Religious Adviser Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain highlighted the importance of religious education to instill morality among prisoners, enabling their reintegration into society. During a prison visit, he noted that the Islamic Foundation has maintained its library and religious classes inside the jail, with plans to increase the number of teachers. He emphasized that not all inmates are criminals; some are imprisoned on false charges. This initiative aligns with transforming Dhaka Central Jail into a genuine correctional facility.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Tauhid Hossain revealed that the Chinese Ambassador assured Bangladesh there is no risk of water withdrawal from China’s hydropower project on the Brahmaputra River. The ambassador explained that the project will use water stepwise with new technology and does not include irrigation systems. Bangladesh aims to ensure minimal or no harm from such projects. Hossain also noted that since the rivers originate outside Bangladesh, stopping upstream constructions is not feasible. On relations with India, he said Bangladesh desires good relations based on mutual respect and reciprocity. He acknowledged India as one of the countries that offered medical assistance after the recent accident.

Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Dr. Shafiqur Rahman expressed hope that elections will be held early next year, but stressed that fundamental reforms and visible punishment of top criminals must precede them. He lamented that the people were unable to vote in the last three elections, calling it a national tragedy. Dr. Rahman warned that failure to punish criminals will lead the youth back to the streets, this time in a fight against corruption. Jamaat has started documenting the victims and martyrs of the July mass uprising and promises to honor these families if they come to power.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), criticized India’s border killings and the policy of Muslim oppression. Speaking at a rally in Habiganj, Nahid stated that their struggle continues against Mujibism and fascist governance. He warned that extortionist and land-grabbing politics are resurfacing in the country and urged the public to stand against these threats. Emphasizing human rights, he called for unity among Muslims, Dalits, and oppressed groups across South Asia to build solidarity.

The Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court has ordered the imprisonment of former Chief Justice ABM Khairul Haque in connection with the Abdul Kaiyum murder case filed at the Jatrabari Police Station. Khairul Haque was arrested from his residence in Dhanmondi and brought to the Detective Branch office before being produced in court. The police requested his custody during the hearing, which the court approved, rejecting Khairul Haque’s bail plea. Besides this case, Khairul Haque faces two more cases filed in Jatrabari and Narayanganj.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has condemned the rise in mob justice, stating that it is fostering widespread public fear. Speaking at a membership drive event in Moulvibazar on Thursday, Rizvi urged the public to hand over any suspected criminals to law enforcement instead of taking the law into their own hands.

He also criticized police inaction regarding a recent attack on NCP leaders in Gopalganj. "During our movements, police could locate and arrest BNP leaders from hiding places—where are they now?" Rizvi questioned. The event was also addressed by other central and local BNP leaders.

The government has released the names and figures of the deceased and injured following the tragic plane crash at Milestone School and College in Uttara, Dhaka. As of now, 29 people have been confirmed dead and 57 are hospitalized with burn injuries in six hospitals. Among the injured, 12 are in ICU, while the identities of six deceased remain unknown. The list was published by the Office of the Chief Advisor and the Directorate General of Health Services on Thursday.

BNP leader Dr. Abdul Moin Khan criticized the use of NGO and corporate policies in governance, warning they could lead to disaster. Speaking at a PRI seminar, he accused NBR officials of taking bribes and stressed the need for free expression to ensure fair elections. He questioned Bangladesh Bank’s dollar rate control and criticized the country’s weak tariff agreements. Dr. Khan emphasized building public trust to ensure political stability, saying Bangladesh’s emotional and complex society demands responsible leadership.

Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has located two properties in Virginia, USA, allegedly owned by Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, purchased in 2014 and 2024. The properties, valued at over BDT 53 crore, were not declared in his income records. The ACC is initiating legal steps to seize them and may involve U.S. authorities. Additionally, the ACC is investigating claims of 13 more properties and a shopping mall in Joy's name in the United States.

The identities of five victims who were burned beyond recognition in the Uttara plane crash at Milestone School and College have been confirmed through DNA testing. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) collected DNA samples from 11 relatives of the missing individuals. After analysis, five female victims were identified: Okia Ferdous Nidhi, Lamia Akter Sonia, Afsana Akter Priya, Raisa Moni, and Mariam Umme Afia. The DNA tests were conducted using remains preserved at Dhaka’s Combined Military Hospital (CMH).

The Secondary and Higher Education Division has issued the admission policy for class 11 for the 2025-26 academic year. Admission will be based solely on SSC or equivalent exam results, with no entrance test. Students from various streams can choose from multiple departments, including science, humanities, business, Islamic studies, and vocational courses. Reserved quotas include 2% for children of education ministry employees and 5% for children of freedom fighters. Admission will be merit-based, and application certifications from relevant authorities are required.

A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of 231 shatak (approximately 7.65 acres) of land registered under the names of Dr. Shafiq Ahmed Siddique, husband of Sheikh Rehana, and their son Radwan Mujib Siddiq Bobby.

The order, issued by Senior Special Judge Md. Zakir Hossain Galib on Thursday, followed a petition by the Anti-Corruption Commission. The ACC cited concerns that the land could be transferred amid ongoing investigations into undisclosed wealth. The land in question is covered by 18 separate deeds in various areas of Gazipur. Similar orders have previously been issued against other members of the Sheikh Hasina family.

A medical team from Singapore General Hospital visited Dhaka’s National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery to aid treatment for those injured in the recent plane crash at Milestone School and College in Uttara. The team will monitor patients for several more days, reviewing their conditions every 12 hours. So far, 44 injured have been admitted, with 8 critical cases. The death toll has risen to 29, including a 9-year-old child who recently passed away in the ICU. Discussions continue on how long the team will stay and if any patients will be sent abroad.

Milestone School and College in Dhaka’s Uttara area will reopen classes on a limited basis starting July 27, beginning with grades nine to twelve. The decision follows a tragic plane crash on July 21 that severely affected the campus, causing casualties and suspension of all educational activities. The institution plans to gradually resume classes to support students’ psychological and academic recovery. A control room has been established on campus to manage information and avoid confusion regarding the incident.

In a significant shift aimed at curbing arbitrary arrests under Section 54, Bangladesh’s interim government has introduced new legal requirements for law enforcement. Legal Advisor Dr. Asif Nazrul announced Thursday that police officers must now provide a written explanation when making arrests based on suspicion.

The new guidelines mandate identification disclosure during arrests, notifying family within 12 hours, ensuring medical treatment if injuries are present, and completing a detailed ‘Memorandum of Arrest’. Additionally, all agencies must report arrest details to the relevant police stations, which must also publicly display arrest lists. These reforms are being implemented in line with Supreme Court directives as part of broader judicial reforms.