A gas shortage has caused a traffic jam stretching more than 10 kilometres on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway in Cumilla’s Daudkandi area. The congestion developed from early Wednesday, August 5, 2026, on the Chattogram-bound lane between Daudkandi and Gauripur. Passenger and goods vehicles were affected, causing significant hardship for drivers and travellers.

Local sources said gas supply had stopped at several CNG filling stations in the area, prompting a large number of vehicles to gather at one station in Gauripur. Vehicles waiting for gas formed a long queue along one side of the highway, disrupting traffic in the Chattogram-bound lane. Truck driver Abul Khayer said he had been stuck in the Gauripur area for more than an hour.

Jahangir Alam, manager of Masters Pump in Cumilla’s Alekharchar Bishwaroad area, said gas pressure at pumps had been very low since the previous night, with several pumps closed and heavy demand at those still operating. Daudkandi Amirabad Highway Police Station officer-in-charge Prem Chand Kumar said rain and the gas shortage contributed to the congestion, and a police team was working to clear it.

A report by Amar Desh recounts meetings at Senabhaban and Bangabhaban on August 5, 2024, involving political leaders, army chief General Waker-uz-Zaman and President Mohammad Shahabuddin. It says the army chief consulted party leaders on forming an interim government after news spread that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had left the country. A group of leaders later travelled to Bangabhaban with the army chief and the chiefs of the three services.

According to the report, the army chief told retired Major General Fazle Elahi Akbar that the military would not be party to bloodshed and that he did not seek power. At Bangabhaban, he said the prime minister had resigned and left the country. The report says the president told Saiful Haque that he had received the prime minister’s resignation letter.

Discussions covered Khaleda Zia’s release, dissolution of parliament, the release of detainees and disappeared persons, and law and order. Bangabhaban’s written decisions called for an interim government without delay, firm army action against looting and violence, and Khaleda Zia’s immediate release. On August 6, Bangabhaban announced the dissolution of parliament and Khaleda Zia’s release.

The government plans to build 2,364 residential flats for families of gazetted July revolution martyrs and injured people, Housing and Public Works State Minister Ahmmed Sohel Monjur said on August 5 at the Secretariat. The plan includes 804 flats for martyrs’ families and 1,560 for injured people. Construction is targeted to begin by the end of September this year after the tender process was completed and evaluation began.

The project will involve 33 buildings in Kalshi, Mirpur. For martyrs’ families, authorities plan 12 ten-storey buildings and six fourteen-storey buildings. Another 15 fourteen-storey buildings are planned for injured people. Monjur said providing housing in a good location in Dhaka was a major government responsibility and described the initiative as a sign of respect for their sacrifice.

The minister said the project could be completed within a maximum of three years if work starts in September. He said construction would begin at a convenient time next month and expressed hope that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman would inaugurate the project and lay its foundation stone. The government is also continuing allowances and other support for martyrs’ families and injured people, he said.

Authorities and BNP leaders have selected a helipad site and a possible public-rally venue ahead of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s potential visit to flood-affected areas of Banshkhali in Chattogram. On Tuesday afternoon, the Special Security Force, intelligence agencies, senior administrative officials and BNP representatives jointly inspected locations. They chose Baharchhara sea beach for construction of a helipad and a sandbank beside the embankment as the prospective rally site.

A delegation led by SSF Major Ashiq Khan reviewed surrounding security arrangements and overall preparations. On Monday, Chattogram Divisional Commissioner Dr Md Ziauddin and Chattogram Range DIG Abdul Kuddus Chowdhury also visited the proposed locations. They discussed preparations, security and coordination with relevant officials.

Local administration, police, intelligence officials and leaders from BNP, Jubo Dal and Chhatra Dal attended the inspection. Chattogram South District BNP senior joint convener Mishkatul Islam Chowdhury said comprehensive preparations were under way, with organisers aiming for a gathering of hundreds of thousands. He said they expected demands for a permanent embankment, Marine Drive road, four-lane regional highway, flood rehabilitation and canal re-excavation to receive special attention during the visit.

Reuters and CBS News reported that the United States has used nearly all of its global stockpile of long-range precision missiles in the ongoing war with Iran. The reports, published on August 5, 2026, said the weapons involved include Army Tactical Missile Systems, or ATACMS, and Precision Strike Missiles.

Reuters cited three sources saying that “almost all” of the stockpiles of those missile types had been used. CBS News published similar information, reporting that the United States had nearly exhausted its global inventory of the long-range precision weapons.

The Pentagon disagreed with the assessment. Pentagon chief spokesperson Sean Parnell told CBS News that the US military, described as the world’s most powerful force, has everything it needs to conduct operations wherever and whenever the president directs. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had earlier dismissed concerns published about declining ammunition stocks and did not give weight to such fears.

