The road on the Syed Masud Rumi Bridge over Kushtia’s Gôrai River was repaired two weeks ago at a cost of 6.5 million taka. However, shortly after completion, the asphalt peeled off and potholes appeared, making the busy Kushtia-Rajbari regional road unsafe. Locals accuse the contractor and officials of embezzlement, while the Roads and Highways Department acknowledges some faults but blames weather conditions. The government has ruled out further funding for repairs. Attempts to reach the contractor for comment failed.

An agreement between the Bangladesh Tea Board (BCS), Bangladesh Tea Association (BTA), and the Bangladesh Tea Estate Staff Association has been finalized. Starting January 1, 2024, basic salaries for tea industry workers will increase by 5% through December 31, 2025. The deal also includes enhanced financial benefits. The signing ceremony was held at the BTA office in Dhaka, with key representatives from all parties present to formalize the new wage and benefit structure.

Starting August 1, 2025, the US will enforce a 35% reciprocal tariff on Bangladeshi exports under President Trump's new trade policy. The move aims to address trade imbalances and unfair practices. While the tariff poses challenges for Bangladesh’s apparel sector, its cost-efficiency and strong supply chain may help sustain exports. Shared tariff burdens and potential market shifts from China and Vietnam offer new opportunities. Experts urge Bangladesh to strengthen trade diplomacy, improve infrastructure, and promote its competitiveness to retain its position in the US market.

The government has approved the import of two LNG cargoes—one from Singapore's Gunvor and another from South Korea's POSCO—for BDT 9.89 billion to meet energy demands. Additionally, several major infrastructure projects were cleared, including crane installation at Payra Port, a terminal in Narayanganj, road expansion near Mukterpur Bridge, consultancy for Dhaka WASA, and IT upgrades under a digital governance initiative. These projects, involving both local and international firms, aim to strengthen the country’s energy, transport, and digital infrastructure.

The U.S. Treasury plans to borrow $1 trillion in the July–September quarter, raising its target by $453 billion due to lower-than-expected cash inflows and a deepening budget deficit. It anticipates ending September with $850 billion in cash. In Q4, it expects to borrow another $590 billion. Analysts warn this move, driven by high interest rates and economic uncertainty, could impact global markets and future fiscal policy. In Q2, actual borrowing fell short of earlier projections despite plans for larger debt.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that "no one is starving in Gaza," asserting that Israel has allowed humanitarian aid throughout the conflict. "If we hadn’t, no one would be left alive there," he stated. However, former U.S. President Donald Trump responded by pointing to widely circulated images of emaciated children in Gaza, saying, “Those kids look very hungry.” Despite international pressure leading to temporary humanitarian pauses, Gaza residents report that little to no real change has occurred on the ground. Israel blames Hamas for obstructing aid deliveries, alleging the group seizes relief supplies to consolidate power. However, no concrete evidence has been presented to support this claim.

A powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, causing a tsunami in the North Pacific. Waves reached Japan’s Hokkaido, and tsunami warnings were issued for Hawaii, Alaska, and even New Zealand. In Russia and Japan, evacuations were carried out, and minor damage was reported. Hawaii sounded sirens, and Oregon warned of small waves. While no major injuries or deaths have occurred, authorities urge coastal residents to stay alert for aftershocks and potential second waves.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has issued a stern warning, stating that the UK will formally recognize Palestine as an independent state by September if the ongoing war in Gaza does not cease and meaningful steps toward a sustainable peace process are not taken. The UK has also urged Israel to halt its settlement expansion plans and called on Hamas to release all hostages. Israel criticized the move, claiming it would “reward Hamas” and undermine diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in Gaza. Meanwhile, Palestinian authorities have welcomed the UK's potential decision to grant statehood recognition.

A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the Online Editors Alliance and the Bangladesh-China Apan Media Club to enhance coordination, knowledge exchange, and professional development between Chinese and Bangladeshi media. At the event, Yu Kuang Yue, Director of the CMG Bangla Department, said the agreement would strengthen bilateral ties and enable technological and journalistic knowledge-sharing. Hasan Sharif noted potential collaboration in tourism, healthcare, and education sectors as key areas for future growth.

Adviser Sharmin Murshid stated that the government seeks to collaborate with NGOs working on physical, mental, and educational development for children with special needs. She emphasized using existing research instead of duplicating efforts, suggesting that such cooperation would improve service delivery and inform future policymaking effectively.

The Trump administration is considering a major policy shift toward Myanmar focused on rare earth minerals, potentially easing ties with the military junta to reduce China's control. Analysts warn this move could severely undermine efforts to repatriate Rohingya refugees, as human rights concerns are sidelined by strategic interests. Sanctions have already been lifted from junta allies, and new geopolitical strategies are in discussion. Aid shortages and worsening conditions in refugee camps further threaten the Rohingya's future and burden host communities in Bangladesh.

The Islami Andolan's Secretary General, Hafiz Maulana Yunus Ahmad, criticized the draft July Charter for failing to mention Sheikh Hasina, whom he accused of leading the fascist regime responsible for mass brutality. He claimed the document lacks legal mandates, participant protections, and any mention of madrasa students or collaborators of fascism. He also pointed to the charter’s “mysterious silence” regarding India, holding it responsible for Bangladesh’s prolonged authoritarian period.

Salahuddin Ammar, former coordinator of the Rajshahi University chapter of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, has been accused of extortion under the guise of donations. He allegedly sent letters requesting a total of Tk 7.6 million from 70 organizations for a concert titled "July 36: Festival of Freedom" scheduled for August 5. RU Vice-Chancellor Saleh Hassan Naqib confirmed he endorsed the appeal, stating he has supported similar cultural events in the past. Despite criticism, organizers argue that seeking donations for such programs is standard practice.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed announced that a referendum will be held to protect the caretaker government framework from being easily amended. Speaking on the proposed "July National Charter," he emphasized a fully independent judiciary, an empowered Election Commission, and a two-term limit for Prime Ministers. He also called for direct nomination of 5% female candidates in the upcoming election, with a goal to increase it to 10% in the next. A functioning ombudsman system will precede permanent structural reforms, he added.

As part of a month-long campaign commemorating the July uprising, Chhatra Dal and the National Citizens' Party (NCP) have both scheduled student rallies at Dhaka’s Central Shaheed Minar on August 3. Chhatra Dal has already secured approval from Dhaka University authorities, having applied earlier, while NCP’s permit is still pending. Both parties are in discussions to resolve the scheduling issue, with final decisions expected by Wednesday.