Ali Imam Majumdar, Food Adviser to the interim government, stated that rice prices are stable due to imports and the Food-Friendly Program. The government has halted rice purchases, increased warehouse releases, and allowed private imports to boost supply. Currently, 5.5 million families receive subsidized rice, and legal action will be taken against illegal hoarding. Record rice collection has been achieved this Boro season, and further imports are underway to ensure prices remain manageable and within the public’s purchasing power.

U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, doubling the previous 25% rate, aiming to pressure Russia to end the Ukraine conflict. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump is creating international pressure, including sanctions, to expedite peace. He recently met Ukrainian President Zelensky and hinted at a possible tripartite dialogue with Putin. European leaders have shown support, while the U.S. continues efforts to facilitate direct Russia-Ukraine talks for a long-term resolution.

A group of young Israeli settlers has attempted to establish a new settlement in Syria’s Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, specifically in Quneitra province. This area falls under the 1974 disengagement agreement. Videos shared on social media show the settlers crossing the security barrier and pouring concrete in the village of Bir Ajam. The planned settlement was named “Neve Habashan.” Reports also note that since the Assad regime weakened, Israel has increased military posts and patrols in Quneitra and has carried out attacks across various Syrian provinces.

India’s government has introduced a constitutional amendment bill in the Lok Sabha that would remove the Prime Minister, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, or Union Territory ministers from office if they remain in custody for 30 consecutive days on serious charges. The ruling party says it will deter corruption, but the opposition warns it could be used to target rival leaders. Political experts fear risks to federalism and judicial independence. Heated protests suggest stormy debates ahead in Parliament.

BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan has voiced caution over the proposed adoption of the proportional representation (PR) system, stating that elections cannot be held solely based on this framework.

He criticized attempts to impose the system on citizens without consultation. While all political parties may accept the PR approach in principle, he emphasized that elections under this system are impossible without constitutional amendments. “Only an elected parliament can make such changes, and the current parliament is not elected by the people, making it unreasonable to implement the PR system now,” he said.

Nazrul Islam also raised concerns about changes to the entire electoral structure through the PR system, even as no final decision on electronic voting machines (EVMs) has been made, describing the move as undue pressure on the public.

AB Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Monju has expressed optimism that national elections can be held in February next year, despite ongoing concerns.

After meeting with the Election Commission, Monju said the party submitted a nine-point proposal. Key suggestions include recruiting non-voter youths as election volunteers, reducing campaign expenditures, and holding polls in open fields for transparency.

He also discussed voting rights for expatriates and dual citizens. While opposing a bicameral system, the party proposed introducing proportional representation (PR) in an upper chamber if established.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher said his party has observations on the July Charter and will discuss them with the National Consensus Commission.

Speaking after visiting BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir in hospital, Taher emphasized that while parties have reached consensus on key issues, “the July Charter remains crucial for both Bangladesh’s future and its upcoming elections.”

Meanwhile, Fakhrul, who had returned home after treatment abroad, was re-hospitalized at midnight due to health complications but has since been discharged.

The deadline for political parties to submit their opinions on the July Charter has been extended until 3 PM on August 22, according to the National Consensus Commission.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed confirmed that the party has already sent its observations on the charter to the commission on Wednesday. Earlier, on August 16, the draft was circulated among political parties seeking feedback.

The draft charter references several national incidents, including the Pilkhana massacre, the Shapla Chattar crackdown, and the 2018 quota reform movement, as part of its historical background.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has announced a six-day program to mark its 47th founding anniversary on September 1. Senior BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan unveiled the plan, which includes:

August 31: Discussion at Engineers’ Institution auditorium in Dhaka.

September 1: Hoisting of national and party flags at BNP offices nationwide; wreath-laying at Ziaur Rahman’s grave in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar; discussions and rallies at metropolitan and district levels.

September 2: Colorful rally in Dhaka, beginning at 2 PM from the party’s Nayapaltan headquarters.

