As Trump’s 100-day promise to end the Ukraine war nears its end, global eyes are on him. Despite initially pledging swift resolution, his actions have drawn the U.S. deeper into the conflict. He’s yet to take decisive steps on sanctions against Russian oil buyers like India and China. Analysts say Trump must make bold strategic decisions or risk looking weak. With diplomatic moves underway and a visit to Moscow planned, the world waits to see if Trump can shift the course of the war.

The International Crimes Tribunal has ordered the trial to commence after framing charges against 30 accused in the murder of Begum Rokeya University student Abu Saiyed during the July mass uprising in Rangpur. Of the 30 accused, 24 remain absconding while six are in custody. The tribunal appointed defense lawyers for the absconding accused and scheduled formal hearings. The prosecution presented detailed charges, and the trial will proceed even in the absence of the absconding suspects.

Eighty years after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, the United States continues to pose a significant threat to global security through the expansion and modernization of its nuclear arsenal. The 1945 bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki killed over 226,000 people, mostly civilians, and left lasting health and environmental devastation. Despite the horrors of those events, critics argue that the U.S. has not changed its military policies and continues to be involved in global conflicts, often using destructive weapons.

After 70 days of continuous protest at the National Press Club, around 2,000 female workers of the government-run 'Tathya Apa' project have announced a march towards the Secretariat on Wednesday at 11:30 AM. Despite repeated discussions and promises, their key demands—creation of permanent positions and integration into the revenue sector—remain unmet. Operated under the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, the project’s workers will also submit a memorandum during the march in an effort to push for effective action from the authorities.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman declared the fall of fascism in Bangladesh, marking August 5 as a historic turning point. In a national address, he emphasized continued unity against dictatorship, honored martyrs, and urged all parties to strengthen democracy through peaceful politics. He criticized past repression, enforced disappearances, and economic mismanagement. Rahman called for empowering citizens and warned against political violence. He envisioned a humane, just, and democratic Bangladesh where freedom and justice prevail for all, regardless of belief or background.

The Gono Odhikar Parishad has officially rejected the July Declaration, citing its failure to include the political backdrop of the country’s mass uprisings. Party leader Rashed Khan stated that the declaration distorts the true history of political movements and neglects the pivotal role of the Gono Odhikar Parishad and its student wing in the 2018 anti-discriminatory quota reform movement.

He also raised concerns over discrepancies in the government’s official death toll compared to United Nations figures and questioned the lack of justice for those killed in political violence. “Sheikh Hasina should have been arrested,” he asserted.

The party’s general secretary further criticized the declaration for omitting key movements and incidents, including the 2018 Safe Roads movement, anti-VAT protests, the Shapla Chattar killings, the violent crackdown on protests during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, the orchestrated BDR mutiny, and the murder of student Abrar Fahad.

“Why were these significant youth-led struggles excluded from the July Declaration, and what was the intention behind such omissions?” he asked.

Despite their rejection of the declaration, the Gono Odhikar Parishad emphasized the importance of free and fair elections. Rashed Khan added that the announcement of an election schedule has helped to dispel fears of a political crisis similar to the 1/11 emergency situation.

BNP leader Dr. Moin Khan stated that the announcement of elections in February marks a political victory for the party. Speaking in Sylhet, he urged party leaders and activists to now focus on winning the election to establish Bangladesh as a truly democratic nation.

He emphasized that while the government has completed its responsibilities, the BNP is committed to a fair and acceptable election. Recalling the long 15-year struggle against authoritarian rule, Khan said the July-August movement was the culmination of a democratic uprising, where BNP activists merged with students and the general public to force the regime to retreat. “This is a truth no one can deny,” he said.

Khan called for national unity in the ongoing movement to restore democracy and ensure neutral elections, stating, “The mass uprising was a clear message from the people against one-party rule.”

Amid protests from various leftist student organizations, Islami Chhatra Shibir has removed the portraits of former top leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami from their photo exhibition at Dhaka University's TSC. The images have been replaced with photo frames featuring BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and others, highlighting alleged instances of judicial executions.

The three-day exhibition, titled "36 July: We Will Not Stop," initially featured images of Jamaat leaders who were sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal during the tenure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. These executions have been controversially referred to by some as "judicial killings."

