Two Bangladeshi nationals—Hafez Nurul Amin of Noakhali and Abu Nayeem of Manikganj—were killed in a road accident in South Africa after entering the country via Mozambique through illegal channels on July 29.
Seventeen others were injured, including Ekramul Haque, who is in critical condition. The group had entered South Africa early Sunday and boarded a minibus towards Johannesburg. The crash occurred at around 6:30 am on the Delmas–Witbank Old Road, killing the two instantly. Most injured survivors have since left for relatives’ homes after receiving primary treatment.

Cabinet Secretary Dr. Sheikh Abdur Rashid has said that past elections showed the administration’s failure to demonstrate its capacity. However, the civil service is eager to ensure a better election next time—though elections, he stressed, are not the administration’s responsibility alone.
Rashid reflected on Bangladesh’s shifting public moods, noting that in 1974, he saw Pakistani leader Zulfikar Ali Bhutto lay flowers at the National Memorial, welcomed by millions—despite being despised by Bangladeshis just four years earlier.
He also recalled December 1990’s political change, lamenting missed opportunities and urging all sectors—administration, media, and beyond—to rise above partisan interests and embrace professionalism.

Religious Affairs Adviser A F M Khalid Hossain has said that when the interim government took charge, there was virtually no police presence at stations and even in Dhaka, students were managing traffic.
“Law and order cannot be fixed in a single day, but the situation has improved many times over—and so has the economy,” he stated.
Speaking at Jamia Darul Arqam Madrasa in Brahmanbaria on Sunday, Khalid emphasized the invaluable role of Islamic scholars in building a “new Bangladesh.” He recalled that during the July Revolution, hundreds of madrasa students were injured and many embraced martyrdom. “In the days ahead, scholars, students, and teachers stand ready to make any sacrifice for our beloved motherland,” he said, adding that preparations are underway for a fair election in February.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police have arrested 24 individuals involved in various crimes during separate raids in Mohammadpur and Adabor on Saturday. Police reports say the detainees include wanted criminals under the Speedy Trial Act, suspects preparing for robbery, extortionists, and others facing outstanding warrants.

The body of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) member Masum Billah has been recovered 24 hours after he went missing in Gowainghat, Sylhet. Local divers located the body at around 5:15 PM on Sunday from the riverbed in Ahar Kandi Ambari area.
Officer-in-Charge Sarker Tofayel Ahmed confirmed that joint rescue efforts by BGB, police, administration, and fire service divers had been underway since his disappearance. With the assistance of local divers, the body was finally retrieved after a prolonged search.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening when a BGB patrol attempted to intercept a boat carrying smuggled Indian goods. The smuggler’s boat collided with the BGB vessel, causing it to sink. Masum Billah of the Sylhet BGB-48 Battalion’s Sonarhat Camp went under with his weapon, while other members survived.

The High Court has issued a rule seeking clarification on why the MPO-included teacher transfer policies of 2021 and 2024 for private schools, colleges, and madrasas should not be declared unconstitutional. The court also questioned why teachers appointed before December 30, 2015, by managing committees or governing bodies are not given equal transfer opportunities under existing or future policies. The petition, filed by 50 private school teachers, argues the transfer rules cause discrimination, violating Articles 27 and 29 of the Constitution.

The Election Commission of Jahangirnagar University has released the schedule for the Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) election, set for September 11. The draft voter list was published on August 10, with objections accepted until August 14. Nomination submissions will be open on August 18-19, followed by verification and appeals. Campaigning runs from August 29 to September 9. Voting will take place from 9 AM to 5 PM on election day, with results to be announced shortly after. Measures for a fair election will be ensured.

At least 30 workers were injured in a bloody clash between laborers of two factories near Dubail Bus Station in Tangail. The conflict erupted around 10:30 AM when workers from Nasir Quality Glass Industries Limited attempted to lay a water pipeline next to the gas line of Nasir Float Glass Limited.

Fearing the gas pipeline might be damaged, Float Glass workers obstructed the installation, prompting an attack by the Quality Glass laborers. The violent confrontation continued intermittently for two hours until police and military patrols arrived to restore order.

Officer-in-Charge Soheb Khan confirmed both sides have signed agreements pledging to avoid further violence.

