The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has announced that discussions with Bangladesh on a potential new loan will continue over the next few months. The talks will focus on the size of the loan, the scope of the program, and the reform commitments tied to it. The statement followed a five-day visit to Dhaka by an IMF mission led by Ivo Krznar, which concluded on Thursday. The mission reviewed Bangladesh’s recent economic and financial conditions and discussed the government’s reform priorities.

According to the IMF, Bangladesh’s economic growth may slow to 3.5 percent, and could fall below 3 percent in the medium term if fiscal and banking sector pressures persist. The mission noted that inflationary pressures, rising subsidy costs, and external balance challenges have intensified due to higher global commodity prices and supply disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict. However, remittance inflows remain strong. The IMF emphasized the need for stronger revenue collection, rational subsidy reforms, and targeted social protection to support vulnerable groups.

The IMF also recommended maintaining tight monetary and prudent fiscal policies to control inflation and rebuild reserves, and implementing the 2025 crawling peg exchange rate system to enhance external stability.

Monowara Begum, mother of Abu Sayeed—the first martyr of the July Revolution—continues to mourn beside her son’s grave in Rangpur. Family members say they cannot forget the loss and have renewed their call for the execution of the court verdict in his murder case. They also urged the government to fulfill Abu Sayeed’s dreams, which they believe symbolize the spirit of the July movement.

Abu Sayeed’s fellow activists and classmates described him as the movement’s inspiration, saying his sacrifice encouraged others to continue their struggle. They demanded the arrest of those still at large and full enforcement of the tribunal’s ruling, arguing that justice remains incomplete. Locals and university officials also remembered him as a polite and talented student whose death shocked the community.

Rangpur police stated that they have not yet received warrants for the fugitives and will act according to tribunal instructions. The Begum Rokeya University vice-chancellor said the institution is working to preserve Abu Sayeed’s memory and uphold his ideals for future generations.

Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan has announced that the pledges and spirit of the July uprising will be implemented step by step. Speaking on Thursday at Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur during a memorial event for Abu Sayeed, the first martyr of the uprising, he said the government, which took office five months ago, is working to fulfill every commitment. He emphasized that the sacrifices of Abu Sayeed, Mugdha, and nearly two thousand others who died for democracy will never be forgotten.

The minister said a new Directorate of July has been established under his ministry to ensure the systematic implementation of the uprising’s commitments. He added that the government is prioritizing the demands of Abu Sayeed’s father, Mokbul Hossain, for industrialization and employment in Rangpur. The event was attended by university officials, political and social representatives, and families of the martyrs. A minute of silence and special prayers were held in memory of the July martyrs.

University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Shawkat Ali said initiatives are underway to build a gate, memorial, and residential hall named after Abu Sayeed, and to ensure justice in his murder case.

Leaders and activists in Rangpur observed July Martyrs Day on Thursday morning by paying tribute at the July Memorial. Speakers said the spirit of the July martyrs would inspire efforts to strengthen democracy and advance national prosperity. Participants included State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad, Rangpur Development Authority Chairman Shamsuzzaman Shamu, local BNP and Chhatra Dal leaders, Jamaat and Islami Chhatra Shibir members, and representatives from local and divisional administrations and police.

Liberation War Affairs Minister stated that under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership, the ruling party is working to institutionalize democracy with cooperation from the opposition. In Pirganj’s Babonpur village, Dhaka North Jamaat leader S.M. Khaliduzzaman expressed concern that the country is moving toward fascism and that the ideals of martyr Abu Sayeed remain unfulfilled. BNP’s student wing president Rakibul Islam Rakib and Islami Chhatra Shibir president Nur Hossain Mohammad Saddam also visited Abu Sayeed’s grave, calling for justice and warning of possible street protests if delays continue.

The commemorations reflected differing political narratives but a shared emphasis on democratic values and justice for past violence.

An attack on police officers was reported in Sujanagar, Pabna, early Thursday morning after a mosque loudspeaker announcement allegedly mobilized supporters of the banned Awami League. The incident occurred around 4:30 a.m. in the Doppora area of Mathurapur, leaving the officer-in-charge of Sujanagar Police Station, Mozzafar Hossain, and constable Sabuj injured. Both are receiving treatment at a local private hospital. Pabna Superintendent of Police Md. Shufi Ullah confirmed the attack.

According to police sources, the officers were patrolling the area following intelligence that local leaders of the banned Awami League, led by Sujanagar unit president Abdul Wahab, were planning a rally or sabotage under cover of World Cup football celebrations. Police claim that after their arrival, a mosque loudspeaker announcement drew hundreds of people armed with sticks and local weapons, who attacked the patrol and vandalized two police vehicles.

