Global gold prices dropped sharply on Thursday, July 16, 2026, as escalating conflict in the Middle East heightened investor anxiety over inflation and potential interest rate hikes. At 9:49 a.m. Bangladesh time, spot gold fell 0.6 percent to 4,034.42 dollars per ounce, while U.S. August futures declined 0.3 percent to 4,039.90 dollars. Analysts linked the decline to rising oil prices and renewed geopolitical tensions.

According to IndusInd Securities senior research analyst Jigar Trivedi, continued attacks between the United States and Iran have driven oil prices higher, reviving inflation fears and pressuring the gold market. The U.S. carried out two strikes on Iranian coastal defenses and missile bases and reimposed naval blockades, prompting retaliatory attacks by Iran on U.S. military sites in neighboring countries. Tehran described the confrontation as an “existential struggle.”

Although U.S. inflation eased slightly in June due to lower energy costs, markets remain uncertain about the Federal Reserve’s next moves. CME FedWatch data indicated a 73 percent probability of a rate hike in December. Fed officials reaffirmed their commitment to controlling inflation, while prices of silver, platinum, and palladium also fell alongside gold.

The government of Bangladesh has yet to finalize the long-awaited ninth national pay scale for public servants. A meeting of the National Pay Commission-2025 recommendation committee, chaired by Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani, was expected to approve the new structure but instead decided to conduct further reviews on key financial and administrative issues. The final recommendations will be sent to the Cabinet after several more meetings.

According to officials, the new pay structure will apply to civil servants, judicial officers, and members of the armed forces. The government is proceeding cautiously due to the financial impact and implementation schedule. The commission had proposed raising basic salaries by 100–140 percent, with the lowest grade increasing from Tk 8,250 to Tk 20,000 and the highest from Tk 78,000 to Tk 160,000. IMF’s warnings on expenditure control were also discussed, but policymakers emphasized domestic economic realities, including inflation and reduced purchasing power.

Economists believe the new pay scale could boost consumption but also raise government spending. The Cabinet’s decision and subsequent finance ministry notification will determine when the new structure takes effect.

Hamdard Laboratories (Waqf) Bangladesh has provided relief and medical assistance to flood-affected families in Pekua and Chakaria upazilas of Cox’s Bazar. The initiative, held on 14 July 2026, was part of the company’s social responsibility program. Relief materials, free prescriptions, and essential medicines were distributed in Ujantia Forkaner Dokan, Sonali Bazar, Sikdar Para, and Chiringa Union.

Local families expressed appreciation for Hamdard’s humanitarian support during the disaster, thanking the organization for standing by them in their time of need. Company officials stated that serving humanity is Hamdard’s core philosophy and that the organization is committed to alleviating suffering during national crises.

The program, overseen by Additional Managing Director and Head of Marketing Professor Kamrun Nahar Harun, was conducted under the guidance of Managing Director and Chief Motawalli Dr. Hakim Md. Yusuf Harun Bhuiyan. Hamdard announced plans to continue its health, education, and social welfare initiatives across the country.

Veteran Bangladeshi film actress Bobita has announced her plan to build a mosque at her ancestral home in Bijoynagar, Jashore. The national award-winning actress recently visited the site with her sisters, Suchanda and Champa, and finalized the land for the mosque. She expressed deep satisfaction at taking this step, describing it as a meaningful act of service at this stage of her life.

Bobita stated that constructing a mosque has become her greatest wish as she reflects on her life and legacy. She shared that she intends to design the mosque soon and begin construction gradually. The actress also asked for prayers for the successful completion of this initiative.

Bobita, a three-time National Film Award winner for Best Actress since 1975, received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016 and the Ekushey Padak in 2026, recognizing her enduring contributions to Bangladeshi cinema.

Speakers at a seminar in Barishal on Wednesday called for upgrading the Bhanga–Kuakata highway to six lanes, citing its narrow condition as a major obstacle to industrialization in Bangladesh’s southern coastal region. The discussion took place at a divisional workshop on industrial survey organized by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), where participants highlighted the need for improved infrastructure to support investment and regional development.

Barishal Divisional Commissioner Khalil Ahmed said the region has not attracted the expected level of investment and lacks major factories. He noted that large tracts of acquired land in Patuakhali and near Payra Port remain unused. Speakers emphasized that developing industries based on local resources such as hilsa fish, coconut, betel nut, and guava could accelerate economic growth. They also underscored Kuakata’s potential as a tourism hub if infrastructure and services are expanded.

