The central bank has allowed commercial banks’ offshore banking units to use foreign currency deposits from expatriates as collateral for loans, provided the depositors give consent. Without consent, deposits cannot be used as collateral. If a borrower defaults, banks can notify depositors and recover the loan by mortgaging the deposit. This move aims to simplify loan collateral procedures. The directive is effective immediately and applies to loans given mainly to export zones and foreign-owned companies.

Despite the peak hilsa season, fishermen in the Payra River area are struggling due to a significant decline in hilsa catches. Submerged chars at the river’s estuary and waste discharge from a nearby thermal power plant obstruct the natural tidal flow, preventing hilsa from entering and breeding in the river. This has severely impacted the livelihoods of over 14,000 coastal fishermen. Experts and locals are demanding urgent dredging of the submerged chars and better management of thermal plant waste to restore the river’s ecosystem.

UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese revealed that Israel has dropped 85,000 tons of explosives on Gaza—six times the power of the Hiroshima bomb—resulting in one of modern history’s most brutal genocides. Over 200,000 Palestinians have been killed or injured, with actual numbers likely higher. Albanese condemned the role of arms companies profiting from the conflict and called for a full arms embargo on Israel. She urged global action to hold corporations accountable and stop the ongoing human rights violations.

The High Court has directed the Election Commission to immediately register the Bangladesh Samadhikar Party (BSP). This decision came after Susanta Chandra Barman, the party’s chairman, filed a writ petition seeking registration. The court issued a rule following the hearing and, after the final hearing, ordered the Election Commission to implement the registration without delay. This ruling removes any remaining barriers to the party’s official recognition, ensuring it can participate fully in the political process.

BNP publicity secretary Sultan Salauddin Tuku declared that Tareq Rahman will assume the role of Prime Minister once elections are held, emphasizing a democratic future for Bangladesh. Speaking at a blood donation event in Tangail commemorating the July uprising, he urged unity among the people and condemned fear and controversy around elections. Tuku highlighted the sacrifices made by BNP leaders and activists over 17 years, calling for fair elections and a collective effort to build a democratic Bangladesh.

The Lahore High Court has rejected former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s bail plea, ruling he was involved in the conspiracy behind the violent incidents on May 9, 2023. Based on testimonies from police officers, the court found sufficient evidence of criminal conspiracy and incitement. Despite being in prison during the violence, Khan was linked to planning the events. The court cited serious legal sections prohibiting bail in such cases and noted no new grounds justified release, leading to outright dismissal of his application.

Bangladesh’s University Grants Commission (UGC) is set for major reforms, including a name change and direct oversight by the Prime Minister or President. A draft ordinance proposes renaming the body to either "University Commission" or "Higher Education Commission." The new commission will have greater independence and expanded responsibilities, including vice-chancellor appointments, quality assurance, research monitoring, and introducing a Graduate Record Test (GRT) for university graduates. It will aim to align higher education with global standards and encourage student entrepreneurship.

The Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) has warned of heavy rainfall in several regions over the coming days, especially in coastal, northern, and northeastern areas. Staff have been instructed not to leave their posts and to take precautionary steps such as securing embankments and preparing emergency supplies. Coordination with local authorities and regular reporting to higher officials are also required. Light to moderate rainfall is expected elsewhere in the country, and all offices have been advised to stay alert.

The Islamist party Khelafat Majlis has raised strong objections over the alleged appointment of a gay individual as the new UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh, claiming it poses a threat to the country’s religious values and social harmony. In its monthly executive meeting, the party also demanded finalization of the "July Charter" within this month and stressed the need for a thorough investigation into past human rights violations under authoritarian rule. Expressing concern over UN efforts to promote LGBT rights and what they termed “moral decay,” they called for constitutional safeguards to protect majority religious values and urged reforms to curb the influence of money and muscle power in elections.

Yasin Ferdous Murad, President of Dhaka District Jubo Dal, declared that unelected governments can never change the fate of the nation. Speaking at meetings of the BNP and its affiliated organizations in two unions of Dhamrai on Thursday, Murad asserted that no reform effort can be sustainable without a representative, democratically elected government. He remarked that citizens have been denied the right to vote for 17 years and are now eager to cast their ballots. Urging the immediate announcement of national elections, he said the August 5 uprising is part of a long struggle against oppression and resistance.

Youth leader Monir Hossain has been expelled by Jubo Dal after a video surfaced showing him leading a violent assault on two women at the Zakaria Hotel in Banani. The video, which spread rapidly on social media, sparked widespread condemnation. Despite a police case being filed by the hotel authorities, no arrests have been made yet. Jubo Dal stated that the organization will not take responsibility for the actions of expelled members and called for legal action.

Jamaat leader Selim Uddin has stated that the fall of dictatorship on July 36 (Islamic calendar) marked the beginning of a new dawn in Bangladesh. He praised the role of madrasa students in the movement, many of whom, he claimed, were martyred or injured. Referring to the 2013 Hefazat protests, he said the sacrifices of these students should be formally recognized. Uddin demanded that the July revolutionaries be granted national hero status to inspire future generations to defend the country. He urged the government and society to ensure the financial security of martyr families, emphasizing the need for tangible recognition over mere rhetoric.

Nurul Islam Bulbul, Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Dhaka South, criticized Bangladesh’s current electoral process, stating that forming a government with just 30% of the vote reflects a serious flaw in the system. He advocated for a Proportional Representation (PR) system, which he believes would ensure that all citizens' votes are properly represented. Bulbul emphasized the need for electoral reforms and accountability for past state-led atrocities. He noted that Jamaat’s role in the 2024 movement was intentionally understated as it was a "student and public uprising." He also called for the introduction of postal voting for expatriates.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir met with Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Susan Ryle, for a one-hour meeting at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan. Discussions included the upcoming national elections, Australia’s potential support for the Election Commission, and bilateral cooperation in education, agriculture, and investment. BNP leader Amir Khasru stated afterward that both parties showed interest in a free, fair, and participatory election. The meeting also touched on political stability, democratic governance, and Australia’s ongoing support for Bangladesh’s electoral processes.

Mass uprisings should focus not only on changing governments but also on dismantling fascist mechanisms that produce authoritarianism, said Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of NCP’s southern region. Speaking at a rally in Nilphamari after visiting the graves of fallen protesters and an Urdu-speaking community camp, Hasnat called the current constitution an “Awami Charter” and demanded administrative reforms and a new constitution before any election. NCP leaders framed their march as a grassroots struggle for rights, justice, and systemic change.