The Chief Adviser’s Press Wing has stated that the allegations made by the Newspaper Owners' Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) are not true and that the caretaker government has in no way undermined media freedom. In a statement, it said the government has maintained transparency and has not interfered with the media. NOAB was urged to examine its internal issues, such as violations of labor rights. The government had proposed reforms through the Media Reform Commission, including a new ‘Journalist Protection Act’ to enhance legal safeguards and reduce self-censorship caused by fear of the government or security forces.

Pakistan’s Election Commission has disqualified several PTI leaders over their involvement in the May 9 violence case, leading to the loss of three major parliamentary roles: opposition leader Omar Ayub, parliamentary leader Zartaj Gul, and deputy parliamentary leader Ahmad Chattha. The National Assembly Speaker confirmed the disqualifications, and discussions are underway to elect a new opposition leader. PTI members were also removed from several key standing committees, and fresh nominations are required for the vacant positions across the parliament.

BNP leader Shamsuzzaman Dudu expressed regret over some “bad elements” within their ranks causing damage to the party through their misconduct. He emphasized that the BNP has a clear stance: extortionists and occupiers are not part of the BNP, nor are those who harm Bangladesh. He urged authorities to apprehend such individuals and hand them over to the law. Dudu also criticized the ruling party’s allegations against BNP leaders, pointing out contradictions. He mentioned repeated accusations that BNP members embezzled orphan funds, contrasting this with claims that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina laundered bank money abroad. He highlighted recent political tensions with India, condemning visa restrictions and border violence against Bangladeshis, and questioned the PM’s visit to India amidst these issues. He reiterated BNP’s identity as a party of the Liberation War, independence, and democracy, following the legacy of Shaheed Zia, who taught the politics of love, protection of people, and safeguarding the nation’s freedom.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that India used Israeli-supplied weapons, including the Barak-8 missile system and Harpy drones, during its recent Operation Sindoor against Pakistan. The conflict followed a deadly attack on tourists in Kashmir, which India blamed on Pakistan. In retaliation, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsous, targeting Indian military sites. The 87-hour clash ended with a U.S.-brokered ceasefire. Netanyahu praised the performance of Israeli weapons, while Israel’s Mumbai consul called the Indian operation a defensive move. Arms deliveries to India continue despite the Gaza war.

Germany has suspended arms exports to Israel that could be used in Gaza, following Israel’s approval of a plan to seize control of Gaza City. Chancellor Friedrich Merz said no military equipment that may be used in Gaza will be approved until further notice. He questioned the effectiveness of Israel's military objectives. Germany is Israel’s second-largest arms supplier after the U.S. Meanwhile, Hamas warned the move endangers Palestinians and accused Netanyahu’s government of sacrificing captives for political gain.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei has dismissed recent rumors about restarting talks with the United States as part of a psychological warfare campaign by enemies. He denied any set time or place for negotiations and called these reports false and aimed at creating tension. Baghaei confirmed that a diplomatic channel through protecting interest offices remains open, and mediator communication is normal. He also stated he is unaware of any other country mediating besides Oman.

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed his readiness to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin even if Putin does not first meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This statement contradicts earlier reports that a Putin-Zelensky meeting was a prerequisite for a Trump-Putin summit. Trump emphasized his commitment to stopping the killing and said the decision depends on Putin. Following talks by his envoy in Moscow, Trump remains hopeful for a ceasefire but refrained from confirming a deadline.

Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong criticized Donald Trump’s tariff policies, especially those targeting India and China. Reacting on X, Xu likened Trump to a bully, warning against appeasement. He also quoted Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who said using tariffs as weapons violates global trade norms. Trump's new tariffs on India followed failed trade talks and India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. Trump hinted at similar actions against China, escalating ongoing trade tensions.

The Trump administration plans to construct the largest federal immigrant detention center at Fort Bliss, a military base in Texas. Initially, 1,000 immigrants will be held starting mid-August, with a long-term goal of building a 5,000-bed facility. The Department of Homeland Security will oversee detainee management, despite the location being on military grounds. This move is part of a broader crackdown on undocumented immigrants, with record-high detentions reported. Additional centers are also planned, including one in Indiana called the "Speedway Slammer."

Sumaiya Tahmid Jafrin, wife of Major Sadekul Haque, was arrested for her alleged involvement in planning anti-government activities via a secret Facebook group called "ODB-M-1701." She reportedly managed data collection, communication, and secret meetings aimed at creating unrest. Authorities claim she worked to mobilize banned political groups and destabilize the government. Sumaiya was granted a 5-day remand for interrogation. The case has led to the arrest of 28 people so far, with further investigation ongoing.

With the national election expected in December, BNP is intensifying its internal race for nominations. Senior leaders are confirmed, while surveys are being conducted to select remaining candidates. Analysts say this election will be competitive and voter-focused, with public engagement, leadership, and integrity being key factors. BNP plans to nominate widely accepted, dedicated leaders and may allocate seats to allies. Social media is expected to influence the campaign heavily, making candidate quality more crucial than ever before.

NCP leader Abdul Hannan Masud claimed he has been the subject of a prolonged media trial. He refuted recent allegations that his office was falsely portrayed as a personal property, stating, “No one can prove that I have earned money illegally.”

Masud questioned why his sources of income are scrutinized when he holds no government position. “I'm not obligated to explain where my car or clothes come from,” he said.

Regarding his income, he disclosed, “Even for participating in talk shows, I now receive a minimum of Tk 3,000 per appearance. If I join 30 talk shows a month, that amounts to Tk 90,000.” He added that earlier, such income would have required conducting at least two private tuitions a day. He also mentioned receiving financial support from well-wishers.

Acting Chairman of the Jatiya Party, Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud, has announced that the upcoming party conference on Saturday will mark a historic turning point. “This conference will end long-standing internal divisions and initiate a new journey for the Jatiya Party, fulfilling the dreams of its founder, Hussain Muhammad Ershad,” he said.

Thousands of councillors and delegates from across the country are expected to attend. Addressing concerns about internal rifts, he clarified, “Some claim the party is splitting — that is not true. We have informed the Election Commission and invited their representatives to the conference.”

He emphasized that the party aims to restore democratic values through this council. “We will remove controversial clauses from the constitution. Going forward, the party will be led through a collective leadership model, not a single individual.”

He also noted that following a lower court's temporary suspension of the current chairman from organizational activities on July 30, the party, in accordance with its constitution, appointed an acting chairman and decided to hold the national conference.

NCP (National Citizen Party) leader Nahid Islam stated that while the Liberation War of 1971 holds immense historical importance, it should not be used as a political weapon.

He argued that 1971 should be remembered respectfully as a cornerstone of the state’s principles, not as the sole measure of political legitimacy. "Like 1947, 1971 has historical significance, but neither should be exploited for political gain," he said.

In an article, Nahid criticized “Mujibism” for aligning the narrative of 1971 too closely with Indian interests, thereby undermining national sovereignty. He praised the 2024 popular uprising for breaking free from authoritarian and hegemonic ideologies and asserted that returning to outdated political divides over 1971 risks undoing that progress.

He concluded that the 2024 movement served as a form of collective redemption for many political actors and warned against revisiting old ideological conflicts that could devalue that sacrifice.

Major US retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Gap have halted apparel and textile orders from India after President Trump doubled tariffs to 50%, citing India’s oil imports from Russia. Exporters report receiving notices to stop shipments, as buyers refuse to share the added costs. Analysts warn this could cut US-bound orders by up to 50%, causing losses of $4–5 billion. Indian companies heavily reliant on the US market may suffer, and India fears losing business to competitors like Bangladesh.