Dhaka Metro will add two additional trains by the end of August to reduce nighttime crowding and improve passenger convenience, Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited said on Wednesday. The move is expected to cut the 20-minute gap between the final trains to about seven to eight minutes. Currently, the last train from Motijheel toward Uttara departs at 10:30pm, while the final service from Uttara to Motijheel leaves at 9:50pm.

DMTCL also plans to extend metro operating hours by another 20 to 30 minutes from September, with services intended to run until 11pm. Recruitment and training of drivers for the extended schedule are nearly complete. The metro currently carries about 450,000 passengers a day, according to the company.

Nighttime service in both directions was extended by 20 minutes from June 7, increasing passenger numbers by about 10,000. However, the 20-minute interval between late services has created additional congestion. DMTCL said new operators have been recruited to support the longer hours, and their training is scheduled to conclude on August 26 before they are assigned to work.

Chattogram Port Authority has issued three directives to ensure safe navigation within the port limits and outer anchorage. Port Authority Secretary Syed Refayet Hamim confirmed the move on the afternoon of August 12. The authority cited risks to commercial shipping from unauthorized vessel movement, security concerns around ships, illegal fishing nets and related obstacles that could disrupt navigation and increase accident risks.

All vessels in the port area and outer anchorage must follow the ISPS Code and existing port security regulations. Upon arrival at the outer anchorage, ships must maintain continuous anchor watch, monitor VHF channels 16 and 12, conduct regular deck patrols and maintain adequate security lighting. Unauthorized boats, freshwater barges, service boats or other vessels may not come alongside without prior Port Control approval.

Masters and shipping agents have been advised to appoint sufficient trained, approved watchmen through the Chattogram Port Authority Watchman Booking Cell. Suspicious vessels, persons or security incidents must be reported immediately to Port Control and the Bangladesh Coast Guard. Illegal fishing, placement of fishing nets and obstruction of navigation by fishing boats are fully prohibited, with legal and administrative action planned for violations.

University Grants Commission member Professor Dr Abdullah-Al-Mamun said initiatives are being taken to strengthen young teachers’ skills and orient them toward research. He made the remarks on August 12 as chief guest at the opening of a daylong workshop at the Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium of Dhaka University’s Faculty of Social Sciences. The faculty organised the workshop, titled “The Modern Social Scientists: Navigating Research, Teaching and Academic Growth.”

Mamun said activities are under way under the HEAT project to ensure knowledge- and skills-based education in higher education. The plans include training for young teachers, increased research grants, funding for participation in conferences and priority in faculty exchange programmes. He also said steps are being taken to involve them in programmes such as summer schools and young scholars programmes.

Dhaka University Pro-Vice Chancellor for Education Professor Dr Abdus Salam stressed internationally standard research, publication of research papers and increasing citations. He also highlighted the need for research facilities, international collaboration and funding mobilisation. Faculty Dean Professor Kazi Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman delivered the welcome address, while department heads and teachers attended.

A wooden footbridge over the Nautara River collapsed while Nilphamari-1 MP Principal Abdus Sattar was inspecting it in Natabari, Nautara Union, on Wednesday morning. Several Jamaat leaders and activists fell into the river after the rear section gave way, and at least two people were injured. Local residents quickly rescued those who fell, while the two injured people received local treatment.

Residents said Natabari and nearby communities have long lacked a permanent bridge over the river, leaving the deteriorated wooden structure as their only means of crossing. The footbridge was built with local funding and had become worn down after prolonged use. Union Parishad Chairman Ashik Imtiaz Morshed said many people had climbed onto it with the MP before it suddenly broke.

Abdus Sattar said the structure was risky and collapsed under pressure after he and accompanying activists stepped onto it. He said some people tore their clothes in the fall and confirmed that two were injured. The MP said he would discuss construction of a permanent government-funded bridge with the relevant authorities.

Bangladesh has transferred and appointed 23 senior police officers across range, metropolitan and specialized units, according to four separate notifications issued by the Public Security Division of the Home Ministry on August 12. Rangpur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mohammad Abdul Mabud was appointed deputy inspector general of Rangpur Range, while Industrial Police DIG Md Zulfiqar Ali Haider was posted as DIG of Barishal Range.

The changes also cover the Highway Police, Dhaka Metropolitan Police, the Armed Police Battalion, the Criminal Investigation Department and police training institutions. Highway Police Additional DIG Farida Yasmin was attached to the Barishal Range DIG office, while Additional DIG Mir Modachchher Hossain was sent to the Bangladesh Police Academy in Rajshahi's Sardah. RAB Additional DIG Md Saleh Uddin was appointed to the Highway Police.

Four officers from Barishal Metropolitan Police, APBN, Sylhet Metropolitan Police and CID were posted as deputy commissioners in DMP. Mohammad Jasim Uddin became the new superintendent of police in Gazipur, and Sarkar Omar Faruk was assigned as the new SP of Khulna. The ministry described the moves as part of ongoing administrative restructuring and regular transfers, with the notifications stating they were issued in the public interest. Newly appointed officers are expected to join their respective workplaces soon.

