Ahead of the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and hall elections, the Chief Returning Officer, Prof. Dr. Mohammad Jasim Uddin, has ordered the removal of all campaign billboards and banners currently displayed on campus.
He stated that candidates may only begin campaigning from the designated date and must strictly follow the electoral code of conduct. The official urged all candidates and their supporters to comply with the guidelines to ensure a fair election process.

Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration Mokhlesur Rahman has vowed stern action against those involved in the looting of white stone from Sylhet’s Sadapathar tourist spot—regardless of political affiliation or official rank.
During a visit to the site, he described the scale of the theft as “plunder, not just looting,” and held nearby security forces partially accountable. He also ordered the entire tourist area to be placed under 24-hour CCTV surveillance to prevent further exploitation.

Bangladesh’s interim government has warned that airing or publishing audio statements of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be considered a grave violation of the 2009 Anti-Terrorism Act.
The Press Wing reminded media outlets that last December, the tribunal had already banned the broadcast of “hateful” statements by the ousted leader. Despite this, some outlets aired a speech in which Hasina allegedly spread “false and provocative claims.”
Authorities cautioned that any future broadcasts would trigger immediate legal action. Hasina fled Bangladesh after being accused of ordering mass killings during the July uprising. She has been convicted by a tribunal and faces charges of crimes against humanity, while her Awami League party remains banned. The interim government pledged to ensure justice, accountability, and the country’s first genuinely free and fair elections.

Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, currently visiting Dhaka, announced that direct flights between Bangladesh and Pakistan will begin “very soon.” He highlighted opportunities for cooperation in agriculture, science, and investment.
On August 24, the two nations are set to sign a Joint Working Group agreement, paving the way for a trade and investment roadmap. Discussions are also underway to establish direct feeder shipping services between Chattogram and Karachi to boost bilateral trade.

The United States has announced new sanctions targeting individuals and companies accused of facilitating Iran’s illegal oil sales. The State Department revealed Thursday that two China-based crude oil and petroleum terminal operators were sanctioned for importing “millions of barrels” of Iranian crude via blacklisted tankers.
The Treasury Department also sanctioned Greek national Antonios Margaritis, his network, and associated firms for allegedly exploiting his shipping industry ties to transport Iranian petroleum. Several additional vessels and operators were blacklisted as Washington tightened pressure on Tehran’s oil exports.

A devastating fire broke out in a Gandaria residence early Friday after an electrical transformer exploded, leaving three members of the same family critically injured.

The victims—Moslem Uddin (65), his wife Salma Begum (50), and their son Mejbah Uddin (28)—were rushed to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Sultan Mahmud Sikder, acting surgeon at the hospital’s emergency unit, confirmed that Moslem suffered 90% burns, Salma 55%, and Mejbah 100%, including severe damage to their airways. Mejbah has since succumbed to his injuries, while the others remain in critical condition.

Detectives have arrested Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Sachin Moulik in connection with the killing of Golam Nafiz, who was shot dead during the August 4 protests in Dhaka’s Farmgate area.

Moulik, a 33rd BCS police cadre officer, was detained Thursday in Mahalchhari, Khagrachhari. He was previously attached to Mahalchhari-6 APBn following July’s uprising but had served as ADC of Tejgaon Zone during the fatal incident.

A tribunal had earlier issued an arrest warrant against him after Nafiz’s name became symbolic of the student-led movement. A photograph of the dying Nafiz lying on a rickshaw went viral, making him an icon of the protests. Nafiz was a student at Naval College in Dhaka.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a dual message: immediate talks for the release of hostages in Gaza and an official green light for the Israeli military’s plan to seize control of Gaza City—two moves critics describe as contradictory.

During a visit to the army’s Gaza Division, Netanyahu said, “I have come to approve the military’s decision to take control of Gaza City and intensify the war against Hamas. At the same time, I am calling for immediate negotiations to secure the release of all hostages and end the war under conditions acceptable to Israel.”

He described the conflict as reaching a “decisive stage” and expressed gratitude to both reserve and active-duty soldiers. Stressing that both goals must advance together, he added, “Defeating Hamas and freeing all captives must proceed in parallel.”

