Rashed Pradhan, Vice President of the National Democratic Party (JAGPA), has alleged that India is obstructing Bangladesh’s acquisition of advanced fighter jets under the pretext of regional security. He accused the ruling Awami League of appeasing foreign powers while continuing to operate outdated aircraft for financial gain. Citing multiple accidents in 2015, 2018, and 2024, Pradhan demanded the decommissioning of obsolete aircraft and immediate modernization of the air force. He also called for prompt compensation and proper medical care for recent crash victims and questioned the delay in examination suspensions related to the incident.

BNP leader Lutfozzaman Babar is set to travel to China on Wednesday for medical treatment. Close sources report that Babar is suffering from multiple health complications resulting from his 17 years in prison. He chose China over Europe or Singapore to minimize treatment costs. His treatment, focusing on boosting immunity and addressing other health issues, is expected to last around two weeks. He is scheduled to return on August 5. Arrested in 2007, Babar was sentenced to death in several cases under both the caretaker government and the Awami League. However, he was acquitted of all charges following the fall of the previous government last year.

The United States has announced its decision to withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The U.S. government has accused UNESCO of being “anti-Israel,” “politically biased,” and overly reliant on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Washington also criticized the organization’s recognition of Palestine as a member state, stating it contradicts U.S. foreign policy. While the Trump administration had previously pulled out of UNESCO, the U.S. rejoined during the Biden era. The current decision, officials say, is driven by concerns over UNESCO's political stance.

Speaking at a memorial event in Noakhali for victims of the fighter jet crash, NCP Chief Coordinator Nasir Uddin Patwari expressed solidarity with the students’ demands. “We cannot oppose students. Their demands are legitimate and must be acknowledged,” he said. Supporting the call for exam postponement, he urged the government and citizens to align with the students’ movement.

Maherin Chowdhury, Coordinator at Milestone School, tragically died in the Uttara fighter jet crash. Despite being severely burned by the explosion, she fought to save her students until the end. Rushed to the burn unit with nearly 100% burns, she succumbed to her injuries. Maherin’s heroic act stands as a testament to the courage, dedication, and compassion of educators. She is survived by two school-aged children—one in Class 9 (age 14) and the other preparing for O-Levels (age 15/16). Her death raises a critical question: why was a malfunctioning fighter jet flying over a densely populated area?

Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus met with representatives from four political parties on Tuesday at 9 PM at the State Guest House Jamuna to discuss the country’s current political and social unrest. The meeting included leaders from BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, NCP, and Islami Andolon. Sources suggest the discussions focused on the recent plane crash, student protests, and the broader national crisis.

Before the crash, Flight Lieutenant Tawkir Islam, flying solo on a training mission in an F-7 aircraft, reported mechanical failure while passing over Uttara. He urgently contacted the control tower, saying, “The aircraft isn’t staying airborne. It feels like it’s rapidly descending.” The tower instructed him to eject immediately, but moments later, he lost control. Within 90 seconds, the jet crashed and caught fire, killing the pilot and injuring at least 25 others.

Bangladesh Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan has urged the public not to believe rumors surrounding the Uttara plane crash. “There is nothing to hide. All updates on casualties are being officially released through the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR),” he said following the funeral of pilot Flight Lieutenant Tawkir Islam. He emphasized that the pilot made every effort to crash-land the aircraft in an open area and gave his life in the process. “We maintain strict protocols in aircraft maintenance,” he added, calling on the public to support the Air Force and other security forces.

The Bangladesh Army has launched an investigation into the disruption of rescue operations following the crash of a Bangladesh Air Force fighter jet in Uttara’s Diabari area. According to an ISPR statement, several civilians, including children, were killed or injured in the incident. Although military and fire service personnel responded swiftly, large crowds of onlookers impeded the rescue efforts. Misunderstandings later arose between the army and the public. Fourteen soldiers involved in the operation are currently receiving treatment at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH). The army has assured that appropriate action will be taken against those responsible for the disruption.

The Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) is planning to buy coaster buses to provide staff transportation services for government and private organizations. The initiative aims to meet the high demand for small buses, especially in cities where large buses struggle to operate on narrow roads. Funding for the purchase may come from government sources or foreign loans. Currently, BRTC operates 1,350 buses and 505 trucks, and expects this new service to improve public transport and increase its revenue.

Two government advisors and a member of the Chief Advisor’s Press Wing were evacuated under police protection on Tuesday evening after being confined for nearly nine hours at Milestone College in Uttara. The officials had arrived at the college around 10:30 AM, but following intense student protests, they took refuge in a conference room in Building No. 5. Multiple attempts to leave the premises were thwarted by demonstrators. Eventually, at 7:33 PM, they exited through the Diabari Metro Rail Depot in a motorcade.

Law enforcement agencies baton-charged and fired tear gas at protesting students in front of the Secretariat in Dhaka, as they demanded the resignation of the Education Advisor and Education Secretary. At least 80 people, including journalists, were injured and later admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. The situation escalated when students broke the gates and entered the Secretariat premises, leading to vandalism of several vehicles. In response, police and army personnel intervened to disperse the crowd, resulting in a series of clashes and chase incidents between the two sides.

Heavy rains in India’s Tripura have caused the Muhuri, Kohua, and Silonia rivers in Feni to overflow, breaching multiple flood control embankments. Since July 8, 41 embankment breaches have been reported, flooding villages in Parshuram and Phulgazi upazilas. Thousands of homes, roads, and farmlands are submerged, with significant losses to crops, poultry, and fisheries. Despite repairs costing over 200 crore BDT after last year’s floods, embankments have failed again, exacerbating the suffering of local residents and threatening more areas with flooding.

At a prayer gathering in Ishwardi, Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that the Quran is the supreme book of humanity, and under its guidance, Islam will be established in Bangladesh, building a corruption-free nation. He emphasized the party’s commitment to a strict fight against corruption, declaring that corrupt individuals will have no place in the country. Dr. Rahman vowed that Jamaat-e-Islami will never bow to oppression and will continue protesting injustice. He also paid tribute to the victims of the Dhaka Milestone air crash and pledged support for their families. Other Jamaat leaders were present at the event.

The UK and 27 other nations have condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, accusing it of committing inhumane killings while civilians sought food and water. In a joint statement, they called for an immediate ceasefire and criticized the aid system as degrading. Over 800 Palestinians have reportedly died while seeking aid. The UN and aid agencies say access is being hindered. Israel rejected the claims, accusing Hamas of interference. Gaza’s death toll since October 2023 has surpassed 59,000, according to its health ministry.