Bangladesh Bank has simplified foreign currency transaction procedures for freelancers and individual service exporters. According to a circular issued on Wednesday, inward remittances up to 20,000 US dollars will no longer require a formal declaration. Additionally, freelancers can now receive up to 10,000 US dollars per transaction through online payment gateway service providers, provided the earnings are repatriated within the stipulated time.

The initiative aims to support the country’s growing digital service sector. The circular allows freelancers to use platform statements, emails, invoices, or other digital communications as valid proof of income, reducing dependence on traditional export documentation. It also introduces a dual-currency “freelancer card” and expands the use of mobile financial service and payment service providers to make digital transactions more efficient.

Under the new rules, IT freelancers may retain up to 50 percent of their export earnings in foreign currency under the Exporters’ Retention Quota, while other service exporters may retain up to 30 percent. Stakeholders believe the move will encourage more freelancers to bring foreign income through formal channels, increase foreign exchange inflows, and enhance transparency in the digital trade sector.

Individual taxpayers in Bangladesh can now file their income tax returns for the 2026–27 fiscal year through the National Board of Revenue’s (NBR) e-return system. Acting NBR Chairman Ahsan Habib formally inaugurated the program on Wednesday. The board has introduced a new incentive for early filers: those submitting returns between July and September 30 will receive a 5 percent rebate on net payable tax or up to 25,000 taka. Returns filed after the deadline will not qualify for this benefit, and submissions after December will incur penalties.

The NBR first launched the online return system in 2021 and made it mandatory last year. However, senior citizens aged 65 or above, physically challenged taxpayers, Bangladeshis residing abroad, representatives of deceased taxpayers, and foreign nationals working in Bangladesh may still file paper returns. In the 2025–26 fiscal year, a record 4.7 million individuals filed returns through the e-return system.

Taxpayers can pay taxes via bank transfer, cards, or mobile financial services such as bKash, Rocket, and Nagad. The NBR call center offers assistance during office hours on working days.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved eight development projects with a total expenditure of Tk 14,041.21 crore. Of this, Tk 10,494.21 crore will come from government funding and Tk 3,550.44 crore from project loans. The approval was given at an ECNEC meeting held on Wednesday at the Cabinet Room of the Bangladesh Secretariat, chaired by Prime Minister and ECNEC Chairperson Tarique Rahman. Among the approved projects, three are new and five are revised.

The approved projects include three under the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, one under the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, one under the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, two under the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, and one under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Additionally, the meeting was informed about 11 smaller projects costing less than Tk 50 crore that had already been approved by the Planning Minister.

These smaller projects cover areas such as regional offices for the National University, road upgrades, mobile network installation at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s third terminal, and infrastructure development for power transmission and vocational training centers.

A 22-kilogram Katla fish was caught in the Padma River at Goaland, Rajbari, and sold for Tk 50,600 through a video call. The fish was caught early Wednesday by fisherman Jahurul Haldar of Pangsha upazila at the confluence of the Padma and Jamuna rivers. It was brought to the Daulatdia Ghat market, where it weighed 22 kilograms on a digital scale. In an open auction, fish trader Md. Samrat Shahjahan Sheikh bought it for Tk 46,200 and later sold it to a Rajshahi businessman for Tk 50,600 using online communication.

The trader said large Katla fish from the Padma River are always in high demand, and online platforms now make it easier to find good buyers quickly. Goaland Upazila Fisheries Officer Md. Anwarul Islam Pilot noted that a seasonal ban on Hilsa fishing has increased the catch of other species like Katla, Rui, and Boal. He added that establishing permanent sanctuaries in the river could help sustain larger fish populations.

Local residents gathered to see the rare large fish, as such big Katla catches are uncommon in the area.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held a meeting with leaders of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) at the Prime Minister’s Office in Dhaka on Wednesday to discuss the current state, export potential, and challenges of the country’s textile industry. During the meeting, he directed the formation of a high-level committee to review and resolve the existing problems in the sector. The meeting was confirmed by the Deputy Press Secretary to the Prime Minister, Hasan Shiplu.

