China’s military is preparing to seize Taiwan by 2027 under direct orders from President Xi Jinping, warned US Strategic Command chief General Anthony Cotton in testimony before Congress.

Cotton said Beijing is developing nuclear-capable weapons capable of striking from land, air, and sea.

While China’s 2023 national defense policy reiterated its commitment to a “no first use” policy on nuclear weapons, the Pentagon has warned that Beijing could reconsider if a conventional defeat in Taiwan threatens Communist Party survival.

China’s Defense Ministry has dismissed US claims as an attempt to spread the so-called “China nuclear threat” narrative to malign Beijing internationally. However, experts, including the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, caution that China is stockpiling increasingly powerful weapons

The holy occasion of Akheri Chahar Shomba is being observed today across Bangladesh. Although not an official public holiday, it is recognized as an optional holiday, and all educational institutions remain closed.

Historically, the day is linked to a temporary recovery of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during his final illness, sparking immense joy and charity among his companions. Commemorating this, Muslims continue to observe the last Wednesday of the month of Safar with prayers and festivities.

Low-income residents of Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, and Natore are increasingly trapped in a high-interest debt cycle from NGOs and moneylenders. Many borrow for household needs rather than productive investment, leading to unpaid loans, mental distress, and rising suicides. Recent incidents include multiple families abandoning homes or taking their lives due to mounting pressure. Experts highlight weak loan verification, high real interest rates, and inadequate oversight as key issues, urging stricter monitoring of microcredit programs to prevent further tragedies.

Two fabric-loaded containers worth Tk 15 million have gone missing from Chattogram Port after being auctioned and fully paid for by Shah Amanat Trading. Owner Selim Reza claims he has been waiting for seven months despite paying duties and charges. Customs officials say refunds will be processed if the port confirms the goods cannot be delivered, while port authorities insist the containers are not lost but misplaced among nearly 50,000 others and are still being searched for.

At least 27 worshippers were killed during dawn prayers when armed assailants stormed a mosque in Katsina state, Nigeria, early Tuesday morning.

Local residents reported that gunmen opened fire inside the mosque in the remote community of Unguwan Matau around 4 a.m. Worshippers scattered in panic, but the attackers also targeted those fleeing. Several others were injured.

No group has yet claimed responsibility. Authorities have deployed military and police forces to the area.

Deadly armed raids are increasingly common in Nigeria’s northwest and central regions, often fueled by land and water disputes between herders and farmers. In June, more than 100 people were killed in a similar attack in north-central Nigeria.

Dubai Police have recovered a rare 21.25-carat pink diamond worth $25 million within just eight hours of its theft. Dubbed “Operation Pink Diamond,” the raid led to the arrest of three Asian suspects who had plotted the heist for over a year. The criminals lured a European trader by posing as wealthy buyers with luxury cars and hotel meetings before snatching the gem. The diamond, hidden in a refrigerator, was later found. The owner praised police for their swift action.

At least 10 people, including student representative Jinia Sharmin, were detained as police baton-charged a protest by terminated NGO teachers in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, on Wednesday morning.

Protesters claimed they were staging a peaceful demonstration on one side of the road, as part of a pre-scheduled program, when NGO staff vehicles became stuck in traffic. Police then intervened with force, leaving several injured.

While visiting the injured at a hospital, Jinia and others were detained by police. “Those who have been detained must be released immediately. We will not move until our demands are met,” said a female protester.

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has instructed pilgrims not to stop in front of the Hajar al-Aswad while performing Tawaf to avoid crowding and ensure safety. The ministry emphasized that pointing toward the Black Stone is sufficient and does not affect the validity of Tawaf. This directive aims to facilitate smooth movement, prevent congestion, and protect pilgrims. Authorities clarified that stopping is not required for a valid Tawaf and urged cooperation for collective safety.

A tragic road accident in Gazipur’s Naojor area on Tuesday morning claimed the lives of three members of the same family.

