Environmental activist Syeda Rizwana Hasan stressed that restoring natural forests is essential to protecting Bangladesh’s elephants—and that rural communities must be involved in this effort. Speaking at a wildlife conservation event, she added that the Forest Department has been directed to ban the use of elephants for entertainment shows. Speakers at the event highlighted that wildlife preservation has yet to gain political priority in Bangladesh. They urged immediate elephant population surveys, updated research beyond the outdated decade-old studies, and measures for breeding, habitat management, and food supply. They also called for a cross-border management protocol to reduce human-elephant conflict. According to the Forest Department, 18 elephants have died unnaturally in just the first six months of this year, while 146 elephants have died nationwide in the past nine years. The discussion coincided with World Elephant Day (August 12).

The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has launched a demolition drive against the riverfront bungalow of former state minister Nasrul Hamid, built illegally on the Buriganga’s bank. The operation began Thursday morning at Keraniganj, opposite Fatullah Launch Ghat. Nearly two acres of land were reclaimed after demolishing boundary walls and structures inside the compound. Officials confirmed that the eviction follows a 2009 High Court order directing the removal of all illegal structures occupying riverbanks. Earlier, on April 30, a Dhaka court ordered the seizure of Hamid’s property worth Tk 200 crore in Gulshan. In January, the court also imposed a travel ban on Hamid and his wife in connection with an ACC case.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has recovered nearly 200,000 cubic feet of illegally extracted stones from the Utmachhara border area in Sylhet. According to BGB, Utmachhara is a naturally resource-rich tourist spot with abundant sand and stones. For years, local syndicates have been extracting stones illegally and stockpiling them in different parts of Adarshapara village for smuggling. However, due to strict BGB surveillance, poor transport infrastructure, and internal conflicts within the syndicates, the stones could not be trafficked. A joint operation led by Assistant Commissioner Ifrahim Iqbal Chowdhury, along with local administration, BGB, and police, is now underway to conduct proper measurement and take legal action.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has filed a General Diary (GD) against two employees over the disappearance of 10 aircraft tires, allegedly handed over to a private airline without authorization.

Each tire is valued between USD 5,000 and 15,000, meaning the missing stock is worth nearly Tk 1 crore.

The tires, which had expired from operational use, were stored in an “auction shed” beside the hangar. According to the GD, assistant manager Mosharraf Hossain reported the incident as “untraceable” rather than outright theft.

Upon questioning, supervisor Arman Hossain and store helper Samsul Haque admitted the tires were given to a private airline official “for use” without informing higher authorities.

An internal investigation is now underway.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur has stressed the urgent need to curb excessive cash transactions, saying they encourage corruption and make tax evasion easier.

“The foundation of a cashless society in Bangladesh is becoming stronger. Within the next 7–8 years, Bangladesh will emerge as a major hub of cashless economy,” he stated.

Highlighting mobile financial services (MFS) innovations, the governor said the concept of “nano loans” is gaining popularity, with an average of 4,000 people receiving such loans daily, amounting to Tk 7,000 crore in total disbursements.

He emphasized that restoring discipline in the financial sector remains the biggest challenge, as well as introducing innovative and inclusive financial services to strengthen the macroeconomy.

China’s military is preparing to seize Taiwan by 2027 under direct orders from President Xi Jinping, warned US Strategic Command chief General Anthony Cotton in testimony before Congress.

Cotton said Beijing is developing nuclear-capable weapons capable of striking from land, air, and sea.

While China’s 2023 national defense policy reiterated its commitment to a “no first use” policy on nuclear weapons, the Pentagon has warned that Beijing could reconsider if a conventional defeat in Taiwan threatens Communist Party survival.

China’s Defense Ministry has dismissed US claims as an attempt to spread the so-called “China nuclear threat” narrative to malign Beijing internationally. However, experts, including the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, caution that China is stockpiling increasingly powerful weapons

The holy occasion of Akheri Chahar Shomba is being observed today across Bangladesh. Although not an official public holiday, it is recognized as an optional holiday, and all educational institutions remain closed.

