Rice and vegetable prices have spiked across Dhaka within a week, with rice rising by up to Tk 5 per kg and vegetables by Tk 40 per kg. Traders and consumers suspect syndicate manipulation, while millers cite increased paddy prices. Heavy rains have disrupted vegetable supply, causing further inflation. While chicken prices remain stable, eggs have become cheaper. Fish prices rose, but beef and mutton became slightly cheaper. Market volatility continues, sparking concerns among daily shoppers and prompting calls for government intervention.

Driven by affordable technology and internet expansion, global social media usage is rising rapidly. Over 5.22 billion people—63.8% of the world’s population—are now active on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Statista predicts this will exceed 6 billion by 2028. While social media boosts communication and business, growing concerns include misinformation, addiction, privacy breaches, and mental health issues. Youth and even older adults are increasingly engaged, with average users spending over 2.5 hours daily across seven platforms.

Ferry operations are resuming at Shimulia Ghat in Munshiganj to restore the area's river heritage and ensure navigability of the Padma River through regular dredging. Adviser to the Ministry of Shipping, Brig. Gen. (Retd.) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hossain announced the move while inaugurating BIWTA’s Dredge Training Institute. He highlighted ten proposed development projects for the area, including a river port and eco-park. Three projects will be fast-tracked. A two-week dredging training course was also launched at the event.

Fisheries Adviser Farida Akhtar emphasized that safeguarding hilsa, Bangladesh’s national fish, is a collective national duty. Speaking at a workshop in Dhaka, she said hilsa has brought global prestige to the country. She addressed public concern over high prices, noting that quality products often cost more and hilsa should be enjoyed occasionally. The adviser urged fair pricing and market regulation. Experts highlighted that conservation efforts since 2014 have increased hilsa production and reduced jatka fishing through seasonal bans and awareness campaigns.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has confirmed that the government plans to release the “July Declaration” ahead of August 5. A new committee, led by Planning Adviser Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmood, has been formed to oversee the initiative.

He also revealed that discussions are ongoing to grant autonomous status to BTV and Bangladesh Betar. Another committee, led by Adviser C. R. Abrar, has been formed to examine this matter.

Following Ishraq Hossain's declaration as mayor and his attempt to assume control of city corporation functions, Adviser Asif Mahmud stated that “this is no longer a situation where silence is an option.” He indicated that a government decision will be made soon after high-level discussions.

On the disruption of civic services during dengue season, he acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly in Dhaka South City Corporation. “We are trying to maintain essential services as much as possible—even if remotely,” he said.

Moinul Islam Chowdhury, Chairman of the Disappearance Commission, has claimed that during the Awami League's tenure, anti-terrorism campaigns were used as a political tool to consolidate power and gain international legitimacy. He revealed that of the 1,850 complaints received by the commission, evidence has been found for 253 enforced disappearances.

He alleged that law enforcement agencies became politically influenced and that a culture of torture and secret detention was institutionalized—even to the extent of handing over Bangladeshi citizens to Indian forces.

Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah has announced a draft of the 2025 Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates, which proposes a ban on posters during election campaigns. Instead, candidates may use billboards, banners, flyers, and social media platforms for promotion—though foreign-funded advertisements on social media will be prohibited.

He also stated that returning officers will set up a common platform for candidates to present their manifestos to voters. Moreover, individuals serving as heads or members of educational institution committees must resign before contesting elections.

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam praised law enforcement officers who were injured during a drug raid in Fakirapool, Dhaka. While visiting the wounded officers at Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Thursday, he lauded their bravery.

Despite being shot, the officers arrested three suspects and seized drugs and the vehicle involved. The operation was based on intelligence that a drug-laden vehicle was en route from Chattogram. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle at a checkpoint, at which point suspects inside opened fire, injuring three DB personnel.

Japan has expressed serious concern over Chinese military drills involving two aircraft carriers—Shandong and Liaoning—operating near Japanese waters in the Pacific Ocean over the past few weeks.

Tokyo alleges that aircraft from the Chinese carriers flew dangerously close to Japanese surveillance planes. Satellite images show the carriers navigating close to Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), where Japan has sole rights to exploit marine resources. China, however, maintains the drills are being conducted in compliance with international law.

Shariful Islam, an accused in a murder case under Khilgaon Police Station, escaped from the Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court premises on Thursday. According to police sources, he managed to unlock his handcuffs and fled while being transferred from the jail cell to the courtroom.

ADC Main Uddin of the DMP Prosecution Division said legal action is underway, and the Kotwali Police Station has been alerted to recapture the fugitive. Further charges are being prepared.

The QS World University Rankings for 2026, published by UK-based higher education analytics firm Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), includes over 1,500 top institutions worldwide. Dhaka University ranks 584th, making it the highest-ranked university in Bangladesh.

Other Bangladeshi universities on the list include North South University (951–1000), BUET (just above 750), and Daffodil International University (1001–1200). Institutions such as BRAC University, Islamic University of Technology, Jahangirnagar University, and Rajshahi University share similar positions in the broader rankings.

Adviser to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Jahangir Alam, has urged the public to consume locally grown fruits to conserve foreign exchange. Speaking at the opening of the three-day National Fruit Fair held at the Krishibid Institution in Dhaka, he stated that similar fairs will be organized in all 64 districts to promote native fruits.

“We are already exporting a significant amount of local produce such as mangoes, jackfruit, and guavas,” he said. “We’ve recently begun exporting mangoes to China. Increasing exports will benefit our farmers directly.”

Former President Donald Trump has acknowledged division among his supporters regarding potential U.S. military action against Iran. “Some of my people may be a little unhappy, while others are very happy,” he said.

He claimed that his support has never been stronger: “My supporters love me more now than even during the landslide victory. And even people outside the MAGA base are happy with what's happening—though they can hardly believe it themselves.”

Dr. Md. Rezaul Karim, an officer at the Ministry of Law, has clarified that no official decision has been made regarding the formation of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

He criticized media outlets for publishing selective quotes from the law advisor. “The advisor mentioned that discussions would be held with political leaders, student representatives, and experts before considering such a step,” Rezaul added. He further stated that a commission might be considered only after the prosecution of the July uprising massacre and public repentance by leaders of the fallen regime.