On August 5, 2024, Indian officials were preoccupied with Parliament’s monsoon session, unaware that Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would soon seek refuge in India. As mass protests under the “March to Dhaka” movement escalated, Indian intelligence believed Hasina might survive the crisis. Even during a recent hotline call with Modi, no such outcome was discussed. Although military intervention was ruled out, India had offered other forms of support. Still, Delhi was unprepared for the dramatic turn of events that forced Hasina to flee.

Heavy rainfall has created perfect conditions for jute retting in Faridpur, raising hopes of a high-quality harvest. Farmers and officials expect production to exceed 200,000 tons this season, potentially worth over Tk 2,000 crore. Jute is being cultivated on 86,000 hectares across eight upazilas, involving more than 500,000 farmers. Despite early drought concerns and rising costs, favorable weather has improved yield and fiber quality. Officials believe this could solidify Faridpur’s position as the top jute-producing district in Bangladesh.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong voiced deep concern over the ongoing Israeli assault on Gaza and violence in the West Bank, warning that one day there may be no Palestinians left to recognize. Speaking to ABC, she supported recent mass protests in Sydney calling for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid. Wong emphasized the urgency of recognizing Palestine, stating the key issue is when, not if. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is reportedly preparing to order a full occupation of Gaza despite internal opposition.

Brazil’s Supreme Court has ordered the house arrest of former President Jair Bolsonaro, widely dubbed the “Trump of Brazil.”

The ruling comes amid allegations that Bolsonaro conspired with military elements to stage a coup following his defeat in the last presidential election. He also faces accusations of plotting to assassinate President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva—allegations he has denied. The case remains under judicial review by the Supreme Court.

Previously, the court had granted Bolsonaro bail on the condition that he refrain from making any public statements or posting videos online. His passport was also confiscated. However, he reportedly violated those conditions, prompting the new order.

The U.S. government has condemned the ruling, expressing concerns about its implications.

Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus will address the nation today, marking the first anniversary of Sheikh Hasina’s ouster. The speech will focus on the upcoming national election, with a preliminary roadmap and directives to the Election Commission. A possible February election date may be mentioned. The address will also reflect on the interim government's one-year performance, justice efforts, and political consensus progress. Coordination among law enforcement for election readiness will be discussed, alongside a call for political parties to cooperate for a historic democratic transition.

Allama Shah Muhibbullah Babunagari, Amir of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh, has stated that Jamaat-e-Islami is a fraudulent Islamic group, not a genuine Islamic party. He emphasized that Jamaat does not represent the Islam of Madinah but instead seeks to establish the ideology of Maududi. “Following Maududi’s ideology means there will be no true faith,” he said.

While acknowledging the necessity of unity among Islamic parties, Babunagari firmly declared, “We do not consider Jamaat an Islamic party. They have never desired the Islam of Madinah; their aim is to establish Maududism. Therefore, unity with them is impossible.”

He further remarked, “Jamaat is not the largest party in the country; BNP holds that position.”

Three foreign diplomats have sent flowers to Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, wishing him a speedy recovery as he undergoes treatment at a hospital.

The well-wishers include:

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen

Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan, Muhammad Wasif

Palestinian Ambassador, Yousef Ramadan

According to Jamaat sources, the diplomats inquired about Dr. Rahman’s health and conveyed their hopes for his swift recovery. The party expressed sincere gratitude for this gesture, calling it a memorable act of goodwill.

Despite five years since drafting, Dhaka’s parking policy has yet to be finalized or implemented. The draft emphasizes the importance of regulated parking to ease traffic congestion and outlines strict measures against illegal roadside parking. Delays stem from lack of government focus and official transfers. Unauthorized parking and sidewalk occupation continue to worsen traffic jams and citizen hardship. The policy aims to coordinate management across Dhaka and surrounding districts, encouraging private sector involvement and enforcement by traffic police and local authorities.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned of significant tariff hikes on Indian goods imported into the United States, citing India’s ongoing purchase of fuel from Russia amid the Ukraine conflict. Trump made these remarks on his social media platform Truth Social ahead of planned U.S. retaliatory tariffs effective August 7. While details on specific products and tariff rates remain unclear, Indian officials have confirmed that despite the threats, India will continue buying Russian oil.

China has deployed private militias, largely composed of former PLA personnel, to secure strategic infrastructure in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, particularly around the key port town Kyaukphyu. These militias go beyond guarding, reportedly engaging in drone operations and sniper attacks against insurgents, marking a shift to active conflict involvement. This unofficial military presence supports China’s Belt and Road investments while avoiding formal troop deployment. However, it raises local mistrust, heightens risks of violence, and challenges Myanmar’s sovereignty amid growing geopolitical tensions.

The government has made it compulsory to submit income tax return proof when opening or maintaining fixed deposits and savings certificates over 10 lakh taka, or taking loans exceeding 20 lakh taka. Bangladesh Bank issued a circular enforcing this rule across 24 financial and banking services, including company director appointments, trade license renewals, and utility connections. Failure to comply will result in denial of these services by banks and government agencies, aiming to widen tax compliance nationwide.

Nepal’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Ghanshyam Bhandari, has announced that a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between Nepal and Bangladesh will be signed soon. Speaking at a CPD roundtable in Dhaka, he highlighted strong prospects for trade expansion and ongoing discussions to import 40 MW of electricity from Nepal, potentially scaling up to 9,000 MW. CPD Fellow Mostafizur Rahman emphasized the need for India's support, as Indian transit routes and grid access are essential for boosting bilateral trade and energy cooperation between the two nations.

The Trump administration deported immigrants convicted of serious crimes to third countries like South Sudan and Eswatini after their home nations refused to take them back. According to a Reuters report, some deportees included individuals convicted of murder and child abuse. Critics called the practice harsh and questioned whether enough was done to repatriate them properly. In one instance, five people were returned to their home countries after facing threats of being sent to Libya. DHS did not disclose the total number deported to third countries.

BNP leader Kaysar Kamal has initiated a humanitarian project aimed at restoring vision for helpless and impoverished people, under the guidance of BNP’s Tareq Rahman.

Providing free medical services to those on the brink of blindness due to lack of treatment, the program has successfully operated on 182 patients across four phases. On Monday, the fourth phase saw 45 individuals undergo successful eye surgeries.

Kamal personally covers all expenses, including surgeries, transportation, accommodation, and medication for the patients. Beneficiaries have expressed deep gratitude for this compassionate service.

NCP leader Abdul Hannan Masud expressed dissatisfaction over the absence of invitations to 158 key coordinators and co-coordinators of the July uprising. In a Facebook post at 2 AM Tuesday, he announced he may boycott the July Declaration event if these individuals are not given due respect.

“I received an invitation, but many legitimate coordinators did not. Will there be seats for the families of martyrs?” he questioned. He stated that unless his fellow revolutionaries and the families of the fallen are honored, he will personally boycott the program.