Heavy rainfall and upstream hill torrents have caused erosion at the Karatoa River embankment in Chak Rahimapur village under Sapmara Union of Gobindaganj upazila, Gaibandha. To prevent further damage, a geo bag dumping project worth 2.9 million taka has been launched, involving the placement of 8,000 geo bags. The initiative was inaugurated on Sunday afternoon by Zulfiqar Ali, Sub-Divisional Engineer of the Water Development Board, Gaibandha, under the direction of Member of Parliament Shamim Kaiser Lincoln. The inauguration event was attended by officials from the Water Development Board, the project contractor Hasanur Rahman Chowdhury Duke, local government representatives, and residents from nearby villages. According to Engineer Zulfiqar Ali, 500 sand-filled geo bags have already been checked, marked, and prepared for placement, while the remaining bags will be dumped urgently at the erosion site to control the river’s strong current. The project aims to stabilize the embankment and protect nearby communities from potential flooding and further erosion caused by the rising water flow.

Continuous rainfall has severely damaged the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway in Sonargaon, turning several sections into dangerous death traps. Thousands of vehicles are forced to travel through pothole-ridden stretches daily, facing high risks of accidents and increased fears of robbery, especially at night. The damaged areas extend roughly 14 kilometers from the eastern side of Kanchpur Bridge through Madanpur, Langalbandh, Mograpara intersection, and Meghna toll plaza. Drivers report that potholes filled with rainwater make it difficult to judge their depth, leading to frequent accidents and vehicle breakdowns. Many complain that poor-quality repair work has worsened the situation. Taxi and bus drivers say nighttime driving has become particularly hazardous due to hidden holes and mechanical failures. According to the Roads and Highways Department’s executive engineer Abdur Rahim, continuous rain and poor drainage have caused new potholes. He said repair work has already begun and, weather permitting, the road could be made safe for travel within a week.

Continuous heavy rainfall and mountain runoff have caused severe flooding in Lohagara upazila of Chattogram, damaging homes, roads, and public infrastructure. According to the upazila administration’s preliminary report, losses across 13 sectors—including housing, agriculture, fisheries, education, health, and power—amount to Tk 43.35 crore. The floods affected 23,750 families in nine unions, leaving many people stranded and homeless as water from the Tonkaboti, Dolu, and Hangor rivers inundated large areas. The administration reported partial damage to 83 kilometers of roads, four bridges, 20 culverts, 184 hectares of cropland, and 15 kilometers of electrical lines. Relief efforts have included distribution of 1,005 packets of dry food and 50 tons of rice, while additional requests for 15 tons of rice and 1,200 bundles of tin have been made to higher authorities. Local social groups and donors have also joined the relief work. Officials said floodwaters have started receding as rainfall subsides, and a detailed damage report has been sent to higher authorities for further action.

A government investigation has concluded that inadequate pilot training and insufficient supervision contributed to the military jet crash at Milestone School and College’s Diabari campus in Uttara, Dhaka, on July 21 last year. The F-7 BGI training aircraft struck the Haidar Ali academic building, killing 36 people, including 28 children, three parents, three teachers, and one staff member. The anniversary of the tragedy is being marked with two days of mourning and remembrance programs organized by the school. The nine-member commission, led by former secretary A.K.M. Zafar Ullah Khan, submitted its report after more than three months of investigation. It reviewed findings from the Air Force, Fire Service, and Rajuk. The report cited the pilot’s first solo flight, loss of communication with air traffic control, and a possible windshield mark from a bird strike. It also noted that the building had only one exit, worsening casualties. The commission recommended compensation packages for victims’ families, but these have not been implemented after one year, causing frustration among affected families.

Continuous rainfall and upstream hill floods have caused a steady rise in the Jamuna River’s water level in Sirajganj, leading to severe erosion along riverbanks. Hundreds of residents in Shahjadpur, Kazipur, and Chowhali upazilas have lost homes and farmland as the river devours new areas daily. Low-lying and char regions are now inundated, and several educational institutions and flood centers face imminent risk. According to the Sirajganj Water Development Board, the river has been rising since July 13, with water levels increasing by three centimeters in the last 24 hours at both the Sirajganj town protection embankment and Kazipur’s Meghaighat point. The Civil Surgeon’s Office has identified 32 of the district’s 83 unions as vulnerable and has taken health preparedness measures to address potential post-flood risks. Local residents blame illegal sand extraction during the dry season for worsening erosion during the monsoon. Authorities are currently using sandbags to slow down the damage, but many families remain displaced and without shelter.

