Rashed Khan, a leader of the Gono Odhikar Parishad, expressed deep concern over the current state of the anti-discrimination student movement platform, stating that it has turned into a vehicle for inequality. In a social media post, he called for the permanent suspension of the platform to preserve its sanctity.

Rashed noted that while the platform had once played a crucial role in mass uprisings, over the past year it has been tainted by allegations of extortion, lobbying, and manipulation of job transfers and promotions under the guise of student representation. He likened its current reputation to that of the controversial "Muktijoddha Mancha."

He emphasized that this decline was not what the movement’s participants had envisioned. "It should have been preserved in history as a universal platform that belonged to everyone," Rashed said. He warned that if politicians, student leaders, and civil society fall into this trap of controversy, it will be deeply regrettable.

The Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) expressed strong satisfaction after a high-level visit to Washington, D.C., highlighting significant progress in reducing U.S. tariffs on Bangladesh’s ready-made garment exports. Led by BTMA President Shawkat Aziz Russell, the delegation thanked the Bangladesh Commerce Ministry’s team for their efforts. The visit included commitments from member mills to import U.S. cotton and meetings with U.S. business leaders, further boosting bilateral trade and investment prospects between the two countries.

Police in Monirampur, Jashore, arrested four young men while they were allegedly preparing for a robbery. The arrests took place on Friday night in Room 408 of Rajani Nibash Hotel, located near Hatkhola intersection. Authorities reported that the suspects were planning robberies targeting vehicles on the Jashore-Chuknagar highway. A toy pistol and a switchblade were seized from the scene.

The detainees have been identified as Alam Khan of Gangra, Tutul of Durgapur, Saiful Islam from Kadombaria, and Abu Sinha of Khedapara—all residents of Monirampur upazila.

Conflicting statements have emerged regarding their political affiliations. While the Monirampur BNP president claims the arrestees are affiliated with the Jubo Dal (BNP’s youth wing), district-level Jubo Dal leaders deny this, stating the individuals are not members of their organization. A case has been filed, and the accused were produced before the court.

Colombia's former President Álvaro Uribe has been sentenced to 12 years of house arrest for fraud and witness tampering, marking the first criminal conviction of a former head of state in the country. He was also fined $578,000 and banned from holding public office. Uribe, who served from 2002 to 2010, has denied the charges and plans to appeal. The case involved testimony from ex-paramilitary members who claimed they were bribed to support him. His former lawyer is also facing trial in connection with the case.

In response to provocative remarks by Russia’s Dmitry Medvedev, former U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of two nuclear submarines to high-alert zones. The move follows Medvedev’s reference to Russia’s Cold War-era "Dead Hand" system. Trump warned that reckless language could spark unintended disasters. Both leaders have exchanged heated threats, raising global nuclear tensions. Trump also criticized Russia’s economy and mocked Medvedev’s relevance, while Medvedev fired back with sarcasm, deepening the diplomatic rift.

Slovenia has become the first European Union country to impose a full arms embargo on Israel, citing Israel’s ongoing military offensive in Gaza. Prime Minister Robert Golob announced the decision, emphasizing Slovenia's independent stance due to EU inaction. The government also declared two far-right Israeli ministers unwelcome for inciting violence. Since October 2023, Slovenia has approved no weapons exports to Israel. In June, it recognized Palestine as a state, following Ireland, Norway, and Spain. France, the UK, and Canada may follow suit.

Advisor Mahfuz Alam has announced that the much-anticipated July Declaration will be unveiled before August 5. Speaking at the conclusion of a rally at the Shaheed Minar commemorating the July Awakening, Alam clarified that the declaration and the political charter are separate documents.

"The charter is a consensus document formed through discussions with various political parties and will outline areas of agreement and disagreement. It is already in an advanced stage," he said.

The July Declaration, however, is different. “It will serve as a documentary reflection of the public’s aspirations surrounding the August 5 uprising,” he stated. Despite significant political shifts over the past year, Alam admitted that "the people's destiny has not fully changed yet."

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has successfully undergone open-heart surgery, according to Dr. Jahangir Kabir, who led the surgical team.

The operation was conducted on Saturday, August 2, and concluded at approximately 12:30 PM. Dr. Shafiqur Rahman was taken into the operating theatre at 7:00 AM that morning.

Speaking to the media following the successful procedure, Dr. Kabir confirmed that Dr. Rahman is in stable condition and, if his recovery continues as expected, he is likely to be discharged and return home within a week.

Before entering politics, Hasnat Abdullah, the Southern Regional Organizer of the Nationalist Centrist Party (NCP), was actively involved in coaching. Despite his political responsibilities, he still finds time to teach. On Friday night, he conducted an online grammar revision session for the School of Excellence, which was streamed live on their Facebook page. A popular figure since his student days at Dhaka University, Hasnat remains one of the most viewed and shared instructors on the platform.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has undergone heart bypass surgery. The operation began at 8:30 AM on Saturday at United Hospital in Dhaka, conducted by renowned cardiologist Dr. Jahangir Kabir. Professor Mia Golam Parwar confirmed the news, saying, “The surgery began at 8:30 AM, Alhamdulillah. It is expected to take around five hours.” He also urged the nation to pray for Dr. Rahman’s speedy recovery.

Former DU Shibir president Mirza Ghalib praised Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Dr. Shafiqur Rahman for his leadership role in shaping a “Bangladesh 2.0” post-August 2024. “He has emerged as a nationally accepted leader,” Ghalib said, ahead of Dr. Rahman’s scheduled heart surgery. He offered prayers for Rahman's swift recovery and continued service to the nation.

Political leader Zonayed Saki stated that the only way to dismantle the fascist system and end the cycle of corruption is through public unity. He accused past regimes of exploiting state institutions and development projects for personal gain.

Saki demanded an explanation by August 5 regarding the interim government’s failure to support families of those martyred or injured in the July uprising. “If a new political structure is to emerge, honoring the sacrifices of the martyrs must be the first step,” he asserted.

Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) President A. S. M. Abdur Rab described Bangladesh’s current governance as colonial and bureaucratic, where citizens are subjects rather than the source of power. He emphasized that fascism is not merely a political ideology, but a structural and institutional reality reproduced through systemic inequality and repression. Rab advocated for decentralization, participatory governance, an independent judiciary, and constitutional safeguards to combat authoritarianism and establish a new political order.

BNP leader Ruhul Kuddus Talukder Dulu stated that the popular uprising on August 5, which cost the lives of students and citizens, paved the way for today's freedoms, including freedom of speech and assembly. He criticized the Awami League for stifling dissent during its tenure and called for unity among opposition parties including BNP, Jamaat, and NCP to resist what he termed "fascist rule." Dulu also accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of conspiring from India to portray Bangladesh as a failed state.

BNP leader Mirza Abbas criticized proponents of the Proportional Representation (PR) system, saying, “You must first teach people how to vote before trying to introduce a new electoral system. Don’t confuse the public with new mechanisms.” He stressed that restoring democracy is the nation’s top challenge and reaffirmed that BNP is not intimidated by state repression. Abbas declared that there will be no more "Talibani-style" elections, and pledged continued resistance if necessary, even at the cost of lives.