The victims were identified as Anwar Hossain (33), his wife Ankhi Akter (26), and their two-year-old daughter Anni Khatun.

Relatives said Anwar, who worked at RFL Company in Mymensingh, was traveling with his family to visit his in-laws in Ashulia when their autorickshaw lost control after a rear wheel detached and collided with a covered van near Riaz Filling Station.

Anni was killed instantly, while Anwar and his wife succumbed to injuries en route to hospital. Police confirmed both vehicles are in custody, and legal action is being taken.

Faiz Ahmed Tayyab, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, has warned of possible large-scale cyberattacks targeting Bangladesh’s financial sector and other critical areas ahead of the national election.

He urged stakeholders to reassess cybersecurity preparedness in light of growing threats.

Last month, Bangladesh Bank issued a nationwide alert warning banks, financial institutions, and digital payment providers to urgently strengthen security systems against small- and medium-scale cyberattacks.

Chaos unfolded at Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s residence during her weekly “Jan Sunwai” (public hearing) when an individual suddenly attacked her under the pretense of handing over papers.

According to PTI, stones were hurled at Gupta, and she was physically assaulted—slapped and pulled by the hair. Following the attack, she was hospitalized, though her injuries are not reported to be severe.

Her security personnel immediately detained the attacker and handed him over to police for questioning. BJP leaders claimed that Gupta sustained head injuries, while Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa alleged a political conspiracy behind the attack.

The Congress condemned the incident, simultaneously raising concerns about women’s safety in Delhi.

At least 71 people have been killed in a tragic bus accident in Afghanistan’s Herat province. Police reported on Tuesday that the crash was caused by “overspeeding and negligence.”

The victims were Afghan returnees deported from Iran. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the deaths but said details on the identities were still pending.

The accident comes just a day after Iran’s Interior Minister, Eskandar Momeni, announced that 800,000 Afghans must leave Iran by March. Poor road conditions and frequent accidents plague Afghanistan—last December, two bus crashes claimed at least 52 lives.

According to UNHCR, nearly 450,000 Afghans have returned from Iran since June alone. Iran had set a July 6 deadline for undocumented migrants to leave. In total, more than 1.4 million Afghans have been repatriated or forcibly deported this year.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has expressed his gratitude to British doctors for their prompt response in treating severely injured patients of the recent Milestone accident. On Tuesday, the British medical team met with the Chief Adviser in Jamuna.

“We didn’t have the capacity to handle such a crisis quickly. Gathering resources and acting so fast was not easy for us, and we were in real difficulty,” Yunus said. “Even before you began treating patients, your presence itself gave comfort to the nation. We are deeply grateful that you arrived at the right time.”

A member of the British team remarked, “We feel the pain of the Bangladeshi people. Our work is not only with the patients but also in close coordination with the government.”

The Chief Adviser emphasized the importance of mental health care for the injured and urged the British team to take follow-up initiatives. The medical team is expected to conclude its activities in Dhaka and return to the UK on August 24.

The Malaysian state of Terengganu has introduced stricter laws against skipping Friday prayers. Muslim men who miss the weekly congregational prayer without a valid reason could now face up to two years in prison or a fine of up to RM 3,000.

Previously, punishment applied only after three consecutive absences. The state’s Dawah and Shariah Implementation Committee Chair, Dr. Muhammad Khalil, said the penalty will be applied only as a last resort after repeated reminders and warnings.

To raise awareness, mosques across the state are putting up banners highlighting the religious obligation of Friday prayers. Authorities will monitor compliance through public complaints, patrols, and joint operations by religious enforcement and local administration.

U.S. President Donald Trump has categorically ruled out deploying American troops to Ukraine, saying his primary objective is to end the bloodshed.

In a phone interview with Fox News after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders, Trump said: “I guarantee there will be no U.S. troops in Ukraine. My goal is simply to stop people from dying.”

He added that he recently spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging restraint. “If Putin doesn’t behave, the situation will turn difficult. I also expect Zelensky to do what is necessary, but he must remain flexible in negotiations.”