Following backlash and demonstrations by left-leaning student bodies, Shibir removed the controversial images. In their place, new photo displays have been installed, showcasing statements from Khaleda Zia and testimonies published in various media outlets regarding the legal proceedings. These are intended to underscore the organization's narrative of political repression through judicial means.

Earlier, SM Farhad, President of Shibir’s Dhaka University unit, stated:

“There has been a deliberate attempt to provoke chaos and create a mob situation through manufactured debates around our event. Our stance is clear — we see the Liberation War of 1971 as a glorious chapter in our nation’s history. However, we view the BAKSAL regime and the Shahbagh movement as threats to democracy.”

The exhibition continues to stir debate on campus, highlighting ongoing tensions between student political groups over the interpretation of Bangladesh's history and justice system.

Umama Fatema, former spokesperson for the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, has strongly condemned Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir for what she described as a “despicable attempt” to equate the July Uprising with the 1971 Liberation War.

Speaking on the anniversary of the July Uprising, Fatema stated that Bangladesh was born through the 1971 Liberation War, while the 2024 uprising marked the fall of a 17-year-long authoritarian regime. “The history of Bangladesh has been shaped by the struggle of its people,” she said.

She further criticized Shibir’s public displays—referring to posters and visuals—as a blatant disrespect to the blood of the nation’s martyrs and to the spirit of the July Uprising. “Such acts are an affront to our collective memory and the sacrifices that built this nation,” she added.

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed gratitude to the Chief Adviser, members of the advisory council, and all others involved for their initiatives and necessary steps taken to pave the way for democracy, despite facing numerous challenges over the past year.

In a press conference, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir conveyed Rahman’s message, stating that these collective efforts have contributed significantly to easing the path toward democratic restoration. Rahman expressed hope that the remaining tasks for reforming the state structure would be completed promptly.

The BNP also welcomed the announcement of elections as scheduled during the recent London meeting. According to the party, this historic declaration will help overcome the ongoing political deadlock in Bangladesh and further facilitate democratic progress.

Mirza Fakhrul added that BNP is committed to making the upcoming election a success, institutionalizing democracy, and forming an effective national parliament. He made an earnest appeal to all political parties and the people of the country to participate in this democratic process.

During the conference, he also paid tribute to those who lost their lives or were injured, expressing gratitude for their sacrifices and urging proper medical care for those still undergoing treatment.

Former spokesperson of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Umama Fatema, has strongly criticized Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir for attempting to pit the July Uprising of 2024 against the spirit of the 1971 Liberation War. She described this act as “a vile distortion of history” and an insult to the sacrifices of millions. “The July Uprising ended 17 years of authoritarian rule. Comparing it with 1971 undermines both struggles and disrespects the blood of our martyrs,” she stated.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed stated that the July National Charter 2025, proposed by the Chief Advisor, is intended to be implemented through the next elected parliament. "We are unaware of any alternative legal mechanism outside this framework," he added. BNP believes the Charter, a product of discussions from the Reform Commission and National Consensus Commission, offers a roadmap for resolving political deadlock and rebuilding democracy based on justice, equality, and human rights.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Abdullah Mohammad Taher has urged the government to adopt the 'July National Charter' as the foundation for the upcoming general election. He stressed that the current political climate is not conducive to fair elections and that the Charter must be legally formalized through a national referendum. He also called for impartiality at all levels of administration and the Election Commission, warning that without these reforms, democratic progress would be jeopardized.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin has confirmed that the Election Commission has started preparations for the 13th National Parliamentary Elections in line with the timeline announced by the Chief Advisor. He emphasized that the EC will continue its work without any interruptions to ensure a free and fair election. The CEC acknowledged challenges ahead but assured that all necessary steps would be taken to meet constitutional and democratic obligations.

Five senior leaders of the Nationalist Consensus Party (NCP) have been served show-cause notices for traveling to Cox’s Bazar without notifying the party’s political council. In individual letters signed by Joint Office Secretary Saleh Uddin Sifat on Wednesday, they were asked to appear in person within 24 hours before Convener Md. Nahid Islam and Secretary Akhtar Hossain to provide a written explanation for their actions.