Tarique Rahman is scheduled to make his first visit to Chattogram as prime minister on Sunday, August 9, on a one-day tour covering Maheshkhali in Cox’s Bazar and Banshkhali, Fatikchhari and Hathazari in Chattogram. He is due to arrive in Maheshkhali at 9am to inspect the Matarbari deep-sea port, coal-based power project and Maheshkhali Integrated Development Authority activities.

In Banshkhali, he is expected to distribute relief for flood-affected people and hand over new house keys to 100 homeless families at a rehabilitation event near Baharchhara beach. At Babunagar Madrasa in Fatikchhari, he will hold a courtesy meeting with Hefazat-e-Islam chief Allama Shah Muhibbullah Babunagari and exchange views with central and district leaders. Hefazat described the meeting as non-political.

In Hathazari, Rahman will visit the grave of late Allama Shah Ahmad Shafi and provide Tk100,000 each to 30 affected families for house construction, alongside Tk10,000 each for 15 people with disabilities. He will later attend a Chattogram BNP organisational meeting at Radisson Blu. Authorities said preparations at seven venues are complete, with police, RAB, BGB, SSF and intelligence agencies deployed. He is scheduled to depart for Dhaka at 9:20pm.

Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, the former home minister of Bangladesh’s ousted Awami League government and a defendant sentenced to death by a court, said he is prepared to return to the country and face any situation. In a BBC Bangla report published Saturday, he described spending a year in trauma after leaving Bangladesh and said he reached India on September 9 following the government’s fall.

Kamal said he and others were unprepared for the course of events on August 5, 2024, attributing this to overconfidence and incorrect information. He said most people who could not leave are either in jail or displaced from their homes. He also said his son, who he said is not involved in politics, has been jailed for two years.

He claimed his business establishments were vandalised and set on fire, while security personnel have preserved what they can. Kamal said his household in India has mainly been supported by relatives and friends over the past two years. Responding to allegations against police and Ansar personnel under his ministry, he said he believed they performed their duties properly until noon on August 5.

Gonobiplobi Uddyog has declared August 8, the day the interim government formed after the student-worker-public uprising took its oath, as “Constitutional Counter-Revolution Day.” The group said it observed the programme to protest what it described as public aspirations being confined within the old constitutional framework and to pursue unfinished revolutionary transformation. The announcement was made in a Saturday press release signed by the organisation’s representative, Mohammad Majedur Rahman.

The organisation said the mass awakening achieved through blood and sacrifice had been limited to preserving continuity in the old state machinery rather than moving toward revolutionary transformation. It alleged that only the holders of power had changed while the character of state power remained unchanged. It also said recommendations from five of 11 reform commissions—on labour, women, health, local government and media—were excluded from discussions by the consensus commission.

Gonobiplobi Uddyog demanded that the omitted recommendations be brought to the discussion table and that an implementation outline be published. It also called for publication of repealed ordinances and reasons for their repeal, and for investigations into enforced disappearances and state torture to be assigned to an independent, neutral body rather than police. The group urged students, workers and the public to join a movement for a just, people-oriented state.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has demanded an immediate halt to all initiatives to place refined fuel oil imports, storage and marketing in private-sector hands. At an emergency press conference at Al-Falah auditorium in Maghbazar, Dhaka, on August 8, Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar presented the party’s six-point demands. The party called for publication of the draft policy and all related documents, followed by at least 60 days for public opinion.

Its demands include open hearings under a parliamentary standing committee involving opposition parties, CAB, CPD, university energy experts, labour federations and consumer representatives. Jamaat also sought reform of Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation, an independent audit, professional board appointments, mandatory e-GP in procurement and quarterly disclosure of import prices and volumes. It called for time-bound implementation of ERL-2 and expanded strategic storage capacity, as well as withdrawal of recommendations weakening legal protection for energy-sector workers.

Parwar said the party did not oppose a market economy or private investment, but opposed unaccountable transfers and expanded opportunities for corruption. He alleged the government was not publicly discussing the proposed policy. He also cited allegations by the Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Workers Federation that plans were underway to transfer refined oil import, sales and marketing to the private sector.

Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said India cannot pursue what he called the “Sheikh Hasina card” while seeking friendly relations with Bangladesh. He made the remarks on August 8, 2026, at a discussion meeting at Dhaka University’s Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building, marking two years since the 2024 mass uprising. He said Bangladesh wants friendly ties with India, but only on the basis of mutual dignity, respect and sovereign equality.

Ahmed questioned why Sheikh Hasina is allowed to hold meetings and speak to global media from Indian territory. He said statements attributed to Indian media indicated that India does not support her remarks against Bangladesh’s legitimate government, and added that such a position by India’s foreign ministry would be welcome. He said Bangladesh would maintain relations with India while protecting its national interests.

