US President Donald Trump said negotiations with Iran are under way and described them as Tehran’s “last chance” to reach an agreement, despite Iran’s Foreign Ministry denying any talks with Washington. Speaking to reporters at the White House on Monday, Trump said he had agreed to continue discussions at the request of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and several other countries.

Trump identified reopening the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian nuclear disarmament as the two main issues in the discussions. He said reopening the waterway could perhaps happen as soon as the next day, while nuclear disarmament could take longer to implement. Iran maintains that its nuclear programme is entirely civilian, while Western countries allege it is secretly pursuing nuclear weapons.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Tehran is discussing safe shipping through the Strait of Hormuz with Oman and is close to an acceptable arrangement. He said a full reopening of the strait is not likely immediately. On Tuesday, UKMTO reported that a cargo vessel near Oman’s coast in the strait was struck by a missile from an unknown source; the incident is under investigation.

A new nationwide online Reuters-Ipsos poll found US President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 35 percent, according to a report published on August 4, 2026. The rating was 37 percent in the previous month’s survey, marking a decline of two percentage points over one month.

The report linked the decline to voter dissatisfaction with the handling of the economy and higher energy prices caused by the war with Iran. For the first time in nearly a decade, respondents viewed Democrats as more capable than Republicans of managing the economy. Political debate in the United States has also focused on Trump’s economic policies, inflation and energy costs.

The polling trend could concern Republicans ahead of the midterm elections, whose outcome may determine control of Congress for the following two years. Trump disputed the assessment of his popularity, saying his real polling results were better than at any previous time. In a Truth Social post, he said those results were not produced by what he called the fake news media.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has said it is not leaving the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance formed ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election. In a report published on August 4, several senior NCP leaders said joint alliance programmes and regular meetings remain under way, and neither the alliance nor the party has discussed an exit. Jamaat and NCP both dismissed reports of an NCP departure as false rumours and fabricated propaganda.

The two parties said efforts were being made to create confusion and divisions while the alliance is conducting street-based movements over implementation of the July Charter, state reform and trials for killings. Alliance coordinator Hamidur Rahman Azad said NCP convener Nahid Islam had conveyed the same position to him. NCP leaders said the party wants to strengthen its own organisation while remaining in the alliance, including through July march programmes across the country down to the upazila level.

At a liaison committee meeting last Thursday at the opposition leader’s residence on Minto Road, the alliance decided to hold a major rally in Paltan on August 5 and announce further political programmes there. Discussions also continue over local government elections, with possible alliance-level accommodation still under consideration despite separate city corporation candidates.

The government will take legal action in line with a court directive if any media outlet broadcasts statements by ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, the prime minister’s information adviser Dr. Jahed Ur Rahman said. Speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat on Tuesday, he urged media organisations to comply with the court order and said the government would take necessary steps if it was violated.

Rahman said the government had previously warned the media on the issue. He said announcing in advance that Hasina’s statements would be published or broadcast would amount to disobeying the court order. Compliance with court directives is a constitutional duty for individuals and institutions, he said, while ensuring implementation of court decisions is the government’s responsibility. He added that, personally, he would not favour blocking her statements without a court restriction.

On Hasina’s recent announcement about returning to the country, Rahman said the government wants to bring her back and has sought her extradition from India. He said she is currently a death-sentenced accused and would be arrested if she returned, while being guaranteed legal rights including self-defence and appointing a lawyer. The government would accept the court’s final verdict, he said.

The government has again warned media outlets to refrain from publishing news, statements or promotional material concerning former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, described in the report as being in India. At a regular briefing at the Information Department conference room in the Secretariat on August 4, Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman said a court injunction bars promotional reporting about her. He said appropriate action would be taken if the restriction is violated.

Asked about reports that Hasina may deliver a speech on August 5, described as the date of the government’s fall and her departure, Zahed said newspapers had previously been instructed on broadcasting her statements. He said publishing reports that she would speak, or publicizing such a speech, would violate the court ruling and prompt government action.

Zahed said the government is not a court and is responsible for implementing court orders. He said anyone who believes blocking the broadcast of Hasina’s statements is wrong may challenge the ruling in court. Otherwise, he said, all institutions and individuals have a duty to comply with the order.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he has differences with US President Donald Trump over parts of Trump’s Gaza plan, including a recent agreement with Hamas. Netanyahu made the comments after meeting Nikolai Mladenov, chief envoy of Trump’s Board of Peace, according to a report published on August 4, 2026.

Netanyahu said Hamas must be disarmed and the Gaza Strip demilitarized before reconstruction can begin. He said he was not concealing his disagreements with Trump over the recent Hamas agreement. Last week, Trump said the Board of Peace, formed at his initiative to stabilize the Gaza situation, had reached a “historic” understanding with Hamas.

