More than 220,000 people have been moved to safety as severe wildfires spread rapidly across Spain and France. Spain declared a national emergency for the first time in its history on July 25 as conditions worsened, while France requested European Union assistance to contain fires in its southwest.

In Spain, three separate fires west of Madrid merged into a larger blaze, challenging firefighters. About 63,000 people were ordered to leave affected areas or remain indoors, including at least 25,000 who were evacuated. At least 6,000 hectares have burned in the Madrid region and about 9,000 hectares in Avila province. Residents were evacuated from eight municipalities, while lockdowns remain in several other areas.

In France, more than 140,000 people were evacuated from the Gironde and Landes regions. More than 19,000 hectares of forest burned in Gironde and about 80 homes were destroyed. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said the fire was advancing toward Bordeaux, and at least 50 firefighters were injured. The Czech Republic and Slovakia announced they would send two Black Hawk helicopters.

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.

Bangladesh’s e-commerce sector is facing a deep crisis as businesses scale back, consumer confidence weakens, investment declines and operating costs rise, a report published on July 25, 2026 said. Market contraction has pushed many companies toward layoffs, reduced operations or closure, while interest among new entrepreneurs has also waned. Daraz and several other platforms have reportedly reduced operations and closed delivery hubs amid continuing losses.

Analysts cited a high dollar rate, higher fuel prices and prolonged inflation as factors raising delivery and logistics expenses while reducing purchases of luxury and discretionary goods. Policy uncertainty, falling international investment, digital fraud and distrust among customers were also identified as pressures. A merchant said Daraz decided to permanently close 16 of more than 100 hubs from June 14, while alternatives were not retained for several hubs outside Dhaka.

The Bangladesh Mobile Phone Consumers Association said customers are owed Tk531 crore by 32 e-commerce companies, with 18 yet to return money. Experts called for transparent transactions, stronger consumer protection, policy support, easier loans and digital technology to lower logistics costs, saying businesses should prioritize sustainability over expansion.

A severe wildfire spreading across Europe damaged NASA’s Madrid Deep Space Communications Complex in Robledo, Spain, prompting the evacuation of all staff on Friday. The facility, about 65 kilometres west of central Madrid, is one of NASA’s three global deep-space communications centres. The incident raised concerns that communications with distant spacecraft could be disrupted.

NASA said the fire passed through the MDSCC area and that the extent of possible damage will be assessed once conditions are safe. A NASA spokesperson confirmed the location of the complex and the safe evacuation of personnel in a statement to AFP. The agency said the safety and wellbeing of its employees remain its highest priority.

The MDSCC is part of NASA’s Deep Space Network, which communicates with spacecraft exploring distant regions of the galaxy. Its other two centres are located in Canberra, Australia, and Goldstone, California, in the United States. NASA said support for space missions is continuing without disruption through those facilities. The agency also expressed sympathy for families and residents affected by the wildfire in surrounding areas.

BRAC Bank’s branch distribution network recorded Tk50 billion in growth in current account savings account, or CASA, deposits during the first six months of 2026. The bank said the achievement reflects growing customer confidence in BRAC Bank and the capacity of its distribution network.

The report said BRAC Bank has maintained notable deposit growth in recent years, with the latest milestone continuing that trend. The bank attributed its business expansion to relationship-based banking and customer-centric services, while describing the branch distribution network as a key contributor to the result.

BRAC Bank held an event to celebrate the achievement, attended by Managing Director and CEO Tareq Refat Ullah Khan, Deputy Managing Director and Head of Branch Distribution Network Sheikh Mohammad Ashfaque, Senior Zonal Head Taher Hasan Al Mamun, regional heads, branch managers and other senior officials. Khan said customer trust and the dedicated efforts of the branch distribution network were behind the result. He said the bank remains committed to strengthening customer relationships through improved banking experiences and sustaining its growth trajectory.

A Malaysian investor delegation has expressed interest in investing in the Debiganj Economic Zone in Panchagarh, Bangladesh. The group is initially assessing the feasibility of a 100-megawatt solar power project and has also indicated interest in establishing agriculture-based industries. On Friday afternoon, the delegation met State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad before visiting the economic zone to review infrastructure, industrialisation prospects and employment potential.

Azad said the government places special importance on development in the northern region and is showing the Debiganj Economic Zone to domestic and foreign investors for that purpose. Delegation head Mr Sim described the zone as highly promising for industrial investment. He said the proposed solar project, if implemented, would add renewable energy to the national grid, while agro-based industrial development also has considerable scope.

