Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on citizens to prioritize domestic products and safeguard national economic interests amidst global instability. This comes after former U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Indian exports—reportedly the highest among South Asian nations. Modi appealed especially to traders and retailers, urging them to commit to selling only Indian-made goods. This statement follows growing U.S. pressure, including warnings of increased tariffs if India continues purchasing oil from Russia.

Milestone School and College in Uttara is set to partially reopen on Sunday after an extended closure following a recent plane crash. Public Relations Officer Shah Bulbul stated Saturday evening that classes for students from grades 9 to 12 will resume in a limited capacity. A memorial event will also be held that day.

“Initially, classes will be kept minimal—one or two sessions instead of the usual eight per day. Our goal is to help students gradually return to a sense of normalcy,” Bulbul explained. He added that teachers remain actively involved, counseling services are ongoing, and a medical camp supported by the Air Force is offering both physical and psychological support.

The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education clarified that the “Government Primary School Scholarship Exam” will remain exclusive to students of public schools, to help children from low-income families continue their education through financial support.

Responding to criticism from the Bangladesh Kindergarten Association, the Ministry noted that the majority of public school students come from underprivileged backgrounds, while kindergarten students often hail from more affluent families.

"This program is designed to reduce inequality, not to discriminate," the statement said. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusive education by targeting those in genuine need of state support.

Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam Choudhury confirmed that the government is in the process of identifying the remains of those buried at the Rayerbazar mass grave—victims of the student-led July uprising—using DNA testing.

Speaking after visiting the site, he noted that families of the deceased may choose to repatriate the remains to their hometowns upon identification. He revealed that 114 people were buried at Rayerbazar and assured that DNA testing will be offered for families wishing to confirm identities.

Alam also stated that trials related to the killings during the uprising are ongoing and urged the media to be more proactive in combating the country’s biggest issue—corruption. He concluded the visit by offering prayers for the martyrs.

Milestone College in Uttara, Dhaka, will reopen on Sunday, August 3, following a tragic plane crash on July 21 that struck the campus and caused multiple casualties among students and teachers. Initially, no academic activities will resume; the focus is on supporting students' mental well-being. Classes for grades 7–8 will resume Wednesday, and grades 5–6 on Thursday. Authorities aim to help students gradually return to normal life after the traumatic incident.

Bangladesh Submarine Cables PLC has surpassed 4 terabits per second in real-time international bandwidth transmission. This milestone was reached on August 1 following the commercial rollout of Starlink’s satellite internet in July. The company added 1 Tbps in just three months. Regulatory changes now require IIG operators to use at least 50% submarine bandwidth. To support this, BSCPLC is offering extra discounts and has launched special packages for data centers, cloud providers, and hyperscalers to encourage less reliance on Indian internet routes.

If Bangladesh can withstand increased tariffs, it stands to gain significantly, with potential order shifts from China and Vietnam. The U.S. has imposed nearly equal tariffs on Bangladesh and its competitors except China, preserving Bangladesh’s global competitiveness. Industry leaders thank the U.S. for a fair tariff system and urge local entrepreneurs to enhance skills and educate buyers about cost impacts. Despite possible price rises and order fluctuations, strong negotiation remains key. Success could lead to a long-term boost in garment exports.

Renowned environmental lawyer and adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan emphasized that climate change is an issue where youth involvement is as crucial as that of civil society. Speaking on the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion on climate obligations, Rizwana noted that while the opinion is non-binding, it could serve as a powerful moral force in shifting global climate policy, especially in the current hostile political climate.

She urged that if action is not taken now, future generations will hold today’s leaders accountable. Rizwana highlighted issues like riverbank erosion, infrastructural weaknesses, climate adaptation planning, and strengthening local governance. She advocated for a nature-focused and morally driven approach to climate action.

"We should craft 10–12 environmentally focused messages and deliver them to the nation through our youth," she urged.

Shipping affairs advisor Shakhawat Hossain has accused some industrialists of establishing factories with the sole intention of laundering money. He stated that these individuals took out bank loans and funneled the funds abroad, leaving them unable to pay workers. Many of them have now fled the country, resulting in the shutdown of several factories.

Shakhawat stressed that the government is not responsible for these closures. On a positive note, he mentioned that due to the smooth operation of other factories, the country’s exports have increased by 7–8%.

Regarding labor protests, he acknowledged the workers' right to demonstrate, saying, "Everyone has demands—I do too. I could also take to the streets." He also criticized the undemocratic practices in labor unions, where leaders often refuse to step down after being elected once. He expressed hope that democratic practices will eventually take hold in union leadership through regular elections.

Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has issued a strong warning, stating that the banned Awami League will not be spared if involved in any unlawful activity.

Asked about concerns leading up to August 5, he said, "By God's will, there is nothing to fear." He asserted that any security force members found complicit with the banned party’s actions would also face consequences.

Regarding reports of secret Awami League training programs, he said, “It’s a matter under investigation, and the truth will come out.”

Chowdhury also praised the media for promoting truth, noting, “It’s because of truthful journalism that foreign media narratives are starting to shift.”

A fire broke out on the 5th floor of Sundarban Square Market in Gulistan around 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 2. Fire Service units arrived at the scene within minutes and worked with 11 teams to bring the fire under control by 11:12 AM. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, and no casualties have been reported so far. Authorities are still assessing the extent of damage caused by the incident. Further updates are expected as the situation develops.

Opening statements and witness hearings in a crimes against humanity case involving Sheikh Hasina and two others will commence this Sunday. This marks the third day of the trial, which is being broadcast live on state television.

The accused include former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and ex-Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, alongside Sheikh Hasina.

On July 10, the tribunal formally charged all three. Mamun’s application to be an ‘approver’ (state witness) was also granted. Opening arguments are scheduled for August 3, with witness testimony starting on August 4 — making it the first such trial following the mass uprising to reach the witness stage.

July Declaration to Be Presented at 5 PM on August 5: Press Secretary
Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has confirmed that the July Declaration will be officially presented at 5 PM on August 5, in the presence of all parties involved in the mass uprising.

“The interim government has finalized the draft of the July Declaration. Details about the event will be announced shortly,” he added.

A total of 39 Bangladeshi nationals were repatriated from the United States on Saturday morning via a chartered flight. Initially, authorities expected around 50 individuals to be deported, but only 39 arrived. Officials stated that all returnees were treated humanely throughout the process. U.S. authorities had earlier detained the individuals over immigration violations. Bangladesh’s embassy in Washington had notified the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka ahead of their return.

A wave of Russian missile and drone attacks struck Kyiv from Thursday night into early Friday, killing at least 31 people, including women and children, and injuring more than 150. In response, Ukraine declared Saturday a national day of mourning. President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that over 100 buildings were damaged or destroyed, including residential apartments, schools, kindergartens, hospitals, and university facilities. A significant portion of a nine-story residential building was completely reduced to rubble. Rescue operations are ongoing, with many feared trapped under the debris.