During a meeting with political parties at Jamuna, Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus stated that “regressive forces are attempting to derail the electoral process through unrest.” He called for unity among all anti-fascist democratic forces to resist such attempts.

He emphasized, “If all pro-democratic movements fail to organize a credible election, we risk losing a historic opportunity.” Seeking cooperation from all political parties, he added, “Every time we move forward with election preparations, conspiracies surface. However, no conspiracy can stop the march of democracy, as there is a clear unity among democratic forces against fascism.” A minute of silence was also observed in memory of the victims of the Milestone Tragedy during the meeting.

At the World AI Conference in Shanghai, Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized the urgent need for global consensus on balancing the rapid development of artificial intelligence with its security risks. He called for responsible governance, open-source collaboration, and announced a new China-led international body to enhance AI cooperation. Li highlighted challenges such as misinformation, job displacement, and loss of human control. Meanwhile, U.S. President Trump vowed aggressive policies to ensure American dominance in AI, aiming to reduce regulatory hurdles for private innovation.

In an interview with Turkish media, Sadiq Kayem, leader of Bangladesh's July uprising, accused India of treating Bangladesh like a colony for 16 years and backing the Hasina regime, including the August 5 massacre. He likened India's treatment of Muslims to that of Israel’s policies, rejecting Indian dominance. Kayem also called the Awami League a terrorist group and emphasized the movement's independence from foreign influence. He expressed hopes for a balanced foreign policy, especially with China.

BNP Joint Secretary General Habib-Un-Nabi Khan Sohel visited the family of Rojoni Islam, a parent who died in a tragic Air Force jet crash near the Milestone School & College campus in Dhaka’s Uttara Diabari area.

Offering condolences, Sohel met with the victim’s husband, daughter, and son, encouraging them to remain strong during this difficult time. He also emphasized the urgent need for more effective disaster management systems to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Following a meeting with the Chief Adviser and 14 political parties on Saturday afternoon, Mostafa Jamal Haider, Chairman of the Jatiya Party (Kazi Zafar faction), announced that the date for the upcoming national parliamentary election will be declared within four to five days.

“There could be no greater news than this,” he said, adding that elections are the key to resolving current unrest. He emphasized that many of the country’s ongoing problems can only be addressed through a credible electoral process.

Previously, the Chief Adviser held two rounds of meetings with leaders of various political parties and alliances, including the NCP, BNP, and Jamaat-e-Islami.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has stated that while structural reform of the state and economy cannot happen overnight, democratic practices are essential for achieving such transformation. Speaking at an event in Dhaka, he remarked that democracy has been systematically destroyed over the past 15 years, leading to rampant corruption due to lack of accountability. "BNP believes in democracy, which is why we are demanding elections," he said.

Criticizing the proportional representation (PR) system, Fakhrul noted that the people of this country prefer to directly elect their leaders. He also referred to the potential impact of Trump's proposed tariffs as a major threat, stressing the need for dialogue among political parties to address pressing national issues.

Nahid Islam, Convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), stated that while the current constitution is based on Mujibist ideology, it still requires reform to facilitate national development. At a roadside rally in Moulvibazar, he criticized the government for allegedly blaming the recent police killing in Baniachong on uprising participants. He reaffirmed NCP’s commitment to improving the living standards of tea workers and ensuring ethnic and cultural rights. The party's leaders are currently traveling from Moulvibazar to Kishoreganj as part of their campaign.

The government is planning to purchase three additional ships to increase revenue for the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC), according to Brigadier General (Retd.) M. Sakhawat Hossain, Maritime Affairs Advisor. During a visit to the shipbreaking yards in Sitakunda, Chattogram, he stated that 14 yards have received ‘green certification’ by complying with the Hong Kong Convention. Those that fail to meet standards must cease operations. He assured that the government will assist yards in complying with regulations.

The Election Commission has received 43 opinions on the draft Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates in the upcoming national elections. Contributors include eight political parties, including the BNP, two non-governmental organizations, and 33 individuals. Most registered political parties did not submit any feedback. The BNP largely agreed with the proposed guidelines but also suggested additional amendments. Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) proposed significant changes, including greater financial transparency, impartiality of government officials, and regulation of AI technologies. The Election Commission has stated that it will review these suggestions and make necessary revisions.

Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. A. F. M. Khalid Hossain condemned the leak of photos taken during his official visit to Chattogram Central Jail, calling it a politically motivated act to distort facts. He clarified that the visit aimed to expand religious and moral education for inmates, and all protocols were followed. The photos were taken by a prison official and leaked without authorization. He warned against conspiracies by defeated political forces and reaffirmed commitment to transparency and national welfare.

Iran’s top religious leader Abu Torabi Ferd declared that if another conflict arises, Israel’s military and economic backbone will be shattered. Reflecting on the recent 12-day war, he highlighted Iran’s national unity and significant damage inflicted on Israel, estimating losses of $30-35 billion—8% of Israel’s GDP. Despite ongoing readiness, Iran warned Israel that any future mistakes could threaten its existence. The conflict involved missile strikes and U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, ending with a ceasefire on June 24.

Iran’s Nahid-2 satellite was successfully launched into orbit from Russia’s Vostochny Cosmodrome aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket. Developed jointly by the Iran Space Agency and Iran Space Research Center, Nahid-2 is part of a multinational mission involving 20 satellites. Designed to operate for five years, it features a domestically made propulsion system capable of adjusting altitude by 50 kilometers. The satellite also incorporates Iranian-developed thermal coatings and powerful lithium-ion batteries built for long-term space missions.

National Citizens Party convener Nahid Islam called for a mass gathering on August 3 at the Sylhet Central Shaheed Minar to confirm the July Charter and Declaration. He paid tribute to 17 martyrs of the July Mass Uprising from Sylhet and emphasized the region’s historic role in Bangladesh’s freedom struggle. Nahid highlighted Sylhet’s ongoing marginalization in resource allocation and political representation, urging support for expatriates’ voting rights and their inclusion in national policy-making.

The United States has removed sanctions on several close associates of Myanmar’s military junta, following a letter from junta leader Min Aung Hlaing praising former President Donald Trump and requesting tariff reductions. The move marks a significant policy shift, drawing criticism from Human Rights Watch, which warns it could undermine efforts to hold the military accountable for crimes against humanity. Myanmar’s rare mineral resources and geopolitical considerations with China are believed to influence the US decision.

Iran and the three European signatories of the 2015 nuclear deal—Britain, France, and Germany—have concluded their second round of nuclear discussions in Istanbul. The closed-door meeting lasted over three hours at the Iranian Embassy. This follows earlier talks in May and a recent disruption caused by an Israeli strike on Iran. Although no official statement was released, diplomatic sources suggest future meetings are likely. The talks aim to revive diplomacy amid ongoing tensions over Iran’s nuclear program.