Officials cited improved road connectivity, easy availability of agricultural products and comparatively lower production costs as factors attracting investors. An agreement to establish the economic zone was signed on 24 August 2020. The planned area was revised to 250.85 acres, including 240 acres for the zone and 10.85 acres for a connecting road. BEZA has received settlement of 185.86 acres, while acquisition of the remaining land continues.

Reports in Indian media have put Thalapathy Vijay’s pay for the globally released film Jana Nayagan at about Rs 300 crore. The report, published on July 25, 2026, says the payment for the lead role would be a record in Indian cinema if confirmed. The film, directed by H. Vinoth, has also drawn attention for its reported box-office performance after release.

According to the reports, Vijay was paid the amount directly and did not have an agreement to share in the film’s profits. Neither the makers nor Vijay had issued an official statement on the claim. H. Vinoth reportedly received Rs 30 crore, while music composer Anirudh Ravichander was paid about Rs 15 crore. Lead actress Pooja Hegde reportedly received Rs 10 crore and Bobby Deol about Rs 12 crore.

Other reported payments include Rs 7 crore for Prakash Raj and Rs 5 crore each for Priyamani and Gautham Vasudev Menon. Jana Nayagan, described as a political action thriller, is said to have cost about Rs 500 crore to make. Box-office trackers estimated Indian pre-sales near Rs 30 crore and first-day worldwide earnings between Rs 107 crore and Rs 112 crore, but these figures remain unconfirmed officially.

Microloan installment collection has been suspended for three months in flood-affected areas of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Rangamati, Bandarban and Khagrachhari after severe flooding and heavy rainfall caused extensive damage. Dr Mohammad Zakaria, director general of the NGO Affairs Bureau under the Prime Minister’s Office, announced the measure in a report published on July 25.

He spoke while visiting flood-hit South Jaldi, Ashkaria Para and Saral areas of Banshkhali on Friday and distributing relief supplies among people affected by flooding. According to Zakaria, loan recovery will remain halted in the affected areas for the next three months under instructions from the Microcredit Regulatory Authority.

During the visit, Zakaria discussed the overall condition of affected families with relevant officials and received updates on ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts. He also heard accounts of hardship from flood victims and took part in humanitarian assistance activities. Local residents expressed hope that coordinated government and private initiatives would quickly ease suffering and strengthen rehabilitation work.

Residents of Nayanpur in Sreepur upazila, Gazipur, are building a drain with their own funds rather than waiting for government allocations or action by relevant offices. Published on July 25, 2026, the report says about 40 families are jointly financing the project to address waterlogging that has caused hardship for nearly two decades.

Locals said rainwater had accumulated for years on the affected stretch of the Maona-Dhanua regional road, making it a persistent waterlogging point. Students from nearby schools and colleges, thousands of garment workers, traders, pedestrians and vehicle drivers faced daily disruption. Students said the low-lying road section remained underwater for four to five months a year, at times preventing even rickshaws and bicycles from moving.

Grocer Ismail Hossain said the construction has created temporary inconvenience, but completion could bring relief from longstanding waterlogging. Local BNP leader and union council chairman candidate Ariful Islam Sarkar called drain construction during road repair the most logical decision and praised the collective initiative. The administration, however, said the drain was built by cutting the road without permission.

A technical fault has shut down one liquefied natural gas terminal, worsening residential gas shortages across Dhaka and other areas, according to a report published on July 25. Following last week’s waterlogging, gas supply has stopped entirely in some neighbourhoods, while many others face very low pressure. Residents in Mohammadpur, Dhanmondi, Mirpur, Rampura and Old Dhaka reported unlit stoves, despite continuing to pay monthly bills. Some households are spending more on LPG cylinders or purchased food.

After Friday prayers on July 24, residents held a human chain outside Mohammadpur Allah Karim Mosque, demanding a permanent solution, an end to billing without uninterrupted service, action against alleged Titas negligence and illegal connections. Residents said the disruption has also affected Savar, Gazipur, Narsingdi, Mymensingh and factories in other areas. A knitwear industry representative said lower gas supply over the past three to four days was causing major production losses.

The energy division said daily supply is now 2,700 to 2,800 million cubic feet, against total capacity of about 3,800 million cubic feet. Supply to the national grid has fallen by about 450 million cubic feet since Tuesday. Titas said LNG could resume from Saturday afternoon, with pressure rising gradually and full relief taking another day or two.

Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said the United States has not newly imposed tariffs on Bangladesh and other trading partners, describing the reported 10 percent measure as a replacement for an existing tariff. Speaking to reporters in Sylhet on Friday, he said there had been no actual change in the tariff situation.

