Muslim Aid UK Bangladesh Field Office has distributed emergency relief to 400 families affected by continuous rainfall, flash floods, and landslides in Lama upazila of Bandarban. The aid was provided in collaboration with Caritas Bangladesh across seven unions and one municipality. The formal distribution took place on Sunday at the Caritas Bangladesh PEP-3 project office in Madhujhiri, Lama municipality, where families received rice, salt, purified water, biscuits, and edible oil.

Local representatives and officials from both organizations attended the event, including the acting chairman of Lama Sadar Union Parishad and several project managers. Beneficiaries expressed gratitude, saying the assistance came as a major relief amid food shortages caused by the prolonged rainfall and landslides that left many people jobless.

Caritas field officer Jevers Tripura stated that supporting disaster-affected people is a humanitarian duty and that such relief efforts will continue. Locals noted that non-governmental organizations are playing a vital role alongside government initiatives in easing the suffering of affected residents.

Registration has begun for the new reality show 'Shaheen Education Family–Channel i Spelling Star 2026', aimed at improving English language and spelling skills among Bangladeshi students. The competition, jointly organized by Shaheen Education Family and Channel i, is open to fourth and fifth grade students from Bangla and madrasa mediums across the country. Registration will continue until August 14, 2026.

The launch event was held at a press conference attended by State Minister for Education and Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj, Shaheen Education Family Chairman Masudul Amin Shaheen, and Channel i Executive Director Harun Rashid. Organizers said the initiative is designed to inspire students and enhance their learning interest. The preliminary selection will take place at 35 venues nationwide, followed by divisional rounds featuring 350 to 400 students. From these, 100 finalists will compete in the main televised round on Channel i.

According to the organizers, the primary goal of the competition is to develop English language and spelling proficiency among primary-level students from an early age.

Global crude oil prices fell slightly after Iran announced that diplomatic communication with the United States was continuing through mediators, despite renewed conflict in the Middle East. Earlier, Brent crude for September delivery had surged nearly 4 percent overnight to 91.42 dollars per barrel, the highest in a month, before easing to around 90.20 dollars.

Since early July, the benchmark oil price has risen about 30 percent. According to SPI Asset Management analyst Stephen Innes, the market is reacting to two opposing forces: geopolitical risks driving prices higher and signs of easing inflation and a cooling labor market in the United States suggesting that the energy shock may not trigger a new inflationary cycle.

Over the past week, reciprocal attacks between Washington and Tehran had pushed crude prices up sharply, raising concerns about long-term disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which previously carried about one-fifth of global oil supply before the conflict.

European Central Bank (ECB) policymakers are under renewed pressure as fresh conflict in the Middle East pushes oil prices upward. The escalation has raised concerns about inflation in the eurozone, prompting debate over whether to raise interest rates again this week. The ECB had increased rates in June for the first time since 2023 after inflation surged, but most analysts now expect the main rate to remain unchanged at 2.25 percent.

Economists cited in the report said the recent rise in oil prices has not yet had a broad impact on eurozone inflation. Felix Schmidt of Berenberg Bank and Carsten Brzeski of ING both suggested that the ECB is likely to hold rates steady, though a small chance of a hike remains. The renewed conflict, including Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, has intensified debate between policy “hawks” favoring tighter measures and “doves” preferring flexibility.

Investors are expected to watch ECB President Christine Lagarde’s post-meeting remarks for clues about future policy direction. Some analysts believe another rate increase could come in September, though the outlook remains uncertain.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup concluded on Sunday night with the final match between Spain and Argentina, but the excitement surrounding the tournament has reportedly caused significant economic losses in the United States. According to a report by HR software provider UKG, reduced workplace productivity during the event may have cost the U.S. economy at least $117 billion, while global productivity losses could reach $170 billion. Many employees reportedly left work early, arrived late, or skipped work entirely to watch matches.

Data from workplace management platform Envoy showed that office attendance in the U.S. dropped by 26 percent on July 7, the day after the national team’s elimination by Belgium, a decline nearly ten times greater than the post–Super Bowl drop. External visits such as client meetings and vendor appointments also fell by 32 percent, about three times the usual post–Super Bowl rate. Envoy labeled the day “Knockout Tuesday.”

Some companies, including S&P, JPMorgan Chase & Co., and Goldman Sachs, advised employees in host cities to work remotely on match days to avoid traffic and maintain operations.

