The United States has imposed extensive sanctions targeting over 100 individuals, companies, and vessels linked to Iran’s shipping industry, aiming to block Iranian oil exports. Central to these sanctions is Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, who manages a complex network helping Iran and Russia sell oil globally. The move, part of increased pressure under President Trump, seeks to cut Iran’s revenue supporting its regime. Iran condemned the sanctions as hostile, while China remains its largest oil buyer. Diplomatic talks remain unlikely in the near future.

Violent protests erupted across Angola after the government raised diesel prices by one-third, aiming to reduce subsidies and stabilize the economy. At least 22 people were killed, 197 injured, and over 1,200 arrested in the unrest, which saw widespread looting and clashes with police. Shops, vehicles, and supermarkets were damaged or looted. The government faces growing pressure to balance financial reforms with public stability in a country where many rely on subsidized fuel for daily living. An emergency cabinet meeting was held in response.

A Dhaka court has started the formal trial of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and daughter Saima Wazed Putul in three corruption cases filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission. The cases involve alleged fraud in the allocation of 30 kathas of land in the Purbachal New Town Project. As the accused were absent, the court issued arrest warrants and set August 11 for witness testimony. Charges were framed against 12 to 18 individuals in the three cases.

Myanmar’s military junta has enacted a new law making criticism or protest against its planned elections a criminal offense. The law punishes individuals with up to 7 years in prison and organizations with up to 10 years. Voter intimidation or ballot disruption can lead to 20 years in jail, while election-related violence may result in the death penalty. The junta, which seized power in 2021, plans to hold elections in late 2025 or early 2026, amid ongoing suppression of opposition voices.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will embark on a two-day state visit to Pakistan on August 2 at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. This will mark the second such visit by an Iranian president in recent years. His agenda includes meetings with political leaders and cultural and business elites, aiming to boost bilateral trade beyond $3 billion and enhance cooperation in border, cultural, and religious areas. The visit follows earlier diplomatic efforts and reflects deepening ties between the two neighboring countries.

The National Consensus Commission has decided to establish a bicameral parliament, introducing a 100-seat upper house. Members will be nominated based on the percentage of votes each party receives in the lower house, ensuring proportional representation. While the upper house will not have legislative power, except for reviewing non-financial bills, it must approve or reject any bill within one month. If not acted upon within this period, a bill will be considered approved. The lower house retains the final say. However, the BNP and its allies have demanded that upper house seats be allocated based on the number of seats won in the lower house and have raised concerns over the proposed powers of the upper house.

Nahid Islam, Convener of the National Coordination Platform (NCP), said massive public support was witnessed during their recent protest marches. “Despite blockades and attacks in various areas, we never stopped,” he stated. He accused the ruling regime of widespread oppression and added, “Even hanging Sheikh Hasina ten times wouldn’t be enough for her crimes. People won’t forgive any variant of the Awami League.” Highlighting grassroots mobilization, he said leadership is emerging from Narayanganj, Jatrabari, Savar, Ashulia, and Gazipur. “The workers of Savar and Ashulia are the backbone of our uprising. They’ve stood up against low wages and exploitation, and we aim to make Dhaka district free from extortion.”

Islami Chhatra Shibir leader Abu Sadiq Kayem claimed that he never took over any authority or position under the title of ‘coordinator’ when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was out of the country. “Let anyone prove with even a single document that I did so,” he challenged. Reflecting on the events of the so-called July uprising, he stated, “Our martyrs and mujahideen were the true heroes. It was a spontaneous movement of the masses.” Sadiq added that while many leaders were absent between July 19 and August 2, he stepped in to fill the gap. He criticized those who later presented themselves as revolutionaries despite their previous betrayal. “While we were tending to the injured and martyred, some self-proclaimed coordinators were busy establishing control,” he alleged.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has been admitted to a hospital for bypass surgery. According to a statement on his official Facebook page, Jamaat’s chief advisor, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, called to inquire about Dr. Rahman’s health and treatment progress. The post added: “We express our heartfelt gratitude to the chief advisor and pray for his well-being. May Almighty Allah reward him generously. Ameen. – Admin.”

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that the party is not desperate to gain power, but emphasized the need to restore the people’s ownership of the state. “If elections are held by February, many of the country’s ongoing issues could be resolved,” he said.

Fakhrul mentioned that political parties have reached consensus on 12 fundamental issues, and are working toward agreement on others. “We should focus on reforms based on the agreed-upon fundamentals and leave out unresolved points,” he added. He called for civility in democratic discourse to avoid future bitterness, and urged unity in remembrance of the martyrs of July and August to rebuild the nation collectively.

A court has issued a temporary injunction preventing GM Quader, Chairman of the Jatiya Party, from carrying out any organizational activities. At the same time, the court has ordered the reinstatement of several senior leaders who were previously expelled from the party.

In response, Jatiya Party Co-Chairman ABM Ruhul Amin Hawlader said, “This historic verdict proves that law and justice are still alive in this country. It sends a strong message against autocracy, authoritarianism, and illegal seizure of power.” He added, “The Jatiya Party is not the personal property of any one individual; it represents the hopes and aspirations of millions across the nation.”

Akhtar Hossain, Member Secretary of the National Coordination Platform (NCP), stated that any consensus reached among political parties must be given constitutional and legal backing; otherwise, it will hold no real value and remain merely a historical document. He rejected the proposal to implement such agreements within a two-year timeframe, warning that NCP will not endorse or sign off on such a deal.

He further emphasized that the July declaration must be announced by July 36 (likely a typo or specific deadline), with no room for delay. “If this is not legally endorsed, all anti-fascist forces will be united to demand its implementation,” he added. Akhtar also clarified a common confusion: “The July Declaration and the July Charter are two distinct documents—while the Charter outlines state structure reforms, the Declaration narrates the sequence of events that led to the July movement.”

Despite political activities being restricted, several Awami League activists are reportedly receiving guerrilla training with the aim of destabilizing the country and seizing control of Dhaka. Thousands are allegedly undergoing training both domestically and abroad, with a core group already completing initial phases.

Shockingly, some of the trainees are said to be retired government officials now aligned with the Awami League, as well as members of the banned Chhatra League. Locations for training allegedly include Delhi, Kolkata, Dhaka, and Gopalganj. Sources claim former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is the central figure behind this operation, aiming to paralyze the state by taking over Shahbagh and regaining power.

Nahid Islam denied that Sadik Kayem was a coordinator of the group known as “Baibichaa,” asserting that he only adopted that label after August 5.

“He falsely claimed that the Dhaka University chapter led the coup,” said Nahid. “This wasn’t the doing of Shibir alone, nor was it directed by them.”

Nahid alleged that on August 2, 2024, a faction led by Zulkarnaine Sayer attempted a military coup. Students in a so-called “safe house” were pressured to demand single-point demands via Facebook and cut ties with other groups. He also accused BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul of lying about receiving proposals for a national government from student leaders, stating that such a proposal was indeed sent to Tarique Rahman but rejected.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed described the July Charter as a historic national commitment that could offer a new direction amid Bangladesh’s current political and social crisis.

“Its strength lies in the pledges made—backed by promises to amend laws and the constitution if necessary,” he said.

He stated that the Parliament will be the primary platform for implementing the commitments within two years of its formation. The final version of the charter will carry the signatures of the Chief Adviser, commission members, and political leaders. Salahuddin questioned whether any political party would dare undermine such a united social contract.