Turkiye and Iraq have signed a one-year agreement to keep crude flowing through the Kirkuk-Ceyhan Oil Pipeline, which runs from Iraq to Turkiye. Turkish state firm BOTAS and Iraqi state oil companies SOMO and NOC signed the deal on Saturday in Ankara, days after a decades-old bilateral arrangement expired the previous Monday. The agreement followed Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s visit to Ankara and his meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan four days earlier.

Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said the transit arrangement covers a daily capacity of 750,000 barrels and was agreed after a meeting with Iraqi Oil Minister Bassem Mohammed Khudair. He said efforts toward a new long-term pipeline agreement were continuing. The pipeline’s maximum capacity is about 1.5 million barrels per day, but flows have remained substantially lower in recent years.

According to Turkish data, the pipeline currently carries about 170,000 barrels per day, largely from fields in Iraq’s Kurdistan region. Iraq has sought alternative export routes after Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupted Gulf shipments. Baghdad and Ankara are also pursuing a broader framework covering oil, electricity, water resources and other cooperation, while Turkiye seeks eventually to carry crude from Iraq’s southern fields.

Israeli forces detained seven Palestinians, including two 16-year-olds, in overnight and predawn raids across the occupied West Bank on Saturday, according to Palestinian local sources. Separately, settlers allegedly assaulted a Palestinian man and his wife while they worked on their farmland in al-Zarqa, Beitillu, northwest of Ramallah, leaving both needing hospital treatment for injuries and bruising.

The detentions were reported in Tubas, Nablus and Bethlehem governorates. Forces detained one teenager in Tammun, four people in raids on Urif, Einabus and Burqa, another teenager in Wadi Fukin, and a man at the Container Checkpoint. Wafa security sources said troops also stormed dozens of homes in Asira ash Shamaliya and turned one house into a field interrogation centre.

Other reported incidents included the detention and beating of 11 workers near Hebron, vehicle damage and graffiti in Surif, and an alleged pepper-spray attack on three young men near Ramallah. Palestinian sources recorded more than 11,000 attacks by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank during the first half of this year. The UN says settlement outposts have no legal validity under international law.

The July Revolutionary Alliance will hold the First Conclave on July Revolution on Sunday at the BIAM Auditorium in New Eskaton, Dhaka. The event, scheduled to begin at 2:30pm, aims to preserve memories of the July mass uprising, pay tribute to its martyrs and outline a future path for a democratic and justice-based Bangladesh.

Organizers said relatives of martyrs, injured fighters, civil society representatives and leading figures from politics, media, culture, law and student leadership will attend. Listed guests include Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin, filmmaker and former cultural affairs adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, and Bdjobs.com founder and CEO AKM Fahim Mashroor.

JRA Foundation Chairman Saleh Mahmud Raihan said the conclave’s main purpose is to remember the martyrs’ sacrifices and present specific proposals for building a new Bangladesh. Media representatives from print, electronic, online and multimedia outlets across the country have been invited to cover the programme, organizers said.

The National Professionals Alliance, or NPA, held a discussion titled “July Awakening of Professional Society” in memory of fallen revolutionaries and with a pledge to build a discrimination-free Bangladesh. The event took place at 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 1, at the Abdus Salam Hall of the National Press Club in Dhaka. Member of Parliament and National Citizen Party member secretary Akhtar Hossain attended as chief guest, while NPA convener Navid Nowroz Shah chaired the programme.

Speakers described the July mass uprising as a milestone in the struggle for people’s rights, justice and a discrimination-free state. They said the professional community should play a leading role in building an efficient, accountable, humane and welfare-oriented state while upholding the sacrifices of those killed. Akhtar Hossain called for united participation by professionals in national development, good governance, job creation, a corruption-free administration and meeting public expectations.

Navid Nowroz Shah alleged that the current government was overlooking merit in appointments in several sectors in favour of partisan considerations. Representatives from professions including private employment, freelancing, development work, medicine, engineering, teaching, law, journalism, business and information technology pledged to work together for a modern, equitable and prosperous Bangladesh. The programme concluded after discussions and preparation of future work plans.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) held a symbolic march toward Petrobangla in Dhaka’s Karwan Bazar on Saturday, carrying empty pots and pans to protest a proposed gas price increase amid an acute supply crisis. The Dhaka North unit warned that it would blockade the Petrobangla building if authorities moved to raise prices, preventing officials from entering or leaving. The march began at SAARC Fountain and ended at the gate of the Petrobangla building.

At the rally, NCP senior joint convener Ariful Islam Adib alleged that Petrobangla and Titas had become institutions of plunder. He said gas shortages were preventing families from cooking and warned of a broader movement seeking the resignation of the energy minister and other relevant people if the crisis was not resolved quickly. Abdullah Al Mansur said people would surround gas offices if the shortage remained unresolved by August 10.

