The Inter-Cadre Discrimination Elimination Council has called for merit-based deputy secretary appointments, cadre-specific leadership in ministries, and the abolition of quotas in public administration. Speaking at a seminar in Ramna, they argued that the current system fosters inequality and inefficiency, opposing the spirit of the July revolution. Speakers demanded actionable reforms over paper-based changes to build a more efficient, accountable, and welfare-oriented public administration.

Professor Haluk Görgün, head of Turkey’s Defense Industry Agency, met with Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus and Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman during his visit to Dhaka on July 8. Discussions focused on strengthening defense cooperation between the two nations. Görgün assured support in technical and strategic areas for Bangladesh’s defense sector. The Turkish agency specializes in international cooperation for military training, research, and arms development.

An indefinite transport strike has begun in Sylhet, called by the District Road Transport Owners-Workers Unity Council over a six-point demand. Starting Tuesday morning, the strike has disrupted citywide public transport, leaving buses off the roads and forcing commuters to rely on rickshaws, private cars, and expensive CNG auto-rickshaws. Many have turned to train travel but faced ticket shortages. The strike has remained peaceful with no picketing or violence. A meeting between government officials and transport leaders is expected to resolve the crisis.

Several individuals injured in the July Uprising vandalized the office of the July Martyrs Memorial Foundation in Shahbagh, Dhaka, after not receiving promised compensation. Despite waiting from noon till evening on July 8 with the assurance of payment, they were told by the CEO that funds would not be disbursed that day. Enraged, around 20–25 injured protesters damaged furniture and fixtures in the office. The foundation stated that many injured individuals are still suffering from psychological trauma and uncertainty about their future, which may have contributed to their frustration. It also noted that initial compensation has already been provided to the severely injured, with 806 recipients paid in the second phase, and the rest to be paid in due course.

Following a $2.01 billion payment to the Asian Clearing Union (ACU) for import bills, Bangladesh’s foreign currency reserves have dropped to $29.53 billion. The net reserve now stands at $24.46 billion, down from over $26 billion before the payment. The transaction, made on July 8, covers import liabilities for May and June, reflecting the pressure on the country's reserve position.

A recent ICDDR,B study reveals that more than 90% of families in Dhaka’s slums are burdened by debt caused by food insecurity. Over half of these families struggle to secure daily meals due to irregular income, leading to nutritional deficiencies, especially among pregnant women, adolescents, and young children. The study highlights increased anemia, stunting, and underweight issues. The Nutri-Cap project introduced integrated nutrition and health services, improving pregnancy outcomes and child growth in these vulnerable communities.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has imposed an indefinite ban on all forms of public gatherings in and around the Bangladesh Secretariat, the official residence of the Prime Adviser in Jamuna, and adjacent areas, starting from July 9, 2025.

According to the DMP, the ban includes rallies, processions, demonstrations, human chains, sit-ins, and any other type of public assembly. The restriction will remain in place until further notice.

Authorities have cited the need to maintain public order and ensure the security of the Prime Adviser as the primary reasons behind the ban. The restricted zone includes key intersections and surrounding areas such as Hotel InterContinental Crossing, Kakrail Mosque Crossing, Officers' Club Crossing, and Minto Road Crossing.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has alerted the public about fraudulent activities involving the misuse of the Defense Secretary Md. Ashraf Uddin’s photo and official credentials. Fraudsters are using his mobile numbers and WhatsApp IDs to demand unethical benefits from individuals and organizations. ISPR urges everyone to stay vigilant and reports that legal actions are underway against the perpetrators. Victims are encouraged to contact law enforcement immediately if approached by anyone impersonating the Defense Secretary.

From August 15, individuals in Bangladesh can register up to 10 mobile SIMs under their name, as per a new directive by BTRC. Users with more than 10 SIMs will need to choose which ones to keep, with priority given to frequently used and mobile financial service-linked numbers. The decision aims to curb SIM-related fraud and misuse. Currently, over 80% of users have five or fewer SIMs, so most won’t be affected. Operators will notify users and run awareness campaigns before enforcement.

Despite speculation following a reported meeting between Dr. Muhammad Yunus and BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in London on June 13, suggesting the next national election might be held in February 2026, the Election Commission has yet to make any official announcement.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A. M. M. Nasir Uddin stated on July 8 that even he does not currently know the exact date of the upcoming national election. "I will inform you all when the time is right—around two months in advance—with full details," he said.

The CEC emphasized that the Election Commission will announce the schedule and all related details in due time. He also urged the administration and law enforcement agencies to work sincerely toward restoring public trust and institutional image.

Regarding international observers, the CEC confirmed that foreign observers will be allowed, but those who previously issued “favorable certificates” without impartiality will not be invited this time.

Continuous rain has flooded major roads and neighborhoods in Feni town due to unplanned construction of markets over canals and drainage routes. Key canals were occupied or blocked under the municipal banner, causing severe waterlogging. A 200-yard drainage gap near Zamzam Tower worsened the situation. Locals demand immediate demolition of illegal structures and restoration of natural water flow. Officials clarified this is not a flood, but rainwater accumulation, and urged residents not to panic.

The investigation report into the high-profile murder of journalist couple Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi has been postponed for the 119th time. On July 8, the investigating officer failed to submit the report, prompting the court to set a new deadline of August 11.

The couple was murdered in their Dhaka residence on February 11, 2012. The investigation has changed hands from DB and RAB to the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI), following continued failure to solve the case. Despite court-ordered taskforce intervention, no suspects have confessed to the crime so far.

The government is developing a comprehensive master plan to protect the Haor wetlands, according to Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources.

She stated that steps such as embankment construction, afforestation, and controlled tourism are being taken with community involvement to preserve the biodiversity of the Haor. Tangua Haor has been listed as an endangered ecosystem, with data collection currently underway. For the first time, under the 2013 Water Act, four agencies are working in coordination for Haor development.

A second group of 32 Bangladeshi nationals has returned from Iran, facilitated by the Bangladesh Embassy. They traveled from Tehran to Mashhad by road and flew to Dhaka via Sharjah on July 8. The repatriation comes amid regional tensions following the Israel-Iran conflict. The Foreign Ministry noted that about 2,500 Bangladeshis are currently in Iran, including students, embassy staff, patients, and others, with nearly 300 considered at higher risk due to security and health concerns.

The Iranian government has confirmed that at least 1,060 people have died in the recent conflict with Israel, and the death toll may rise to over 1,100.
In an interview with state television, Saeed Ohadi, head of the Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs, revealed that many of the injured remain in critical condition.
Twelve days of Israeli airstrikes reportedly caused extensive damage to Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure. Following the ceasefire, Tehran has gradually started disclosing the scale of the destruction.
According to Human Rights Activists, among the 1,190 reported fatalities, 436 were civilians.