BTMA leaders highlighted the textile industry’s significant contribution to the national economy and sought government support for its sustainable development. They also urged policy assistance to enhance competitiveness in international markets. Prime Minister Rahman praised the industry’s role in industrialization, job creation, and export earnings, assuring government cooperation for its advancement.

The newly formed committee is expected to assess ongoing issues and propose timely solutions to strengthen the textile sector’s performance and global competitiveness.

The water level of the Jamuneswari River flowing through Taraganj and Badarganj upazilas of Rangpur suddenly rose above the danger mark on Wednesday morning. Continuous rainfall over several days caused the river to swell unusually, creating erosion fears among residents on both banks. At 9 a.m. at the Barati point in Taraganj, the river was flowing 15 centimeters above the danger level, measuring 34.68 meters where the danger mark is 34.53 meters.

According to the Water Development Board, the Jamuneswari originates in Dimla upazila of Nilphamari and flows through several areas before joining the Karatoa River in Pirganj. Officials said heavy rainfall in upstream areas such as Domar and Dimla caused the rapid rise in water level. Local residents expressed concern, noting that the river rarely crosses the danger level. The Rangpur weather office reported rainfall of 22 millimeters in Dalia, 18 millimeters in Kaunia, and 10 millimeters in Rangpur between Monday night and Tuesday morning.

Water Development Board officials assured that there is no reason for panic and that the water level is expected to recede once the rainfall decreases.

Archaeologists in El Salvador have discovered human remains believed to be around 3,000 years old, according to the country’s Ministry of Culture. The remains were first unearthed on July 2 from a burial site in Antiguo Cuscatlán, a suburb of San Salvador. Officials estimate the remains date back to approximately 850 BCE. A small clay vessel in the Usulután style, shaped like a sea turtle, was also found at the site, along with remnants of cassava branches preserved under layers of volcanic ash.

Researchers reported that the body was found lying face down. To confirm its age, radiocarbon testing will be conducted, and DNA analysis will determine the individual’s gender. The Ministry of Culture noted that the site may contain additional burials similar to those found in the Chalchuapa archaeological area of western El Salvador.

In the 1970s, archaeologists uncovered 33 human remains at Chalchuapa, considered the earliest evidence of human sacrifice in Mesoamerica. Many of those skeletons were found face down, some with bound limbs or signs of decapitation.

Global oil prices continued their upward trend as Brent crude futures rose by one dollar, or 1.1 percent, reaching 92.01 dollars per barrel. The price of US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude increased by 82 cents, or 1 percent, to 85.16 dollars per barrel. According to Reuters, the rise followed recent military actions involving the United States and Iran in the Middle East.

The report stated that US forces carried out attacks in southern and western Iran, while Iran targeted US installations in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan. These developments pushed oil prices to their highest level in five weeks by Tuesday, when Brent futures settled at 91.01 dollars per barrel and WTI at 84.91 dollars.

The continued escalation of regional tensions has reinforced market concerns about potential disruptions to oil supply, sustaining the upward momentum in global crude prices.

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.

Bangladesh Bank has decided to withdraw administrators from five merged Islamic banks by mid-August 2026. The decision was made during a meeting between Governor Mostakur Rahman and the boards of the five banks at the central bank’s headquarters. The process will be implemented gradually, starting with EXIM Bank next week. Some central bank officials, however, believe administrators should remain longer due to incomplete implementation of the core banking system.

The five banks—EXIM, Social Islami, First Security Islami, Union, and Global Islami—were merged last year into the ‘Combined Islami Bank’ after severe financial irregularities under previous private control. The government injected Tk 20,000 crore into the new entity, while depositors were promised shares worth Tk 15,000 crore. Additionally, Tk 12,000 crore from the deposit insurance fund is being used to repay small depositors.

As of now, 822,000 depositors have received Tk 3,887 crore in repayments. Despite these efforts, the merged banks still face high non-performing loans, totaling Tk 170,500 crore, or 87.43 percent of total loans, raising concerns about their financial stability.

A meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) began on Wednesday morning under the chairmanship of Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman. The session started at 10 a.m. in the Cabinet Division conference room at the Secretariat in Dhaka.

