Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh is treating the semiconductor sector as a national priority and will be able to meet its industry goals by 2030. He made the remarks as chief guest at the opening of the two-day National Semiconductor Symposium and BEAR Summit at Novotheatre in Tejgaon, Dhaka, on Saturday, July 25.

The summit is jointly organised by the Bangladesh Semiconductor Industry Association and Silicon River Bangladesh. Policymakers, industry representatives, researchers, entrepreneurs, investors and Bangladeshi experts living abroad are expected to participate in the event.

Rahman said the government wants to move the country forward by overcoming all obstacles and expressed hope for a self-reliant, technology-driven Bangladesh. The programme is scheduled to include 11 plenary sessions, seven strategic panel discussions and technology exhibitions over two days.

The United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has unanimously passed new regulations to prevent satellite collisions and strengthen space safety as the number of satellites in Earth's orbit continues to rise sharply. The rules require satellite operators to share real-time tracking data, a move aimed at reducing the growing risk of orbital debris. The decision has sparked a jurisdictional dispute in Washington over which agency should oversee space traffic management.

Currently, more than 18,000 active and inactive satellites orbit the Earth, with most located in low-Earth orbit. The FCC’s new role has been questioned by members of Congress, who argue that the agency lacks clear legal authority for space traffic control. Lawmakers from both parties urged FCC Chairman Brendan Carr to delay the vote, but the commission proceeded without public response.

Despite the legal debate, the satellite industry has welcomed the FCC’s broader 2,000-page reform package, which simplifies and lowers the cost of satellite licensing. The new performance-based system is expected to benefit startups by removing bureaucratic barriers and reducing financial burdens.

Meta has begun rolling out a redesigned version of WhatsApp for Mac, inspired by Apple’s “Liquid Glass” design language. The update aims to make the desktop experience more consistent with that of iPhone and iPad users. According to WABetaInfo, the update is being released gradually through the Mac App Store, with limited users currently having access. It is expected to reach all Mac users within the next few weeks.

The new version does not introduce major messaging or AI-based features but focuses on improving design and usability. Enhancements include a reorganized sidebar, refined chat bar, updated attachment menu, and smoother navigation aligned with Apple’s latest macOS design principles. Locked chats and Communities now have separate sections, with identity verification required before accessing locked conversations, mirroring iPhone privacy features.

Technology analysts view this update as part of Apple’s broader effort to unify user experiences across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Meta continues to invest in improving WhatsApp’s desktop version as its user base on desktop platforms expands.

France’s parliament has passed a new law prohibiting social media use by individuals under the age of 15. The legislation, introduced by President Emmanuel Macron, aims to protect minors from online bullying, harmful content, sexual predators, and mental health risks. It also bans mobile phone use in high schools and is expected to take effect on September 1.

Under the law, social media platforms must implement age verification systems, though educational digital services are exempt. France becomes the first country in Europe to enact such a measure. Similar initiatives are being considered in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, Poland, Portugal, and Spain. The European Union may also announce new online safety guidelines for children in September.

Critics argue that enforcing the ban could be difficult and may raise privacy concerns. Social media companies maintain that they already have measures in place to protect minors online.

The Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) has issued a public warning after discovering a fraudulent group using the name and designation of its Director (Training and Development) to conduct fake training programs and circulate forged documents. In a press release on Tuesday, BCC urged all government offices, educational institutions, and the public to remain alert against such scams.

According to the statement, the group has been spreading false letters and notices under a project titled 'Modernization of Urban and Rural Life through Information Technology.' The forged documents, dated June 28, 2026, falsely claimed that computer application training would be held in 520 secondary schools across 104 upazilas, with financial transactions involving fees and allowances. BCC clarified that all its training and financial dealings are conducted only through official channels and that it never charges trainees any fees.

The council further advised against engaging in any unauthorized financial transactions and stated that it will not bear responsibility for dealings with unapproved individuals or organizations.

