Protests over alleged recruitment examination irregularities have intensified in Jharkhand, India, where student leader Devendranath Mahato began an indefinite hunger strike at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi. Job aspirants are demanding cancellation of the 14th JPSC preliminary examination, an impartial inquiry into allegations of a question-paper leak, and reforms to the state’s recruitment system.

The protest has received support from the Cockroach Janata Party, or CJP, which the report said strengthened the agitation. The movement arose from allegations involving question-paper leaks, irregularities in recruitment procedures and administrative negligence. Students say such incidents have repeatedly harmed their career prospects.

Mahato said the dispute began after the 14th preliminary test results were announced last month. He said protesters began the movement on July 5, met the governor on July 7, burned an effigy on July 8, and submitted evidence to the chief minister on July 20. Mahato alleged that the government and Jharkhand Public Service Commission had failed to adequately address student concerns. He said he would continue fasting until demands presented to Chief Minister Hemant Soren are met.

Preliminary third-party-mediated talks have reportedly begun on a possible conditional release of jailed former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan on health grounds. Sources close to Pakistan’s influential military and Khan’s family confirmed the information, according to the report published on August 3, 2026. Khan, founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, has been held in Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail for three years.

Khan was arrested in a corruption case in 2023 and has not been seen in public since. A source familiar with the discussions said Pakistan’s political deadlock needed to end because prolonged instability had caused irreparable damage. The report said a specific, credible reason is generally required for prison release under legal and administrative procedures, and Khan’s health could provide that basis. The 73-year-old underwent eye surgery earlier this year.

Family members say they have been barred from seeing Khan for months and fear for his physical condition. His sons said he has been isolated from the outside world for more than seven months. Analysts believe any arrangement could include leaving Pakistan, staying inactive in politics and making no political statements. His friend Clive Stafford Smith said Khan may resist such strict conditions.

US President Donald Trump is losing credibility on Iran, according to Trita Parsi, executive vice president of the US-based Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. In a special interview with Al Jazeera published on August 3, 2026, Parsi said Trump’s conduct had become a “tiring pattern” involving severe threats followed by a retreat from that position.

Parsi said Trump first issues frightening threats of destructive attacks, then steps back while presenting the move as his own achievement. According to the analyst, Trump seeks to frame the outcome as though the other side had backed down, leading him to refrain from an attack. Parsi nevertheless viewed a retreat and renewed space for diplomacy more positively than the start of a disastrous war or further escalation of conflict.

However, Parsi cautioned that the situation cannot continue indefinitely. He voiced deep concern about the future of negotiations, saying repeated reversals could completely destroy their credibility. He added that commitment to any agreement could then be questioned, as could the acceptability of proposals or concessions made in talks. Trump’s threats themselves could lose significance and credibility through repeated changes of position.

In an analysis published on August 3, 2026, Ashutosh Varshney argues that student protests in Delhi’s Jantar Mantar and elsewhere in India began over education reform but developed into sharp criticism of Narendra Modi’s government. The article says authorities attempted to suppress the demonstrations through force, including pellet guns and nail-studded batons, but failed to intimidate students as the number of protesters continued to grow. It claims the government ultimately yielded.

The analysis says students also displayed courage online, using satire, mockery and humour to challenge what it describes as the BJP’s long-standing dominance of social media. It argues that familiar allegations branding protesters anti-national, foreign-funded or disrespectful of Indian culture did not succeed. Government-aligned television presenters and reporters also faced students’ anger, while the BJP’s ability to control the public narrative was described as badly weakened.

Varshney cautions that it would be unwise to conclude that the atmosphere of fear has permanently disappeared, saying the BJP may retaliate when conditions are favourable. Still, he says space for criticism and dissent has opened for now. The article suggests the movement could affect parliamentary strategy and the forthcoming Uttar Pradesh assembly election.

A report published by Amar Desh calls for a new commission to uncover any conspiracy behind the killing of President Ziaur Rahman. Ziaur Rahman was killed in an attack at Chittagong Circuit House in the early hours of May 30, 1981. The issue returned to public discussion after law enforcement arrested Major (retired) Md. Mozzafar Hossain, a fugitive death-row convict in the case, and The Daily Star published a previously undisclosed judicial inquiry report.

Acting President Justice Abdus Sattar formed the inquiry commission on June 6, 1981, led by former chief justice Ruhul Islam. Its original mandate included determining whether the killing resulted from a conspiracy and identifying those involved. The report says a Home Ministry notification dated June 13 removed that mandate, leaving the commission to examine security arrangements, failures by responsible personnel and agencies, and the removal of the bodies.

The commission described the killing as the result of grave security and intelligence failures. It heard 62 witnesses and said it found sufficient evidence that one or more of the president's personal officials had compromised his security. Former Chittagong deputy commissioner Ziauddin M. Chowdhury also argued that a new commission was needed to establish the truth behind the killing.

