Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed that Ukraine will not surrender even an inch of its land to occupying forces. His remarks came after Donald Trump suggested that ending the war might involve territorial concessions as part of a peace deal with Russia.
Trump indicated that he plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska next Friday to discuss the conflict.
Zelensky stressed, “Any negotiation or settlement without Ukraine’s involvement will be contrary to peace.”
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, it has occupied about 20% of Ukraine’s territory, though neither side has made significant territorial gains in recent months.

Bangladesh will close land ports that see minimal import-export activity and operate at a loss, said Shipping Adviser Brig Gen (Retd) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hossain during a visit to Hili port. Four of the country’s 24 land ports have already been shut, while only 12–14 of the remaining 20 are functional. Larger, active ports are being modernized, and some river ports will be handed to the private sector. The adviser also inspected facilities and discussed infrastructure improvements with customs officials and traders.

Asif Mahmud, Adviser to the Ministry of Rural Development and Cooperatives, has inaugurated 12 projects in Rajshahi under the ministry’s ongoing programs. The projects, with a total budget of Tk 35 crore, include:

Widening of the Kashem Bazar–Baya road

A new four-storey building for Lakshmipur Government Primary School

Construction of the Pantapara–Kadomshahar Bhaghail Bridge

Foundation laying for a one-storey land office in Bagmara upazila

Inauguration of the new second market building at Haripur Hat

New buildings for Dhorsa Government Primary School and Sonadighi Government Primary School

Foundation laying for a two-storey building at Birkutsha Hat

Inauguration of the new building at Chak Chhatari Government Primary School

Launch of silt removal works at the Nimpur–Habibpur canal

Inauguration of the new second floor of Harogram Natunpara Primary School

Opening of the Rajshahi Central Eidgah.

Following the ceremonies, Asif Mahmud departed for Natore to inaugurate a mini stadium and other development projects.

During a meeting with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, US Vice President JD Vance stated that Washington has no plans to recognize Palestine as a state. Instead, the US sees the destruction of Hamas as a top priority.
Vance said, “Recognition is an issue we need to discuss. Naturally, the UK will make its own decision. But as President Trump has made clear, given the current situation in Israel and Gaza, we have two clear objectives: first, to ensure Hamas can never again attack innocent Israeli civilians, which is only possible through its complete destruction; and second, to address the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has deeply concerned the President.”
Earlier, the UK had indicated it might recognize Palestine in September if relief efforts were obstructed and the war continued.

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) reported that one of the prime suspects in journalist Asaduzzaman Tuhin’s murder, identified as Swadhin, has confessed to his role. RAB Commander K.M.A. Mamun Khan Chishti said Swadhin admitted that Tuhin was killed for filming a robbery attempt. A total of seven suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder. They were detained in raids across the city late Friday night and will be presented in court on Saturday.

Gazipur Metropolitan Police DIG Dr. Md. Nazmul Karim Khan has apologized for failing to protect journalist Asaduzzaman Tuhin, who was murdered while filming a robbery attempt. He promised to submit a charge sheet within 15 days. The DIG said professional criminal gangs targeted Tuhin for recording the incident. He noted that many factories in Gazipur have closed due to the July protests, leaving many unemployed and leading to increased crime. Police have arrested seven suspects, including Faisal alias Ketu Mizan, his wife Golapi, and others.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin said law and order will improve as the election nears, and the Election Commission is fully prepared to handle any security challenges during the vote. Speaking after a meeting with Rangpur division election officials, he said individuals previously linked to election irregularities will be excluded from the process wherever possible. The CEC emphasized that the EC is working to fulfill the chief adviser’s promise of free and fair elections and has taken measures to address the use of AI in election campaigns. The election schedule will be announced two months before polling day.

Indian immigration authorities at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport detained a Bangladeshi man attempting to travel to Germany on a fake Indian passport. The passport bore the name “Paresh Roy,” but officers, suspicious of discrepancies, discovered a Bangladeshi passport under the name “Shramik Barua.” The man was arrested for possessing documents under two different names and nationalities. He is set to appear before the Barrackpore court on Saturday. Police say he had planned to travel to Germany using the forged Indian passport. Several similar arrests have been made recently.

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss resolving the Ukraine crisis. According to Beijing, Putin briefed Xi on the recent visit to Moscow by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and developments in the “Ukraine crisis.” Xi said he welcomed dialogue between Moscow and Washington, encouraged improved relations, and supported political solutions to the conflict. Beijing will continue to promote peace and dialogue, he added. The Kremlin confirmed both leaders discussed Witkoff’s visit, preparations for Putin’s upcoming trip to China, participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, and commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s defeat and the end of World War II.

Authorities in Pakistan’s Balochistan province have suspended mobile internet services for three weeks in an effort to disrupt communications among insurgents accused of recent attacks. A provincial government order stated that the measure will remain in place until the end of this month due to the deteriorating law and order situation. Balochistan is home to several key projects under China’s Belt and Road Initiative. A government spokesperson said Friday that militants were using mobile data to coordinate and exchange information. Last month, Pakistan had also restricted road travel to Iran citing security threats.

The Pakistan Army says it has killed 33 militants, described as “Khawarij,” while they attempted to cross into Balochistan from Afghanistan. The overnight operation in Zhob district targeted the fighters with “precision fire,” seizing weapons, ammunition, and explosives. Authorities described the militants as “India-sponsored separatists.” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the operation as a success. Baloch separatists have recently intensified attacks, demanding greater shares of the province’s mineral wealth. Pakistan has accused the Afghan Taliban of tolerating militants along the border, an allegation Kabul denies.

Malaysian airport police (AKPS) have arrested four Bangladeshi nationals at Kuala Lumpur International Airport for allegedly smuggling gold and smartphones worth around 187,000 ringgit. The seized items included gold jewelry valued at 160,000 ringgit, 12 smartphones worth 22,700 ringgit, 5,042 ringgit in cash, and five passports. The suspects are under investigation under immigration laws and have been handed over to the Selangor Immigration Enforcement Division. AKPS said the bust underscores the effectiveness of security cooperation in combating smuggling at entry points.

DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz has emphasized that active citizen engagement is essential for creating a just and livable city. Speaking at the “Run for Fair City” event, Ejaz said that if people work together beyond political divides, Dhaka can become fair, inclusive, and livable. He highlighted the importance of youth participation and noted DNCC’s initiatives to promote environmental justice, expand public spaces, and increase greenery. The event featured 5 km and 7.5 km races, with a pledge to plant one tree for each registration.

DMP Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjad Ali has pledged that police will uphold professionalism and neutrality in the upcoming national elections scheduled for February, setting an example at home and abroad. He noted that preparations have already begun under the Chief Adviser’s directives to ensure a free and fair election. Sajjad acknowledged past weaknesses in the Metropolitan Police but said professionalism has significantly improved. Senior Home Secretary Nasimul urged all officers to treat citizens with fairness and courtesy.

Three death row inmates at Kashimpur High Security Central Jail in Gazipur attempted to escape, prompting authorities to file a case. The inmates — Shahadat Hossain of Tangail Sadar, Shree Roni Mohanto of Panchbibi, and Nazrul Islam Majnu alias Monju of Bhurungamari — were discovered after a prison guard heard banging from cell No. 12 on August 5 at around 8:15 p.m. A search the next morning uncovered escape tools including a 28-foot rope and a 25-foot belt made from blankets, iron rods, and hooks. Officials said the inmates were stockpiling equipment for a potential escape opportunity.