The reported agreement provided for Hamas to surrender weapons and for Israeli troops to withdraw from war-ravaged Gaza. A document shown by Al Jazeera linked a phased Hamas disarmament process to the withdrawal of Israeli forces. After Israeli objections, however, the Board of Peace said Hamas must be completely disarmed before Israeli troops leave Gaza. Hamas weapons surrender and Israeli troop withdrawal are described as key conditions for implementing the US plan, with differences between Israeli and US positions now apparent.

In a column published by Amar Desh on August 4, 2026, Mahiuuddin Ahmed called for the full, transparent implementation of Bangladesh’s July Charter. He argued that although the July uprising ended what he described as a fascist regime, much of the centralized power structure remains intact. Ahmed said voters in the February 2026 referendum backed 84 reform proposals, and that the charter should not be selectively interpreted through the ruling party’s election manifesto.

The column identifies limits on executive power, a bicameral parliament, judicial independence and an impartial Election Commission as central commitments associated with the referendum. It also cites an Appellate Division ruling of July 9, 2026, which upheld part of a High Court decision on the Fifteenth Amendment, restoring provisions for a caretaker government system and constitutional referendums. Ahmed said the ruling did not make every referendum proposal directly binding, but renewed attention to the constitutional significance of direct public opinion.

He urged the government to publish a formal implementation list and public reform dashboard, including each proposal’s status, required legal changes and parliamentary timeline. He also called for draft constitutional amendments to be released for public comment and for disputed reforms to be considered separately. Ahmed said both government and opposition bear responsibility, while the government carries greater responsibility because it holds legislative majority.

An opinion article in Amar Desh says an announced press conference by Sheikh Hasina from Delhi on August 5, the anniversary of her reported fall and departure, has renewed questions about India’s role. Citing an X post by Suhasini Haidar, diplomatic affairs editor at The Hindu, the article says Hasina is expected to hold a press conference in Delhi, although it remains unclear whether she will appear in person or virtually.

The article recounts the July movement and violence on August 4, saying junior military officers expressed reluctance to fire on protesters during an August 3 meeting led by army chief General Waker-uz-Zaman. It alleges police fired on protesters in several locations on August 4, while student leaders brought forward their March to Dhaka programme to August 5.

It also cites a parliamentary statement by Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, saying Hasina had communicated her wish to go to India and that preparations were made. The article further notes meetings between Hasina and then Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma in July, presenting these contacts as evidence of a longstanding relationship between India and Hasina.

Seven people from Golapganj in Sylhet were killed during unrest on August 4, 2024, linked to the anti-discrimination student movement’s nationwide non-cooperation programme, the report says. Six were killed amid shootings and clashes involving police and Border Guard Bangladesh personnel, while more than 100 people were injured. Kamrul Islam Pavel, who was seriously wounded in police firing near Kin Bridge in Sylhet’s Kotwali area that day, died on August 5, bringing the Golapganj death toll to seven.

Students and people from different professions had gathered at Dakshin Surma Government College and a multipurpose college despite a nationwide curfew. The report says tensions with a BGB and police patrol escalated into clashes, followed by the use of rubber bullets, spring bullets and live ammunition. It also alleges armed attacks by Awami League and affiliated activists, while further confrontations involved tear gas, sound grenades and gunfire.

Families say justice remains unseen two years later. Pavel’s father, Rafiq Uddin, called for exemplary punishment, while Nazmul Islam’s brother, Chhamid Ahmed, objected to a murder case naming about 300 accused. Sylhet Police Superintendent Chowdhury Md. Jaber Sadeq said the investigation has progressed, but the large number of accused requires time. He said the Police Bureau of Investigation and intelligence agencies are investigating and legal action will follow the inquiry.

Bangladesh has sought clarity from India over a planned August 5 virtual event in New Delhi featuring Sheikh Hasina, according to the report. Indian media said the event, organized by the Foreign Correspondents Club of South Asia, was scheduled from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. local time at the Sir Mark Tully Auditorium on Mathura Road. Hasina was expected to discuss Bangladesh’s political situation, her future political plans and preparations to return to the country.

The report said an Indian parliamentary committee on foreign affairs had recently stated that Hasina was not permitted to conduct politics from Delhi and that her extradition was under consideration. The announced event prompted discussion in political and diplomatic circles. Its invitation listed several prospective participants, including Sajeeb Wazed Joy, Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel and Shakib Al Hasan.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid said India should clarify whether it supports the online event. She said political statements or activities aimed at destabilizing Bangladesh by fugitive accused persons were undesirable and could harm bilateral relations. The prime minister’s foreign affairs adviser Humayun Kabir requested Indian cooperation to prevent destabilizing activities from Indian territory; the Indian high commissioner said the matter would be considered.

