Driven by affordable technology and internet expansion, global social media usage is rising rapidly. Over 5.22 billion people—63.8% of the world’s population—are now active on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Statista predicts this will exceed 6 billion by 2028. While social media boosts communication and business, growing concerns include misinformation, addiction, privacy breaches, and mental health issues. Youth and even older adults are increasingly engaged, with average users spending over 2.5 hours daily across seven platforms.

A five-member committee has been formed to ensure the autonomy of state-owned Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar, following recommendations from the Media Reform Commission. The committee will create a roadmap for implementing these suggestions and review the media policies of the past 15 years. It will also help formulate future policies for television and other media outlets. The decision was made at a meeting chaired by Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Education Advisor C.R. Abrar will lead the committee, which includes four other key advisors.

Ferry operations are resuming at Shimulia Ghat in Munshiganj to restore the area's river heritage and ensure navigability of the Padma River through regular dredging. Adviser to the Ministry of Shipping, Brig. Gen. (Retd.) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hossain announced the move while inaugurating BIWTA’s Dredge Training Institute. He highlighted ten proposed development projects for the area, including a river port and eco-park. Three projects will be fast-tracked. A two-week dredging training course was also launched at the event.

Speaking at a stakeholder meeting in Rajshahi on Thursday, Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar, Adviser to the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, emphasized the need for a formal policy on fee structures in private kindergartens and educational institutions.

“There are no objections to operating private schools or kindergartens, but there must be clear regulations on how much they can charge students. Institutions should not be allowed to impose arbitrary fees,” he said. He also stressed that the curriculum and syllabi of such institutions must remain under government oversight to ensure consistency and accountability in education.

The Swiss National Bank has reported that deposits by Bangladeshi nationals in Swiss banks surged by 33 times in 2024, the year of the mass uprising, reaching an estimated BDT 8,500 crore.

Experts suggest the dramatic rise is linked to capital flight triggered by fears of regime collapse and the widespread corruption and money laundering that occurred during the Awami League’s rule.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mohammad Selim Uddin said that while the August 5 mass movement succeeded in toppling the Awami regime, true victory remains out of reach. “Influences from the previous regime still persist across state institutions,” he claimed.

He demanded immediate structural reforms, full implementation of the ‘July Declaration,’ visible justice for political killings, and transfer of power through free and fair elections.

Fisheries Adviser Farida Akhtar emphasized that safeguarding hilsa, Bangladesh’s national fish, is a collective national duty. Speaking at a workshop in Dhaka, she said hilsa has brought global prestige to the country. She addressed public concern over high prices, noting that quality products often cost more and hilsa should be enjoyed occasionally. The adviser urged fair pricing and market regulation. Experts highlighted that conservation efforts since 2014 have increased hilsa production and reduced jatka fishing through seasonal bans and awareness campaigns.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, initially supportive of the interim government, has raised concerns over Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus's neutrality following his London meeting with BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman. The party skipped a key consensus dialogue on June 17 in protest of the joint statement and press briefing issued afterward. Though they rejoined talks the next day, Jamaat leaders warned that continued bias could hinder reform progress. They also criticized the Home Adviser’s comments on election law and order.

The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) pushed 30 individuals into Bangladesh on Thursday through three border points: 13 through Tannakpara (Khagrachari), 11 through Motua (Feni), and 6 via Kushkhali (Satkhira). All individuals have been detained.

Those identified as Bangladeshi nationals are being returned to their families. So far, BSF has pushed back a total of 145 Bangladeshis through the Khagrachari border this year.

In ongoing discussions led by the National Consensus Commission, most political parties have expressed support for electing the President through an electoral college system.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Abdullah Mohammad Taher proposed a bicameral parliament with 500 total electoral votes, including 100 reserved seats for women. Nurul Haque Nur noted that some parties are pushing to include union councils, potentially raising the total electorate to over 70,000.

As per a presidential order issued Thursday, Asad Alam Siam, a 15th batch BCS (Foreign Affairs) officer, has been appointed as Bangladesh’s new Foreign Secretary. He becomes the 28th person to hold the position and will serve until further notice.

Siam previously served as Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna and as Ambassador to the Philippines.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has confirmed that the government plans to release the “July Declaration” ahead of August 5. A new committee, led by Planning Adviser Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmood, has been formed to oversee the initiative.

He also revealed that discussions are ongoing to grant autonomous status to BTV and Bangladesh Betar. Another committee, led by Adviser C. R. Abrar, has been formed to examine this matter.

Following Ishraq Hossain's declaration as mayor and his attempt to assume control of city corporation functions, Adviser Asif Mahmud stated that “this is no longer a situation where silence is an option.” He indicated that a government decision will be made soon after high-level discussions.

On the disruption of civic services during dengue season, he acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly in Dhaka South City Corporation. “We are trying to maintain essential services as much as possible—even if remotely,” he said.

Moinul Islam Chowdhury, Chairman of the Disappearance Commission, has claimed that during the Awami League's tenure, anti-terrorism campaigns were used as a political tool to consolidate power and gain international legitimacy. He revealed that of the 1,850 complaints received by the commission, evidence has been found for 253 enforced disappearances.

He alleged that law enforcement agencies became politically influenced and that a culture of torture and secret detention was institutionalized—even to the extent of handing over Bangladeshi citizens to Indian forces.

Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah has announced a draft of the 2025 Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates, which proposes a ban on posters during election campaigns. Instead, candidates may use billboards, banners, flyers, and social media platforms for promotion—though foreign-funded advertisements on social media will be prohibited.

He also stated that returning officers will set up a common platform for candidates to present their manifestos to voters. Moreover, individuals serving as heads or members of educational institution committees must resign before contesting elections.