China has imposed sanctions on six American companies, accusing them of undermining its national security through military cooperation with Taiwan. Three firms—Sarinc Technologies, Aerocom, and Oceaneering International—were added to Beijing’s “unreliable entities list,” barring them from trade with China. Separately, Huntington Ingalls Industries, Planet Management Group, and Global Dimensions were placed on the export control list, preventing them from receiving dual-use goods. The move comes as U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping prepare for a high-level meeting.

National Citizens’ Party (NCP) South Region Coordinator Hasnat Abdullah responded to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin’s statement on the Shapla symbol with a cryptic Facebook post, saying there was “no permission from above” and “no signal from the north.” The CEC earlier clarified that the Election Commission would not explain why parties were denied the Shapla symbol, stressing the decision was final and independent. He emphasized the EC works neutrally and not under external influence.

GOP leader Rashed Khan praised Dr. Muhammad Yunus for his rare simplicity, suggesting it could earn him a second Nobel Prize. He said Yunus openly shows affection for leaders he admires rather than hiding it, unlike others. Khan recalled how advisers sometimes remind Yunus to balance his affections, but Yunus responds with childlike sincerity. “His simplicity is unique in the world. If he wins another Nobel, it will be for this very quality,” Khan said.

BNP leader Rumeen Farhana has accused Jamaat-e-Islami of repeatedly making historic mistakes, recalling its participation alongside Sheikh Hasina in the controversial 1986 election that legitimized military dictatorship. She noted that until 1996, Jamaat also joined hands with Awami League in anti-BNP movements. Farhana further alleged that Jamaat activists, while banned from campuses, had successfully merged into Chhatra League to pursue politics, reaping benefits in Dhaka University and Jahangirnagar University student elections.

NCP leader Sargis Alam has alleged that Sheikh Hasina personally called and thanked the man who threw eggs at Akhtar Hossain in the U.S. Writing on social media, he questioned: “How small-minded must someone be to act this way? What happens to a nation when such a person remains Prime Minister for 16 years?” He expressed gratitude that Bangladesh had been freed from what he described as Hasina’s vindictive and narrow-minded leadership.

Ganosamhati Andolon leader Zonayed Saki has stressed the urgent need for justice, reforms, and elections to safeguard democracy. Speaking on Friday, he warned that any obstruction in these areas would allow fascist forces to gain ground again. He accused former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of plundering the country and committing killings for 15 years, adding that justice must be ensured. He also called on the government to introduce a clear policy on the recruitment of drivers.

Islami Andolan’s Deputy Amir, Mufti Syed Fazlul Karim, launched a sharp attack on Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, accusing him of creating divisions within the government.
“He is a Nobel Peace Prize winner, highly educated, but in state governance, he has scored zero,” Fazlul Karim said. He further alleged that Yunus favored certain groups while ignoring others and failed to maintain neutrality.
He also criticized local polling agencies, calling them “corrupt brokers” for publishing biased survey reports against Islami Andolan.

Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence has revealed that it collected strategic and sensitive documents, photos, and videos related to Israeli nuclear sites and scientists through a covert operation in June. The materials identify 189 Israeli experts and include data on joint projects with the U.S. and Europe. Iranian authorities carefully examined the documents before release. Footage broadcasted on national TV also highlighted Israeli nuclear facilities, military personnel, and IAEA chief Rafael Grossi, while claiming internal collaboration from some Israelis during a 12-day conflict.

Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), the student wing of BNP, unveiled 70 new committees and dissolved three others on Thursday. The announcements came in official statements signed by central president Rakibul Islam Rakib and general secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir.

Thousands of students joined Gen Z-led protests in Leh, Ladakh, supporting climate activist and social worker Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike for constitutional protection and full statehood. Initially peaceful, the demonstrations turned violent, with clashes against police, arson at the BJP office, and a CRPF vehicle set on fire. Five people were killed and around 70 injured. Authorities imposed an indefinite curfew as protesters vowed to continue their struggle until demands were met, asserting the movement is independent of any political party.

Ladakh is witnessing violent protests over the long-standing demand to restore its statehood. Environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk’s 15-day hunger strike and hospitalization of other protesters intensified tensions, leading to clashes, tear gas, and vehicles set ablaze in Leh. Locals blame the BJP for breaking its promises and insist the movement will continue until statehood is restored. Delhi is monitoring the situation closely, with high-level talks scheduled, but public anger remains high, leaving the BJP politically cornered.

Slovenia has become the first EU country to impose a travel ban on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, effective Thursday. Earlier, it declared ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich “undesirable” and imposed an arms embargo on Israel. Slovenia recognizes Palestine as an independent state and condemns Israeli attacks in Gaza, which President Nataša Pirc Musar has called “genocide.” Since October 2023, nearly 65,000 Palestinians have died, with ICC and ICJ pursuing war crimes and genocide cases against Israel.

The Kremlin has responded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s UN remarks, asserting that Russia is a true “bear,” not a paper tiger. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that the bear has long symbolized Russia and suggested Trump’s comments may have been influenced by his meeting with Ukraine’s President Zelensky. Peskov stated that continuing the war in Ukraine is Russia’s only option and accused the U.S. of pushing Europe and other regions to reduce Russian energy use to boost American exports.

Jamaat leader Nurul Islam Bulbul criticized previous governments for violating minority rights, noting that they marginalized religious communities.

“Jamaat-e-Islami does not adhere to minority or majority-based politics. We believe every citizen is equal before the state,” he said. Bulbul stressed that Islamic governance protects every citizen’s rights, ensuring no one is deprived of their due.

He cited the post-August 5 assurances given by Jamaat leaders at the Dhakeshwari Temple, promising security for Hindu community leaders. Bulbul stated that no Jamaat member or madrasa teacher has looted or vandalized minority property, and that any such acts were carried out by individuals claiming to represent the Hindu community.

BNP leader Afroza Khanam Rita urged party workers to actively campaign for votes as the national election approaches.

“Jamaat-e-Islami is not staying idle; their women’s cadre is canvassing door-to-door for votes. We cannot underestimate them,” she said. Rita called on party members to avoid internal divisions and personally solicit votes for the Dhanner Sheesh symbol.

She warned against spreading misinformation within the party, urging members to remain united. “We must act in the people’s interest and never harm the party. Long-standing supporters must be respected. Remembering past misgovernance, we must unite to ensure Dhanner Sheesh’s victory,” Rita emphasized.