitals. Police have sent the bodies for autopsy at Ghatal Subdivisional Hospital.

Research and advocacy organization Pragna expressed concerns over the advisory committee’s decision to hold talks with tobacco companies regarding amendments to the tobacco control law. They warned that such meetings violate Article 5.3 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), potentially damaging the country’s reputation. Pragna demanded the removal of tobacco industry participation in the amendment process and urged swift passage of the law. Bangladesh ratified this international treaty in 2003, and the Ministry of Health is implementing its guidelines.

Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and Border Security Forces have arrested 33 Bangladeshis in Chagai district of Balochistan while attempting to cross into Iran. The group had legally entered Pakistan on valid visas during June and July of this year but later tried to enter Iran without proper documentation. Security forces intercepted and interrogated them, and preliminary investigations suggest that they may be involved in a human trafficking network.

In a bold diplomatic move aimed at establishing a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, France has announced its recognition of Palestine as an independent state. President Emmanuel Macron stated that the official announcement will be made during the UN General Assembly in September. He emphasized France’s strong stance on a ceasefire in Gaza, humanitarian aid, disarmament of Hamas, and the creation of a Palestinian state. Experts believe this recognition could significantly increase international diplomatic pressure.

The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has officially invited Bangladesh for final tariff negotiations in Washington on July 29, confirmed Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman. The Bangladeshi delegation will be led by Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin. Discussions may also be held virtually. Bangladesh hopes to negotiate a reduction in the current 35% tariff rate and has proposed duty-free imports of cotton, wheat, LNG, aircraft, and agricultural products from the U.S. A deal has already been signed to import 700,000 tons of wheat.

Apple’s upcoming iPad Pro will introduce dual front-facing cameras, one for landscape and another for portrait mode, ensuring users remain centered during FaceTime, video calls, and selfies regardless of device orientation. The new model will also feature the more powerful and energy-efficient M5 chip, improving battery life and multitasking. This chip is expected to be integrated into other Apple products like Vision Pro, MacBook Pro, Mac Mini, and iMac in the future, marking a significant technological leap for the iPad Pro line.

Sajeeb Wazed Joy has accused the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of filing false cases against him to divert public attention. He stated that he owns only one property in Virginia, purchased in 2018, and sold an older house. Joy claimed that the FBI investigated him without finding any wrongdoing and that he has legitimate income in the U.S., paying all due taxes. He invited the ACC to confiscate his property if they dare, declaring himself ready to face any legal challenge in the United States. Joy also said he is not afraid of security threats and is fully capable of defending himself.

Germany has introduced a cutting-edge technology called the ‘cyber cockroach’—a bio-robot combining live insects with miniature cameras and sensors to gather real-time intelligence on enemy positions. Developed by startup Swarm Biotactics, these cockroaches can infiltrate hostile areas and transmit crucial data directly to the military. This innovation reflects Germany’s shift toward integrating AI, small robots, and drones into defense, aiming to revolutionize future warfare and enhance both military and disaster management capabilities.

Religious Adviser Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain highlighted the importance of religious education to instill morality among prisoners, enabling their reintegration into society. During a prison visit, he noted that the Islamic Foundation has maintained its library and religious classes inside the jail, with plans to increase the number of teachers. He emphasized that not all inmates are criminals; some are imprisoned on false charges. This initiative aligns with transforming Dhaka Central Jail into a genuine correctional facility.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Tauhid Hossain revealed that the Chinese Ambassador assured Bangladesh there is no risk of water withdrawal from China’s hydropower project on the Brahmaputra River. The ambassador explained that the project will use water stepwise with new technology and does not include irrigation systems. Bangladesh aims to ensure minimal or no harm from such projects. Hossain also noted that since the rivers originate outside Bangladesh, stopping upstream constructions is not feasible. On relations with India, he said Bangladesh desires good relations based on mutual respect and reciprocity. He acknowledged India as one of the countries that offered medical assistance after the recent accident.

The Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court has ordered the imprisonment of former Chief Justice ABM Khairul Haque in connection with the Abdul Kaiyum murder case filed at the Jatrabari Police Station. Khairul Haque was arrested from his residence in Dhanmondi and brought to the Detective Branch office before being produced in court. The police requested his custody during the hearing, which the court approved, rejecting Khairul Haque’s bail plea. Besides this case, Khairul Haque faces two more cases filed in Jatrabari and Narayanganj.

The government has released the names and figures of the deceased and injured following the tragic plane crash at Milestone School and College in Uttara, Dhaka. As of now, 29 people have been confirmed dead and 57 are hospitalized with burn injuries in six hospitals. Among the injured, 12 are in ICU, while the identities of six deceased remain unknown. The list was published by the Office of the Chief Advisor and the Directorate General of Health Services on Thursday.

The identities of five victims who were burned beyond recognition in the Uttara plane crash at Milestone School and College have been confirmed through DNA testing. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) collected DNA samples from 11 relatives of the missing individuals. After analysis, five female victims were identified: Okia Ferdous Nidhi, Lamia Akter Sonia, Afsana Akter Priya, Raisa Moni, and Mariam Umme Afia. The DNA tests were conducted using remains preserved at Dhaka’s Combined Military Hospital (CMH).

A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of 231 shatak (approximately 7.65 acres) of land registered under the names of Dr. Shafiq Ahmed Siddique, husband of Sheikh Rehana, and their son Radwan Mujib Siddiq Bobby.

The order, issued by Senior Special Judge Md. Zakir Hossain Galib on Thursday, followed a petition by the Anti-Corruption Commission. The ACC cited concerns that the land could be transferred amid ongoing investigations into undisclosed wealth. The land in question is covered by 18 separate deeds in various areas of Gazipur. Similar orders have previously been issued against other members of the Sheikh Hasina family.