Bangladesh and Japan have agreed to strengthen cooperation on infrastructure development, transport modernization, and public transport, including metro rail. The issue was discussed on Tuesday at a courtesy meeting in the Road Transport and Highways Division conference room at the Secretariat between Sheikh Rabiul Alam, minister for road transport and bridges, shipping, and railways, and Uno Yoshimasa, special adviser to Japan’s prime minister.

Sheikh Rabiul Alam thanked Japan for its longstanding support for Bangladesh’s infrastructure and communications sectors. He said Japan’s continued assistance as a development partner was highly important, particularly for building modern, safe, sustainable and environmentally friendly public transport systems. He said Japanese experience, technical knowledge and technical cooperation were playing an important role in developing such systems, including metro rail.

Yoshimasa said modern and sustainable public transport infrastructure was essential to match Bangladesh’s growing urbanization and economic growth. He said both countries could work more closely on infrastructure, metro rail, rail connectivity and road transport on the basis of mutual trust and cooperation. He also assured continued Japanese support for Bangladesh’s development. Senior transport officials and the managing director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited attended the meeting.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been named chairman of the trustee board of the Bangladesh Freedom Fighters Welfare Trust, while Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan has been appointed president of the trust’s executive committee. The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs issued separate notifications on the two bodies, according to the report.

Ahmed Azam Khan has also been made vice chairman of the trustee board led by the prime minister. The same individuals have been included in both committees. Their members include State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraq Hossain, Kishoreganj-4 lawmaker Md Fazlur Rahman, Cumilla-6 lawmaker Monirul Haque Chowdhury, and Noakhali-2 lawmaker Zainul Abdin Farroque.

The managing director of the Freedom Fighters Welfare Trust has been appointed member secretary of both committees. The secretaries of the finance, industries and liberation war affairs ministries have also been named trustees or members. The notifications, dated July 22, were published in gazette form on Monday.

Dirai Municipality in Sunamganj has announced its proposed budget for fiscal year 2026-27, estimating total allocations of Tk 15 crore 4 lakh 90 thousand 819 and 37 paisa for overall municipal development. The budget was formally presented at a modest event at the municipal premises at 12 noon on Tuesday by Dirai Assistant Commissioner (Land) and municipal administrator Md Ziaul Hasan Saurav. It gives the highest priority to infrastructure development to strengthen urban transport and physical facilities.

The proposed revenue income for the next fiscal year is Tk 3 crore 66 lakh 40 thousand, against revenue expenditure of Tk 2 crore 58 lakh 60 thousand. This would leave a revenue surplus of Tk 1 crore 7 lakh 80 thousand. Development-sector allocations are estimated at Tk 12 crore 46 lakh 30 thousand 819 and 37 paisa, while expenditure in that sector is set at Tk 12 crore 39 lakh.

After accounting for income and expenditure in both revenue and development sectors, the overall budget surplus is projected at Tk 7 lakh 30 thousand 819 and 37 paisa. The proposal earmarks the largest allocation, Tk 11 crore 18 lakh, for infrastructure construction. Speakers at a post-budget discussion called for improved citizen services, planned drainage to address monsoon waterlogging, reduced traffic congestion and sustainable development.

Ad-din Medical College Hospital in Moghbazar, Dhaka, resumed full medical services from 8am Tuesday after being closed for about one and a half months. The Health Ministry returned the hospital’s licence and permitted services to restart on Monday afternoon. Outpatient, inpatient, emergency and other necessary services are now operating again.

Between 8am and 4pm, the outpatient department served 607 patients, while 56 new patients were admitted. Eight pregnant patients delivered by Caesarean section and three had normal deliveries. Medical students and patients expressed satisfaction over the reopening. Foreign intern doctor Ilyas Mansur said the restart would allow interns to complete their internships through patient care.

Executive Director Professor Dr Jamalunnesa said infrastructure renovations were completed under government instructions, including ventilation, light and oxygen arrangements in every ward, alongside staff training. The hospital said it remains committed to providing quality treatment at low cost. It offers ICU, NICU, CCU and dialysis services using infection-prevention methods, and operates ambulance services in Dhaka for Tk380.

Bangladesh Railway Posso Society (BRPS) has issued eight demands over the continuing locomotive shortage and controversy surrounding an Asian Development Bank-funded plan to buy 30 new locomotives. At a press conference at the National Press Club on Tuesday, the group said a vested-interest circle was creating instability at the state railway, affecting passenger services, freight transport and the national economy.

BRPS president Md Moniruzzaman Monir said the planned procurement of 30 new metre-gauge locomotives was timely and was being deliberately drawn into controversy. He identified the cancellation of a separate project to procure 70 metre-gauge locomotives as a major cause of the current crisis, saying its implementation would have substantially eased shortages in the eastern region.

