A severe gas crisis has gripped Bangladesh, including the capital Dhaka, disrupting industrial production and household cooking. Long queues of vehicles were seen at CNG filling stations, where drivers waited for hours to get limited gas due to low pressure. Authorities said the shortage worsened after a technical fault at the Maheshkhali floating LNG terminal reduced national grid supply by about 450 million cubic feet per day. The daily demand now exceeds 3.8 billion cubic feet, while supply stands at only 2.7 billion, leaving a shortfall of over 1.1 billion cubic feet.

Titas Gas officials confirmed that the technical issue has halved LNG supply, affecting all categories of consumers. The company apologized and said repair work is underway. Experts and policymakers blamed years of inadequate gas exploration and overreliance on costly imported LNG for the crisis. They warned that reserves are depleting fast, with most gas fields nearing exhaustion. Critics accused the previous government of neglecting domestic exploration in favor of imports.

Energy specialists urged the government to reduce import dependence, accelerate onshore and offshore gas exploration, and improve efficiency to ensure long-term energy security.

In Sitakunda, Chattogram, discarded lifeboats from shipbreaking yards have become the foundation of a thriving multimillion-taka trade. Once considered waste, these sea-rescue vessels are now collected, repaired, and modernized for reuse across Bangladesh. The refurbished boats are being deployed in coastal, riverine, and tourism areas for fishing, passenger transport, and disaster rescue operations.

A bustling market for these boats has emerged in areas such as Bhatiari, Madam Bibirhat, Modonhat, Kadamrasul, Shitalpur, and Sonaichhari. Business owners acquire lifeboats through tenders from shipyards stretching from Faujdarhat to Chhoto Kumira, then refurbish them with fiber work, paint, and new engines. Prices range from Tk 50,000 for basic fiber boats to Tk 550,000 for high-speed rescue models. Traders report growing demand due to durability, low maintenance, and safety advantages over wooden boats.

Local entrepreneurs say the reuse of shipbreaking materials has created a new economic identity for Sitakunda, boosting opportunities in the marine, fisheries, and tourism sectors. With technical support and financing, the region could become a major national hub for recycled watercraft.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has come under scrutiny after its recent heavy rainfall warnings failed to match actual weather conditions. Despite forecasts of heavy to very heavy rain across seven divisions, including Dhaka, on Tuesday, most areas experienced little to no rainfall. The department later admitted that the earlier warning was a major mistake, as the highest recorded rainfall in the country was only 36 millimeters in Gopalganj and 7 millimeters in Dhaka.

Meteorologist Tariful Newaz Kabir attributed the forecasting errors to a shortage of observation stations and technical limitations. He explained that large gaps between stations, such as the 100-kilometer distance between Rangpur and Bogura, reduce data accuracy. Additionally, three of the department’s five weather radars remain nonfunctional, with only those in Dhaka and Rangpur recently repaired. The remaining radars await restoration by JICA.

In response, the BMD issued a revised warning within 48 hours, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall in Barishal and Chattogram divisions, with potential landslides in hilly areas, particularly around Cox’s Bazar.

The government has issued a gazette maintaining the registration renewal fee for insurance companies in 2026 at one taka per thousand taka of gross premium. The Financial Institutions Division of the Ministry of Finance published the notification on July 19, confirming that the previous rate would remain in effect for the upcoming renewal period.

Earlier, on February 4, the division had raised the renewal fee to two taka fifty paisa per thousand taka of gross premium, which drew strong opposition from private life and general insurance companies. The Bangladesh Insurance Association (BIA) described the increase as an unreasonable financial burden on the industry and demanded its withdrawal. Despite the objections, the higher rate was initially enforced through a June 23 directive.

Following continued appeals from insurance companies, the Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority (IDRA) recommended retaining the earlier rate. Acting on this recommendation, the government decided to keep the 2026 renewal fee unchanged, easing financial pressure on the sector.

