Youth and Sports Secretary Mahbubul Alam has dismissed a recent media report alleging irregularities in a stadium construction project as “false, incomplete, and misleading.”

The report claimed that a Tk 5.1 million stadium project was inexplicably inflated to Tk 1.4 billion and passed due to the influence of Sajib Bhuiyan. The secretary clarified that the figure cited referred to a limited Phase 1 mini-stadium project, while the new Tk 1.42 billion budget covers a Phase 2 project in 123 upazilas, including land acquisition, expanded infrastructure, and facilities far superior to the earlier version.

He further denied that the project was approved due to any individual’s influence, stating it followed proper procedures under the Planning Commission.

The government has approved an increase in medical assistance for public servants.

According to a Finance Ministry circular, allowances for critical illnesses have been raised from Tk 200,000 to Tk 300,000, while general treatment allowances increased from Tk 40,000 to Tk 60,000.

Additionally, funeral grants for employees rose from Tk 30,000 to Tk 50,000, and for family members from Tk 10,000 to Tk 20,000. The one-time joint insurance benefit has been raised from Tk 200,000 to Tk 300,000, while monthly welfare stipends increased from Tk 2,000 to Tk 3,000.

Teachers staged a sit-in protest in front of the National Press Club demanding the nationalization of nearly 5,000 private primary schools established before May 25, 2019.

Leaders of the Private Primary Teachers’ Association said that although the government announced the nationalization of all private schools in January 2013, many institutions were later brought under the scheme in phases, leaving thousands excluded.

Joint Secretary Suman Kumar Chaki said, “We have been protesting since 2018. Recommendations were made again on July 26 for nationalization, but no progress has been made. If immediate action is not taken, we will be forced to launch larger demonstrations.”

At a recent seminar, Wakil Ahmed, president of the Association of Japanese Language Institutes in Bangladesh, highlighted the growing trend of Bangladeshi students studying in Japan.

“Currently, 6,000–7,000 students go to Japan annually. With proper policies and government support, this number can easily increase to 15,000–20,000,” he said. Ahmed outlined a five-year goal of sending 100,000 students and professionals to Japan.

Speakers at the event noted that Japan has recently doubled its foreign student quota from 200,000 to 400,000, creating a significant opportunity for Bangladesh. With strategic planning, at least 43,000 students could study in Japan over the next three years.

The first phase of Class XI admission for the 2025–26 academic year has concluded with 1,073,336 students applying online. Results will be published Wednesday at 8 PM on the official admission website. About 130,471 eligible students did not apply in this phase. Students can confirm admission to nominated colleges or madrasas or skip to apply in later phases. Even after confirmation, migration to other institutions remains possible for selected candidates.

The Government Procurement Advisory Committee has withheld approval for the upcoming academic year’s textbook tenders for three secondary school grades, citing irregularities and corruption.

According to sources, the National Curriculum and Textbook Board’s (NCTB) recommendations for all tenders for grades six, seven, and eight for 2026 have been annulled. For sixth grade, 97 tenders covering 4.32 crore textbooks had a total procurement value of BDT 18,04 crore. Seventh grade tenders—94 in number, covering 3.9 crore books—amounted to BDT 20,02 crore, while eighth grade’s 89 tenders for 3.66 crore books totaled BDT 22,31 crore.

Altogether, recommendations worth around BDT 600 crore have been canceled. The decision comes after reports of irregularities and corruption in the tender process. Earlier reports revealed that 30% of textbooks supplied to students were of substandard quality. Due to the absence of a regular chairman, no disciplinary action had been taken against the responsible officials.

Adviser Prof. Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar urged devotees of Lord Krishna to embrace unity and self-reliance in expressing their devotion.

“Krishna was a multifaceted personality. True devotion requires self-dependence. Strengthen your own position instead of relying on others, and inner strength will naturally awaken.”

At the same event, DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali emphasized the importance of religious harmony, noting that people of the subcontinent have celebrated festivals together for centuries.

He added that just as Zakat in Islam helps the poor, wealthy members of the Hindu community should also stand by the underprivileged.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus paid tribute to teachers Maherin Chowdhury, Masuka Begum, and Mahfuza Khanam, who died in the Milestone fighter jet crash, calling them enduring symbols of humanity and bravery.

