Following the Pulwama attack, Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian flights on April 24, leading to a revenue loss of nearly ₹410 crore by June 30. Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence stated this is reduced revenue rather than a direct financial loss, emphasizing national sovereignty over profits. India extended its ban on Pakistani flights until August 23. With the airspace closure still in effect, Indian flights now take longer routes, increasing fuel costs and travel time.

Nobel laureate and interim government Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus will visit Malaysia on August 11, igniting fresh hopes among Bangladeshi expatriates. The visit aims to reopen the long-closed Malaysian labor market, address visa and legal issues for undocumented workers, and strengthen bilateral ties through defense, energy, and trade agreements. Meetings with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and other officials will focus on enhancing cooperation in various sectors. The trip also includes honorary degree conferral and community engagement.

At least 474 people were arrested in London for protesting in support of the UK-designated terrorist group, Palestine Action. The demonstration took place at Parliament Square, organized by Defend Our Juries, opposing the government’s ban imposed last month. Protesters carried placards and wore symbolic scarves, chanting slogans backing Palestine Action. Seven were arrested for assaulting police. Membership in the banned group now carries a prison sentence of up to 14 years. The group’s co-founder has sought legal challenge against the ban.

Several political leaders and organizations have criticized the July Declaration as weak, incomplete, and biased. Speaking at a discussion organized by Nexus Defense and Justice in Dhaka, they alleged historical omissions, discriminatory drafting, and ignoring key political demands. Critics said the document excluded references to 1947 independence, major massacres, and the nine-point movement, reducing its legitimacy. They also accused the government’s advisers of corruption and claimed that promises of national transformation had only benefited political elites and their families over the past year.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir, is primarily focused on building individuals rather than engaging in conventional politics, according to its president, Zahidul Islam.

Speaking to the media, he described the organization as “a project for creating better human beings,” adding, “If someone defines this as politics, then yes, this is our politics.”

He said that only 5–10% of Shibir’s activities align with traditional political practices, while the remaining 90% centers on personal growth. “Our policy equips students not only with academic qualifications but also with skills and moral values. For us, a Shibir member is not just a good student—they must also prove themselves as good family members, relatives, neighbors, friends, and responsible citizens in their community.”

At a discussion in Dhaka, Amar Desh editor Mahmudur Rahman criticized the July Declaration as overly legalistic and inaccessible to ordinary citizens, lacking the emotion and ideals of the revolution. He questioned the government’s reluctance to call it a revolution and dismissed the proposed parliamentary upper house as ineffective. Praising the government’s stance against Indian hegemony, he warned of possible Indian interference in upcoming elections, citing the presence of agents in law enforcement and ongoing conspiracies in Delhi.

The Nationalist Citizens’ Party (NCP) has formed a four-member committee to evaluate, review, and coordinate the Election Commission’s ongoing process of redrawing parliamentary constituencies. The committee, approved on Sunday, is convened by Nahid Islam with Akhter Hossain as member secretary. Saifullah Haider, a key coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, has been appointed as head, with Abdullah Al Amin, Zahirul Islam Musa, and Arifur Rahman Tuhin as members.

Malaysia has introduced a Multiple Entry Visa (MEV) facility for Bangladeshi expatriate workers to ease their travel process. Previously, Bangladeshi workers only received single-entry visas, causing travel difficulties. Now, workers holding valid Temporary Work Visit Passes (PLKS) will automatically get MEVs upon renewal, eliminating the need for separate applications. This change improves border control, reduces visa application burdens on Malaysian missions, and is the result of sustained diplomatic efforts between Malaysia and Bangladesh. The MEV will allow multiple travels, significantly enhancing convenience for Bangladeshi workers.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus is set to visit Malaysia on a three-day trip starting Monday, invited by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The visit will include signing five memorandums of understanding (MoUs) covering defense, energy, halal food, and more. Key discussions with Prime Minister Anwar will address worker deployment, trade, higher education, and regional cooperation. An honorary doctorate from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) will be awarded. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties and launch a joint business council.

Two officials, Deputy Secretary Md. Imran Ahmed and Joint Secretary AZM Nurul Haque, accused of openly campaigning for the ruling Awami League and manipulating votes, remain protected within the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Foreign Employment. Instead of facing disciplinary actions, they have been assigned influential posts and project leadership roles. Allegations suggest a powerful faction within the ministry safeguards them, raising concerns over rule violations and political interference in government administration.

Political tensions are rising in India over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral voter lists. On Monday, Congress will hold an emergency meeting in Delhi to finalize a nationwide protest plan, particularly ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections and other upcoming polls. At a meeting on Thursday night at Rahul Gandhi’s residence, Trinamool leader Abhishek Banerjee urged Gandhi to intensify the SIR-related protests nationwide. Continuous demonstrations are ongoing in Parliament, and tomorrow a program is set to surround the national Election Commission office in Delhi. Congress has called for joint protests, and even the Aam Aadmi Party, despite leaving the INDIA alliance, has expressed support.

AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Manju has claimed that most Awami League leaders are linked to massacres and plunder and are widely despised. He warned that if they contest elections, they will face mass public outrage that could spiral out of control. Speaking at a parliamentary debate, Manju said the Election Commission must have the courage to show a “red card” to any party or candidate that commits electoral violations.
He criticized the creation of a perception that a certain party would win power unopposed even before the elections, calling it a dangerous signal for fair polls.

BNP Standing Committee member Moin Khan said the democratic gains of the July uprising must not be reversed. Paying tribute to the movement’s veterans, he recalled Ziaur Rahman’s discipline, punctuality, and integrity, citing an incident where Zia delivered a scheduled speech to an empty venue rather than delay it.
Moin Khan noted that while the Awami League mocks Zia as an “unknown major,” it was this very man who risked his life to declare Bangladesh’s independence and later brought back “dictator” Sheikh Hasina, granting her the right to engage in politics. He described BNP as a centrist party and criticized the Awami League for persecuting opponents, stressing that the people of Bangladesh reject extremist politics.

In the central executive committee elections of the Doctors’ Association of Bangladesh (DAB), Professor Dr. Harun Al Rashid has been elected president, and Dr. Zahirul Islam Shakil has been elected general secretary. Dr. Harun secured 1,369 votes, defeating Professor Dr. A.K.M. Azizul Haque, who received 1,202 votes. Dr. Shakil won the general secretary race with 1,458 votes, ahead of Dr. Abdus Shakur Khan’s 1,079.
Other winners include Dr. Md. Mehedi Hasan (treasurer) with 1,312 votes and Dr. A.K.M. Khalequzzaman Dipu (senior joint general secretary) with 1,316 votes. Election commissioner Professor Lutfur Rahman stated that voting was conducted with great enthusiasm.

Jatiya Party Secretary General Barrister Shamim Haider Patowary has vowed to defeat all conspiracies against the party, saying history shows those who tried to damage the party from outside the mainstream have disappeared. He said grassroots leaders and activists remain united under GM Quader’s leadership, which will enable the party to play a positive role in national politics and serve as a trusted platform for the people.