The group said Bangladesh Railway needs 268 locomotives daily but has an average of only 180 operational units. It said this results in the cancellation of 32 trains in the eastern region and 36 in the western region each day, or 68 in total. Its demands include completing the 30-locomotive purchase quickly, investigating the cancelled project and procurement allegations, revising the 2020 recruitment rules, and acting on allegations of attempts to destabilise the railway.

RAB detained former army sergeant Nezam Uddin, 45, in Kutubdia, Cox’s Bazar, after seizing two locally made guns and 10 rounds of ammunition, according to police sources. The operation took place at College Gate on Monday, and the weapons and cartridges were recovered during a search at about 9:30pm.

Nezam Uddin is the son of Abdul Haque of Nozor Ali Matbar Para in Kaiyarbil. RAB-15 DAD Prashanta Kumar Ghosh filed a first information report at Kutubdia police station in connection with the incident.

Kutubdia police station Officer-in-Charge Mahbubul Haque said Nezam Uddin was sent to court on Tuesday. The report did not provide information on the reason for the arrest or the source of the seized weapons and ammunition.

National Citizen Party-NCP convener and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam said activists used to wait for Jagannath University processions during the July movement. He made the remarks as chief guest at a discussion and prize-giving event at the university’s central auditorium on 28 July, marking the second anniversary of the July mass uprising. The Jagannath University unit of Jatiya Chhatra Shakti organized the event, titled “July Mass Uprising: From Spark to Continuing Revolution.”

Nahid praised Jagannath University students’ role in the uprising and remembered those killed and others who made sacrifices. He said the institution’s students had played leading roles in nearly all democratic movements in Bangladesh but had not always received proper recognition. He also stressed the need to develop and modernize the university, saying its central location enables talented students from across the country to study there.

Families of those killed and injured, teachers, students, and representatives of political and social organizations addressed the meeting. Speakers called for a discrimination-free Bangladesh, an end to political repression and violence on campuses, and united work to fulfill the aspirations of July. The university proctor said the banned Chhatra League would not be allowed to return to campus.

A Dhaka court granted three days’ remand for four Awami League activists arrested in a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act over alleged disorder at the Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court premises. Metropolitan Magistrate Md Jewel Rana issued the order after a hearing on the afternoon of July 28. The accused are Mostakim Hossain, Md Nur Alam, Md Ruhul Amin and Md Anwar Hossain.

The case concerns an incident during the transfer of former State Minister for Information and Communication Technology Junaid Ahmed Palak to prison after a hearing in a July murder case. According to the allegations, members and supporters of a banned organisation gathered near the court building’s canteen gate on July 26 and attempted to create disorder while Palak was being taken to a prison van, chanting anti-government slogans.

Kotwali police arrived at the site after receiving information, and four people were detained while trying to flee, while others escaped, the case allegations said. Investigating officer SI Ibn Khalid Hossain had sought seven days’ remand, citing the need to question the accused to uncover the case, locate fugitives, and identify alleged financiers and conspirators.

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj said the government has allocated the highest education budget in history, describing education as the nation’s biggest investment. He made the remarks on Tuesday after visiting several government primary schools in Jaintapur and Gowainghat upazilas of Sylhet. The government is working toward raising education-sector allocations to 5 percent of gross domestic product within the next four years.

Hajjaj said initiatives include infrastructure development, technology-based learning, a modern curriculum, teacher training, stronger foundational skills for students and an effective assessment system. A new assessment framework is being prepared to ensure classroom-level reading, writing and mathematics skills. All primary institutions, public and private, will be required to operate under government policies and standards, while teacher training, key performance indicator assessments and classroom quality monitoring are being strengthened.

A six-hour workshop in Sylhet division recently provided guidance on the new assessment method, grade-based learning quality and administrative oversight. Similar workshops are scheduled to be completed in all divisions by August 17. Hajjaj said administrative action would be taken if negligence is proven, and the ministry would review written proposals on mother-tongue education for small ethnic groups.

Global oil prices resumed their decline on Tuesday as tensions in the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran eased. Both countries have refrained from launching new attacks, according to the report. Benchmark Brent crude fell 2.2 percent to $84.03 a barrel in international trading.

US crude, West Texas Intermediate, also declined, falling 1.7 percent to trade at $81.20 a barrel. Before the war involving Iran, the United States and Israel began in late February, Brent crude had been priced at about $72 a barrel.

Currency markets also showed movement on Tuesday. The Japanese yen weakened against the US dollar at the start of the day, with the dollar rising to 163.82 yen, while the euro also weakened somewhat. Regional Middle East officials said on Monday that mediators had made major progress and were seeking to bring the United States and Iran back to the negotiating table after attacks had been suspended for several days.