Students in Hamirpur district of Uttar Pradesh, India, protested on Tuesday demanding construction of a road to help them reach school. Accompanied by parents and villagers, they walked about five kilometres and staged a sit-in outside the district collectorate. The demonstrators called for a paved road connecting their village toward Hamirpur from Chandupur.

The students said no paved road has been built for their village since India’s independence. During the monsoon, the unpaved route is submerged, forcing pupils to cross mud and water to attend school. They said the conditions dirty uniforms, damage shoes and make travel difficult. Protesters also claimed that one student had to leave school because of the lack of a road.

Carrying posters with slogans demanding construction of the Chandupur-Hamirpur road, the protesters highlighted difficulties faced by farmers, students and sick people. SDM Abhishek Kumar and a circle officer held discussions with students and parents. The protest was withdrawn after officials assured them that road work would begin quickly. Abhijit Deep, founder of the Gen Z group Cockroach Janata Party, praised the movement.

Reconstruction has begun at Sakhlanpara Private Primary School in the remote hills of Noyapara ইউনিয়ন, Alikadam, Bandarban, after sustained heavy rain in early July completely destroyed its building and halted classes. The Prime Minister’s Office initiated a project estimated at Tk10 lakh to rebuild the school and its hostel. The new building is expected to be completed this month, according to the report.

Established in 2022 in Ward 8 of Noyapara Union, the school serves about 50 to 60 students with two teachers and previously provided residential facilities. One of the school’s founders said Alikadam উপজেলা Chhatra Dal convener Md Nurul Safa informed the prime minister’s special assistant, Md Sayed Bin Abdullah, about the collapse. Following the prime minister’s direction, the Bandarban district administration passed the matter to the Alikadam উপজেলা administration.

Construction began on July 23 and about 20 percent of the work has been completed. The school and hostel are planned in a hill architectural style under the supervision of Alikadam Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Manjur Alam. Parents, village representatives, teachers and local social workers welcomed the rapid rebuilding effort. Alam said the aim is to complete quality construction within the scheduled time and restore a normal learning environment quickly.

The Rural Electrification Society in Netrokona has asked the district commissioner for stronger security at its offices and substations, citing customer anger over severe load shedding and fears of blockades and vandalism. The request was made in a letter signed by acting general manager Md Akram Hossain and sent to the district administration on August 10.

According to the letter, electricity from the Netrokona 132/33 kV grid substation is supplied through nine 33 kV feeders to 10 upazilas in Netrokona and two upazilas in Sunamganj. The society said total demand across those areas is 157 megawatts.

The society said that at 11 pm on August 8, it received only 60 megawatts against demand of 126 megawatts, putting actual load shedding at 79 percent. It said demand rises further when electricity returns after long outages, as refrigerators, water pumps, IPS units and other appliances are switched on simultaneously. The letter also cited abusive phone calls and threats to surround or vandalise offices, requesting administrative assistance until power supply becomes normal.

Bangladesh education boards have begun a process to take action against institutions where no student passed this year’s SSC and equivalent examinations. Results published on Monday showed 226 zero-pass institutions under the Madrasah Education Board, 57 across nine general boards and 29 under the Technical Education Board. The number rose by 178 from the previous year. Education Minister Ehsanul Haque Milon said action would be taken against the institutions.

Boards are initially issuing show-cause notices to the authorities concerned. Madrasah Education Board Chairman Professor Khondkar Mohammad Sadekur Rahman said the zero-pass madrasahs had already received notices and would be called to the board in groups over five days. Their explanations would be heard before recommendations are sent to the Education Ministry or the Madrasah Directorate, as the board lacks authority to impose punishment directly.

Dhaka Education Board Chairman Professor Syed Akhtaruzzaman said reports and measures would follow institutions’ responses. Institutions are warned to avoid repeating the result, while a third occurrence can lead to punitive measures including cancellation of MPO status. Sylhet and Cumilla boards had no zero-pass schools this year.

Dhaka residents faced severe traffic congestion across major parts of the capital on August 12, 2026, with commuters and students spending hours on the road. The report said congestion that began on Monday evening continued until late Tuesday night. Travel from Kakarail Mosque to Moghbazar intersection took more than an hour, compared with about five minutes under normal conditions, while even motorcyclists were unable to avoid delays.

Heavy traffic was reported in Jatrabari, Motijheel, Paltan, Gulistan, Kakarail, Moghbazar, Tejgaon, Mirpur, Agargaon and other key corridors. Tejgaon Traffic Division Deputy Commissioner Rafiqul Islam said vehicles moved slowly after Monday's rain, while pedestrians seeking shelter and standing water on parts of roads created extra pressure at signals. Potholes, waterlogging and reckless, wrong-way battery-operated autorickshaws were also identified as factors worsening congestion and road safety risks.

Traffic police were deployed at important points, but normal movement did not return and some passengers left buses to walk. Congestion persisted even in areas where markets were closed, and intensified around school opening and closing times. Passengers alleged that CNG, rickshaw and bus fares rose severalfold. Dhaka Metropolitan Police's traffic division said it filed 1,908 cases during Monday's operations against traffic-law violations.

