Former World Bank chief economist Dr. Zahid Hossain has called U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent tariffs on India and China a potential boon for Bangladesh’s economy. According to his analysis, higher tariffs on India and China could allow Bangladesh to export an additional $205 million to the U.S. market in the 2025-26 fiscal year. He also noted that domestic challenges, including energy shortages, banking sector weaknesses, and institutional decay, continue to hinder Bangladesh’s growth and middle-income trap persists.

At least three people died and five were injured after protesters set fire to a regional parliament building in Makassar, South Sulawesi. The unrest began in Jakarta earlier this week over lawmakers’ salaries, labor wages, taxes, and anti-corruption measures. Violence escalated after a ride-hailing motorbike driver was killed by a police vehicle. Protests also hit major cities like Bandung and Jakarta, causing looting and infrastructure damage. Analysts call this the biggest political test for President Prabowo Subianto’s government.

Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman stated that the Jatiya Party previously assisted the Awami League in suppressing opposition during controversial elections and the July upheaval. He said the demand to ban the party will be legally examined to determine possible actions. Commenting on recent violence, he called attacks on Nurul Haque Nur part of a larger conspiracy. He also warned corrupt individuals that the new Bangladesh will not tolerate corruption, emphasizing accountability and the unmasking of wrongdoers.

Senior police officials held an emergency meeting in Dhaka following allegations that military and police personnel used batons against over fifty Ganadhikar Parishad activists, including president Nurul Haque Nur, in Bijoynagar. The incident drew sharp criticism from political parties including BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman condemned the attack, while Ganadhikar Parishad demanded that those responsible be identified and punished within 24 hours. Authorities are reviewing the situation to prevent further unrest.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tianjin, China, to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, his first visit in seven years. Leaders from 10 member states will participate on August 31 and September 1. Modi is set for bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The visit comes amid U.S.-India trade tensions and signals a potential restoration of India-China relations, crucial for trade, regional balance, and India’s multidimensional foreign policy strategy.

Thousands of primary school teachers gathered at Dhaka’s Shaheed Minar to demand the 11th-grade salary for assistant teachers and 100% promotion to head teacher. Organized by the Primary Assistant Teachers’ Organization Unity Council, the assembly included a delegation submitting a memorandum to the Chief Adviser’s residence in Jamuna. Teachers warned of stricter measures if demands are unmet. Political leaders and legal experts expressed support, emphasizing solidarity and potential legal action to ensure the government addresses the teachers’ key demands.

Japan has granted the United States permission to deploy medium-range Typhoon missiles during joint military exercises next month, prompting warnings from Russia and China. Both nations describe the move as a threat to regional stability. Russia calls it a direct strategic risk and warns of potential military responses, while China urges Japan to pursue peaceful development and caution. The Typhoon system, previously tested in the Philippines, will be stationed at Iwakuni airbase, but its actual use in upcoming exercises remains unclear.

A secret letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping to Indian President Droupadi Murmu helped improve India-China relations following the escalation of the U.S.-India trade war under President Trump. The letter, later shared with Prime Minister Modi, expressed Beijing’s concerns over U.S.-India agreements and suggested cooperation with a provincial official. Since June, both countries have returned to dialogue, eased trade and visa restrictions, and prepared to resume direct passenger flights. The SCO summit will mark Modi’s first China visit in seven years.

Rashed Khan, leader of Gono Odhikar Parishad (GOP), has demanded the resignation of the Home Affairs Adviser following the brutal assault on Nurul Haque Nur, citing the government’s failure to maintain law and order.

“You have no moral right to stay in office. If you have any shame, resign with an apology,” Rashed said, further alleging possible involvement of security forces in the attack.

He claimed that both army and police personnel carried out the assault, with soldiers stomping on Nur’s chest. “Nur may need treatment abroad,” he added.

Rashed accused the military of acting under hidden directives and warned against attempts to manipulate the upcoming election. He also alleged that the DGFI is negotiating with the Jatiya Party to make it the official opposition, insisting: “We will not allow such conspiracies.”

On Saturday evening, the Jatiya Party office in Kakrail came under attack, with reports of vandalism and arson. Eyewitnesses said tensions escalated when a group of people marched toward the party office. After a brief standoff, some individuals reportedly began throwing bricks at the building, setting parts of it on fire.

Chairs and tables were reportedly removed from inside and also set ablaze outside. Police responded with baton charges and water cannons to control the situation. As of the latest reports, a significant deployment of law enforcement personnel remains at the scene.

Earlier in the day, Shamim Haider Patwary, a factional secretary of the Jatiya Party, held a press conference at the same office.

At a press conference, Shamim Haider Patwary, General Secretary of a faction of the National Party, revealed that several individuals attempted to set fire to the party’s offices during a torch rally yesterday. “Military and police personnel intervened in time to protect party leaders and activists from being burned,” he stated.

Patwary criticized the banning of opposing groups, saying, “No party’s principles or programs justify banning another group. A new form of mob rule is emerging in the country.” He added that the current government has yet to restore law and order and raised doubts over whether it can ensure free and fair elections. Patwary also expressed concern over the recent attack on Nur.

Turkey has announced a complete halt in economic relations with Israel, including banning Israeli aircraft from its airspace and prohibiting access to Turkish ports. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan made the declaration during a special parliamentary session, condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide carried out in violation of humanitarian values. Turkey had already suspended direct trade in May 2023, but the new measures mark a total cutoff. Bilateral trade between the two countries was worth $7 billion in 2023.

As opposition groups announced a nationwide long march toward Jatiya Party (JP) offices, JP leaders and activists gathered outside their Rangpur headquarters at Pigeon Square to “defend” the premises.

Local leaders stressed that JP holds no position either in favor of or against the Awami League, warning that any attempt to storm their office would be resisted.

They also rejected allegations linking JP to the recent attack on Nurul Haque Nur, insisting the violence was carried out by the army and police. “Blaming JP is an attempt to scapegoat us,” said district student leader Arif.

Party leaders further claimed the Awami League had long tried to weaken JP, stressing there is no alliance or special relationship between the two parties.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed has declared that the next national election will be held before Ramadan in 2026, stressing that “no one can stop it except Allah, the Lord of all worlds.”

Speaking on the political climate, Salahuddin said the people of Bangladesh are now election-focused, and anyone attempting to oppose the electoral process will be rejected by the public.

He emphasized that the BNP is working on constitutional and structural reforms aimed at safeguarding democracy and preventing the rise of fascism in the future. While some reforms would require constitutional amendments, he argued that the current government could already implement those that do not.

Salahuddin accused certain quarters of trying to obstruct the election under “flimsy excuses” but asserted that a strong electoral atmosphere is already in place, with candidates beginning outreach campaigns. He warned that anti-election rhetoric will only isolate those who pursue it.

In Tangail, Gana Adhikar Parishad activists have been accused of vandalizing the district Jatiya Party office during a protest march. Eyewitnesses said the rally, which began from the local Gana Adhikar office, marched through Victoria Road and later attacked the JP office in Thana Para.

Following the incident, protesters blocked the Dhaka-Tangail Jamuna Bridge Highway at the Nagar Jalpai bypass, halting traffic for about 30 minutes.

However, GOP leader Sagar denied involvement, claiming, “We did not attack their office. It was Jatiya Party activists who unjustly mobbed and attacked VP Nur. The JP still harbors remnants of dictatorship. If the attackers are not arrested immediately, we will launch a tougher movement.”