A total of Tk 2,800 crore in microloans will be provided during the 2026–27 fiscal year under the Credit Enhancement Scheme (CES) implemented by the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF). The loans will be extended by 11 banks and one financial institution to PKSF’s partner organizations. The agreement was signed on Tuesday at PKSF Bhaban-1 in Agargaon, Dhaka, with PKSF Deputy Managing Director Muhammad Hasan Khaled and representatives of the participating banks signing on behalf of their institutions.

The participating institutions include Brac Bank, City Bank, Prime Bank, NCC Bank, Trust Bank, Southeast Bank, Mercantile Bank, Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Dhaka Bank, Madhumati Bank, Shimanto Bank, and the UAE-Bangladesh Investment Company Limited (UBICO). PKSF Managing Director Md. Fazlul Kader stated that the scheme aims to formally engage commercial banks in transforming low-income individuals into entrepreneurs. Under the scheme, PKSF’s partner organizations will distribute the loans to small entrepreneurs, with PKSF providing loan guarantees and ensuring proper utilization through close monitoring.

The CES began operations on July 1, 2025. In its first year, 10 banks and one financial company signed agreements with PKSF, disbursing Tk 1,082 crore to 26 partner organizations for small enterprise financing.

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.

Pakistani singer Atif Aslam has confirmed through a video message that he will perform live in Dhaka this Friday. The announcement was shared on the social media pages of the organizing company Main Stage, where Atif expressed excitement about meeting his fans and performing at the Cricketers Academy on 300 Feet Road. The concert, titled “Main Stage Featuring Atif Aslam,” will take place in the capital, with gates opening at 2 p.m. and closing at 6 p.m. The main show will run from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The event will also feature performances by Bangladeshi bands Meghdol and Level Five. Organizers stated that Atif Aslam will arrive in Bangladesh tomorrow. The concert was originally scheduled for December 13 last year but was postponed due to security clearance issues. Fans who retained their tickets from the postponed event can use them for the new date, while those awaiting refunds may reclaim their tickets by withdrawing refund requests.

The confirmation video has sparked excitement among Dhaka’s music lovers, ending months of speculation about the concert’s rescheduling.

Bangladeshi filmmaker Adnan Al Rajib, whose short film ‘Ali’ won an award at the Cannes Film Festival, is set to make his debut as a feature film director. The film is scheduled for theatrical release next year. Although the cast has not been officially announced, speculation suggests that actor Siam Ahmed may play the lead role. Rajib confirmed that discussions with Siam are ongoing but nothing has been finalized yet.

Rajib, known for his work in short films, advertisements, and television dramas, said he has long been searching for a distinctive romantic story for his first full-length project. He described the story as one that evolved slowly over time, reflecting his personal creative journey. The director is currently focused on finalizing the screenplay, revising multiple drafts, and selecting the cast.

If Siam Ahmed is confirmed, he will appear in a romantic role contrasting his recent action-oriented performances. Filming is expected to begin later this year, with the female lead yet to be chosen and announced officially.

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.

The Government of Bangladesh has announced new air travel privileges for expatriate cardholders, including discounted air tickets, access to the Balaka Lounge, and priority check-in and boarding. Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam revealed the initiative during a briefing at the ministry’s conference room on Tuesday, emphasizing that these benefits will be provided through the expatriate card system.

The meeting was attended by Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, and other senior officials. Afroza Khanam stated that the government is committed to ensuring hassle-free air services for expatriates and has already introduced a shuttle bus service at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Millat added that the ministry is also considering special discounts for expatriates at Bangladesh Tourism Corporation hotels and motels.

The initiative aligns with the government’s election manifesto, aiming to strengthen facilities for Bangladeshi expatriates and improve their travel experience through coordinated efforts between relevant ministries.

Severe river erosion by the Teesta has caused extensive damage in Kachharipara village of Noheli Union under Gangachara upazila in Rangpur. Over the past few days, at least eight houses have been swallowed by the river, and hundreds of bighas of cultivable land have been lost. As the water level began to recede, the erosion intensified, leaving hundreds of riverside families in fear and distress.

