A prayer and discussion meeting was held in Mirpur, Dhaka, to remember Syed Upal Bakht Hashemi, a former central leader of Bangladesh Students Union and an organizer of the anti-autocracy movement of the 1990s. The event took place after Asr prayers on Friday, August 7, at Masjidul Faruk in the Journalists’ Residential Area and at the late leader’s residence. A special prayer was offered for his soul.

Speakers highlighted Hashemi’s eventful life, struggles and significant contribution to the student movement. Those present included his father, former state minister Syed Didar Bakht Hashemi; Election Commission Secretary Akhtar Hossain; Jatiya Party senior leader Ruhul Amin Hawlader; and former National Board of Revenue chairman Dr Mohammad Abdul Majid. Politicians, social workers, businesspeople and senior journalists also paid tribute.

Hashemi, 59, fell ill at Agargaon Metro Station on Monday afternoon and was taken to Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital, where a doctor declared him dead. Bangladesh Students Union, the Communist Party of Bangladesh and several student organizations expressed deep condolences. A chemistry postgraduate from Dhaka University, he was a front-line organizer during the 1990 anti-Ershad movement.

BNP joint secretary general and Narsingdi-1 lawmaker Khairul Kabir Khokon alleged that Jamaat-NCP wants to create an unstable situation in the country. He made the remarks on 7 August at Narsingdi Children’s Academy, where the district BNP held a discussion and distributed grants to families of July uprising martyrs and injured people.

Khokon said the July-August uprising was not the achievement of a single individual, group or party, but the result of a movement involving people from all walks of life. He alleged that Jamaat-NCP was turning non-issues into issues in the name of the July Charter and using obscene language against the prime minister, BNP and the party’s senior leaders to gain sympathy.

Referring to the Awami League, Khokon said the party had fallen after repeatedly speaking about the spirit of the Liberation War and would have no opportunity to return to Bangladesh. The event was chaired by Narsingdi district BNP general secretary and Narsingdi-3 lawmaker Monjur Elahi. After the discussion, prayers were offered for the martyrs, and guests handed cash grants to bereaved families and injured people.

Bangladesh Khelafat Chhatra Majlis Dhaka Metropolitan held a protest march demanding a peaceful academic environment free from violence and occupation on campuses. The march began after a brief gathering at the Raju Sculpture at the University of Dhaka on Friday afternoon and ended at Shahbagh intersection.

Shahriar Alam, convener of the organisation's University of Dhaka unit, said politics involving violence, occupation and suppression of dissent was unacceptable on university campuses. He called for impartial investigations into violent incidents at Jagannath University and other campuses across the country, as well as swift trials for those responsible. He said the group wanted safe, education-friendly campuses with freedom of expression.

Central president Muhammad Abdul Aziz said educational institutions could not remain under the control of violent groups or occupying forces. He described ensuring students' freedom of expression, safety and normal academic activities as a state responsibility. Aziz also demanded exemplary punishment for those responsible for campus violence and effective steps by relevant authorities to restore a normal educational environment.

Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal’s central parliament has issued a show-cause notice to Mohammad Faisal Hossain, joint convener of its Jahangirnagar University unit, over allegations of violating organisational discipline. The notice, signed by office secretary Md Jahangir Alam, was issued on August 7. Faisal was instructed to appear at the central office within 24 hours and submit a written explanation.

The notice said Faisal, while holding a responsible position in the Jahangirnagar University unit, had been accused of breaching organisational discipline. He has been directed to provide his explanation in the presence of the central parliament’s president and general secretary, according to the report citing senior leaders of the university unit.

Those sources said the alleged incident occurred on August 6 at a university-organised event attended by Water Resources Minister Md Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie as chief guest. After welcoming the minister, unit activists moved forward chanting slogans. Faisal allegedly pushed the member secretary back to remain at the front and later became involved in a scuffle with other leaders. Faisal said he did not know the details and would comment later after contacting the office.

A still-photograph exhibition titled “July Is Not Over Yet” on the July mass uprising is being held at Lal Bari, the official residence of opposition leader and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Minto Road in the capital. Several NCP leaders visited the exhibition on August 7, 2026, accompanied by opposition chief whip and National Citizen Party convener Nahid Islam and the party’s northern region chief organiser Sarjis Alam.

Central and other-level Jamaat-e-Islami leaders were also present. Sarjis Alam led slogans in front of those attending, and Jamaat leaders joined in. The chants included “Abu Sayed Mugdha, the struggle is not over,” “Inquilab Inquilab, Zindabad Zindabad,” and “Slavery or freedom, freedom freedom.”

