An emergency closed-door meeting was held in Bandarban on Tuesday night to assess flood damage and discuss rehabilitation and infrastructure reconstruction. The session, chaired by State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Ahidul Islam, took place at the Bandarban Deputy Commissioner's conference room from 8:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. According to a district administration notice, the minister visited the district to review the ongoing flood situation and coordinate response efforts.

During the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Saniul Ferdous presented detailed information on the extent of damage across seven upazilas, including roads, bridges, culverts, power infrastructure, agriculture, educational institutions, and homes. He also reported on the progress of rehabilitation activities and the need for government assistance. The state minister then discussed post-flood rehabilitation, infrastructure rebuilding, and restoration of electricity supply with officials from relevant departments.

District administration sources said the meeting emphasized accelerating rehabilitation in affected areas, rebuilding damaged infrastructure, restoring electricity and communication systems, and ensuring necessary support for affected residents. The session aimed to strengthen coordination among departments and determine next steps for managing the ongoing flood crisis.

Scientists have discovered a sugar molecule in the interstellar region of space for the first time, marking a major breakthrough in understanding the origins of life. The finding, published Monday in the journal Nature Astronomy, was led by Dr. Izaskun Jimenez-Serra of Spain’s Center for Astrobiology. Researchers identified the molecule in the Milky Way’s interstellar medium, an area filled with dust and gas between stars, long suspected to act as a natural chemical factory for complex organic compounds.

Dr. Jimenez-Serra described the confirmation of the molecule’s presence as thrilling, noting that the team conducted repeated tests to rule out observational errors. MIT astrochemist Brett McGuire, who was not part of the study, called the discovery highly significant, saying the data clearly confirm the molecule’s existence. Scientists have long known that sugars are essential for forming RNA and DNA, yet laboratory attempts to recreate them under early Earth conditions have failed.

The study suggests that such sugars may have formed in interstellar environments before stars and planets existed, later reaching Earth via asteroids and comets. Researchers estimate that between 500,000 and 50 million tons of sugar could have arrived this way, strengthening the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe.

The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre reported on Tuesday that water levels in the Surma and Kushiyara rivers of northeastern Bangladesh have begun to recede. The center expects the levels to remain stable for the next 24 hours and to fall further over the following two days, improving flood conditions in low-lying areas of Sylhet and Sunamganj within 24 to 48 hours. Despite this, four points in three rivers across four districts are still flowing above danger levels.

The Meteorological Department said rainfall has decreased nationwide, leading to improved weather conditions, though heavy rain may return to coastal districts and Sylhet from July 17. The government reported that eight districts in Chattogram and Sylhet divisions were severely affected by floods and landslides, impacting over 609,000 people and causing 54 deaths. Relief efforts include cash aid, rice, and dry food distribution, with the army, BGB, and Coast Guard engaged in rescue operations.

The agriculture ministry stated that Aman seedbeds suffered the most damage, and free seeds and fertilizer will be distributed once water recedes. Preparations are underway to create alternative seedbeds using flood-tolerant rice varieties by August 15.

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam stated that post-flood rehabilitation is now the government’s main priority. He said that once floodwaters fully recede, relevant departments will submit final damage reports, based on which comprehensive rehabilitation work will begin. The minister urged citizens to trust the elected government, assuring that damaged roads, educational institutions, and other infrastructure will be repaired quickly, and affected farmers, livestock owners, and homeowners will be brought under rehabilitation programs.

He made these remarks on Tuesday, July 14, during a relief distribution event for over a hundred flood-affected families in Burir Dokan area of Baraitali Union, Chakaria upazila, Cox’s Bazar. Earlier, he visited several flood- and landslide-affected areas in Chakaria following nine days of heavy rainfall and hill torrents.

Anindya Islam also warned that illegal hill cutting will no longer be tolerated under the current government. He said strict legal action will be taken against those responsible for hill destruction or creating artificial waterlogging by closing sluice gates. Several local officials and political leaders were present at the event.

A mobile court in Bhangura upazila of Pabna conducted a raid on Tuesday morning in Naubaria village, seizing banned Chinese fishing nets worth about Tk 150,000. The nets were confiscated under Section 5(1) of the Fish Protection and Conservation Act, 1950, and later destroyed by fire. One person, identified as Milan, 36, son of Anil from Naubaria village, was fined Tk 5,000 for transporting the illegal nets, and a warehouse used for storing them was sealed.

The operation was led by Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Mizanur Rahman, with the participation of Acting Upazila Fisheries Officer Ali Azam and Sub-Inspector Ershad Hossain of Bhangura Police Station. According to the magistrate, the use and transport of banned Chinese nets are harmful to fish resources, prompting the enforcement action.

