Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has pledged to continue supporting Bangladesh, particularly in addressing the Rohingya refugee crisis. Speaking after talks with Bangladesh’s interim Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus in Putrajaya, Anwar called for ASEAN unity in resolving the Myanmar conflict. He praised Bangladesh’s role in multilateral forums and announced plans for Malaysia’s foreign minister to visit Myanmar with regional counterparts. Dr. Yunus also attended a luncheon and cultural program hosted by Anwar, and will join business and community events in Malaysia.

Bangladesh will allow onion imports to increase market supply and stabilize prices, Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin announced on August 12. The decision follows a sharp price hike in Dhaka, where onions rose from Tk 60 to Tk 80–85 per kilogram within a week. Imports will be permitted from any country, not just India, based on demand, supply, and price considerations. The government’s primary goal is to ensure affordability for consumers, though the specific import dates and quantities are yet to be set.

Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has invited Malaysian companies to invest in Bangladesh, highlighting the interim government’s efforts to create a business-friendly environment. Speaking at a business forum in Kuala Lumpur, he emphasized the country’s growing potential and opportunities for young, creative talent. The event also featured presentations by key industry leaders and was held after a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Malaysian and Bangladeshi chambers of commerce to boost trade and investment ties.

Scott Ritter, ex-US Marine intelligence officer, stated that Ukraine will inevitably lose regions like Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Luhansk to Russia following the 2022 referendums. He criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, saying he is not a good leader and should face this reality. Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump suggested territorial concessions from both sides to end the war, with upcoming talks planned with Putin in Alaska to explore peace agreements.

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that the country is deploying all its resources and diplomatic capabilities to foster hope in Gaza. Speaking after a cabinet meeting in Ankara, Erdogan condemned Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and his network, accusing them of dragging the region into deeper crisis to maintain political power. Since October 2023, Israel’s military actions have caused immense loss of life and humanitarian suffering in Gaza. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants against Netanyahu and others for war crimes in Gaza.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is planning to send players to Malaysia and Thailand for medical treatment due to ongoing visa issues with India. Political tensions have led to a suspension of Indian visas for over a year, making it difficult for players to get timely treatment there. To reduce dependency on India, BCB aims to finalize medical agreements with Malaysia and Thailand soon. This move will ensure faster visa processing and better medical support, including workshops for BCB’s medical staff.

Pakistan’s Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Punjab government regarding former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s bail petition in a May 9 violence case. A three-member bench led by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi started hearing multiple bail pleas after the Lahore High Court rejected them. The court refrained from commenting on legal matters for now and scheduled the next hearing for August 19. Imran Khan remains imprisoned in Adiala Jail as the case proceeds.

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared that the country is utilizing all state resources and diplomatic channels to support Gaza. Speaking after a cabinet meeting in Ankara, Erdogan condemned Israeli actions under Netanyahu, warning against prolonging the conflict. Since last October, Israeli military operations have caused over 61,500 deaths in Gaza, triggering a severe humanitarian crisis. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants against Israeli leaders for war crimes, while Israel faces genocide accusations at the International Court of Justice.

Sumaiya Jafrin, wife of Major Sadik, has confessed in court regarding guerrilla training provided to Awami League and Chhatra League activists, following her remand.

On July 8, a banned Chhatra League faction held a secret meeting at the KB Convention Center attended by 300-400 participants linked to the fascist league, where guerrilla training was reportedly given with the objective of seizing control of Dhaka. Sumaiya’s connection to these activities has come to light through the investigation.

After recording her confession, the court ordered her detention in prison.

Pakistan Jamaat-e-Islami has declared it will hold the country’s largest-ever gathering from November 21 to 23 at Minar-e-Pakistan. Jamaat Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rahman called on the ruling authorities to restore public rights or face a peaceful but powerful mass movement. The event will feature leaders of Islamic movements globally, pro-Palestinian groups, and international figures. Ahead of the gathering, 30,000 public committees will be formed nationwide to ensure broad participation. Jamaat vows to lead a peaceful resistance representing youth, women, farmers, and workers amid Pakistan’s deepening crisis.

The United States and China have agreed to extend their tariff suspension for an additional 90 days, keeping the current tariffs in place until November 10. This extension pauses planned higher tariffs and allows more time to negotiate issues like reducing the trade deficit, unfair trade practices, and market access for US exporters. Both countries aim to resolve complex economic and security concerns, including rare mineral exports, Russian oil purchases, and technology restrictions, fostering constructive dialogue amid ongoing trade tensions.

At a Youth Day event, Tarique Rahman emphasized the public’s desire for genuine political transformation rather than mere promises.

He outlined BNP’s future focus on employment-driven politics and called for courage and integrity to avoid vendettas, declaring Bangladesh’s prosperity inevitable if its population can be transformed into productive manpower.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated attempts are underway to tarnish BNP by linking it to wrongdoing. He reaffirmed BNP’s commitment to ensuring free and fair elections as the main opposition party, aiming to eliminate allegations of vote-rigging similar to those leveled against the Awami League.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 has rejected senior Supreme Court lawyer Z I Khan Panna’s application in the ongoing July crimes against humanity case involving former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Despite Panna’s request to represent Sheikh Hasina, the tribunal appointed lawyer Amir Hossain as the state defense counsel on June 25. At the witness testimony stage, the tribunal questioned the purpose of Panna’s application and stated that no new applications can be accepted at this point, comparing it to missing a train after it has left.

NCP Convenor Nahid Islam warned that despite giving leeway over the past year, no concessions will be granted in the July manifesto or charter this year.

He claimed the revolutionary energy remains strong on the streets and stressed the need for unity within the opposition to prevent a repeat of 1/11-style setbacks. Nahid emphasized the demand for elections but insisted these must be accompanied by genuine reforms. Without fulfilling promises, no political party can assume power.

He urged reform to begin within parties and expressed a desire to see youth leadership in the future National Parliament. Calling for military training for youth to strengthen national defense, Nahid highlighted the rise of citizens’ and youth parties from grassroots movements, envisioning youth as the country’s vanguard.

He assured that the July march is not over and pledged to return to mobilize supporters soon.

Hasnat Abdullah accused hostile elements based in India of plotting against the state and claimed attempts are underway to rehabilitate the Awami League through the National Party.

He urged transparency from the government regarding its performance over the past year and called for public disclosure of plans involving media, administration, and the military. Abdullah appealed to media houses to maintain objective reporting, highlighting increased interference by state institutions post-August 5.

He alleged that a faction called ‘Banchito’ has seized administrative control and demanded reforms before the upcoming elections. Abdullah called for strict action against the DGFI, accused the agency of political manipulation, and suggested either reforming or banning it.

He ended by condemning defamatory remarks against Tarique Rahman’s leaders and warned of top-level complicity if no action is taken.