Bangladesh received $2.85 billion in remittances in the recently concluded month of July, 15.40 percent higher than in the same period a year earlier. Bangladesh Bank Executive Director and spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan confirmed the figure in a report published on August 2, 2026.

Central bank data show that remittance inflows exceeded $3 billion for six consecutive months from December through May of the previous fiscal year. The monthly figures were $3.22 billion in December, $3.17 billion in January, $3.01 billion in February, $3.75 billion in March, $3.12 billion in April and $3.43 billion in May. March recorded the highest inflow during that six-month period.

In the final month of the fiscal year, June, remittances fell to $2.81 billion. The report said remittances have remained below $3 billion for the past two months. Expatriates sent a total of $35.56 billion to Bangladesh in fiscal year 2025-26, compared with $30.33 billion in the previous fiscal year, representing growth of 17.30 percent.

Relatives in Noyapara village of Mahmudpur union, Melandaha upazila, Jamalpur, exhumed the body of 65-year-old Halima hours after her burial, claiming to have received a “jinn message” that she was still alive. Halima died from illness on Saturday morning and was buried in the family graveyard after funeral prayers. Later that evening, some family members said her son and daughter were possessed and had conveyed a message requiring urgent treatment.

At about 8pm, relatives dug up the grave and took the body first to Melandaha. Unable to confirm her condition there, they brought her to a private hospital in Jamalpur town at about 11:30pm. Hospital sources said doctors conducted ECG and other necessary tests before declaring Halima dead.

The family returned the body to the village and buried her again at about 1:30am. Union Parishad member Md Bahadur Mia confirmed the episode on Sunday morning. Family members declined public comment, while hospital doctors did not issue formal statements. Melandaha police chief A.T.M. Mahmudul Haque said police had not been formally informed and could have taken necessary action if notified.

A court in Habiganj granted interim bail to 11 accused, including district Chhatra Dal president Shah Rajib Ahmed Ringon, in a case over an attack on a convoy carrying central leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP). The accused surrendered and sought bail at the Habiganj Chief Judicial Magistrate Court on the afternoon of Sunday, August 2.

Following a hearing, the court approved interim bail until the case medical certificate is submitted to the court. State counsel Advocate Nurul Islam confirmed the development.

The alleged attack occurred on July 28 as NCP central leaders were travelling toward the Circuit House after a party march in the Town Hall area of Habiganj town. NCP northern region chief organiser Sarjis Alam, chief coordinator Nasir Uddin Patwary and several party activists were reported injured, while several media workers were also alleged to have been hurt. Habiganj district Jubo Shakti convener Tanmoy Taher Jewel filed a written complaint on July 29, and police registered the case on July 30 after reviewing it.

Nepal has decided to retain the political map of “Greater Nepal” on a new one-rupee coin, despite an earlier decision to remove it. Nepal Rastra Bank said Saturday that the coin will keep the existing map showing Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani as Nepalese territory, although its size and metal composition will change. The three areas are also claimed by India and remain at the centre of a longstanding border dispute.

On July 20, the Balendra government had approved a plan to replace the disputed map with an image of the historic Lo Ghyakar monastery in Marang village, Mustang district. While the government described that move as part of routine coin reform, some observers viewed it as a diplomatic effort to improve India-Nepal relations. The plan drew strong criticism from opposition parties and public opinion, prompting the government to reverse course.

The dispute concerns about 370 square kilometres near the India-Nepal-China tri-junction and stems from differing interpretations of the 1816 Sugauli Treaty. Nepal says the Mahakali River originates at Limpiyadhura, while India says its source is a spring near Kalapani. NRB spokesperson Guru Prasad Paudel said the bank was certain the previous map would remain, although the new design had not yet formally reached it.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said combating disinformation and distorted information has become one of journalism’s biggest challenges. He made the remarks on Sunday as chief guest at a seminar marking the 64th anniversary of the University of Dhaka’s Mass Communication and Journalism Department. The seminar was held at the Professor Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

Swapan said journalism once faced a major shortage of information, but now confronts information overload alongside the spread of planned disinformation and distorted content. He said such material affects people’s minds and political processes, and noted that planned disinformation campaigns have been seen influencing national elections in different countries. Addressing the problem requires combined use of modern knowledge, education, strategies, methods and technology, he said.

The minister also raised journalists’ professional insecurity, economic standing and the importance of the wage board structure. He said consensus among media owners, the government and journalists is needed. The government plans to work with journalist leaders and other stakeholders on acceptable standards for press freedom and responsibility, he said, adding that discussions have concluded as part of an initiative to establish a media commission balancing power, freedom and responsibility.

Islamic scholar and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami member Mufti Ali Hasan Usama rejected claims that Jamaat has a flawed creed or that joining it damages Qawmi identity. Speaking to Amar Desh on August 2 in response to a report on Hefazat concerns over Qawmi students joining Jamaat, he described Jamaat as a political party with people from different educational traditions and religious orientations. He said no single creed could be presented as the belief of all its leaders and activists.