Iran experienced another earthquake on July 20, 2026, when a magnitude 5.2 tremor struck near the Kuzaran area in the western Kermanshah province. According to the Iranian Seismological Center at Tehran University, the quake occurred at 7:13 a.m. local time (03:43 GMT). Its epicenter was located about 17 kilometers from Kuzaran and 65 kilometers from the provincial capital, Kermanshah, at a depth of 8 kilometers. No casualties or damage have been reported so far.

Earlier, on Sunday, another earthquake measuring magnitude 5 hit the Saland area of Khuzestan province in southwestern Iran. Al Jazeera reported that the quake’s epicenter was in Saland, with a depth of about 12 kilometers below the surface, according to the Iranian Red Crescent Society cited by state broadcaster IRIB.

The recent tremors highlight ongoing seismic activity across multiple regions of Iran, though authorities have not yet reported any significant losses or disruptions.

After six months of uncertainty, the second revision proposal for the Dhaka-Ashulia Elevated Expressway project is set to be presented at the upcoming Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) meeting. The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister and ECNEC Chairperson Tarique Rahman, will be held on Wednesday at the Bangladesh Secretariat. The Planning Division has completed preparations to present this proposal along with eight other development projects.

According to the Planning Commission, the revised plan includes three new connections: the Baipail Interchange, access to and from the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, and integration with the under-construction MRT Line-1. These additions are expected to enhance connectivity between the expressway and Dhaka’s broader road network. The proposed revision also seeks to increase the project cost from the previously approved Tk 17,553 crore to Tk 26,581 crore, citing currency depreciation, tax changes, customs duties, utility relocation, and additional land acquisition.

The 24-kilometer expressway, financed under a government-to-government arrangement with China, is now proposed to extend its completion deadline to June 2030 due to delays. As of June 2025, financial progress stood at 66.86 percent, with physical progress exceeding 58 percent.

Global crude oil prices rose sharply on Monday as military tensions between the United States and Iran intensified. According to Al Jazeera, crude prices climbed more than 3 percent after disruptions in energy transport through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The escalation followed US airstrikes on Iranian targets for the ninth consecutive night after two American soldiers were killed in an Iranian attack. In response, Tehran suspended its interim peace agreement commitments and effectively halted shipping through the strait.

Brent crude rose by $2.75, or 3.12 percent, to $90.85 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude increased by $2.56, or 3.10 percent, to $85.50 per barrel. Around 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, and the disruption has raised fears of a major supply shortage.

Analysts cited uncertainty in energy supply and rising maritime insurance costs as factors that could sustain volatility in the oil market in the coming days.

According to a Wall Street Journal report cited by Amar Desh Online, Iran exported crude oil worth about $6 billion to China within 20 days after the United States temporarily lifted its export sanctions. The sanctions were lifted on June 17, 2026, following an agreement signed in Islamabad, but were reimposed on July 7 amid renewed tensions. During this brief window, Iran shipped nearly 70 million barrels of crude oil to China using around 20 tankers routed through Malaysia’s eastern coast.

The report stated that Iran took full advantage of the short sanction-free period to boost its oil exports. China remains Iran’s largest oil buyer, purchasing about 90 percent of its total exports. Even during previous sanction periods, Iranian tankers reportedly transferred oil to Chinese vessels in the Eastern Outer Port Limits area of the South China Sea.

After sanctions were reinstated on July 7, the United States also imposed a blockade on Iranian ports, preventing Iranian ships from leaving and foreign vessels from entering.

After India resumed visa services for Bangladeshi citizens following a long suspension, Kolkata’s major commercial areas such as New Market and Marquis Street have remained unusually quiet. Local traders and hotel owners had expected a revival of business once visas reopened, but the anticipated influx of Bangladeshi tourists has not materialized. Many attribute this reluctance to political tensions, safety concerns, and the growing appeal of alternative destinations.

Social media discussions among Bangladeshis reveal widespread apprehension about traveling to India, citing reports of hostility toward Muslims and fears of harassment. Some travelers emphasize that personal safety and hospitality are now their top priorities. The political climate and negative rhetoric from Indian political groups have further discouraged potential visitors.

As a result, many Bangladeshis are exploring other destinations such as China, the Maldives, Thailand, Nepal, Singapore, and Sri Lanka. Kolkata’s tourism-dependent economy is suffering, with hotel occupancy and retail sales plummeting. Local business owners warn that unless safety and respect are restored in travelers’ perceptions, the city’s tourism and trade sectors may face a deeper crisis.