State-owned Rupali Bank PLC has launched a public awareness campaign to promote Bangla QR, the universal QR code-based digital payment system introduced by Bangladesh Bank. The campaign aims to increase awareness among customers and the general public about the benefits of Bangla QR and to expand cashless transactions across the country. The event took place on Tuesday in Moghbazar, Dhaka, with the bank’s Managing Director Kazi Md. Wahidul Islam in attendance.

During the program, leaflets were distributed at several locations including Moghbazar intersection, in front of the TCB building at Karwan Bazar, Nayatola, and Rampura. The initiative informed both the public and business owners about the advantages of using Bangla QR and encouraged them to adopt cashless payment methods. Senior officials of the bank, including Deputy Managing Director Hasan Tanvir and Chief Information Technology Officer Md. Ohidul Islam Sarkar, participated in the event.

The campaign also involved managers and officials from Rupali Bank’s regional and branch offices in Dhaka North, Dhaka South, and other key zones, reflecting a coordinated effort to promote digital financial inclusion.

Facebook users experienced disruptions accessing the platform’s desktop version from Sunday noon due to server or technical issues. Many users reported encountering messages such as ‘account temporarily enabled’ or pages failing to load when attempting to log in. The issue appears to be linked to Meta’s backend updates or server malfunctions, according to the report.

Numerous users took to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share their experiences using the hashtag #FacebookDown, posting screenshots of the error messages they received. Despite widespread user reports, Meta, Facebook’s parent company, had not issued any official statement regarding the cause or resolution of the problem at the time of reporting.

The outage has raised concerns among users who rely on Facebook’s desktop version for communication and business activities, though the duration and full extent of the disruption remain unclear.

The US government has approved the launch of a mirror satellite named Earendel-1, designed to reflect sunlight onto specific areas of Earth at night, according to a report by Petapixel. The satellite, roughly the size of a bedside table, will orbit about 400 miles above Earth and deploy a 60-foot-wide square mirror. It will direct sunlight to illuminate a circular patch about three miles wide, effectively turning night into day for limited zones.

Ben Nowak, co-founder of Reflective Orbit, said customers committing to at least 1,000 hours of annual use would pay $5,000 per hour for the service. While the cost—totaling $5 million per year—places it beyond most photographers’ budgets, authorities noted potential use in emergency situations. The US government also plans to launch up to 1,000 larger satellites in the future, each capable of reflecting light equivalent to 100 full moons.

Astronomers and biologists have voiced strong opposition, warning that such artificial illumination could disrupt natural light-dark cycles, harm wildlife, and alter human sleep patterns.

Saudi Arabia has introduced a new technology-driven service at the Grand Mosque in Mecca to assist Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. According to a Gulf News report published on Saturday, the initiative provides real-time crowd information for areas designated for Tawaf and Sa’i, allowing worshippers to choose less crowded routes and perform rituals more comfortably.

The authority responsible for maintaining the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque stated that the digital platform delivers live updates on crowd density and offers guidance to help avoid congestion. The service aims to enhance the overall experience of worshippers by improving movement and safety within the holy site.

Pilgrims can access the service through a QR code, which provides continuously updated information to facilitate smoother movement around the mosque. The system is expected to make crowd management more effective and ensure a more seamless and comfortable pilgrimage experience.

The United Kingdom government has announced a nighttime social media curfew for 16- to 17-year-olds, restricting access to platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube from midnight to 6 a.m. Users will still be able to disable the restriction through account settings. The government also plans to deactivate features like auto-play and infinite scroll, which it says contribute to addiction. The proposal is expected to be introduced in Parliament by the end of 2026 and take effect next spring.

Officials argue that the curfew and related measures will help improve teenagers’ attention, sleep quality, and family life. The move follows a June decision to ban social media use entirely for those under 16. However, child protection advocates and experts have criticized the plan as insufficient, noting that teens can easily bypass the settings. Some politicians and academics have also questioned its practicality and potential unintended consequences.

Government ministers maintain that the policy will strengthen the UK’s global leadership in regulating technology companies and promote healthier digital habits among young people.

The Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) has demanded the immediate arrest of those involved in recent attacks, looting, and extortion targeting internet service providers across the country. The association warned that if the perpetrators are not arrested within seven days, customer support services will be suspended. The demand was made during a human chain organized by the Bangladesh Mobile Phone Consumers Association in front of the National Press Club on Wednesday.

