BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has claimed that the presence of an unelected government is causing the country to fall behind economically. Both domestic and foreign investors are reportedly losing confidence. Calling for immediate national elections, he emphasized the need to build a welfare-oriented, business-friendly state.

He stated that in the future, no single group should monopolize the country’s economic activities. Politics and the economy must work hand in hand, and BNP promises equal participation for all citizens in economic development.

Highlighting Rangpur’s potential as Bangladesh’s "grain basket," he noted that despite its agricultural success, the people of Rangpur remain deprived. He expressed BNP's intent to address the region’s issues if they return to power and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to reviving a free-market economy, as envisioned by Ziaur Rahman.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for being irresponsible in handling the Pahalgam attack. Speaking during a Lok Sabha debate on Operation Sindur, she accused the government of failing to monitor terrorists despite prior attacks and questioned the role of intelligence agencies headed by Home Minister Amit Shah. She also highlighted that the war was abruptly stopped without proper accountability, with the U.S. president announcing the ceasefire, not the Indian leadership.

Canada is set to recognize Palestine as a state by September, following France and the UK. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the plan, which triggered a strong reaction from U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump warned that trade agreements with Canada would become “very difficult” if they proceed. This comes amid the upcoming ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs, where the U.S. will impose a 35% tariff on Canadian goods if no trade deal is reached by August 1. Meanwhile, Gaza faces worsening food shortages, with malnutrition deaths rising.

An Iranian MP, Mojtaba Zarei, alleges that Iranian intelligence has secretly installed surveillance cameras at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s home. Zarei insists this is based on verified information and marks a significant achievement for Iran’s intelligence efforts. The claim has not been officially addressed by Israel. Experts see it as part of ongoing psychological and propaganda warfare between Iran and Israel. This follows a 2024 drone attack on Netanyahu’s residence, believed to be orchestrated by Iran-backed Hezbollah.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem firmly rejected international pressure to disarm, emphasizing that surrendering arms would mean handing them over to Israel. Marking the anniversary of a top commander’s death in an Israeli strike, Qassem declared Hezbollah’s weapons are a sovereign Lebanese matter beyond ceasefire agreements. Despite diplomatic efforts and U.S. pressure on Lebanon’s government to disarm Hezbollah, the group insists it will not relinquish arms unless Israeli aggression stops, deepening Lebanon’s political divide over the issue.

BNP leader Tarique Rahman emphasized the critical role of women in ensuring that fascism, extremism, and radicalism do not rise again in Bangladesh. “Women played vital roles in past movements against authoritarian regimes. Now, their participation is essential once more,” he said. Acknowledging women's economic and educational challenges, Tarique outlined BNP’s plan to empower women and prevent domestic violence through education and financial independence. He promised that, if elected, the BNP would provide family cards to at least 5 million marginal families. “We must build a nation envisioned through a mother’s eyes,” he concluded, calling the next election pivotal for the country's future.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has hailed the country’s recent military success against India as a historic victory. During an 87-hour conflict triggered by an attack in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan shot down six Indian fighter jets, including three advanced Rafale jets. The ceasefire was brokered by the US on May 10. Shahbaz credited the army’s skill and Field Marshal Asim Munir’s leadership. The cabinet also discussed flood damages and praised reforms in the power and railway sectors.

The United States has imposed extensive sanctions targeting over 100 individuals, companies, and vessels linked to Iran’s shipping industry, aiming to block Iranian oil exports. Central to these sanctions is Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, who manages a complex network helping Iran and Russia sell oil globally. The move, part of increased pressure under President Trump, seeks to cut Iran’s revenue supporting its regime. Iran condemned the sanctions as hostile, while China remains its largest oil buyer. Diplomatic talks remain unlikely in the near future.

Violent protests erupted across Angola after the government raised diesel prices by one-third, aiming to reduce subsidies and stabilize the economy. At least 22 people were killed, 197 injured, and over 1,200 arrested in the unrest, which saw widespread looting and clashes with police. Shops, vehicles, and supermarkets were damaged or looted. The government faces growing pressure to balance financial reforms with public stability in a country where many rely on subsidized fuel for daily living. An emergency cabinet meeting was held in response.

A Dhaka court has started the formal trial of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and daughter Saima Wazed Putul in three corruption cases filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission. The cases involve alleged fraud in the allocation of 30 kathas of land in the Purbachal New Town Project. As the accused were absent, the court issued arrest warrants and set August 11 for witness testimony. Charges were framed against 12 to 18 individuals in the three cases.

Myanmar’s military junta has enacted a new law making criticism or protest against its planned elections a criminal offense. The law punishes individuals with up to 7 years in prison and organizations with up to 10 years. Voter intimidation or ballot disruption can lead to 20 years in jail, while election-related violence may result in the death penalty. The junta, which seized power in 2021, plans to hold elections in late 2025 or early 2026, amid ongoing suppression of opposition voices.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will embark on a two-day state visit to Pakistan on August 2 at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. This will mark the second such visit by an Iranian president in recent years. His agenda includes meetings with political leaders and cultural and business elites, aiming to boost bilateral trade beyond $3 billion and enhance cooperation in border, cultural, and religious areas. The visit follows earlier diplomatic efforts and reflects deepening ties between the two neighboring countries.

The National Consensus Commission has decided to establish a bicameral parliament, introducing a 100-seat upper house. Members will be nominated based on the percentage of votes each party receives in the lower house, ensuring proportional representation. While the upper house will not have legislative power, except for reviewing non-financial bills, it must approve or reject any bill within one month. If not acted upon within this period, a bill will be considered approved. The lower house retains the final say. However, the BNP and its allies have demanded that upper house seats be allocated based on the number of seats won in the lower house and have raised concerns over the proposed powers of the upper house.

Nahid Islam, Convener of the National Coordination Platform (NCP), said massive public support was witnessed during their recent protest marches. “Despite blockades and attacks in various areas, we never stopped,” he stated. He accused the ruling regime of widespread oppression and added, “Even hanging Sheikh Hasina ten times wouldn’t be enough for her crimes. People won’t forgive any variant of the Awami League.” Highlighting grassroots mobilization, he said leadership is emerging from Narayanganj, Jatrabari, Savar, Ashulia, and Gazipur. “The workers of Savar and Ashulia are the backbone of our uprising. They’ve stood up against low wages and exploitation, and we aim to make Dhaka district free from extortion.”

Islami Chhatra Shibir leader Abu Sadiq Kayem claimed that he never took over any authority or position under the title of ‘coordinator’ when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was out of the country. “Let anyone prove with even a single document that I did so,” he challenged. Reflecting on the events of the so-called July uprising, he stated, “Our martyrs and mujahideen were the true heroes. It was a spontaneous movement of the masses.” Sadiq added that while many leaders were absent between July 19 and August 2, he stepped in to fill the gap. He criticized those who later presented themselves as revolutionaries despite their previous betrayal. “While we were tending to the injured and martyred, some self-proclaimed coordinators were busy establishing control,” he alleged.