Japan is reforming its skill development program for foreign workers, allowing job changes in seven key sectors after two years at the first workplace. The new policy, effective from 2027, requires workers to remain within the same industry and offers permanent work opportunities through the “Specified Skilled Worker” visa after three years. Restrictions on relocation apply in high-wage prefectures like Tokyo and Osaka, while companies elsewhere cannot hire more than one-third foreign workers. The move addresses Japan’s labor shortage amid an aging population.

Security forces launched a violent assault on leaders and activists of the Ganadhikar Parishad (People’s Rights Council) in front of the Jatiya Party office in Kakrail on Friday night. Several leaders, including the organization’s president and former DUCSU VP Nurul Haque Nur, sustained serious injuries.

The incident occurred around 8:15 PM. Activists rushed the bleeding Nur to a hospital for treatment. Earlier in the evening, a clash and retaliatory chase broke out between Jatiya Party and Ganadhikar Parishad activists at the same location. Responding to the escalating violence, large numbers of police and military personnel arrived on the scene. Reports indicate that by 9 PM, stone-pelting continued intermittently, and security forces were working to regain control.

According to the police, stones were thrown between the two groups around 6:15 PM. Clashes and confrontations continued in phases until 9 PM.

Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmad, Secretary General of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, criticized the Election Commission’s electoral roadmap, saying it ignores promised reforms, the July Charter, and justice for Sheikh Hasina and her associates. He called it a betrayal of the people’s sacrifices, stressing that elections must be genuinely participatory and based on reforms. He urged the government to first establish legal foundations for the July Charter and a roadmap for justice before proceeding with elections, warning that otherwise the process will become a farce.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance has assured that President Donald Trump is in excellent health and full of energy, dismissing recent concerns about his well-being. In a USA Today interview, Vance emphasized that he is fully prepared to take over presidential responsibilities if a “terrible tragedy” occurs. Highlighting Trump’s active routine despite his age, Vance also noted the valuable experience he has gained over the past 200 days in office, underlining the importance of being ready for any eventuality.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris will lose her Secret Service protection starting September 1, following a decision by President Donald Trump. Traditionally, ex-vice presidents receive six months of security after leaving office, but President Joe Biden had extended Harris’s coverage before her term ended. Harris, who is set to release a book and attend events nationwide, may face increased risk due to the withdrawal of security. Her advisor, Kirsten Allen, expressed gratitude for the professionalism and efforts of the Secret Service.

NBR Chairman Md. Abdur Rahman Khan has stressed that importers and exporters must not face unnecessary obstacles, urging proper enforcement of existing laws to ensure fair revenue collection. He warned against arbitrary BIN locks, calling for accountability in customs and intelligence units. Khan emphasized bringing non-VAT payers into the tax net, punishing evaders, and expanding VAT registration. He also ordered bond activities to go online within a month, faster audits, and stronger enforcement to boost income tax recovery.

Malaysia is preparing to celebrate its 68th Independence Day on August 31 with nationwide festivities. From Kuala Lumpur to remote villages, colorful flags, lights, and parades will mark the occasion. The theme “Malaysia MADANI: Consensus, Cooperation, Togetherness” highlights unity amid diversity. Main events at Dataran Putrajaya include military parades, cultural performances, and historic reenactments. Malaysians abroad also join celebrations. The day emphasizes national consciousness, responsibility for future generations, and showcases Malaysia’s strong ties with countries like Bangladesh.

Pakistani activist, speaker, and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador Muniba Mazari have been appointed as a new UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Advocate. Recognized for her relentless work on inclusion, gender equality, and social justice, she will collaborate with global leaders including Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley and Belgium’s Queen Mathilde. UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised Mazari as an inspiring voice for equality. Mazari called the role both an honor and a responsibility to amplify unheard voices and inspire collective global action.

The UK has banned Israeli government representatives from attending DSEI UK 2025, one of the world’s largest arms fairs, citing Israel’s escalating military actions in Gaza. The exhibition will run from September 9–12 in London. While Israeli defense firms may still join privately, the absence of official representation sparked outrage from Israel’s defense ministry, which called the move discriminatory and withdrew entirely. Britain signaled the ban could be lifted if Israel pledges to follow international law in occupied Palestinian territories.

The July 24 student-citizen uprising in Bangladesh is driving the nation toward democratic reforms and power transition. Speakers at the Bengal Delta Conference 2025 highlighted the role of youth in shaping political awareness and the government’s dialogue with stakeholders. Experts noted the uprising’s significance for economic and institutional transformation, citing recent successes in reducing U.S. tariffs. Calls were made for global climate awareness, emphasizing youth responsibility. The two-day conference was organized by the Dhaka Institute of Research and Analytics.

Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad, General Secretary of the AB Party, has alleged that the Election Commission is moving ahead with plans for a careless election and expressed doubts about its ability to conduct a fair vote under current conditions. He urged that the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election follow the July 1972 Constitution and stressed that even a delayed election would be acceptable. Fuad also highlighted issues like lowering the voting age and reducing campaign costs through standard EC posters.

A recent Mood of the Nation survey shows Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains India’s top choice despite a slight decline in popularity. Satisfaction with his performance dropped from 62% in February to 58% in August, with 34.2% rating it as “excellent.” Amit Shah leads as the preferred BJP successor at 28%. Public opinion on the NDA government is mixed, with neutral responses rising to 15.3%. Analysts warn the government must address economic and social challenges to maintain its edge.

Bangladesh-based organization Moncho 24 has given the Ministry of Home Affairs a one-week ultimatum to take action against Moncho 71, which it accuses of mocking July revolutionaries and promoting anti-national agendas with alleged foreign support. The group also demanded the withdrawal of statements by the Dhaka Reporters Unity president and warned media outlets against publishing content undermining the July uprising. Failure to comply could lead to legal action against both the organization and involved journalists within seven days.

A BBC investigation reveals that India deported Rohingya refugees to Myanmar by flying them from Delhi to the Andamans, placing them on a naval ship, and abandoning them at sea with life jackets. Survivors swam ashore and now face an uncertain future under a resistance group in Myanmar. Refugees allege abuse, religious humiliation, and forced detention before deportation. The UN says credible evidence supports the claims, while India’s Supreme Court will soon rule on the Rohingya’s refugee status.

At the Bengal Delta Conference, NCP leader Tasnim Zara stated that the July uprising represented a rejection of the old political system, not merely a change in leadership. Oxford lecturer Dr. David Jackman noted that rampant use of money and muscle power in elections fosters extortion and power display in Bangladesh. Zara responded that the uprising proved public rejection of such politics.