The National Citizen Party, or NCP, held a torchlight march in Dhaka on Thursday night to protest attacks it said targeted party activities in Habiganj, Sylhet and other places. The march was also held after an attack on Alif Chowdhury, a leader of Jatiya Chhatra Shakti, reportedly injured his eye. The procession began at Banglamotor and ended at the Shahbagh intersection.

Central NCP leaders led the march alongside leaders from the party's Dhaka north and south metropolitan units and various affiliated organizations. A large number of activists from the Dhaka north and south units took part. Marchers chanted a slogan demanding that Alif Chowdhury's eye be restored.

NCP leaders blamed BNP leaders and activists, as well as those from its affiliated organizations, for the attacks. The report said the protest addressed the alleged assaults on party programmes in Sylhet and other locations in addition to the incident involving Chowdhury in Habiganj. No further details about the alleged attacks or any response from those accused were included in the source.

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu said anyone using force against Ansar members or committing criminal offences in future will face strict legal action and criminal cases. He made the remarks on Thursday in Rangpur, after a meeting of the management committee of Rangpur Medical College Hospital during a five-day visit. He also announced several measures to improve medical services and security at the hospital.

The minister said complaints had been received that Ansar members are sometimes subjected to force when they try to stop people, and that a recent incident had left them psychologically weakened. He described the hospital as a principal source of treatment for poor, lower-middle-income and middle-income people in the northern region. However, he said mismanagement, corruption and neglect over 17 years had affected the institution.

Dulu said 10 more ICU beds would be added to the existing 10 within two months. CCTV coverage is planned within one month, while high-powered lighting is to be installed within seven days and a police control room established. He also announced plans for ambulance registration and fare charts, additional outsourced staff to curb brokers, and measures to ensure round-the-clock surgical services.

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam said Bangladesh, won through the blood of its people, would not allow any new autocrat or oppressor to remain in power. He made the remarks on Thursday as chief guest at the party’s “July March” programme in Kanaighat, Sylhet. He called for an end to violence, the establishment of democracy, protection of freedom of expression, employment, food security, state reform and justice.

Referring to an attack on a college student and “July fighter” in Habiganj, Islam questioned Tarique Rahman over the message conveyed by the incident. He said the teenager’s eye could not be restored and that they would not leave the streets until justice was delivered. Islam said he respected late president Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia, but would not accept terrorism, land grabbing or extortion carried out using their images.

On local government elections, Islam warned that attempts could be made to rig votes using armed groups and enforcers. He urged people to prepare to exercise their voting rights freely and support qualified candidates. He called for united work to elect NCP and Shaplakali-symbol candidates, and endorsed Golam Borhan Uddin Yusuf in Kanaighat.

Azan Ahmed Shawon, member secretary of Jatiya Chhatra Shakti in Fulbari upazila of Kurigram, was allegedly attacked by activists of Chhatra Dal on Wednesday evening at the Zero Point area of Fulbari town. Shawon, whose organization is the student wing of the National Citizen Party, was seriously injured and taken by colleagues to Fulbari উপজেলা Health Complex before being sent to Rangpur for advanced treatment.

Local sources said Fulbari upazila Chhatra Dal had arranged a show of strength that day over the formation of a full Kurigram district Chhatra League committee. Fulbari upazila NCP also called a protest march over an attack on central NCP leaders and activists in Habiganj. The alleged assault occurred as NCP members were returning after their march. In a Facebook post, Shawon named local Chhatra Dal leaders Hamidul, Adam Ali and Bijoy Chandra.

NCP convener Nazmul Ferdous Lavlu said Shawon's nasal bone was fractured and that a complaint was expected to be filed on Thursday. Chhatra Dal member secretary Bishnu Chandra Sen said he was not at the scene and later learned there had been pushing and shoving. Fulbari police station officer-in-charge Mahmud Hasan Naim said no complaint had yet been submitted by NCP and legal action would follow if one was received.

Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijit Dipke criticised the Modi government over alleged police harassment during student protests linked to claims of a NEET examination paper leak. Speaking to journalists at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar airport in Maharashtra after a month-long protest in Delhi, Dipke said a broader mass movement would emerge if repression of protesters continued. He said India’s youth could ultimately change the government.

Dipke alleged that police used pellet guns to disperse the July 20 Sansad Abhiyan programme at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, injuring several students. He condemned such action against unarmed students and called for an impartial investigation and legal action against those responsible for ordering force. He also alleged police raids on the homes of student leaders and activists, threats of arrest, and harassment of family members.

The report says Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned amid the movement, though Dipke said student anger had not subsided. The Supreme Court instructed the Centre that pellet guns must not be used except in special circumstances. Opposition parties alleged excessive force, while the Centre denied it and the BJP described police action as maintaining law and order. CJP said it would pursue wider peaceful protests unless FIRs against students were withdrawn.

