G.K. Gaus, BNP’s central organizing secretary, said, “Allah does not favor those who cross limits. We have repeatedly warned the Awami League to refrain from crossing boundaries, but who listens to whom?” He added that the Awami League once thought they could hold power over the people of the country indefinitely. Gaus criticized the party’s arrogance, stating, “Allah does not support the arrogant. Just as Allah destroyed Pharaoh and Nimrod, those who followed their path throughout history were also destroyed.” He further noted that a year ago, the Awami League’s cadres fled, marking the beginning of the party’s decline. Gaus urged learning lessons from the downfall of the Awami League.

BNP leader Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has strongly criticized ongoing debates around the proportional representation (PR) voting system, saying the sacrifices made during the July people's uprising were not for electoral technicalities but for the establishment of genuine democracy.

"Whether we vote through PR or allocate seats proportionally—no one gave their life for that. The martyrs of the July uprising fought for democracy, not electoral formulas," Hafiz said at a recent political event.

He emphasized that the simplest and most legitimate path forward is to hold elections under a neutral caretaker government. Citing a hypothetical example, he warned of the absurdities that PR could bring: “Imagine someone from Kurigram becoming the MP for Bhola—that’s the kind of disconnect the PR system might create.”

Referring to the remarks of a martyr’s father, Hafiz said, “One father of a July martyr told me that the dreams for which their children died remain unfulfilled. That is a deeply painful truth.”

He also criticized the interim government's leadership, pointing out that not a single word of accountability has been directed at Chief Advisor Sheikh Hasina. “Only Dr. Asif Nazrul, among the advisors, occasionally raises concerns,” he noted.

Highlighting the BNP’s long struggle against what he called the authoritarian rule of Sheikh Hasina, Hafiz declared that the party had already defeated that regime through continuous movements. He criticized the imbalance in the current national consensus dialogue, where BNP stands alone on one side and 34 other parties on the other.

“Let the people judge—compare the public support behind the BNP and these 34 parties,” he challenged. He also accused some political factions of wanting to discard the Constitution of 1972, a founding document achieved through the Liberation War, and warned against revisionist narratives from parties that had once opposed the war but now claim regret.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), called on the administration to take tough measures against those who exploit the name of the July uprising or the party for unethical or criminal activities.

He stressed the need to eradicate extortion, terrorism, and corruption from Bangladesh, noting, “The aspirations of the July uprising have not yet been fully realized.” He acknowledged the partial fulfillment of the movement’s goals through the July Charter and emphasized the symbolic significance of August 3, when a one-point demand was issued at the Central Shaheed Minar.

He added that the NCP will present its future roadmap during a rally on August 3, with efforts made to minimize public inconvenience. He thanked Chhatra Dal for relocating their program from the Shaheed Minar to Shahbagh at the NCP’s request and urged consensus on the implementation of the July Charter.

Asaduzzaman Fuad, a leader of the AB Party, has criticized those who claim the country was better off before, labeling such narratives as foreign-influenced and disconnected from national identity.

Speaking on the aftermath of the July uprising, Fuad said, “We were on the brink of civil war and famine, but the interim government’s firmness prevented such disasters.” Dismissing the idea that the country has declined, he added, “We haven’t turned from Switzerland into Uganda—we were always Uganda.”

Fuad also blamed a section of the business community for empowering what he called the "fascist hand of Hasina," stating they must be held accountable. He criticized political parties for failing to introspect or reform, warning that without a change in political character, no lasting progress is possible.

Dr. Mashrur Riaz of Policy Exchange urges immediate talks between Bangladeshi garment exporters and U.S. brands and buyers to address the newly reduced 20% tariff. He warns that if the full burden falls on consumers, demand and exports could drop. While the tariff cut is positive compared to the initial 37%, challenges remain, especially regarding local value addition requirements. Transparency on the tariff agreement terms is also needed to safeguard national interests.

Turkey has unveiled two advanced non-nuclear bombs, Gazap and Hayalet, alongside its recently showcased hypersonic missile, Typhoon Block-4. Gazap, weighing around 970 kg, disperses controlled shrapnel over a 1 km radius, while Hayalet is a bunker-buster capable of penetrating up to 90 meters of reinforced concrete. These developments highlight Turkey’s growing military strength, raising regional concerns, especially in Greece, Cyprus, India, and the US. The weapons showcase Ankara’s increasing defense capabilities under President Erdoğan’s leadership.

The Trump administration has imposed a 25% tariff on Indian imports, potentially reducing India’s GDP by up to 0.2%—an estimated ₹3.3 trillion loss. India has pushed back, refusing to allow U.S. agricultural and dairy imports due to domestic and religious concerns. The government remains firm on protecting farmers and small businesses. With agriculture employing nearly half the population, policy sensitivity is high. Bilateral trade reached $132 billion in 2024–25, but tensions have now escalated between the two economic partners.

