Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha announced that the state plans to supply drinking water to 51 wards of Agartala Municipal Corporation using water from Bangladesh’s Titas River. He said local rivers and canals eventually merge into the Titas, making it a viable source. If the plan succeeds, it will be raised with India’s central government. Saha also highlighted ongoing development projects, including the formation of the Tripura Urban Development Authority to support modern infrastructure and high-rise construction.

Upazila election officers have announced they will not take responsibility for the 2014, 2018, and 2024 national elections, citing that they were not in primary roles. Speaking at their general meeting in Agargaon, Ashfaqur Rahman stressed the need for proper recognition, upgraded grades, vehicles for officers, and the repeal of laws transferring national ID services to the Home Ministry. Officers emphasized that if allowed to perform duties properly, they will ensure fair, smooth, and neutral elections.

Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed of BNP has warned that the Farakka Barrage has caused at least 20 rivers in Bangladesh to vanish. Despite letters to the Joint River Commission, India has not responded. Experts highlighted that unilateral water withdrawal, embankment breaches, and internal mismanagement are worsening water scarcity, impacting agriculture, navigation, biodiversity, and livelihoods. Groundwater levels are dropping drastically, and many rivers have turned into dead channels. Sustainable water management policies are urgently needed.

Addressing a nationalist minority gathering in Mymensingh, Tareq Rahman highlighted BNP’s commitment to protecting the rights of all communities, whether in hill or plain regions. “BNP guarantees minority participation in all its committees. Bangladesh is not only for Bengalis but for all legally residing communities,” he said.

Tareq emphasized that BNP, if in power, would consider measures to facilitate government employment for minority groups. He also mentioned BNP’s February election framework and its 31-point plan for balanced development across hill and plain areas, seeking minority cooperation to ensure a secure and inclusive Bangladesh.

President Donald Trump has halted $5 billion in foreign aid approved by Congress, citing a need to prioritize American interests. The cuts, affecting the State Department and USAID programs, have drawn strong opposition from Democrats, who warn this could derail budget negotiations. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer called the move illegal, while some moderate Republicans also criticized it. The White House defended the action as part of Trump’s “America First” agenda, escalating tensions over federal spending.

EU countries remain split over how to respond to Israel’s attacks on Gaza and the worsening humanitarian crisis. At a Copenhagen meeting, foreign ministers discussed suspending EU funding for Israeli startups but lacked sufficient support for action. Spain and Ireland urge stronger measures, while Germany and Hungary resist. Denmark warns of a severe humanitarian catastrophe. The UN’s IPC reports famine in Gaza, which Israel denies. EU foreign policy chief says no decision will be made, highlighting deep divisions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia and China are united in establishing a just, multipolar world order, prioritizing countries of the “global majority.” Speaking ahead of his China visit for the SCO summit and Victory Day events, he emphasized the strategic partnership between Moscow and Beijing as a stabilizing global force. Putin praised Xi Jinping as a resolute leader, and their talks will cover regional security, US relations, the Ukraine war, and upcoming multilateral summits, with additional meetings planned with leaders from Iran, India, and Turkey.

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh condemned the attack on Ganadhikar Parishad leader Nurul Haque Nur by unruly police and military members, along with Awami League-backed Jatiya Party supporters. The group urged the government to take strict action against the attackers and called for a judicial ban on the Jatiya Party, labeling it an agent of Indian imperialism. Hefazat also criticized the Yunus-led government for failing to reform the police, warning that attempts to rehabilitate “Awami fascism” through the party will not succeed.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin following rising tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump. The meeting will take place in Tianjin, China, immediately after the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, which runs from August 31 to September 1. Kremlin spokesperson Yuri Ushakov confirmed that the leaders will discuss key bilateral issues and strategic partnership matters, also preparing for Putin’s visit to India in December, highlighting continued cooperation between the two nations.

Thanks to ongoing rice imports via Hili Land Port, low-income consumers are benefiting from a 5–6 Taka per kg price drop. Between 12 and 30 August, 911 trucks brought 39,472 metric tons of Indian rice into Bangladesh. Varieties like Swarna, Sampak Katari, and Miniket are now cheaper in retail markets. Importers continue operations despite minimal profit, supported by the government’s reduced 2% duty, ensuring sufficient supply and stabilizing market prices across the country.

Former World Bank chief economist Dr. Zahid Hossain has called U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent tariffs on India and China a potential boon for Bangladesh’s economy. According to his analysis, higher tariffs on India and China could allow Bangladesh to export an additional $205 million to the U.S. market in the 2025-26 fiscal year. He also noted that domestic challenges, including energy shortages, banking sector weaknesses, and institutional decay, continue to hinder Bangladesh’s growth and middle-income trap persists.

At least three people died and five were injured after protesters set fire to a regional parliament building in Makassar, South Sulawesi. The unrest began in Jakarta earlier this week over lawmakers’ salaries, labor wages, taxes, and anti-corruption measures. Violence escalated after a ride-hailing motorbike driver was killed by a police vehicle. Protests also hit major cities like Bandung and Jakarta, causing looting and infrastructure damage. Analysts call this the biggest political test for President Prabowo Subianto’s government.

Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman stated that the Jatiya Party previously assisted the Awami League in suppressing opposition during controversial elections and the July upheaval. He said the demand to ban the party will be legally examined to determine possible actions. Commenting on recent violence, he called attacks on Nurul Haque Nur part of a larger conspiracy. He also warned corrupt individuals that the new Bangladesh will not tolerate corruption, emphasizing accountability and the unmasking of wrongdoers.

Senior police officials held an emergency meeting in Dhaka following allegations that military and police personnel used batons against over fifty Ganadhikar Parishad activists, including president Nurul Haque Nur, in Bijoynagar. The incident drew sharp criticism from political parties including BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman condemned the attack, while Ganadhikar Parishad demanded that those responsible be identified and punished within 24 hours. Authorities are reviewing the situation to prevent further unrest.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tianjin, China, to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, his first visit in seven years. Leaders from 10 member states will participate on August 31 and September 1. Modi is set for bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The visit comes amid U.S.-India trade tensions and signals a potential restoration of India-China relations, crucial for trade, regional balance, and India’s multidimensional foreign policy strategy.