Bangladesh and France have discussed expanding cooperation in digital technology, telecommunications, science, research, innovation, and skilled human resource development to strengthen their longstanding friendship. The discussion took place when French Ambassador Jean-Marc Serre-Charlet paid a courtesy call on Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Monday.

Minister Anam highlighted that an Earth Observation Satellite could play a vital role in disaster management, agriculture, land administration, and environmental protection. He said the government is assessing the feasibility of establishing such a satellite and prioritizing international collaboration. The minister noted France’s extensive experience in satellite technology and expressed hope for a new era of cooperation through knowledge and skill exchange.

Ambassador Serre-Charlet stated that France is ready to assist Bangladesh in feasibility studies, technology transfer, training, and capacity building for the satellite project. He added that the technology could support agriculture, disaster management, urban planning, border security, and maritime surveillance, and emphasized interest in joint research with Bangladeshi universities.

Saudi Arabia has assured Bangladesh of cooperation in reducing taxes and charges imposed on Hajj flights to help lower travel costs for Bangladeshi pilgrims. The assurance came during a meeting between Saudi Ambassador Dr. Abdullah Ibn Dhafeer Ibn Ubaiah and Bangladesh’s Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism Afroza Khanam, held on Monday at the Secretariat. State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat was also present.

During the meeting, Minister Afroza Khanam emphasized that lowering Saudi-imposed taxes and charges on Hajj flights would significantly reduce expenses for the large number of Bangladeshi pilgrims. In response, the Saudi ambassador said his government would consider the issue positively and is committed to improving services and facilities for Bangladeshi pilgrims while keeping costs reasonable.

State Minister Millat highlighted that the absence of Category-D accommodation has increased lodging costs for Bangladeshi pilgrims and requested Saudi cooperation to reinstate the category. Both sides agreed to strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation in civil aviation, tourism, and Hajj management.

As the United States celebrates 250 years of independence, Bangladesh reflects on five decades of bilateral relations that have shifted from post-war aid to a multifaceted partnership rooted in trade, technology, and innovation. The relationship, formally established in 1972, now spans sectors including apparel exports, agriculture, health, education, and climate resilience. In 2025, bilateral trade reached about 11.8 billion US dollars, with Bangladesh exporting roughly 9.5 billion dollars’ worth of goods to the US.

The article highlights how cooperation once centered on development assistance through USAID has expanded into investment, research, and knowledge exchange. US programs have supported Bangladesh’s progress in public health, agriculture, disaster management, and women’s empowerment. Educational exchanges such as Fulbright and Humphrey fellowships have fostered leadership and institutional capacity.

This evolving partnership is increasingly defined by mutual economic interests and shared goals in innovation, human capital, and sustainable growth. The shift from “aid to trade” symbolizes a new era of collaboration, positioning Bangladesh as a key Indo-Pacific partner in global supply chains and technology-driven development.

The Kaptai-Karnaphuli Hydropower Plant in Rangamati achieved its highest electricity production of the year following heavy rainfall and upstream water flow that raised the Kaptai Lake level. On Monday morning, the lake’s water level reached 100.60 feet mean sea level, surpassing Sunday night’s 99.15 feet. As a result, the plant’s five units generated a total of 206 megawatts of electricity by 9 a.m. Monday, marking the highest output so far in 2026.

According to plant manager engineer Mahmud Hasan, the increase in water level directly contributed to the surge in power generation. The control room engineers reported that units 1, 3, 4, and 5 each produced 40 megawatts, while unit 2 generated 46 megawatts. The combined capacity of the five units is 240 megawatts.

Last year, electricity generation exceeded 200 megawatts until November but dropped below that level from December due to reduced water levels in the lake.

Continuous monsoon rains and upstream water flow have worsened flooding across Bangladesh’s northeastern and southeastern districts, affecting more than one million people. According to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre, water levels in several major rivers, including the Surma, Kushiyara, and Someshwari, have risen above danger levels at multiple points. The Disaster Management and Relief Ministry reported 51 deaths from floods and landslides so far, with about 267,000 families trapped by floodwaters and 44,000 people taking shelter in 1,131 relief centers.

Heavy rainfall was recorded in multiple regions, including 209 millimeters in Jamalpur and over 150 millimeters in Sunamganj, while upstream rainfall in India’s Meghalaya has intensified the situation. Seven districts—Khagrachhari, Rangamati, Bandarban, Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram, Moulvibazar, and Habiganj—remain severely affected, with disrupted transport and power outages in many areas.

