Advocate Moazzem Hossain Alal, advisor to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, has called for renaming the Secretariat as a Ministry, emphasizing that ministers, not secretaries, are the heads of this institution. Speaking at a roundtable on the July mass uprising, he also highlighted the need to eliminate discrimination in official housing terms. BNP leaders echoed calls for democratic elections and unity to uphold the July victory. The event was organized by the Bangladesh Secretariat Journalists Association (JEBs) at the National Press Club.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed a case against former Gazipur City Mayor Jahangir Alam and chief accounts officer Golam Kibaria for allegedly embezzling Tk 7,500 crore through fake tenders and bills, and laundering the funds abroad. The ACC began investigating after Jahangir was removed from office following allegations of financial irregularities and opening fake bank accounts. He was earlier expelled from the Awami League in 2021 over controversial remarks about Bangabandhu and later fled to India amid mounting political pressure.

The government is actively working to implement the Ninth Wage Board and introduce a Journalist Protection Law to ensure the welfare and security of journalists. Information Advisor Mahfuz Alam stated this during a ceremony honoring journalists affected during the July Uprising. Measures are also being considered to prevent unjust dismissal and ensure timely salaries. Additionally, journalist ownership or benefit-sharing in media houses is under review. The press secretary emphasized the role of field reporters and urged media houses to support journalist welfare.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, during his Pakistan visit, thanked the Pakistani government for standing firmly with Iran during the recent 12-day Israel-US aggression. He highlighted the deep historical, religious, and cultural ties between the two countries and emphasized the potential to boost bilateral trade from $3 billion to $10 billion soon. The visit resulted in signing 12 agreements focusing on economic cooperation, border security, and transport. Both nations committed to strengthening security cooperation against terrorist threats along their shared border.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Dr. Helal Uddin has called for the July Charter to be given legal force, warning that without implementation, it risks becoming as ineffective as the post-1990 national framework. He described August 3 last year as a dark day in Bangladesh’s history, accusing the ruling Awami League and state forces of perpetrating a massacre.

Dr. Helal criticized the delay in recognizing the transitional government and said Jamaat, though never in state power, has consistently stood by the people in education, healthcare, housing, and employment—and will continue to do so.

To prevent possible unrest around August 5, police have launched a special nationwide operation. In the past 24 hours, 21 leaders and activists of the Awami League and its affiliated organizations—whose activities are currently banned—have been arrested in various parts of Dhaka. DMP official Muhammad Talebur Rahman said certain groups were plotting to create disorder, prompting these preventative raids. Of the arrested, 16 were detained by the Detective Branch, while the rest were apprehended by local police.

On the anniversary of the July-August Uprising, Chhatra Dal organized a rally at Shahbagh, during which members had their lunch on the streets. Afterward, despite some littering, party activists were seen cleaning the roads by 6:30 PM. They stated that this action was in line with directives issued before the rally, one of which explicitly instructed members to clean the area post-gathering.

Mahmudur Rahman, editor of Amar Desh, warned that fascist forces are eyeing a comeback due to the lack of political unity in Bangladesh. Speaking at a seminar in Munshiganj, he emphasized that if the July unity had continued, fascists wouldn’t dare to dream of returning. He criticized past governments for undermining sovereignty and suggested that Prime Minister Hasina’s return depends on confronting India and facing justice. The event highlighted the ongoing struggle against fascist narratives and colonial influence.

China and Russia have started a three-day joint naval exercise called ‘Joint Sea-2025’ in the Sea of Japan near Vladivostok. The drills include submarine rescue, air and missile defense, and naval combat operations. The exercise aims to deepen their strategic partnership amid global tensions led by the U.S. While Russia calls the exercise defensive, Japan views the growing military cooperation as a serious security threat. China maintains neutrality but supports Russia economically amid ongoing Western sanctions related to the Ukraine conflict.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has affirmed Islamabad’s support for Iran’s right to pursue peaceful nuclear energy during Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s state visit. The declaration comes amid international scrutiny of Iran’s nuclear program, linked to recent Iran-Israel conflicts and US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Meanwhile, the US and European allies aim to finalize a nuclear deal with Iran by August’s end. A critical UN deadline on October 18 could lift or reinstate sanctions on Iran depending on the “snapback” mechanism.

The proposed Rakhine Corridor, portrayed as a humanitarian route to northern Myanmar, masks deeper geopolitical motives. Western powers aim to expand influence near China under the guise of aid. Bangladesh faces internal divisions and military concern over sovereignty. China and India quietly oppose the corridor, fearing instability and Western intervention. The Arakan Army’s rising control in Rakhine adds to the complexity. Experts warn the corridor could destabilize the Bay of Bengal region, with long-term consequences for Bangladesh’s diplomacy, politics, and regional balance.

NCP leader Akhtar Hossain has demanded constitutional recognition of the July Declaration, stating that the interim government must take responsibility for implementing the July Charter and its proposed reforms. “Our martyrs gave their lives to free the people of Bangladesh from decades of deprivation,” he said. “Those who were injured in that struggle still bear the physical scars. We must honor their sacrifice.”

He emphasized the need for institutional reforms to protect state institutions from partisan control, especially the judiciary and the policymaking processes at the Secretariat. Akhtar further noted that last year’s call from the Shaheed Minar to dismantle the fascist regime must be upheld through structural changes.

The National Citizens' Party (NCP) has accused Bangladesh's Election Commission of acting in favor of a specific party and failing to ensure fair election practices. NCP Chief Coordinator Nasir Uddin Patwari warned of a possible boycott of the upcoming national election unless equal opportunities are guaranteed. He also called for the EC’s reformation under the July Charter and urged biweekly updates on expatriate voting rights. The party has submitted revised documents for registration and expects the Shapla symbol.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is set to begin a nationwide protest on August 5, marking one year since Imran Khan’s arrest. The party, led by senior leader Asad Qaiser, says the demonstrations will be peaceful and lawful. Internal unity has been emphasized by Khan himself, urging all members to focus on the movement. Meanwhile, speculation grows over KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur’s possible resignation. This comes amid rising political tensions and a sharp increase in terrorist attacks across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

BNP leader Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain questioned the prolonged delay in holding national elections under the current interim government. “We’ve seen national elections completed in just three months—what justification is there for taking an entire year?”

He called for the immediate announcement of an election date. “Otherwise, the BNP won’t sit idle.”

Zahid accused the government of scapegoating BNP leaders and activists for every crisis over the past nine months. “We were denied fair votes in 2008. In 2014 and 2018, ballots were cast the night before the election. And the 2024 vote was nothing but a sham.”

He also alleged foreign interference, saying, “From India, the so-called ‘Queen of Jackfruits’ is conspiring against Bangladesh. Their efforts to keep the Awami League in power have failed. Now, accomplices of dictatorship are plotting from abroad. We must resist this.”

Zahid concluded by warning of pro-regime elements still embedded in the administration. “These remnants of authoritarianism must be rooted out.”