A human chain in Sreemangal, Moulvibazar, demanded the trial and maximum punishment of Sheikh Hasina and all other accused in the July killings. The programme was held at Sreemangal Chowmuhana intersection at 3:30 pm on Sunday under the leadership of Bablu Ahmed, a government-gazetted July fighter.

Children, women and people from different professions joined the demonstration. Participants called for justice through a swift and impartial investigation into those involved in the killings. They carried placards outlining various demands and chanted slogans calling for trials.

Speakers at the gathering recalled different events of the July movement. They said every person involved in the killings must be brought under the law, with speedy justice ensured on the basis of a transparent and impartial investigation. The speakers also demanded exemplary punishment for those found guilty.

The family of Junayed Islam Ratul, a 13-year-old schoolboy from Sultanaganj Para in Bogura, says it remains in grief and uncertainty two years after his death following injuries during the July uprising. According to the family, Ratul was shot by police on August 5, 2024, as a procession moved from Borogola toward Bogura Sadar police station. He died on September 23 after 46 days of treatment.

Ratul, a sixth-grade student at Upashahar Path Public School, was first taken by protesters to Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital after being injured. As his condition worsened, he was transferred to the Neuroscience Hospital in Dhaka. His father, grocery shopkeeper Ziaur Rahman, said the family has not received proper justice and wants accountability for his son’s killing.

Ziaur Rahman said the family received an Eid gift in 2024 and Tk50,000 from the district administration on September 25, while political leaders offered assurances. The family holds weekly prayers for Ratul. July Shaheed Family Society leader Ujjwal Hossain Jubayel said many affected families face financial, psychological and social insecurity, while other speakers called for swift justice.

Chittagong University’s 36th Senate meeting is scheduled for August 8, with no student representatives taking part in the institution’s highest forum for decisions on legal and policy matters. The five distinguished educators nominated by the chancellor and the 24 currently serving members from the 33 teacher-representative seats are reported to be aligned with the Awami League.

Under Section 22 of the Chittagong University Act, 1973, the Senate is to include the vice-chancellor, pro-vice-chancellors, government officials, lawmakers, educators, research-body representatives, affiliated-college principals, teachers and student representatives. The last teacher-representative election was held on April 30, 2015, when the Yellow Panel won all 33 seats; the White Panel did not participate. Although elected members have three-year terms, previous representatives remain in office because no new election has been held.

The last election for 25 registered-graduate representatives was held in 1986, while no election has ever been held for five student representatives. Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Mohammad Al-Forkan said time was limited for teacher elections and five speaker-nominated lawmakers had been newly added. He said the administration failed to arrange student-representative elections during the Chaksu election, but plans to hold elections for categories requiring elected representation.

Bangladesh Police officers at policy-making and field levels report long-running frustration over promotion delays, disparities with the administration cadre and shortages of logistical support, according to a report published on August 3. Officers ranging from assistant superintendent to additional inspector general, as well as inspectors, sub-inspectors and assistant sub-inspectors, said the situation is affecting the force’s chain of command and operational capacity. They alleged that senior leadership has not secured visible progress on demands or morale-building measures.

Officers said administration cadre officials are promoted more regularly and rapidly, while many police cadre officers remain stalled at the same ranks. Some officers from the 15th police cadre batch remain deputy inspectors general, while members of the 20th, 21st and 22nd batches are reported to be stuck as additional deputy inspectors general or superintendents. Police Headquarters data showed five important additional inspector general-level posts remain vacant.

During Police Week, members sought solutions including supernumerary promotions, a separate pay structure, allowances, more staff and training capacity, logistical assistance and an independent cyber unit. The report also cited shortages of patrol pickups, weak training-centre infrastructure and staffing constraints at CID. Officers warned that unresolved uncertainty could weaken morale and adversely affect law-and-order management.

Discussion over contract-based appointments has intensified in Bangladesh’s administration, focusing on the cabinet secretary, principal secretary to the prime minister and public administration secretary posts. The two-year contract terms of Cabinet Secretary Dr Nasimul Gani and Senior Secretary Ehsanul Haque of the Public Administration Ministry end this month. On July 29, Disaster Management and Relief Secretary Saidur Rahman Khan was appointed secretary of the Anti-Corruption Commission, while Housing and Public Works Secretary Nazrul Islam was retired after reaching age 59.

Secretariat speculation suggests Land Ministry Senior Secretary Saleh Ahmed could receive an extended contract to replace Ehsanul Haque. Principal Secretary Abdus Sattar may take charge as cabinet secretary, or Nasimul Gani’s contract could be extended by another year. Contract recruitment is also being discussed for the Disaster Management and Relief Ministry, while the administration is said to be considering a regular officer for Housing and Public Works.

