In an opinion column published by Amar Desh on August 6, 2026, Masqawath Ahsan criticises prevailing political labels of progressivism, conservatism and class in Bangladesh. The writer argues that young people involved in the 2024 July movement brought together people from different groups and professions around equality, human dignity and justice. He says that after August 5, social media efforts sought to portray those youths as conservative or Islamist.

The article draws comparisons with Gen-Z activism in the United States and India, presenting the author’s views on Palestine, Hindutva and the role of media. Ahsan argues that some individuals and outlets use self-declared progressive identities to advance particular political narratives and divide participants in the July movement. He also refers to Nahid Islam’s stated commitment to building an inclusive society.

Ahsan alleges that demands for justice over the Pilkhana killings and the Shapla incident prompted campaigns against July youth. He criticises what he describes as an imitation elite class in Bangladesh and a culture of belittling others. The column concludes by expressing hope for July youth efforts toward equality, human dignity and justice beyond the liberal-conservative binary.

In an opinion article published by Amar Desh on August 6, 2026, Abdul Latif Masum examines the gap between the narrative and reality of Bangladesh’s July-August 2024 mass uprising on its second anniversary. He describes the movement as expanding from quota reform demands into a national awakening against inequality, misrule, plunder and dominance. Citing the UN human rights office, he says roughly 1,500 people were killed before the fall of “fascism” on August 5.

The writer says the February election restored voting rights after one and a half decades and gave nationalist forces a mandate to govern. He praises Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s message of rebuilding the state rather than seeking revenge, as well as steps toward commitments in a 31-point reform plan, a legal framework for trying enforced disappearances and killings, and diplomatic efforts to recover laundered funds.

Masum also flags allegations of land grabbing and extortion, bureaucratic inertia, weak accountability, inflation and unemployment. He argues that the uprising must not be claimed by any single group, calling instead for recognition of its collective ownership, adherence to the rule of law and institutional reconstruction.

US Vice President JD Vance said ongoing negotiations with Iran are exceptionally difficult, describing the process as one step forward and two steps back. In a Fox News interview cited in a report published on August 6, 2026, Vance addressed questions over how the Trump administration is approaching talks with Tehran. He said he was prepared to take responsibility for trying to end the war successfully and was making every effort to bring it to a close.

Vance said progress in such negotiations does not follow a straight line. At times, he said, parties may move forward one step and retreat two, or advance three steps before falling back one. As a result, Americans may sometimes believe talks are progressing, only to conclude shortly afterward that no progress is being made.

He identified divisions within Iran's political system as a major reason the talks are difficult. Vance said some people inside Iran want the war to end, while others he described as hardliners want it to continue. He said the US task is to navigate those internal divisions and secure the best outcome for the American people and the US president.

An alleged assault and humiliation of several July fighters before a district administration reception and discussion in Shariatpur triggered protests on August 5. The event, marking July Mass Uprising Day, was held at Shariatpur Municipality Auditorium. Participants alleged that BNP leaders and activists physically mistreated them and forced them from the venue before the programme began. Injured participants, along with leaders, activists and supporters of the NCP and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, later demonstrated in protest.

Victims and eyewitnesses said gazetted July fighter Zakir Hossain Mintu was beaten and humiliated, while former Shariatpur convenor of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Imran Al Nazir was also allegedly humiliated and removed. Videos circulating on social media show people being pushed and beaten while being taken out of the venue; one video appears to show Mintu being slapped.

Sadar Upazila BNP general secretary Mahbub Morshed Tipu denied the beating allegation, saying an argument followed comments about Tarique Rahman and his family, after which people were removed. District Commissioner Tahsina Begum said the complaint would be examined and stated that no such incident occurred after the formal programme began.

Senior journalist and activist Rajib Ahmed analyzed Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry response after Sheikh Hasina held a press conference in India on August 5. In a Facebook post published on August 6, Ahmed highlighted the ministry’s unusually strong language toward India and Bangladesh’s anger over Hasina being allowed to engage openly with the media.

According to Ahmed’s account of the statement, its opening described Hasina as a fugitive, convicted and genocidal figure, while referring to July as a revolution. The ministry said the event on Indian soil was an extreme affront to Bangladesh’s sovereignty and a serious disrespect to the martyrs of the July Revolution. It also said Hasina’s remarks against the Bangladeshi state and people could adversely affect efforts to rebuild bilateral relations.

The statement said Bangladesh would never become a client state and that Hasina and her mafia circle would have no place in its politics. It nevertheless expressed a desire for constructive, mutually beneficial and future-oriented ties with India based on sovereign equality, mutual respect, non-interference and national dignity. It also said India had not responded to repeated requests for Hasina’s return under the 2013 extradition treaty.