ASM Amanullah, Vice-Chancellor of the National University, recently observed alarming academic malpractice and lack of industry relevance during a visit to a college in Dhaka. He noted students openly using AI tools on their mobile phones during exams while principals remained indifferent.

Speaking at a CPD event, Amanullah criticized the university’s outdated examination system and curriculum, saying the connection between education and industry is nearly nonexistent. Yet, no one addresses this issue because major companies continue to recruit graduates from National University despite their low skills and ambition.

He disclosed troubling academic irregularities, such as physics teachers entering marks for philosophy courses and full marks being awarded in science exams without practical labs. Many colleges either lack proper labs or do not conduct meaningful laboratory work.

To ensure smooth passenger flow, reduce traffic congestion, and maintain security, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport authorities have issued new directives limiting the number of people accompanying passengers inside the airport premises.

From now on, a maximum of two accompanying persons can enter with each passenger to see them off or welcome them. This rule does not apply to the interior of the terminal building.

Passengers and their guests are urged to exit the airport area promptly after arrival or departure to avoid overcrowding. Additionally, all passenger vehicles are requested not to remain at the arrival or departure gates for more than two minutes.

Airport authorities also called for proper disposal of trash in designated bins to maintain cleanliness. This guideline has been effective since July 27.

Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain, religious advisor, announced that the construction of an impressive Islamic complex at Pagla Mosque will begin very soon. Following his inspection of the mosque, he revealed that over 900 million taka has already been raised in the mosque’s fund. The foundation stone is expected to be laid before the upcoming election.

He issued a stern warning that anyone attempting to attack or vandalize the shrine, mosque, madrasa, or orphanage will face strict legal action without exception. Law enforcement will arrest offenders immediately upon filing cases. To enhance security, he urged the mosque authorities to install CCTV cameras and strengthen protection measures.

Earlier, Dr. Khalid Hossain also visited the under-construction district model mosque and Islamic cultural center to review ongoing developments.

Since the downfall of fascism in the July popular uprising, the government has revoked medals awarded to 40 police officers who have fled their posts. Among them are notable figures such as Mohammad Harun-or-Rashid, Additional Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, Deputy Inspector General Syed Nurul Islam, and Additional DIG Biplob Kumar Sarkar.

A directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs states that these officers abandoned their duties and are currently subject to departmental action. Consequently, the police medals previously granted to these 40 officers have been officially withdrawn as part of disciplinary measures.

The Bangladesh Embassy in Kuwait, led by Ambassador Major General Syed Tarek Hossain, has introduced a groundbreaking visa verification system to safeguard expatriate workers from fraud and exploitation. This timely initiative authenticates employers before workers arrive, curbing illegal brokers and ensuring fair contracts with at least two-year terms. The embassy’s proactive steps include strict monitoring, blacklisting exploitative companies, and increasing transparency and accountability. This milestone effort has been widely praised and is setting a precedent for expatriate welfare beyond Kuwait.

The Awami League’s activities remain banned inside Bangladesh, and authorities are closely monitoring the party’s actions abroad, Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has said.

Responding to a question about reports of an Awami League office in Kolkata, he stated, “Their activities in Bangladesh are banned. We are, of course, monitoring what they are doing outside. If they engage in activities abroad to incite unrest here, we are watching. Once we have concrete information, we will share it with you.”

Recently, several media outlets reported that the Awami League has opened an office in a commercial area of a Kolkata suburb, where leaders and activists who fled after the uprising are allegedly holding regular meetings and party activities.

Transport owners have withdrawn their planned 72-hour strike, which was set to begin at 6:00 a.m. on August 12, following discussions with government representatives on Sunday.

The strike had been called to press eight demands, including extending the economic lifespan of commercial motor vehicles to 30 years. Other demands include:

Amendments to Sections 98 and 105 of the Road Transport Act 2018, along with other recommended provisions.

Suspension of BRTA crackdowns on 20- and 25-year-old vehicles until the issue is resolved.

Rolling back the doubled advance income tax to its previous rate.

Extending the import age limit for reconditioned commercial vehicles from 5 years to 12 years.

Releasing accident-damaged vehicles to owners within 72 hours if seized by police.

Speeding up the issuance and renewal of driving licenses.

Implementing the 12-point demand of the Workers’ Federation.

The announcement to withdraw the strike came from Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, coordinator of the BNP-affiliated Nationalist Workers’ Party.