Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s far-right National Security Minister, has urged the assassination of Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharake, marking the second such call by an Israeli minister within 24 hours. In a video message, Ben-Gvir condemned al-Sharake, asserting there is no room for negotiation with jihadists. Earlier, Minister Amichai Chikli also labeled al-Sharake a terrorist and called for his killing. Meanwhile, Israel conducted airstrikes targeting multiple locations in southern Syria and Damascus, causing casualties.

The Advisory Council has approved the draft of the Voter List (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, allowing eligible citizens to register as voters up to the announcement of the election schedule. Previously, only those who turned 18 by December of the previous year could vote in the upcoming election. The new ordinance ensures that citizens who become 18 within a reasonable time before the schedule announcement can be included in the voter list, expanding voter eligibility and enabling broader participation.

Although no new deaths from dengue were reported in the past 24 hours, 375 people have been newly admitted to hospitals across the country, including 76 from Dhaka city, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

So far in 2025, a total of 16,281 people have been infected with dengue, and 60 have died. Health experts warn that dengue is no longer a seasonal outbreak—it is now a year-round threat. Infections spike with the onset of the monsoon.

Experts emphasize that awareness alone is not enough. Effective prevention requires comprehensive surveys, skilled manpower, and sustained action. Bangladesh witnessed its deadliest dengue outbreak in 2023, with 1,705 recorded deaths.

South Korea’s Supreme Court has cleared Samsung’s de facto leader Jay Y. Lee of all fraud accusations related to a 2015 merger deal. The case, which drew significant public attention amid widespread concerns over corporate corruption in chaebols, ended with the court ruling the merger and accounting practices lawful. Previously acquitted by lower courts, Lee faced allegations of manipulating share prices to consolidate control but was fully exonerated. This verdict strengthens Samsung’s leadership position in the country’s post-pandemic economic recovery.

A curfew in Gopalganj will remain in effect until 11 AM Friday following deadly clashes sparked by an attack on a National Citizens Party (NCP) rally, allegedly by the banned Awami League. The government will pause the curfew for three hours from 11 AM to 2 PM, after which it will resume indefinitely. At least four people have died, and hundreds, including police and journalists, are injured. Section 144 remains in place, and the NCP has issued a 24-hour ultimatum demanding arrests of the attackers.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has withdrawn the excise duty on raw materials used in the ready-made garments (RMG) sector, including cotton, synthetic fibers, and acrylic. According to a notification issued on July 17, these imported materials will now attract zero percent excise duty. Previously, there was a 2% advance income tax on cotton imports, which had been criticized by industry stakeholders.

The textile sector supplies approximately 70% of the yarn and fabric used in the RMG industry, which has investments worth nearly $23 billion. This decision is expected to provide some relief to the sector, which plays a crucial role in the country’s economy.

The Bangladesh Bank has announced that all scheduled banks across the country will be closed on August 5 in observance of 'July Uprising Day.' This day marks the downfall of the Awami League government following last year’s quota reform movement. The interim government has declared it a public holiday in memory of the bloodshed and government crackdown that occurred during the protests. The public is advised to complete all banking transactions in advance.

An old video from Brahmanbaria has been falsely circulated as footage from a recent violent incident in Gopalganj. The video shows a dead body being loaded into a police vehicle, with claims that the person was shot by police during a clash on July 16. However, investigations confirmed the video originated in June 2024 and depicts a mob handing over a suspected mugger to police. Social media users shared it with misleading captions to spread misinformation.

Houthi-controlled Yemeni armed forces launched a ballistic missile and four drones at three strategic Israeli sites: Ben Gurion Airport, a military base in the Negev Desert, and the Red Sea port in occupied Eilat. The attack, described as precise, forced mass evacuations. Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree warned of further escalation in protest against the Gaza war. The assault followed Yemen’s announcement to close the Eilat port due to economic strain caused by a prolonged naval blockade on Israeli shipping routes.

Maruf Kamal Khan, former press secretary to the BNP Chairperson, described the recent attack on NCP leaders in Gopalganj as barbaric. He alleged that even after losing power, Awami League’s armed wings continue to terrorize the public. In a Facebook post, Kamal questioned whether Gopalganj is being treated as an autonomous zone outside the reach of Bangladeshi law. He demanded the arrest and punishment of the attackers and warned that any obstruction to political activities in Gopalganj could pose a threat to national sovereignty.

BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Zainul Abdin Farroque has alleged that the recent attack on National Citizens’ Party (NCP) leaders in Gopalganj is part of a conspiracy to delay the upcoming election. Speaking at a human chain event at the National Press Club, Farroque said the plot surfaced soon after BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman initiated dialogue on elections from London. He criticized the government, saying its failure to hold elections even after 11 months reflects incompetence. Farroque urged Jamaat-e-Islami to apologize to the nation for its past mistakes, adding that allies of the ruling Awami League still dominate the administration.

Israel carried out extensive airstrikes targeting at least 160 sites in southern Syria’s Sweida region from July 14 to 16. The strikes hit Syrian government forces, the Ministry of Defense, and part of the Presidential Palace in Damascus. Several dozen Syrian soldiers were reportedly killed. Israel’s Defense Forces stated they are prepared for prolonged operations to push Syrian troops out of Sweida and secure autonomy for the Druze community. The attacks followed threats from Israel’s defense minister and caused casualties in Damascus.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has announced nationwide prayer sessions and silent marches in memory of those killed and for the recovery of those injured during the July-August Uprising. In a statement issued on July 17, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi informed that prayers will be held at mosques across Dhaka and all districts and metropolitan areas on Friday, alongside silent marches. BNP leaders, activists, and the general public have been invited to participate.

Clashes in Syria’s southern Suwayda province, which began last Sunday, have resulted in over 350 deaths. According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, 79 armed Druze fighters and 55 civilians have been killed, with 27 victims reportedly shot by Syria’s Defense and Interior Ministry forces. Additionally, 189 government forces and 18 Bedouin fighters died. Among the deceased is media worker Hasan al-Jabi, killed while on duty. An Israeli airstrike also reportedly killed 15 ministry personnel in southern Syria.

BNP’s Organizing Secretary for the Faridpur Division, Shama Obaid, strongly condemned the attack on NCP's “March to Gopalganj” program and called for the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those responsible. She claimed the attack was part of a broader effort to destabilize the country. The BNP’s media cell published her statement on Facebook, which also included wishes for a speedy recovery of the injured police officers.