Meteorologists forecast continued heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next 48 hours in Sylhet, Rangpur, and Mymensingh divisions, raising short-term flood risks in low-lying areas. However, a slight improvement is expected in the Chattogram region as rainfall decreases and water drainage improves.

At least nine workers were killed when a massive heap of waste collapsed at a waste-to-energy plant on the outskirts of Pune, in India’s western Maharashtra state. The incident occurred on Wednesday after heavy rainfall caused thousands of tons of waste from a nearby landfill to fall onto the plant’s administrative building. Operator Antony Waste said 23 workers were trapped inside the building when the collapse occurred.

Rescue teams recovered nine bodies after a prolonged operation, while 14 others were rescued alive. Continuous rain hampered the rescue efforts, and plant authorities reported severe difficulties in reaching those trapped under the debris. The plant’s operations have been temporarily suspended pending structural and safety assessments.

The report notes that such accidents are common during India’s monsoon season, which runs from June to September, as prolonged rainfall weakens older structures. Scientists have warned that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in India, and meteorologists fear that a strong El Niño this year could further disrupt normal weather patterns.

Former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, known as the 'Father Emir' of Qatar, has died at the age of 74. During his 18-year rule from 1995 to 2013, Qatar transformed from a small, oil-dependent economy into a major global energy exporter and investment powerhouse. Under his leadership, the country began large-scale gas extraction and liquefied natural gas (LNG) production, becoming the world’s largest LNG exporter within 15 years.

Qatar’s GDP grew from about 8 billion dollars in 1995 to nearly 199 billion dollars in 2013, driven by rapid expansion in the gas sector. Sheikh Hamad established the Qatar Investment Authority in 2005 to channel surplus energy revenues into global investments, including stakes in Barclays, Volkswagen, and Harrods. He also prioritized education, healthcare, and infrastructure, founding the Qatar Foundation and initiating projects such as Hamad International Airport and Lusail City.

His long-term vision, embodied in the Qatar National Vision 2030, aimed to reduce reliance on natural resources and build a knowledge-based economy. Analysts credit Sheikh Hamad with laying the foundation for Qatar’s sustained prosperity and global economic influence.

US-Bangla Airlines has announced a major investment plan worth about Tk 14,000 crore (US$1.1 billion) to add 21 new Boeing 737-8 aircraft to its fleet. The company informed the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority that the aircraft will be leased from five leading global aircraft leasing firms and delivered gradually by 2027. Once implemented, the airline’s fleet will expand from 25 to 46 aircraft.

According to the company, the expansion aims to develop Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet as regional aviation hubs, connecting South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. The formal announcement of the investment will take place on July 29 at Hotel Sheraton in Dhaka, with representatives from Boeing, the US Embassy, and international leasing companies expected to attend. The event will also outline delivery schedules and future expansion strategies.

US-Bangla stated that the new aircraft will feature upgraded cabins, premium seating, wireless in-flight entertainment, and Wi-Fi connectivity. The airline expects the expansion to increase international routes, flight frequency, and passenger capacity while creating hundreds of new jobs and boosting tourism, trade, and foreign exchange earnings.

India has decided not to rush into a trade agreement with the United States, opting instead to wait for more favorable terms. The interim deal expected during U.S. Trade Representative Jamison Greer’s visit to New Delhi last month did not materialize, as Washington failed to meet India’s key demands. These included tariff advantages over competitors like China and assurances that the U.S. would not impose new tariffs after signing. Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal later confirmed that no deal would proceed without concrete benefits.

Analysts cited India’s growing export strength, reduced economic risks, and political stability as reasons behind its firm stance. India’s exports rose by about 15 percent in April–June, supported by high petroleum prices and recovery in Gulf markets. The country is also expanding trade ties with the UK and the EU. Goldman Sachs raised India’s 2026 growth forecast to 6.8 percent, noting improved inflation and current account conditions.

Officials indicated that New Delhi is watching potential legal and political hurdles to U.S. tariff plans. Domestic political gains and legal uncertainty in Washington have further encouraged India to hold its position.

The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) has announced a reduction in gold prices across the country. In a notice issued on Thursday morning, the association said the price of 22-carat gold has been lowered by Tk 2,216 per bhori, setting the new rate at Tk 221,966 including VAT. The revised prices took effect from 10 a.m. the same day.