At the India-Russia Business Forum in Moscow, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the urgent need to finalize the long-discussed India-Russia Free Trade Agreement. Calling for greater Russian participation in India’s expanding economy, Jaishankar said, “India is moving rapidly towards urbanization and modernization, creating new demand across sectors. This presents a significant opportunity for Russian companies in our market.”

Highlighting areas of collaboration, he noted that Russian firms could play a pivotal role in supplying essential industrial and agricultural goods such as fertilizers and chemicals. He expressed optimism that the free trade deal would help remove existing trade barriers.

Meanwhile, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov reaffirmed Moscow’s commitment to maintaining oil supplies to India and expanding cooperation in natural gas.

Students of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) staged a protest march on Thursday night opposing the seven-point demand raised by diploma engineers.
The procession began at the BUET Shaheed Minar and ended after passing through Central Shaheed Minar, TSC, and Doel Chattar.
The students alleged that diploma engineers were pushing for the reinstatement of a quota system and promotions from sub-assistant engineer to assistant engineer positions, which they deemed “unreasonable and harmful” to the integrity of the engineering profession.
On August 20, diploma engineers and polytechnic teachers had staged a human chain in Dhaka Press Club to press their demands. BUET students warned that meeting such demands could undermine the quality of engineering education and practice in Bangladesh.

United Nations Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews met with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus to discuss the human rights situation in Myanmar and the plight of Rohingya refugees.
Andrews praised Yunus for prioritizing the Rohingya issue internationally, noting that his initiative has paved the way for an international conference on September 30 at the UN headquarters.
Yunus expressed concern over recent cuts in international aid, which have severely affected healthcare and education for Rohingya refugees. He urged Andrews to continue advocacy efforts.
Andrews acknowledged challenges, including disinformation campaigns that derailed UN-led repatriation efforts, but reiterated hope for a lasting solution. He is currently in Bangladesh to attend a stakeholder dialogue on Rohingya issues in Cox’s Bazar on August 25.

A 22-year-old man, identified as Mohammad Sayem, was beaten to death by a mob while attempting extortion at the BSCIC Industrial Estate in Cumilla on Thursday evening.
Sayem, originally from Rangpur, had lived in Cumilla for years and was reportedly involved in extortion, robbery, and other crimes. Police confirmed that multiple cases and arrest warrants were pending against him.
Witnesses said Sayem tried to extort money from Jannat Foods factory workers, who overpowered him and delivered a fatal beating. He was later declared dead at the hospital. Following the incident, Sayem’s associates attacked the factory, but police intervened to restore order.

Ruhel Sangma, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Atpara in Netrokona, has been transferred after a video surfaced showing him brutally beating a teenage boy named Durjoy.
The footage, which spread on social media earlier this month, revealed an incident that took place in March during a VGF rice distribution program. Witnesses said Durjoy accidentally bumped into the UNO while trying to collect rice, prompting Sangma to slap and beat him in public. He later dragged the boy inside, took an Ansar guard’s baton, and assaulted him further before confining him for four hours.
Following the controversy, Sangma has been attached to the Divisional Commissioner’s office pending reassignment.

Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, has accused the former government of widespread corruption in the power sector, calling it the “largest theft” during their tenure.

Speaking after a meeting of the Advisory Council, Alam claimed the past administration issued “licenses to loot” to their chosen associates. He added that aside from implementing 367 recommendations from 10 reform commissions, ministries have independently carried out hundreds of reforms since the interim government took charge.

Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin has announced that Bangladesh and Pakistan are taking steps to revive their long-dormant Joint Economic Commission (JEC) to enhance bilateral trade and investment.

Speaking to reporters, he said meaningful discussions were held with Pakistan’s commerce minister, including the possibility of forming a new Trade and Investment Commission. Both countries are also exploring joint ventures in intermediate goods production.

Bangladesh requested Pakistan to withdraw its anti-dumping duty on hydrogen peroxide and restore duty-free access for Bangladeshi tea exports. Additionally, Dhaka sought support for its leather and sugar industries. Talks also covered agricultural products and fruit trade.

When asked whether Bangladesh is tilting toward Pakistan, the adviser responded:
"We are leaning toward everyone—Pakistan, the United States, even importing onions from India. Wherever national interest lies, we will engage."