U.S. President Donald Trump’s new tariffs on Indian goods have heightened tensions over India’s trade with Russia, which Trump claims funds Moscow’s war in Ukraine. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has engaged with both Ukrainian and Russian leaders in separate calls, signaling a neutral stance. While India vows not to bow to external pressure, the tariffs could impact exports to the U.S., pushing New Delhi to explore new markets. Analysts say India’s balancing strategy depends on U.S. policy shifts and the Ukraine war’s trajectory.

Dhaka – BNP standing committee member Goyeshwar Chandra Roy has said it cannot be confirmed that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had no involvement in the 1981 assassination of President Ziaur Rahman, noting it occurred just 13 days after her return to Bangladesh.
At a separate event marking Arafat Rahman Koko’s birth anniversary, BNP leaders called for a free and fair election to fulfill the dreams of “July martyrs.” Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said Koko’s death was politically motivated and accused certain groups of using religion to sow confusion and undermine the upcoming election.

Chattogram – A police sub-inspector was critically injured after being attacked with a machete during an overnight raid to apprehend Awami League activists in the Saltgola Crossing area. The incident occurred around 2 a.m. near Ishan Mistry Ghat. The injured officer, Abu Sayeed Rana, is now hospitalized. Police and army units have since launched a joint operation in the area, which remains tense.

Dhaka – Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has been discharged from Gulshan’s United Hospital following open-heart surgery. Party leaders said he is in good health but will require two weeks of rest. Doctors are optimistic that he can return to normal activities within a month. Jamaat leader Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher called for prayers for his continued recovery.

Gazipur – A defamation case has been filed against NCP leader Sarjis Alam for allegedly spreading false propaganda linking the BNP to the murder of journalist Asaduzzaman Tuhin. Basan Thana BNP president Tanvir Siraj lodged the case with Gazipur CMM Court, accusing Alam of making unfounded claims that tarnished the party’s image. The court has directed the CID to investigate. The plaintiff’s lawyer said Alam has made similar allegations against the BNP on multiple occasions, hurting party supporters.

The BNP has suspended Sahab Uddin, President of the party’s Companiganj Upazila unit in Sylhet, over allegations of violating party discipline and engaging in unethical activities. Vice President Abdul Mannan has been appointed as acting president.
A statement signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said the suspension was based on credible allegations of extortion, illegal occupation of land, and other activities contrary to the party’s principles. Party sources claimed Sahab Uddin had long faced accusations of land grabbing, illegal stone extraction, and creating political divisions.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has temporarily suspended its Chattogram Metropolitan Joint Coordinator, Nizam Uddin, on allegations of financial irregularities and serious breaches of party discipline.

According to an official statement, preliminary findings support the accusations, which have tarnished the party’s reputation. The suspension takes effect immediately. Nizam has been given 48 hours to explain in writing why he should not be permanently expelled, to be submitted to the party’s Central Disciplinary Committee head, Advocate Abdullah Al-Amin. The Chattogram unit had earlier issued him a show-cause notice.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shafiqul Islam Masud has said the party has almost finalized its list of potential candidates for all 300 constituencies. “Why should we delay the elections?” he asked. “We have made it clear that without reforms, justice, and a level playing field, the elections will not be free and fair.”

Masud alleged that “pro-fascist” officials still hold positions across the administration and government offices. Praising journalists for their role in the anti-fascist movement, he stressed, “Just as journalists were commendable in the fight for a fascist-free Bangladesh, their contribution will be equally crucial in establishing a second, prosperous Bangladesh.” Jamaat has also condemned the recent killing of a journalist in Gazipur.

Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib has called for legislation to ban “secret politics” in all educational institutions, including Sylhet, and urged students to oppose those who support the anti-liberation politics of 1971.
Speaking at the Sylhet MC College Chhatra Dal conference, Rakib alleged that Chhatra League activists remain present in university dormitories despite being banned.
He pledged that Chhatra Dal will continue education-friendly politics, avoiding past mistakes that instilled fear among students. After 21 years, MC College Chhatra Dal is set to elect new leadership through direct voting.

BNP leader Barkat Ullah Bulu has accused Jamaat-e-Islami of prioritizing its own interests, recalling that in 1996 the party campaigned alongside the Awami League for a caretaker government and later formed a coalition with them.
Bulu noted that BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia first introduced the caretaker government in Bangladesh, but Jamaat is now advocating for a “PR system” election unfamiliar to the public.
He credited the ousting of the “autocratic Hasina government” to the united movement of students, the BNP, other political parties, farmers, and workers, warning that without this, repression would have worsened. Bulu urged all parties to unite for a free and fair election.

BNP leader Sultan Salahuddin Tuku has claimed that Bangladeshis were deprived of their right to vote in the 2014, 2018, and 2024 elections. Speaking in Tangail, he said the public wants a stable Bangladesh through free and fair elections—not power for power’s sake.
Tuku alleged that those who conspired over elections have become disconnected from the people and urged unity to build a democratic Bangladesh. He also warned against fascist collaborators plotting to destabilize the country, stressing the need for a people-oriented government.

NCP leaders met with US Acting Ambassador Traci Ann Jacobson at her Gulshan-2 residence on Monday. The US Embassy’s Political Counsellor Eric Gillan also attended the meeting.
From the NCP side, Nahid Islam, Akhter Hossain, and Tasnim Jara were present. Discussions focused on Bangladesh’s current political situation, the upcoming national election, democratic processes, and international cooperation. NCP leaders emphasized the importance of political stability and inclusive elections.

NCP leader Sarjis Alam has alleged that Fazlur Rahman, once an Awami League supporter and self-proclaimed Mujibist, has now become a “narrator and orator for the BNP” while still echoing ruling party talking points.
In a recent event, Fazlu reportedly called NCP’s central leaders, including Nahid Islam, “illegitimate,” sparking outrage within the party. Sarjis accused him of representing the “killer League’s” narrative, claiming that pro-Awami League media outlets actively promote his speeches.
“We respect senior politicians, but those like Mr. Fazlu—who show no basic decency, act as fascist collaborators, and reject the people’s uprising—must bear responsibility for public anger,” Sarjis wrote. He warned that if no action is taken against such statements, the public may believe the BNP leadership itself endorses them.

Former DUCSU VP Nurul Haque Nur has warned that without student union elections in universities this time, such polls might not occur again for three decades. Speaking at Rajshahi University, he called for ending hall-level politics while allowing healthy campus political activity through consensus among student groups.
Nur expressed doubt over the February national polls, citing deep divisions among political parties despite their claims of supporting the mass uprising. He also criticized aspects of the BNP’s PR approach, noting that while the proposal passed, dissent notes were recorded.

The government has expanded its Food-Friendly Program from 5 million to 5.5 million beneficiaries, extending its duration from five to six months. Starting August 17, each family will be able to purchase 30 kg of rice per month at Tk 15 per kg, Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumder announced.
He urged transparency and integrity in implementation, calling for a thorough verification of OMS dealers, proper beneficiary selection, updated distribution lists, and timely delivery. The adviser also stressed building emergency food reserves, ensuring fair prices for farmers, stabilizing market prices, and securing food warehouses.