The Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) has announced that their upcoming student rally on August 3 will now be held at Shahbagh instead of the Central Shaheed Minar. JCD President Rakibul Islam Rakib stated that the change reflects a gesture of political goodwill. “Though we had permission from Dhaka University, we chose to give space to the National Citizen Party (NCP) out of political courtesy,” he said. Rakib also apologized to city residents in advance for any inconvenience caused by holding the rally on a busy street.

Forty Ansar personnel stationed at Benapole Land Port have been transferred following allegations of extorting money from truck drivers. The decision was made to uphold internal discipline and protect the image of the force, according to Benapole Ansar Camp Commander Ashit Kumar.

Currently, 163 Ansar members are deployed at the port. While the first phase of transfers involves 40 individuals, further personnel changes are expected in the coming days.

The move follows an investigative report aired by Jamuna TV on July 28, which revealed that Ansar members were collecting unauthorized fees—ranging from 20 to 40 taka per truck—at various entry gates of the port under the guise of "tips."

The admission process for Class XI (equivalent to Grade 11) in all public and private colleges across Bangladesh begins today for the 2025–26 academic year and will continue until August 11.

Applications must be submitted online. As in previous years, admissions will be based solely on SSC (or equivalent) exam results—no entrance tests will be held. The application fee is set at BDT 220. Depending on the institution, the total cost of admission may range from BDT 1,500 to BDT 8,500.

Students cannot transfer between colleges or receive clearance certificates without approval from the education board. The entire admission process—including application, merit list publication, enrollment, and class commencement—must be completed within 45 working days after the SSC results are released.

The Directorate General of Food has scheduled the written exam for 14 technical posts under its 2023–2024 recruitment cycle. The test will be held on Friday, August 9, from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM across multiple centers in Dhaka. This is part of the process to fill 1,791 vacancies across 25 categories. Candidates can download their admit cards from the official website starting July 29 and must bring a color printout on the exam day.

Advanced Chemical Industries (ACI) PLC has announced the launch of a new subsidiary named ACI Biosciences Limited, with an authorized capital of BDT 1 billion. ACI will hold 90% of the shares, pending regulatory approval. Despite recent financial losses, including a loss of BDT 9.11 per share in the first three quarters of 2024-25, the company continues to invest in growth. ACI’s latest credit rating remains strong, reflecting confidence in its long-term stability.

The road on the Syed Masud Rumi Bridge over Kushtia’s Gôrai River was repaired two weeks ago at a cost of 6.5 million taka. However, shortly after completion, the asphalt peeled off and potholes appeared, making the busy Kushtia-Rajbari regional road unsafe. Locals accuse the contractor and officials of embezzlement, while the Roads and Highways Department acknowledges some faults but blames weather conditions. The government has ruled out further funding for repairs. Attempts to reach the contractor for comment failed.

An agreement between the Bangladesh Tea Board (BCS), Bangladesh Tea Association (BTA), and the Bangladesh Tea Estate Staff Association has been finalized. Starting January 1, 2024, basic salaries for tea industry workers will increase by 5% through December 31, 2025. The deal also includes enhanced financial benefits. The signing ceremony was held at the BTA office in Dhaka, with key representatives from all parties present to formalize the new wage and benefit structure.

Starting August 1, 2025, the US will enforce a 35% reciprocal tariff on Bangladeshi exports under President Trump's new trade policy. The move aims to address trade imbalances and unfair practices. While the tariff poses challenges for Bangladesh’s apparel sector, its cost-efficiency and strong supply chain may help sustain exports. Shared tariff burdens and potential market shifts from China and Vietnam offer new opportunities. Experts urge Bangladesh to strengthen trade diplomacy, improve infrastructure, and promote its competitiveness to retain its position in the US market.

The government has approved the import of two LNG cargoes—one from Singapore's Gunvor and another from South Korea's POSCO—for BDT 9.89 billion to meet energy demands. Additionally, several major infrastructure projects were cleared, including crane installation at Payra Port, a terminal in Narayanganj, road expansion near Mukterpur Bridge, consultancy for Dhaka WASA, and IT upgrades under a digital governance initiative. These projects, involving both local and international firms, aim to strengthen the country’s energy, transport, and digital infrastructure.

A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the Online Editors Alliance and the Bangladesh-China Apan Media Club to enhance coordination, knowledge exchange, and professional development between Chinese and Bangladeshi media. At the event, Yu Kuang Yue, Director of the CMG Bangla Department, said the agreement would strengthen bilateral ties and enable technological and journalistic knowledge-sharing. Hasan Sharif noted potential collaboration in tourism, healthcare, and education sectors as key areas for future growth.

Adviser Sharmin Murshid stated that the government seeks to collaborate with NGOs working on physical, mental, and educational development for children with special needs. She emphasized using existing research instead of duplicating efforts, suggesting that such cooperation would improve service delivery and inform future policymaking effectively.

The Trump administration is considering a major policy shift toward Myanmar focused on rare earth minerals, potentially easing ties with the military junta to reduce China's control. Analysts warn this move could severely undermine efforts to repatriate Rohingya refugees, as human rights concerns are sidelined by strategic interests. Sanctions have already been lifted from junta allies, and new geopolitical strategies are in discussion. Aid shortages and worsening conditions in refugee camps further threaten the Rohingya's future and burden host communities in Bangladesh.

The Islami Andolan's Secretary General, Hafiz Maulana Yunus Ahmad, criticized the draft July Charter for failing to mention Sheikh Hasina, whom he accused of leading the fascist regime responsible for mass brutality. He claimed the document lacks legal mandates, participant protections, and any mention of madrasa students or collaborators of fascism. He also pointed to the charter’s “mysterious silence” regarding India, holding it responsible for Bangladesh’s prolonged authoritarian period.

Salahuddin Ammar, former coordinator of the Rajshahi University chapter of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, has been accused of extortion under the guise of donations. He allegedly sent letters requesting a total of Tk 7.6 million from 70 organizations for a concert titled "July 36: Festival of Freedom" scheduled for August 5. RU Vice-Chancellor Saleh Hassan Naqib confirmed he endorsed the appeal, stating he has supported similar cultural events in the past. Despite criticism, organizers argue that seeking donations for such programs is standard practice.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed announced that a referendum will be held to protect the caretaker government framework from being easily amended. Speaking on the proposed "July National Charter," he emphasized a fully independent judiciary, an empowered Election Commission, and a two-term limit for Prime Ministers. He also called for direct nomination of 5% female candidates in the upcoming election, with a goal to increase it to 10% in the next. A functioning ombudsman system will precede permanent structural reforms, he added.