Chaos unfolded at Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s residence during her weekly “Jan Sunwai” (public hearing) when an individual suddenly attacked her under the pretense of handing over papers.

According to PTI, stones were hurled at Gupta, and she was physically assaulted—slapped and pulled by the hair. Following the attack, she was hospitalized, though her injuries are not reported to be severe.

Her security personnel immediately detained the attacker and handed him over to police for questioning. BJP leaders claimed that Gupta sustained head injuries, while Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa alleged a political conspiracy behind the attack.

The Congress condemned the incident, simultaneously raising concerns about women’s safety in Delhi.

At least 71 people have been killed in a tragic bus accident in Afghanistan’s Herat province. Police reported on Tuesday that the crash was caused by “overspeeding and negligence.”

The victims were Afghan returnees deported from Iran. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the deaths but said details on the identities were still pending.

The accident comes just a day after Iran’s Interior Minister, Eskandar Momeni, announced that 800,000 Afghans must leave Iran by March. Poor road conditions and frequent accidents plague Afghanistan—last December, two bus crashes claimed at least 52 lives.

According to UNHCR, nearly 450,000 Afghans have returned from Iran since June alone. Iran had set a July 6 deadline for undocumented migrants to leave. In total, more than 1.4 million Afghans have been repatriated or forcibly deported this year.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has expressed his gratitude to British doctors for their prompt response in treating severely injured patients of the recent Milestone accident. On Tuesday, the British medical team met with the Chief Adviser in Jamuna.

“We didn’t have the capacity to handle such a crisis quickly. Gathering resources and acting so fast was not easy for us, and we were in real difficulty,” Yunus said. “Even before you began treating patients, your presence itself gave comfort to the nation. We are deeply grateful that you arrived at the right time.”

A member of the British team remarked, “We feel the pain of the Bangladeshi people. Our work is not only with the patients but also in close coordination with the government.”

The Chief Adviser emphasized the importance of mental health care for the injured and urged the British team to take follow-up initiatives. The medical team is expected to conclude its activities in Dhaka and return to the UK on August 24.

The Malaysian state of Terengganu has introduced stricter laws against skipping Friday prayers. Muslim men who miss the weekly congregational prayer without a valid reason could now face up to two years in prison or a fine of up to RM 3,000.

Previously, punishment applied only after three consecutive absences. The state’s Dawah and Shariah Implementation Committee Chair, Dr. Muhammad Khalil, said the penalty will be applied only as a last resort after repeated reminders and warnings.

To raise awareness, mosques across the state are putting up banners highlighting the religious obligation of Friday prayers. Authorities will monitor compliance through public complaints, patrols, and joint operations by religious enforcement and local administration.

U.S. President Donald Trump has categorically ruled out deploying American troops to Ukraine, saying his primary objective is to end the bloodshed.

In a phone interview with Fox News after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders, Trump said: “I guarantee there will be no U.S. troops in Ukraine. My goal is simply to stop people from dying.”

He added that he recently spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging restraint. “If Putin doesn’t behave, the situation will turn difficult. I also expect Zelensky to do what is necessary, but he must remain flexible in negotiations.”

Youth and Sports Secretary Mahbubul Alam has dismissed a recent media report alleging irregularities in a stadium construction project as “false, incomplete, and misleading.”

The report claimed that a Tk 5.1 million stadium project was inexplicably inflated to Tk 1.4 billion and passed due to the influence of Sajib Bhuiyan. The secretary clarified that the figure cited referred to a limited Phase 1 mini-stadium project, while the new Tk 1.42 billion budget covers a Phase 2 project in 123 upazilas, including land acquisition, expanded infrastructure, and facilities far superior to the earlier version.

He further denied that the project was approved due to any individual’s influence, stating it followed proper procedures under the Planning Commission.

The government has approved an increase in medical assistance for public servants.

According to a Finance Ministry circular, allowances for critical illnesses have been raised from Tk 200,000 to Tk 300,000, while general treatment allowances increased from Tk 40,000 to Tk 60,000.

Additionally, funeral grants for employees rose from Tk 30,000 to Tk 50,000, and for family members from Tk 10,000 to Tk 20,000. The one-time joint insurance benefit has been raised from Tk 200,000 to Tk 300,000, while monthly welfare stipends increased from Tk 2,000 to Tk 3,000.

Teachers staged a sit-in protest in front of the National Press Club demanding the nationalization of nearly 5,000 private primary schools established before May 25, 2019.

