Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmed criticized the Awami League at a reception and discussion meeting marking July Uprising Day at the China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka on August 5. Speaking as chief guest, he said the party had shown no remorse after what he described as injustice, killings, disappearances, money laundering, torture and incidents such as the Aynaghar. He said the party had spoken of returning to the country in December and that they would meet on the streets if it did.

Referring to his political life, Ahmed said he fought in the Liberation War at age 27 and would fight another war for Bangladesh at age 82 if necessary. He said he would work to make the rule of the people and democracy permanent in Bangladesh. Recalling that he was injured in the 1971 war, he said he had not fought to see such a Bangladesh.

Ahmed called July's history a history of pride and praised the courage of people such as Abu Sayeed. Addressing July fighters, he said they might not receive everything but would receive respect from the government. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Jamaat secretary general Mia Golam Parwar, political leaders, diplomatic representatives and families of July movement martyrs attended.

BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami leaders expressed anger after they were not invited onto the stage during an honorarium distribution for July Revolution martyrs and injured people in Satkhira on Wednesday. The incident occurred at a discussion and award ceremony marking the second anniversary of the July Revolution at the Satkhira District Shilpakala Academy auditorium.

According to eyewitnesses and party sources, honorariums were provided to 95 July fighters: families of eight martyrs and 87 injured people. Satkhira Deputy Commissioner Kaisar Aziz and Superintendent of Police Abu Saleh Md. Ashraful Alam went on stage for the distribution, while top leaders of the political parties present were not called to participate.

Jamaat district amir Shahidul Islam Mukul said political leaders left because they were not called to the stage. BNP district convener Rahmatullah Palash said they left before the programme ended under the leadership of District Council administrator Habibul Islam Habib. However, Deputy Commissioner Kaisar Aziz denied that any political leaders left, saying all remained until the end and that he and the police superintendent handed honorariums to families of eight martyrs.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said Mir Kashem Ali was his friend and that they served time together in Kashimpur prison. Speaking on Wednesday afternoon at a reception and discussion for July martyrs’ families and July fighters at China Friendship Conference Center in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, he said Ali had told him he returned to the country because otherwise his son would be taken away.

Ahmed said he listened attentively to people who voiced protests at the event and acknowledged those who coordinated the July movement from the front and behind the scenes. He said much of the field leadership was in prison, disappeared or in hiding at the time. He also said the movement might have been organized more effectively if the prime minister had not been in exile for a long period.

Recalling his own detention, Ahmed said he spent 61 days in Aynaghar and that a person could not remain there even for 24 hours. He said authoritarian rule had destroyed not only individuals but also families, urging unity based on those experiences. He said the July uprising resulted from long preparation, sacrifice and struggle, and should never be turned into a partisan matter.

Students at Cumilla University criticized what they described as a limited observance of the second anniversary of the July mass uprising on August 5. The university administration began its programme with a rally at 10:30am on Wednesday, followed by a discussion at the Business Studies Faculty conference room. Abdul Kaiyum, described as the university’s sole martyr of the uprising, received a posthumous honor. Prayers and tabarruk distribution for the martyrs were also arranged at the central mosque after Zuhr.

Students said the campus lacked lighting, feast meals, cultural events, exhibitions and other participatory activities they said were held at many public universities. They also alleged that tabarruk was insufficient, leaving some students without it. Students Jubayer Hasan Rafat and Md Iqbal said the administration should translate its “Student First” policy into more inclusive and dignified arrangements.

Chhatra Shakti organizer Naim Bhuiyan called for larger future observances that honor the uprising’s spirit and cultural dimension. Chhatra Shibir president Mozammel Hossain Abir questioned the programme’s scale and criticized the lack of visible action against those accused of attacks on students during the movement. Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr M. M. Shariful Karim said the administration would continue initiatives to preserve martyrs’ memories and present their sacrifices to new generations.

Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikrom said the government was elected by the people and should receive necessary respect. He made the remarks on Wednesday as chief guest at a reception and discussion for July martyrs’ families and July fighters at the China Friendship Conference Centre in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka. He said the government would bear the consequences of its mistakes but wanted to correct them collectively.

He said the way the event ended was not intended and that a national programme had failed to demonstrate national unity. He also said the situation created in front of foreign guests had harmed the country’s image. The acting president criticised chants of “fake, fake” during speeches at a state function. He cited the prime minister inviting Professor Yunus to sit beside him as an example of showing respect to everyone.

Ahmed said ensuring dignity for injured July fighters, along with their treatment and rehabilitation and the maintenance of families who made sacrifices in July, was the government’s sacred duty. He said the July uprising had created an opportunity to rebuild the state. He described the goal as building a democratic, justice-based and corruption-free Bangladesh where every citizen enjoys equal rights and dignity.

Sunamganj-3 lawmaker Kaysar M Ahmed said development and progress in Jagannathpur-Shantiganj would no longer be neglected. He also pledged to raise issues affecting Bangladeshi expatriates in the national parliament and work for their welfare. He made the remarks as chief guest at an exchange meeting in a local hall in the Perry Barr area of Birmingham, United Kingdom, at 11pm on Sunday.