Former interim government adviser Farida Akhter has called for women’s contributions to Bangladesh’s July 2024 student-led uprising to receive a place in history. In an article published on August 5, 2026, she described how protests initially focused on reforming public job quotas but, amid government repression, developed into an anti-fascist movement. She wrote that young people drove the street protests without established political leaders at the forefront.

Akhter said roughly 56% of public appointments had been reserved under various quotas, leaving 44% for merit-based recruitment. Protesters sought to reduce the quota share, and it was eventually lowered to 7%, she wrote. She identified remarks by Sheikh Hasina at a July 14 news conference and subsequent night protests by female students at Dhaka University as a turning point. Women’s rights activists also organized under the banner Khubdho Nari Shomaj and continued demonstrations despite attacks.

The article recounts participation by schoolgirls, homemakers, parents and volunteers, including people who provided food and water to protesters. Akhter said memorial projects and cultural programmes were undertaken in 2025, but July commemorations had become partisan by 2026. She said the National Citizen Party represents student leaders, while other participants outside political parties are less visible, and argued that those involved must help build the future state.

Political analyst Abdul Latif Masum, in an article published on August 5, 2026, assesses Bangladesh’s achievements and shortcomings ahead of the second anniversary of the July 2024 mass uprising. He argues that the movement was rooted not only in quota reform protests but also in accumulated anger over alleged voter disenfranchisement, repression, politicisation and suppression of dissent. In his account, the August 5 mass mobilisation ended authoritarian rule and marked a renewed effort to reclaim citizens’ sovereignty.

The article identifies the breaking of fear, youth political awakening, and broader public focus on inequality, accountability and reform as major gains. It credits the interim government led by Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus with stabilising the economy, forming reform commissions and producing the July National Charter on October 17, 2025. Masum also describes the February 12, 2026 election and referendum as an important return to democratic governance.

He nevertheless cites public order concerns, rising essential-goods prices, delayed justice for the July killings and disputes over implementing the charter as serious shortcomings. Masum urges that disagreements be resolved through parliament, courts and dialogue rather than street clashes, calling for a time-bound implementation roadmap, speedy trials, neutral institutions and minimum national unity.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief and opposition leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman accused the government of clearly deceiving July and the public over implementation of the July charter. Speaking on Wednesday at a rally organized by the 11-party alliance, he also alleged that the government was displaying “fascist behavior” over the referendum. The gathering demanded implementation of the referendum verdict and trials for those involved in the July killings.

Rahman said the government placed no value on July, the injured, or families of those killed. He described July fighters as national assets and called for an end to political games involving them. According to him, many fighters remain under treatment at hospitals in Bangkok, while others are suffering in bed, but the government is not paying attention to them.

He called for rehabilitation of bereaved families, medical treatment for the injured, and justice for the July killings. Rahman also questioned why promises made by the prime minister before taking power had not been fulfilled. He urged the government to accept the people’s verdict, warning that fascism would not be accepted in Bangladesh.

Dhaka College Chhatra Dal member secretary Millad Hossain said the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal has not assaulted students, occupied halls, or harassed administrators and teachers at any educational institution since the July mass uprising. He made the claim on Wednesday at an event marking July Mass Uprising Day 2026 at Shaheed A N M Najib Uddin Khan Khurram Auditorium of Dhaka College.

Hossain said the organisation was not involved in any wrongdoing and sought to reassure attendees about its conduct. He also said that although the July mass uprising was a student movement, teachers made an important contribution. According to him, teachers' guardian-like role, prayers and encouragement during the movement inspired students.

He said various student leaders at the programme expressed a desire to build a Bangladesh where violence previously carried out in the name of different terrorist student organisations would not be repeated. Professor Farzana Sultana of the political science department chaired the discussion and prize-giving event. Dhaka College Principal Professor A K M Ilyas attended as chief guest, alongside Professor Md Anwar Mahmud and Professor Md Aktaruzzaman.

Prime Minister’s political adviser and BNP senior joint secretary general Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi called Sheikh Hasina “history’s worst and most hateful fascist” after an exhibition on the July mass uprising and 17 years of political movements in Gulshan on Wednesday. He alleged that Hasina had looted the country and pursued an agenda of establishing relatives abroad while in power.

Rizvi said what he described as “Awami fascism” used inducements and deception to gain power, then carried out repression to make that power permanent. He alleged that students, children, people from different professions and journalists were killed between 1972 and 1975 and from 2009 through August 5, 2024. He described the July mass uprising as a major awakening of people’s latent strength against oppression and alleged that elections had been manipulated.

Referring to Hasina speaking at a South Asian Journalists event in Delhi, Rizvi accused the Indian government of applying a double standard and strongly condemned its conduct. He also said people from different sections of society would not hesitate to join again in struggles for democracy, freedom of expression, press freedom and judicial independence.