Petrobangla has sought policy approval to propose a 67 percent price increase for gas used in electricity generation and a 51 percent increase for CNG used in transport. Its letter also mentioned higher distribution charges for six gas distribution companies. If approved, an application would be submitted to the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission, followed by a public hearing and decision.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party Secretary General and Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said responsibility for deciding the party’s position on the presidential election has been entrusted to BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. He disclosed the decision to journalists after a meeting of the party’s standing committee at the BNP chairman’s political office in Gulshan, Dhaka, on Saturday night.

The announcement followed the resignation of President Sahabuddin Chuppu, who cited physical illness at the age of 76. The report said his early departure marked a new turn in Bangladesh’s politics. In the period after the 2024 uprising, he had been the final bearer of the constitutional continuity of the previous governing system.

Under Article 123 of the Constitution, a new head of state must be elected by members of parliament within 90 days of the presidency becoming vacant. BNP currently holds a single-party majority in parliament, and the report said its nominee is therefore set to become the next president.

A four-day cultural festival, July Jagaran Season 2, opened on Saturday afternoon at the National Museum’s main auditorium under the theme “July Through Children’s Eyes.” Organised by Saimum Shilpigosthi, the programme began with Quran recitation, July-themed songs and poetry recitation by child performers. The mother of July uprising martyr Anas formally declared the event open.

In her opening remarks, she remembered Anas and all martyrs, urging young people to uphold the vision of a new, discrimination-free country for which their children gave their lives. Saimum Shilpigosthi chairman Nurul Islam Saddam said the organisation supports healthy, ethical and truth-based culture. Special guest and lawmaker Nurul Islam Bulbul called for joint efforts to spread what he described as healthy cultural practice.

Vice chairman Sibagatullah Sibga said 133 children were martyred in the July mass movement and called on young people to play a leading role in building a new Bangladesh. AB Party secretary general Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad and cultural figure Tafazzal Hossain Khan also spoke. The event featured group and solo songs, poetry recitation and a special July Jagaran cultural performance by child artists.

Jamaat-e-Islami reserved-seat lawmaker Nazmunnahar Nilu said Bangladesh gained independence in 1971 but achieved political freedom through the 2024 mass uprising. She made the remarks on Saturday as chief guest at a women workers’ rally in the Abdus Salam Hall of the National Press Club. The event was organised by the Bangladesh Sramik Kalyan Federation.

Remembering women’s contributions to the July movement, Nilu said the present state stands on the blood of 1,500 martyrs, including two women workers, during the events of “36 July,” or 5 August. She named fish seller Shahinur Begum, 57, and domestic worker Mosammat Liza, saying they were shot dead on their home balconies and describing the incidents as a brutal example of violence against women.

The rally demanded implementation of the July Charter and the referendum verdict, safe working conditions for women workers, fair wages and an end to workplace discrimination. Nilu called for respect for workers and said the state has responsibilities toward martyrs and injured people. Federation joint general secretary Rozina Akter chaired the gathering, attended by labour, political and media representatives.

Abdus Sattar, the Nilphamari district amir of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and a lawmaker for Nilphamari-1, alleged that the current government is moving toward the emergence of “new fascism.” He made the remarks while presiding over a public rally at Nilphamari DC Mor on Saturday afternoon, organized by the party’s district unit to mark the second anniversary of the July mass uprising.

Sattar said people could not be kept away from all political activities until the public verdict of a referendum was implemented and reforms under the July Charter took effect. He said the country’s people were prepared to make sacrifices again if necessary. He also claimed that various actions by the current government had created public concern.

He said people would not accept efforts to develop the state structure while ignoring elected lawmakers from opposition parties. Sattar called for elected representatives to be involved in national development and state administration, and for the country to be governed through democratic processes that give importance to public opinion. After the rally, participants held a protest procession through major roads in Nilphamari town, ending at Bazar Traffic Mor.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami central assistant secretary general Maulana ATM Masum criticised the current government at a rally in Bandarban town on Saturday afternoon demanding implementation of the July Charter. Speaking as chief guest, he alleged that the government had failed to provide treatment and proper recognition for fighters wounded in the July uprising. Jamaat later organised a mass procession through the town.

Masum said the government had not taken any visible official measures for treatment of injured July fighters and alleged that they were being mocked and ridiculed. He also claimed that despite 70 percent support for a yes vote, the government had disregarded the verdict and taken a position against the public. He alleged that it was following the Awami League’s path and seeking one-party BNP rule.

Saying public confidence in the government had eroded, Masum claimed democracy, human rights, peace and security were not safe under it. He pledged to continue supporting July movement fighters and warned against allowing anyone to become authoritarian. Central, district and municipal Jamaat leaders attended the rally, while Jamaat-Shibir activists and members of the public joined the procession.

Dhaka-12 lawmaker Saiful Alam Khan Milon said any conspiracy to erase the history and spirit of the July movement would be resisted with the people. He made the remarks on Saturday afternoon, August 1, 2026, at the National Museum’s main auditorium in Shahbagh, Dhaka. Milon was chief guest at the unveiling of eight books on the July movement, organized by ICS Publications, the publication division of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir.

