U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that First Lady Melania Trump likes Russian President Vladimir Putin but is disappointed by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. After a recent call with Putin, Melania expressed sadness over renewed bombings in Kyiv. Trump has shortened his peace deadline from 50 to 10 days, warning of harsh sanctions if no agreement is reached. Russian officials rejected the ultimatum, emphasizing the need to address the conflict’s root causes. Melania’s Soviet-era Slovenian background may influence her deep interest in resolving the war.

Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, confirmed that the upcoming national election will be held exactly on the scheduled date with no delays. He emphasized that the election could take place as early as February if reforms progress quickly, though initially it was planned for early April. Efforts will be made to ensure a peaceful, festive election with zero tolerance for violence. The next five to six days are crucial in finalizing preparations for a smooth electoral process.

Abdul Hai Shikdar, editor of Jugantor and poet, condemned the ongoing conflicts and selfishness among political parties as a betrayal of the July Revolution's spirit. Speaking at a National Press Club event marking the uprising’s anniversary, he urged the caretaker government to hold free and fair elections and step down peacefully. He also criticized intelligence failures amid rising fascist guerrilla training in Dhaka. Shikdar called for unity and dedication to ensure the revolution’s success, quoting Rabindranath Tagore.

The UK has announced it will recognize Palestine as a state at the UN if Israel fails to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, stops plans to annex the West Bank, and commits to peace talks by September. This move rejects accusations from Israel and the US that it rewards Hamas, which the UK government condemns as a terrorist group. The decision aims to support the rights of Palestinians and address Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, while the UK’s recognition could lead to upgraded diplomatic relations.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), declared that Sheikh Hasina’s crimes will remain unchanged even if she is hanged ten times. Speaking at a July foot march in Savar’s Ashulia area, he condemned the fascist government’s oppression and praised the bravery of protesters during the mass uprising. Nahid emphasized the need to support workers fighting for fair wages and promised to develop Dhaka district as free from extortion, terrorism, and corruption. The march faced obstacles but continues with strong public support.

Myanmar’s military junta has officially lifted the state of emergency after nearly three and a half years, marking an end to the continuous rule imposed since the 2021 coup. The decision, announced on Thursday by General Min Aung Hlaing, comes as preparations begin for upcoming parliamentary elections. The junta spokesperson confirmed the move aims to foster a multiparty democratic culture. The last election in 2020 was disputed by the military, which led to the coup and emergency declaration in November 2021.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim held a crucial phone call on July 31, just a day before a 25% U.S. tariff on Malaysian goods was to take effect. Both sides moved toward reducing tariffs to as low as 15-20%, with an official announcement expected by August 1. Malaysia agreed to concessions on halal certification and rare earth mineral supplies. Separately, Malaysia mediated a Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire, with support from the U.S. and China.

Bangladesh’s financial sector faces a severe crisis as non-performing loans (NPLs) soar to BDT 4.2 trillion, with the top 100 defaulters alone owing BDT 1.08 trillion—26% of total NPLs. Major conglomerates like S Alam and Beximco groups hold nearly 45% of these bad loans. Many companies are fully defaulted, with funds enough to build three Padma Bridges. Experts blame political interference and weak governance, urging stricter accountability to restore financial stability.

BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has claimed that the presence of an unelected government is causing the country to fall behind economically. Both domestic and foreign investors are reportedly losing confidence. Calling for immediate national elections, he emphasized the need to build a welfare-oriented, business-friendly state.

He stated that in the future, no single group should monopolize the country’s economic activities. Politics and the economy must work hand in hand, and BNP promises equal participation for all citizens in economic development.

Highlighting Rangpur’s potential as Bangladesh’s "grain basket," he noted that despite its agricultural success, the people of Rangpur remain deprived. He expressed BNP's intent to address the region’s issues if they return to power and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to reviving a free-market economy, as envisioned by Ziaur Rahman.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for being irresponsible in handling the Pahalgam attack. Speaking during a Lok Sabha debate on Operation Sindur, she accused the government of failing to monitor terrorists despite prior attacks and questioned the role of intelligence agencies headed by Home Minister Amit Shah. She also highlighted that the war was abruptly stopped without proper accountability, with the U.S. president announcing the ceasefire, not the Indian leadership.

Canada is set to recognize Palestine as a state by September, following France and the UK. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the plan, which triggered a strong reaction from U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump warned that trade agreements with Canada would become “very difficult” if they proceed. This comes amid the upcoming ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs, where the U.S. will impose a 35% tariff on Canadian goods if no trade deal is reached by August 1. Meanwhile, Gaza faces worsening food shortages, with malnutrition deaths rising.

An Iranian MP, Mojtaba Zarei, alleges that Iranian intelligence has secretly installed surveillance cameras at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s home. Zarei insists this is based on verified information and marks a significant achievement for Iran’s intelligence efforts. The claim has not been officially addressed by Israel. Experts see it as part of ongoing psychological and propaganda warfare between Iran and Israel. This follows a 2024 drone attack on Netanyahu’s residence, believed to be orchestrated by Iran-backed Hezbollah.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem firmly rejected international pressure to disarm, emphasizing that surrendering arms would mean handing them over to Israel. Marking the anniversary of a top commander’s death in an Israeli strike, Qassem declared Hezbollah’s weapons are a sovereign Lebanese matter beyond ceasefire agreements. Despite diplomatic efforts and U.S. pressure on Lebanon’s government to disarm Hezbollah, the group insists it will not relinquish arms unless Israeli aggression stops, deepening Lebanon’s political divide over the issue.

BNP leader Tarique Rahman emphasized the critical role of women in ensuring that fascism, extremism, and radicalism do not rise again in Bangladesh. “Women played vital roles in past movements against authoritarian regimes. Now, their participation is essential once more,” he said. Acknowledging women's economic and educational challenges, Tarique outlined BNP’s plan to empower women and prevent domestic violence through education and financial independence. He promised that, if elected, the BNP would provide family cards to at least 5 million marginal families. “We must build a nation envisioned through a mother’s eyes,” he concluded, calling the next election pivotal for the country's future.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has hailed the country’s recent military success against India as a historic victory. During an 87-hour conflict triggered by an attack in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan shot down six Indian fighter jets, including three advanced Rafale jets. The ceasefire was brokered by the US on May 10. Shahbaz credited the army’s skill and Field Marshal Asim Munir’s leadership. The cabinet also discussed flood damages and praised reforms in the power and railway sectors.