Leaders of the Private Primary Teachers’ Association said that although the government announced the nationalization of all private schools in January 2013, many institutions were later brought under the scheme in phases, leaving thousands excluded.

Joint Secretary Suman Kumar Chaki said, “We have been protesting since 2018. Recommendations were made again on July 26 for nationalization, but no progress has been made. If immediate action is not taken, we will be forced to launch larger demonstrations.”

At a recent seminar, Wakil Ahmed, president of the Association of Japanese Language Institutes in Bangladesh, highlighted the growing trend of Bangladeshi students studying in Japan.

“Currently, 6,000–7,000 students go to Japan annually. With proper policies and government support, this number can easily increase to 15,000–20,000,” he said. Ahmed outlined a five-year goal of sending 100,000 students and professionals to Japan.

Speakers at the event noted that Japan has recently doubled its foreign student quota from 200,000 to 400,000, creating a significant opportunity for Bangladesh. With strategic planning, at least 43,000 students could study in Japan over the next three years.

The first phase of Class XI admission for the 2025–26 academic year has concluded with 1,073,336 students applying online. Results will be published Wednesday at 8 PM on the official admission website. About 130,471 eligible students did not apply in this phase. Students can confirm admission to nominated colleges or madrasas or skip to apply in later phases. Even after confirmation, migration to other institutions remains possible for selected candidates.

The Government Procurement Advisory Committee has withheld approval for the upcoming academic year’s textbook tenders for three secondary school grades, citing irregularities and corruption.

According to sources, the National Curriculum and Textbook Board’s (NCTB) recommendations for all tenders for grades six, seven, and eight for 2026 have been annulled. For sixth grade, 97 tenders covering 4.32 crore textbooks had a total procurement value of BDT 18,04 crore. Seventh grade tenders—94 in number, covering 3.9 crore books—amounted to BDT 20,02 crore, while eighth grade’s 89 tenders for 3.66 crore books totaled BDT 22,31 crore.

Altogether, recommendations worth around BDT 600 crore have been canceled. The decision comes after reports of irregularities and corruption in the tender process. Earlier reports revealed that 30% of textbooks supplied to students were of substandard quality. Due to the absence of a regular chairman, no disciplinary action had been taken against the responsible officials.

Adviser Prof. Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar urged devotees of Lord Krishna to embrace unity and self-reliance in expressing their devotion.

“Krishna was a multifaceted personality. True devotion requires self-dependence. Strengthen your own position instead of relying on others, and inner strength will naturally awaken.”

At the same event, DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali emphasized the importance of religious harmony, noting that people of the subcontinent have celebrated festivals together for centuries.

He added that just as Zakat in Islam helps the poor, wealthy members of the Hindu community should also stand by the underprivileged.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus paid tribute to teachers Maherin Chowdhury, Masuka Begum, and Mahfuza Khanam, who died in the Milestone fighter jet crash, calling them enduring symbols of humanity and bravery.

During a visit to meet their families in Jamuna, Yunus said:

“Though time has passed, the memory of this tragedy remains raw. We can share condolences, but we cannot erase the pain.”

The husband of Maherin Chowdhury recalled her final moments:

“She pulled children out of the burning wreckage, even as she remained unharmed. When I asked why she didn’t save herself, she replied, ‘They are also my children. How could I leave them behind?’”

Yunus remarked that listening to such stories is painful yet fills the nation with pride.

Authorities in Jibannagar upazila, Chuadanga, have decided to ban the use of mobile phones for all students up to higher secondary level in schools and colleges.
The resolution was passed at the monthly law and order committee meeting chaired by UNO Md. Al Amin. The proposal, initially raised by Jibannagar Degree College lecturer Jahangir Alam, was unanimously supported.
Officials said the decision mirrors recent restrictions implemented in Maheshpur and will soon be enforced through resolutions sent to all educational institutions.

Renowned Bollywood actor Achyut Potdar, best known for his role as a professor in Rajkumar Hirani’s blockbuster 3 Idiots, has passed away at the age of 90.
His daughter, Anuradha Paraskar, confirmed the news, stating that he breathed his last at Jupiter Hospital in Thane, Mumbai.
Potdar’s illustrious career included acclaimed performances in films such as Aakrosh, Ardh Satya, Tezaab, Parinda, Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, Dilwale, Rangeela, Vastav, Hum Saath Saath Hain, Parineeta, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Dabangg 2, and Ventilator.