The report lists 22 secretary-level officials currently serving on contract. On July 23, the Public Administration Ministry issued separate notifications appointing officials on one-year contracts to 12 important posts, including an additional secretary at the Election Commission Secretariat. Former secretary Abdul Awal Majumdar said contract appointments to the cabinet secretary post were not new and argued that integrity, competence and professionalism should guide promotions.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s government is pursuing administrative and law-enforcement reforms aimed at reducing political influence and strengthening accountability in state institutions. On July 27, the Ministry of Public Administration issued an order sending 32 former deputy commissioners, now joint secretaries, into compulsory retirement. The article says they had served as returning officers during the 2018 election, while government-linked sources describe the measures as part of efforts to build a neutral and democratic state system.

Information adviser Zahed Ur Rahman said the government had not formally stated that the officials were retired because of their 2018 election duties. He said rules permit compulsory retirement in the public interest without a show-cause notice after 25 years of service. He called for neutral inquiries into the 2008, 2014 and 2018 elections and said criminal action could be considered against those involved in electoral offences.

Police restructuring has also continued, with 17 senior officers retired on July 23 and 33 in June; the article puts the total at 80 in the current government’s five months. Officials say the aim is a professional, impartial and people-oriented force. Reviews and investigations are also under way across ministries and agencies into officials identified as having received political patronage or engaged in controversial activities.

Mediators are preparing to travel to Tehran for a new indirect dialogue between the United States and Iran, according to a report published on August 3, 2026. The initiative gained momentum after a major shift in former US President Donald Trump’s position over the past 24 hours. Trump had previously threatened a full-scale military attack on Iranian infrastructure, but later said both sides were very close to an agreement.

Regional diplomatic activity intensified after Trump’s announcement. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held meetings and telephone conversations with Pakistan’s army chief, Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister and Iraq’s foreign minister. Al Jazeera correspondent Osama bin Javed said a new indirect meeting would take place in Tehran, based largely on discussions held between Iran and Oman in recent days.

Washington and Tehran still have substantial differences over the terms of a final agreement, with both sides remaining far apart on key issues. However, Araghchi and Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said the talks were making significant progress and expressed optimism about reaching a deal. The proposed agreement’s framework, conditions and possible concessions have not been disclosed.

Opposition Chief Whip Md Nahid Islam said Bangladesh could further strengthen its sovereignty by developing and strengthening its maritime and shipping routes in a planned manner. He made the remarks as chief guest at a discussion titled “July Mass Uprising: Resistance and Future Roadmap,” organized by Jatiya Chhatra Shakti’s Chittagong University unit on August 3, 2026.

Islam said Bangladesh is bordered by India on three sides and that the sea is its only open route for communication with the world. He said the country has not depended on Delhi because of its seaport and can become self-reliant. He added that Chittagong University should lead efforts related to maritime routes and ports.

He also raised demands for reforms, justice and implementation of the July Charter, saying any government could become authoritarian if the charter is not implemented. Islam said Chittagong University has a responsibility to lead the wider Chittagong division and should join future movements in support of the people. Other speakers included Professor Mozammel Haque, Assistant Professor Mohammad Sohaib, Sarwar Tushar, Ali Ahsan Junaed and Abu Bakar Majumdar.

US President Donald Trump said discussions between the United States and Iran would begin on Monday, potentially through intermediaries. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on August 3, Trump said the talks could start that afternoon. He said he wanted to pursue an agreement because it could save many lives and avoid what he described as unnecessary use of force.

Trump said the United States was ready to act whenever it chose, but added that he wanted a deal and did not want people to be killed. He said many people die in such circumstances. His remarks presented negotiations as an alternative to military action and emphasized his stated preference for reaching an agreement.

He said a planned “major attack” for Friday had to be cancelled after discussions involving Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Iran. Trump said he hoped an understanding could be reached over the management of the Strait of Hormuz. He also said he hoped for an agreement to halt Iran’s nuclear program.

BNP Vice Chairman Barkat Ullah Bulbul said Sheikh Hasina’s fall occurred because of Awami journalists and intellectuals, while urging reporters to uphold objective journalism. He made the remarks on 3 August as chief guest after a friendly football match organized by the Noakhali Journalists Union at a football turf field in Ekhlaspur union of Begumganj, Noakhali.

Bulbul described journalists as the conscience of the nation, saying they have no political party and should expose social inconsistencies for public welfare. He said journalists’ responsibilities have increased in the new reality following the country’s political change, and that truthful, objective reporting is needed to meet public expectations.

He said independent journalism is highly important in any democratic state and that reporters should not take sides with an individual or political party. He called on journalists, intellectuals, businesspeople and all other groups to place the country’s interests first. The friendly match was held in a festive atmosphere, with Noakhali Journalists Union members, district BNP leaders and sports figures among those present.