After the exhibition, Nahid Islam said the Bangladesh government’s diplomatic failure had enabled the “fascist government” to hold a press conference from Delhi. He also said the current government had stolen the verdict for a “yes” vote, described as one of the aspirations of the July mass uprising. He said the government would not be able to run the country unless the July Charter was implemented quickly.

National Citizen Party convener and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam MP said the government's failure to take diplomatic action had emboldened fallen authoritarian forces to hold a press conference in Delhi. He made the remarks on Friday after visiting the “July Is Not Over Yet” still-photography exhibition at opposition leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman's residence on Minto Road in the capital.

Nahid expressed anger that the group was allowed to hold a press conference in Delhi on August 5. He said the Foreign Ministry had sought credit through a press release rather than taking diplomatic measures. In his view, the government should have summoned the Indian High Commission, strongly condemned the matter, and publicly explained what diplomatic action it would take if such incidents occurred again.

He said the 11-party alliance and political and social groups supporting the July mass uprising would work together to resist authoritarian forces and ensure reform and justice. Nahid also accused the government of attacks and attempts at control on campuses, as well as politicising the police, university administrations and law-enforcement agencies. He said the exhibition highlighted the continuing struggle for fundamental state-structure reform sought through the July uprising.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit Babunagar Madrasa in Fatikchhari, Chattogram, on August 9 as part of a Chattogram tour. He will make a courtesy call on Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh chief and senior Islamic scholar Allama Shah Muhibbullah Babunagari and seek his prayers. The prime minister is also set to inspect several flood-affected areas in Chattogram during the visit.

Sources said Babunagari attended the National Parliament’s oath-taking ceremony as a guest at the prime minister’s invitation. Although they did not meet there, the prime minister later expressed interest in meeting him by phone. Babunagari’s grandson, Maulana Azizur Rahman, said the scholar could not remain in Dhaka because Ramadan began the following day and he had responsibilities for Khatme Tarabih at Babunagar Madrasa. The prime minister then expressed interest in travelling to Fatikchhari to meet him.

Preparations are under way across Fatikchhari ahead of the expected visit, with political, social and religious groups involved. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sayed Mohammad Ibrahim said work on a helipad under army supervision, venue preparation, road repairs, beautification and strengthened security was nearing completion. He said authorities expected to finish all preparations within the stipulated time.

The sons of jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, Kasim Khan and Sulaiman Khan, have expressed deep concern about their father’s wellbeing, saying authorities have barred family members, lawyers and doctors from seeing him for seven months. They made the claim in an interview with CNN on the third anniversary of his detention.

The brothers said they have received no new information about Khan during that period. They also alleged that Pakistani authorities delay visa processing and create administrative obstacles whenever they speak publicly about his imprisonment. Kasim said they want to travel but have received no response, while the brothers said their identity documents have expired and were not renewed.

The statements came as supporters of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party held protests across Pakistan demanding the immediate release of Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi. Khan has been imprisoned since 2023 after convictions in several cases, including corruption and disclosure of official secrets. His political associates reject the allegations as politically motivated. Amnesty International called on authorities to restore Khan and Bushra Bibi’s right to meet their families and lawyers.

NCP Convener Nahid Islam called for the Indian High Commission to be summoned for an explanation over allegations that Sheikh Hasina was given an opportunity to speak as part of a “conspiracy.” He made the remarks on Friday afternoon after visiting a photography exhibition in the capital’s Minto Road marking the anniversary of the July mass uprising.

Nahid said the spirit of the July uprising had not ended. He argued that it would be difficult for the current government to remain in power if it failed to swiftly implement the verdict that, he said, people had delivered through a referendum. He also alleged that the government had not met public expectations in implementing that referendum verdict.

He further alleged that, as under the previous Awami League government, the current administration showed a tendency toward partisan influence in various areas. Nahid said their movement to demand implementation of the referendum verdict would continue. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar and NCP leaders at different levels also visited the exhibition focused on the July mass uprising.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf criticized recent claims by US officials, describing them as part of failed and outdated diplomacy. In comments reported on August 7, 2026, Iranian media said Ghalibaf responded through social media, arguing that the statements contained nothing new and amounted to repeated performative drama.

Ghalibaf referred to claims that a major attack was coming, that others should wait, and that they wanted negotiations. He said such language was nothing more than repetitive theatrical diplomacy. He also criticized the use of threats as a means of creating pressure in negotiations.

The speaker said failing to honor commitments and resorting to false news were also unsuccessful tactics. He urged the US side to accept reality and fulfill its commitments, saying there was no need for further drama. The report did not mention any response from US officials to Ghalibaf's remarks.

