Australia ended the first day of the Mackay Test 101 runs ahead of Bangladesh after Bangladesh were dismissed for 64 and Australia reached 165 for eight. A total of 18 wickets fell during the day. Australia, having won the toss, chose to bowl on a fast, bouncy surface and dismantled Bangladesh’s batting lineup.

Mitchell Starc took six wickets for 12 runs as Bangladesh collapsed, with four of their first five batters dismissed without scoring. Shariful Islam was Bangladesh’s highest scorer with 14 runs from No. 10, including three boundaries, while no other Bangladesh batter made more than nine. Bangladesh had been reduced to 39 for nine before finishing on 64.

Shariful responded with a career-best six for 35, matching Starc’s wicket tally and providing Bangladesh some consolation. The left-arm pacer, who missed the first Test of the series because of injury, claimed his first five-wicket haul in Tests against Australia. Despite Australia’s sizeable lead, Bangladesh’s bowling effort kept the contest alive at the end of the opening day.

A 45-year-old bank officer, Shahid Hossain, died after allegedly shooting himself in the head at his home in Haji Para, under Chattogram city’s Double Mooring police station area. The incident occurred at about 7:45am on Saturday at the home of Imam Hossain. He was taken to Chattogram Medical College Hospital, where he died during treatment at around 9am.

Shahid, son of the late Iqbal Hossain, had worked for Al-Arafah Islami Bank. His death was confirmed by Nurul Alam Ashik, in-charge of the Chattogram Medical College Hospital police outpost, and by his wife, Sharmin Akter. Family members said they heard a loud gunshot in the drawing room and found him bleeding before taking him to hospital.

Sharmin Akter said her husband had faced mental and family pressure for some time. She said he left his job after the bank transferred him from Cox’s Bazar several months earlier, after which family tensions arose. Hospital police said his condition was extremely critical when he arrived. Efforts to contact the Double Mooring police station officer-in-charge about the weapon’s source and further details received no response.

The Muslim World League (MWL) has strongly condemned Israel’s planned expansion of settlements in the E-1 area of the occupied West Bank, warning that it threatens the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. The statement followed Israel’s recent call for tenders to build 1,234 housing units in E-1, according to the report published on August 22, 2026.

Israel’s broader plan seeks to create a continuous Israeli settlement corridor between occupied East Jerusalem and Maale Adumim. The MWL described the E-1 project as a dangerous plan and condemned what it called Israel’s illegal settlement policies across the occupied Palestinian territory.

In its statement, the organization said such actions violate international law and United Nations resolutions while obstructing all peace efforts. It urged the international community to immediately halt Israel’s settlement expansion policy and other measures intended to alter the geographic and demographic character of occupied Palestinian territory. The MWL reaffirmed support for Palestinians’ right to an independent, sovereign state, saying a two-state solution is the only path to just and lasting regional peace.

Chattogram district police recently raided the village home of Jobairul Haque Zian, accused of trapping former Chattogram police commissioner Hasib Aziz through a “honey trap.” Police sources alleged that, during the operation in Chhaiyadabad area of Chhadaha union in Satkania, a call from a state minister led to instructions for officers to proceed slowly. The operation allegedly did not advance afterward.

Superintendent of Police Masud Alam said an additional superintendent of police had been assigned two days earlier to arrest Zian and that intensive efforts to detain him were continuing. Police have not officially identified the state minister who allegedly called, nor explained why the operation was reportedly slowed. Sources connected to the raid said there was a noticeable change in arrest efforts after the call.

The report says an examination of Zian’s WhatsApp chats found discussions involving police postings and cases, as well as information on financial transactions and contacts with officers. It named Panchlaish police station officer-in-charge Zahedul Islam and former Chawkbazar officer-in-charge Babul Azad as regular contacts. Hasib Aziz said he communicated with Zian believing the “Sanjida Islam Sayma” identity belonged to a woman, then stopped contact after learning it was false.

RAB-6 arrested alleged top criminal Alamin Hasan Saifi and his associate Rafiqul Islam Rakib over two killings in Khulna city’s Harintana 80 Bigha area. The arrests were made on August 21 from the Majhigati Bazar area under Gopalganj Sadar police station, RAB-6 commander Lieutenant Colonel Nistar Ahmed said at a briefing in Khulna on Saturday morning.

The two victims were Manjurul Islam, 23, and Md Nazmul, 18, who were shot and hacked to death within hours of each other on August 19 in the Labanchara police station area. RAB said it began a shadow investigation after visiting the scene and collecting evidence. The agency said the back-to-back killings spread fear locally and drew national attention.