The minister also said the government was committed to democratic state reforms and necessary constitutional amendments to realize the aspirations of the July uprising. He said the future of the Awami League as an organization would be determined by the courts, with an investigation under way. He added that trials involving Hasina and her associates were continuing, with some cases concluded and further proceedings started.

Many leaders and activists of Bangladesh’s banned Awami League have fled to neighbouring India after the July uprising, according to Amar Desh. Citing BBC Bangla, the report said there was no known direct meeting with ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina during the first year, but leaders from different levels of the Awami League and affiliated organisations later began visiting her in Delhi in small groups.

A leader of the banned organisation told BBC Bangla that the first months, or about a year, in hiding were marked by uncertainty and trauma, after which members became fully engaged in political activities. Fugitive former education minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury said leaders who remained outside prison had spent the past two years working to reorganise the party. He said he personally worked on party activities, including contacting international human rights organisations and institutions and sending them reports.

Banned Chhatra League president Saddam Hossain said members were maintaining contact with leaders and activists inside Bangladesh, reorganising committees, assisting with ongoing cases and conducting social-media campaigning. He said they were mentally and family-wise prepared to return, with a roadmap prepared and a timeline awaited. Hasina also reiterated on Wednesday that she would return to Bangladesh, without saying when or how.

Many leaders and activists of Bangladesh’s banned Awami League are living in Kolkata and surrounding areas of India’s West Bengal, according to a BBC Bangla report cited by Amar Desh. The report said at least 70 people include presidium members, former members of parliament and senior leaders of affiliated organisations. It said they travelled to India at different times, particularly after August 2024.

The report also said mid-level and local-level party activists are present, along with about 40 police officers of various ranks. At one point, nearly 70 former lawmakers alone were staying in the area. Including senior affiliated-organisation figures, district-level leaders, police and army officers, around 200 people were said to have been living in and around Kolkata.

Awami League sources said the number of grassroots and mid-level leaders in Kolkata, Siliguri and Tripura had at one time exceeded 1,000. Many who went to India later moved to countries in Europe, America and Southeast Asia, according to the sources. Several people who spoke to BBC Bangla said they continued party activities from abroad, including maintaining online communication. Sheikh Hasina said she wants to return to Bangladesh by December.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman handed appointment letters to 10 members of families of martyrs and seriously injured people from the July mass uprising. The letters were distributed at an event at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon on Saturday, August 8. The recipients included relatives of martyrs as well as spouses of people who were seriously injured.

Among the recipients were Sabina Akter Rima, wife of martyr Md Sohag; Rajia Khatun, wife of martyr Md Shahriar; Afsana Akter, wife of martyr Md Abdullah Kabir; and Aklima Akter, wife of martyr Md Mostafa Kamal Raju. The others were Sumaiya Akter Subarna, wife of martyr Md Jewel; Samia Islam Popy, sister of martyr Miraj; Hafiza Akter Happy, wife of martyr Ahsan Kabir; and Farzana Akter Rani, wife of martyr Omar Nurul Absar.

Sabana Akter, wife of seriously injured Md Abdul Matin, and Mosha Arju Akter, wife of seriously injured Md Zulfikar Alam, also received appointment letters. Fatema Tuj Johra, mother of martyr Abdullah Bin Jahid, who recently joined a job, and injured July fighter Soheli Tamanna met the prime minister at the event. Family members and injured July fighters expressed gratitude to the prime minister after receiving the letters.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said a beautiful and developed Bangladesh can be built through collective efforts. He made the remarks on Saturday at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon while handing over job appointment letters to family members of martyrs and critically injured people from the July 2024 mass uprising, according to Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu.

Rahman said those who directly joined the July movement, as well as relatives of participants, had made sacrifices that enabled Bangladeshis to live in a free environment. Referring to sacrifices made from the 1971 Liberation War through the July 2024 movement, he said their central aim was to create a developed country where people could live better.

The prime minister also noted various limitations of the state and government, saying the country must move forward based on reality despite them. He said the more important question was not what people had received, but what they could give the country. Rahman said efforts to properly recognise the sacrifices of July movement martyrs and injured people would continue. Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon and Mokhchedul Momin Mithun attended the event.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi questioned India’s position over Sheikh Hasina being given an opportunity to speak at an event held by an international organisation in Delhi. He made the remarks on August 8 at a discussion at Dhaka University’s Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building, organised to mark two years since the 2024 mass uprising. Rizvi asked whether an international institution could hold such an event in Delhi without government permission.

According to Rizvi, the Indian government said the organisation was independent and that it had nothing to do in the matter. He said both BNP and the government had protested the arrangement. Referring to Lord Carlile’s inability to enter Bangladesh or hold a press conference in Delhi while handling Khaleda Zia’s legal case, Rizvi described India’s present position as a double standard.