The meeting is set to review nine development projects with a combined estimated cost of Tk 14,800 crore. Among these, four are new projects and five are revised ones. Of the total expenditure, Tk 11,180.17 crore will come from government funds, while Tk 3,550.44 crore will be financed through project loans.

The projects include initiatives such as a Tk 685 crore plan for protecting Bhola and the Dhaka-Ashulia Expressway project, which has overcome earlier uncertainties. The meeting also comes as the National Board of Revenue deploys a special team to monitor tax deduction at source.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) is set to review nine development projects worth about Tk 14,800 crore at its meeting in Dhaka on Wednesday. The session, chaired by Prime Minister and ECNEC Chairperson Tarique Rahman, will consider four new projects and five revised ones. Of the total cost, Tk 11,180 crore will come from government funds and Tk 3,550 crore from project loans.

According to the Planning Ministry, the projects span multiple sectors including agriculture, water resources, rural institutions, physical infrastructure, and energy. Key proposals include riverbank protection in Bhola, integrated development in greater Dinajpur, rural road maintenance, and expansion of kidney dialysis centers in medical college and district hospitals. Other projects involve the Dhaka-Ashulia Elevated Expressway, disaster shelter construction, and energy exploration wells in Begumganj and Sunetra.

Additionally, 11 other projects from various ministries will be presented for information only, covering education, textiles, telecommunications, road transport, power, industry, and fisheries. The meeting marks a significant round of development planning under the government’s ongoing infrastructure and social service initiatives.

Oscar-winning filmmaker Christopher Nolan’s latest film, “The Odyssey,” is currently dominating theaters worldwide. In an interview with U.S. outlet Today, Nolan revealed that the physically and mentally demanding production has left him exhausted, prompting him to take a three-year break before starting his next project. The film, based on the Greek epic, explores themes of love, war, homecoming, and destiny on a grand cinematic scale.

Nolan described the filming process as extremely challenging, citing sequences such as the Cyclops’ cave and stormy sea voyages that tested the entire crew. He shot the entire movie on IMAX 70mm film for the first time in his 25-year career, aiming to immerse audiences directly into the world of Odysseus. The cast includes Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, and Tom Holland.

Following the success of “Oppenheimer,” the three-hour epic is projected to earn around $200 million globally in its opening weekend. Nolan said he now plans to rest and recover from the intense filmmaking experience before returning to the big screen.

Flood conditions in India’s Assam state have deteriorated further, with 21 more people dying in flood-related incidents over the past 24 hours. This brings the total death toll from this year’s floods to 31, according to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA). The agency reported that around 564,600 people across 16 districts have been affected by the rising waters.

ASDMA’s late-night bulletin stated that the highest number of deaths occurred in Sivasagar district, where 13 people died, followed by five in Charaideo, two in Golaghat, and one in Jorhat. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced plans to visit the affected districts from Wednesday to review relief and rescue operations. He said the floods, triggered by heavy upstream rainfall, have caused severe hardship for residents.

The ASDMA added that 872 villages under 44 revenue circles remain submerged, with Sivasagar, Jorhat, and Charaideo among the worst-hit areas. Currently, 12,284 people are taking shelter in 71 relief camps, while 202 distribution centers are operating across the state.

Continuous erosion of the Jamuna River has caused about 60 feet of the Tarakandi-Bhuapur regional highway in Shakharia-Nolin area of Hemnagar Union, Gopalpur upazila, Tangail, to collapse into the river. Due to new cracks appearing along several parts of the road, all vehicular movement has remained suspended for the third consecutive day, severely affecting thousands of passengers and local residents.

According to local observations, rising water levels and strong currents have damaged the flood control embankment and nearby sections of the highway near the Shakharia sluice gate. Residents are moving belongings to safer places amid fears that a complete breach of the embankment could flood large parts of Gopalpur and neighboring upazilas, potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of people and cutting off key road links. Local officials and the Bangladesh Water Development Board have inspected the site.

Authorities have begun dumping geo-bags along about 100 feet of the damaged area to control the situation. Officials said sufficient geo-bags have been supplied and emergency dumping is underway while the river’s flow is being continuously monitored.