Torchlight processions and protest rallies were held in several areas of Chattogram—Banshkhali, Laldighi, and Bahaddarhat—in response to what was termed “offensive” remarks by NCP leader Nasir Uddin Patwari against BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed. Organized under the leadership of local chairman Layekat Ali and led by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, the student wing of BNP, the rally started from Banshkhali and ended at the Upazila Parishad grounds. Leaders and activists from the youth, farmer, volunteer, and student wings of the BNP participated in the event.

Dr. Tasnim Jara, Joint Secretary of the National Citizens' Platform (NCP), stated that citizens are not protesting merely to change faces in elections or power, but to replace a broken, unjust system altogether. Speaking at a street rally in Cox’s Bazar, she emphasized the ongoing movement is for protecting people's rights. She called for an end to extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances and demanded accountability and justice. “The struggle will continue until justice is served for the martyrs,” she added, advocating for a political culture where the people's voice shapes the party’s agenda.

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev inaugurated the restored 150-year-old Jiyahly Mosque in Agdam on July 18. The reconstruction, overseen by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, began in 2022 and preserved the mosque’s original architecture using archival materials. The mosque, built between 1868-70 by architect Karbalayi Safikhan Karabakhi, survived decades of neglect after Agdam fell under Armenian control in 1993. Now reopened as a religious and cultural center, the mosque symbolizes Islamic heritage in the region and Azerbaijan’s commitment to preserving its historical monuments.

Gulshan Lake in Dhaka North City Corporation has become a polluted dumping site filled with foul-smelling stagnant water. Despite repeated complaints, no effective action has been taken, and no specific budget has been allocated for its cleanup. Sewage from nearby buildings is directly polluting the lake, causing health hazards and discomfort for locals and office workers. Authorities stress the need for coordinated efforts and increased public awareness to restore the lake’s condition before its existence is threatened.

Ahead of the upcoming national parliamentary elections, Bangladesh's Election Commission (EC) received 144 applications from new political parties seeking registration. None passed the initial scrutiny. After sending letters to 62 parties in the first phase to address information gaps, the EC has now started issuing letters to 82 parties, including the National Citizen Party (NCP), asking for additional documents within 15 days. Registration requires meeting strict criteria including organizational structure and voter support. Without EC registration, parties cannot contest using their symbols.

Mohammad Khaled Rahim, an experienced Bangladesh Civil Service officer from the 15th batch, has been appointed as the new Secretary of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). Promoted from Additional Secretary of the Cabinet Division, he officially assumed his role on July 20. Khaled Rahim began his career as an Assistant Commissioner in Netrokona and has served in various administrative and governmental departments, including the Life Insurance Corporation and the Ministry of Education.

The Bangladesh government’s total debt surged by Tk 56,000 crore in FY 2023–24 due to a revised accounting method that now includes advance financing from Bangladesh Bank. Previously excluded from internal debt figures, these advances are now officially counted, increasing transparency in fiscal reporting. The IMF has supported this change. Experts stress the need to apply the revision across all fiscal years for accurate comparisons. The total domestic debt now stands at Tk 10.77 lakh crore, up from Tk 10.20 lakh crore under the old method.

Despite public demands and High Court directives, RAJUK has not canceled plot allotments granted under "special consideration" to influential figures during Sheikh Hasina's rule. These beneficiaries included bureaucrats, politicians, media personalities, and academics who allegedly supported authoritarian governance. Investigations reveal massive irregularities in projects like Purbachal and Jhilmil. Anti-Corruption Commission cases and expert criticisms highlight political misuse of public resources. Analysts urge cancellation of these controversial allotments and legal action against those involved to restore transparency and uphold urban planning standards.

The Chittagong Hill Tracts Accord Implementation and Monitoring Committee emphasized that several core conditions of the peace accord remain unfulfilled, hindering lasting peace in the region. In its 10th meeting held in Rangamati, the committee stressed the urgency of resolving land disputes and implementing key provisions. Officials assured regular monitoring and proposed forming sub-committees to address challenges. Adviser Touhid Hossain stated that the government is committed to resolving longstanding issues. This was the committee’s first meeting under the current administration, with more scheduled soon.

The Agricultural Weather Information System Improvement Project, launched to provide farmers with early weather and river condition updates, has largely failed in Chattogram and other regions. Despite a five-year effort costing nearly 100 crore Taka, most installed devices are damaged or inactive due to lack of skilled operators and maintenance. Consequently, farmers are not receiving crucial advance weather warnings. Delays, technical issues, and incomplete infrastructure have prevented the project from delivering its promised benefits to rural farming communities.

Myanmar’s military junta plans a national election amid ongoing civil war, raising fears of increased violence rather than peace. China plays a key role, providing technical support and political training to military-backed parties and the election commission. This involvement aims to secure China’s strategic interests in Myanmar, especially the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor. Major opposition parties are excluded, and the election is widely seen as an attempt to legitimize military rule. Regional neighbors face diplomatic pressure to accept the results, risking ASEAN unity.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) plans to construct two bridges over the Narai River to directly connect Aftabnagar and Banasree. The bridges, to be named 'Narai Setu', aim to ease traffic and revive the once-flowing river. Officials hope to open future water transport routes through this river. A clean-up and tree-planting campaign was also launched, with DNCC stressing the importance of civic awareness, sustainable green spaces, and challenges caused by waste mismanagement and illegal encroachments in the city.

The upcoming national election will be held as scheduled, with no uncertainty, according to Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. Speaking at an event in Comilla, he said all parties will get equal opportunities and a fair environment will be ensured. Discussions are ongoing on the proportional representation system, with sincere participation from political parties and the Election Commission. He also commented on the Gopalganj violence, saying law enforcement managed the situation skillfully.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has raised concerns about the interim government's capacity to conduct a fair national election. Speaking virtually from London at an event hosted by private university teachers and students, he noted that recent violent incidents have shaken public confidence. He suggested that parts of the interim government might be complicit in destabilizing efforts. Rahman warned democratic parties to stay vigilant against any delays in the electoral process and urged the public to remain aware of potential manipulation.

Due to heavy rainfall and upstream mountain floods, the water level of the Tista River is rising rapidly, threatening low-lying areas in Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Rangpur, and Kurigram districts. The Water Development Board warns the Tista Barrage may exceed danger levels within 24 hours. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and prepared to respond. The Flood Forecast and Warning Center forecasts continued heavy rain in the region, increasing flood risks over the coming days.