An illegal chemical factory in Keshabpur, Jashore, has caused severe environmental pollution, endangering crops, livestock, trees, and local biodiversity. Residents report that acid and chemical waste from the factory have turned soil and water reddish, spreading foul odors and causing skin and respiratory diseases among men, women, and children. Sixty families from two villages have petitioned the Keshabpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer to shut down the factory and take legal action against its owner, Ruhul Amin. According to the complaint, Ruhul Amin, from Shyamkur village in Monirampur, established the factory three years ago without official approval or environmental clearance. The facility uses acids and imported chemicals to color metal products and discharges untreated waste into nearby land and water. During the monsoon, about 20 acres of farmland become flooded with chemical water, damaging crops and trees. Locals allege that Ruhul Amin has expanded his operations and amassed wealth through this illegal business. The Upazila Nirbahi Officer confirmed receiving the complaint and stated that an investigation and legal action will follow.

Road expansion work is continuing on the Dhaka Bypass from Madanpur to Bhulta–Gausia in Narayanganj with electric poles still standing in the middle of the road. The project, part of a 48-kilometer four-lane upgrade under a 2019 public-private partnership, has left hundreds of poles in place, raising fears among drivers, passengers, and local residents about potential accidents. Despite the ongoing construction, no effective steps have been taken to remove the poles, and the situation has become a safety concern. Local residents expressed frustration that safety issues are being ignored even as the road is being paved around the poles. Officials involved in the project said the Rural Electrification Board has been repeatedly requested to remove the poles but has not acted effectively. In response, the local electricity authority stated that delays in soil preparation by the road construction team have prevented timely removal. The project authority expects completion by December this year despite the slow progress. The unresolved coordination between the road and electricity departments continues to delay the project and heighten safety risks for road users.

Members of India’s Border Security Force (BSF) and local Indian citizens attempted to install cement pillars illegally along the Patgram border in Lalmonirhat’s Sreerampur Union on Monday, July 20, 2026. The incident occurred between border main pillars 845/1-S and 845/2-S under the jurisdiction of the 61 Teesta Battalion of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). Upon noticing the activity, a BGB patrol team from the 65 Bari Border Outpost (BOP) quickly arrived and strongly objected, prompting the BSF personnel and Indian citizens to retreat. According to BGB and local sources, the BSF’s 98 Battalion from Panishala-1 Camp and nearby villagers in India’s Mekhliganj area of Cooch Behar district were replacing bamboo poles with new cement pillars about 100 meters inside Indian territory. A BGB press release stated that its members acted immediately to prevent the illegal installation and that they remain on high alert to maintain peace and prevent any unlawful border-related activities. The situation was brought under control without further escalation, and BGB reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring border stability and security.

Farmers from Punjab have announced a new protest march to Delhi under the banner of the 'Desh Bachao Morcha' program. The march, set to begin on Tuesday, comes amid ongoing demonstrations by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) over alleged irregularities and question paper leaks in the NEET medical entrance exam. Farmers have begun preparations, decorating tractors with national flags and banners outlining their demands, and have vowed not to return home until their concerns are addressed. The farmers allege that a 'secret' trade deal between the Modi government and the United States could severely harm Indian farmers by allowing cheap American agricultural products to flood the domestic market. Thousands of farmers from various districts of Punjab are expected to join the march toward Delhi. Political observers believe that the farmers’ new protest, coinciding with the violent CJP demonstrations in Delhi, could further intensify pressure on the Modi government.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has congratulated Andy Burnham on his appointment as the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. According to the Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibli, Rahman sent a congratulatory message on Monday night, expressing his best wishes on behalf of the government and people of Bangladesh. In the message, he wished for peace, prosperity, and democratic progress under Burnham’s leadership. Rahman described Burnham’s election as a reflection of the trust placed in him by his party and the British people. He expressed hope that under Burnham’s leadership, the UK would play a vital role in promoting global peace, sustainable development, and democratic governance. Rahman also highlighted the historic and multifaceted ties between Bangladesh and the UK, built on democratic values, mutual respect, and Commonwealth principles. The Prime Minister emphasized the contributions of the Bangladeshi diaspora in strengthening bilateral relations and invited Burnham to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time. Burnham officially assumed office as the UK’s new Prime Minister on Monday.