Bangladesh Bank has issued a strict ultimatum to 29 banks with high levels of default loans, directing them to reduce their non-performing loan (NPL) ratios within six months. Banks with NPLs above 20 percent must bring them below that threshold, while those already under 20 percent must lower them to below 10 percent. Failure to comply will result in the transfer of default loans to an asset management company. The directive was delivered by Governor Mostakur Rahman during meetings with managing directors of the affected banks held between July 12 and 19, 2026.

The central bank emphasized that no dividends can be distributed from unrealized interest on toxic assets and instructed banks to resolve long-standing classified loans through legal or alternative dispute resolution processes. It also warned against irregularities and urged bank boards to act independently of political pressure. According to Bangladesh Bank data, the country’s overall default loan ratio rose to 32.26 percent by March 2026, the highest in South Asia.

Officials said the move aims to restore stability in the banking sector by enforcing strict monitoring and accountability among weak banks.

Severe flooding in Maharashtra’s Raigad district has destroyed around one million clay Ganesh idols just weeks before the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. Thousands of workshops and artisans have suffered major losses as floodwaters swept away finished idols, molds, and raw materials. Many artisans, including Bhaskar Dilip Matre, lost months of work and their primary source of income. Local authorities have begun assessing the damage, with officials promising financial assistance once evaluations are complete.

Raigad is a major hub for Ganesh idol production, hosting about 20,000 workshops that produce up to eight million idols annually, supporting roughly 150,000 seasonal workers and generating business worth 3.5 billion rupees. This year’s floods, caused by over 548 millimeters of rain between July 5 and 7, have disrupted the entire production cycle. Artisans say insurance coverage is insufficient, and many are struggling to meet festival orders.

Some workshop owners are planning to build permanent shelters and raise platforms to protect future production. However, with the festival approaching, artisans are focused on salvaging what remains and fulfilling as many orders as possible.

US-Bangla Airlines Managing Director Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun said Bangladesh cannot become a developed nation without strengthening its aviation sector. He made the remarks on Sunday at a press event in Cox’s Bazar marking the airline’s tenth anniversary. Mamun emphasized that aviation ensures connectivity and should be a national priority. He criticized high cargo export costs and the lack of government support during crises such as the pandemic and fuel price hikes, describing the sector as operating under a “go-it-alone” policy.

He noted that nine airlines have shut down in recent years due to high landing, parking, and fuel costs, heavy taxes, and policy complications. US-Bangla plans to expand to 30 destinations in 20 countries by 2027, adding 21 new aircraft and developing Chattogram and Sylhet as regional hubs. Mamun urged journalists to promote domestic airlines and report responsibly on technical issues.

He also announced plans to build a healthcare city on 1,000 bighas of land, send students abroad for pilot training, and establish a data center and software park, all funded without bank loans.

A rare species of dead marine fish, identified as a unicorn leatherjacket or filefish, washed ashore on Kuakata’s Char Gangamati beach in Patuakhali on Sunday, July 19, 2026. The fish, locally known as 'jacket fish' or 'potka fish', was first spotted by a local resident, Abdul Jalil, who noticed the unusual creature lying on the sand. The discovery quickly drew attention from residents and tourists, who gathered to see the rare specimen.

Local environmentalist K.M. Bachchu described the incident as exceptional, noting that such fish had not been seen in the area before. Experts explained that the filefish, scientifically known as Aluterus monoceros, typically inhabits deep-sea environments and feeds on algae, sponges, jellyfish, shrimp, and other small invertebrates. According to researcher Md. Bakhtiar Rahman from the “Healthy Ocean” project, the fish may have drifted ashore due to environmental changes, stormy weather, or illness, though such occurrences are very rare.

Senior fisheries officer Apu Saha emphasized that when rare marine species appear on the coast, authorities should be informed for preservation and research purposes.

Authorities in Bhangura upazila of Pabna conducted a joint operation on Sunday afternoon, seizing banned Chinese fishing nets worth Tk 260,000. The nets were confiscated from several water bodies in Chakdigar, Satbariya, and Boidyamorich areas and later destroyed by fire. The drive was led by Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Mizanur Rahman, with the participation of the upazila fisheries officer Md. Ali Azam and local police personnel.

According to Executive Magistrate Mizanur Rahman, the Bhangura region, once rich in native fish species due to its proximity to the Chalan Beel wetlands, is now facing a decline in indigenous fish resources. The use of prohibited nets has been identified as a major threat to local fish populations and aquatic biodiversity.

The operation reflects ongoing efforts by local authorities to protect aquatic ecosystems and enforce fishing regulations in the region.