September 3: Discussions and rallies at upazila and municipal levels.

September 4: Tree plantation, fish release, free medical camps, and sports events nationwide.

September 5: Roundtable discussion in Dhaka (venue and time to be announced).

The party will also release a commemorative publication and posters marking the anniversary.

The Bangladesh Agricultural Students’ Association (BAGSCHAS) has announced its panel for the DUCSU polls. Abdul Kader has been nominated for Vice President (VP), Abu Bakar Mojumdar for General Secretary (GS), and Ashrefa Khatun for Assistant General Secretary (AGS). Other nominations include Nahiyan Faruk (Literature & Culture), Mohir Alam (Social Services), Md. Hasibul Islam (Liberation War & Democratic Movements), Md. Sakib (International Affairs), Al Amin Sarkar (Sports), Anika Tahsina (Law & Human Rights), Mitu Akter (Common Room & Cafeteria), Ahad Bin Islam Shoaib (Science & Technology), Sabbir Ahmed (Health & Environment), Rezwan Ahmed Rifat (Career Development), and Md. Ismail Hossain Rudra (Student Transport).
The organization dedicated its Research & Publications post to injured student Sanjida Ahmed Tonvi in solidarity. Thirteen additional member candidates were also nominated.

Three leftist student groups—Bangladesh Chhatra Union, Samajtantrik Chhatra Front, and Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL, left-leaning)—have unveiled a joint panel for the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election. The alliance, named “Oporajeyo 71 – Odommo 24” (Invincible ’71 – Unyielding ’24), nominated Communication Disorders student Md. Nayeem Hasan Hridoy for Vice President (VP) and Political Science student Enamul Hasan Anoy for General Secretary (GS). Philosophy student Aditi Islam has been nominated for Assistant General Secretary (AGS).

The BNP has raised objections to clauses 2, 3, and 4 of the July Charter, citing inconsistencies in the final draft. Three party members have been tasked with reviewing the document and submitting opinions to the Consensus Commission. While supporting timely national elections, the party stressed concerns over domestic and international interference. BNP also opposes placing the Charter above the Constitution and seeks clarity on implementing agreed-upon reforms, notes of dissent, and constitutional amendments to ensure proper legal and parliamentary processes.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was released from United Hospital and returned home on Wednesday afternoon.

He had been admitted late Tuesday night after falling ill, just hours after returning from medical treatment in Thailand. Despite attending a meeting at BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office until 11 p.m., Fakhrul experienced health complications at home and was rushed to the hospital.

Doctors later confirmed he is now in stable condition.

The BNP-affiliated Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) has announced its panel for the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election.

The panel, declared at noon Wednesday by JCD President Rakibul Islam Rakib at the base of Aparajeyo Bangla, includes:

VP Candidate: Abidul Islam Khan (Joint GS of DU Chhatra Dal, Islamic Studies 2015-16 session)

GS Candidate: Tanvir Bari Hamim (Convener, Jasim Uddin Hall JCD, Women & Gender Studies 2018-19 session)

AGS Candidate: Tanvir Al Hadi Mayed (Convener, Bijoy Ekattor Hall JCD, Mass Communication & Journalism 2018-19 session)

Rakib further announced that no candidate was nominated for the post of Research and Publication Secretary in honor of Sanjida Ahmed Tonni, a student injured in the July uprising, who herself is contesting for the position.

Jamaat leader Professor Liaqat Ali Bhuiyan has urged party leaders and activists to work tirelessly to secure victories for candidates across the country in the upcoming 13th national election.

“Thinking only about your own seat will not do. To ensure victory, we must consider the overall election landscape across the nation,” he said.

He stressed the need for close voter engagement and warned against attempts to suppress people’s right to vote. “The people will resist any such effort. The new generation has pledged to build a new Bangladesh, and their sacrifice in the July uprising must not be in vain.”