During a visit to meet their families in Jamuna, Yunus said:

“Though time has passed, the memory of this tragedy remains raw. We can share condolences, but we cannot erase the pain.”

The husband of Maherin Chowdhury recalled her final moments:

“She pulled children out of the burning wreckage, even as she remained unharmed. When I asked why she didn’t save herself, she replied, ‘They are also my children. How could I leave them behind?’”

Yunus remarked that listening to such stories is painful yet fills the nation with pride.

Authorities in Jibannagar upazila, Chuadanga, have decided to ban the use of mobile phones for all students up to higher secondary level in schools and colleges.
The resolution was passed at the monthly law and order committee meeting chaired by UNO Md. Al Amin. The proposal, initially raised by Jibannagar Degree College lecturer Jahangir Alam, was unanimously supported.
Officials said the decision mirrors recent restrictions implemented in Maheshpur and will soon be enforced through resolutions sent to all educational institutions.

At least 418 people were killed and 856 injured in 443 road accidents across Bangladesh in July, according to a report by Road Safety Foundation.
Motorcycles accounted for 131 accidents, leaving 109 dead, while three-wheelers caused the second-highest fatalities at 108. Additionally, 21 train accidents killed 18 people, and four waterway mishaps left six dead.
Dhaka division recorded the highest number of accidents (117) and deaths (105). In the capital alone, 26 road crashes left 19 dead and 38 injured.
The report identified reckless driving, faulty vehicles, poor traffic management, and extortion in the transport sector as the main causes.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has sought detailed wealth statements from 17 senior officials of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to investigate allegations of amassing illegal assets.
The list includes Tax Commissioner M M Fazlul Haque, Appeal Tribunal Commissioner Lokman Ahmed, and several additional commissioners, joint commissioners, and customs officials.
According to ACC sources, the move comes amid mounting concerns over corruption and unexplained enrichment within revenue administration.

A mobile court has fined fertilizer dealer Mahabubur Rahman, owner of Rifat Enterprise, Tk 30,000 for illegally selling fertilizers at inflated prices outside his designated area in Kaliganj, Jhenaidah.
The mobile court, led by Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Shahin Alam, also took a written undertaking from the dealer pledging not to repeat the offense.
The raid was prompted after locals intercepted a small truck carrying 30 sacks of urea and potash fertilizers allegedly diverted to another market.

The results of the sixth mass recruitment circular for teachers in private educational institutions have been published, recommending nearly 41,000 candidates for entry-level teaching positions.

Education Adviser C.R. Abrar announced the results today, stating:

“Against the demand for 100,822 vacancies from various institutions, we have recommended around 41,000 lecturers and teachers through a transparent process supported by modern technology.”

He explained that 18th Teacher Registration Exam had received over 1.86 million applications, from which the successful candidates were selected. Results are available in the service box titled “Sixth Recruitment Recommendation Circular-2025” and at ngi.teletalk.com.bd
. Candidates can also check their results by logging in with their user ID and password.

International Crimes Tribunal Prosecutor Hasanul Banna has resigned citing health complications.
In his resignation letter dated August 2, addressed to the Chief Prosecutor, Banna wrote that he has been suffering from liver-related illness (jaundice) and receiving home-based treatment for a prolonged period. As his condition has not improved and requires further medical attention, he expressed his inability to continue office duties.
Banna was appointed as prosecutor earlier this year on January 1 by the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs.

Teachers, officers, and employees of Rajshahi University (RU) are observing a daylong strike and sit-in protest today, demanding the restoration of the 5% quota for their children in university admissions, along with seven other demands.

Protesters gathered in front of the administrative building from 9 a.m., suspending classes in several departments, though examinations are continuing.

They argued that their children fulfill all admission requirements and that institutional benefits are their rightful due. Previously, they observed half-day work stoppages to press their demands.

The quota for employees’ children was reduced to 1% in January following student protests. In response, RU students held a human chain protest today, opposing what they termed an “unjust attempt to reinstate the discriminatory quota.”