A report by Amar Desh said SM Rezaul Karim was confronted at a restaurant in the Anan Centre in the Elpot Land area of west London on Wednesday, July 30, 2026. The report said 10 to 12 people, led by former Chhatra Dal vice-president Shafiqul Islam Riblu, approached him there. It also stated that Karim had gone to London via India after leaving Bangladesh.

According to the report, video from the restaurant showed Karim facing questions over allegations involving enforced disappearances, killings, the missing cases of Ilyas Ali and Chowdhury Alam, deaths of students and members of the public, and corruption. The report said he remained seated and did not respond to the questions.

Chhatra Dal leaders said they went to the restaurant after receiving information about his presence and questioned him over the allegations. They said Karim later left with assistance from several people. The report also said former minister Hasan Mahmud had previously left the same location after being approached there.

Hefazat-e-Islam’s Noakhali branch has called for Hizb ut-Tawhid to be banned in Bangladesh. Its leaders made the demand on July 30 while inspecting preparations for a planned grand rally in Noakhali on August 1. They said the group’s activities, which they described as contrary to the Quran and Sunnah, should be permanently eliminated.

The programme is being organised jointly by Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh, Jamiatul Madarisil Qawmiyah and the Committee for Preventing Anti-Islamic Activities. Noakhali branch leaders described Hizb ut-Tawhid as holding a kufri ideology and alleged that it was conspiring to damage Muslims’ faith and beliefs. They also alleged that the organisation was targeting Noakhali and urged the head of government and relevant authorities to annul it through legislation.

The August 1 rally is scheduled for the district school field and is expected to include leading Islamic scholars and leaders of various Islamic organisations. Hefazat leaders said outreach, leaflet distribution and publicity campaigns were underway in Noakhali and neighbouring districts. They said they expected a large gathering of worshippers and members of the public, while calling on the administration to maintain normal law and order.

Bangladesh Bank has cut its policy interest rate, or repo rate, by 50 basis points to 9.50 percent from 10 percent, ending a 21-month period without a reduction. The decision was taken at the central bank’s 13th Monetary Policy Committee meeting on July 30, chaired by Governor Mostaqur Rahman. The new rate will take effect on August 2.

The central bank said it reviewed domestic and global inflation, domestic investment, private-sector credit flows, employment, economic growth and the balance of external transactions before lowering the rate. Commercial banks will be able to borrow from the central bank at a lower rate than before, and lending rates for customers are expected to decline as a result.

Bangladesh Bank also reduced the Standing Lending Facility rate to 11 percent from 11.50 percent, while keeping the Standing Deposit Facility rate unchanged at 7.50 percent. It said the main aim is to increase investment, create employment and accelerate economic growth. Inflation stood at 9.16 percent at the end of fiscal year 2025-26, while the current fiscal year’s target is 6.50 percent.

Family members of Kapasia Upazila women’s wing general secretary Sharmin Sultana alleged that arsonists set fire to her residence in Bhakoaydi village, Chandpur union, Gazipur. They made the allegation at a press conference at the home on Thursday afternoon. A written complaint has been filed with Kapasia police, which has begun an investigation.

Sharmin Sultana said the alleged attack followed a recent land dispute and an earlier cocktail attack on her house. She alleged that intruders broke the gate lock during Tuesday night or early Wednesday, when no one was home, entered the property, removed valuables and set the dwelling on fire after pouring petrol.

The family said furniture and nearly all belongings in four rooms of the tin-shed house were destroyed. They estimated losses at about Tk 5 million, including 14 bhori of gold jewellery and Tk 500,000 in cash. Sharmin was in Gazipur to collect her father from the airport after his return from Umrah. Fire service personnel and police controlled the blaze, though most belongings had already burned. Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Nasir Ahmed said police inspected the site and would bring those involved under the law.

Two women were killed and at least 15 people were injured after a fast-moving passenger bus struck six CNG-powered autorickshaws in Anwara upazila of Chattogram. The crash occurred around 8pm on Thursday at the tunnel connection square. The victims were identified as Poli Dutta, 35, and Ifa Shil, 40.

Witnesses said the bus emerged from the tunnel road and ran over several autorickshaws gathered at the tunnel square before entering Abdul Mannan's roadside tea shop. The autorickshaws were badly crushed, while drivers, passengers and the shopkeeper were seriously injured in the incident.

Local residents rescued the injured and took them to Anwara উপজেলা Health Complex, where the two women died. Other injured people were sent to Chattogram Medical College Hospital after initial treatment, according to Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Mahtab Uddin Chowdhury, who said several were in critical condition. Anwara police station Officer-in-Charge Md. Junayet Chowdhury said legal action was being taken.

Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation, or PKSF, has launched the Growth for Climate Resilient and Environmental Entrepreneurship and Nutrition project, known as Green, to address climate-change impacts, build safe and nutritious food systems, and develop environmentally friendly entrepreneurs. The project was formally inaugurated on Thursday at PKSF Building-1 in the capital.

More than 258,000 families across haor, coastal, Barind and char areas will directly benefit from the initiative. It will prioritize communities affected by climate change, women, youth, small ethnic groups, socially marginalized people and small entrepreneurs. The project will work on climate-resilient food systems, green technology, sustainable entrepreneurship, inclusive financial services and strengthening the institutional capacity of partner organizations.

The project is scheduled for implementation from 2026 to 2031 with total investment of $211.7 million. The International Fund for Agricultural Development will provide $70 million, while PKSF and partner organizations will supply the remainder. PKSF said it will emphasize digital financing, agro-ecological farming, agricultural microenterprises, local agro-processing, value addition, solar energy and the circular economy.

At least 10 people, including a police DSB branch member, were reported injured in an alleged attack on a National Citizen Party, or NCP, protest march in Phulbari, Kurigram, on the evening of July 30. The incident occurred beside Jame Mosque on Thana Road in the upazila town. The injured police member, Ferdous, was reported to have suffered an injury to his hand.

Witnesses said NCP activists organized the march to protest an alleged attack a day earlier on Azan Ahmed Shawon, upazila member secretary of Jatiya Chhatra Shakti. They alleged that activists from Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal and Sramik Dal had gathered on Thana Road with sticks and pipes and launched a surprise attack as the procession approached. Several NCP and affiliated organization leaders were named among those injured, while four seriously injured people were sent to Kurigram General Hospital.

NCP activists and local residents said they identified several alleged participants from video clips circulated on social media. Chhatra Dal upazila convener Rezaul Islam Reza said NCP activists had first attacked one of their workers and claimed four Chhatra Dal members were injured in the ensuing clash. District NCP said it would pursue legal action, while police said the situation was calm.

An attempted murder case has been filed against Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union general secretary Salahuddin Ammar and eight named people over the alleged beating of student Mahmudul Hasan Mahin at the university’s central library. Mahin’s father, M. S. Asad Uz Zaman, filed the case at the Motihar police magistrate court in Rajshahi district on July 30. The case also names another 17 to 18 unidentified accused.

According to the complaint, the incident occurred inside and outside the central library between 12:30pm and 1pm on July 27, while Mahin was studying there. It alleges that 19 to 20 people armed with local weapons surrounded and attacked him with intent to kill. Ammar is accused of repeatedly striking Mahin’s head and forehead with an iron rod, while other named accused are alleged to have injured his eye, chest, back and other parts of his body.

The complaint further alleges that several accused tried to suffocate Mahin after he fell to the ground and beat him again after pulling him from an ambulance. He was later admitted to hospital. The accused’s lawyer, Advocate Hazrat Ali, said the court did not immediately take cognizance of the case and sent it to the Police Bureau of Investigation for inquiry.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir called for active cooperation from doctors to make Bangladesh’s health sector stronger and more people-oriented. He made the remarks as chief guest at the BCS Health Cadre Association’s First Health Cadre Day-2026 at Hotel Sonargaon in the capital on Thursday, July 30, 2026.

Fakhrul said the number of doctors remains inadequate relative to the country’s population. He also cited staffing and infrastructure shortages at government hospitals, saying these constraints have made it difficult to ensure the desired level of healthcare. He said the government and doctors must work in coordination to make the health sector effective.

The minister said the government wants to address various past irregularities in the health sector and build a modern, public-friendly healthcare system. He urged doctors serving at upazila and district levels to remain responsibly at their workplaces and ensure services for ordinary people. Stressing the need for safe working conditions, he said the government would seriously consider doctors’ legitimate demands and that he would stand beside efforts to improve the sector and resolve doctors’ problems.

An opinion article, published by Amar Desh Online on July 30, 2026 and attributed to Middle East Monitor, alleges that Israel has drawn the boundaries of US policy on war, diplomacy and trade in the Middle East. It claims the United States has been drawn into conflict with Iran while US forces fight and taxpayers bear the costs, whereas Israel has no interest in joining the confrontation directly.

The article cites Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich as saying that a limited conflict between Iran and the United States is most beneficial for Israel. It further alleges that while the United States uses air-defense missile stocks to protect regional bases, Israel is preserving its own interceptors. The piece suggests those systems could later be sold to the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf states.

It also says Benjamin Netanyahu outlined Iran war objectives in a Fox News interview and cites Israeli officials discussing Israeli “red lines” with Washington. The article alleges that a Saudi civilian nuclear cooperation deal was made conditional on normalization with Israel. It additionally references a claimed delay in delivery of 50 F-35 aircraft, valued at $23 billion, promised to the UAE.