Nepal’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Ghanshyam Bhandari, has announced that a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between Nepal and Bangladesh will be signed soon. Speaking at a CPD roundtable in Dhaka, he highlighted strong prospects for trade expansion and ongoing discussions to import 40 MW of electricity from Nepal, potentially scaling up to 9,000 MW. CPD Fellow Mostafizur Rahman emphasized the need for India's support, as Indian transit routes and grid access are essential for boosting bilateral trade and energy cooperation between the two nations.

The Trump administration deported immigrants convicted of serious crimes to third countries like South Sudan and Eswatini after their home nations refused to take them back. According to a Reuters report, some deportees included individuals convicted of murder and child abuse. Critics called the practice harsh and questioned whether enough was done to repatriate them properly. In one instance, five people were returned to their home countries after facing threats of being sent to Libya. DHS did not disclose the total number deported to third countries.

BNP leader Kaysar Kamal has initiated a humanitarian project aimed at restoring vision for helpless and impoverished people, under the guidance of BNP’s Tareq Rahman.

Providing free medical services to those on the brink of blindness due to lack of treatment, the program has successfully operated on 182 patients across four phases. On Monday, the fourth phase saw 45 individuals undergo successful eye surgeries.

Kamal personally covers all expenses, including surgeries, transportation, accommodation, and medication for the patients. Beneficiaries have expressed deep gratitude for this compassionate service.

NCP leader Abdul Hannan Masud expressed dissatisfaction over the absence of invitations to 158 key coordinators and co-coordinators of the July uprising. In a Facebook post at 2 AM Tuesday, he announced he may boycott the July Declaration event if these individuals are not given due respect.

“I received an invitation, but many legitimate coordinators did not. Will there be seats for the families of martyrs?” he questioned. He stated that unless his fellow revolutionaries and the families of the fallen are honored, he will personally boycott the program.

After much anticipation, the interim government is set to officially unveil the July Declaration today (Tuesday) at Manik Mia Avenue. A five-member delegation from the BNP, led by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, is expected to attend the event.

BNP media cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan confirmed that the delegation will include Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, and Salahuddin Ahmed. The decision was finalized during a meeting held at the BNP Chairperson's office in Gulshan on Monday.

BNP leader Begum Selima Rahman reflected on the July uprising, expressing disappointment over unfulfilled anti-discrimination hopes after one year. She accused Dr. Muhammad Yunus, brought into the interim government to maintain neutrality, of failing to do so and aligning with one-sided views, attempting to form a new political party that caused public discontent. She criticized the ruling Awami League for selling out the Liberation War spirit and monopolizing the uprising’s credit. Selima stressed the need for a people's government and lamented the silence over workers who died, with only some students raising voices.

At an event on Monday, BNP Secretary General presented honors, gifts, and financial assistance to the families of 78 youth league members martyred in the July uprising. Six youth league leaders were also posthumously awarded. The youth league recognized Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman, and the BNP secretary general for their contributions to anti-fascist movements over the past 17 years. Tarique Rahman addressed the gathering, emphasizing that Bangladeshis now demand fulfillment of political promises and improved living standards. He acknowledged the sacrifices of the martyrs and the 17 years of struggle for political rights amid oppression, torture, enforced disappearances, and killings. Highlighting that over one-third of the population is youth, Tarique outlined BNP’s initiative to develop skill-based education and pledged to ensure healthcare access. He stressed multilingual education and empowerment.

Student League leader Nasir Uddin Nasir criticized the ongoing authoritarianism in Muradnagar, Kumilla, saying that those who established fascism there over the last 17 years remain in power and openly roam the area. He visited jailed Muradnagar Student League leader Nazim Mahmud and 13 other BNP and affiliated leaders arrested over attacks on a police station and a student coordinator. Nasir lamented that despite positive politics across Bangladesh, Muradnagar lacks it, with advisor Asif Mahmud managing the area as he pleases. While no Awami League leaders are imprisoned there, 13 BNP leaders remain behind bars. Nasir demanded their immediate release and the withdrawal of the Muradnagar police officer-in-charge.

