Adviser Asif Nazrul expressed frustration over being falsely labeled and harassed due to his government role. “People bring me unethical requests, and when I refuse, they insult me and call me an agent of India,” he said. Despite facing baseless allegations, he claims he cannot respond. He also urged journalists to unite and avoid factionalism, warning that a divided press can never be truly independent.

Three former Chief Election Commissioners and 21 others are now facing new charges of treason, fraud, and embezzlement. On Wednesday, the investigation officer submitted an appeal to add charges under Penal Code sections 124(a), 420, and 406. The court approved the request after a hearing. Notable accused include ex-CECs Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad, AKM Nurul Huda, and Kazi Habibul Awal, as well as former IGPs Hasan Mahmood Khandker, AKM Shahidul Haque, Javed Patwary, Benazir Ahmed, and Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun.

Education Adviser CR Abrar stated that every effort is being made to ensure transparent and error-free HSC and equivalent examinations, drawing on past experiences with question leaks. He emphasized swift result publication and confirmed that necessary accommodations are in place for students injured during the July uprising. Abrar urged students to leave early to avoid delays on exam days.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Israel to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and dismiss the ongoing corruption trials against him. Trump stated that just as the U.S. has stood by Israel, it should also protect Netanyahu, whom he described as a “fighter.” Netanyahu has faced charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust since 2019—all of which he denies.

The Israeli military has launched large-scale drills in the Jordan Valley, scheduled to run from Thursday morning until evening. According to an official statement, heavy military vehicle movement is expected throughout the day. The exercise comes just one day after a temporary ceasefire ended a two-week conflict between Israel and Iran, brokered by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Notably, the United States also participated in a strike against Iran during the conflict.

Iran’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Amir Saeed Iravani, harshly criticized the Security Council’s failure to respond to Israel’s attacks on Iranian soil. Calling the assault a blatant violation of international law, he opposed the Israeli delegation’s participation in council sessions. He commended Qatar for its diplomatic efforts and accused the U.S., UK, and France of hypocrisy—maintaining vast nuclear arsenals while remaining silent on Israel’s violations. Iravani also noted that Israel has not allowed inspections of its nuclear weapons program.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian praised the nation's unity and resistance, saying that victory over the Zionist regime was earned through the collective strength and courage of the Iranian people. In a national address, he stated, “This historic victory belongs to the great nation and civilization of Iran.” He condemned the Israeli aggression as unjustified and reiterated Iran’s commitment to resolving misunderstandings over its peaceful nuclear program through diplomacy.

A mobile court in Hili has sealed three warehouses operated by M/S Micro Grain for illegally stockpiling nearly 2,000 tons of paddy and 271 metric tons of imported rice. Legal proceedings are underway at Hakimpur Police Station. Executive Magistrate Amit Roy confirmed the operation.

Following 12 days of intense conflict with Iran, Israel is reportedly facing a critical shortage of weapons and ammunition, according to NBC News, citing three officials. The report noted that Israel is running particularly low on some vital weaponry. Despite years of U.S. military aid, Israel relied heavily on American assistance for missile defense and logistics during the Iranian assault.

Iran's Ministry of Health reported that at least 627 people have been killed and 4,870 injured during two weeks of Israeli airstrikes. Tehran and Kermanshah provinces suffered the highest casualties, while Khuzestan, Lorestan, Isfahan, Markazi, East Azerbaijan, Hamedan, Zanjan, and Gilan also reported significant damage. Among the fatalities, 86.1% died at the scene, and 13.9% succumbed to injuries en route to hospitals.

Security Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury criticized the government's failure to curb drugs and corruption, calling them the country's two biggest enemies. “India doesn’t consume phensedyl; it’s produced there only to smuggle into Bangladesh,” he stated. He confirmed that a high-ranking official in law enforcement was recently dismissed over drug-related involvement. He emphasized the need to identify and prosecute the "godfathers" behind the trade. The government has spent over BDT 1,400 crore on addiction rehabilitation centers, he added, urging all sectors of society to recognize the destructive impact of drug abuse.

The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has unanimously approved a budget of BDT 6,069 crore for the fiscal year 2025–26 during its 7th corporation meeting on Wednesday. Revenue collection is also targeted at BDT 6,069 crore, with 60%—approximately BDT 3,636 crore—expected from internal revenue. Nearly 76% of the total budget has been allocated to development projects, while waste management has been given the second-highest allocation at 8%.

The Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent exams begin today with the Bangla First Paper. Written exams will continue until August 10, followed by practical exams. Education Adviser Professor Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar will visit two examination centers in Dhaka—Vashantek Government College and Government Bangla College in Mirpur. He is expected to brief the media afterward regarding the overall examination process.

Despite evidence proving the imported fish was substandard and unfit for consumption, and prior to a resolution, National Credit and Commerce (NCC) Bank released Tk 3.7 million under a Letter of Credit (LC) to a Uruguayan company. The foreign supplier had agreed to compensation, and Bangladesh Bank had advised discussing the issue with the importer. A writ petition was also filed in the High Court. Now, the importing company—Ma Amena International—has served legal notices to five officials of the importing firm PLC, accusing them of bypassing legal procedures for personal gain.

Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed suspects that vested business interests may be fueling the ongoing protests by National Board of Revenue (NBR) officials. While reforms are meant to increase transparency and accountability without harming anyone’s career, the intensity of the protests raises concerns about hidden agendas. Dr. Ahmed emphasized that such issues can always be resolved through discussion and expressed surprise at the sudden mass absence of officials from work.