Continuous rainfall since early July has damaged crops on over 3,000 hectares of farmland in Jashore, Bangladesh. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, vegetables, Aus and Aman rice, jute, and chili fields have been affected, with low-lying areas waterlogged for days. Farmers in major vegetable-producing unions are reporting heavy losses. Seedling fields in areas like Churamankati are submerged. Officials warn of further rot if rain continues but assure support and guidance to help farmers recover from the ongoing agricultural damage.

Pakistan has extended its airspace restrictions for Indian aircraft and flights related to India by another month. According to a notice issued by the Pakistan Airport Authority, the ban will remain in effect until 5:19 AM on August 24. The restrictions were initially imposed after a deadly militant attack in Kashmir on April 22 that killed 25 Indian nationals. In response, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, prompting Pakistan to restrict Indian air traffic. India later reciprocated by banning Pakistani flights. The diplomatic and aviation standoff between the two nations remains unresolved.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has filed a defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal, seeking $1 billion in damages. In the lawsuit, filed in Miami, Trump alleges that the publication falsely claimed he sent a controversial letter in 2003 for Jeffrey Epstein’s birthday. Trump contends the article damaged both his reputation and financial interests. The suit names not only the journalists involved but also Dow Jones, News Corp, and CEO Robert Thomson as defendants. Trump described the legal action as a step not just for himself but on behalf of the American people against what he calls the “fake news media.”

Bangladesh is pushing forward with a reciprocal trade agreement with the US despite political and economic concerns. The deal includes conditions that may affect national sovereignty and demand significant purchases from the US, such as LNG and military equipment. While 85% of the terms have reportedly been agreed upon, negotiations continue over sensitive issues. Experts say Bangladesh lacks the economic leverage seen in countries like India or Vietnam and warn that poor coordination and transparency could weaken its negotiating position.

Ahead of its national rally scheduled for Saturday, July 19, at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has released a 20-point guideline for its members and supporters. Key instructions include: fully occupying the rally grounds, remaining seated until the party chief (Ameer) finishes his speech, and staying put even in case of rain. Participants have been prohibited from carrying any flags other than the national flag and from chanting political slogans. The directives also outline provisions for health services, food distribution, security, vehicle parking, and reception centers. Ten reception points have been set up in key locations, including Sayedabad, Gabtoli, and Kamalapur.

Thousands of Jamaat-e-Islami supporters turned Suhrawardy Udyan into a sea of people as the party held its national rally. The event began at 9:40 AM with a recitation from the Holy Qur’an, followed by a cultural segment. Senior leaders started arriving on stage from early morning. According to Organizing Secretary Mia Golam Parwar, key national leaders will begin delivering speeches from 2:00 PM. Around 6,000 volunteers are working to manage the crowd and maintain order. Jamaat supporters from across the country arrived in processions, many dressed in attire featuring the party’s symbol, the balance scale, while occupying areas within and around the venue.

At least 41 people were killed and 110 others injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza on Friday, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The latest attacks bring the total death toll to 58,667 since Israel launched its military campaign in October 2023 in response to Hamas’ assault on October 7. The number of injured has now reached 139,974. Although a ceasefire was announced in January, hostilities resumed in March, resulting in an additional 7,843 casualties. Reports suggest that out of 251 hostages initially taken by Hamas, at least 35 are believed to be still alive.

U.S. special envoy Tom Barrack announced that Israel and Syria have agreed to a ceasefire, which has been welcomed as a major diplomatic achievement by countries including Turkey and Jordan. Calls have been made for peace among the Druze, Bedouin, and Sunni communities in Syria. Earlier, an Israeli airstrike in Damascus killed three people. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa stated that troops have begun withdrawing from Sweida and confirmed a separate ceasefire deal with the Druze. He accused Israel of deliberately fostering division within Syria.

Israel has initiated a new phase of its military campaign in Gaza after violating a ceasefire agreement, with satellite and video footage showing widespread destruction. Schools, towers, hospitals, and thousands of buildings have been deliberately demolished. Experts say this targeted demolition of civilian infrastructure violates international law and constitutes war crimes. Gaza’s densely populated areas are now largely abandoned as the humanitarian crisis deepens.

Hundreds of thousands of Jamaat-e-Islami supporters gathered at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka for the party’s national rally on Saturday. Processions began arriving in the capital early in the morning, quickly filling the venue. Around 20,000 volunteers managed the event’s security and logistics. Jamaat presented a 7-point charter including demands for justice for genocide, foundational reforms, voting rights for expatriates, PR-based elections, and equal political opportunities. The party claimed over one million people attended the rally from across the country.

A devastating gas leak explosion in Sutrapur, Dhaka, has claimed the lives of five members of the same family. The victims were identified as father Ripon, mother Chandni, and their three children—Ayesha (1), Rokon (14), and Tamim (22). All were admitted to the hospital with severe burns but died within a week. Chandni passed away en route to her village for treatment. Ripon, a rickshaw van puller, struggled financially. The incident has left the local community in mourning.

BNP central leader Aminul Haque alleged that a certain group is attempting to delay the national elections under the guise of "reform and justice." He also claimed that a newly emerged party is intentionally causing unrest and violence, trying to pin the blame on BNP. Speaking at a memorial rally in Mirpur, he asserted that people want a neutral and prompt election, not political theatrics. Haque called for press freedom and condemned ongoing bloodshed in the name of democracy. The event concluded with a silent procession.

Leftist intellectual and author Badruddin Umar remarked that following the July-August uprising, right-wing forces have gained political momentum while the left remains notably absent. Speaking at a discussion at the National Press Club, he stated that the uprising failed to bring any class-based transformation or labor-farmer demands into political discourse. Surprisingly, he said, the BNP now appears to be the most progressive force. Umar noted that the people hoped for a resurgence of the left, but religious and right-wing forces now dominate the political scene.

Leaders of the Barisal Division Association have called for coordinated initiatives between political leadership and the administration to advance the region’s overall development. At a reunion held at the National Press Club, they emphasized the need for projects like the Bhola-Barisal Bridge, the four-lane Bhanga-Barisal highway, enhancement of Payra Port, and utilization of Bhola’s gas resources for industrialization. The event was presided over by freedom fighter Iqbal Hossain Forkan, with retired Major Hafiz Uddin, a BNP Standing Committee Member, attending as chief guest.

Mufti Rezaul Karim, also known as Pir Saheb Charmonai and the leader of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, stated that the recent mass uprising is about more than just elections, as it has caused many deaths and injuries. He criticized those rejecting proportional representation (PR), saying they cannot claim to be true patriots. Addressing the youth, he urged them to reject extortion, murder, and corruption. He added that many now support Islamic governance and even minority communities have shown solidarity—mentioning notable Hindu participation in a recent Dhaka rally.