Former Lebanese minister Adnan Hussein has declared that Hezbollah will never surrender its weapons, despite mounting pressure from the U.S. and Israel. He warned that American interference in Lebanon is increasing and accused Washington of conspiring against the region. Hussein highlighted the ongoing Israeli drone surveillance over Tripoli and the Bekaa region, and said the U.S. never holds Israel accountable, as evidenced by its handling of the Gaza crisis. He dismissed American mediation as unreliable and emphasized that the best response to foreign pressure is national unity.

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.

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.

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.

Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami, the temporary Friday prayer leader in Tehran, warned that if Israel breaks the ceasefire, Tel Aviv would be turned into a "ghost city." He claimed that global protests reflect growing hatred toward Israel, while Iran has demonstrated its power by targeting American bases. He described Israel as a “cancerous tumor” that must be removed and warned that if left unchecked, Israel would treat all Muslim nations as it has Syria. He also condemned the U.S., accusing it of launching military interventions in at least 25 countries over recent decades, calling its history a “dark dossier of crimes.”

Former U.S. President Donald Trump said he has heard that India may stop importing oil from Russia, calling it a “positive step.” Previously, Trump criticized India for engaging in what he called unfair trade practices and maintaining deep energy and defense ties with Russia. On Wednesday, Trump wrote, “India will now pay a 25% tariff, along with penalties starting in early August, for their previous actions.” He added, “India is our friend, but for years we’ve had minimal trade because their tariffs are extremely high—some of the highest in the world.”

Following a UN statement urging Hamas to disarm and surrender authority in Gaza, the group responded firmly, declaring it would not cease resistance until a fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital is established.

Seventeen nations, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, France, Egypt, and institutions like the EU and Arab League, backed the UN call. However, Hamas maintained that its fight will continue until the occupation ends and Palestinian independence is realized.