The United States has removed sanctions on several close associates of Myanmar’s military junta, following a letter from junta leader Min Aung Hlaing praising former President Donald Trump and requesting tariff reductions. The move marks a significant policy shift, drawing criticism from Human Rights Watch, which warns it could undermine efforts to hold the military accountable for crimes against humanity. Myanmar’s rare mineral resources and geopolitical considerations with China are believed to influence the US decision.

Iran and the three European signatories of the 2015 nuclear deal—Britain, France, and Germany—have concluded their second round of nuclear discussions in Istanbul. The closed-door meeting lasted over three hours at the Iranian Embassy. This follows earlier talks in May and a recent disruption caused by an Israeli strike on Iran. Although no official statement was released, diplomatic sources suggest future meetings are likely. The talks aim to revive diplomacy amid ongoing tensions over Iran’s nuclear program.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has criticized Israel for blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza, calling it a violation of international law. He urged Israel to hand over control of aid distribution to international agencies, noting that Canadian-funded supplies are stuck and not reaching those in need. Carney called for honest negotiations toward a ceasefire and reiterated Canada’s support for a two-state solution. He also announced Foreign Minister Anita Anand’s participation in next week’s UN summit on the two-state solution in New York.

Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal is set to begin trials in August for four cases related to crimes against humanity committed during the July Uprising. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other top officials are among the 57 accused. Charges include mass killings, burnings, and targeted assassinations. Two cases will begin witness hearings in August, while two others are at the charge-framing stage. So far, 430 complaints have been filed, and 206 people charged in connection with the post-uprising atrocities.

Nurul Haque Nur, President of the Gono Odhikar Parishad, stated that if the ruling government fails to act impartially, a neutral caretaker government may be necessary to oversee upcoming elections.

Speaking at a rally in Cumilla, Nur demanded a transparent investigation into the Milestone incident and criticized the government's failure to ensure public safety. He also called for a permanent ban on the Awami League in national politics.

The Awami League’s 10-story central office in Gulistan, Dhaka, inaugurated by Sheikh Hasina in 2018, now lies abandoned and damaged. It was vandalized and set ablaze during the August 5 uprising in 2024. Most of its infrastructure — including windows, doors, electrical wiring, and elevators — has reportedly been looted.

A banner reading "International Institute for the Study of Fascism and Genocide" now hangs at the entrance, while cleaning and repair work is ongoing inside the building.

BNP Standing Committee member Dr. Abdul Moin Khan has said the message of the July Uprising will be lost unless it is aligned with the spirit of democracy.

Speaking at a seminar at the National Press Club, he remarked, "The uprising ended 15 years of autocratic rule and created a new opportunity for democracy in Bangladesh — but we’ve yet to fully seize it." He stressed that free and fair elections are the cornerstone of democracy and urged for measured, strategic change rather than hasty political shifts.

Sadik Kayem, a leader of the youth-led democratic movement, described the "July Uprising" as a pivotal movement against 16 years of autocratic rule in Bangladesh. Sparked by the quota reform movement and amplified through social media, the protest overcame strict censorship and internet shutdowns to gain national momentum.

The movement intensified following violent attacks on women and reportedly received silent support from some sections of the armed forces. Kayem emphasized that justice for the perpetrators remains a priority and expressed hope for a future Bangladesh that is democratic, just, and free from Indian dominance.

BNP Standing Committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku alleged that certain factions are trying to disrupt Bangladesh’s democratic process by exploiting recent incidents to create instability.

Speaking to the family of child victim Sariya Akter — killed in the Milestone Tragedy in Turag — Tuku said, "Some vested groups are trying to spark fear around the upcoming elections, but BNP believes that the election will proceed in February despite all obstacles."

He also commented that recent protests and the Secretariat siege were orchestrated to incite chaos. Tuku extended his condolences to the victims of the Milestone incident and urged for measures to prevent future tragedies.

As part of its month-long campaign, the National Democratic Party (JAGPA) organized public meetings and outreach events in Bogura and Jamalpur on Friday. In Bogura, party leader Shamim Akhtar Pilot expressed strong criticism against India’s alleged illegal cross-border "push-ins" and those who support Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

"India is our neighbor, not our master," Shamim said. "It wasn’t enough for them to shelter Hasina — now they’re destabilizing our environment by pushing people across the border illegally every day. This must stop."

In Jamalpur, another JAGPA leader, SM Ziaul Anwar, claimed that August 5 marked the fall of both the Awami League and India in the eyes of the people, who are now united against foreign interference. JAGPA spokesperson Rashed Pradhan called for a siege of the Indian High Commission on August 6, demanding an end to Indian border aggression and accountability for Sheikh Hasina and Awami League leaders.

Hasnat Abdullah, Chief Organizer for the southern region of the National Citizen Party (NCP), said that Bangladesh has always been under the control of the bureaucracy, business elites, or the military—but never the people. He declared that the NCP is committed to building a people-powered Bangladesh. Speaking at a rally in Sylhet, Abdullah urged the public to be wary of media personalities and writers who gained prominence under the Awami League. NCP, he emphasized, is not a syndicate or extortionist group but a genuine alternative to the ruling party. The party’s chief coordinator, Nasiruddin Patwari, added that while the NCP is not anti-BNP, it opposes all forms of extortion and economic monopolies. He also pledged to improve the lives of tea garden workers by ensuring they receive a share of profits.

Khelafat Majlis has strongly condemned the killing of two unarmed Bangladeshi nationals by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) near the Feni border. In a meeting of the party’s central executive committee, leaders accused India of once again adopting a hostile and imperialistic stance toward Bangladesh. The party decried the act as a gross violation of human rights and demanded accountability and compensation from India, calling for international legal intervention. The party also criticized the interim government for its failure to address the Gopalganj attack and recent aviation accidents. Additionally, Khelafat leaders called on the government to shut down the UN human rights office in Bangladesh and immediately declare a "July Accord."

Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Nayeb-e-Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, has claimed that the party’s latest rally at Suhrawardy Udyan saw a larger turnout than the historic March 7 speech by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Speaking at a Dhaka South city unit workers’ conference, Taher said the crowd overflowed from the park into Ramna, the Dhaka University area, and all the way to Dhaka Medical College. He asserted that calling for electoral reform is not a conspiracy, but rather, “Hasina-style elections” are the real conspiracy. Taher warned that elections without justice and a level playing field would not be accepted. He also noted that student awareness and a rebellious spirit among the public remain alive.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has warned that if necessary, another language movement will be launched to protect the Bengali language. Speaking at an event commemorating actor Uttam Kumar’s death anniversary, she highlighted the ongoing “language terrorism” faced by Bengali speakers. Mamata emphasized the cultural importance of Bengali, noting its global rank as the fifth most spoken language. She called for unity among languages and urged society to stand against oppression targeting Bengali, promising to fight for the language’s dignity.

Iran has condemned Israel's recent Knesset proposal to annex the West Bank and expand illegal settlements, calling it a continuation of genocide and human rights violations against Palestinians. The Iranian Foreign Ministry urged international communities to support Palestinian self-determination and hold Israel accountable under international law. Iran also warned that UN Security Council’s inaction would embolden Israel's aggressive policies. The Knesset resolution rejects the establishment of a Palestinian state, citing existential threats, and supports annexation of the West Bank and Jordan Valley.