Mahin Sarkar has officially withdrawn his candidacy for the General Secretary (GS) position in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections. He has expressed his support for Abu Bakar Majumdar, the candidate backed by Bager.

Speaking at a press conference, former NCP leader Mahin Sarkar emphasized the need for unity among forces advocating for popular uprisings. “If a frontline leader of the uprising is elected to DUCSU, they will bear greater responsibility than anyone else,” he stated. “Abu Bakar Majumdar is a key leader of the movement. If he wins, it will be my victory as well. I fully support him.”

Sarkar had initially contested the GS post as part of an independent panel. Hours after his announcement, the NCP expelled him from the party.

Major General Abdollahi, commander of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, announced that the Iranian armed forces are more prepared than ever to defend the nation. He praised the unified resistance during the 12-day conflict, which compelled Israel and the U.S. to make unfavorable decisions. Abdollahi highlighted the military’s enhanced capabilities and readiness, warning that Israel is attempting psychological and media warfare. He also recalled Iran’s retaliatory Operation True Promise 3, which targeted key Israeli facilities using advanced missiles and drones.

The United States has sanctioned three Palestinian human rights organizations—Al-Haq, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR), and the Al-Mezan Centre for Human Rights—accusing them of assisting the International Criminal Court (ICC) in actions against Israeli citizens. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the move protects US sovereignty, military, and allies. The groups have long documented alleged Israeli abuses in Gaza and the occupied territories. Similar sanctions were imposed under the Trump administration after ICC warrants against Israeli leaders.

U.S. President Donald Trump is set to rename the Department of Defense as the Department of War through an executive order. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth would be titled “Secretary of War,” and his deputy “Deputy Secretary of War.” The move reverses a 1949 decision meant to signal restraint in nuclear-era conflicts. Critics warn the change could cost billions as documents, signage, and systems are updated. Trump has also reversed other renamings, including restoring bases once stripped of Confederate-linked titles.

BNP leader Tarique Rahman has extended heartfelt greetings to Muslims in Bangladesh and worldwide on the occasion of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

In his message, he said: “The Prophet (PBUH) established truth, justice, and compassion by dispelling the darkness of ignorance. His ideals in serving the oppressed, honoring women, showing mercy, and protecting children remain unmatched. That is why he is recognized as the greatest human being of all time.”

He called the day both solemn and joyous, as it celebrates the Prophet’s arrival and the eternal guidance of the Holy Qur’an.

Rahman concluded with prayers that Muslims everywhere embody the Prophet’s teachings of sacrifice, justice, and mercy in their lives.

Israeli airstrikes on besieged Gaza killed at least 75 people within 24 hours, with 44 casualties reported in Gaza City alone.

UNICEF has described Gaza City as a “city of terror.” One strike on a tent in Tel al-Hawa killed five members of the same family, including three children.

Witness Isra al-Basus recounted: “I was sleeping with my children when the bomb hit. Shrapnel pierced our bodies. My four children screamed in terror.”

Al Jazeera’s correspondent Hani Mahmoud said residents are fleeing from one neighborhood to another, only to be pursued by continuous airstrikes and shelling.

UNICEF warned that nearly one million people are now trapped in what it called a “city filled with fear, funerals, and flight.”

According to the Israeli military, its forces currently control about 40% of Gaza City and plan to expand operations further in the coming days.

A local activist of the opposition youth wing was shot dead in Khulna’s Rupsa area late Thursday night.

Eyewitnesses reported that assailants fired 5–6 close-range shots at Imran Hossain Manik’s head before fleeing the scene. Manik, son of Belayet Hossain from Bagmara village, died instantly.

Police later recovered the body and sent it for autopsy. Officials confirmed a manhunt is underway to capture those responsible, though the motive behind the killing remains unclear.

EU Ambassador Michael Miller paid a courtesy visit and held discussions with Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on Thursday at the party chief’s residence. Deputy Head of Delegation Beiba Zerina also attended the meeting.

The discussions focused on issues of mutual interest between Bangladesh and the European Union, with particular emphasis on strengthening Bangladesh’s democracy. Both parties expressed optimism that cooperation, development, and progress between them will continue in the future.

Ambassador Miller also inquired about Dr. Rahman’s health. The meeting included preliminary discussions about a high-level EU delegation visit to Jamaat-e-Islami, scheduled for mid-September.

Pakistan’s political advisor Rana Sanaullah has confirmed that Field Marshal Asim Munir will continue as Army Chief until November 2027 under current law. He emphasized no new notification is required, and automatic retirement applies after five years. Sanaullah highlighted Munir’s leadership successes and stressed continuity is vital amid security and regional challenges. The government ruled out early elections, reaffirming the National Assembly will serve until 2029. Economic discussions focus on financial balance, with provinces’ stronger capacity helping resolve fiscal challenges.

Austrian NATO committee member Gunther Fellinger has ignited outrage by calling for the breakup of India along religious, linguistic, and regional lines. Posting a map on social media, he suggested North India as Khalistan and proposed separate states for other regions. He claimed discussions with Sikh activists focused on achieving Khalistan’s independence and freeing India from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s influence. The remarks have drawn sharp criticism, highlighting tensions over foreign interference and divisive narratives targeting India’s sovereignty and unity.

Rising tensions between Russia and NATO have prompted France to instruct hospitals to be ready for major emergencies by 2026. The directive emphasizes maintaining medical supplies, trained personnel, and rapid response capabilities. Other European nations, including Germany, Italy, and Spain, are strengthening border security and emergency services. Experts warn the situation may be long-term, highlighting the need for vigilance in health, safety, and citizen services. France’s Health Minister Catherine Vautrin calls the preparations a normal, strategic readiness measure.

Facing a 50% U.S. tariff on its goods since August 27, India has chosen diplomatic and strategic measures over direct retaliation. Experts warn prolonged tariffs could cost up to 0.8% of GDP and threaten millions of jobs in textiles, leather, and jewelry. India is focusing on diversifying export markets, strengthening trade with Mexico, Canada, China, Europe, and Latin America, while supporting exporters with technology and tax relief to maintain competitiveness against rivals like Bangladesh and Vietnam.

Russia’s Deputy Security Council Chairman Dmitry Medvedev reacted strongly after Western countries transferred seized Russian assets to Ukraine. He stated that even if legal recovery fails, Russia will reclaim the assets “in kind” through land, property, and other resources. Medvedev criticized Britain’s $1.3 billion transfer to Kyiv as supporting “neo-Nazis” and claimed it gives Russia a legal right to demand compensation. He clarified this excludes Donbas and Novorossiya, which he said are already Russian territories.

The government plans to give the Non-Government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA) the power to recommend appointments of principals, head teachers, and assistant head teachers in private educational institutions. Previously managed by school committees prone to corruption, these appointments will now prioritize qualified candidates based on NTRCA recommendations. A committee under the Ministry of Education will finalize selection procedures and ensure transparency. Parents and teachers have long demanded this reform to prevent mismanagement and favoritism in school leadership appointments.

Russia has announced the expulsion of an Estonian diplomat in Moscow after Estonia declared a Russian envoy persona non grata last month. The Russian Foreign Ministry said Estonia’s chargé d’affaires Marek Uhtegi was summoned and informed of the decision. The ministry condemned Tallinn’s “hostile” step, stressing that any unfriendly actions would draw reciprocal measures. The move marks the latest escalation in tense relations between the two countries, as both sides continue to trade diplomatic expulsions.