State Minister for Land and Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin said debate over who deserves credit for the July mass uprising’s one-point and two-point declarations is encouraging a fugitive autocrat to consider returning. Speaking as chief guest at a discussion in Chattogram on August 7, he said Sheikh Hasina must return and face trial under the country’s existing laws.

The event, titled “Fascism, the July Revolution and Bangladesh Today,” was jointly organised by Chittagong Press Club and the Chittagong Metropolitan Journalists Union. Helal said no special or “kangaroo” court should be used, arguing that proceedings should follow established law. He said Hasina should face allegations from the past 17 years as well as killings during the July-August mass uprising.

Helal described the uprising as belonging to Bangladesh’s 180 million people rather than any individual or political party. He said it reflected accumulated public anger over disappearances, killings, torture, repression and false cases during the previous 17 years. Other speakers discussed the uprising’s significance, democratic establishment, accountable state institutions and aspects of the anti-fascist movement.

Bangladesh has decided to make major changes to security at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, gradually returning leadership to civilian agencies. About half of the nearly 1,450 Bangladesh Air Force personnel serving under “In Aid to Civil Power” will be withdrawn in the first phase. After an assessment of conditions, a further one-third of the remaining personnel will also be withdrawn.

The decision was made on Thursday at the first meeting of the reconstituted National Civil Aviation Security Committee at the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh headquarters, held after nearly three years. Alongside the reduction of Air Force personnel, authorities plan to strengthen CAAB’s Aviation Security, the Airport Armed Police Battalion and other regular law-enforcement agencies. Civilian bodies will lead routine airport security, law enforcement and administrative control during normal times.

Aviation expert Kazi Wahidul Alam said military forces are effective in crises but civilian security agencies and specialized aviation units should manage international airport security in the long term. Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam said further meetings involving all security stakeholders would be held. Authorities are also pursuing a memorandum of understanding to enable rapid armed-forces support during major security crises or national-security situations.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit Chattogram on Sunday to support people affected by recent flooding. He will travel directly from Dhaka to Maheshkhali in Cox's Bazar, then visit Banshkhali, Fatikchhari and Hathazari by helicopter after completing several programmes. The itinerary includes humanitarian assistance, rehabilitation activities and meetings with local party workers.

State Minister for Land and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin said the prime minister will hand over keys to new homes for 100 families in Banshkhali and visit several affected households. Another 30 families will receive new homes at a humanitarian assistance and rehabilitation event at Parbati School field in Hathazari. He said the government believes in durable rehabilitation alongside disaster assistance.

Rahman is also expected to hold an exchange with Hefazat-e-Islam chief Muhibbullah Babunagari and other leaders at Al Jamiyatul Islamia Azizul Ulum Babunagar Madrasa in Fatikchhari. In Hathazari, he will visit the graves of former Hefazat leaders Ahmad Shafi and Junaid Babunagari, among other scholars. At night, he will speak with grassroots leaders of BNP's Chattogram North, South and metropolitan units at the Radisson Blu hotel.

India has clarified its position on a news conference or virtual event involving ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, saying it had no role in the programme and does not endorse any remarks made there. Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal made the statement at the ministry’s weekly media briefing on Friday. The event in question was held on August 5.

Jaiswal said the August 5 news conference or virtual programme was organised by a private media outlet or organisation. He said it was not an initiative of the Indian government, underscoring that New Delhi had no involvement in arranging or conducting the event.

The spokesperson specifically said India has no association with, and offers no support for, statements made at the event about Bangladesh’s current government. The report did not provide further details about the programme, Hasina’s remarks, or any subsequent actions by either government.

Controversial US Congressman Andy Ogles lost the Republican primary in Tennessee on Thursday despite receiving public support from President Donald Trump. Ogles, criticized for anti-Muslim statements, was defeated by former Tennessee agriculture commissioner Charlie Hatcher. With about 90 percent of votes counted, Hatcher led by 6.6 percentage points.

Ogles, first elected to Congress in 2022, competed in a newly redrawn congressional district after Tennessee revised electoral boundaries to preserve the Republican majority. In March, he wrote on X that Muslims had no place in American society and that pluralism was a lie. In 2024, his remarks about Palestinian children killed in US-funded attacks drew nationwide condemnation.

Hatcher had publicly rejected Ogles’s anti-Muslim remarks, saying many Muslims are law-abiding US citizens and that Muslim members of the military are skilled and brave soldiers. He also received support from Tennessee Governor Bill Lee late in the contest. Hatcher will face Democratic candidate and Columbia mayor Chaz Molder in November, as Democrats seek to contest the Republican-leaning district amid economic discontent and the Iran war issue.