According to RAB, Saifi and Rakib admitted involvement during preliminary questioning. Saifi said Nazmul belonged to his group, while Manjurul was linked to another group. RAB said the violence was initially believed to stem from internal conflict, territorial control, drug trading and competition to display strength. Officers recovered a shotgun, a pistol and three locally made machetes and said operations to arrest others would continue.

Gas supplies in Chattogram had not returned to normal by Saturday, August 22, 2026, causing severe disruption at CNG stations, households and industries. Long queues of gas-powered vehicles formed across the city, while residents in several areas reported little or no cooking gas. Most factories could not open on Saturday because of the shortage.

Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company Limited said it received only 170.5 million cubic feet of gas in the 24 hours ending at 8am Saturday, roughly the same as Friday. The amount equals 55 percent of daily demand. The company said Chattogram needs 320 million cubic feet daily and normally receives an allocation of 246 million cubic feet from the national grid.

Queues at many CNG stations exceeded two kilometres, with some stations shutting supply because of low pressure. Factory owners said production at garment and steel plants had fallen to 20 percent, while use of diesel and furnace oil raised costs. Officials said supply may take at least another day to improve, with a new LNG cargo expected Sunday.

Iranian Army Chief Major General Amir Hatami said Iran’s armed forces have developed combat capabilities that forced adversaries to revise their strategic calculations. In a Friday message marking Iran’s National Defense Industry Day, he said defense self-reliance ultimately compelled enemies to accept a political solution to war.

Hatami said the Defense Ministry had played an effective role in strengthening Iran’s resistance capacity by designing, manufacturing and modernizing various military equipment and defense systems. He added that a significant portion of these achievements had demonstrated their effectiveness on real battlefields during recent wars.

According to Hatami, the capabilities now available to the armed forces represent more than a collection of equipment and systems. He described them as an expression of confidence in Iran’s capabilities, self-reliance, domestic knowledge and national determination to ensure security and authority. He stressed continued cooperation between the army and the Defense Ministry to meet military needs, modernize equipment, exchange experience and make maximum use of the country’s scientific and industrial capacities.

Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Saturday congratulated Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on being elected Bangladesh’s 23rd president. In a congratulatory message issued on August 22, 2026, Muizzu described the election as an important milestone in Bangladesh’s democratic journey.

Speaking on behalf of the government and people of the Maldives, Muizzu conveyed warm greetings to the newly elected Bangladeshi president. He said the first competitive presidential election in 35 years reflected public confidence in Mirza Fakhrul. Muizzu also said Bangladesh and the Maldives share a long-standing relationship based on strong historical bonds and a common commitment to regional stability and development.

The Maldivian president expressed hope that cooperation between the two countries would gain greater depth and scope under Mirza Fakhrul’s leadership, bringing Bangladesh and the Maldives closer. He further hoped that Bangladesh would continue its path toward lasting peace, progress and prosperity during the new president’s tenure.

Police in Godagari, Rajshahi, have received a written complaint alleging that Abu Kalam Azad forged a BNP certification letter to secure bail in a case over attacks on students and members of the public. Former Godagari municipal mayor and former municipal BNP general secretary Anwarul Islam submitted the complaint on August 22, 2026, according to police.

Azad, a resident of Mohishalbari in Godagari municipality, was arrested on July 20 in connection with the August 5, 2024 case involving attacks and gunfire. He received bail from the Rajshahi District and Sessions Judge Court on August 12. Court documents included a certificate identifying him as a BNP worker, bearing Anwarul Islam’s signature and seal.

Anwarul Islam said the seal and signature were forged and stated that he had never recognized Azad as a BNP worker. Godagari police station officer-in-charge Sujon Mia confirmed receiving the complaint and said it would be investigated and necessary action taken. Azad told journalists on August 18 that he could not say exactly how the certificate had been obtained.

National Citizen Party (NCP) northern region chief coordinator Sarjis Alam said the inspector general of police would face consequences worse than former police chief Benazir if he sought to suppress opposition parties. Alam made the remarks in a video released to the media on Saturday, according to the report published on August 22, 2026.

Alam alleged that during an unwanted situation at a state event, the current police chief asked Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed whether protesters should be removed while the minister was speaking on stage. He said an IGP seeking to remove dissenting views to please or flatter the home minister or prime minister reflected the character of former IGP Benazir.

