Five candidates have so far collected nomination papers for the Vice-President post in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Daksu) elections. Chief Returning Officer Mohammad Jasim Uddin reported that on Wednesday alone, 13 candidates collected nomination forms for various central positions, while 18 candidates collected forms for hall union elections.

On August 12, a total of seven candidates took forms, and four have submitted them so far. Jasim confirmed that all candidates have adhered to the election code of conduct. Nomination distribution will continue daily from 10 am to 4 pm until August 18, and submissions will be accepted from 10 am to 3 pm on August 19.

Police have arrested Sujon Sikder, joint convener of the Gopalganj district unit of Swechchhasebak Dal, in connection with clashes during an NCP march. Authorities confirmed that he was shown arrested on Wednesday under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The violent incidents took place on July 16, when an NCP rally in Gopalganj erupted into widespread clashes. So far, police have filed 15 cases, including five for murder.

Islamic Movement leader Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, widely known as the Chormonai Pir, has accused an “opportunist clique” of exploiting the post–August 5 situation for extortion and tender manipulation. Speaking at a seminar in Faridpur, he said Islamic Movement leaders and scholars took to the streets after August 5 to protect the lives and property of minorities.

He claimed the party is working to unite Islamic-minded voters ahead of the next election, which has led to increased hostility from those he described as “fascists” and “extortionists.” He further alleged that attacks are now being directed against Chormonai, Islamic scholars, and particularly the student leaders who played a central role in the August 5 uprising.

The White House has indicated that the upcoming Alaska meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin is primarily a listening opportunity for Trump, with little chance of a quick Russia–Ukraine ceasefire. Only one party involved in the conflict will attend, and key issues remain unresolved. While Trump has suggested territorial concessions might be necessary, Ukraine’s President Zelensky has rejected any agreement without Ukraine’s consent. Private talks in Anchorage may precede a possible future Trump visit to Russia.

Britain, France, and Germany have warned the UN they will reinstate sanctions on Iran if no diplomatic deal is reached over Tehran’s nuclear program by the end of August. In a joint letter, the E3 said they are ready to use the 2015 deal’s “snapback mechanism” if Iran continues violating limits, accusing Tehran of stockpiling 40 times the permitted uranium. The warning follows Israeli and US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and Iran’s suspension of cooperation with the IAEA.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán declared that Russia has won the Ukraine war, ahead of a planned Trump-Putin summit in Alaska aimed at ending the conflict. Orbán, in power since 2010, maintains close ties with Moscow, opposes military aid to Ukraine, and rejects its EU membership bid. He was the only EU leader not to endorse a statement supporting Ukraine’s right to decide its future. Hungary relies heavily on Russian energy and has refused to send weapons to Kyiv.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus pledged to hold free, fair, and transparent elections in February 2026 to return power to the people. Speaking in Malaysia after receiving an honorary doctorate from UKM, he highlighted reforms, inclusive economic growth, and youth empowerment as priorities. Yunus recalled the 2024 youth-led uprising, warned against wealth concentration, and urged global cooperation. He emphasized deepening Bangladesh–Malaysia ties in trade, renewable energy, and technology, while encouraging students to dream big and work for a just, inclusive future.

After a key counterterrorism meeting in Islamabad, the US publicly acknowledged Pakistan’s success in combating terrorism, praising its efforts regionally and internationally. The statement expressed condolences for attacks in Jafar Express and Khuzdar. Analysts note this creates diplomatic pressure on India, already strained over trade and tariffs with Washington. Pakistan’s military chief’s nuclear remarks added controversy. While India condemns it, US ties with Pakistan strengthen, signaling shifting strategic dynamics and a potential rebalancing in South Asian diplomacy.

Workers at Genoa port have detained the Saudi vessel Bahri Yanbu, reportedly carrying weapons from the U.S. intended for Israel. The ship, previously docked in Maryland, was discovered to already have arms and ammunition. Around 40 port workers boarded the vessel to inspect and confirm the cargo. Saudi Arabia’s Bahri shipping company has denied all allegations, calling them baseless, and emphasized compliance with international maritime laws. European port workers are increasingly acting to prevent arms reaching Israel amid the ongoing Gaza crisis.

UK MP Tulip Siddiq, niece of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is facing trial in Bangladesh over allegations of illegally acquiring government land. The Anti-Corruption Commission claims she holds Bangladeshi citizenship and is registered as a voter, though Siddiq denies this. Her legal team calls the documents forged. The trial proceeds in her absence, raising political and legal debate. Siddiq resigned earlier from her UK Treasury post after reports of benefiting from assets linked to Hasina’s party.

Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir recently issued a direct nuclear threat to India, warning of potential attacks on infrastructure and extreme retaliatory measures. The remarks sparked outrage in India, with actress and MP Kangana Ranaut mocking him on social media. Delhi’s diplomatic and defense circles are closely monitoring the situation. Experts suggest Pakistan’s economic and political pressures may drive such statements. Kangana’s comments have ignited a heated debate, highlighting the growing verbal tension between the two nations.

Amid rising tensions over trade, Prime Minister Narendra Modi may visit the U.S. in late September to attend the UN General Assembly in New York. On the sidelines, a possible bilateral meeting with President Donald Trump could focus on import tariffs, the bilateral trade deal, and India’s oil purchases from Russia. Earlier tariff hikes and potential sanctions have strained relations, making this visit a crucial moment. Outcomes of any Trump-Putin discussions could further influence India’s diplomatic strategy.

India is reducing engagement with Turkey across tourism, education, and aviation as public anger grows over Ankara’s support for Pakistan and other disputes. Tourist arrivals from India fell 37% year-on-year, with mass cancellations hitting high-end travel segments. Several Indian universities have suspended exchange programs with Turkish institutions, citing national interest. Aviation authorities have revoked security clearance for Turkish-owned ground-handling firms. Analysts say India is leveraging its consumer and passenger base as a strategic tool against nations opposing its core interests.

Jatiya Party Co-Chairman Mostafizar Rahman Mostafa has declared Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud, Ruhul Amin Hawlader, and Mujibul Haque Chunnu “unwelcome” in Rangpur Division, accusing them of plotting to split the party. Calling for unity behind GM Quader, Mostafa expressed concern over deteriorating law and order and suggested deploying the army alongside police for a phased general election. He also alleged that a conspiracy is underway to ban the Jatiya Party, similar to the Awami League’s ban.

Dhaka — The Jatiya Gonotantrik Party (JAGPA) has sent a formal letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding the extradition of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to face trial over her alleged role in the July massacre.

The letter, submitted in both English and Bengali on Wednesday afternoon to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, was signed by Rashed Pradhan. As no High Commission official came forward to receive it, the letter was handed over through Additional Deputy Police Commissioner of the Diplomatic Security Division, Talat Mahmud.

In the letter, JAGPA accused Delhi of granting asylum to Hasina and condemned India’s “aggressive interference” in Bangladesh’s internal affairs. It also extended early greetings to the people of India on the eve of their 78th Independence Day before launching into sharp criticism:

“During the 1971 Liberation War, India looted resources from Bangladesh worth nearly USD 4 billion. From the beginning, India sought to treat Bangladesh as a tributary state, undermining our sovereignty and independence.”

The letter further accused India of exploiting Bangladesh while denying it its rightful shares of resources, contrasting this with Bangladesh’s generosity towards its neighbour. The party demanded that Sheikh Hasina be sent back to Bangladesh to face justice.