In a virtual address during BNP’s biennial conference, Tareq Rahman stated that the previous fascist government not only destroyed the electoral system but also devastated all sectors and brutally suppressed opposition voices. He credited the July uprising’s sacrifices for their downfall.

Rahman said the interim government is moving forward to hold elections in which BNP will emerge victorious. However, he cautioned that BNP will face various challenges upon coming to power, requiring unity and collective effort to overcome. He stressed the importance of creating skilled employment both domestically and internationally and delivering quality education to youth for a brighter future. Rahman also mentioned the possibility of taking water-sharing disputes, including those involving the Padma River, to international courts if necessary.

Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton revealed that Washington’s long-standing policy aimed to keep India distant from Russia and China’s influence. While successful for years, President Trump’s tariff wars have strained US-India trade relations, pushing India closer to Russia and China. Experts warn this shift could impact defense cooperation and the Indo-Pacific balance. Amid Modi-Putin talks and China’s strategic moves, India’s future alignment remains uncertain, influencing Asia-Pacific geopolitical dynamics.

Pakistan’s Supreme Court will hear former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s bail plea on August 12 related to the May 9, 2023, riots. The three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, will preside over the case. Imran Khan has been imprisoned in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail since his arrest on August 5, 2023. His bail plea was previously denied by an anti-terrorism court and the Lahore High Court. The Supreme Court had earlier suspended proceedings due to the absence of his senior lawyer.

SM Zillani, President of the Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal, has alleged that a mafia-style group emerges whenever the BNP discusses elections, selling what he described as “tickets to paradise” to the public.

“We have observed that when BNP talks about elections, a certain mafia group starts selling so-called ‘tickets to paradise’ to people. These sellers are once again conspiring over Bangladesh’s electoral process,” Zillani said.

According to him, the public has identified these groups as a “bot army” for their role in mobilizing mobs and orchestrating online propaganda. He urged party leaders and activists to remain vigilant against both this bot network and false campaigns on social media.

“The answer to lies must be the truth,” Zillani emphasized, calling for a proactive approach to counter disinformation.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed, during a ceremony to provide financial aid to the heroes of July and previous movements, declared that everyone who suffered in the 16-year struggle against dictatorship is a future national hero. He highlighted numerous enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and political murders during this period.

Salahuddin referenced the Chief Advisor’s statement recognizing the martyrs of 1971 as national heroes and extended this honor to all who sacrificed their lives in the anti-fascist movement. Citing human rights organizations, he noted that by 2023, over 7,188 people fell victim to enforced disappearance or extrajudicial killings, with 709 still missing. He urged the need for mental reform and a shift in the mindset of those who govern, stressing that structural reform alone will not achieve desired progress.

Sixteen new political parties, including the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), have successfully passed the Election Commission’s initial verification process for registration. The Commission will make the final decision after thorough field-level scrutiny.

According to Election Commission officials, as of June 22, 145 parties applied for registration, but none met the conditions in the first round. After an extension and amendment window, 16 parties passed the preliminary phase. Following established procedures, the Commission will issue public notices inviting objections after final scrutiny, and no objections will lead to official registration. Only registered parties are permitted to field candidates under their symbols in elections.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has strongly criticized Israel’s plan to take control of Gaza City, calling it “completely unacceptable.” Speaking with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Erdogan reaffirmed Turkey’s unwavering support for Palestine. He welcomed potential recognition of Palestine by Western countries like France, the UK, and Canada, and highlighted growing criticism of Israel in the West. Meanwhile, Israel’s security cabinet has approved preparations for a ground operation to seize Gaza City, aiming to relocate Palestinians by early October.

Following the Pulwama attack, Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian flights on April 24, leading to a revenue loss of nearly ₹410 crore by June 30. Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence stated this is reduced revenue rather than a direct financial loss, emphasizing national sovereignty over profits. India extended its ban on Pakistani flights until August 23. With the airspace closure still in effect, Indian flights now take longer routes, increasing fuel costs and travel time.

Nobel laureate and interim government Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus will visit Malaysia on August 11, igniting fresh hopes among Bangladeshi expatriates. The visit aims to reopen the long-closed Malaysian labor market, address visa and legal issues for undocumented workers, and strengthen bilateral ties through defense, energy, and trade agreements. Meetings with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and other officials will focus on enhancing cooperation in various sectors. The trip also includes honorary degree conferral and community engagement.

At least 474 people were arrested in London for protesting in support of the UK-designated terrorist group, Palestine Action. The demonstration took place at Parliament Square, organized by Defend Our Juries, opposing the government’s ban imposed last month. Protesters carried placards and wore symbolic scarves, chanting slogans backing Palestine Action. Seven were arrested for assaulting police. Membership in the banned group now carries a prison sentence of up to 14 years. The group’s co-founder has sought legal challenge against the ban.

Several political leaders and organizations have criticized the July Declaration as weak, incomplete, and biased. Speaking at a discussion organized by Nexus Defense and Justice in Dhaka, they alleged historical omissions, discriminatory drafting, and ignoring key political demands. Critics said the document excluded references to 1947 independence, major massacres, and the nine-point movement, reducing its legitimacy. They also accused the government’s advisers of corruption and claimed that promises of national transformation had only benefited political elites and their families over the past year.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir, is primarily focused on building individuals rather than engaging in conventional politics, according to its president, Zahidul Islam.

Speaking to the media, he described the organization as “a project for creating better human beings,” adding, “If someone defines this as politics, then yes, this is our politics.”

He said that only 5–10% of Shibir’s activities align with traditional political practices, while the remaining 90% centers on personal growth. “Our policy equips students not only with academic qualifications but also with skills and moral values. For us, a Shibir member is not just a good student—they must also prove themselves as good family members, relatives, neighbors, friends, and responsible citizens in their community.”

At a discussion in Dhaka, Amar Desh editor Mahmudur Rahman criticized the July Declaration as overly legalistic and inaccessible to ordinary citizens, lacking the emotion and ideals of the revolution. He questioned the government’s reluctance to call it a revolution and dismissed the proposed parliamentary upper house as ineffective. Praising the government’s stance against Indian hegemony, he warned of possible Indian interference in upcoming elections, citing the presence of agents in law enforcement and ongoing conspiracies in Delhi.

The Nationalist Citizens’ Party (NCP) has formed a four-member committee to evaluate, review, and coordinate the Election Commission’s ongoing process of redrawing parliamentary constituencies. The committee, approved on Sunday, is convened by Nahid Islam with Akhter Hossain as member secretary. Saifullah Haider, a key coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, has been appointed as head, with Abdullah Al Amin, Zahirul Islam Musa, and Arifur Rahman Tuhin as members.

Malaysia has introduced a Multiple Entry Visa (MEV) facility for Bangladeshi expatriate workers to ease their travel process. Previously, Bangladeshi workers only received single-entry visas, causing travel difficulties. Now, workers holding valid Temporary Work Visit Passes (PLKS) will automatically get MEVs upon renewal, eliminating the need for separate applications. This change improves border control, reduces visa application burdens on Malaysian missions, and is the result of sustained diplomatic efforts between Malaysia and Bangladesh. The MEV will allow multiple travels, significantly enhancing convenience for Bangladeshi workers.