BAJUS explained that the adjustment follows a decrease in the price of pure gold. Under the new pricing, 21-carat gold will cost Tk 211,993 per bhori, 18-carat gold Tk 182,075, and traditional gold Tk 148,774. The association stated that these rates will remain in force until further notice, and that VAT is already included in the retail price, meaning no separate VAT may be charged to customers.

According to BAJUS, this is the 90th price adjustment of the year, with 44 increases, 45 decreases, and one VAT revision so far. In 2025, the association made 93 adjustments, most of which were price increases.

A severe heatwave has gripped the central United States, breaking multiple long-standing temperature records across several cities. According to preliminary data from the National Weather Service, Salt Lake City in Utah and Billings in Montana both reached 109 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius) on Sunday, marking the highest temperatures recorded in more than 150 years of recordkeeping. The extreme heat has disrupted daily life across the northern plains and Rocky Mountain regions.

The intense conditions have also hampered efforts to control ongoing wildfires in Colorado and Utah. Meteorologists warned that the high temperatures are expected to persist through Tuesday. Just a week earlier, the U.S. East Coast experienced another heatwave, with New York and Philadelphia reaching around 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

Experts cited climate change as a key driver behind the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves worldwide. They attributed the trend to the continued use of coal, oil, and gas, and the resulting greenhouse gas emissions. The World Health Organization reported that June was the hottest on record in Western Europe, where more than 1,300 people died due to extreme heat.

More than 10,000 people died across Europe during an eight-day heatwave from June 20 to 28, according to a report released Sunday by EuroMOMO, a monitoring organization jointly operated by the European Union and the World Health Organization. The report stated that most of the deaths occurred among people aged 65 and older, primarily due to heatstroke and heat-induced cardiac or respiratory failure.

EuroMOMO official and Danish Statens Serum Institute chief physician Lasse Vestergaard told Reuters that the deaths were directly caused by extreme heat, calling the number unusually high for such a short period. The report did not specify country-by-country figures but noted that a large share of the deaths occurred in France and Belgium. Official data indicate that EU countries have been recording an average of 500 heat-related deaths per week for the past eight weeks.

European scientists attributed the June heatwave to human-induced climate change and warned that similar extreme heat events are likely to recur in the coming years.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has questioned why Bangladesh has not taken steps to close or restructure banks with extremely high default loan ratios, some exceeding 80 percent. The issue was raised during a series of meetings held on Sunday between IMF representatives and officials from various departments of Bangladesh Bank. The IMF delegation, led by mission chief Ivo Krznar, is in Dhaka for a five-day visit to begin preliminary discussions on a new loan program.

Discussions covered banking sector reforms, non-performing loan (NPL) reduction, bank resolution strategies, Islamic banking, foreign exchange management, and a new 600 billion taka stimulus package. The IMF sought explanations on why state-owned banks were excluded from asset quality reviews and why weak banks had not yet entered resolution processes. Bangladesh Bank officials said guidelines for NPL resolution are being prepared for release by December, and IFRS-9 implementation instructions have already been issued to banks.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that any new IMF loan program will prioritize national interests. The government expects to secure $4–4.5 billion over three years to support macroeconomic stability and external financing needs.

An elderly woman named Rowshon Ara Begum, aged 70, died on Sunday afternoon when the wall of her earthen house collapsed due to continuous heavy rainfall in Dhukundi village of Amlab Union, Belabo upazila, Narsingdi. She was the wife of the late Abdul Aziz and had been living with her daughter in their homestead. The wall reportedly softened after days of rain and suddenly fell on her, causing fatal injuries before locals could rescue her.

Police from Belabo station visited the site following the incident. The victim’s family said they are living in extreme hardship, as their house has nearly collapsed, leaving them without shelter. The same day, another earthen house in Pahar Ujilabo village also collapsed due to heavy rain, though no casualties occurred.

Local residents urged authorities to relocate families living in vulnerable earthen houses to safer places and take steps for rehabilitation of those affected by the continuous rainfall.

A 65-year-old man named Niranjan Das died after being swept away by floodwaters in Kacchopia Union of Ramu upazila, Cox’s Bazar. The incident occurred on Sunday evening when he was returning from his workplace in Naikhongchhari. He slipped while crossing a submerged section of the Gorjonia Bazar–Naikhongchhari connecting road near a culvert in Fakrikata village and was carried away by the strong current.

Niranjan Das was a resident of Dochhari Purbo Dashpara in Kacchopia Union and the elder brother of local Union Parishad member Bimal Das. Locals and fire service personnel later recovered his body after a search operation and transported it to his home by boat.

The incident has cast a shadow of grief over the local community, according to the report.