ISPAB President Aminul Hakim said that internet service is no longer a luxury but a vital part of banking, education, healthcare, government, and digital communication systems. He expressed concern over the growing number of attacks on internet infrastructure, offices, and workers, citing recent incidents in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi and Chattogram. ISPAB General Secretary Nazmul Karim Bhuiyan added that ensuring the safety of the internet business is the responsibility of the state and urged the government to take effective measures.

Speakers at the event emphasized that attacks on the internet sector go against national interests and called for swift government action to protect the industry.

The Internet Service Provider Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to arrest those involved in an extortion and attack incident at an internet service provider office in Chattogram. The warning came during a press conference held by ISPAB’s Chattogram division at the Chattogram Press Club on Tuesday. The association claimed that if the perpetrators are not detained within the deadline, internet services across the country could be disrupted due to growing insecurity among providers.

According to ISPAB, a group of assailants attacked the office of Digital DotNet in Chattogram on Monday afternoon, demanding around two crore taka in extortion. When the demand was not met, they vandalized the office, causing significant damage to equipment and furniture. ISPAB’s Chattogram division convener Rajib Shahriar Rubens said the incident has left many entrepreneurs and employees in the internet sector feeling unsafe.

The association demanded immediate arrests, exemplary punishment for those responsible, and stronger security measures for internet service providers to prevent further disruptions.

The European Union has announced plans to introduce new age-based restrictions on children's use of social media across its 27 member states. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made the announcement in Brussels on Monday, describing it as potentially the EU’s most significant step yet to protect children from online risks. The proposal, prepared by two experts, recommends a gradual approach to social media access based on age.

According to the proposal, children under 13 would be allowed limited social media use only under the supervision of parents, guardians, or teachers. Restrictions would gradually ease as users grow older. Von der Leyen emphasized the need for age-appropriate rules and said the Commission would present a formal proposal after the summer, possibly detailing it in her upcoming “State of the Union” address in September.

The initiative follows similar actions or considerations in countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, China, India, and the United States. Technology companies have stated that they already have measures and age limits in place to protect younger users.

Bangladesh and France have discussed expanding cooperation in digital technology, telecommunications, science, research, innovation, and skilled human resource development to strengthen their longstanding friendship. The discussion took place when French Ambassador Jean-Marc Serre-Charlet paid a courtesy call on Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Monday.

Minister Anam highlighted that an Earth Observation Satellite could play a vital role in disaster management, agriculture, land administration, and environmental protection. He said the government is assessing the feasibility of establishing such a satellite and prioritizing international collaboration. The minister noted France’s extensive experience in satellite technology and expressed hope for a new era of cooperation through knowledge and skill exchange.

Ambassador Serre-Charlet stated that France is ready to assist Bangladesh in feasibility studies, technology transfer, training, and capacity building for the satellite project. He added that the technology could support agriculture, disaster management, urban planning, border security, and maritime surveillance, and emphasized interest in joint research with Bangladeshi universities.

Wikipedia has come under renewed scrutiny in India after a defamation lawsuit filed by Asian News International (ANI) in 2024. The Delhi High Court warned that the platform could be banned in India if it fails to comply with national laws. This has reignited global debate over how Wikipedia operates and how reliable its information truly is.

Wikipedia, launched in 2001, is a free, open-source online encyclopedia managed by the nonprofit Wikimedia Foundation. It hosts over 60 million articles and receives more than 10 trillion monthly page views. Around 300,000 volunteers worldwide write and verify its content without pay, following strict editorial guidelines that require information to be based on reliable published sources. Disputed entries are reviewed by senior editors and marked accordingly.

While Wikipedia acknowledges that it should not be treated as a primary source, experts note that widely known topics tend to be more accurate due to frequent review. Critics have raised concerns about gender imbalance among contributors and ideological bias. The platform operates without ads, relying on user donations, and faces restrictions or bans in at least 13 countries, including China, Myanmar, and North Korea.