ASM Amanullah, Vice-Chancellor of the National University, recently observed alarming academic malpractice and lack of industry relevance during a visit to a college in Dhaka. He noted students openly using AI tools on their mobile phones during exams while principals remained indifferent.

Speaking at a CPD event, Amanullah criticized the university’s outdated examination system and curriculum, saying the connection between education and industry is nearly nonexistent. Yet, no one addresses this issue because major companies continue to recruit graduates from National University despite their low skills and ambition.

He disclosed troubling academic irregularities, such as physics teachers entering marks for philosophy courses and full marks being awarded in science exams without practical labs. Many colleges either lack proper labs or do not conduct meaningful laboratory work.

To ensure smooth passenger flow, reduce traffic congestion, and maintain security, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport authorities have issued new directives limiting the number of people accompanying passengers inside the airport premises.

From now on, a maximum of two accompanying persons can enter with each passenger to see them off or welcome them. This rule does not apply to the interior of the terminal building.

Passengers and their guests are urged to exit the airport area promptly after arrival or departure to avoid overcrowding. Additionally, all passenger vehicles are requested not to remain at the arrival or departure gates for more than two minutes.

Airport authorities also called for proper disposal of trash in designated bins to maintain cleanliness. This guideline has been effective since July 27.

A gas cylinder explosion in the Shah Paran area of Sylhet left five members of a single family severely burned. They were rushed to the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute’s emergency ward on Sunday afternoon.

The victims include Parvez (38), his wife Farzana (28), their children Mohammad (6) and Marwan (2), along with relative Hena (28). Dr. Shawon Bin Rahman of the institute reported that Parvez suffered burns on 15% of his body, Farzana on 10%, Mohammad on 4%, Marwan on 17%, and Hena on 7%. All are currently receiving medical treatment.

According to Saiful Islam, who brought them to the hospital, the explosion occurred during cooking in a two-story house due to a gas leak in the cylinder. The injured were initially treated at a local hospital before being transferred here for advanced care.

Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain, religious advisor, announced that the construction of an impressive Islamic complex at Pagla Mosque will begin very soon. Following his inspection of the mosque, he revealed that over 900 million taka has already been raised in the mosque’s fund. The foundation stone is expected to be laid before the upcoming election.

He issued a stern warning that anyone attempting to attack or vandalize the shrine, mosque, madrasa, or orphanage will face strict legal action without exception. Law enforcement will arrest offenders immediately upon filing cases. To enhance security, he urged the mosque authorities to install CCTV cameras and strengthen protection measures.

Earlier, Dr. Khalid Hossain also visited the under-construction district model mosque and Islamic cultural center to review ongoing developments.

SM Zillani, President of the Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal, has alleged that a mafia-style group emerges whenever the BNP discusses elections, selling what he described as “tickets to paradise” to the public.

“We have observed that when BNP talks about elections, a certain mafia group starts selling so-called ‘tickets to paradise’ to people. These sellers are once again conspiring over Bangladesh’s electoral process,” Zillani said.

According to him, the public has identified these groups as a “bot army” for their role in mobilizing mobs and orchestrating online propaganda. He urged party leaders and activists to remain vigilant against both this bot network and false campaigns on social media.

“The answer to lies must be the truth,” Zillani emphasized, calling for a proactive approach to counter disinformation.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed, during a ceremony to provide financial aid to the heroes of July and previous movements, declared that everyone who suffered in the 16-year struggle against dictatorship is a future national hero. He highlighted numerous enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and political murders during this period.

Salahuddin referenced the Chief Advisor’s statement recognizing the martyrs of 1971 as national heroes and extended this honor to all who sacrificed their lives in the anti-fascist movement. Citing human rights organizations, he noted that by 2023, over 7,188 people fell victim to enforced disappearance or extrajudicial killings, with 709 still missing. He urged the need for mental reform and a shift in the mindset of those who govern, stressing that structural reform alone will not achieve desired progress.

Sixteen new political parties, including the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), have successfully passed the Election Commission’s initial verification process for registration. The Commission will make the final decision after thorough field-level scrutiny.