Jamaat-e-Islami has alleged that BNP and affiliated activists attacked its July Mass Uprising Day programme in Jajira, Shariatpur, on the afternoon of August 5. Bijoy TV’s Jajira correspondent, Jewel Mia, was allegedly assaulted while recording video of the incident at the Upazila Model Mosque premises. Local people took him to Jajira Upazila Health Complex, where he was admitted in an injured condition.

Witnesses and local sources said Jajira Upazila Jamaat-e-Islami was preparing for a procession and discussion meeting at the mosque site, while BNP and affiliated groups held a separate programme at the T&T intersection. Jamaat alleged that several BNP-linked activists entered the mosque area and attacked its workers. District Jamaat chief Muha. Abdur Rob Hashemi said the programme had administrative permission and alleged that municipal BNP general secretary Kamruzzaman Milon was behind the attack.

Jewel Mia said he was carrying out professional duties when several people attacked him for filming. Milon denied the allegation, saying CCTV footage would clarify events and that he did not know who carried out any attack. Jajira police station officer-in-charge Saleh Ahmed said no written complaint had been received and police would investigate and take legal action if one is filed.

Netrokona observed July Mass Uprising Day on Wednesday with official and public programmes under the theme, “We will build the country in the spirit of July, Bangladesh first.” Despite adverse weather and rain, the district administration led the observance with participation from government and private offices, social and cultural organisations, and members of the public.

The programme began at 7:59am with one minute of silence for those described as heroic martyrs who gave their lives in the July mass uprising. At 9am, participants laid floral wreaths at the July memorial monument at Joyer Bazar intersection in the town. Lawmaker Professor Dr Anwarul Haque, District Commissioner Khandaker Mushfiqur Rahman, district council administrator Advocate Nuruzzaman Nuru and Superintendent of Police Md Tarikul Islam attended.

A special prayer and munajat followed for the martyrs’ souls. Discussion meetings, remembrance events and prayer gatherings were also arranged at different locations across the district. Speakers highlighted the significance of the uprising and the martyrs’ sacrifices, calling for united efforts to build a discrimination-free Bangladesh. Young people were also urged to contribute to nation-building in the spirit of July.

Rajshahi University has formed a five-member fact-finding committee after a media report named 42 of its teachers in allegations of secret efforts to bring Sheikh Hasina back to the country. Acting Registrar Professor Dr Iftikharul Alam Masud confirmed the committee’s formation on August 5. The university said it will verify both the allegations cited in the report and the identities of the teachers concerned.

The report was published under the headline alleging secret activity by 404 teachers from 22 universities to bring Sheikh Hasina back. Syndicate member Professor Dr Rezaul Karim-2 has been appointed convener of the committee. University officials said the inquiry was established to take necessary action concerning the allegations after they are examined.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Faridul Islam said many teachers were identified in the media report only by partial names or nicknames. He said the committee was formed to identify the correct individuals. The administration has instructed the committee to submit its report as quickly as possible, and university authorities said they will take further necessary action after receiving it.

Leaders and activists of the 11-party alliance held a march and roadside gathering in Chandpur city on 5 August, marking July Mass Uprising Day. They demanded trials for enforced disappearances, killings, corruption and other anti-state activities attributed to the fascist government, along with full implementation of the referendum verdict and the July Charter. The march began at Baitul Amin Square, travelled through the city’s main roads and ended at the bus stand.

Before the march, Chandpur district Jamaat amir Maulana Md Billal Hossain Miahzi addressed a brief gathering at Baitul Amin Square. He called for full implementation of the referendum verdict and July Charter. He also demanded controls on rising prices of oil, gas, electricity and other essential goods, urging that prices be brought within ordinary people’s purchasing capacity.

On student politics, Miahzi alleged that Chhatra Dal activists were attacking leaders and activists of Islami Chhatra Shibir across the country. He urged the relevant political organisation to take effective action and warned that the situation could otherwise become more complicated. Speakers from Jamaat, NCP, Khelafat Majlish and Chhatra Shibir also called for price controls and an end to political violence.

A report published by Amar Desh Online on August 6, 2026 said social media discussion intensified over a claim that nearly 44,000 viewers left a livestream during Sheikh Hasina’s remarks carried by an Indian media outlet. The report said Indian outlet Prothom Kolkata posted related information on its Facebook page, which then spread widely across social media.

According to the published information cited in the report, a significant number of viewers, estimated at about 44,000, left the livestream within the first 10 minutes after Hasina began speaking. The source did not provide further details on how the figure was calculated or why viewers left the broadcast.

The report stated that Hasina left the country on August 5, 2024 amid a mass movement and public anger. It said that nearly two years later, an Indian media outlet gave her an opportunity to speak. The report also said the Bangladesh government issued a strong reaction to the incident, without providing details of that response.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry expressed strong anger and deep concern after fugitive convicted former leader Sheikh Hasina, who is staying in India, was allowed to hold a direct media interaction in Delhi. In a statement issued Wednesday, the ministry said Hasina and her associates made abusive remarks against the Bangladeshi state and its people. It described the appearance, held on the second anniversary of the July Revolution, as an affront to Bangladesh’s sovereignty and a grave disrespect to the revolution’s martyrs.

