Religious Affairs Adviser A.F.M. Khalid Hossain has expressed confidence that the people of Bangladesh are highly aware and that there is no scope for communal unrest in the run-up to the national elections.

After inspecting the construction work of the Shri Shri Advaita Temple Complex, the adviser stated that the government will hold the national polls at the announced time in a free, fair, impartial, and festive atmosphere.

"We will hand over power to the elected government and return to our old address," he said, adding that police training and deployment planning for the elections have already begun.

BNP leader Zainul Abdin Farooq has accused political actors of plotting against the long-anticipated national elections. He warned that any election-related conspiracy by the interim government would be resisted by the people, not just BNP.

Farooq recalled the bloodshed of August 5 that ended authoritarian rule, saying some have exploited that sacrifice for their own political gain. He criticized those advocating for a proportional representation system, claiming it undermines voting rights. Farooq cautioned that Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s government would be tarnished in history if it failed to ensure a free and transparent election.

BNP Standing Committee Member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy has warned that conspiracies are underway to derail the upcoming national elections, and uncertainty will persist until the process is completed. Speaking at an event marking Khaleda Zia’s birthday, he urged party activists not to fall into “traps” set by opponents.

Roy lauded Khaleda Zia’s long struggle for democracy, describing her as more than just BNP’s chairperson — “a guardian of the nation.” While expressing hope for elections, he noted that concerns will remain until votes are counted.

Hummam Quader Chowdhury, son of the late Salauddin Quader Chowdhury, announced plans to send a legal notice to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs demanding the release of classified cipher messages that allegedly prevented four overseas witnesses from testifying during his father’s war crimes trial.

He claimed the tribunal’s refusal to allow the witnesses was influenced by communications from the then-foreign ministry, and alleged his father was denied fair justice and “murdered” with direct involvement from the Awami League government. Hummam demanded the declassification of the messages and the public disclosure of all officials connected to them.

Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov has stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s presence is unnecessary at the upcoming Russia-U.S. summit. Azarov described Zelensky as a “puppet” who does not make decisions independently. U.S. President Donald Trump plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15 to discuss a permanent solution to the Ukraine crisis, with the Kremlin hoping for a follow-up summit in Russia. Sources confirm Zelensky is unlikely to attend the Alaska meeting.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump will meet in Alaska on Friday, starting with a private session attended only by interpreters. Following this, both leaders will engage in broader discussions with their delegations, covering the Ukraine crisis, trade, economic cooperation, and global security. The Russian delegation includes top officials like Sergey Lavrov and Kirill Dmitriev. A joint press conference will follow. The meeting’s duration depends on discussion progress, and the Russian delegation will depart immediately afterward.

India’s Supreme Court has emphasized that restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood must consider ground realities and security concerns, citing the recent Pahalgam attack. Petitioners argue that constitutional rights have been undermined since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019 and urge immediate restoration. The court has asked the central government to respond within eight weeks, highlighting that the matter involves legal, political, and security dimensions. The government maintains restoration will occur at the right time, balancing safety and political commitments.

Norway has taken a firm stance against Israel’s actions in Gaza, announcing that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be arrested if he enters the country. This follows the International Criminal Court’s November 21, 2024, arrest warrant against Netanyahu for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Norwegian officials, including Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Kravik, emphasized their legal obligation to enforce the ICC decision, reflecting Oslo’s commitment to international law and accountability for serious international crimes.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London on Thursday, ahead of the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska on Friday. The meeting aims to convey European concerns before Trump discusses the Ukraine war with Putin. Starmer emphasized the need to preserve Ukraine’s territorial integrity and reject any border changes by force. Ukraine maintains it will not cede Crimea or other occupied areas, while Trump warns possible territorial exchanges may be needed to end the conflict.

GOP leader Abu Hanif has stated that the political dynamics of the country have undergone a significant transformation following the July mass uprising. “The era of seizing political centers or becoming a Member of Parliament by purchasing votes for 500 to 1,000 taka is over,” Hanif asserted.

Hanif reflected on the historical context of Kishoreganj, noting that while the region has produced many prominent leaders since independence, the lives of its people have not seen substantial improvement. He emphasized that during the July uprising, it was the youth who led the movement, demonstrating their unwavering courage in the face of fear.

Commenting on the current law and order situation, Hanif said that even though an interim government assumed responsibility after the uprising, over a year has passed without fully restoring public security. “Criminals may be arrested, but they often secure bail within days and return to committing crimes. Many of these offenders face 15 to 20 cases each,” he warned.

Hanif called for justice for those responsible for the killings during the uprising, stressing that without visible progress in reforms and judicial accountability, elections could once again pave the way for fascism—something the public will no longer tolerate.

Germany is sending a €500 million submarine to Israel, just days after partially halting arms exports to the country, sparking widespread criticism. The contract, originally signed in 2012, received final approval from Germany’s Federal Security Council in 2023. Thyssenkrupp, the manufacturing company, confirmed the export at a recent extraordinary general meeting. A government spokesperson in Berlin declined to comment when asked. The move has raised concerns about Germany’s arms export policy and international reactions.

Masud Saeedi, son of Allama Delwar Hossain Saeedi, criticized attempts to disrupt elections, accusing certain groups of instigating Jamaat. “We do not only want elections. First, there must be reforms and justice for the July martyrs. Judges who gave false testimonies against our fathers must face trial. Only then can elections proceed,” he stated. He also noted that despite threats and personal losses, the family remains committed to seeking accountability through ballots.

The Arab League has strongly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent comments expressing a connection to the idea of a ‘Greater Israel,’ calling them a threat to the sovereignty of Middle Eastern states. Netanyahu described himself as on a “historical and spiritual mission” for Jewish generations. The remarks have drawn concern from Egypt and Jordan, with both countries emphasizing that such statements conflict with regional peace efforts, violate international law, and could heighten tensions in the region.

Bangladesh has rejected the latest draft of the Global Plastics Treaty, calling it weak and inadequate. The government insists the treaty must include binding measures on harmful chemicals, emissions, and primary plastic production, rather than relying on voluntary approaches. At INC-5.2 in Geneva, Bangladesh highlighted its vulnerability as a low-lying country and stressed the need for a global framework to tackle cross-border plastic pollution. Officials also urged promoting circular economy models, sustainable product design, and just transitions for waste sector workers.

Rafiqul Islam held a press conference in Bhairab, Kishoreganj, accusing local Awami League leaders of illegally seizing 20.50 decimals of ancestral land belonging to him and his brothers. He claimed that the land was forcibly occupied by leaders Jasim Uddin and his wife Nili, who used political influence to construct a wall. Rafiqul filed a case in Kishoreganj court and lodged a GD at Bhairab police station. Despite police restrictions, the construction continues, allegedly supported by local criminals.