Historically, the day is linked to a temporary recovery of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during his final illness, sparking immense joy and charity among his companions. Commemorating this, Muslims continue to observe the last Wednesday of the month of Safar with prayers and festivities.

Low-income residents of Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, and Natore are increasingly trapped in a high-interest debt cycle from NGOs and moneylenders. Many borrow for household needs rather than productive investment, leading to unpaid loans, mental distress, and rising suicides. Recent incidents include multiple families abandoning homes or taking their lives due to mounting pressure. Experts highlight weak loan verification, high real interest rates, and inadequate oversight as key issues, urging stricter monitoring of microcredit programs to prevent further tragedies.

Two fabric-loaded containers worth Tk 15 million have gone missing from Chattogram Port after being auctioned and fully paid for by Shah Amanat Trading. Owner Selim Reza claims he has been waiting for seven months despite paying duties and charges. Customs officials say refunds will be processed if the port confirms the goods cannot be delivered, while port authorities insist the containers are not lost but misplaced among nearly 50,000 others and are still being searched for.

At least 27 worshippers were killed during dawn prayers when armed assailants stormed a mosque in Katsina state, Nigeria, early Tuesday morning.

Local residents reported that gunmen opened fire inside the mosque in the remote community of Unguwan Matau around 4 a.m. Worshippers scattered in panic, but the attackers also targeted those fleeing. Several others were injured.

No group has yet claimed responsibility. Authorities have deployed military and police forces to the area.

Deadly armed raids are increasingly common in Nigeria’s northwest and central regions, often fueled by land and water disputes between herders and farmers. In June, more than 100 people were killed in a similar attack in north-central Nigeria.

Dubai Police have recovered a rare 21.25-carat pink diamond worth $25 million within just eight hours of its theft. Dubbed “Operation Pink Diamond,” the raid led to the arrest of three Asian suspects who had plotted the heist for over a year. The criminals lured a European trader by posing as wealthy buyers with luxury cars and hotel meetings before snatching the gem. The diamond, hidden in a refrigerator, was later found. The owner praised police for their swift action.

At least 10 people, including student representative Jinia Sharmin, were detained as police baton-charged a protest by terminated NGO teachers in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, on Wednesday morning.

Protesters claimed they were staging a peaceful demonstration on one side of the road, as part of a pre-scheduled program, when NGO staff vehicles became stuck in traffic. Police then intervened with force, leaving several injured.

While visiting the injured at a hospital, Jinia and others were detained by police. “Those who have been detained must be released immediately. We will not move until our demands are met,” said a female protester.

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has instructed pilgrims not to stop in front of the Hajar al-Aswad while performing Tawaf to avoid crowding and ensure safety. The ministry emphasized that pointing toward the Black Stone is sufficient and does not affect the validity of Tawaf. This directive aims to facilitate smooth movement, prevent congestion, and protect pilgrims. Authorities clarified that stopping is not required for a valid Tawaf and urged cooperation for collective safety.

A tragic road accident in Gazipur’s Naojor area on Tuesday morning claimed the lives of three members of the same family.

The victims were identified as Anwar Hossain (33), his wife Ankhi Akter (26), and their two-year-old daughter Anni Khatun.

Relatives said Anwar, who worked at RFL Company in Mymensingh, was traveling with his family to visit his in-laws in Ashulia when their autorickshaw lost control after a rear wheel detached and collided with a covered van near Riaz Filling Station.

Anni was killed instantly, while Anwar and his wife succumbed to injuries en route to hospital. Police confirmed both vehicles are in custody, and legal action is being taken.

Faiz Ahmed Tayyab, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, has warned of possible large-scale cyberattacks targeting Bangladesh’s financial sector and other critical areas ahead of the national election.

He urged stakeholders to reassess cybersecurity preparedness in light of growing threats.

Last month, Bangladesh Bank issued a nationwide alert warning banks, financial institutions, and digital payment providers to urgently strengthen security systems against small- and medium-scale cyberattacks.