Abdul Wahab denied the allegations, calling them false and baseless. He said he was not present and that the clash occurred when locals intervened as police detained several youths. The police superintendent stated that legal action is being taken against those involved.

The Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police is conducting a cautious and detailed investigation into 59 cases linked to the July movement. DB Additional Commissioner Shafiqul Islam said at a press conference at the DMP Media Center on Thursday that the investigations have reached a critical and complex stage involving a large number of accused individuals, extensive digital data, video footage, and forensic analysis. The DB aims to identify the actual perpetrators based on digital evidence, eyewitness testimony, and technical analysis before submitting reports to the court.

According to Shafiqul Islam, investigators are verifying each suspect’s role, location, and available evidence with great care. Around 40 gigabytes of digital data are being analyzed, and the process includes forensic and video examinations. He emphasized that the investigation will proceed strictly according to law, ensuring punishment for the guilty while avoiding wrongful accusations. The DMP has formed a monitoring cell to review progress, and the police headquarters is also overseeing the process.

He noted that analyzing vast digital information and determining each suspect’s role are the main challenges, as the cases differ in nature, allegations, and context.

A college student named Din Islam Siam, aged 20, died after suffering severe burns in a bathroom explosion in Dhaka’s Bangshal area. The incident occurred on July 12 at Nazimuddin Road’s Ali Naki Deuri area when Siam attempted to light a cigarette. He was admitted to the burn unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where he died around 1:45 p.m. on Thursday while under treatment. Police confirmed the death and said the explosion happened when gas accumulated in the bathroom ignited.

Siam was originally from Bikrampur in Munshiganj and worked at a polythene shop while studying at a local college. His family said they tried their best to save him, but his condition worsened as about 60 percent of his body was burned. Relatives recalled hearing a loud explosion before finding him engulfed in flames.

Fire safety experts warned that gas accumulation in enclosed spaces like bathrooms or kitchens can cause severe explosions if exposed to fire or sparks. Police said they are investigating the incident and will take legal steps after receiving the autopsy and investigation reports.

More than Tk 7.2 million in unpaid hall fees have accumulated across several residential halls at Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET), creating financial pressure on the administration. The largest arrears are reported at Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Haque Hall with about Tk 3 million, followed by Shahid Lt. Selim Hall with Tk 1.3 million, Shahid Abdul Hamid Hall with Tk 1.17 million, and Shahid President Ziaur Rahman Hall with Tk 1.1 million. Smaller amounts are owed in other halls, while one female hall has no dues.

RUET’s Student Welfare Director, Professor Dr. Robiul Islam Sarkar, said notices have been issued to all halls, and some students have since cleared their dues. The university has approved measures to link hall fee payments with exam registration and will introduce an online payment system next month. This system will include online registration and hall coupons to prevent future arrears.

Officials believe that digitalizing payments and enforcing existing policies—such as canceling seats for students who owe more than three months’ fees—will significantly reduce overdue balances and improve financial management.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita announced that two model temples and cremation grounds will be built in Manikganj and Saturia. She made the announcement on Thursday afternoon while addressing a gathering at the Kalibari Temple in Manikganj town during the Rath Yatra celebration. The minister emphasized that the people of Manikganj remain united beyond religious and communal lines, reflecting exceptional harmony and solidarity.

Afroza Khanam Rita stated that no new temples or cremation grounds had been constructed in Manikganj over the past 17 years. She said she had learned about the difficulties faced by the local Hindu community during her visits and assured that all necessary development initiatives for the Sanatan religious community would be undertaken. Following the event, she inaugurated the Rath Yatra and personally donated one lakh taka for the community feast.

The event was chaired by Dr. Umesh Chandra Sarkar, with participation from local officials and representatives of various religious and social organizations, including the Hindu Buddhist Christian Welfare Front and the Puja Celebration Council.

BNP leader Saidur Rahman Humayun has alleged that a local group is extorting Tk 700 to 1,000 from each fertilizer-laden truck leaving the Ghorashal-Palash Urea Fertilizer Factory in Narsingdi. He made the allegation at a press conference in Narsingdi town on Thursday afternoon, claiming that the group operates under the name of contractor Jahangir Alam’s firm, which is linked to a banned political organization.

Humayun, who serves as the Director General of the Bangladesh Fertilizer Association and Senior Joint Convener of the Palash Upazila Jubo Dal, said the extortion is being carried out by local agents of Jahangir Enterprise. He stated that when he protested, one of the alleged extortionists, Zakir Hossain, filed a false drug case against him. The BNP leader added that the factory produces about 2,800 tons of fertilizer daily, which is distributed nationwide through BCI dealers.

