A Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight en route to Singapore returned to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport shortly after takeoff due to an engine malfunction.

According to airport authorities, the issue was detected after the aircraft reached an altitude of 2,500 feet, prompting an immediate return to the airport. The flight landed safely with 154 passengers and seven crew members onboard. All were reported to be safe and unharmed.

Authorities stated that a technical review is underway, and further decisions regarding the flight will be made accordingly.

A two-day program marking Social Business Day has commenced, bringing together leaders and entrepreneurs engaged in social business from around the world. The event is jointly organized by the Yunus Centre and Grameen Group, and will be inaugurated by Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

This year’s theme is: “The Most Effective Way to Ensure Healthcare for All is Through Social Business.” The event aims to address global disparities and limitations in sectors like healthcare, and to promote a sustainable, equitable, and humane value system.

The program features five plenary sessions and eight breakout sessions, with participation from over 1,000 delegates, including more than 180 international guests from 25 countries.

At the 47th SAARCFINANCE Governors’ Meeting in Dhaka, Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur emphasized financial inclusion, proposing that every school student should have a bank account. He highlighted the importance of early financial literacy to prepare future generations for economic participation. Despite political differences in South Asia, he stressed continued collaboration among SAARC central banks. The event focused on bridging financial gaps through policy exchange, shared research, and technological initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive growth in the region.

Bangladesh’s interbank transactions have plunged by over Tk 1 trillion in just one month, as the country continues to grapple with an economic downturn, declining credit flow in the private sector, and a liquidity crisis.

According to a report by Bangladesh Bank, interbank transactions in February 2025 dropped by Tk 1.13 trillion compared to January. However, the February 2025 figures are still higher by Tk 444.02 billion compared to the same month last year.

Sources say 11 banks, currently under scrutiny for financial mismanagement, are struggling to meet transaction demands. Several weaker banks are unable to repay borrowed funds from the interbank market, contributing to the overall decline in transactions.

Following a meeting with the Gono Adhikar Parishad on Thursday, BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that the party intends to implement its 31-point reform agenda in coordination with allied groups.

He further added, "Both parties are satisfied that a preliminary announcement regarding the upcoming election schedule is expected by February. We’ve discussed our collective strategy for the coming days, including pre-election activities and how we can jointly work toward implementing the 31-point agenda."

Khasru also confirmed that the progress of recent meetings in London was reviewed, and reforms will be made based on mutual consensus. Referring to Ishraque Hossain, he said, “If we truly believe in the rule of law, it is only natural for Ishraque to assume mayoral responsibilities.”

In a shocking turn of events, one leader of the National Citizens' Committee (NCP) physically assaulted another in Rajshahi, sending the victim to the hospital. The incident occurred around 11 PM on Wednesday at a restaurant in the city’s Rani Bazar area.

According to sources, the restaurant is owned by Rashedul Islam, Chief Coordinator of the NCP’s Rajshahi District Coordination Committee. The injured leader has been identified as Firoz Alam, a Joint Coordinator of the same committee. Allegedly, he was assaulted by fellow Joint Coordinator Nahidul Islam Saju. Nahid has since claimed that the incident was the result of a misunderstanding, which has now been resolved.

Asadul Islam, President of the Islami Chhatra Shibir at Jagannath University, has publicly condemned Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib for allegedly calling him a member of Chhatra League. In a strongly worded statement, Asadul labeled the accusation as "baseless, defamatory, and degrading." He urged Rakib to withdraw his statement and accused him of lacking leadership qualities. Asadul concluded by advising, “If you can’t speak or act for your own organization and ideology, at least have the decency to remain silent.”

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi warned that Iran could trigger a fresh crisis if it continues to obstruct international inspectors from accessing its nuclear sites. While acknowledging significant setbacks in Iran’s nuclear program, Grossi stated, "I wouldn’t say it has collapsed." He emphasized Iran’s legal obligation under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) to allow inspections, warning that further non-cooperation would place Iran in violation of international law.

Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), Air Vice Marshal M. Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan, announced that Cox’s Bazar Airport is expected to commence international operations by the end of July. All preparations are reportedly complete, and contractors have been urged to expedite any final tasks. The airport runway, extended from 9,000 to 10,700 feet, includes a 1,300-foot stretch over the sea—the first of its kind in the country.

The army has arrested six individuals, including Chand Ali Khan, the BNP’s Pabna Upazila President, for allegedly assaulting a government official. Kazi Rakibul Hasan, Assistant Director of the Rajbari Consumer Rights Protection Department, was attacked in his office. Police confirmed that the suspects forcibly entered the office and obstructed official duties. The other detainees include Ruhul Amin, Md. Bacchu Biswas, Mamun Shikder, Md. Farid Hossain, and Md. Shishir Karim.

Students at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR), have launched a sit-in protest rejecting a recent report by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). Demonstrators blocked administrative building gates and demanded a fair investigation into the killing of student Abu Sayeed. Protest leader Raihan Kabir argued that a Dhaka-based investigation is unacceptable, as the incident took place on campus and involved police action. He claimed the university administration is being scapegoated and criticized the former proctor being framed as the instigator. The protest will continue until the report is officially withdrawn.

The government has officially designated July 16 as Shaheed Abu Saeed Day. This date will now be observed annually as a national and international commemorative day under the ‘Category B’ classification. Relevant ministries, departments, and organizations have been instructed to ensure proper observance of the day. The announcement was made through a circular issued by the Cabinet Division on June 25. This move aims to honor the legacy and sacrifice of Shaheed Abu Saeed through nationwide recognition.

The government has approved the purchase of refined fuel oil worth 10,000 crore taka (about $1.2 billion) from seven state enterprises across six countries including China, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the UAE. Alongside fuel oil, proposals for importing octane, LNG, fertilizers (MOP, TSP, DAP), and 50,000 tons of wheat were also approved. These procurements are part of government-to-government agreements aimed at ensuring energy and food security, with a total expenditure exceeding 12,000 crore taka.

BNP leader Aminul Haque emphasized that the party is committed to creating a drug-free society and ensuring a drug-free Bangladesh. He expressed concern over the devastating impact of drug abuse on the youth, highlighting that many young people are falling victim to premature deaths due to narcotics.

Aminul Haque called for collective action to raise awareness and control drug use by involving every family, neighbor, and citizen in anti-drug campaigns. He revealed that nearly 8.3 million youths in the country are currently affected by drug abuse. The BNP leader stressed that their approach is first to warn and educate drug users, and if they fail to reform, legal action will be taken. He also clarified that BNP does not support extortionists, land grabbers, or groups that incite violence.

Tapan Chowdhury, Chairman of CDBL and Managing Director of Square Pharmaceuticals, highlighted the risks faced by investors in Bangladesh’s volatile stock market, where many have lost their life savings. Speaking at a DBA event, he emphasized the need for investor education and market stability. Dr. Anisuzzaman Chowdhury stressed that reforms require time and commitment to succeed. Officials from BSEC, DSE, and other organizations confirmed ongoing efforts to implement crucial market reforms and strengthen the capital market.