According to Election Commission officials, as of June 22, 145 parties applied for registration, but none met the conditions in the first round. After an extension and amendment window, 16 parties passed the preliminary phase. Following established procedures, the Commission will issue public notices inviting objections after final scrutiny, and no objections will lead to official registration. Only registered parties are permitted to field candidates under their symbols in elections.

Since the downfall of fascism in the July popular uprising, the government has revoked medals awarded to 40 police officers who have fled their posts. Among them are notable figures such as Mohammad Harun-or-Rashid, Additional Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, Deputy Inspector General Syed Nurul Islam, and Additional DIG Biplob Kumar Sarkar.

A directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs states that these officers abandoned their duties and are currently subject to departmental action. Consequently, the police medals previously granted to these 40 officers have been officially withdrawn as part of disciplinary measures.

The Bangladesh Embassy in Kuwait, led by Ambassador Major General Syed Tarek Hossain, has introduced a groundbreaking visa verification system to safeguard expatriate workers from fraud and exploitation. This timely initiative authenticates employers before workers arrive, curbing illegal brokers and ensuring fair contracts with at least two-year terms. The embassy’s proactive steps include strict monitoring, blacklisting exploitative companies, and increasing transparency and accountability. This milestone effort has been widely praised and is setting a precedent for expatriate welfare beyond Kuwait.

A new low-pressure system is likely to develop around August 13 over the Bay of Bengal and nearby areas, bringing widespread heavy rainfall and storms across coastal and other regions of Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department forecasts intermittent rain and thunderstorms with gusty winds from August 10 to 13, with moderate to very heavy downpours in parts of northern and northeastern divisions. Temperatures are expected to fluctuate slightly, and rain intensity may increase if the low-pressure system forms.

Nobel laureate and interim government Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus will visit Malaysia on August 11, igniting fresh hopes among Bangladeshi expatriates. The visit aims to reopen the long-closed Malaysian labor market, address visa and legal issues for undocumented workers, and strengthen bilateral ties through defense, energy, and trade agreements. Meetings with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and other officials will focus on enhancing cooperation in various sectors. The trip also includes honorary degree conferral and community engagement.

Several political leaders and organizations have criticized the July Declaration as weak, incomplete, and biased. Speaking at a discussion organized by Nexus Defense and Justice in Dhaka, they alleged historical omissions, discriminatory drafting, and ignoring key political demands. Critics said the document excluded references to 1947 independence, major massacres, and the nine-point movement, reducing its legitimacy. They also accused the government’s advisers of corruption and claimed that promises of national transformation had only benefited political elites and their families over the past year.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir, is primarily focused on building individuals rather than engaging in conventional politics, according to its president, Zahidul Islam.

Speaking to the media, he described the organization as “a project for creating better human beings,” adding, “If someone defines this as politics, then yes, this is our politics.”

He said that only 5–10% of Shibir’s activities align with traditional political practices, while the remaining 90% centers on personal growth. “Our policy equips students not only with academic qualifications but also with skills and moral values. For us, a Shibir member is not just a good student—they must also prove themselves as good family members, relatives, neighbors, friends, and responsible citizens in their community.”

Students of the 2019–20 academic session from the Department of Al-Fiqh and Law at Islamic University have launched protests over delayed exams and results.

On Sunday, students began a sit-in in front of the department at noon, later locking its gates at 1:00 p.m. Their three demands are:

Publication of the first-semester results of the fourth year by Monday.

Completion of the second-semester exams by the end of August.

Release of the second-semester results by September 15.

While most of the university’s 36 departments have completed the honours program for the 2019–20 batch, this department has yet to publish the fourth-year first-semester results. The second-semester exams, originally scheduled for June 28, have also been postponed.

The department chair said an emergency meeting has been called to address the issue.

The Awami League’s activities remain banned inside Bangladesh, and authorities are closely monitoring the party’s actions abroad, Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has said.

Responding to a question about reports of an Awami League office in Kolkata, he stated, “Their activities in Bangladesh are banned. We are, of course, monitoring what they are doing outside. If they engage in activities abroad to incite unrest here, we are watching. Once we have concrete information, we will share it with you.”

Recently, several media outlets reported that the Awami League has opened an office in a commercial area of a Kolkata suburb, where leaders and activists who fled after the uprising are allegedly holding regular meetings and party activities.