The ministry said Bangladesh had previously conveyed its concerns to the Indian government about the event’s possible negative consequences, but the gathering was nevertheless permitted. It said Hasina and her associates were unsuccessfully attempting to reverse the course of history by denying atrocities against innocent civilians, including children, during July and August 2024, citing United Nations-established information.

Dhaka said the public remains committed to preventing a return to fascism and to ensuring Bangladesh never becomes subordinate to another state. The statement said India had not responded to multiple Bangladeshi requests to return Hasina under the 2013 Bangladesh-India extradition treaty. Bangladesh said it seeks constructive, mutually beneficial and forward-looking relations with India based on sovereign equality, mutual respect and non-interference.

At an International Islamic University Chittagong (IIUC) discussion marking July Uprising Day 2026 on Wednesday, poet and journalist Abdul Hai Shikder said July had eased the pain of the Liberation War’s unfulfilled dreams. Speaking as chief discussant, the Jugantor editor described the uprising as inevitable and linked it to memories of Palashi, the Language Movement, the Liberation War and the patriotism, honesty and sacrifice of Shaheed Zia.

Shikder said the July struggle was directed not only against fascism but also against domination, urging awareness of cultural aggression and other forms of dominance. He said long-standing deprivation, resentment and aspirations for a justice-based state lay behind the movement. He also described 17 years of continuing political struggle and the 36-day quota reform movement as part of a wider demand for rights, justice and a discrimination-free state.

IIUC Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Mohammad Ali Azadi called for respect for public opinion and for ensuring good governance, accountability, rule of law, freedom of expression, media freedom and fundamental human rights. The programme included a victory rally, recollections, an unveiling of a July commemorative publication, a documentary screening and prayers. Shikder was honoured at the event.

Bangladesh Parliament’s Acting Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal called for a firm commitment to building a non-discriminatory Bangladesh opposed to imperialism and hegemony. He made the remarks on Wednesday as chief guest at a cultural programme titled “Songs of the Monsoon Revolution” at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital, marking the Victory Day of the July mass uprising. Kamal also paid deep respect to those killed and injured while fighting fascism.

The event was attended by Parliament Chief Whip Md Nurul Islam, Opposition Chief Whip Md Nahid Islam and Parliament Whip Ashraf Uddin Nizan as special guests. Nurul Islam said participants should not deviate from the goals of the victory revolution and should ensure that young people’s dreams are not trampled. He said the monsoon revolution should be held in people’s hearts.

Whip ABM Ashraf Uddin Nizan called for unity in confronting any national crisis and vigilance so that no one can become fascist in the future. Nahid Islam called for continued struggle to build a non-discriminatory Bangladesh and remembered the July martyrs. NCP leaders, lawmaker Hasnat Abdullah and other speakers pledged to build a changed Bangladesh regardless of differences of opinion.

A three-day photography exhibition titled “July Is Not Over Yet” opened at the opposition leader’s residence on Mintoo Road in the capital to mark the second anniversary of the July mass uprising. Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman formally inaugurated the exhibition on Wednesday afternoon, August 5, 2026. The opening-day display continued until 8pm.

The exhibition is intended to preserve memories of the July movement, present the sacrifices of martyrs to younger generations, and document the movement’s history. It features many rare images from the July mass uprising. A large number of visitors viewed the exhibition on its first day. Professor Dilara Chowdhury, party secretary general Mia Golam Porwar, other party leaders, lawmakers and members of civil society attended the opening.

Dr Shafiqur Rahman said the events of two years ago had earned a special place in history and should be known by people from children to young adults. He said such initiatives could help people better understand the movement’s sacrifices. He also reiterated a commitment to stand beside injured people and martyrs’ families. The exhibition is scheduled to continue from 11am to 8pm on Thursday and Friday.

Prime Minister’s adviser and office spokesperson Mahdi Amin called for stronger national unity to prevent the resurgence of what he described as fugitive fascist forces. In a Facebook post on the night of August 5, marking the second anniversary of the July mass uprising, he said the 2024 uprising ended fascist rule and opened a new democratic path for Bangladesh.

Amin said the sacrifices and struggle of BNP leaders and activists over more than a decade helped create the background for the uprising, while pro-democracy forces rose above narrow political identities. He said an undesirable distance is now visible within that unity, but argued that people can question one another, offer constructive criticism and disagree respectfully. He described the uprising’s real strength as the spontaneous, united participation of people from all sections of society.

He said thousands were killed during the July-August uprising and at least 30,000 were injured. Amin also said transparent and impartial trials for past human rights violations would establish the rule of law. He stated that the government is supporting martyrs’ families and injured people, while work on the 31-point programme, election manifesto, July Charter and constitutional reforms is continuing.