Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur said the recent spike in rice prices remains a mystery. Speaking at a stakeholder meeting in Rajshahi, he noted that although rice prices are unusually high, there’s no clear explanation. He suspects most paddy is still held by farmers and has launched a rural-level survey to investigate. The Governor also warned businesses not to manipulate the market and emphasized the need to understand where the rice is being stockpiled to manage pricing more effectively.

Global crude oil prices fell as investors reacted to fears of renewed U.S. tariffs and increased oil supply from OPEC+ nations. Brent crude dropped by 58 cents to $68.53 a barrel, while WTI declined by 57 cents to $66.88. The 90-day pause on U.S. tariffs ends July 9, with no final trade deals yet with key partners like the EU and Japan. Rising U.S. crude inventories also fueled demand concerns, contributing to the price decline.

Tesla’s sales fell 13.5% in Q2 2024 compared to the same period last year, marking two consecutive quarters of decline. The company delivered 384,122 vehicles and produced slightly fewer cars than the previous year. Tesla’s stock price dropped nearly 26% this year, its worst among major tech stocks. Increased competition from affordable Chinese EVs and political backlash against CEO Elon Musk, including protests and strained ties with Donald Trump, are impacting the company’s sales and reputation.

Government debt worldwide is projected to hit $102 trillion in 2024, with developing countries holding nearly one-third of this amount. These countries spend a large share of their revenue on debt interest, limiting funds for essential services like health and education. UNCTAD warns of rising debt servicing costs, especially in Africa and Latin America, and calls for urgent reforms in the international financial system to support developing nations through increased liquidity and fairer access to resources during crises.

Unauthorized parking on busy roads and footpaths in Dhaka, especially in areas like Karwan Bazar and New Eskaton Road, is causing severe traffic jams and public inconvenience. Despite policies by the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority, enforcement remains weak. Vehicles, including government ones, are often parked illegally, blocking traffic and pedestrian movement. Experts blame poor governance and lack of strict law enforcement. City corporations conduct eviction drives, but encroachments frequently return, making sustainable solutions urgently needed to ease the city’s traffic woes.

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, has stated that the current wave of violence and instability in Bangladesh makes it impossible to hold a credible and neutral election without first implementing fundamental political reforms.

Speaking in Saidpur, he underscored the importance of ensuring inclusive participation through prior reforms. He also denied any involvement of Jamaat activists in recent violence, asserting that the party strongly opposes mob culture. Dr. Rahman called on other political leaders to rein in their supporters and allow state institutions to operate independently.

NCC Bank will halt all transactions from July 8 at 8 PM to July 13 at 8 AM to upgrade its Core Banking System. During this period, services including debit cards, ATMs, internet banking, and fund transfers will be unavailable. The suspension is authorized by Bangladesh Bank under the Bank Companies Act, 1991, to ensure a smooth upgrade. All branches and sub-branches will be closed. The directive has been sent to all scheduled banks’ CEOs by Bangladesh Bank’s Offsite Supervision Department.

Workers at Madhyapara Hard Rock Quarry in Dinajpur have launched an indefinite strike demanding timely payment of wages, profit bonuses, and reinstatement of four dismissed leaders. The quarry, operated by a German consortium and a Belarusian company, produces around 5,500 tons of stone daily, worth approximately 17.6 million taka. The strike has halted extraction since Wednesday, causing significant revenue losses to the government. Disputes over wage payments and worker dismissals remain unresolved, escalating tensions on-site.

Nahid Islam, Convener of the Nationalist Change Party (NCP), has alleged that a small group of authoritarian elites has taken control of the country's resources, effectively reviving a form of feudalism. Speaking at the inauguration of the NCP’s new office in Atwari, he emphasized the need for a mass uprising to dismantle these power structures and prevent the emergence of new authoritarian regimes or extortionist systems.

He further claimed that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country amid public dissent, abandoning her party members in crisis. “Those who plundered the nation have now escaped, leaving their own activists behind—this is not the mark of a true leader,” Nahid said.

Business leaders from Bangladesh and Pakistan see strong trade potential in motor electronics, pharmaceuticals, surgical products, textiles, and industrial components. At a networking event in Dhaka, both sides expressed optimism about joint ventures to diversify and strengthen bilateral trade. The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) will collaborate to expand trade and investment opportunities. Pakistani Acting High Commissioner Muhammad Wasif highlighted ongoing efforts to explore new business areas between the two countries.

Dhaka, Thursday — Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar emphasized the urgent need for proportional representation (PR) in Bangladesh’s electoral system, stating that such a method would prevent the emergence of authoritarian rule and eliminate opportunities for election fraud.

Speaking at a party conference held in Kakrail, Parwar said, “One-party governance is at the root of inequality, fascism, and the erosion of citizens’ rights in this country.” He urged that local government elections be completed prior to the upcoming national polls and asserted that PR-based elections ensure genuine representation of the people’s vote.

Welcoming recent calls for a national consensus, he expressed concern that opposition from certain parties is obstructing progress. Additionally, Parwar called for ensuring voting rights for expatriates, proper trials for war crimes, and official recognition of those killed in mass atrocities.

Dr. Tasnim Jara, Senior Joint Member Secretary of the National Citizens' Party (NCP), has emphasized that Bangladesh’s brightest hope lies in its youth, who are not just the future—but have already begun shaping the nation through their sacrifices and aspirations.

In a Facebook post following her participation in an NCP event in Nilphamari, Dr. Jara wrote, “Our young generation has created the opportunity to build a better country through their dedication and selflessness. It is our responsibility to ensure their dreams are not lost.” She stressed the need to significantly increase investment in healthcare and education to fulfill those dreams.

Dr. Jara also highlighted the importance of direct engagement with citizens. “I am traveling across the country, listening to people’s stories—because true political leadership is not possible without a deep and genuine connection with the public,” she added.

After a five-and-a-half-month pause, exports through Dinajpur’s Hili land port to India have resumed, beginning with mango juice shipments for the first time. On July 1 and 2, about 20 tons of mango juice were exported, earning $6,000 in foreign exchange. Exporters hope this marks a new phase in trade, though they stress the need for infrastructure improvements and bilateral cooperation to resolve customs and logistics issues. Officials are optimistic regular exports will enhance the national economy and open new trade opportunities.

Rumi A. Hossain, a sponsor director of Bank Asia PLC, plans to sell 2 million shares via the Dhaka Stock Exchange within 30 working days. He currently holds nearly 39.8 million shares. The bank reported improved earnings, with Q1 2025 EPS at BDT 1.42 and NAVPS at BDT 29.34. For FY 2024, it declared a 10% cash and 10% stock dividend. Bank Asia holds strong credit ratings and solid reserves, with over 51% of shares owned by sponsor directors.

Mohammadpur has expanded beyond its historical boundaries, overtaking Buriganga's floodplain due to rapid and unplanned urbanization. Former agricultural and river areas are now covered with high-rise housing. RAJUK is preparing a policy to legalize some unauthorized structures but plans strict action against encroachment on rivers and government land. Local memories and historical maps confirm the area's transformation from river to city. Experts blame flawed embankment planning and weak regulation. The situation now poses serious challenges to urban services and environmental sustainability.