BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman announced an ambitious environmental and development plan, pledging to plant at least 250 million trees in five years if the party returns to power. The BNP will also revive canal excavation projects.

He stressed that traditional politics must be redefined to secure a safer future, warning that divisions among pro-democracy forces would only benefit “fascist remnants.”

Rahman further noted growing public concerns over election timelines, emphasizing that elections are the primary means of empowering citizens.

“Fascism cannot be defeated through written laws alone. The people must be politically empowered,” he asserted.

Bangladesh’s education sector faces paralysis with multiple top positions left vacant across key offices, including the Education Ministry, NCTB, and retirement boards. Textbook printing for the next school year has stalled, raising fears that students may not get books on time. Corruption in printing, delays in tenders, and lack of permanent leadership have deepened the crisis. Over 40,000 teachers and staff await retirement benefits, while experts warn only long-term reforms can address chronic mismanagement.

At a rally near the North Gate of Baitul Mukarram, Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Amir Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim criticized the Chief Adviser for announcing elections without visible progress in state reforms or justice for the July killings.

“Standing on the blood of the martyrs and the injured of the July Movement, there can be no election without justice and reform,” he declared, warning of fresh street protests if demands remain unmet.

He also called for elections to be conducted under the proportional representation (PR) system. The rally concluded with a protest march by party activists.

Authorities in Jibannagar upazila, Chuadanga, have decided to ban the use of mobile phones for all students up to higher secondary level in schools and colleges.
The resolution was passed at the monthly law and order committee meeting chaired by UNO Md. Al Amin. The proposal, initially raised by Jibannagar Degree College lecturer Jahangir Alam, was unanimously supported.
Officials said the decision mirrors recent restrictions implemented in Maheshpur and will soon be enforced through resolutions sent to all educational institutions.

Renowned Bollywood actor Achyut Potdar, best known for his role as a professor in Rajkumar Hirani’s blockbuster 3 Idiots, has passed away at the age of 90.
His daughter, Anuradha Paraskar, confirmed the news, stating that he breathed his last at Jupiter Hospital in Thane, Mumbai.
Potdar’s illustrious career included acclaimed performances in films such as Aakrosh, Ardh Satya, Tezaab, Parinda, Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, Dilwale, Rangeela, Vastav, Hum Saath Saath Hain, Parineeta, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Dabangg 2, and Ventilator.

At least 418 people were killed and 856 injured in 443 road accidents across Bangladesh in July, according to a report by Road Safety Foundation.
Motorcycles accounted for 131 accidents, leaving 109 dead, while three-wheelers caused the second-highest fatalities at 108. Additionally, 21 train accidents killed 18 people, and four waterway mishaps left six dead.
Dhaka division recorded the highest number of accidents (117) and deaths (105). In the capital alone, 26 road crashes left 19 dead and 38 injured.
The report identified reckless driving, faulty vehicles, poor traffic management, and extortion in the transport sector as the main causes.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has sought detailed wealth statements from 17 senior officials of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to investigate allegations of amassing illegal assets.
The list includes Tax Commissioner M M Fazlul Haque, Appeal Tribunal Commissioner Lokman Ahmed, and several additional commissioners, joint commissioners, and customs officials.
According to ACC sources, the move comes amid mounting concerns over corruption and unexplained enrichment within revenue administration.

A mobile court has fined fertilizer dealer Mahabubur Rahman, owner of Rifat Enterprise, Tk 30,000 for illegally selling fertilizers at inflated prices outside his designated area in Kaliganj, Jhenaidah.
The mobile court, led by Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Shahin Alam, also took a written undertaking from the dealer pledging not to repeat the offense.
The raid was prompted after locals intercepted a small truck carrying 30 sacks of urea and potash fertilizers allegedly diverted to another market.

BNP leader Ruhul Quddus Talukder Dulu has alleged that certain political figures are plotting to obstruct and sabotage the upcoming national election by making disruptive demands amid ongoing unrest.
He warned that Bangladesh’s democracy stands on the brink of destruction and stressed that the electoral process must continue as scheduled.
“If the next election is delayed, the democracy, independence, and voting rights regained on August 5 through sacrifice will be jeopardized,” Dulu said, urging all political forces to unite and prepare for the polls.

In response to recent derogatory comments about the Bangladesh Army, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman urged restraint, saying:

“There’s nothing to be upset about. Those making such remarks are young, like our children. As they grow older, they will realize their mistakes and feel ashamed.”

Speaking at an “Officers’ Address” on Tuesday, the Army Chief said the force is fully prepared to assist the government in ensuring free, fair, and neutral elections.

He emphasized maintaining good relations with the public, avoiding retaliation, and upholding discipline. On allegations against two members for political involvement and abuse of women, he said investigations are ongoing and punishment will follow if proven.

“The people of the nation are looking up to you. You are the future of this country. Stay patriotic and maintain the chain of command.”

British High Commissioner Sarah Cook paid a courtesy call on Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed, congratulating him on completing one year in office.
During the meeting, she praised the Chief Justice’s initiatives to strengthen judicial independence, highlighting reforms such as the judicial roadmap, 12-point directives, introduction of capacity tests for legal aid, establishment of the Supreme Judicial Appointments Council, launch of the Supreme Court helpline, and development programs for subordinate courts.
She described these measures as timely and effective, expressing confidence that his strong leadership would ensure good governance and justice. The High Commissioner also reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to support Bangladesh.

The results of the sixth mass recruitment circular for teachers in private educational institutions have been published, recommending nearly 41,000 candidates for entry-level teaching positions.

Education Adviser C.R. Abrar announced the results today, stating:

“Against the demand for 100,822 vacancies from various institutions, we have recommended around 41,000 lecturers and teachers through a transparent process supported by modern technology.”

He explained that 18th Teacher Registration Exam had received over 1.86 million applications, from which the successful candidates were selected. Results are available in the service box titled “Sixth Recruitment Recommendation Circular-2025” and at ngi.teletalk.com.bd
. Candidates can also check their results by logging in with their user ID and password.

International Crimes Tribunal Prosecutor Hasanul Banna has resigned citing health complications.
In his resignation letter dated August 2, addressed to the Chief Prosecutor, Banna wrote that he has been suffering from liver-related illness (jaundice) and receiving home-based treatment for a prolonged period. As his condition has not improved and requires further medical attention, he expressed his inability to continue office duties.
Banna was appointed as prosecutor earlier this year on January 1 by the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs.

The hearing of the state’s appeal against the High Court verdict that acquitted Tarique Rahman, Lutfozzaman Babar, and all other accused in the August 21 grenade attack case will resume on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, a six-member appellate bench led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed set the date for the next session. Earlier, on July 31, the court concluded the second day of hearings on the state’s appeal challenging the acquittal of those previously sentenced to life imprisonment and death penalty in the case.

Teachers, officers, and employees of Rajshahi University (RU) are observing a daylong strike and sit-in protest today, demanding the restoration of the 5% quota for their children in university admissions, along with seven other demands.

Protesters gathered in front of the administrative building from 9 a.m., suspending classes in several departments, though examinations are continuing.

They argued that their children fulfill all admission requirements and that institutional benefits are their rightful due. Previously, they observed half-day work stoppages to press their demands.

The quota for employees’ children was reduced to 1% in January following student protests. In response, RU students held a human chain protest today, opposing what they termed an “unjust attempt to reinstate the discriminatory quota.”