Iran has outlined crucial conditions before engaging in talks with the U.S., including restoring trust, rejecting the use of negotiations for secret agendas or military threats, honoring Iran’s nuclear rights under the NPT, and lifting sanctions. Tehran remains distrustful of Washington and prepared for military defense. Past indirect talks, mediated by Oman, were disrupted after Israeli attacks on Iranian sites. Following Israeli and U.S. strikes, Iran launched retaliatory missile attacks on Israel and the U.S. base in Qatar. A ceasefire was later implemented to temporarily halt the conflict.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in London to sign a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United Kingdom, described as a turning point in bilateral ties. The deal, finalized after legal reviews, promises increased market access, job creation, and economic growth for both countries. It includes tariff reductions on key goods like textiles, leather, cars, and whisky, and features a social security pact. The agreement also paves the way for £6 billion in new investments and expanded operations by British companies in India.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that Iran is fully prepared for a second round of war with Israel if necessary. He expressed skepticism about the current ceasefire and reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to its uranium enrichment program, claiming it complies with international law. Despite taking a tough stance, he indicated openness to diplomacy but stressed that Iran will not compromise its sovereignty. Tensions remain high following recent military clashes involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.

In a major policy shift, former President Donald Trump now supports the crypto industry as the U.S. Congress passes the Genius Act, granting legal status to stablecoins. These digital currencies must be backed by U.S. dollars or equivalent assets, ensuring stability and safer transactions. The law addresses long-standing demands for regulation, boosting investor confidence. While critics warn of potential risks from increased tech-company involvement in finance, supporters see it as a step toward a modern, innovative financial system.

Germany has approved the sale of Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Turkey, marking a significant step in defense cooperation. A German government spokesperson confirmed written assurance has been sent to Ankara. The UK and Turkey also agreed to move forward with the jet export during a defense expo in Istanbul, where a memorandum of understanding was signed. UK officials hailed the multibillion-pound deal as a key move to strengthen NATO’s defense capabilities and deepen UK-Turkey industrial and defense ties.

Originally allotted in 2003 and later canceled due to non-payment, the plot was allegedly reallocated unlawfully in 2009 with the help of certain officials from RAJUK and the Ministry of Housing and Public Works. According to the ACC, the plot transfer was completed without full payment, using only a submitted check. The commission suspects collusion among government officials in this matter.

Akhtar Hossain, Member Secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has declared a renewed commitment to national reform, even at the cost of life and blood. Speaking at a rally in Brahmanbaria on Thursday, he emphasized the need to rebuild institutions weakened by decades of politicization.

The event, held at the municipal open stage, concluded a march honoring the martyrs and injured of the July uprising. The demonstration was led by NCP central leaders and saw participation from people across various professional groups.

The Gono Odhikar Parishad has released its first list of 36 candidates ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Elections. The announcement was made Thursday at the party’s central office by Senior Joint Secretary General Hasan Al Mamun, in the presence of party President Nurul Haque Nur and General Secretary Rashed Khan.

Key figures include Nurul Haque Nur, who will contest from Patuakhali-3, and Rashed Khan, who will run in Jhenaidah-2. Hasan Al Mamun himself is set to contest in Netrokona-2. Several central leaders will also contest from key constituencies such as Chattogram, Tangail, Gazipur, and Sylhet. The party has stated that it plans to eventually field candidates in all 300 constituencies across the country.

Mufti Rezaul Karim, Amir of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, has called for the adoption of a proportional representation (PR) electoral system to eliminate corruption and misgovernance. Speaking at a rally in Pirojpur, he said the people have rejected tyranny and cultural decay over the past 16 years. Referring to the 2024 uprising, he stated that the nation now dreams of a future that can't be built on man-made ideologies, urging unity under the banner of Islam.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has described the former Chief Justice A.B.M. Khairul Haque’s ruling abolishing the caretaker government system as anti-state and the root of Bangladesh's political crisis. Speaking to the press, Fakhrul demanded exemplary legal action against Haque, who was arrested Thursday morning from Dhanmondi. Haque faces three separate cases in Dhaka and Narayanganj. Fakhrul also opposed the planned demolition of the Shishu Academy building.

Nahid Islam, Convenor of the National Citizens Party (NCP), announced that the party will intensify its campaign for national reform, justice, and a new constitution. He pledged to secure formal adoption of the July Charter and Declaration by August 5. Speaking at a march in Brahmanbaria, southern leader Hasnat Abdullah called for unity against fascism and warned against the reorganization of the Awami League under any guise. He urged opposition parties to form a united front.

Top leaders of Bangladesh’s ousted Awami League had scheduled a press conference in Delhi to address alleged "genocide" in Bangladesh. However, the event was abruptly postponed, officially citing a flight delay. The event, organized under the banner of "Bangladesh Human Rights Watch," was set for Wednesday at 5:30 PM local time. Unofficial diplomatic concerns from Dhaka are believed to have influenced the cancellation. Experts warn that such controversial events may strain India-Bangladesh relations. The Indian government has not yet issued a formal statement.

Former Chief Justice A.B.M. Khairul Haque was arrested Thursday morning from his residence in Dhanmondi. In response, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, accused Haque of causing "grave damage to the nation" during what he called a fascist regime. Rahman alleged that Haque’s controversial rulings enabled political mafias to engage in enforced disappearances, killings, and corruption. The Jamaat leader called for justice, pointing out that Haque retired in 2011 after handing down multiple contentious verdicts, including the abolition of the caretaker government system.

Sarjis Alam, chief organizer of the northern region for the Nationalist Citizen’s Party (NCP), said that “those who tried to erase the name of Cumilla are themselves erased from the country.” He made the statement during a mourning rally in Cumilla on Wednesday. Alam also paid tribute to fellow revolutionaries including Hasnat Abdullah, Asif Mahmud, Abu Bakr Mojumdar, and Rifat Rashid. Meanwhile, NCP leaders are currently visiting Brahmanbaria and Habiganj as part of their “July March” campaign.

Bangladesh's local government elections will no longer include political party symbols. The decision was revealed by Sports Affairs Advisor Asif Mahmud via his verified Facebook page on Thursday. The Advisor Council has approved amendments to four proposed local government laws, eliminating party-affiliated symbols. The move is being seen as a major shift in the country’s local electoral system.