Rizvi said BNP supported friendship in foreign policy but would not accept the dominance of any country over Bangladesh. He described the July mass uprising as the result of ordinary people’s sacrifices, longstanding grievances and 17 years of continuous movement. He also called for the history of the Liberation War, the sacrifices of July and national sovereignty not to be viewed in isolation.

Congress parliamentarian and leader Pawan Khera sharply criticised India’s Modi government after the US Senate passed a bill concerning sanctions on Russia. Speaking to the media in Prayagraj on August 8, 2026, Khera asked whether India was truly independent. The report said that if enacted, the measure would allow US President Donald Trump to impose 100 percent tariffs on the top five buyers of Russian oil, including India and China.

Khera said foreign countries were “blackmailing” India and imposing their own terms over which countries India could buy oil from and in what quantity. The Senate bill concerns tariffs or sanctions of up to 100 percent on leading countries involved in purchasing Russian oil and gas, according to the report.

Referring to the government’s claim of being a “Vishwaguru,” Khera said it should answer questions on the issue. He alleged that the government lacked the courage to face such questions in parliament and feared accountability to the public. Congress has placed the central government under criticism over India’s independent foreign policy and its position amid international political and economic pressure.

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr Shafiqur Rahman said Ziaur Rahman’s role was not included in the party’s “July Is Not Over Yet” exhibition because the event focused on the history of authoritarian and fascist rule and public movements against it. He made the remarks on Saturday after visiting the exhibition at the official residence of the leader of the opposition in the capital, responding to questions about the inclusion of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s March 7 speech but not Zia’s role.

Shafiqur Rahman said Jamaat does not regard Ziaur Rahman as an autocratic or authoritarian ruler. He said the exhibition featured those considered authoritarian and aggressive, while also presenting the contributions of people who worked for public liberation and justice. He added that history had been presented objectively and realistically, and that beneficial contributions in history should be acknowledged respectfully.

According to the Jamaat chief, the exhibition covers the background of the July movement, rights movements at different times, and people killed, injured or otherwise affected. He cited an attack on female students at Dhaka University on July 15 and the death of Begum Rokeya University student Abu Sayeed in Rangpur on July 16. He said the aspirations created by the movement remain unfulfilled and that July will truly end when people’s rights are ensured.

Prime Minister’s political assistant Rashed Khan said Nahid Islam issued the call to topple the “fascist government,” or the one-point declaration, during the July mass uprising. Khan said he acknowledged that role but argued that the public created the context for the declaration. He made the remarks on Saturday morning while visiting the historic Miar Dalan in Muraridah, Jhenaidah Sadar.

Khan alleged that many leaders associated with democratic and progressive ideals had left the NCP. Naming Dr Tasnim Jara, he said young leaders departed after the NCP became aligned with Jamaat. He claimed that there was effectively no NCP remaining and described it as Jamaat’s “child organization.”

He further accused the NCP of seeking credit for the July mass uprising, saying Nahid Islam and Mahfuz Alam had presented themselves as its masterminds at various events. Khan described Mahfuz Alam as Nahid Islam’s political adviser. He also made allegations concerning Jamaat leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman and the NCP’s relationship with Jamaat, including a claim that Jamaat funded NCP candidates’ election expenses.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran is prepared to continue dialogue to protect its national interests, while rejecting any demands that would undermine Iran’s sovereignty or defense capabilities. In an address to the Iranian people on August 8, 2026, he also stressed the need for improved relations with neighboring countries and for preventing regional divisions.

Pezeshkian rejected claims that his administration had pressured the country’s leadership to agree to negotiations. According to state news agency IRNA, he said Iran views Muslim countries as brothers and questioned why Muslim states should become involved in conflict with one another.

The president warned that the United States and Israel were seeking to unite Persian Gulf countries against Iran. He said Tehran was working to prevent such efforts. His remarks combined a stated openness to dialogue with conditions centered on preserving Iran’s sovereignty and defense capacity, while emphasizing regional relations and opposition to divisions among neighboring and Muslim countries.

National Citizen Party convener and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam alleged that the July Memorial Museum removed memories of border killings and the anti-Modi movement. He made the remarks to journalists after visiting the museum on Saturday after 11 a.m. Islam said the museum had contained a segment commemorating killings at the border, along with memories of the anti-Modi movement.

He also said the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's movement and struggles had received comparatively greater prominence in the museum. Islam said India had been involved with what he described as fascism in Bangladesh over the past 16 years, and suggested the government might believe such changes could improve relations with India. He said relations with India should be dignified rather than framed as simply good or bad.

Islam said the interim government had planned to turn Ganabhaban into a museum and that changes had been made after the election. He called for a fuller, chronological presentation of the July uprising, including contributions from districts, public and private universities, and other institutions. He also urged autonomous museum management, adequate staffing, and a focus on national history rather than party history.