Iran has deported over 1.5 million Afghans, accusing some of being Israeli spies. Returnees claim they were physically abused by Iranian authorities, even with valid visas. Reports include beatings with pipes and rods, destruction of legal documents, and confiscation of personal belongings. Human rights observers suggest Iran is scapegoating Afghans to mask internal security failures. While Iran cites national security as justification, over 900,000 Afghans returned between June 22 and July 22, according to the Taliban government. Around 4 million undocumented Afghans remain in Iran.

U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed the deployment of two nuclear submarines closer to Russia, calling it a necessary step to stay "prepared." The move follows provocative remarks by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. Trump issued an ultimatum to resolve the Ukraine war within 10 days or face tougher U.S. actions. Medvedev responded with warnings and references to Russia’s Cold War-era "Dead Hand" nuclear system. Analysts fear this escalating rhetoric may worsen global tensions and diplomatic relations.

BNP leader Abdul Awal Mintoo has criticized the so-called National Consensus Commission, claiming it has failed to achieve unity and instead deepened divisions among political forces in the country.

"Calling it a ‘Consensus Commission’ is misleading—it should be called a ‘Division Commission’," Mintoo said. He argued that the commission's discussions have focused solely on power-sharing among elites rather than addressing income inequality and distribution for the people.

Mintoo also dismissed the idea that economic progress can be measured only by foreign reserve levels or currency stability. "There is no real economic achievement. In fact, the situation has deteriorated," he asserted.

BNP leader Nazrul Islam has warned that any delay in holding elections could jeopardize the country's democratic system and potentially pave the way for a resurgence of authoritarianism. Speaking at a debate competition, he called on all factions involved in the July movement to remain vigilant.

Nazrul noted that many institutions still have individuals aligned with the ruling Awami League, which complicates the path to a free and fair election. "Distance among parties is natural and part of democratic beauty," he added.

Chairman of the organizing committee, Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that early elections are necessary to eliminate extortion, mob violence, and widespread fear, and to restore the rule of law.

Rashed Khan, a leader of the Gono Odhikar Parishad, expressed deep concern over the current state of the anti-discrimination student movement platform, stating that it has turned into a vehicle for inequality. In a social media post, he called for the permanent suspension of the platform to preserve its sanctity.

Rashed noted that while the platform had once played a crucial role in mass uprisings, over the past year it has been tainted by allegations of extortion, lobbying, and manipulation of job transfers and promotions under the guise of student representation. He likened its current reputation to that of the controversial "Muktijoddha Mancha."

He emphasized that this decline was not what the movement’s participants had envisioned. "It should have been preserved in history as a universal platform that belonged to everyone," Rashed said. He warned that if politicians, student leaders, and civil society fall into this trap of controversy, it will be deeply regrettable.

The Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) expressed strong satisfaction after a high-level visit to Washington, D.C., highlighting significant progress in reducing U.S. tariffs on Bangladesh’s ready-made garment exports. Led by BTMA President Shawkat Aziz Russell, the delegation thanked the Bangladesh Commerce Ministry’s team for their efforts. The visit included commitments from member mills to import U.S. cotton and meetings with U.S. business leaders, further boosting bilateral trade and investment prospects between the two countries.

Police in Monirampur, Jashore, arrested four young men while they were allegedly preparing for a robbery. The arrests took place on Friday night in Room 408 of Rajani Nibash Hotel, located near Hatkhola intersection. Authorities reported that the suspects were planning robberies targeting vehicles on the Jashore-Chuknagar highway. A toy pistol and a switchblade were seized from the scene.

The detainees have been identified as Alam Khan of Gangra, Tutul of Durgapur, Saiful Islam from Kadombaria, and Abu Sinha of Khedapara—all residents of Monirampur upazila.

Conflicting statements have emerged regarding their political affiliations. While the Monirampur BNP president claims the arrestees are affiliated with the Jubo Dal (BNP’s youth wing), district-level Jubo Dal leaders deny this, stating the individuals are not members of their organization. A case has been filed, and the accused were produced before the court.

Colombia's former President Álvaro Uribe has been sentenced to 12 years of house arrest for fraud and witness tampering, marking the first criminal conviction of a former head of state in the country. He was also fined $578,000 and banned from holding public office. Uribe, who served from 2002 to 2010, has denied the charges and plans to appeal. The case involved testimony from ex-paramilitary members who claimed they were bribed to support him. His former lawyer is also facing trial in connection with the case.