Houthi-controlled Yemeni armed forces attacked and sank a cargo ship in the Red Sea using missiles and drone boats, killing four and leaving at least 15 missing. Six crew members were rescued. The assault was reportedly aimed at showing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza and pressuring the Israeli military. Yemeni military spokesperson Brigadier General Yahya Saree claimed the vessel, Eternity-C, was en route to Israel. He also stated that some sailors were rescued and provided with medical assistance by Houthi forces.

The second round of three-day tariff negotiations between Bangladesh and the United States began in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday. Discussions covered nearly all major aspects of bilateral trade. The Bangladesh delegation is led by Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashiruddin, with Dr. Khalilur Rahman and Fayez Ahmed Tayeb joining virtually from Dhaka. Senior officials from U.S. agricultural, energy, trade, and copyright departments also participated. Bangladesh aims to finalize an agreement before the new U.S. tariffs — set to take effect on August 1 for 14 countries — come into force. Talks will continue through Friday.

Jamaat-e-Islami has declared its readiness to participate in national elections at any time, provided that seven core demands are met — including implementation of a proportional representation (PR) electoral system and adoption of the "July Charter." Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ehsan Mahbub Zubayer announced plans for a massive rally at Suhrawardy Udyan on July 19, expected to draw hundreds of thousands. He added that all anti-fascist parties, including the BNP, will be invited to join.

Professor Ali Riaz, Vice Chairman of the National Consensus Commission, stressed the urgent need for a broad national agreement on fundamental state reforms. He highlighted progress in recent talks among political parties on key issues, including judicial independence, safeguarding civil rights, decentralization of power, and prevention of authoritarianism. A national charter is expected to be finalized by the end of July. Riaz stated that the commission is working in collaboration with political parties to ensure swift resolution.

For the first time in the country, a robotic rehabilitation center has been launched at the Super-Specialized Hospital of Bangladesh Medical University (BMU). Advisor Asif Mahmud announced that the center will provide advanced physiotherapy and neurological rehabilitation using 62 state-of-the-art robots. Services will be offered free of charge to those injured in the July movement. With technical support from China, the facility includes 22 AI-enabled robots capable of delivering personalized treatments.

The results of the 2025 Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent exams were released on Thursday by all 11 education boards in Bangladesh. The average pass rate stands at 68.45%, with 139,032 students achieving the highest grade of GPA-5. Students can access their results via www.educationboardresults.gov.bd or through their respective board websites. Results are also available via SMS.

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun has admitted his involvement in crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising. He voluntarily offered to become a state witness before the International Crimes Tribunal. On the same day, the tribunal formally framed charges against deposed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two other accused, initiating their trial. The investigation report identifies Hasina as the alleged mastermind behind the mass killings.

Amnesty International has called on Bangladesh's interim government to refer all incidents of political violence that occurred between July 1 and August 15, 2024, to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for investigation. The appeal follows the release of leaked BBC audio allegedly implicating former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in ordering the use of lethal force during the unrest. Citing a UN report, Amnesty stated that approximately 1,400 people were killed and thousands injured during that period. The organization emphasized the need for independent investigations, impartial justice, and an absolute ban on the death penalty.

The results for the 2025 Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent exams will be published today by 2:00 PM. Over 1.92 million students took part in the exams under nine general education boards, along with the madrasa and technical boards.

This year, results will be released directly through the education boards’ websites without formal ceremonies. The Dhaka Education Board is hosting a discussion session, and results have been compiled based on the latest competency-based assessment policy.

Sarjis Alam, Chief Organizer of the Northern Region for the National Citizens' Party (NCP), has questioned the Election Commission’s decision to ban the water lily as a political symbol.

He argued that just like the paddy sheaf, jute leaf, and star—elements derived from national symbols—the water lily is a part of the national emblem and should be allowed as an electoral symbol. “If one part of the national emblem can be used as a party symbol, so can the water lily,” he said, opposing the ban.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has urged India to act with conscience and uphold justice after a BBC investigation reportedly confirmed genocide allegations against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

He criticized India's longstanding refusal to honor Bangladesh's request for Hasina’s extradition and urged India not to dismiss the forensic evidence presented by the BBC. "India must show respect for the rule of law and international justice," he stated.

Following the tragic collapse of the 43-year-old Gambhira Bridge in Vadodara, India, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser, sent a message of condolence to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In his letter, Yunus expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended sympathy to the victims' families and the people of India, while wishing a swift recovery for the injured. At least 13 people were reported dead in the incident.

Authorities have postponed the HSC, Alim, and Vocational exams scheduled for July 10 in Feni due to severe flooding caused by continuous heavy rainfall and upstream water from India. Many areas, especially in Fulgazi and Parshuram, are submerged, with roads cut off and over 20,000 people stranded. Several schools have been turned into shelters. The Comilla, Madrasah, and Technical Education Boards issued notices confirming the suspension, stating that other exams will continue as planned unless further disruptions occur.

To boost innovation and entrepreneurship, Bangladesh Bank has launched a BDT 500 crore ‘Startup Loan Fund’, offering loans at a 4% interest rate, with a maximum limit of BDT 8 crore per venture.

Banks and financial institutions will be required to contribute 1% of their 2021 profits to the fund annually. Entrepreneurs must be at least 21 years old, and the loan limit will depend on the age of the startup. The repayment term can extend up to 8 years.

Only banks or financial institutions with a non-performing loan (NPL) ratio below 10% will be eligible to participate in the fund.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Dhaka Metropolitan North branch held a rally and assembly on July 19 in the Karwan Bazar and Farmgate areas to mobilize support for their national convention. Addressing the crowd, Metropolitan Amir Mohammad Selim Uddin urged activists to work tirelessly towards achieving the party’s seven-point demand plan aimed at building a new Bangladesh free from discrimination, extortion, and terrorism. He emphasized that people would no longer have to seek their rights elsewhere, as elected representatives will act as servants of the people, not rulers. He invited residents of Dhaka to participate in the upcoming national convention.