Bangladesh's local government elections will no longer include political party symbols. The decision was revealed by Sports Affairs Advisor Asif Mahmud via his verified Facebook page on Thursday. The Advisor Council has approved amendments to four proposed local government laws, eliminating party-affiliated symbols. The move is being seen as a major shift in the country’s local electoral system.

The government of Bangladesh has issued a new ordinance titled “Public Service (Second Amendment) Ordinance 2025,” repealing previous regulations. The term "disobedience," which sparked significant controversy in the earlier ordinance, has been removed. Instead, any act of disobeying a lawful government order will now be considered "misconduct disrupting public service." The ordinance, published Wednesday night, is effective immediately.

Hindutva activist Kajal Hindustani has stirred controversy in New York after delivering a speech filled with Islamophobic rhetoric. She referred to Muslims as “Abdul,” “zombies,” and “enemies of Hindus,” comparing them to demons from Hindu mythology. She also accused Muslim men of "mass-producing children for war" and claimed actors Salman Khan and Saif Ali Khan are part of a conspiracy to convert Hindus. Despite calls from U.S.-based religious groups to cancel her tour, Kajal refused. Her remarks received support from segments of the Indian diaspora, reflecting a worrying rise in anti-Muslim sentiment. Previously, the New York mayor canceled participation in one of her events, and she was arrested in Gujarat in 2023 over similar remarks. Kajal’s social media followers include Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Iran has claimed it forced a U.S. Navy destroyer, the USS Fitzgerald, to retreat after it approached Iranian territorial waters in the Gulf of Oman. According to Tehran, an Iranian military helicopter flew over the warship and issued a direct radio warning. The U.S. military, however, described the encounter as "professional and safe." This marks the first reported military standoff between Iran and the U.S. following the 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel. U.S. officials stated the incident took place in international waters and accused Iran of spreading misleading information. The backdrop includes heightened tensions after recent U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

An elderly woman in Israel has been arrested on charges of conspiring to assassinate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Authorities allege she was involved in anti-government activism, attempted to make explosives, and sought weapons with the help of associates. She also tried to gather intelligence on Netanyahu’s security arrangements. The case was investigated by the Shin Bet and the Lahav 433 unit. Although arrested two weeks ago, she was released under certain conditions. She is expected to be formally charged with terrorism-related conspiracy on Thursday.

The Bangladesh Bank has withdrawn a directive regarding employee dress code following an order from the Governor. In a press statement issued Thursday, the central bank clarified that discussions around professional attire were raised during a departmental meeting, but no formal policy or circular had been issued. When the matter came to the attention of the Governor, who is currently abroad, he expressed disapproval and immediately ordered the directive's withdrawal. Earlier, on July 21, the Human Resources Division had issued an internal order emphasizing formal attire and warned of disciplinary action for non-compliance.

Israel’s Knesset has passed a symbolic resolution by a vote of 71–13 supporting the annexation of the occupied West Bank, calling for the establishment of sovereignty over "Judea, Samaria, and the Jordan Valley." While the motion is not legally binding, it signals potential legislative moves in the future. The proposal was introduced by far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who resides in an illegal settlement. The West Bank has been under Israeli occupation since 1967, deemed illegal under international law. The region is home to around 3 million Palestinians and 500,000 Israeli settlers.

At least 100 Palestinians were killed in a single day by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, including 34 people who were waiting for humanitarian aid, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry and Al Jazeera. Additionally, 10 people reportedly died of hunger the same day. Since the war began in October, malnutrition-related deaths have reached 111, including 21 children under the age of five, says the World Health Organization. In a joint statement, 111 international organizations warned of a "mass famine" unfolding in Gaza. After Israel halted food entry in March, controversial U.S.-backed group GHF began distributing aid in May.

Spanish football giant FC Barcelona has expressed deep condolences over the recent plane crash tragedy involving students of Milestone School in Dhaka. A letter signed by a club board member and its director of social programs was sent to “Penya Blaugrana Banglabarsa de Dhaka,” the club’s only official fan chapter in Bangladesh. The letter conveyed sympathy and support for the affected families. Amid social media skepticism questioning the authenticity of the letter, the fan club strongly refuted the claims as “baseless and irresponsible” and urged the withdrawal of misleading allegations. The incident also drew condolences from the BCB, the Bangladesh Football Federation, and athletes at home and abroad.

Following the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad, two British families have alleged they received the wrong bodies of their deceased relatives. DNA tests confirmed that the remains sent were not those of their loved ones, sparking grief and outrage. Air India has acknowledged the claims and is investigating the matter seriously. Only one passenger out of 242 survived the crash. The Tata Group has announced compensation for the victims' families, who are demanding a transparent probe and accountability.

Bangladesh Bank has issued a new directive mandating formal attire for all employees. As per the office order dated July 21, female staff must wear sarees, salwar-kameez, dupattas, or other modest professional clothing. Short-sleeved and short-length dresses, including leggings, are prohibited. Male staff are required to wear formal shirts, trousers, and shoes. Jeans and gabardine fabrics are also banned. A designated officer will monitor compliance, and violations may result in disciplinary action. The move aims to eliminate dress-code disparities and reinforce a professional workplace. Wearing hijab is permitted but not compulsory.

Former Chief Justice ABM Khairul Haque was arrested by Detective Branch (DB) police from his Dhanmondi residence at 8 a.m. on Thursday. Haque, Bangladesh’s 19th Chief Justice, is known for several controversial verdicts, including the abolition of the caretaker government system.

The Nationalist Lawyers Forum, affiliated with the BNP, had recently demanded his arrest and trial. Multiple cases were filed against him following the fall of the previous government, including one for allegedly altering a constitutional verdict. After his arrest, he was taken to the DB headquarters.

Nasiruddin Patwari, Chief Coordinator of the Nationalist Citizen Party (NCP), declared that a mass movement is underway across Bangladesh. He claimed that people from all walks of life, including religious scholars and women, are rallying behind the NCP.

He vowed that if the NCP forms the next government, all political killings will be investigated and the military and police forces will be restructured. "No group or individual can stop us. Reforming the state is our primary mission," he said during a march in Shahrasti, Chandpur.

Following a recent clash with Chhatra Dal in Dhaka’s Chawk Bazar area, Islami Chhatra Shibir issued a stern warning during a protest rally, stating that Chhatra Dal would face consequences more severe than those faced by the Chhatra League.

The rally condemned extortion, terrorism, and attacks on students. At least 20 people were injured in last week’s confrontation, which reportedly began after a student was handed over to police.

Rayhan Uddin, Senior Joint Convener of the Sunamganj District Volunteer Wing of BNP, has been suspended from all party positions following allegations of a brutal knife attack on a physician at Anisa Healthcare and Diagnostic Center.

The incident occurred after a heated argument between Rayhan’s group and the doctor. A case has been filed, and the injured doctor is being treated at Sunamganj District Hospital.