After a meeting with Education Advisor Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar, Professor Mojibur Rahman from Jamaat stated that their top demand is the nationalization of all private educational institutions and teachers.

“Our second demand is the quick inclusion of non-MPO teachers into the MPO scheme,” he said during a press briefing. Jamaat also called for resolving the long-standing issues of teachers denied benefits due to political bias over the past 17 years, disbursing pensions to retired teachers, and incorporating independent Ebtedayi madrasa teachers into the MPO system.

“We've also requested the inclusion of teacher representatives from all types of educational institutions in the syllabus formulation committees. The Education Advisor listened attentively and assured us that our demands will be reviewed,” Mojibur added.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has alleged that a fresh conspiracy is being orchestrated to plunge the country back into instability and obstruct its democratic transition.

“We’ve struggled for 17 long years under the leadership of Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman. Now, when we have a chance to move toward democracy, there’s a plot to derail it,” he warned.

Fakhrul emphasized that the greatest challenges ahead are rebuilding the collapsed economy and political structure. “Every time Bangladesh faced destruction, BNP took on the responsibility to rebuild. We are ready to do it again,” he said. Urging political unity, he added, “Let’s not waste this opportunity by engaging in blame games.”

At a prayer gathering, Islami Andolan leader Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim stated that Islami Andolan Bangladesh stood firm on the streets from the start to the end of the July movement. He emphasized that while others might have had exit points if the movement was disrupted, Islami Andolan’s leaders and activists had none. Faizul further claimed that those who met with the Awami League on August 3 and 4 last year are now claiming to be the architects of the July revolution. He highlighted the significant role played by expatriates during the revolution, noting that by halting remittance flows, they ‘dried up Sheikh Hasina’s lifeblood,’ which helped the revolution succeed.

Europe’s steel sector is facing mounting uncertainty due to weak demand and the impact of U.S. tariffs. Analysts warn that cheap imports and price volatility may worsen the situation in the coming months. Major producers like ArcelorMittal, Outokumpu, and Aperam have shown mixed Q2 results, with concerns over declining profits ahead. Stocks of several companies fell following weaker outlooks. Additionally, excess steel diverted from the U.S. market could flood Europe, increasing supply and pushing prices lower, straining European producers further.

Despite collecting over Tk 17,700 crore from consumers since 2009, Bangladesh's Gas Development Fund (GDF) has failed to boost domestic gas reserves. More than half of the fund was diverted to LNG imports and the national treasury, violating its intended use. Only Tk 7,403 crore was spent on gas exploration projects. With just Tk 1,300 crore remaining, future exploration is at risk. Experts warn of an energy crisis unless transparency is ensured and misused funds are recovered.

Inca Kola, a nearly century-old golden-yellow soda, remains Peru’s favorite soft drink, outshining global giant Coca-Cola. Created in 1935 by British immigrant Joseph Lindley, its unique blend of 13 spices symbolizes Peruvian pride. During WWII, anti-Japanese sentiment halted Coca-Cola supplies to Japanese-owned stores, allowing Inca Kola to dominate. Despite selling 50% shares to Coca-Cola in 1999, local ownership and cultural significance keep Inca Kola deeply embedded in Peru’s identity and daily life.

The August Carnival 2025 will be held on August 7-9 at Aloki, Gulshan-Tejgaon Link Road, Dhaka, attracting 8,000-10,000 visitors daily. The festival features live concerts by popular artists including Sheikh Ishtiaq and Raayan Islam Shuvro, a Qawwali Night with Sufi Parvez, stand-up comedy, workshops, and interactive sessions. Over 100 lifestyle and food stalls, puppet shows, and family entertainment will also be available. Running from 11 AM to 11 PM, this event promises a vibrant fusion of music, art, food, and creativity.