Following a fall in international prices, Bangladesh has reduced the domestic price of loose palm oil from BDT 169 to BDT 150 per liter. The Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission (BTTC) has instructed local authorities to intensify market monitoring amid concerns that some traders might sell palm oil as soybean oil for extra profit. Bottled soybean oil remains at BDT 189 per liter, while loose soybean oil prices are unchanged. Authorities are also urged to take legal action if unethical practices harm consumers.

The National Revolutionary Council has called for August 14 to be officially declared “Liberation from Colonialism and Bangladesh’s First Independence Day” and celebrated with full state honors. In a statement, the group described the 1947 independence as the foundation of the 1971 liberation and honored six key leaders—Allama Iqbal, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Huq, Liaquat Ali Khan, Khawaja Nazimuddin, and Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy. The council also announced programs to mark the occasion.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has delivered financial assistance to a family in North Satkania, Chattogram, for the treatment of two ailing children. Acting under the direction of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, the party also gifted the family an auto-rickshaw and provided additional aid to an injured July uprising participant.

The beneficiaries are the children of late Youth Dal leader Mohammad Yusuf of Hashimpur—three-year-old Mohammad Rahan, who has a heart defect, and 11-year-old Mohammad Arafat, who suffers from thalassemia.

Five candidates have so far collected nomination papers for the Vice-President post in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Daksu) elections. Chief Returning Officer Mohammad Jasim Uddin reported that on Wednesday alone, 13 candidates collected nomination forms for various central positions, while 18 candidates collected forms for hall union elections.

On August 12, a total of seven candidates took forms, and four have submitted them so far. Jasim confirmed that all candidates have adhered to the election code of conduct. Nomination distribution will continue daily from 10 am to 4 pm until August 18, and submissions will be accepted from 10 am to 3 pm on August 19.

Police have arrested Sujon Sikder, joint convener of the Gopalganj district unit of Swechchhasebak Dal, in connection with clashes during an NCP march. Authorities confirmed that he was shown arrested on Wednesday under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The violent incidents took place on July 16, when an NCP rally in Gopalganj erupted into widespread clashes. So far, police have filed 15 cases, including five for murder.

Islamic Movement leader Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, widely known as the Chormonai Pir, has accused an “opportunist clique” of exploiting the post–August 5 situation for extortion and tender manipulation. Speaking at a seminar in Faridpur, he said Islamic Movement leaders and scholars took to the streets after August 5 to protect the lives and property of minorities.

He claimed the party is working to unite Islamic-minded voters ahead of the next election, which has led to increased hostility from those he described as “fascists” and “extortionists.” He further alleged that attacks are now being directed against Chormonai, Islamic scholars, and particularly the student leaders who played a central role in the August 5 uprising.

The White House has indicated that the upcoming Alaska meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin is primarily a listening opportunity for Trump, with little chance of a quick Russia–Ukraine ceasefire. Only one party involved in the conflict will attend, and key issues remain unresolved. While Trump has suggested territorial concessions might be necessary, Ukraine’s President Zelensky has rejected any agreement without Ukraine’s consent. Private talks in Anchorage may precede a possible future Trump visit to Russia.

Britain, France, and Germany have warned the UN they will reinstate sanctions on Iran if no diplomatic deal is reached over Tehran’s nuclear program by the end of August. In a joint letter, the E3 said they are ready to use the 2015 deal’s “snapback mechanism” if Iran continues violating limits, accusing Tehran of stockpiling 40 times the permitted uranium. The warning follows Israeli and US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and Iran’s suspension of cooperation with the IAEA.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán declared that Russia has won the Ukraine war, ahead of a planned Trump-Putin summit in Alaska aimed at ending the conflict. Orbán, in power since 2010, maintains close ties with Moscow, opposes military aid to Ukraine, and rejects its EU membership bid. He was the only EU leader not to endorse a statement supporting Ukraine’s right to decide its future. Hungary relies heavily on Russian energy and has refused to send weapons to Kyiv.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus pledged to hold free, fair, and transparent elections in February 2026 to return power to the people. Speaking in Malaysia after receiving an honorary doctorate from UKM, he highlighted reforms, inclusive economic growth, and youth empowerment as priorities. Yunus recalled the 2024 youth-led uprising, warned against wealth concentration, and urged global cooperation. He emphasized deepening Bangladesh–Malaysia ties in trade, renewable energy, and technology, while encouraging students to dream big and work for a just, inclusive future.

After a key counterterrorism meeting in Islamabad, the US publicly acknowledged Pakistan’s success in combating terrorism, praising its efforts regionally and internationally. The statement expressed condolences for attacks in Jafar Express and Khuzdar. Analysts note this creates diplomatic pressure on India, already strained over trade and tariffs with Washington. Pakistan’s military chief’s nuclear remarks added controversy. While India condemns it, US ties with Pakistan strengthen, signaling shifting strategic dynamics and a potential rebalancing in South Asian diplomacy.

Workers at Genoa port have detained the Saudi vessel Bahri Yanbu, reportedly carrying weapons from the U.S. intended for Israel. The ship, previously docked in Maryland, was discovered to already have arms and ammunition. Around 40 port workers boarded the vessel to inspect and confirm the cargo. Saudi Arabia’s Bahri shipping company has denied all allegations, calling them baseless, and emphasized compliance with international maritime laws. European port workers are increasingly acting to prevent arms reaching Israel amid the ongoing Gaza crisis.

UK MP Tulip Siddiq, niece of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is facing trial in Bangladesh over allegations of illegally acquiring government land. The Anti-Corruption Commission claims she holds Bangladeshi citizenship and is registered as a voter, though Siddiq denies this. Her legal team calls the documents forged. The trial proceeds in her absence, raising political and legal debate. Siddiq resigned earlier from her UK Treasury post after reports of benefiting from assets linked to Hasina’s party.

Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir recently issued a direct nuclear threat to India, warning of potential attacks on infrastructure and extreme retaliatory measures. The remarks sparked outrage in India, with actress and MP Kangana Ranaut mocking him on social media. Delhi’s diplomatic and defense circles are closely monitoring the situation. Experts suggest Pakistan’s economic and political pressures may drive such statements. Kangana’s comments have ignited a heated debate, highlighting the growing verbal tension between the two nations.

Amid rising tensions over trade, Prime Minister Narendra Modi may visit the U.S. in late September to attend the UN General Assembly in New York. On the sidelines, a possible bilateral meeting with President Donald Trump could focus on import tariffs, the bilateral trade deal, and India’s oil purchases from Russia. Earlier tariff hikes and potential sanctions have strained relations, making this visit a crucial moment. Outcomes of any Trump-Putin discussions could further influence India’s diplomatic strategy.