The NCP leader said such flattery and mentality had turned Bangladesh Police from a state institution into the government's “pet force,” causing it to lose its pride and dignity. He also alleged that cases were being filed against people not genuinely involved in crimes, while those committing the alleged crimes were filing the cases.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney ended trade negotiations with the United States on Friday night, less than an hour before a deadline for new tariffs to take effect, according to the report published August 22, 2026. Carney said Canada would impose equivalent, dollar-for-dollar tariffs on US goods if Washington levies 50 percent duties on C$2 billion worth of Canadian products. He said he sought the best possible agreement for Canada but would not accept a deal at any price or within any deadline.

The talks collapsed after both sides accused the other of introducing new and unreasonable conditions at the last moment. US President Donald Trump had said on Tuesday that an agreement was nearly complete, while Carney repeatedly maintained that significant work remained. The report says Canada’s economy is deeply connected to the United States and that Ottawa relies heavily on its neighbour in defence, making Carney’s decision risky. He said the government would support Canadian industries and businesses harmed by the tariffs.

Provincial leaders from differing political camps backed Carney, including Ontario Premier Doug Ford and British Columbia Premier David Eby. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith urged a return to negotiations. Carney has sought to reduce Canada’s economic dependence on the United States by building partnerships in Asia and Europe, though the report says it remains uncertain whether those markets can quickly offset disruption in US-Canada trade.

Zahir Uddin Swapan has resigned as Bangladesh’s information and broadcasting minister, according to a Cabinet Division notification issued on Saturday, August 22, 2026. The notification, signed by Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Goni, said the president had accepted his resignation and that it would take effect immediately.

Following his resignation, Swapan was appointed political adviser to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. A separate Cabinet Division notification said the appointment was made under Rules 3B(1) and 3B(2) of the Rules of Business, 1996. While serving as adviser, he will receive the rank, salary, allowances and related benefits of a minister.

Barrister Andaleeve Rahman Partho has been assigned responsibility as the BNP government’s information and broadcasting minister. A notification signed by the Cabinet Secretary on Friday night said the prime minister had made the official allocation and reallocation of responsibilities under Rule 3(4) of the Rules of Business, 1996.

The government plans to launch a National E-Health Platform to bring Bangladesh’s health system under an integrated digital framework. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman ordered that operations begin through a pilot project in several districts. The decision was discussed at a meeting on integrated information technology systems in healthcare, chaired by the prime minister on Saturday at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon.

Participants discussed the platform’s possible structure, operating method and use in health services. The pilot will assess its effectiveness, potential problems, cost and feasibility before any expansion. Tarique Rahman instructed officials to ensure effective use of information technology so that people can access benefits easily and the process of receiving medical services becomes simpler.

The prime minister stressed secure storage of patients’ necessary health information and timely access for relevant doctors and healthcare institutions. He also called for data security, personal privacy, ease of use, cost efficiency and long-term operational sustainability. Engineer Zakaria Swapan gave a presentation on the platform, while health, ICT and other senior government officials attended the meeting.

Sanjida Islam Saima said she will soon hold a press conference on complications involving a fake Facebook account opened using her photo and identity. She said the account was allegedly used to contact former Chattogram police commissioner Hasib Aziz and place him in a “honey trap.” Speaking to Amar Desh at about 4pm on Saturday, she described the alleged impersonation as defamatory and highly reprehensible.

Saima said she filed a general diary at Panchlaish police station in 2025 but has not received any update on progress. She said she had not previously known how the account created in her name contacted the former commissioner, and learned details after Amar Desh published an investigative report.

Chattogram Metropolitan Police Commissioner Hasan Md. Shawkat Ali said authorities were aware of allegations involving an officer-in-charge and the alleged fraudster, and that an investigation was under way. District police recently raided the home village of accused Jobairul Haque Jiyan in Chhayedabad, Chadaha union of Satkania upazila. Chattogram Superintendent of Police Masud Alam said an additional superintendent of police had been assigned to arrest Jiyan.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid said the government decided to appoint two state ministers at Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry to expand and accelerate its work. She made the remarks while answering journalists’ questions at a hotel in the capital on Saturday, August 22, 2026.

The government on Friday also assigned Prime Minister’s foreign affairs adviser Humayun Kabir as state minister for foreign affairs, issuing a notification the same day. Shama said the ministry had handled substantially more work during the past six months than at any time in the previous 17 years.

She said new wings had been launched and work was under way on migration and preventing irregular migration. The ministry has also formed interministerial focal-point committees with the expatriates’ welfare, cultural, labour and commerce ministries, arrangements she said did not previously exist. According to Shama, the ministry’s scope of work, workload and pace have increased sharply, prompting the decision to appoint two state ministers.