Authorities stated that the main trader, Haripada, was not found during the raid, but further investigation and legal steps are planned. The upazila administration confirmed that similar drives will continue to protect national fish resources and curb illegal fishing gear use.

Twelve eggs of a venomous cobra species were recovered from a prayer house in Patiya, Chattogram, on Tuesday afternoon. The rescue was carried out by a team from Chattogram Snake Rescue Team Bangladesh after locals spotted a snake inside the Chishtia Khanqah Sharif in the municipality’s Ward 6 area. The discovery caused panic and curiosity among residents, prompting a crowd to gather at the site.

According to local accounts, some people initially tried to destroy the eggs, but a few aware residents informed the Forest Department instead. The rescue team then collected the eggs and confirmed they belonged to the highly venomous Padma cobra. The team stated that the eggs were in good condition and would be artificially incubated for one and a half to two months before the hatchlings are released into a remote forest area.

Rescue officials emphasized the importance of wildlife conservation and urged the public not to harm snakes or their eggs but to contact authorities for safe handling.

The Bangladesh Air Force Women’s Welfare Association (BAFWWA) has distributed relief materials among flood-affected families in several districts, including Chattogram, Sylhet, and Cox’s Bazar. Under the initiative and guidance of BAFWWA Chairperson Saleha Khan, the Chattogram branch provided dry food, clean water, and essential medicines to families in flood-hit areas of Anwara upazila on Tuesday.

Similarly, the BAFWWA sub-regional branch at Shamshernagar distributed relief items to flood-affected families in Rajdighirpar, Kamalganj upazila of Moulvibazar district. Under the overall direction of Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan, the Bangladesh Air Force Base Cox’s Bazar also carried out relief distribution in the flood-affected Rajakhali area of Pekua upazila.

According to the report, the Bangladesh Air Force and BAFWWA will continue their humanitarian and relief operations until the flood situation normalizes. All Air Force bases and units have been instructed to assist nearby flood-affected communities, while rescue teams, helicopters, and the Disaster Management Cell remain on standby for emergency operations.

A mobile court of the Bureau of Mineral Development (BMD) seized 94,390 cubic feet of stones in Companiganj upazila of Sylhet on Monday. The operation, led by Executive Magistrate Saikat Raihan, took place throughout the day across several villages including Bonpur, Adarshagram, Gucchhagram, Bijoypara, and Majhergaon. The confiscated stones were later placed under the custody of local union parishad members.

According to the report, the stones had been piled near houses in the Utma area for about six years. They were originally extracted from the Utma River and nearby quarries and had previously been seized by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) but were not auctioned at that time. The latest operation was conducted with the assistance of the upazila administration and police.

Officials stated that the seized stones would be sold through auction, and the proceeds would be deposited into the government treasury.

The Internet Service Provider Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to arrest those involved in an extortion and attack incident at an internet service provider office in Chattogram. The warning came during a press conference held by ISPAB’s Chattogram division at the Chattogram Press Club on Tuesday. The association claimed that if the perpetrators are not detained within the deadline, internet services across the country could be disrupted due to growing insecurity among providers.

According to ISPAB, a group of assailants attacked the office of Digital DotNet in Chattogram on Monday afternoon, demanding around two crore taka in extortion. When the demand was not met, they vandalized the office, causing significant damage to equipment and furniture. ISPAB’s Chattogram division convener Rajib Shahriar Rubens said the incident has left many entrepreneurs and employees in the internet sector feeling unsafe.

The association demanded immediate arrests, exemplary punishment for those responsible, and stronger security measures for internet service providers to prevent further disruptions.

Popular Bangladeshi actor Mosharraf Karim appeared in a new role as a judge, joined by actor-director Shamim Zaman and film actress Aanchal Akhi at the grand finale of the reality show ‘Miss and Mrs Plus Beauty Season 3’. The event, jointly organized by Star Multimedia and Dance Kingdom, aimed to celebrate the intelligence, confidence, personality, and inner beauty of plus-size women beyond conventional beauty standards. The competition began with 30 participants, from which eight finalists advanced to the final round.

Aanchal expressed her excitement and honor at sharing the judging panel with Mosharraf Karim and Shamim Zaman, describing the experience as a memorable milestone in her acting career. She praised the contestants’ performances and said she was delighted to be part of the event.

In the finale, Wafia Sadiqa was crowned champion after impressing the judges with her ramp walk, personality, quick thinking, and overall performance. Jerin Khan and Dalia Islam Jui were named first and second runners-up respectively. The judges jointly crowned the winner at the closing ceremony.

Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) has approved the introduction of scrip netting, also known as intraday trading, in the country’s stock market. The decision was made at a commission meeting chaired by BSEC Chairman Masud Khan on Tuesday, according to a statement signed by Executive Director and Spokesperson Abul Kalam. The Dhaka and Chittagong stock exchanges have been authorized to implement the system once all necessary preparations are complete. The new mechanism will allow investors to buy and sell shares of the same company within a single day and settle only the net position at the end of the trading day.

BSEC earlier indicated that the facility would initially be limited to high-quality companies, possibly around 30, due to concerns about investor maturity and the limited number of strong securities. DSE Brokers Association President Saiful Islam said scrip netting is a globally recognized practice but has not been implemented in Bangladesh due to fears of misuse. He suggested starting with the DS-30 companies as a pilot phase.

Islam added that the Dhaka Stock Exchange is technically ready but may need software upgrades. He also noted that full implementation across all listed companies would require the operational readiness of Central Counter Party Bangladesh Limited (CCBL), which has yet to begin activities since its launch in 2019.

Stakeholders and experts have called for Bangladesh’s blue economy to be treated as a national priority, emphasizing coordinated initiatives to harness its potential. The call came on Tuesday at a policy discussion titled “Consultation of National Stakeholders on Blue Economy Management in Bangladesh,” organized by the Blue Economy Think Tank at the Doyel Seminar Hall of the CEMEC Institute of Technology in Uttara, Dhaka.

Speakers, including academics, government officials, and private sector representatives, highlighted the sea as a major source of opportunity for Bangladesh. They stressed the need for a national framework, legal structure, and effective policies for sustainable management of marine resources. The discussion underscored stronger inter-ministerial coordination, enhanced collaboration among stakeholders, and inclusion of trained officials and researchers in planning and management.

Participants also noted that public-private partnerships could transform the blue economy into a key source of national income. The consultation was supported by the Australian government under the “Australia Awards–Driving Change: Alumni Grants for Innovation” program, aiming to promote knowledge exchange and capacity building in the sector.

The Mohonpur-Taltola connecting road in Debidwar upazila of Cumilla has remained unpaved for seven decades since its construction with soil. The 1.5-kilometer stretch, linking Mohonpur Bazar and Taltola village, becomes muddy and nearly impassable even after light rain, causing daily suffering for thousands of residents from three nearby villages. During the monsoon, the road turns almost unusable, disrupting movement for students, farmers, traders, and general commuters.

Locals report that the poor condition of the road severely hampers access to schools and madrasas, while rickshaws, vans, and goods carriers cannot operate, making it difficult for farmers to market their produce. Transporting patients, pregnant women, and the elderly to hospitals becomes extremely challenging, and accidents from slipping in the mud are frequent. Residents have long demanded the road’s paving, citing its impact on education, healthcare, agriculture, and local economic activities.

According to the Debidwar Upazila Local Government Engineering Department, an estimate for paving the road has been submitted to the project director. Once approved, the tender process will begin to start construction work.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman met a three-member delegation from the voluntary organization BD Clean on Tuesday, July 14, at his office in the National Parliament. The meeting focused on BD Clean’s ongoing activities to build a cleaner Bangladesh, protect the environment, and raise public awareness. State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam was also present during the meeting.

The delegation included Champa Akter and Zahirul Islam Robi, both former chief coordinators, and Masudur Rahman, the current chief coordinator. Founded on June 3, 2016, with a single volunteer, BD Clean now operates in 58 districts and 165 upazilas with more than 58,000 members. Over the past decade, the organization has cleaned 18 canals, 7 rivers, and 76 parks while conducting regular cleanliness drives and awareness programs.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister praised BD Clean’s volunteers for their contribution to creating a cleaner and more livable Bangladesh and emphasized expanding such public awareness initiatives. The BD Clean representatives expressed their commitment to working under his leadership to make Dhaka cleaner, more livable, and environmentally friendly.

Bangladesh Bank has granted a special facility to Shinepukur Ceramics Limited, a company owned by Salman F Rahman, former adviser on private industry and investment to the prime minister. The central bank issued a directive on Tuesday allowing the company to open import letters of credit (LCs) for raw materials with a 100 percent margin through Sonali Bank. This exemption will remain effective until December 31, 2027, and temporarily suspends the application of Section 27 KaKa(3) of the Bank Company Act for the firm.

The directive clarifies that neither the government nor Bangladesh Bank will bear any liability for loans or financing extended under this facility, and lenders cannot seek financial support from them in the future. Shinepukur Ceramics faced legal complications in opening LCs since August 5, 2024, after its parent group, Beximco, was classified as a loan defaulter. Although Shinepukur itself is not a defaulter, it was affected by the group’s classification.

The central bank issued the directive following approval from the Ministry of Finance. A similar exemption had previously been granted to Abdul Monem Sugar Refinery for one year under comparable circumstances.