The United States has doubled the reward for information leading to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to $50 million, up from the previous $25 million.

US Attorney General Pam Bondi accused Maduro of collaborating with criminal organizations such as the Tren de Aragua and Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel. In response, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil dismissed the move as a “laughable attempt to divert attention from real issues” and reiterated Venezuela’s stance: “We will not sell our nation's honor.”

Maduro and several top Venezuelan officials were indicted in 2020 during the Trump administration for alleged involvement in “narco-terrorism” and other criminal conspiracies.

Malaysia's immigration authorities in Johor have detained 32 undocumented migrants, including nine Bangladeshi men, during a recent crackdown.

The operation, conducted on August 6 under Ops Belanja, Ops Selera, Ops Sapu, and Ops Kutip, targeted Bandar Baru Ayer Hitam. Johor Immigration Director Datuk Mohd Faizal stated the detainees were found working without valid permits. Among those arrested were 20 Pakistani men and three Indonesians (one man and two women). Authorities conducted searches at 16 locations, inspecting a total of 62 foreign nationals and locals.

The Israeli offensive in Gaza has crippled the region’s healthcare system, according to Al Jazeera. Blood banks have become inoperable, leading to a severe blood shortage that endangers patients' lives.

Due to malnutrition and dehydration, even healthy individuals are unable to donate blood. Journalist Hani Mahmoud, reporting from Gaza City, said, “We’ve seen people begging doctors to take their blood to save loved ones, but they’re being turned away due to their weakened conditions.”

The World Health Organization has warned that over 14,800 patients urgently need specialized care. Meanwhile, despite the crisis, Netanyahu has declared intentions to fully occupy Gaza within the next few days.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has revealed plans to take control of Gaza, but claims the goal is not long-term governance. Speaking to Fox News, he said, “Our objective is to remove Hamas, ensure Israel’s security, and hand over Gaza to a non-Hamas local civil administration with support from regional Arab partners.”

He reiterated that Israel’s aim is not occupation but liberation from Hamas’ rule, allowing a new administration that does not pose a threat to Israel’s existence.

The Advisory Council has approved a proposal to upgrade World Tourism Day, observed annually on September 27, from a Category 'C' to a Category 'B' national day. The initiative was led by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism.

This year’s theme for World Tourism Day is “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.”

During the council meeting, a progress report on the implementation of various decisions taken between May and July of this year was presented. Out of 315 decisions, 247 have already been implemented, marking a 78.41% implementation rate—the highest to date.

The council also granted final approval to the Draft Ordinance for the Gazipur Digital University (Amendment), 2025, pending vetting by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division.

British MP of Bangladeshi origin, Rushanara Ali, has resigned from her position as Minister for Homelessness following criticism over raising rent by £700 after evicting tenants from her townhome.
In her resignation letter, she stated that she did not want personal matters to overshadow the government's goals. Rushanara Ali, the first Bangladeshi-born MP in the UK, has represented Tower Hamlets since 2010.
Earlier, another British-Bangladeshi MP, Tulip Siddiq, resigned amid corruption allegations linked to Bangladesh.

Sumaiya Tahmid Jafrin, wife of Major Sadikul Haque, has been placed on five-day remand for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government under the guise of celebrating Sheikh Hasina’s return.
According to police, she was involved in coordinating secret meetings, recruiting homeless individuals for disruptive activities, and managing a Facebook group named “ODIB-M-1701 (Operation Dhaka Blockade)”.
Investigators claim several meetings were held at convention centers, resorts, and residential flats to strategize unrest. Though her lawyers deny the allegations and sought bail, the court approved her remand for further interrogation.

Private institution teachers from all 64 districts will gather in Dhaka on August 13, demanding the nationalization of MPO-listed schools. Organized by the Alliance of MPO-Enlisted Teachers, the mass rally aims to press the government to fulfill long-standing promises, including allowances and fair benefits. If the demands are not met by the rally date, the teachers warn of class boycotts and tougher protests. Over 300 volunteers and divisional coordinators will manage logistics, with buses arranged from each district to ensure a large turnout.

As part of strengthening bilateral cooperation, the Bangladesh Army has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Turkish Airlines.

The agreement, signed on Thursday at Dhaka Cantonment, will allow both active-duty and retired military personnel to travel internationally at reduced rates for both official and personal purposes. According to ISPR, this initiative will lower travel expenses for army members and save government funds. Personnel will also gain affordable access to Star Alliance services offered by Turkish Airlines.

Rumors have been circulating that only Muslim victims of the July-August events will be granted "martyr" status. Cultural adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki addressed the issue, clarifying: “All who died in the July uprising are martyrs, regardless of faith.”

Farooki said the symbolic graveyard near the July Memorial Museum will include names of all victims, across religions, genders, and professions. Muslim martyrs will be honored with symbolic graves, while others will be commemorated with plaques. A two-line poem will be inscribed outside the memorial:
“The tyrant who fed off patriots’ blood / Now sleeps in the tombs of martyrs.”

Apple has pledged an additional $100 billion investment to expand production in the U.S., following pressure from former President Donald Trump. The tech giant aims to avoid high tariffs by building new facilities, including a data center and a smart glass production line. CEO Tim Cook says Apple’s U.S. investments are already showing results. The move also helps realign Apple’s supply chain away from China, with increased sourcing from India and Vietnam. Apple shares jumped over 5% after the announcement.

Three Pakistani soldiers, including Major Mohammad Rizwan Tahir, were killed in an IED blast in Balochistan's Mastung area, allegedly carried out by India-backed militant group Fitna al-Hindustan. The Pakistan Army blamed India’s RAW for supporting the attackers. A counter-operation led to the deaths of four militants. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, praised the military's sacrifices, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to eliminating terrorism. Tensions between the two countries remain high, with Islamabad accusing New Delhi of fueling internal instability through proxy warfare.

Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin stated that Bangladesh’s interim government has successfully dismantled market syndicates and increased foreign reserves within the past year.

Speaking at a program in the Secretariat, he pledged to eliminate corruption before the upcoming election and promised increased employment opportunities and steps to resolve the ongoing energy crisis. However, the Trade Secretary admitted that challenges like corruption and inequality still remain.

Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, is set to visit the United States this week—his second trip in just two months. Though not officially announced, sources confirm the primary reason is to attend a retirement ceremony for U.S. Central Command Chief General Michael Kurilla.

During a recent visit to Pakistan, Kurilla received the military honor Nishan-e-Imtiaz from President Asif Ali Zardari and praised Pakistan’s regional contributions. Notably, Munir also held a closed-door meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump in June, amid heightened Indo-Pak tensions. This visit coincides with growing U.S.-Pakistan trade ties.

The Advisory Council extended congratulations to Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashiruddin for his leadership in reducing retaliatory tariffs imposed by the US from 35% to 20%. Culture Advisor Mostofa Sarwar Farooki was also commended for successfully leading a 36-day national cultural program throughout July, especially the August 5th event which drew hundreds of thousands to Manik Mia Avenue.