Government advisor Farida Akhter reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to preserving the country’s waterbodies and ensuring sustainable fish production to meet the nation’s protein needs.

Speaking at a fisheries event, she highlighted this year’s slogan: “Let’s build sanctuaries, let indigenous fish fill our land.” She praised fishermen for their crucial role in safeguarding fish diversity while ensuring food security for millions.

“The government will continue to support fishermen both administratively and through policy measures,” she said. Farida also described pearls and oysters as national treasures, noting that the ongoing Fisheries Fair provides citizens with an opportunity to learn more about Bangladesh’s rich aquatic and marine resources.

A low-pressure system over the northwest Bay of Bengal has crossed the southern Odisha coast early Tuesday morning and is now positioned over coastal Odisha and adjoining areas, according to a weather bulletin.

The system is expected to move northwest and gradually weaken. However, due to its impact, strong winds are likely to sweep across the northern Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh’s coastal regions, and maritime ports.

Authorities have advised Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra ports to keep hoisted local cautionary signal No. 3. All fishing boats and trawlers in the Bay of Bengal have been instructed to remain close to the shore and proceed with caution until further notice.

European Union (EU) Ambassador Charles Whiteley (Miller) announced that the EU will provide €4 million in assistance to the Election Commission of Bangladesh to ensure that the upcoming national election meets international standards.

Following a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin, Ambassador Miller said an EU expert team will arrive in Bangladesh next month to assess whether EU election observers will be deployed.

“The EU supports Bangladesh’s democratic progress. Further discussions will be held with both the Election Commission and the government,” Miller stated. He acknowledged Bangladesh’s experience in holding elections but noted that past polls had raised questions. He expressed hope that the next election would be credible, inclusive, and internationally recognized.

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul has reaffirmed that the next general election will be held on schedule, with no possibility of delay from the timeline announced by the Chief Adviser.
“The government is firmly determined to complete the polls on time,” Nazrul said. He added that while political parties continue to issue statements in different tones, the quality of their positions has not changed.
He also revealed that recommendations for reforms in the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Election Commission will soon be enacted into law, with legislative work beginning immediately and expected to be completed within months.

At least 1,000 families in three unions of Sadarpur, Faridpur, have been marooned after the Arial Khan and Padma rivers rose above danger levels, triggering severe flooding and river erosion.
The Water Development Board reported that water in the Arial Khan is now 109 centimeters above danger mark. To curb erosion, authorities have begun dumping geo-bags along the Shaitan Khali area of Akoterchar on the Padma’s banks.
Nearly 15 villages in Char Nasirpur, Diyar Narikelbaria, and Char Manair unions are inundated, damaging crops and cutting off rural roads. Many residents are dismantling their homes in fear of losing land to the rivers.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Jakia Sultana said: “We are fully prepared to respond. Residents along the riverbanks have been urged to remain cautious, and emergency assistance will be provided if necessary.”

The U.S. has revoked visas for more than 6,000 foreign students over multiple violations, including overstaying, breaking immigration laws, and engaging in criminal activities.
According to the State Department, many of those whose visas were canceled were involved in offenses such as assault, drunk driving, theft, and in some cases, alleged “support for terrorism.” The Trump administration also targeted certain students who participated in pro-Palestinian protests, accusing them of engaging in anti-Semitic behavior.
Authorities said about 4,000 visas were canceled due to legal violations, while 200–300 were revoked over alleged links to “terrorist activities.” The crackdown follows earlier directives requiring student visa applicants to submit social media account details as part of background checks.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to hold a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky within the next two weeks.
“We don’t yet know if President Putin will have the courage to attend such a summit—pressure is still required,” Merz said. He added that Trump was “impressed by European unity” and that discussions with Washington are now moving toward details of Ukraine’s security guarantees.
During a break in Monday’s talks, Trump reportedly spoke to Putin by phone, leading to agreement on a direct meeting between the two presidents. Trump also committed to convening a trilateral summit to “truly launch the talks.” Praising the announcement, Merz noted that the U.S. is also prepared to lend its support.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that the upcoming trilateral summit involving Russia, the United States, and European leaders will focus on “regional matters.” Following a meeting on Monday with former U.S. President Donald Trump and EU leaders, Zelensky said the discussions touched on “highly sensitive issues,” including security guarantees and humanitarian concerns.
“The most important point is that all these sensitive issues—regional and others—will be discussed at the trilateral meeting,” Zelensky emphasized. He added that Trump is working to facilitate such a meeting. “He said, whether he is present or not, Ukraine would be glad if I take part,” Zelensky remarked. He also expressed gratitude to the United States for its engagement on potential security guarantees and humanitarian issues.

Hamas has agreed to a new 60-day ceasefire proposal mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and international organizations.
According to Reuters, the deal includes Hamas releasing half of the hostages it currently holds in exchange for Israel freeing a number of Palestinian prisoners.
Sources in Egypt said the framework also paves the way for a broader agreement aimed at ending the nearly two-year-long conflict. The plan is reportedly similar to a previous U.S.-backed proposal that Israel had already accepted.

Donald Trump revealed that he spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin for 40 minutes during a series of meetings with European leaders and Ukrainian President Zelensky.
Trump said he began working on arranging a trilateral meeting between himself, Putin, and Zelensky. “I will sit down with both presidents and help decide the venue for the talks,” he announced.
He added that discussions also covered security guarantees for Ukraine, with European countries expected to coordinate efforts alongside the U.S.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has emphasized the need for a permanent peace agreement to end the Russia-Ukraine war, rather than a temporary ceasefire.
Speaking after a 90-minute meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, Trump said, “I personally like ceasefires because they stop the killings immediately, but in the end, we need a sustainable peace deal.”
However, German Chancellor Merz stated that a ceasefire must precede any peace talks. “I cannot imagine negotiations without a ceasefire. Russia must be pressured into stopping hostilities first,” he said.

The Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET) has issued show-cause notices to 10 students accused of ragging juniors from the 24th batch.
According to a notice signed by Professor Dr. Md. Mahbubul Alam, Director of Student Welfare, the accused belong to the 23rd batch.
On the night of August 13, CUET authorities found 10 seniors harassing nine juniors inside room N-512 of Muktijoddha Hall during a routine inspection by the hall provost and assistant provosts.

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested Azharul Sardar in Keraniganj on charges of murdering his stepson, Rakibul.
According to RAB, Azharul confessed during preliminary interrogation that he strangled Rakibul out of anger after his wife, Tofura Khatun, divorced him.
RAB-10 Commander Additional DIG Mohammad Kamruzzaman said Rakibul went missing on August 14 after leaving for work. Later, Tofura received misleading information from Azharul about her son’s whereabouts. On August 16, she discovered that Rakibul’s body was hidden in Azharul’s rented house.
Investigators confirmed that Azharul strangled the boy with a towel before attempting to conceal the body.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin has signed an ordinance abolishing the use of political party symbols in local government elections.

Under the new law, candidates must contest as independents, preventing political parties from officially nominating candidates.

The move reverses a 2015 decision under the Awami League government to hold local polls on party lines—a move long criticized by opposition groups and election experts.

The Non-Government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA) has completed preparations for the sixth mass teacher recruitment recommendations. Pending approval from Education Adviser Dr. C. R. Abrar, recommendations for over 41,000 teacher appointments could be announced on Tuesday, August 19. Over 57,000 candidates applied for a total of 108,822 vacancies across schools, colleges, madrasas, and technical institutions, meaning nearly half of the positions may remain unfilled despite the large recruitment drive.