Hezbollah’s Deputy Secretary General Naim Qassem has declared that there will be no disarmament of the resistance until Israeli aggression ceases. “Before asking us to lay down arms, demand an end to the occupation,” he said. He warned that those advocating surrender would have to face the consequences. Qassem emphasized that defending the homeland requires no external approval, although dialogue could be possible if viable alternatives are presented. His statement came in response to a U.S. proposal urging Lebanon to bring all arms under state control and implement broader reforms.

Attorney General A.M. Amin Uddin has affirmed that individuals convicted by the International Crimes Tribunal are not eligible to contest in elections. He further stated that if any members of the ruling Awami League are found guilty of crimes against humanity, they too will be brought to justice. Speaking at a seminar titled “Implementing the Spirit of the July Movement” on Saturday, he emphasized that the martyrs of July were not affiliated with any particular party, but symbolized public resistance against autocracy. He highlighted that the core values of the July Movement are good governance and justice.

Environmental activist Syeda Rizwana Hasan has called on Muslim-majority countries to unite under the "Three Zero" framework—zero unemployment, zero poverty, and zero net carbon emissions. Speaking at the International Social Business Summit in Dhaka, she emphasized that this approach can build a just and sustainable future. Entrepreneurs at the summit echoed her message, calling the initiative not just policy but a global social movement.

Donald Trump has alleged that Iran is denying access to nuclear inspectors and has not agreed to halt uranium enrichment. Speaking on Friday, he expressed concern that Iran may be continuing its nuclear program covertly at undisclosed locations. Trump confirmed that he will raise this issue with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in their upcoming White House meeting. Iran had earlier suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has said a ceasefire in Gaza could be reached as early as next week, following positive signals from Hamas. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump stated that Hamas has responded constructively to a U.S.-brokered proposal and has shared its stance with mediators Qatar and Egypt. Trump also mentioned that Israel has agreed in principle to the proposed 60-day ceasefire plan.

Three of the 36 Bangladeshi workers detained in Malaysia for alleged involvement with extremist networks have been deported to Bangladesh, according to advisor Asif Nazrul. The individuals are currently being interrogated. Malaysian police allege the group was involved in promoting Islamic State (IS) ideology and fundraising for militant purposes. Fifteen others are also slated for deportation, while the rest remain in police custody. The Bangladesh government is coordinating with Malaysia to ensure legal action against those involved.

A massive billboard in Shiraz, Iran, portrays ancient Persian Emperor Shapur I on horseback as a victorious ruler, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu kneeling before him in surrender. Former U.S. President Donald Trump is also depicted standing beside the horse. The symbolic image reflects Iran's confidence following recent military engagements and mirrors the historical surrender of Roman Emperor Valerian in the Battle of Edessa during the 3rd century.

Sports advisor Asif Mahmud, reflecting on the July uprising, said he narrowly missed becoming a martyr and expressed regret at surviving. He stated that countless revolutionaries were born during the movement and that their mission will continue. “Our lives are temporary, but our vision is eternal,” he said, reaffirming the goal of building a sovereign, strong Bangladesh.

BNP advisor Mahfuz Alam described the July uprising as a two-phase movement: the first, from June 5 to July 18, was “meticulously designed”, while the second phase, from July 19 to 36, succeeded due to mass participation and sacrifice. He clarified that the uprising had no connection to mob violence. Mahfuz claimed the fall of the Hasina government was achieved without foreign assistance and compared the movement to other planned struggles in Bangladesh’s history. He acknowledged there was a risk of military intervention, but strong leadership avoided that outcome.

BNP advisor Sharmin S. Murshed has said that the sacrifices of Nafisa Hossain Marwa and Sanjid, who were martyred in the July uprising, will not be forgotten. After visiting the homes and graves of the martyrs in Tongi on Friday, she stated, “While it is relatively easy to count the martyrs of the July conflict, identifying every true participant—'July fighter'—is much harder.” She warned that without a careful process, the certification of July fighters may include ineligible individuals. “Even I want to ensure that the certificates reach the rightful hands as soon as possible,” she added. It is worth noting that both students were martyred on August 5, 2024.

Religious Affairs Advisor Dr. AFM Khalid Hossain emphasized the vital role of mosques in promoting moral values and Islamic teachings. Speaking at the inauguration of a three-story model mosque complex in Hathazari, Chattogram—built at a cost of BDT 11.89 crore—he stated, “The more mosques we build, the more worshippers will emerge.” He added that the model mosques will include prayer spaces for both men and women, Islamic libraries, Hifz programs, training centers, and research facilities.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has condemned the aggressive policies of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling them a serious threat to peace and stability in the Middle East. Speaking at the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) summit, Erdoğan said silence is not an option on the Palestine issue.

He also reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to supporting the security and development of the Afghan people.

Rail communication between Khulna and the rest of Bangladesh was restored after a five-hour disruption caused by the derailment of a freight train near Uthuli Railway Station in Chuadanga. The incident occurred around 5:45 PM on Friday, halting several passenger trains and causing significant delays. A relief train from Ishwardi arrived at the site around 10 PM and completed recovery within 30 minutes. Trains stranded at nearby stations resumed their journeys shortly afterward, and services returned to normal.

A freight train carrying molasses from Mongla to Sirajganj Bazar derailed at Uthli in Chuadanga’s Jibannagar upazila on Friday evening, causing a complete suspension of train operations between Khulna and the rest of the country. The incident occurred when the train was switching from a loop line to the main line, causing four wheels of the guard brake coach to derail. Authorities have sent a relief train from Ishwardi, and recovery efforts will begin soon. All train movement remains halted until further notice.

A drive-by shooting outside a lounge in downtown Chicago has left four people dead and 14 injured. The attack occurred in the River North area during a private event hosted by rapper Melo Buckzz. Victims, mostly aged 21 to 32, include both men and women. At least three are critically injured. Police recovered two types of shell casings, suggesting multiple shooters. No arrests have been made, and authorities are reviewing CCTV footage. The lounge will remain closed during the investigation.