The world’s eight leading listed oil producers made about $93 billion in profit from April to June amid the Iran conflict and a global energy crunch, according to a Guardian analysis published on August 5, 2026. The report said the US-Israel war involving Iran pushed energy prices higher, with crude oil exceeding $126 a barrel at one point. Their combined profit was nearly double the figure of just under $50 billion recorded in the same period last year.

The companies were Saudi Aramco, BP, Shell, Equinor, TotalEnergies, Eni, Chevron and ExxonMobil. Aramco reported net income of more than $33 billion, up 34 percent. BP reported $5.73 billion in profit, Shell $9.84 billion in net income, Chevron $12.2 billion, and ExxonMobil $14.5 billion. The eight companies’ combined market value also rose by about $600 billion to more than $3 trillion.

Environmental groups said oil companies had profited from supply instability and urged that some earnings be used for climate-damage measures and renewable-energy investment. Global Witness official Patrick Galey called for oil companies to pay their fair share of tax. UN climate chief Simon Stiell said coal, oil and gas use must be reduced rapidly in favour of renewable energy.

Continuous heavy rainfall and mountain runoff from upstream in India have pushed the Teesta River above its danger level in Lalmonirhat. At 9am on Wednesday, August 5, water at the Dalia point of the Teesta Barrage was flowing 13 centimetres above the danger mark. The water began rising rapidly from Tuesday night, raising fears of severe flooding among residents of riverside areas.

The Water Development Board and local sources said heavy rainfall in the upstream Indian areas over several days had increased the river’s flow. Roads and cropland in char areas have begun to go underwater, while low-lying riverside parts of Lalmonirhat have already been flooded. Boats and rafts have become the only means of communication in some char areas. Waterlogged families are facing hardship with livestock, children, elderly people and persons with disabilities, alongside concerns over snakes and poisonous insects.

Residents said flood-control embankments and elevated riverside roads are at risk under intense water pressure, alleging that the embankments have not been repaired for a long time. Dalia Water Development Board Executive Engineer Amitabh Chowdhury confirmed the water level. Lalmonirhat Executive Engineer Sunil Kumar Ray urged riverside and char residents to move with maximum caution.

An opinion article published by Amar Desh examines two public events involving journalists before Bangladesh’s July 2024 uprising: a July 24 meeting between then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina and senior media figures, and a July 27 rally outside the National Press Club by pro-Awami League journalist groups. The article argues that public remarks made at the events raised questions about professional independence, political alignment and public trust in journalism.

Citing a Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha report, the article says 32 journalists attended the meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office, where participants said they stood with Hasina and were prepared to do whatever was necessary for her. Discussions also included calls not to spare those accused of sabotage, strengthening the Awami League and evaluating elected representatives’ activities. It names several editors and journalists who spoke or attended.

The article also recounts the rally’s support for government measures, condemnation of violence and calls to bring those responsible under the law. Referring to principles associated with the Society of Professional Journalists, UNESCO and the Bangladesh Press Council, the author contends that journalism depends on truth-seeking, independence, objectivity and avoiding undue bias.

A reception and discussion for July martyrs’ families and July fighters was disrupted after a video documentary was screened at the China-Bangladesh Friendship Conference Centre in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka. The event, organised by the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs for July Uprising Day 2026, began at noon on Wednesday with Quran recitation. Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmad Bir Bikram attended as chief guest.

After the documentary on various contemporary aspects of the July movement, some injured July participants and relatives of martyrs began chanting “fake, fake.” Central leaders and activists of the National Citizen Party, or NCP, were also seen chanting. Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan called on those present to remain calm. Disorder resumed after Liberation War Affairs State Minister Ishraq Hossain addressed the audience.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed repeatedly appealed for calm. NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain said the documentary contained many inconsistencies and pledged prompt discussions and contact with the relevant authorities. Ahmed Azam Khan later expressed regret, saying any inconsistencies would be identified and addressed after consultation. The programme resumed after the situation became somewhat calmer.

An opinion article by Rezaul Karim, published in Amar Desh on August 5, 2026, recounts the role of private university students in the July uprising. It says the movement expanded beyond a quota-related demand after Abu Sayed was killed on July 16, becoming a broader call for justice, equality, freedom of expression and the right to live. After public universities closed and Dhaka University residential halls were emptied on July 17, students from private institutions became active.

The article says students from North South, BRAC, East West, IUB, AIUB, UIU, Daffodil, Stamford and Southeast universities, among others, took to streets across Dhaka on July 18. According to the writer, many had no prior political or protest experience. It describes students helping injured people, offering water, tearing clothing to dress wounds, donating blood and seeking medical assistance as examples of solidarity.

The piece also links the August 5 celebrations with the absence of those killed or missing. It says students later tried to restore order on roads, painted visions of a new country on walls and guarded temples and important sites. While noting logistical and other support from Islami Chhatra Shibir and others, the writer argues that support should not be equated with leadership, describing ordinary students as the movement’s central force.