During a field visit on Tuesday, it was observed that the riverbank soil was collapsing rapidly under the strong current. Many families have already lost their yards, while others are dismantling their homes to save materials. Several families are now living under the open sky with minimal belongings. Local residents described losing their homes and livelihoods within moments, expressing uncertainty about where to take shelter.

Union Parishad Chairman Ashraf Ali said the situation is alarming and has been reported to the upazila administration and the Water Development Board. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Jesmin Akter stated that a list of affected families is being prepared, and coordinated measures with the Water Development Board are underway to ensure government assistance.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard seized around 30 kilograms of illegal deer meat and detained a meat trader during a special operation in the Nalian area of the Sundarbans. The operation was conducted on Monday, July 20, near Nalian Closure Para in Dacope upazila, Khulna, based on secret information. The seized meat is estimated to be worth about 66,000 taka. The information was confirmed in a press release issued on Tuesday, July 21, by Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon.

According to the Coast Guard, the confiscated deer meat and the detained individual were handed over to the Nalian Forest Patrol Station for further legal action. The press release also stated that the Coast Guard will continue its operations to protect the biodiversity and wildlife of the Sundarbans. Regular drives will be carried out to prevent wildlife killing, hunting, and trafficking.

The operation underscores the Coast Guard’s ongoing commitment to curbing illegal wildlife trade and preserving the ecological balance of the Sundarbans region.

Sitakunda in Chattogram is rapidly developing into one of Bangladesh’s most promising nature-based tourism destinations, combining hills, sea, waterfalls, and cultural heritage. Key attractions include Chandranath Hill with its temple at 1,200 feet, Guliakhali Beach surrounded by mangroves, and several waterfalls such as Khoiyachhara and Napittachhara. Tourist arrivals have increased year-round, boosting local businesses and employment.

The tourism boom has brought visible economic benefits through new hotels, restaurants, transport services, and small enterprises. Authorities have installed digital information boards with QR codes and strengthened monitoring by tourist police and the forest department. However, inadequate transport links, limited quality accommodation, and poor waste management remain major challenges. Most intercity trains do not stop at Sitakunda, forcing visitors to rely on road travel.

Local officials and tourism stakeholders emphasize the need for a coordinated master plan, improved connectivity, and eco-friendly infrastructure. They believe that with planned investment and sustainable management, Sitakunda could become a leading nature-based tourism destination in South Asia.

At least nine workers were killed and fifteen others remained trapped after a tunnel under construction for a hydropower project collapsed in Sikkim, northeastern India. The incident occurred on Monday near the Teesta River, according to officials who briefed reporters on Tuesday. Rajib Roka, director of the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority, said that between 25 and 27 people were initially trapped, and nine bodies have been recovered so far.

Preliminary reports suggest that an explosion deep inside the tunnel may have triggered the collapse, though the exact cause remains uncertain. The region has experienced continuous heavy monsoon rains in recent days, which may have contributed to the disaster. Toxic methane gas released from underground rock layers has complicated rescue efforts, allowing only teams equipped with oxygen gear to enter the tunnel.

Authorities have flown in a specialized rescue team trained for mining accidents to assist in the operation. Environmental experts have warned that rapid infrastructure development in the fragile Himalayan region increases the risk of such disasters.

The Venezuelan government announced on Monday that the death toll from last month’s twin earthquakes has risen to 5,278. The quakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck the northern region of the country on June 24, severely affecting La Guaira state and areas around the capital, Caracas. The updated figures were released in the government’s latest report.

According to National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez, at least 16,740 people were injured and are receiving treatment. Official data indicate that more than 850 buildings were damaged, with 190 completely destroyed. Authorities have not yet provided a confirmed number of missing persons.

More than 23,500 displaced residents have been given shelter in temporary camps set up in stadiums and public squares, where volunteers are assisting with relief distribution and basic services.