On August 4, a deadly clash erupted at Mohammadpur’s Beribandh intersection, Dhaka, as protesters demanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation came under fire from armed Awami League cadres. Eyewitnesses reported that police and RAB supplied weapons and stood by while helmeted attackers fired live rounds, rubber bullets, and tear gas. At least 28 people were shot, with 10 dying on the spot. Among the dead were two teenage rickshaw drivers. Protesters had erected barricades and chanted anti-government slogans before the attack began.

A three-member delegation of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, led by its Amir Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim (Char Monai Pir), is scheduled to arrive at the July Declaration venue at 4:00 PM.

The declaration will be read out by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus at 5:00 PM at Manik Mia Avenue, Dhaka. Party leader Sheikh Fazlul Karim Maruf confirmed the attendance of the delegation.

Amid rising political tension in Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reportedly decided to step down after a meeting with security forces. On August 5, she personally called Delhi requesting temporary entry into India, which was promptly approved. A second call followed from the Bangladesh Air Force seeking clearance for her military aircraft to land at a specific Indian airbase — a request also granted immediately. Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar later confirmed the calls in Parliament, though did not specify whom Hasina had spoken to.

The government has extended an invitation to former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, along with acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, to attend the July Declaration ceremony.

Though they will not be attending in person, the BNP will be represented by a five-member delegation led by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Senior BNP leader Ismail Jabiullah will also attend, along with representatives from the student wing, JCD, including its president and general secretary.

On August 5, 2024, Indian officials were preoccupied with Parliament’s monsoon session, unaware that Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would soon seek refuge in India. As mass protests under the “March to Dhaka” movement escalated, Indian intelligence believed Hasina might survive the crisis. Even during a recent hotline call with Modi, no such outcome was discussed. Although military intervention was ruled out, India had offered other forms of support. Still, Delhi was unprepared for the dramatic turn of events that forced Hasina to flee.

Heavy rainfall has created perfect conditions for jute retting in Faridpur, raising hopes of a high-quality harvest. Farmers and officials expect production to exceed 200,000 tons this season, potentially worth over Tk 2,000 crore. Jute is being cultivated on 86,000 hectares across eight upazilas, involving more than 500,000 farmers. Despite early drought concerns and rising costs, favorable weather has improved yield and fiber quality. Officials believe this could solidify Faridpur’s position as the top jute-producing district in Bangladesh.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong voiced deep concern over the ongoing Israeli assault on Gaza and violence in the West Bank, warning that one day there may be no Palestinians left to recognize. Speaking to ABC, she supported recent mass protests in Sydney calling for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid. Wong emphasized the urgency of recognizing Palestine, stating the key issue is when, not if. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is reportedly preparing to order a full occupation of Gaza despite internal opposition.

Brazil’s Supreme Court has ordered the house arrest of former President Jair Bolsonaro, widely dubbed the “Trump of Brazil.”

The ruling comes amid allegations that Bolsonaro conspired with military elements to stage a coup following his defeat in the last presidential election. He also faces accusations of plotting to assassinate President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva—allegations he has denied. The case remains under judicial review by the Supreme Court.

Previously, the court had granted Bolsonaro bail on the condition that he refrain from making any public statements or posting videos online. His passport was also confiscated. However, he reportedly violated those conditions, prompting the new order.

The U.S. government has condemned the ruling, expressing concerns about its implications.

Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus will address the nation today, marking the first anniversary of Sheikh Hasina’s ouster. The speech will focus on the upcoming national election, with a preliminary roadmap and directives to the Election Commission. A possible February election date may be mentioned. The address will also reflect on the interim government's one-year performance, justice efforts, and political consensus progress. Coordination among law enforcement for election readiness will be discussed, alongside a call for political parties to cooperate for a historic democratic transition.

Allama Shah Muhibbullah Babunagari, Amir of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh, has stated that Jamaat-e-Islami is a fraudulent Islamic group, not a genuine Islamic party. He emphasized that Jamaat does not represent the Islam of Madinah but instead seeks to establish the ideology of Maududi. “Following Maududi’s ideology means there will be no true faith,” he said.

While acknowledging the necessity of unity among Islamic parties, Babunagari firmly declared, “We do not consider Jamaat an Islamic party. They have never desired the Islam of Madinah; their aim is to establish Maududism. Therefore, unity with them is impossible.”

He further remarked, “Jamaat is not the largest party in the country; BNP holds that position.”

Three foreign diplomats have sent flowers to Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, wishing him a speedy recovery as he undergoes treatment at a hospital.

The well-wishers include:

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen

Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan, Muhammad Wasif

Palestinian Ambassador, Yousef Ramadan

According to Jamaat sources, the diplomats inquired about Dr. Rahman’s health and conveyed their hopes for his swift recovery. The party expressed sincere gratitude for this gesture, calling it a memorable act of goodwill.

Despite five years since drafting, Dhaka’s parking policy has yet to be finalized or implemented. The draft emphasizes the importance of regulated parking to ease traffic congestion and outlines strict measures against illegal roadside parking. Delays stem from lack of government focus and official transfers. Unauthorized parking and sidewalk occupation continue to worsen traffic jams and citizen hardship. The policy aims to coordinate management across Dhaka and surrounding districts, encouraging private sector involvement and enforcement by traffic police and local authorities.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned of significant tariff hikes on Indian goods imported into the United States, citing India’s ongoing purchase of fuel from Russia amid the Ukraine conflict. Trump made these remarks on his social media platform Truth Social ahead of planned U.S. retaliatory tariffs effective August 7. While details on specific products and tariff rates remain unclear, Indian officials have confirmed that despite the threats, India will continue buying Russian oil.

China has deployed private militias, largely composed of former PLA personnel, to secure strategic infrastructure in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, particularly around the key port town Kyaukphyu. These militias go beyond guarding, reportedly engaging in drone operations and sniper attacks against insurgents, marking a shift to active conflict involvement. This unofficial military presence supports China’s Belt and Road investments while avoiding formal troop deployment. However, it raises local mistrust, heightens risks of violence, and challenges Myanmar’s sovereignty amid growing geopolitical tensions.

The government has made it compulsory to submit income tax return proof when opening or maintaining fixed deposits and savings certificates over 10 lakh taka, or taking loans exceeding 20 lakh taka. Bangladesh Bank issued a circular enforcing this rule across 24 financial and banking services, including company director appointments, trade license renewals, and utility connections. Failure to comply will result in denial of these services by banks and government agencies, aiming to widen tax compliance nationwide.