Although no new deaths from dengue were reported in the past 24 hours, 375 people have been newly admitted to hospitals across the country, including 76 from Dhaka city, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

So far in 2025, a total of 16,281 people have been infected with dengue, and 60 have died. Health experts warn that dengue is no longer a seasonal outbreak—it is now a year-round threat. Infections spike with the onset of the monsoon.

Experts emphasize that awareness alone is not enough. Effective prevention requires comprehensive surveys, skilled manpower, and sustained action. Bangladesh witnessed its deadliest dengue outbreak in 2023, with 1,705 recorded deaths.

A curfew in Gopalganj will remain in effect until 11 AM Friday following deadly clashes sparked by an attack on a National Citizens Party (NCP) rally, allegedly by the banned Awami League. The government will pause the curfew for three hours from 11 AM to 2 PM, after which it will resume indefinitely. At least four people have died, and hundreds, including police and journalists, are injured. Section 144 remains in place, and the NCP has issued a 24-hour ultimatum demanding arrests of the attackers.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has withdrawn the excise duty on raw materials used in the ready-made garments (RMG) sector, including cotton, synthetic fibers, and acrylic. According to a notification issued on July 17, these imported materials will now attract zero percent excise duty. Previously, there was a 2% advance income tax on cotton imports, which had been criticized by industry stakeholders.

The textile sector supplies approximately 70% of the yarn and fabric used in the RMG industry, which has investments worth nearly $23 billion. This decision is expected to provide some relief to the sector, which plays a crucial role in the country’s economy.

The Bangladesh Bank has announced that all scheduled banks across the country will be closed on August 5 in observance of 'July Uprising Day.' This day marks the downfall of the Awami League government following last year’s quota reform movement. The interim government has declared it a public holiday in memory of the bloodshed and government crackdown that occurred during the protests. The public is advised to complete all banking transactions in advance.

An old video from Brahmanbaria has been falsely circulated as footage from a recent violent incident in Gopalganj. The video shows a dead body being loaded into a police vehicle, with claims that the person was shot by police during a clash on July 16. However, investigations confirmed the video originated in June 2024 and depicts a mob handing over a suspected mugger to police. Social media users shared it with misleading captions to spread misinformation.

Maruf Kamal Khan, former press secretary to the BNP Chairperson, described the recent attack on NCP leaders in Gopalganj as barbaric. He alleged that even after losing power, Awami League’s armed wings continue to terrorize the public. In a Facebook post, Kamal questioned whether Gopalganj is being treated as an autonomous zone outside the reach of Bangladeshi law. He demanded the arrest and punishment of the attackers and warned that any obstruction to political activities in Gopalganj could pose a threat to national sovereignty.

BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Zainul Abdin Farroque has alleged that the recent attack on National Citizens’ Party (NCP) leaders in Gopalganj is part of a conspiracy to delay the upcoming election. Speaking at a human chain event at the National Press Club, Farroque said the plot surfaced soon after BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman initiated dialogue on elections from London. He criticized the government, saying its failure to hold elections even after 11 months reflects incompetence. Farroque urged Jamaat-e-Islami to apologize to the nation for its past mistakes, adding that allies of the ruling Awami League still dominate the administration.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has announced nationwide prayer sessions and silent marches in memory of those killed and for the recovery of those injured during the July-August Uprising. In a statement issued on July 17, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi informed that prayers will be held at mosques across Dhaka and all districts and metropolitan areas on Friday, alongside silent marches. BNP leaders, activists, and the general public have been invited to participate.

BNP’s Organizing Secretary for the Faridpur Division, Shama Obaid, strongly condemned the attack on NCP's “March to Gopalganj” program and called for the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those responsible. She claimed the attack was part of a broader effort to destabilize the country. The BNP’s media cell published her statement on Facebook, which also included wishes for a speedy recovery of the injured police officers.

Central leaders of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) have reached Manikganj as part of their ongoing ‘July Uprising’ campaign and the ‘July March to Rebuild the Nation’ program. On July 17 at around 9 PM, district leaders welcomed them at Bhasha Shaheed Rafiq Chattar in Khalpar area, where a public gathering was held. Prior to arriving in Manikganj, the leaders had marched through Faridpur and Rajbari. Law enforcement, including uniformed police, detectives, and plainclothes officers, were deployed in multiple security layers to ensure order during the event. Traffic police also worked to prevent congestion along the route.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish has announced its plans to field candidates in 223 constituencies in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The party’s Ameer, Mamunul Haque, made the announcement at a press conference held in Paltan. Highlighting the need for electoral reform, he advocated for a bicameral parliamentary system, proposing full proportional representation in the upper house and partial proportional representation in the lower house. Criticizing the current one-party dominance, he termed proportional representation as the "demand of the time." Mamunul also condemned the recent attack on the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) in Gopalganj, noting that the army’s intervention prevented further escalation. Expressing hope that the people of Gopalganj will organize resistance, he called for unity among all anti-fascist forces.

Obayed Ullah Al Masud, chairman of Islami Bank, resigned on July 17 after being asked to step down by Bangladesh Bank’s Deputy Governor Dr. Md. Kabir Ahmad. The Central Bank had restructured Islami Bank’s board following the government change in August, appointing Al Masud based on recommendations. Recently, allegations against him surfaced, prompting urgent calls for his resignation. Independent director Professor Zobaidur Rahman is expected to replace him as chairman.

Ambassador Mushfiqul Fazal Ansari emphasized that the united forces which compelled dictator Sheikh Hasina into exile must continue working together to build a democratic and prosperous Bangladesh. Speaking at a virtual event organized by Save Bangladesh in Washington, he highlighted the role of expatriates and the ongoing need for tolerance, justice, and unity. He warned against divisions and conspiracies, urging all to protect the nation’s hard-earned dignity and rights. The event honored July’s martyrs and called for continued solidarity.

Suruzzaman, potential parliamentary candidate for Gaibandha-3 (Sadullapur-Polashbari) constituency from the People's Rights Council, held an election dialogue session on Thursday at West Damodarpur village. The event saw the participation of district branch president Samsuzzaman Siddiqui, general secretary Samiul Islam, and other local leaders.

Suruzzaman stressed that the People's Rights Council is the sole alternative for securing citizens’ rights. If elected, he pledged to prioritize improvements in education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.

Professor Badiur Rahman, the respected president of Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi and a prominent cultural figure, passed away at the age of 81 while receiving treatment in Dhaka. He fell suddenly ill on Wednesday night and died at Health and Hope Hospital. His body was taken to the central Shaheed Minar for public homage and will be buried in his birthplace, Barisal. Badiur Rahman had been actively involved with Udichi since 1972. The organization expressed deep condolences on his passing.