The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has withdrawn the excise duty on raw materials used in the ready-made garments (RMG) sector, including cotton, synthetic fibers, and acrylic.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.

Central leaders of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) have reached Manikganj as part of their ongoing ‘July Uprising’ campaign and the ‘July March to Rebuild the Nation’ program. On July 17 at around 9 PM, district leaders welcomed them at Bhasha Shaheed Rafiq Chattar in Khalpar area, where a public gathering was held. Prior to arriving in Manikganj, the leaders had marched through Faridpur and Rajbari. Law enforcement, including uniformed police, detectives, and plainclothes officers, were deployed in multiple security layers to ensure order during the event. Traffic police also worked to prevent congestion along the route.

Israel launched multiple airstrikes in Damascus and southern Syria targeting areas near the Ministry of Defense and Presidential Palace. The operation aims to protect the Druze community in Sweida and suppress pro-government forces attacking them. The Syrian government condemned the attacks, accusing Israel of escalating tensions and destabilizing the region. Over 250 people have died in ongoing clashes between Druze, Bedouin tribes, and Syrian security forces in Sweida province, raising concerns about the worsening conflict in Syria.

Severe flooding in Pakistan’s Punjab province has claimed 63 lives and injured 290 within 24 hours due to continuous heavy rainfall. The National Disaster Management Authority reports most deaths were caused by collapsing homes, electrocution, or drowning. The government declared a holiday in Rawalpindi and urged residents near swollen rivers to evacuate. Punjab’s Chief Minister announced an emergency in several areas, with thousands of rescue workers deployed. The monsoon season has caused widespread disruption, with roads closed and flights canceled.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish has announced its plans to field candidates in 223 constituencies in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The party’s Ameer, Mamunul Haque, made the announcement at a press conference held in Paltan. Highlighting the need for electoral reform, he advocated for a bicameral parliamentary system, proposing full proportional representation in the upper house and partial proportional representation in the lower house. Criticizing the current one-party dominance, he termed proportional representation as the "demand of the time." Mamunul also condemned the recent attack on the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) in Gopalganj, noting that the army’s intervention prevented further escalation. Expressing hope that the people of Gopalganj will organize resistance, he called for unity among all anti-fascist forces.

Obayed Ullah Al Masud, chairman of Islami Bank, resigned on July 17 after being asked to step down by Bangladesh Bank’s Deputy Governor Dr. Md. Kabir Ahmad. The Central Bank had restructured Islami Bank’s board following the government change in August, appointing Al Masud based on recommendations. Recently, allegations against him surfaced, prompting urgent calls for his resignation. Independent director Professor Zobaidur Rahman is expected to replace him as chairman.