Usama said Qawmi is an educational tradition rather than the name of a political party, and argued that people educated in Qawmi institutions may join any political party. He cited examples in the source of Qawmi scholars associated with BNP and Awami League politics. He also said Jamaat's constitution identifies the creed directed by the Quran and authentic Hadith as the party's creed.

He questioned why Qawmi identity would be considered unaffected by joining secular parties but affected by joining Jamaat. The report cited Hefazat deputy chief Maulana Ahmad Ali Qasemi as saying some students were leaning toward Jamaat because of an alliance involving clerics, prompting concern. Qasemi also said some Qawmi youths were joining BNP and that this too warranted discussion.

Police recovered the bagged, dismembered body of Bangladesh Customs House, Kamalapur constable Abu Raihan Talukdar, 40, in Mymensingh’s Fulbaria upazila, 10 days after he went missing. The remains were found on Sunday afternoon in three travel bags in a long-abandoned pond in Soaitpur Uttarpara village, Enayetpur union, about 300 yards east of his home. Family members identified the body as Abu Raihan’s.

Abu Raihan, the youngest son of the late Abu Bakar Siddique Talukdar and Rahela Khatun, had returned home on Thursday night, July 23, according to police and relatives. His family said caretaker Raju took him from the house the following Friday morning so he could report to his workplace. On July 27, a colleague informed Abu Raihan’s cousin, lecturer Nazmunnahar Beauty, that he had not reported for duty and his mobile phone was switched off.

His elder brother, Md Nurul Islam, filed a general diary at Fulbaria police station that night after the family could not locate him. Police said their investigation found that Raju and his friend Jitul had fled the area; locals described both as drug addicts. Officer-in-Charge Rashedul Hasan said the body would be sent for autopsy and multiple police teams were working to arrest those involved.

Bangladesh’s government is considering a decision on qualifications for journalism to curb malpractice in the profession, Chief Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmad said at a daylong workshop in Gazipur on August 2. The workshop on basic journalism and ethical reporting was jointly organised by the Gazipur district administration and World Vision Bangladesh at the Bhawal Convention Hall in the deputy commissioner’s office. About 80 print, electronic and online media workers based in Gazipur attended.

Ahmad said providing information after distinguishing truth from falsehood has become a major challenge in the AI era, and journalists are carrying out their duties while confronting it. He sought cooperation from all concerned. Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury said journalism’s core role is to question the state and powerful people and hold them accountable, strengthening democracy, protecting public rights, and supporting transparency and justice.

The workshop discussed core journalistic principles, ethical reporting techniques, fact-checking, child protection, laws related to child labour and child marriage, and media’s social responsibility. Speakers called for sensitivity, verification and protection of victims’ dignity in reporting on children’s and women’s rights, while urging a stronger media role in building awareness against child labour and child marriage.

Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) raised the price of a 12-kilogram liquefied petroleum gas cylinder used for cooking by Tk70 to Tk1,598. The previous price was Tk1,528. According to the BERC notification issued on August 2, the revised rate will take effect from 6pm on Sunday.

BERC set the consumer-level retail price of private LPG at Tk133.15 per kilogram in line with international market conditions. The commission said it recalculated private LPG and autogas prices after considering higher international propane and butane prices, shipping costs, trader premiums and the exchange rate of the US dollar.

For August, Saudi Aramco's announced price for propane was $620 per metric ton and for butane was $640, with the average contract price set at $633 per metric ton. The adjustment also used $180 per metric ton for shipping and trader premiums and an average exchange rate of Tk123.69 per dollar. Under the new rates, a 5.5kg cylinder costs Tk732, while the largest 45kg cylinder is priced at Tk5,992.

Three people were arrested after an alleged surprise attack on Dhaka North City Corporation administrator Md Shafiqul Islam Khan and Dhaka-18 MP SM Jahangir Hossain in Uttarkhan’s Rajabari area. The incident occurred while they were visiting an STS site in Ward 46 of DNCC Region 8 following an earlier attack on sanitation workers. A notice from public relations officer Md Zakir Hossain alleged that hired attackers linked to Neptune Accessories Garments’ ownership carried out the assault.

According to the notice, people from the garment factory’s ownership side attacked sanitation workers at the STS on Sunday morning. When the administrator, MP, local police station officer-in-charge and police personnel visited the scene in the afternoon, the ownership side again behaved badly with the workers. Tensions then spread, followed by the alleged attack in front of the administrator and MP.

Several people were injured in the later incident, and police detained three alleged hired attackers, including one person from the ownership side. Police conducted an operation after the situation calmed. In the morning attack, 15 to 20 sanitation workers were injured, including four seriously hurt workers admitted to Kuwait Bangladesh Friendship Government Hospital in Uttara. The administrator and MP visited the injured workers, while the administrator said strict legal action would be taken against those responsible.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said people have been asked to remain vigilant after activities of the banned political group Awami League were observed during August. He made the remarks on Sunday while answering journalists’ questions after the first-phase training graduation parade of the 27th BCS Police Batch at the Bangladesh Police Academy in Sardah, Rajshahi.