Milon said attempts had begun to conspire around July and weaken its spirit. He identified efforts to place the July movement in opposition to the 1971 Liberation War as one such attempt, saying it was not beneficial for the country. He described July as a movement of ordinary people, involving teachers, students and people from diverse occupations.

Chhatra Shibir central president Nurul Islam Saddam paid tribute to those killed in the July movement and urged the government to quickly complete fair and impartial trials over various past incidents. He said the event aimed to present the movement’s history using accurate information and evidence, and to carry its memory to future generations through research, literature and intellectual practice. Eight books were unveiled at the event.

QawmiPedia, a Qawmi madrasa-based information repository, has published a list of the country’s five most influential speakers. The list, released on July 29 and reported by Amar Desh Online on August 1, places Sheikh Ahmadullah first. Mawlana Mizanur Rahman Azhari ranks second, followed by Mawlana Enayetullah Abbasi, Mufti Rezaul Karim Abrar and Mawlana Ali Hasan Usama.

The report describes Ahmadullah as a widely known Islamic speaker whose As-Sunnah Foundation runs education, humanitarian assistance and social welfare activities. Azhari’s sermons, religious discussions and comments on contemporary issues are widely circulated on social media. Abbasi is noted for television talk-show appearances, comments on current issues and an active online presence.

According to QawmiPedia’s assessment, Abrar remains in discussion for his clear positions on religious differences and contemporary matters, and has gained notable recognition at a relatively young age. He is general secretary of Bangladesh Ulama Samity. Usama drew extensive discussion and criticism after leaving Khelafat Majlish to join Jamaat-e-Islami; QawmiPedia says his changed political and religious positioning, along with later remarks, made him a prominently discussed Islamic speaker.

Postal, Telecommunications and ICT, and Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam said Bangladesh aims to ensure that no talent is held back by disability. He made the remarks on Saturday at the closing and prize-giving ceremony of the National IT Competition for Youth with Disabilities 2026 at the University of Asia Pacific on Green Road in the capital.

The minister said disability is not a limitation and that young people with disabilities can become equal partners in digital transformation and national development with proper opportunities, training and technology. He said the government places the highest importance on improving their digital skills and technological empowerment. Under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership, he said, the government is working toward a technology-driven Bangladesh in which no social group is left behind.

The event was the competition’s 10th edition, with 70 participants across four categories and 12 prize recipients. Md Shakil Mia, Sheikh Yamin Ahsan, Nahin Siraj and Arian Islam won their respective categories and qualified for the Global IT Competition for Youth with Disabilities in Vietnam in October. The minister said he would personally support the four selected competitors.

Bangladesh received 36 percent more rainfall than normal in July, the Meteorological Department said in a report published on August 1. Although normal rainfall had been forecast at the beginning of the month, several regions recorded substantially more precipitation than expected. Chattogram division received the highest rainfall among the country’s divisions.

Meteorologist AKM Nazmul Haque said July is usually Bangladesh’s wettest month, with average rainfall of about 557 millimetres. After June recorded 29.4 percent less rain than normal, July rainfall increased above the seasonal average. All divisions except Mymensingh received above-normal rainfall. Chattogram recorded 1,047 millimetres against a normal average of 692 millimetres, an excess of 51 percent. Final figures were due after Sunday’s monthly meeting.

The weather office forecast rain or thunderstorms with gusty winds on Sunday in many places in Rangpur, Mymensingh and Sylhet, and in some places elsewhere. Heavy to very heavy rain is possible in parts of those three divisions through Tuesday. Rainfall may increase in Dhaka and Rajshahi divisions from August 5, though prolonged heavy to very heavy rain like last month is not currently expected.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Faridganj upazila branch held a mass procession in Faridganj, Chandpur, demanding implementation of the referendum verdict and the July Charter. The procession began at Faridganj bus stand at 10am on Saturday, following a roadside meeting. It later marched through key roads in Faridganj market.

Speakers at the meeting included Chandpur district Jamaat amir Mawlana Billal Hossain Miahji, Faridganj upazila amir Mawlana Muhammad Yunus Helal and municipal Jamaat amir Mawlana Mizanur Rahman. Upazila secretary Mohammad Shakhawat Hossain, assistant secretary Mawlana Abu Taher, Mawlana Siddiqur Rahman and other organisational leaders also addressed the gathering.

The speakers said the referendum verdict and July Charter must be implemented, warning of tougher programmes if the demands are not met quickly. They called for initiatives toward state reform and justice that give weight to public opinion, arguing that decisions ignoring public demands would not remain acceptable in the long term. They also demanded accountability for alleged injustices under the previous government and steps to establish a democratic environment. Party leaders, activists and supporters joined the march and chanted slogans.