Jamaat-e-Islami leader Golam Parwar has strongly condemned Israel’s alleged plan to seize Gaza City, describing it as part of a “systematic ethnic cleansing.”

He claimed that Israeli bombings have killed over 61,000 Palestinians and injured more than 55,000. “Israel has destroyed homes, mosques, schools, churches, and hospitals. Gaza, once a thriving city, now stands as a monument of devastation,” Parwar said.

He urged the United Nations, peace-loving nations, and international organizations to take urgent action to halt Israel’s offensive and prevent forced displacement of one million Palestinians.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has responded cautiously to the government’s new “zero-portrait policy,” under which President Mohammed Shahabuddin’s portraits have been removed from foreign missions.

Rizvi said, “The government has introduced this policy, and in its context they have acted. Whether it is right or wrong, we will discuss within the party before making any comments.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had issued verbal instructions to embassies and consulates to remove the President’s portraits, a directive already enforced in several missions.

The extension of the nomination paper submission deadline for the DUCSU elections by one day has sparked outrage from the Democratic Student Union of Dhaka University (Bagchas).

Leaders condemned the move as an attempt to favor Chhatra Dal, accusing the administration of bias. They warned that if any faction attempted to dominate campus like Chhatra League, democratic forces and general students would resist.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) vice-presidential candidate Abu Sadiq Kayem has pledged a vision of inclusive leadership inspired by last year’s “July Revolution.”

He recalled, “During the July uprising, we set aside our differences and united against fascism. Our panel reflects that spirit—bringing together Shibir activists, independent voices, Chakma community members, and women leaders.”

Kayem expressed hope for a vibrant election and vowed to soon release a manifesto honoring the aspirations of July’s martyrs for a just and equitable Bangladesh.

As discussions continue over the final draft of the July Charter, BNP sources suggest the party may concede on certain issues, including the proportional representation system for the upper house of parliament and the mechanism for forming a caretaker government.

BNP leaders note unresolved inconsistencies in the draft, including how dissenting party opinions would be reflected in the constitution. Jamaat has advised legalizing implementation under the current government, while CPB has objected to clauses barring judicial review of the charter.

BNP’s Standing Committee will discuss the matter today before presenting feedback to the National Consensus Commission on August 20.

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has arrived in New Delhi on his first visit to India in over three years, aiming to boost historically tense bilateral relations. During the three-day visit, he will meet with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and is expected to hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Key discussions will focus on resuming trade via the Himalayan border, enhancing economic cooperation, and stabilizing ties amid U.S. tariffs and global geopolitical tensions. The visit signals a positive shift in India-China relations.

Australia has revoked the visa of Israeli far-right politician Simcha Rothman, who was scheduled to speak at events organized by Australian Jewish groups. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke cited concerns over spreading division and hatred. Rothman, leader of the National Religious Party—Religious Zionism, will be barred from visiting Australia for three years. The move has drawn criticism from the Australian Jewish community, calling it anti-Semitic. Australia plans to recognize Palestine next month, a step Rothman has strongly opposed.

The National Committee Party (NCP) has expelled its Joint Member Secretary Mahin Sarkar for breaching party discipline.

In a press release, NCP stated that the decision was made under the directive of Central Convener Md. Nahid Islam and Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain. The expulsion order takes immediate effect and will remain in force until further notice.

Bolivia is set for a historic presidential runoff, ending nearly two decades of left-wing dominance by the Movement for Socialism (MAS). Center-right Senator Rodrigo Paz Pereira leads with 32.1% of votes, followed by former President Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga at 26.9%. MAS’s candidate Eduardo del Castillo received just 3.15%, but the party retains registration. Businessman Samuel Doria Medina, finishing third, has pledged support for Paz Pereira. The final contest will now determine Bolivia’s next president between two right-wing contenders.

The High Court has issued a rule asking why the 1% surcharge on mobile phone usage, introduced in 2016 to fund the Padma Bridge, should not be stopped. The court ordered government agencies to respond within four weeks. Consumer rights group CCS filed the writ, arguing the levy contradicts the law as no timeframe was specified and the bridge was completed in 2022. Despite collecting over Tk 2,000 crore, authorities have not withdrawn the surcharge.

A leaked phone conversation between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and senior Awami League leader Jahangir Kabir Nanak has stirred controversy.

In the recording, Hasina is heard questioning Nanak about the role of Mohammadpur’s Bihari community in recent political events. When Nanak pointed to a local councilor, Sentu, linked to Jatiya Party, Hasina dismissed concerns that action against him might upset the party.

“Keep quiet. Why should we care if Jatiya Party collapses? What is left of that party anyway? We don’t need them. They’re a living corpse. This time I won’t spare a single one,” Hasina declared bluntly.

Chief Advisor Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has directed all relevant agencies to reveal how some individuals have plundered the nation’s resources. At a meeting with NBR Chairman Md. Abdur Rahman Khan and CIC Director General Ahsan Habib, it was reported that nearly BDT 40,000 crore has been illicitly transferred abroad, traced across seven cities in five countries since January. Coordinated action by the ACC, CIC, police, and other authorities is required to identify culprits and ensure such wealth plundering is prevented in the future.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has temporarily suspended four tax officials for obstructing office work during protests against the government’s Revenue Policy and Revenue Management Ordinance, 2025. The order, issued by the Internal Resources Division and signed by IRD Secretary and NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman, cited their involvement in halting colleagues’ duties. The suspended officers include Sadhan Kumar Kundu, Abul Ala Mohammad Amimul Ihsan Khan, Sanowarul Kabir, and Saidul Islam. They will receive allowances during suspension, as per regulations.

Tensions flared ahead of the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections as leaders of the Bangladesh Chhatra Dal (JCD) alleged that one of their female leaders was obstructed from collecting a nomination form at Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall.

At a press conference on Monday, JCD leaders claimed that a mob was mobilized to stop their representative, effectively confining her inside the hall premises. As a result, students were reportedly forced to leave without being able to obtain nomination papers.

They warned that a free and fair DUCSU election will not be possible unless the current law-and-order situation and intimidation on campus are brought under full control.

The student group further alleged that a section of their rivals, “envious of Chhatra Dal’s growing popularity,” has been attempting to sabotage the election process since the very beginning.

Former Home Minister Mokha Alamgir, known as Mokha, is under scrutiny for massive corruption, loan fraud, and money laundering tied to Padma Bank (formerly Farmers Bank). Investigations reveal nearly BDT 5,000 crore misappropriated, 33 accounts used by him, his wife, and family-controlled firms, and multiple fake companies involved. While associates face prison sentences, Alamgir remains abroad. A forensic audit and legal action are recommended. Government intervention partially stabilized the bank, but irregularities persist. Efforts continue to recover funds for depositors.