Dubai International Airport continues to operate at nearly full capacity despite ongoing military tensions and airspace restrictions across the Middle East, according to Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths. Speaking to Bloomberg on the sidelines of the Farnborough International Airshow, Griffiths said airport operations remain normal and passenger traffic has not been significantly affected. Emirates Airline is currently operating 80 to 90 percent of its regular flight schedule, using Saudi airspace and southern alternative routes while northern routes remain restricted. Since the start of the regional crisis, Dubai International and Al Maktoum International airports have handled over six million passengers, more than 32,000 aircraft movements, and over 213,000 tons of cargo. Griffiths said these figures demonstrate the resilience and capacity of Dubai’s aviation infrastructure amid geopolitical uncertainty. About 50 international airlines are currently operating in Dubai, roughly half the normal number. However, Emirates’ additional flights have offset much of the capacity gap. Some major European carriers, including British Airways and Air France, have delayed resuming services due to government travel advisories and insurance conditions, not operational issues at Dubai Airport.

Bangladesh’s youth organization National Youth Power (NCP) has expressed deep concern and condemnation over the police crackdown, baton charge, and arrests during a peaceful demonstration by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) in New Delhi. The group’s founder, Abhijit Deepak, was among those detained. In a statement issued on July 20, the NCP voiced solidarity with the protesting youths and emphasized their right to peaceful democratic expression. According to the NCP statement, the protesters had gathered to demand the resignation of India’s Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the education system and repeated exam paper leaks. The organization said that the use of force and suppression of dissent raise serious concerns about civil liberties and democratic practices. It urged Indian authorities to ensure an impartial and transparent investigation into the incident and to maintain a constitutional environment for peaceful political activities. The NCP added that movements for justice, accountability, and human dignity transcend borders and contribute to the global democratic spirit.

Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman said that while allied political parties in the joint movement to topple the fascist government may have differences of opinion, there is no division among them. Speaking on Monday evening at the state guesthouse Jamuna in Dhaka before a dinner honoring leaders of allied parties, he urged all partners to remain united at any cost to fulfill public expectations and move the country forward under the 31-point reform plan and the July Charter. Rahman recalled the long struggle for political rights and the success in securing the people’s mandate in the July 12 election. He criticized a so-called 'secret group' for remaining absent during past movements and accused them of spreading digital propaganda before the election. He also cited an interim government adviser who claimed that over 60 percent of state institutions had been influenced by that group during their 18-month rule. The event was attended by senior BNP leaders and representatives from allied parties including Jatiya Party (Kazi Zafar), Nagorik Oikya, Biplobi Workers Party, and others. Rahman emphasized that the coalition must stay united to rebuild the nation’s economy and institutions damaged by 16–17 years of authoritarian rule.

Massive unrest broke out in New Delhi on Monday during the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) ‘Chalo Sansad’ march. Police and Rapid Action Force units used tear gas and batons to stop protesters advancing toward Parliament. The most intense clashes occurred near Parliament Street, Connaught Place, and Patel Chowk Metro Station, where demonstrators tried to break barricades. Witnesses said some protesters threw bottles, while police blocked all exits, leaving many trapped amid tear gas. The marchers, mostly students and supporters, demanded Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation and reforms following the NEET-UG question paper leak. The All India Students’ Association reported serious injuries, including a broken arm and multiple cases of police assault on both male and female protesters. CJP condemned the crackdown on social media, questioning the government’s commitment to democracy. Opposition leaders, including Shiv Sena’s Aaditya Thackeray, criticized the government’s handling of the protest, warning that such police action against peaceful demonstrators would damage India’s democratic image. Delhi Police urged calm, calling on all sides to maintain law and order and avoid violence.

The Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) has ordered the immediate withdrawal of eight products from four companies after laboratory tests found they failed to meet Bangladesh Standards (BDS). The products contained excessive preservatives, harmful microorganisms, or lower-than-required ingredient levels. BSTI warned that legal action would be taken if the directive is ignored. The order was announced in a press release issued on Monday. According to the release, the affected products include Fresh Garden Agro Resources’ mango pickle, Kazi Food Industries’ Bellissimo Rotondo Hazelnut Coated Chocolate Ice Cream, four skincare and haircare items from Olive Bangladesh’s Labannya brand, and Deco Foods’ Deco Fruit Funda soft drink powders. BSTI has already sent rejection letters to the companies and suspended production, sales, and distribution until further approval. BSTI emphasized that consumer safety and public interest are its top priorities. The agency will closely monitor compliance and take strict legal measures if the withdrawal order is violated. BSTI’s director general urged consumers to verify product labels, including BSTI marks and expiry dates, before purchase.