The Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) is planning to buy coaster buses to provide staff transportation services for government and private organizations. The initiative aims to meet the high demand for small buses, especially in cities where large buses struggle to operate on narrow roads. Funding for the purchase may come from government sources or foreign loans. Currently, BRTC operates 1,350 buses and 505 trucks, and expects this new service to improve public transport and increase its revenue.

Heavy rains in India’s Tripura have caused the Muhuri, Kohua, and Silonia rivers in Feni to overflow, breaching multiple flood control embankments. Since July 8, 41 embankment breaches have been reported, flooding villages in Parshuram and Phulgazi upazilas. Thousands of homes, roads, and farmlands are submerged, with significant losses to crops, poultry, and fisheries. Despite repairs costing over 200 crore BDT after last year’s floods, embankments have failed again, exacerbating the suffering of local residents and threatening more areas with flooding.

At a prayer gathering in Ishwardi, Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that the Quran is the supreme book of humanity, and under its guidance, Islam will be established in Bangladesh, building a corruption-free nation. He emphasized the party’s commitment to a strict fight against corruption, declaring that corrupt individuals will have no place in the country. Dr. Rahman vowed that Jamaat-e-Islami will never bow to oppression and will continue protesting injustice. He also paid tribute to the victims of the Dhaka Milestone air crash and pledged support for their families. Other Jamaat leaders were present at the event.

The UK and 27 other nations have condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, accusing it of committing inhumane killings while civilians sought food and water. In a joint statement, they called for an immediate ceasefire and criticized the aid system as degrading. Over 800 Palestinians have reportedly died while seeking aid. The UN and aid agencies say access is being hindered. Israel rejected the claims, accusing Hamas of interference. Gaza’s death toll since October 2023 has surpassed 59,000, according to its health ministry.

Following the deadly crash of a Bangladesh Air Force training jet near Milestone School and College in Diabari, Uttara, the High Court has ordered the formation of a special expert committee to investigate the incident. The crash caused multiple student casualties and widespread public concern. The directive was issued by a bench comprising Justice Fahmida Khatun and Justice Syed Zahid Mansoor. In addition to forming the committee, the court issued a ruling instructing the government to provide adequate compensation to the families of the deceased and injured. The order came in response to a public interest writ filed to investigate the cause of the accident and ensure accountability.

US President Donald Trump has threatened renewed military strikes on Iran following the admission by Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi that US attacks in June caused serious damage to Iranian nuclear facilities. Trump praised the operation’s success and warned Washington would repeat it if needed. He also criticized CNN for downplaying the damage and demanded the firing of a reporter. Iran acknowledged the damage for the first time but vowed to continue its nuclear program, escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Iran has ruled out any negotiations with the United States, according to its foreign ministry. Spokesperson Ismail Baghaei said Tehran has no plans to engage with Washington but will resume talks with the UK, France, and Germany on July 25 in Istanbul, focusing on its nuclear program. Deputy Foreign Ministers Majid Takht-Ravanchi and Kazem Gharibabadi will represent Iran. Despite severe damage to nuclear sites during the Israel-Iran conflict, Tehran insists it will not abandon its uranium enrichment efforts.

During the 17th day of the political dialogue in Dhaka, National Consensus Commission Vice Chairman Ali Riaz announced that most political parties agreed party chiefs should not hold the Prime Minister’s post. While some parties expressed dissent, they will be allowed to submit formal notes of disagreement in the National Charter. Discussions also covered caretaker government reforms and appointments to key institutions like the Election Commission and Anti-Corruption Commission. A few parties, including BNP and allies, supported allowing one individual to hold all three top positions.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the country will not abandon its uranium enrichment program, even after severe damage to nuclear facilities during recent conflict with Israel. In an interview, he emphasized the program’s national importance. Talks with the U.S., mediated by Oman, failed to reach a deal on enrichment limits. A 12-day air conflict in June, involving the U.S., ended with a ceasefire. The UN nuclear watchdog found no proof Iran seeks nuclear weapons, though Israel claims otherwise.

Lebanon has officially responded to a U.S. proposal that suggests disarming Hezbollah in exchange for Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon. President Joseph Aoun handed the reply to U.S. envoy Tom Barrack during a meeting in Beirut. The response outlines Lebanon’s stance under its ceasefire commitments with Israel. Meanwhile, the UN reports that 87.7% of Gaza is under Israeli military control or evacuation orders, leaving over 2 million people confined in areas with minimal services and shelter, amid worsening humanitarian conditions.

India’s Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has resigned, citing health concerns and medical advice as the reason. He submitted his resignation to the President, bringing his tenure to an early end. Dhankhar, elected in August 2022, was previously the Governor of West Bengal. In March, he was hospitalized due to a heart condition. In his letter, he thanked Prime Minister Modi and other ministers for their support and expressed gratitude for witnessing India’s development and economic progress during his term.

In response to the tragic crash of a Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft in Uttara that resulted in multiple casualties, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman cancelled several scheduled political programs as a gesture of mourning. He immediately ordered rescue efforts and sent the party’s Health Affairs Secretary, along with medical teams and ambulances, to the crash site. Pre-scheduled events by the party’s Krishak Dal and Mohila Dal were also called off. During a discussion meeting, party leaders expressed condolences, offered prayers for the victims, and announced blood donation drives for the injured. The BNP Standing Committee convened on Monday night to observe a moment of silence and offer prayers for those affected.

A second round of discussions involving 30 political parties under the National Unity Commission commenced at the Foreign Service Academy, expressing profound sorrow and condolences for those killed and injured in the Bangladesh Air Force plane crash at Uttara’s Milestone School and College. In a condolence motion, the government was urged to conduct a thorough investigation into the accident and take necessary measures to prevent future incidents. Professor Ali Riaz, co-chair of the Unity Commission, called on people from all walks of life to stand with the grieving families and stressed the urgent need for proper medical treatment for the injured.

Dhaka, July 22 — Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has designated the Uttara Sector-12 City Corporation Cemetery as the burial site for those who lost their lives in the recent Air Force training aircraft crash at Milestone School and College in Uttara. A statement posted on Dr. Yunus’s official Facebook page announced that the cemetery would be preserved in the future to honor the memory of the victims. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the tragic incident has so far claimed 31 lives, while 165 others have been injured. The injured are currently receiving treatment at various hospitals across the capital.

A Chinese-made FT-7 BGI fighter jet crashed into a two-story building of Milestone School and College in Dhaka’s Uttara on Monday, killing 27 and injuring 171. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) clarified that the aircraft was a combat-capable fighter jet, not a training plane, although it was participating in a training mission. The crash occurred shortly after takeoff from Kurmitola Air Base due to a mechanical failure. Among the injured, 78 are currently receiving treatment in various hospitals across the city.