Participants agreed that the poor condition of the Bhanga–Kuakata road discourages investors and hampers transport of raw materials, goods, and tourists. They argued that a six-lane upgrade could open a new era for industrial and tourism development in the southern region.

State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku announced that a comprehensive list of entrepreneurs in the fisheries and livestock sectors will be prepared to ensure sustainable development. He made the statement on Wednesday during a virtual meeting with divisional directors of fisheries and livestock, held at the ministry’s conference room.

Tuku said that a national database will be created through coordination among divisional, district, and upazila-level officials to collect information on farmers and entrepreneurs. He emphasized that educated youth engaging in commercial and science-based farm management can enhance productivity, create employment, and strengthen food security. The minister noted that planned use of inputs reduces production costs and increases profitability, while unplanned use leads to financial losses.

He added that after the list is prepared, divisional meetings will be held with farmers to gather opinions on challenges and opportunities, helping formulate realistic policies and action plans. The government, he said, is committed to strengthening the sector in line with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s emphasis on entrepreneurship, employment, and production growth.

Bangladeshi film actress Pori Moni expressed her deep affection for Argentina’s football team through a social media post on Facebook. In a post made around 1 a.m. on Wednesday, she wrote that she would get married again if Argentina won the cup final. The post quickly drew attention from her fans, many of whom took it as a humorous remark and responded with various reactions in the comments.

This is not the first time Pori Moni has shared her enthusiasm for Argentina. On July 12, she posted the word “Win” with a love reaction, followed by another post saying “Football is a love,” accompanied by a heart reaction and the Argentine flag emoji. In another post the same day, she mentioned her son’s strong support for Argentina, sharing a video of them spending time together at the Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden Hotel.

Her recent posts highlight her passionate support for Argentina’s football team, sparking lively discussions among her followers on social media.

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has responded to social media criticism labeling his marriages as examples of 'love jihad'. The controversy arose after his third marriage to Bengaluru resident Gauri Spratt, who is Christian. In an interview with Rediff, Aamir stated that none of his wives—Reena Dutta, Kiran Rao, and Gauri Spratt—converted to Islam, and all three marriages were conducted under civil law. He emphasized that his family represents interfaith harmony, citing examples of his sisters, daughter, and nephew’s interfaith marriages.

Aamir dismissed the allegations as baseless and absurd, asserting that his personal life has been misrepresented online. He also denied reports claiming he purchased a 100-crore-rupee flat in Mumbai’s Marina Apartments to build a family complex, clarifying that the building’s reconstruction was a collective decision by all residents, not his private project.

The actor’s remarks come amid renewed public scrutiny of his personal life following his recent marriage, which sparked widespread online debate and speculation.

Bangladesh Bank has relaxed conditions for fully foreign-owned industrial enterprises to obtain foreign loans. According to a circular issued on Wednesday, these companies can now borrow from their parent companies, affiliates, and shareholders. The policy applies to enterprises operating in export processing zones, economic zones, high-tech parks, and other manufacturing and service sectors outside these zones.

Under the new rules, firms outside special zones may take interest-free short-term loans for working capital without prior approval from Bangladesh Bank. They may also secure interest-bearing loans at a maximum annual all-in cost of 3 percent for business needs such as raw material procurement. Loans must be repaid in a lump sum at maturity and can be rolled over for up to three years. For loans between one and five years, companies can borrow up to USD 50 million interest-free for capital expenditures and up to USD 5 million with interest. Longer-term loans beyond five years are also allowed with a maximum interest rate of 3 percent annually.

Industry stakeholders said the move will help foreign-owned firms access low-cost financing and attract more foreign investment into Bangladesh.

After being closed for eight days due to adverse weather conditions, all tourist destinations in Sajek Valley and across Baghaichhari upazila of Rangamati have reopened. The district administration announced the withdrawal of the travel ban through a public notice issued on Tuesday afternoon.

According to the notice, the earlier directive issued on July 7 was revised to allow tourists to visit Sajek Valley and other local attractions. The administration urged tourists, vehicle drivers, and residents to remain highly cautious while traveling during the current season and to strictly follow all official instructions.

The public notice was signed by District Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner Nazma Ashrafi, confirming the formal reopening of the region’s tourism activities.

Bangladesh Bank has handed back control of Al-Arafah Islami Bank to its previous owners, reinstating 14 entrepreneur directors to the bank’s board. The central bank issued an official letter to the bank’s managing director on Wednesday confirming the decision. Five independent directors appointed earlier by Bangladesh Bank will remain on the board.