Muktadir said the previously imposed tariff would expire within 150 days because of a legal requirement. Once that earlier measure expires, the new tariff will take effect, he said, adding that it should be called a replacement rather than a new tariff imposition. He also said the existing tariff would remain in force after midnight on Friday, although it would operate under a different name.

He made the remarks after opening a daylong free medical camp, family planning, maternal and child services, and an eye camp for tea workers at Sylhet Government High School. Separately, CNN reported that the United States planned tariffs of 10 to 12.5 percent on Bangladesh and some other trading partners. The Office of the US Trade Representative said 60 affected trading partner countries account for 99.4 percent of total US imports.

BTS member Jimin’s outfit worn during a World Cup final halftime show has drawn the highest bid in a FIFA and Global Citizen charity auction organised by Christie’s. In the sale, titled “One Goal: An Auction to Benefit the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund,” the outfit had reached $14,000 before bidding closes on July 29. The auction is intended to support education and sports opportunities for disadvantaged children worldwide.

The bid for Jimin’s outfit is about 1.73 million Bangladeshi taka. Lionel Messi’s autographed jersey and gloves used by Madonna during the halftime show had each jointly reached $6,000, or about 741,000 taka. Other lots include the official match ball used in the Spain-Argentina final, Shakira’s halftime-show outfit, Madonna memorabilia, items used by other BTS members, and jerseys signed by players from different national teams.

More than 40 historic World Cup items are included in the auction. Organisers expect the sale to raise about $100 million for the FIFA and Global Citizen Education Fund. The full proceeds are to be used to provide quality education for children in underserved communities and expand access to sports.

Rangpur-1 (Gangachara) lawmaker Raihan Siraji visited areas affected by severe erosion along the Teesta River in Rangpur on Friday afternoon. He toured Char Kacharipara in Nohali Union and Brief Bazar and Minar Bazar in Ward No. 2 of Gangachara upazila. During the visit, he spoke with affected families, heard their accounts of hardship, and called for swift, effective measures to stop the erosion.

Siraji said the homesteads of seven families had already been swallowed by the river, while several villages were under threat because of the intensity of the erosion. Without urgent action, he said, a wider area could be lost to the river. He added that the river, once about one kilometre from homes, had reached their doorsteps, prompting many families to move their houses to safer locations.

The lawmaker said there was no alternative to placing geobags to curb erosion. He claimed that urgently placing about 20,000 geobags along the riverbank could protect several villages, hundreds of acres of farmland and important structures. He also discussed the progress, quality and effectiveness of erosion-control work with relevant officials and directed them to complete it quickly and properly.

Spain declared a wildfire emergency for the first time on July 24 as severe heatwaves across Europe fuelled major fires and large-scale evacuations. France also requested emergency assistance from the European Union to tackle fires along its Atlantic coast. Authorities in affected countries have moved residents from extensive areas to safer shelters as they work to contain the blazes and protect lives.

In France, officials ordered the evacuation of the entire tourist-frequented Cape Ferret peninsula after flames and thick smoke reached close to residential areas. About 63,000 residents have been evacuated, with a large share rescued by sea. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said a fire that began in the Saumos area near the peninsula's northern end had nearly blocked the only main road out.

The fire, described by Nunez as France's worst of the year, has burned about 10,000 hectares and damaged at least 80 homes, including 50 destroyed completely. In Spain, more than 10,000 residents were evacuated from towns in mountainous areas west of Madrid. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said the emergency declaration would make coordination among agencies and overall control of the situation easier.

Rubaiyat Hossain’s psychological horror film ‘The Difficult Bride’ has been selected for the Orizzonti competition at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. The selection marks the first time a Bangladeshi film has secured a place at the Venice festival, according to the report. The film will have its world premiere during the festival in Venice, Italy, scheduled from September 2 to 12.

The film will compete in the festival’s Horizons section, with the selected titles announced on Thursday. In 2010, Ishtiaq Zico’s short film ‘720 Degrees’ was selected for the Orizzonti section, becoming Bangladesh’s first short film to participate at the festival. Khona Talkies, which produced that short film, is the Bangladeshi co-producer of ‘The Difficult Bride.’

Set around Dhaka’s historic Mayfair beauty parlour, the story follows a young woman named Zaineen as she arrives to prepare for her wedding and becomes drawn into an unsettling world involving beauty, body, belief, memory and fear. Zaineen Chowdhury Karim plays the lead role, with Rikita Nandini Shimu and Sunerah Kamal in supporting roles. Hossain and several cast members will join the festival delegation.