Intense erosion of the Padma River has returned to Munshiganj’s Louhajang upazila, destroying riverbanks and threatening dozens of homes. Heavy rains and upstream flow have worsened the situation. Locals are demanding urgent action and faster completion of an embankment project that is only 48% complete. Over 50,000 families have lost land in the past 25 years due to similar erosion. Residents fear more devastation if protective measures are not implemented immediately, as many homes now stand within feet of the advancing river.

Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus will address the nation today, marking the first anniversary of Sheikh Hasina’s ouster. The speech will focus on the upcoming national election, with a preliminary roadmap and directives to the Election Commission. A possible February election date may be mentioned. The address will also reflect on the interim government's one-year performance, justice efforts, and political consensus progress. Coordination among law enforcement for election readiness will be discussed, alongside a call for political parties to cooperate for a historic democratic transition.

Allama Shah Muhibbullah Babunagari, Amir of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh, has stated that Jamaat-e-Islami is a fraudulent Islamic group, not a genuine Islamic party. He emphasized that Jamaat does not represent the Islam of Madinah but instead seeks to establish the ideology of Maududi. “Following Maududi’s ideology means there will be no true faith,” he said.

While acknowledging the necessity of unity among Islamic parties, Babunagari firmly declared, “We do not consider Jamaat an Islamic party. They have never desired the Islam of Madinah; their aim is to establish Maududism. Therefore, unity with them is impossible.”

He further remarked, “Jamaat is not the largest party in the country; BNP holds that position.”

Three foreign diplomats have sent flowers to Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, wishing him a speedy recovery as he undergoes treatment at a hospital.

The well-wishers include:

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen

Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan, Muhammad Wasif

Palestinian Ambassador, Yousef Ramadan

According to Jamaat sources, the diplomats inquired about Dr. Rahman’s health and conveyed their hopes for his swift recovery. The party expressed sincere gratitude for this gesture, calling it a memorable act of goodwill.

At 12:05 AM on Monday night, authorities opened all 16 sluice gates of the Kaptai Hydroelectric Dam in Rangamati as water levels exceeded the danger mark. Initially, seven gates were opened 6 inches each, later extending the same to all 16 gates.

This rapid release is channeling excess water into the Karnaphuli River. Officials assured downstream residents not to panic but to remain alert. They also confirmed prior public notification was issued before the water release.

Despite five years since drafting, Dhaka’s parking policy has yet to be finalized or implemented. The draft emphasizes the importance of regulated parking to ease traffic congestion and outlines strict measures against illegal roadside parking. Delays stem from lack of government focus and official transfers. Unauthorized parking and sidewalk occupation continue to worsen traffic jams and citizen hardship. The policy aims to coordinate management across Dhaka and surrounding districts, encouraging private sector involvement and enforcement by traffic police and local authorities.

On the anniversary of the July uprising, the government is organizing a day-long event titled “July Reawakening” at Manik Mia Avenue. Preparations for the main stage, sound, and lighting systems have been completed.

High-capacity CCTV cameras and extensive police and RAB deployments, in both uniform and plainclothes, have been arranged for security. The program will feature cultural performances, a drone show, and the formal reading of the July Declaration by the Chief Advisor at 5 PM, to be broadcast live by BTV. Due to expected crowds, traffic in the Parliament area and Manik Mia Avenue will be suspended.

Adviser Asif Nazrul launched a scathing critique of former PM Sheikh Hasina, suggesting she deserves PhDs in neurology, psychology, and physical studies due to her behavior and governance. “She never understood the concept of a state,” he claimed.

Nazrul accused Hasina of orchestrating three fraudulent elections and denying people their voting rights for 15 years. He also blamed her for cultivating a “generation of liars” across public institutions. “Despite a strong constitution, a disastrous state was created,” he said, adding that citizens must reform themselves, citing Maldives and Tunisia as examples.

The Election Commission (EC) is considering empowering presiding officers with additional authority and assigning them personal security officers at polling centers. To improve electoral logistics and integrity, the EC has also issued seven key recommendations.

These include:

Ensuring proper transportation for presiding officers and their teams along with election materials.

Assigning one bodyguard per presiding officer.

Hiring one office assistant per center.

Coordinated deployment of all materials and staff.

Ensuring meals for polling officials.

Empowering presiding officers under Article 89(K) of the 1972 order.

Enabling real-time coordination via mobile apps with returning officers and EC control rooms.

Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus highlighted misuse of the elderly allowance program, alleging that many undeserving individuals received benefits through political favoritism. “This bias must end. Allowances must be distributed based solely on NID age data,” he said during a meeting with senior officials from the Department of Social Services at Jamuna.

The discussion focused on corruption, administrative weaknesses, and access challenges in the welfare system. The Chief Advisor urged the department to undertake urgent reforms, enhance transparency, and prioritize services for the elderly and girl children.

Gaibandha Sadar Assistant Commissioner (Land), Md. Jahangir Alam Babu, allegedly became enraged when a journalist addressed him as "bhai" (brother) instead of “sir” over the phone. The incident occurred when journalist Biplob Islam called the official to inquire about a land mutation correction.

Upon being addressed informally, the AC reportedly replied, “There’s no rule to call an AC ‘bhai’,” before hanging up. He later instructed the caller to learn how to properly address officials before calling again. Several others have also reported rude behavior from the same official. The Deputy Commissioner stated that the matter will be investigated and necessary action taken.

The government has slashed prices on coronary stents by nearly 50%, aiming to make heart disease treatment more affordable. The Health Ministry set new maximum retail prices for stents from Abbott, Boston Scientific, and Medtronic after expert recommendations. For example, Medtronic’s ‘Resolute Onyx’ stent price dropped from BDT 140,500 to BDT 90,000. Hospitals must display the updated price list and keep service charges under 5%. This move will reduce treatment costs in public and private hospitals, benefiting patients nationwide.

China has deployed private militias, largely composed of former PLA personnel, to secure strategic infrastructure in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, particularly around the key port town Kyaukphyu. These militias go beyond guarding, reportedly engaging in drone operations and sniper attacks against insurgents, marking a shift to active conflict involvement. This unofficial military presence supports China’s Belt and Road investments while avoiding formal troop deployment. However, it raises local mistrust, heightens risks of violence, and challenges Myanmar’s sovereignty amid growing geopolitical tensions.

The government has made it compulsory to submit income tax return proof when opening or maintaining fixed deposits and savings certificates over 10 lakh taka, or taking loans exceeding 20 lakh taka. Bangladesh Bank issued a circular enforcing this rule across 24 financial and banking services, including company director appointments, trade license renewals, and utility connections. Failure to comply will result in denial of these services by banks and government agencies, aiming to widen tax compliance nationwide.

Brac Bank has introduced a collateral-free loan facility at a market-lowest 13.75% interest rate for entrepreneurs in the Cottage, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (CMSME) sector. The offer is valid from August 1 to September 30 under the “SME Means Brac Bank” campaign. Two new solutions—“Probrton” for online entrepreneurs and “BizPay” for large transactions—have also been launched. With over 2 million SME clients and BDT 2 trillion disbursed, Brac Bank reaffirms its leadership in SME financing in Bangladesh.