Asked whether police had issued a nationwide alert for August, Ahmed said the group’s activities had been noticed and that everyone had therefore been urged to stay alert. He said police remain vigilant at all times and the bomb disposal unit is kept ready around the clock to address any possible sabotage planning.

The minister also said incidents involving bomb-like objects found in Dhaka in recent days are being investigated. A suspicious bag found at Mirpur-10 metro station on Saturday afternoon contained no explosive material after examination by the bomb disposal unit. On Saturday, Police Headquarters issued a nationwide warning that vehicles used by police could be targets of attacks and ordered field-level units to strengthen security.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir’s Comilla University unit submitted five demands to end ganaroom and guestroom practices in the university’s residential halls, ensure housing free from political influence, and introduce transparent, policy-based seat allocation. The memorandum was handed to Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr M M Shariful Karim on Saturday, August 2. Unit president Mozammel Hossain Abir, secretary Md Saiful Islam and other activists were present.

The demands include a transparent allocation policy based on merit, distance, financial hardship and other reasonable criteria; keeping halls free of political influence; strict action against ganaroom and guestroom practices; a safe, ragging-free environment for new students; and impartial investigations into hall-related complaints under university rules. The memorandum cited allegations of irregular student accommodation at Bijoy-24 Hall and a previous clash over alleged seat trading at Shaheed Dhirendranath Dutta Hall.

Abir said authority over student accommodation should rest solely with hall administrations, while people whose student status has ended should leave the halls. The vice-chancellor said he would discuss the matter with the provost committee that day before taking necessary decisions. Earlier allegations said 24 students were accommodated in two Bijoy-24 Hall rooms without prior administrative approval.

Bangladesh Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muqtadir met Myanmar Ambassador to Bangladesh Kyaw Soe Moe at the Commerce Ministry on Sunday to discuss expanding bilateral trade, reopening border commerce and repatriating Rohingya refugees. The meeting also covered increasing imports and exports, strengthening maritime transport links, LNG imports and expanding opportunities for mutual investment.

Muqtadir said Bangladesh is committed to strengthening ties with neighbouring countries through mutual respect, trust and economic cooperation. He said issues involving trade, transport, investment and border connectivity that concern other ministries would be reviewed through inter-ministerial coordination. The ambassador expressed interest in increasing bilateral trade and said reopening long-suspended border trade could benefit businesses and ordinary people in both countries, initially on a limited scale if necessary.

The sides discussed trade prospects for agricultural and fish products, rice, medicines and frozen food, along with stronger business-level contacts and business-to-business activities. Bangladesh stressed the need for conditions enabling rapid, safe, voluntary, sustainable and dignified Rohingya repatriation and for visible progress. Myanmar said verification of submitted repatriation lists was under way and action would be taken when conditions become favourable. Both sides agreed to hold regular institutional discussions and joint committee meetings, while emphasizing swift completion of an agreement on direct maritime connectivity.

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj said Bangladesh will gradually expand the school meal programme to all government primary schools to ensure nutritious food for every primary student. He made the announcement on Sunday at his office in the Secretariat during a courtesy meeting with World Food Programme Bangladesh Country Director and Resident Representative Koko Ushiyama.

The meeting covered programme expansion, nutritious food provision, the possibility of piloting cooked hot meals, effective monitoring and stronger digital management. Hajjaj said transparency, accountability and technology-based monitoring are crucial for successful implementation. He also stressed separate needs-based planning that accounts for differences between urban and rural areas, geographical diversity and socioeconomic conditions. Participants discussed India’s school meal experience and its relevance to Bangladesh’s social and cultural context.

Ushiyama said school meals support nutrition while helping improve attendance, prevent dropout, enhance education quality and build healthy eating habits. She noted that WFP has achieved positive results in various countries by linking school meals with school gardens, nutrition education and local agricultural systems. The two sides also discussed WFP technical support to improve the Directorate of Primary Education’s existing integrated primary education information system and develop a future integrated information system.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman ordered authorities to make waterways around Dhaka operational, while directing steps to prevent river pollution, improve drainage and maintain navigability and normal water flow. The instructions were issued at a Sunday meeting on reopening waterways around the capital, chaired by the prime minister at the Cabinet Division’s special meeting room in the Bangladesh Secretariat.

According to Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Swadhin, the meeting decided to revive the waterways surrounding Dhaka. It also decided to consider proposals from interested private companies and allow them to operate water buses on the routes. The prime minister instructed relevant authorities to examine ways to prevent pollution in Dhaka’s rivers and improve the drainage system.

He also directed that various species of trees be planted beside walkways built around the rivers to support environmental protection and enhance the beauty of riverbanks. The meeting was attended by Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam, State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam, city corporation administrators and senior officials from relevant ministries and agencies.