Bangladeshi Nagarik Parishad, France held a discussion meeting in Paris calling for implementation of the July Charter and referendum verdict. The event took place on Sunday at 6:30 pm local time in a hall at 13 Avenue de Flandre in Paris’s 19th administrative district. Speakers urged state reforms, stronger democratic institutions, rule of law and a accountable state system built on national unity.

Abul Khayer Laskar, president of Bangladeshi Nagarik Parishad, France, chaired the meeting, which drew Bangladeshi residents in France as well as journalists, lawyers, researchers, social workers, businesspeople and representatives of social and cultural groups. General Secretary Ibrahim Bhuiyan moderated the programme. Chief guest Advocate Kazi Abdullah Al Mamun, chairman of the Bangladesh Democratic Party, said timely political and institutional reforms were needed to reflect public expectations in state governance.

Speakers said a non-discriminatory, humane and democratic state was a key condition for realizing the spirit of the July Revolution. They emphasized good governance, protection of human rights and ensuring that public opinion is reflected. Laskar called on expatriates to play a positive role in Bangladesh’s development and democratic progress, while participants stressed broader unity despite differences of opinion.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir condemned what it described as an attack, vandalism and injuries to organisers at its July uprising-themed photography exhibition at Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur. In a joint statement issued Tuesday, central president Nurul Islam and secretary general Sibgatullah called for action over the incident, reported on August 4, 2026.

The group said its pre-scheduled exhibition, titled “July Against Oppression,” was being held to mark the second anniversary of the July uprising when Chhatra Dal allegedly carried out a planned evening attack. Shibir alleged that a stall was vandalised and its activists were attacked, leaving several people injured, including former central library secretary and former branch president Sohel Rana. The statement also cited an August 2 incident at Dhaka University’s Shahidullah Hall.

Shibir alleged that intimidation was being used to establish campus dominance. Its leaders demanded a fair, impartial and credible investigation to identify those responsible and ensure exemplary punishment. They also urged the university administration to take swift and effective steps to protect students’ lives and property and maintain an orderly educational environment.

Barishal University authorities have promised an inquiry into teachers accused of supporting the Sheikh Hasina government and opposing the student movement during a secret meeting on August 4, 2024. The report says no visible disciplinary action has been taken against the accused teachers two years later, with many continuing in senior academic and administrative roles, including deans and department chairs. The meeting allegedly included calls to oppose the one-point demand and resist teachers and students backing the movement.

University sources said a video of the roughly one-and-a-half-hour meeting was published on April 19, 2025, and showed at least 13 teachers speaking in support of the government. Students later protested demanding accountability, but the previous two administrations allegedly took no effective action. Discussions about forming an investigation committee occurred under an earlier administration but were not implemented, with the administration citing non-cooperation from teachers, officers and employees.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mamun Or Rashid, who assumed office on May 14, 2026, said action would be taken through an impartial investigation and in accordance with the law, subject to a syndicate decision. The acting registrar said no offence would remain unaddressed. The proctor said the matter would be placed before the next syndicate meeting and a judicial investigation committee would be formed.

Prashant Kishor, founder of the Jan Suraaj Party, has won the Bankipur assembly bypoll in Bihar, India, becoming an MLA for the first time. According to results announced by the Election Commission and reported on August 4, 2026, Kishor received 64,151 votes. BJP candidate Neeraj Kumar received 44,827 votes, while RJD candidate Rekha Kumari finished third with 14,273. Kishor won by a margin of 19,324 votes.

The report described Bankipur as a BJP stronghold for nearly three decades. The seat had long been held by influential BJP leader Nitin Nabin and became vacant after he joined the Rajya Sabha. Before the election, Nabin had said that young voters still supported the BJP. Political analysts had also viewed Bankipur as a test for “Gen-Z” voters because of its large youth electorate and several educational institutions.

After his victory, Kishor said people would see visible changes in Bankipur within three months. He said his doors were open to people across Bihar and claimed the result sent a clear message from Bihar’s people to the BJP’s central leadership. Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary congratulated Kishor in an X post, saying the public had chosen Jan Suraaj and that its verdict should be respected.

State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam called for removing crude and indecent practices from politics and culture to build a more refined environment. Speaking as chief guest at the opening of Jagannath University Recitation Council’s sixth Recitation Festival 2026 on Monday, he said Bangladesh’s image and future could be harmed otherwise.

Khaiyam said institutional capacity gaps had emerged in politics, culture, the economy and other sectors because of crises in recent years. He said the current government was working to overcome that situation and build a secular, non-discriminatory and democratic state regardless of nation, religion and group. He also said the government was sincere about revitalising and refining the country’s cultural sector.

The state minister stressed the need to remove ugly and indecent forms from political language to create a healthy environment. He said the government would fully support Jagannath University’s overall reconstruction and cultural activities. The daylong festival included an inter-department Nazrul recitation competition, honours for distinguished people, prize distribution, a discussion session and cultural performances.