Humayun said he held the press conference to demand withdrawal of what he described as fabricated cases filed to harass him politically, commercially, and socially.

Residents of Sirajganj municipality are facing severe hardship due to the dilapidated condition of the Goyla-Ekdala main road, which has remained unrepaired for about 15 years. Potholes, stagnant dirty water, and foul odors have made daily movement difficult, especially for students and patients. Locals report repeated complaints to the municipality without any effective response. The municipal executive officer said neglected wards, including Ward 9, have been prioritized for upcoming repair projects.

At the same time, crime rates in Sirajganj city have increased following the breakdown of all CCTV cameras installed for surveillance. The cameras, set up in 2021 at 65 points, became inoperative within a few years due to neglect and theft. As a result, incidents of theft, mugging, and harassment have risen, with about 40 thefts and 17 assault cases reported in the past three months. Business and civic leaders have urged authorities to restore the CCTV network to curb crime.

Police Superintendent Saiful Islam Santu confirmed that the Ministry of Power and Energy has approved a plan to reinstall CCTV cameras at 118 city points soon.

Two young men died after being electrocuted during a boat trip on the Bangshai River in Mirzapur, Tangail, on Thursday evening, July 16. The victims were identified as Jitul, 18, from Sherpur, and Sajjad, 18, from Rangpur. The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. when a group of 40 youths from Bhawal Mirzapur in Gazipur were returning from a picnic at the Mahera Zamindar Bari spot.

According to eyewitnesses, six people came into contact with an overhead electric wire while on the river. Two of them lost consciousness immediately and were taken to Kumudini Hospital, where doctors declared them dead. Four others were injured and are currently receiving treatment at the same hospital.

Sub-Inspector Rashed Fazal of Mirzapur Police Station confirmed the incident and said preparations were underway to send the bodies to the Tangail morgue after completing formal procedures.

Prime Minister’s Special Assistant (Health) Dr. S.M. Ziauddin Haider announced that separate development projects worth about Tk 800 crore have been undertaken for Jhalakathi district. The plan includes construction and improvement of rural roads, bridges, culverts, and other infrastructure. He made the announcement on Thursday morning at a development and assistance distribution meeting held at the Jhalakathi Sadar Upazila Parishad auditorium.

Dr. Haider said that Tk 150 crore has been allocated for building the country’s first Cultural Village in Jhalakathi. Land acquisition has started for a modern sports complex, which has been included in the Annual Development Programme. The complex aims to promote youth sports participation, reduce drug abuse, and create employment opportunities through trainer recruitment. He also mentioned that steps are being taken to protect the Sarengal Bazar area of Keora Union from river erosion and that the process to upgrade Jhalakathi Sadar Hospital to 250 beds is progressing.

At the end of the event, assistance was distributed among people with disabilities, farmers, and families affected by fire incidents.

Across Bangladesh, July Martyrs’ Day 2026 was observed on Thursday with discussions, prayer gatherings, and tributes at memorials in remembrance of those who died during the July–August 2024 mass uprising. The movement, which began as a student protest demanding reform of discriminatory quotas in government jobs, later evolved into a nationwide anti-autocracy uprising that ended more than fifteen years of authoritarian rule.

District administrations organized commemorative events in nearly every region, including Manikganj, Kishoreganj, Lakshmipur, Moulvibazar, Rangamati, Gopalganj, Rajshahi, and others. Local officials, political leaders, student activists, and families of the martyrs attended the programs. Activities included floral tributes at July memorials, special prayers for the departed, and discussions recalling the significance of the movement.

The observances reflected a unified national effort to honor the sacrifices of those who contributed to the democratic transformation that followed the 2024 uprising, with participation from government representatives, social organizations, and citizens across the country.

Health services at the Laksam Upazila Health Complex in Cumilla are being provided from a severely damaged and risky building. Cracks have appeared on the walls, plaster is falling from the ceiling, and parts of the structure are reportedly at risk of collapse. Despite these hazards, doctors and staff continue to serve patients, with about 1,000 to 1,200 people visiting the outpatient department daily. The hospital’s residential quarters have long been abandoned and turned into drug dens and sites of criminal activity.

The complex, built in 1965, has not received necessary renovations or new staff housing even after being upgraded from 20 to 50 beds, and work to expand it to 100 beds remains incomplete after the contractor left. Health officials have informed higher authorities about the situation, but no action has been taken. A portion of the hospital’s land has also been illegally occupied by influential groups, with allegations of bribery involving a hospital employee.

Patients and staff report living in constant fear of structural collapse, while essential facilities such as toilets and delivery rooms remain in disrepair, worsening the hospital’s service conditions.