At least two people were killed and at least six others injured when a wall collapsed near a queue for Trading Corporation of Bangladesh goods in Mirpur, Dhaka. The incident occurred behind Mirpur University College, where many people had been standing in line to collect TCB products, according to police and local sources.

Mirpur Police Station officer-in-charge Hafizur Rahman confirmed the casualties to the media. Police said the boundary wall suddenly collapsed, causing the deaths and injuries among people gathered at the site. The report did not state what caused the wall to fall.

Police said the dead and injured were taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. One of those killed was identified as Nasima Begum. Police had not yet confirmed the identity of the other victim, who was a man. The report was published on July 28, 2026.

Police have arrested two suspects in a case over a hammer attack on journalist K M Bacchu in Kuakata, Patuakhali. The detainees are Shahid Sikdar, joint assistant secretary of Kuakata municipal Jubo Dal, and Nasir Hawlader, vice-president of Ward No. 8 Sramik Dal. Police detained them during an operation in Kuakata on Monday night and sent them to court on Tuesday.

According to the case and police sources, Bacchu, a Kuakata representative of Desh Rupantor, was ambushed around 11:30 pm on July 24 near Hotel Shaikat on the beach. The complaint alleges that several people struck him indiscriminately with hammers on his head and both legs, leaving him seriously injured. Locals first took him to Kuakata's 20-bed hospital before he was referred to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barishal.

After three days of treatment in Barishal, Bacchu was transferred to Dhaka for advanced care. His family alleges the attack followed reporting on an attempted molestation case and alleged irregularities and corruption involving the accused. They also say he had previously received threats. Mahipur police chief Shamim Hawlader said efforts are continuing to arrest the remaining accused.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines cabin crew member Mirza Adnan has been held for five days by the Abu Dhabi branch of the United Arab Emirates’ CID police while on duty in the country. A Sharjah station source said Adnan went missing from Sharjah Airport on July 22 and was later found to have been detained by immigration authorities after operating Biman flight BG-151.

UAE authorities have not explained the allegation or suspicion behind his detention. Biman acting general manager for public relations Muhammad Mohiuddin said immigration does not provide such information and may release him after an internal investigation or take action if an offence is established. Flight Operations Director Captain A K M Aminul Islam said he did not yet know about the matter.

According to the Sharjah station source, Adnan was transferred from Sharjah to Abu Dhabi CID for further investigation and questioning and remains in its custody. Sharjah station manager Zakir Hossain said Biman’s Abu Dhabi station and the Bangladesh embassy were informed by an Abu Dhabi police station. Abu Dhabi station manager Anwar Ul Firdaus said airport authorities and CID personnel would not provide any information despite contact.

Police Headquarters has warned the public about fraudsters using the names and photographs of senior and responsible officials from police and other government offices. In a press release issued Tuesday, July 28, 2026, AIG for Media and PR A H M Shahadat Hossain said complaints had been received about scam groups sending social-media messages seeking money and requesting various forms of intervention.

The release said the groups are both taking money through such activities and damaging the reputation of government institutions and responsible officials. Police stressed that a social-media account displaying a government official’s photograph does not confirm that the associated mobile number belongs to that person. The public was urged not to respond to such messages.

Recipients of suspected scam messages may contact the national emergency service at 999, as well as the Cyber Police Center, CID, and the Detective Branch at DMP headquarters. Police said they remain highly alert to the activities of scam groups and are committed to taking appropriate legal action against anyone involved in such fraud.

A Chattogram court has sentenced Md Al Amin, 44, to death for the killing of seven-year-old Mahfuz in the city’s Halishahar Toll Road area. The Second Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge of Chattogram, Nishaduzzaman, delivered the verdict on Tuesday after a judicial process lasting nine years. Mahfuz was allegedly strangled to death with a gamcha.

Court bench assistant Md Shahidul Islam said the sentence was imposed under section 302 of the Penal Code on the basis of testimony and evidence from 12 witnesses. The court also fined Al Amin Tk25,000. Mahfuz was a first-grade student at Halishahar Housing Estate Government Primary School. Al Amin was identified as the son of the late Jinnat Ali of Karpasha Putihara in Nikli, Kishoreganj.

Investigators found that Al Amin suspected Mahbub over his wife, while the two had previously fought over unpaid money. The investigation said Al Amin killed Mahbub’s child in retaliation for that dispute. For concealing evidence and removing the body, the court imposed seven years of rigorous imprisonment and a Tk5,000 fine. Failure to pay that fine carries an additional two months of simple imprisonment. The child’s father filed the murder case with Halishahar police, and trial proceedings began after charges were framed on April 27, 2017.