Despite collecting over Tk 17,700 crore from consumers since 2009, Bangladesh's Gas Development Fund (GDF) has failed to boost domestic gas reserves. More than half of the fund was diverted to LNG imports and the national treasury, violating its intended use. Only Tk 7,403 crore was spent on gas exploration projects. With just Tk 1,300 crore remaining, future exploration is at risk. Experts warn of an energy crisis unless transparency is ensured and misused funds are recovered.

Inca Kola, a nearly century-old golden-yellow soda, remains Peru’s favorite soft drink, outshining global giant Coca-Cola. Created in 1935 by British immigrant Joseph Lindley, its unique blend of 13 spices symbolizes Peruvian pride. During WWII, anti-Japanese sentiment halted Coca-Cola supplies to Japanese-owned stores, allowing Inca Kola to dominate. Despite selling 50% shares to Coca-Cola in 1999, local ownership and cultural significance keep Inca Kola deeply embedded in Peru’s identity and daily life.

The August Carnival 2025 will be held on August 7-9 at Aloki, Gulshan-Tejgaon Link Road, Dhaka, attracting 8,000-10,000 visitors daily. The festival features live concerts by popular artists including Sheikh Ishtiaq and Raayan Islam Shuvro, a Qawwali Night with Sufi Parvez, stand-up comedy, workshops, and interactive sessions. Over 100 lifestyle and food stalls, puppet shows, and family entertainment will also be available. Running from 11 AM to 11 PM, this event promises a vibrant fusion of music, art, food, and creativity.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has announced traffic diversions for August 5 due to a full-day cultural event and drone show on Manik Mia Avenue marking July Mass Uprising Day. Movement will be restricted from Khejurbagan to the western end of the avenue, with alternative routes advised around the National Parliament area. The program includes performances, a drone show, and large public gatherings. DMP urges citizens to follow designated detours and avoid the area to minimize traffic congestion.

A full-page advertisement in The New York Times demanding the release of former Pakistani PM Imran Khan has sparked debate. PTI denies financing it, though its U.S. chapter and overseas supporters promoted it. The ad, funded by First Pakistan Global and the Pakistani-American diaspora, accuses Pakistan of unjust imprisonment and urges U.S. sanctions. Critics say it's foreign interference, while supporters call it a strategic move for global awareness. Protests have also taken place in the U.S., UK, and Europe.

The United Nations has reported that 1 million women and girls in Gaza are suffering from severe hunger amid a worsening humanitarian crisis. Despite a partial pause in Israeli airstrikes to allow aid, humanitarian organizations warn that the assistance remains insufficient. Malnutrition-related deaths are rising, with many children affected. The situation has crossed famine thresholds in parts of Gaza, prompting calls for immediate ceasefire, life-saving aid, and prisoner releases to address this dire crisis.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed stated that the party has not been invited to the July Declaration ceremony despite showing full cooperation in the process. He said BNP is ready to sign the charter anytime and had already responded with amendments. The party disagreed with certain proposals, including the mention of March 26. BNP gave notes of dissent on 7 out of 19 reform points in the National Consensus Commission. They will react after the declaration if their amendments are ignored.

During the July anti-discrimination movement, 1,074 people with eye injuries received treatment at the National Institute of Ophthalmology in Dhaka. Among them, 39 lost their eyesight entirely, while 450 lost vision in one eye. The institute brought in foreign specialists and sent critical patients abroad. Despite limited resources, the hospital managed an effective emergency response. An official report recommends lifelong treatment and financial support for affected individuals, alongside infrastructure upgrades and better crisis preparedness.

Former ministers Rashed Khan Menon, Hasanul Haq Inu, and Zunaid Ahmed Palak were shown arrested in a case over the 2023 killing of student Mahadi Hasan Pantho during an anti-discrimination protest. The three appeared in Dhaka court Monday amid tight police security. Struggling to climb stairs due to health issues, they eventually reached the courtroom dock. The magistrate approved the arrest request after a hearing. The case alleges Pantho was shot in the head during the protest, with the three listed as named accused.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed stated that the party is fully prepared to sign the July Accord at any time. He noted that the party responded with suggested amendments as early as July 30, following receipt of the draft. "The July Declaration holds both historical and political significance," he said, adding that BNP had responded to the initial proposal back in February, opposing the presentation of March 26 and offering specific amendments.

Salahuddin emphasized BNP’s full cooperation in implementing the declaration. He warned that if the proposed amendments are not incorporated, the party will issue an official response after the declaration is read. He also revealed that BNP raised dissent on 7 out of 19 reform agenda points in the National Consensus Commission while agreeing to the rest. Despite its involvement, BNP has yet to receive an invitation to the July Declaration ceremony scheduled at Manik Mia Avenue.

Authorities will begin exhuming bodies of unidentified individuals buried in Rayerbazar Cemetery during July and August as part of efforts to determine their identities and causes of death. The exhumation process, overseen by an executive magistrate, CID forensic team, and forensic experts from Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College, is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. today. The initiative follows earlier commitments from the Home Affairs Adviser to conduct DNA tests and return the bodies to their families where possible.

Heads of the five reform commissions formed in the second phase have sent a letter to the Chief Adviser, urging that their recommendations be incorporated into the upcoming July Charter.

In their letter, the commission leaders emphasized that implementing the second phase of reforms is just as crucial as the first in institutionalizing democracy and building a new Bangladesh. Despite time constraints, they proposed two immediate steps: implement feasible reforms right away and include a pledge in the Charter ensuring future governments will continue the reform process. They also warned that without inclusion of reforms related to media, women, labor, health, and local governance, political parties might disregard them in the future.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the violence at Gaza’s aid distribution centers, describing them as ‘slaughterhouses’ where exhausted, hungry civilians are being shot. Speaking in Istanbul, he called Israel’s military actions the most brutal genocide of the century and vowed continued support for Palestinians. Erdogan highlighted Turkey’s humanitarian aid efforts and diplomatic pressure on Israel, promising to stand with Gaza’s people until justice and peace are restored. He expressed hope for an end to the suffering, drawing parallels with Syria’s situation.

Abdur Razzak Riyad, former acting convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement at private universities, has admitted to extortion in a Gulshan Police case. He voluntarily gave a confession in court, while three other accused were sent to jail. The case involves demands for 50 million taka and threats against a former MP’s residence. Investigations continue, with some accused in police remand and one juvenile sent to a development center. The accused have been expelled from their student organization.

Advocate Moazzem Hossain Alal, advisor to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, has called for renaming the Secretariat as a Ministry, emphasizing that ministers, not secretaries, are the heads of this institution. Speaking at a roundtable on the July mass uprising, he also highlighted the need to eliminate discrimination in official housing terms. BNP leaders echoed calls for democratic elections and unity to uphold the July victory. The event was organized by the Bangladesh Secretariat Journalists Association (JEBs) at the National Press Club.