The Bangladesh Bank has withdrawn a directive regarding employee dress code following an order from the Governor. In a press statement issued Thursday, the central bank clarified that discussions around professional attire were raised during a departmental meeting, but no formal policy or circular had been issued. When the matter came to the attention of the Governor, who is currently abroad, he expressed disapproval and immediately ordered the directive's withdrawal. Earlier, on July 21, the Human Resources Division had issued an internal order emphasizing formal attire and warned of disciplinary action for non-compliance.

Spanish football giant FC Barcelona has expressed deep condolences over the recent plane crash tragedy involving students of Milestone School in Dhaka. A letter signed by a club board member and its director of social programs was sent to “Penya Blaugrana Banglabarsa de Dhaka,” the club’s only official fan chapter in Bangladesh. The letter conveyed sympathy and support for the affected families. Amid social media skepticism questioning the authenticity of the letter, the fan club strongly refuted the claims as “baseless and irresponsible” and urged the withdrawal of misleading allegations. The incident also drew condolences from the BCB, the Bangladesh Football Federation, and athletes at home and abroad.

Bangladesh Bank has issued a new directive mandating formal attire for all employees. As per the office order dated July 21, female staff must wear sarees, salwar-kameez, dupattas, or other modest professional clothing. Short-sleeved and short-length dresses, including leggings, are prohibited. Male staff are required to wear formal shirts, trousers, and shoes. Jeans and gabardine fabrics are also banned. A designated officer will monitor compliance, and violations may result in disciplinary action. The move aims to eliminate dress-code disparities and reinforce a professional workplace. Wearing hijab is permitted but not compulsory.

Former Chief Justice ABM Khairul Haque was arrested by Detective Branch (DB) police from his Dhanmondi residence at 8 a.m. on Thursday. Haque, Bangladesh’s 19th Chief Justice, is known for several controversial verdicts, including the abolition of the caretaker government system.

The Nationalist Lawyers Forum, affiliated with the BNP, had recently demanded his arrest and trial. Multiple cases were filed against him following the fall of the previous government, including one for allegedly altering a constitutional verdict. After his arrest, he was taken to the DB headquarters.

Nasiruddin Patwari, Chief Coordinator of the Nationalist Citizen Party (NCP), declared that a mass movement is underway across Bangladesh. He claimed that people from all walks of life, including religious scholars and women, are rallying behind the NCP.

He vowed that if the NCP forms the next government, all political killings will be investigated and the military and police forces will be restructured. "No group or individual can stop us. Reforming the state is our primary mission," he said during a march in Shahrasti, Chandpur.

Following a recent clash with Chhatra Dal in Dhaka’s Chawk Bazar area, Islami Chhatra Shibir issued a stern warning during a protest rally, stating that Chhatra Dal would face consequences more severe than those faced by the Chhatra League.

The rally condemned extortion, terrorism, and attacks on students. At least 20 people were injured in last week’s confrontation, which reportedly began after a student was handed over to police.

Rayhan Uddin, Senior Joint Convener of the Sunamganj District Volunteer Wing of BNP, has been suspended from all party positions following allegations of a brutal knife attack on a physician at Anisa Healthcare and Diagnostic Center.

The incident occurred after a heated argument between Rayhan’s group and the doctor. A case has been filed, and the injured doctor is being treated at Sunamganj District Hospital.

Ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election, the Election Commission has introduced the new International Observers and Foreign Media Policy 2025, replacing the 2023 version. Foreign observers will have 30 days to apply via email, fax, or through diplomatic channels.

Approved applicants will be listed and forwarded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for visa processing. The Chief Election Commissioner stated that biased observers will not be allowed, emphasizing the appointment of only experienced and credible personnel.

The death toll from the plane crash near Milestone School and College in Uttara has climbed to 29, with most of the victims being students. According to Senior Assistant Secretary Fayez Ahmed, 69 people remain hospitalized, including 12 in intensive care. Six unidentified bodies are still in the morgue.

Patients are being treated at various hospitals including the National Burn Institute, CMH, Dhaka Medical College, and Kuwait-Maitree Hospital. An investigation committee, led by school authorities, has been formed to compile a verified casualty list and report within three days.

Following the July 21 plane crash, discussions with Singapore regarding treatment options caused delays in decision-making, said Education Adviser Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar. He clarified that the decision to postpone exams was made after thorough consultation among advisers, considering administrative constraints such as question paper distribution.

On public calls for his resignation, he responded that such decisions fall under the authority of the Chief Adviser. While denying any post-incident chaos, he acknowledged that student demands—especially from Milestone School—are valid.

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi met with Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury in Dhaka to discuss several bilateral issues. The agenda included combating drugs and terrorism, police training, on-arrival visas for diplomatic and official passport holders, and cooperation on the Rohingya refugee crisis.

Bangladesh urged Pakistan to support repatriation efforts, pointing out that while Pakistan does not offer citizenship to Rohingyas, it is issuing passports under a separate code. Bangladesh also extended condolences for a recent aviation tragedy and invited further diplomatic engagements.

BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia was taken to a private hospital in Dhaka for urgent medical tests, following the recommendation of her medical board. The examinations were completed, and she returned to her residence in Gulshan early in the night. The information was confirmed in a press release by Professor Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, member of BNP’s National Standing Committee and Khaleda Zia’s personal physician.

Khaleda Zia Admitted to Hospital for Urgent Medical Tests

Dhaka, Bangladesh — The National Citizen Party (NCP) has proposed constitutional amendments to formalize the appointment processes for all constitutional and statutory bodies—similar to that of the Election Commission.

At a policy forum, NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain suggested forming a five-member selection committee to nominate commissioners, with the President playing a ceremonial role and required to appoint officials based on the committee’s recommendations.

The party expressed consensus on enacting new legislation to ensure accountability but noted differences regarding appointments to bodies such as the Public Service Commission, the Auditor General’s Office, the Anti-Corruption Commission, and the Ombudsman.

The NCP warned that excluding these appointment processes from the constitution leaves room for future legal manipulation, potentially undermining institutional reform. They emphasized the need for non-partisan appointments in the national interest.

Beanibazar, Bangladesh — Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has stated that his party does not support any delay in the upcoming national election, emphasizing that a fair and effective electoral process is essential to maintain the country's orderly governance.

Speaking at a manpower and intellectuals’ gathering in Beanibazar, Dr. Rahman called for a transparent and neutral national election to be held in early 2026, with a level playing field for all parties. He reiterated Jamaat’s vision to build a humane and justice-based Bangladesh, pledging to transform the youth into a skilled national workforce if the party comes to power.

He also urged the public to remain vigilant against corruption and injustice, while highlighting the resilience of Jamaat leaders who have stayed in the country despite political persecution.