Dr. Reza Kibria criticized the interim government for betraying the blood of the July–August uprising martyrs and failing to deliver promised reforms. Speaking at a National Press Club discussion, he called the current administration dishonest, incompetent, and semi-educated, warning that many in power may flee the country. He questioned the fairness of upcoming elections and stressed that only a neutral government can ensure proper leadership, honest governance, and meaningful reform in Bangladesh.

U.S. President Donald Trump has backed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal for Ukraine to cede some territory to end the war, revealed after a three-hour meeting in Alaska. Ukrainians reacted angrily, calling it a diplomatic victory for Putin and a humiliation for the U.S. Residents in Kyiv and Kharkiv expressed frustration, saying the talks ignored Ukraine’s role. Meanwhile, Washington proposed NATO-style security guarantees for Ukraine, reportedly with Putin’s consent, during a call with President Zelensky and European leaders.

The National Consensus Commission has sent a draft of the National July Charter 2025 with an eight-point commitment to political parties for review. The Charter, containing 84 provisions, seeks to institutionalize the people’s will expressed in the July 2024 mass uprising. It ensures constitutional incorporation, judicial authority for interpretation, legal validity, reforms in governance and justice, recognition of the uprising, justice for victims, and immediate implementation of applicable provisions before the next national election. Parties must submit feedback by August 20.

U.S. authorities have secretly embedded trackers in select shipments of advanced AI chips and servers to prevent illegal transfers to China, according to Reuters sources. The devices, hidden in packaging or servers, target shipments under investigation, particularly involving Dell and Supermicro products with Nvidia and AMD chips. Officials say trackers help trace smuggling networks and enforce export controls. Since 2022, Washington has restricted chip sales to China to limit its military modernization.

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit India from August 18 to 20 to discuss bilateral border issues and participate in the 24th Special Representatives meeting on the China-India boundary. Both nations are also considering restarting border trade, halted since deadly clashes in 2020, and exploring agreements on direct flights and tourist visas. This visit follows Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar’s July trip to Beijing and marks a step toward restoring ties amid ongoing geopolitical and global trade uncertainties.

India has welcomed the Alaska meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling the initiative in pursuit of peace “highly commendable.” The leaders held nearly three hours of talks, but no agreement was reached on the Ukraine conflict. Trump emphasized that the next steps depend on Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, who plans to meet Trump in Washington. India highlighted that global peace can only be achieved through dialogue and diplomacy, without commenting on U.S. tariffs on Indian goods.

NCP leader Nasiruddin Patwary has warned that ignoring history will condemn leaders to “stay abroad and online.”
He accused the Chief Adviser of bowing in London and returning with a “divine command” to hold elections in February, insisting the first vote must be for a Constituent Assembly.
Patwary stressed that this is the only way out of the current crisis. He pledged not to return to politics if corruption allegations against him were ever proven.
He also accused India of conspiring “under the banner of nationalism” and noted that 60% of Bangladeshis demand reforms.

Yulia Navalnaya, wife of late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, has called on Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump to secure the release of Russian and Ukrainian political prisoners. Detained for opposing the war or expressing dissent, these individuals include activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens. Navalnaya emphasized the need for an irreversible step, citing past prisoner exchanges and urging immediate action to free those imprisoned for anti-war statements or social media posts amid Russia’s strict military censorship laws.

The National Consensus Commission has circulated a draft of the July Charter to political parties, seeking their feedback.
The document recalls the 2009 Pilkhana massacre, the 2013 Shapla Chattar crackdown, and the 2018 quota movement as part of its backdrop.
The draft states that all provisions of the charter will carry full constitutional and legal authority, and no court may challenge its legitimacy or necessity. Urgent recommendations must be implemented by the government before the next election without delay.
The Supreme Court will be the final authority to interpret any part of the charter and oversee constitutional reforms aligned with it.

NCP leader Akhtar Hossain warned that any attempt to obstruct the drafting of a new constitution would bring his party to the streets “in a second.”
He criticized the Yunus-led interim government for sidestepping the July Charter, saying:

“The Commission showed strong intent when discussing reforms, but when it came to implementation, it seemed to bow under pressure.”
Hossain revealed that discussions on 20 key issues have already taken place but insisted that the July Charter must be implemented through broad-based political consensus, not in consultation with just one party.

The NCP has officially withdrawn show-cause notices issued to five central leaders regarding their visit to Cox’s Bazar on the first anniversary of the July Uprising.
A party statement confirmed that after reviewing the replies from the accused leaders, the high command found no breach of party discipline. Accordingly, under the directive of Convener Md. Nahid Islam and Member-Secretary Akhtar Hossain, the notices have been annulled and the matter settled.

NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah has launched a scathing attack, alleging that the post-uprising head of state “prostrated himself in London” and effectively sold out the government in a joint briefing unprecedented in world history.
Hasnat warned that keeping the old system intact while attempting superficial reforms would only trigger another mass uprising. He stressed that any upcoming election must be a Constituent Assembly election, not one under the “fascist textbook” of the old constitution.
Dismissing allegations that his party took money from businesses, Hasnat challenged accusers to provide proof—vowing to resign from politics if any evidence surfaced. He further criticized the media as being “sold out” to political parties and slammed bureaucrats for “lining up in Gulshan and Paltan” after office hours.
“No one can buy us with seats,” he declared. “We must give the people a new constitution.”

BNP leader Syed Emran Saleh Prince criticized the prior Awami League government for systematically undermining the education system. He highlighted issues such as mass pass rates, unregulated grading, and inflated GPA-5 results, which hindered genuine talent evaluation.

Prince urged a return to classroom-focused teaching and commended students’ leading role in the national movement, promising that their bravery will be remembered. He also noted the “July Declaration” and said a roadmap for the next national election will be announced before Ramadan. He called on teachers to actively support a meaningful and successful election process.

Several figures in the arts community faced backlash for posting “grief narratives” on Facebook regarding August 15, accused of symbolically rehabilitating fascism. A symbolic shoe-beating protest took place at Raju Sculpture at 5 PM, targeting celebrities including actors Chanchal Chowdhury, Shomi Kaiser, Shampa Reza, Jaya Ahsan, Shakib Khan, and others.

Journalists, writers, musicians, and educators were also criticized for allegedly sympathizing with cultural fascism. The July Revolutionary Alliance has declared certain celebrities unwelcome in Uttara for their perceived political stances.

Heavy rains, flash floods, and landslides have devastated northern Pakistan, leaving at least 307 dead in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province over the past 48 hours. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority confirmed widespread destruction, including dozens of homes damaged or destroyed. Relief efforts face major challenges due to washed-out roads and ongoing rainfall, expected to continue until August 21. Around 2,000 rescue workers are engaged, while the army and federal government have mobilized aid and announced significant financial support for affected districts.