According to Arif Hossain Khan, executive director and spokesperson of Bangladesh Bank, the decision was made because the bank’s financial condition has improved compared to before. He noted that while other banks with dissolved boards have not been able to locate their original entrepreneurs, Al-Arafah Islami Bank’s situation is different, allowing the return of control to its previous owners.

The reinstated entrepreneur directors include Badiur Rahman, Selim Rahman, Ahamedul Haque, Rafiqul Islam, Imadur Rahman, Nazmul Ahsan Khaled, Khalilur Rahman, Anwar Hossain, Abdus Salam, Liaquat Ali Chowdhury, Enayet Ullah, and representatives from KDS Garments, KDS Textile, and KY Steel Mills.

The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) achieved record performance in investment and employment during the 2025–26 fiscal year, overcoming global economic challenges and a national export decline. BEPZA contributed 17.51 percent to Bangladesh’s total exports of 48 billion US dollars, with exports from its eight EPZs and one economic zone reaching 8.41 billion dollars. While national exports fell by 0.58 percent from the previous year, BEPZA’s exports grew by 2.2 percent.

A total of 36 companies from countries including China, South Korea, Singapore, the UAE, and Bangladesh signed lease agreements with BEPZA, proposing investments worth 717.71 million US dollars—the highest in its history. These projects are expected to create about 75,744 jobs once fully operational. Actual capital investment reached 286.46 million dollars, while net FDI inflow stood at 221.58 million dollars, accounting for 19.61 percent of the national total.

BEPZA’s managed zones now employ 558,691 workers, up from 533,527 a year earlier, marking its highest employment level. Its 451 operating industries export to 129 countries, diversifying Bangladesh’s export base beyond garments.

The Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) has demanded the immediate arrest of those involved in recent attacks, looting, and extortion targeting internet service providers across the country. The association warned that if the perpetrators are not arrested within seven days, customer support services will be suspended. The demand was made during a human chain organized by the Bangladesh Mobile Phone Consumers Association in front of the National Press Club on Wednesday.

ISPAB President Aminul Hakim said that internet service is no longer a luxury but a vital part of banking, education, healthcare, government, and digital communication systems. He expressed concern over the growing number of attacks on internet infrastructure, offices, and workers, citing recent incidents in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi and Chattogram. ISPAB General Secretary Nazmul Karim Bhuiyan added that ensuring the safety of the internet business is the responsibility of the state and urged the government to take effective measures.

Speakers at the event emphasized that attacks on the internet sector go against national interests and called for swift government action to protect the industry.

Thirteen people were killed in a severe wildfire that broke out last Thursday in Spain’s southern Andalusia region, with authorities confirming that twelve of the victims were foreign nationals. The confirmation came after autopsies were completed on Tuesday. According to officials, the victims included seven from the United Kingdom, three from Belgium, one from France, and one from the United States, while the remaining victim was a Spanish citizen. All were adults, comprising eight women and five men.

The blaze began in the southeastern province of Almería, a Mediterranean coastal area popular among foreign residents. Strong winds and extreme heat helped the fire spread rapidly through forests and dried vegetation, turning once-picturesque villages into deserted zones. Authorities said the fire, one of Spain’s deadliest in recent years, burned about 7,000 hectares of land and was likely sparked by a fallen power line. The fire has since been brought under control, and residents began returning home on Sunday.

Officials noted that Spain has faced increasingly intense and prolonged heatwaves in recent years, creating conditions that make wildfires more frequent and destructive.

Continuous monsoon rains and hill runoff have triggered intense 'Aphal' waves across the haor regions of Sunamganj, causing widespread damage to homes, schools, and health facilities. Residents in areas such as Tahirpur, Bishwambharpur, and Dharmapasha reported collapsing houses and eroding homesteads. Local victims described losing land and income, with fishermen unable to work and families struggling without government aid.

Experts noted that the destructive waves, once common later in the season, are now appearing earlier due to reduced navigability and deforestation of protective vegetation. Teachers reported that education has been severely disrupted, while communication breakdowns have hindered access to healthcare. Local officials confirmed that several villages are at risk, and emergency measures including sandbag barriers and shelters have been activated.

Authorities have launched a special repair team under each Upazila Executive Officer and opened 1,311 shelters. A new project named CRILIP, with a budget of Tk 1,100 crore across five districts, is set to begin in fiscal year 2026–27 to protect haor residents from future 'Aphal' damage.