Education Minister Ehsanul Haque Milon issued an emotional message for students who did not pass the SSC and equivalent examinations, urging parents and teachers to stand by them. In a post on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday, he addressed students, guardians and educators. The report was published on August 11, 2026.

Milon told unsuccessful students that their result does not define their identity, describing it as an account of what they wrote during a few hours on a particular examination day. He acknowledged that friends’ celebrations, family silence, personal discomfort, neighbours’ curiosity, relatives’ comparisons and classmates’ neglect can deepen their disappointment. However, he stressed that nothing has come to an end because of one result.

The minister urged parents to offer affection and kind words instead of harsh remarks, neglect or rebuke, saying the home should be a refuge rather than a courtroom. He also called on teachers to pay special attention to students who failed and identify why they fell behind. According to Milon, responsibility for a student’s failure does not rest solely with the child.

Bangladesh will conduct its first nationwide “Vessel Census 2026” from August 20 to 29 to support safer, orderly and more effective water transport. The Ministry of Shipping will carry out the census with assistance from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, State Minister for Shipping Md. Rajib Ahsan said on August 11. He spoke while opening a three-day training programme for coordinators responsible for data collection at Bangladesh Statistics Bhaban in the capital.

Ahsan said Bangladesh’s rivers and waterways are deeply connected to the economy, commerce and daily life, but their potential has not yet been fully used. He said pressure on road transport for passengers and freight is increasing, and the government has taken initiatives to ensure the maximum and effective use of waterways. He said greater waterway use could support trade, cargo and passenger transport, tourism and economic activity.

The census is expected to provide reliable information on the actual number, type, use and ownership of vessels, helping future planning, policymaking and measures for safer navigation. Planning State Minister Jonaed Saki called for professionalism, transparency and neutrality in data collection, warning that legal action would be taken over any discrepancies, irregularities or inconsistencies.

A sand-laden vessel struck and collapsed an iron bridge over Jalobari canal in Rajapur, Jhalakathi, cutting road communication for three days. The incident occurred on Sunday morning on a connecting road from Putiyakhali Mirerhat in Galua union to the Arua-Sonargaon road. Thousands of people in Rajapur, Bhandaria and Kathalia upazilas have been affected.

Residents are crossing by ferry at risk and paying Tk5 per person because vehicles cannot use the route. The vessel was recovered and removed after the collision, but traffic has not resumed because the bridge has not been repaired. Locals said the bridge had already been in a vulnerable condition and required repairs for a long time.

They also alleged that bridges in different areas are damaged by sand-carrying vessels, while no effective action is taken against those responsible. The vessel’s owner, Badsha Sikdar, declined to comment. Rajapur Upazila Nirbahi Officer Rifat Ara Mouri said swift action would be taken to ease public suffering. Upazila Engineer Abhijit Majumdar said legal action would be taken against the vessel owner.

Salimullah Muslim Hall Provost and University of Dhaka chemistry professor Md. Abdus Salam said he aims to preserve the hall’s near-century-old heritage while building a safe, modern and student-centred residential environment. In an interview published on August 11, 2026, he discussed the hall’s history, post-earthquake safety measures, restoration and future vision.

Salam described the hall as an important chapter in Bangladesh’s education, culture, leadership and national history. He said its students played active roles during the Language Movement, Liberation War and democratic movements. In his view, the hall’s greatest contribution has been creating leadership, with presidents, national leaders, educators, administrators, writers, scientists and internationally recognised figures emerging from it.

Following the recent earthquake, authorities identified vulnerable sections on expert advice, took necessary measures and restricted student access in some areas, he said. Technical assessments, repairs and long-term rehabilitation are under way in coordination with the university administration. Salam said the objective is to conserve historic architecture while ensuring a sustainable residence that is clean, technology-based and supportive of research and learning.

A nearly 10-kilometre traffic jam developed on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway in Cumilla from Tuesday morning, slowing traffic on sections between Amtali Bishwaroad and Padua Bazar Bishwaroad. Mainamati Highway Police Station officer-in-charge Ariful Islam confirmed the congestion, saying ongoing road repair work had reduced vehicle speeds and caused the lengthy queue.

Passengers and drivers have faced difficulties as several sections of the highway contain potholes, while damaged carpeting has left large holes in some places. Continuous rain over the past several days has worsened conditions. According to relevant sources, about 35,000 to 40,000 vehicles of different sizes travel daily through Cumilla's roughly 104-kilometre portion of the highway.

Businessman Arafat Islam said he was stuck for about an hour near Kotbari Bishwaroad while travelling from Chattogram to Dhaka, adding that he had faced similar trouble before. Roads and Highways Department sub-divisional engineer Sofiqul Islam Bhuiya said repair work had been underway near Amtali Bishwaroad since morning. Drivers and passengers called for swift completion of repairs, pothole restoration and effective measures to ease congestion.