Residents of Jagannathpur and Shantiganj upazilas living in Birmingham organized the meeting. Mawlana Eklasur Rahman chaired it, while Rafiqul Rahman Rafu and Awlad Hossain jointly moderated. Ahmed said he wanted to work not only as the representative of the Sunamganj-3 constituency, but also for Bangladeshis living in countries around the world.

He said he had already raised development matters concerning Sunamganj-3 as well as expatriates' demands and interests in parliament, and would continue doing so. Recalling expatriates' contribution to the movement for democracy, he urged them to remain active for the interests of the country and democracy. He also thanked expatriates who voted by postal ballot, registered as voters, or travelled to Bangladesh to support election activities.

National Citizen Party chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary said Tarique Rahman could not deliver anything good for Bangladesh and had no future, speaking at an 11-party alliance rally at the south gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque on August 5, 2026. The gathering was organised to mark the second anniversary of the 2024 mass uprising and demand implementation of the referendum verdict.

Patwary claimed that Tarique Rahman would not remain in power and that his downfall had already begun. He said the public would judge Tarique Rahman as it had judged Sheikh Hasina, adding that there would be no negotiation on the matter. He also said his side would move forward by implementing the goals of Bangladesh’s “second independence war.”

Referring to the July movement, Patwary said Tarique Rahman was not in Bangladesh at the time, while farmers, labourers, rickshaw pullers, homemakers, Islamic scholars and students were on the streets. He said Tarique Rahman had begun making decisions after returning to Bangladesh before fully understanding the situation, and argued that implementing the referendum verdict was necessary to remain in power.

Palestinian rights advocate and physician Abdul El-Sayed won the Democratic Party’s U.S. Senate nomination in Michigan, defeating Congresswoman Haley Stevens in results announced Wednesday. With 92.9 percent of votes counted, El-Sayed received 48.7 percent, compared with Stevens’ 47.3 percent. The contest was described as one of the most expensive and closely watched primaries in U.S. history.

According to an NBC News report cited by the source, total spending in the race approached $65 million, with much of it aimed at stopping El-Sayed’s victory. The source said the pro-Israel lobbying group AIPAC spent more than $30 million to support Stevens and defeat El-Sayed. State legislator Mallory McMorrow, who had earlier left the race, backed El-Sayed after his victory.

Speaking to supporters in Detroit, the 41-year-old said a larger fight lay ahead. He will face former Republican congressman Mike Rogers in November. During the campaign, El-Sayed called Israel’s military operation in Gaza “genocide” and argued that U.S. military aid to Israel should instead be invested in healthcare, housing, education and infrastructure.

Iranian parliament national security committee member Esmail Kowsari described US President Donald Trump’s position on talks involving Iran as contradictory and unreliable. He made the remarks in an interview with Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB on Wednesday, according to Al Jazeera.

Kowsari said Trump had claimed 75 times that the Strait of Hormuz had been reopened, while it remained closed in practice. He also said Trump had made 106 comments about Iran’s defeat while separately asserting 88 times that an agreement with Tehran was imminent.

On Tuesday night, Trump said an understanding with Iran could be reached within hours. Tehran, however, has repeatedly said that no direct talks are underway with Washington. The source did not provide further details about any proposed agreement or the status of indirect contacts.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said an investigation agency of the International Crimes Tribunal is examining the Awami League’s responsibility for genocide and crimes against humanity. He said the party could face trial as a political organization once the investigation is completed. Ahmed made the remarks on August 5 at a reception and discussion programme for July martyrs’ families and July fighters at the China Friendship Conference Center in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka.

He said the July mass uprising was the result of a collective struggle by millions of people, not the achievement of any individual, party or group. Ahmed urged people not to turn July into a partisan issue and instead focus on fulfilling its aspirations. He described the uprising as the culmination of democratic movements, disappearances, killings, attacks, cases and repression from 2009 to 2024, and called for unity against fascism despite political differences.

Ahmed said amendments to the International Crimes Tribunal law allow for the trial of organizations as well as individuals. He opposed banning a political party by executive order, saying the court should determine the Awami League’s future after the investigation. He also reaffirmed commitments to constitutional amendments and said a draft law on preventing and remedying enforced disappearance had been published online for public opinion and would soon be placed before parliament.

Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmed said a production without an image of martyr Abu Sayeed cannot be considered a documentary. He made the remarks on Wednesday at a reception and discussion for martyrs’ families and July fighters, organized by the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in the capital. He described the absence of any image of Abu Sayeed, whom he called a symbol of the revolution, as deeply regrettable.

Ahmed said the documentary shown at the event contained inconsistencies. He called the commotion at a national event regrettable and shameful, saying an apology had been offered but disorder over the matter was still undesirable. He also said he had fought in the Liberation War at age 27 and would fight again if necessary, at age 82, to make the people’s rule and democracy in Bangladesh permanent.

The acting president said ensuring the rights of July fighters is among the government’s responsibilities. He said it would be shameful if they had to visit different ministries to secure those rights. According to him, the government’s main duty is to embrace the aspirations of July fighters and work for them.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) boycotted a July Uprising Day discussion meeting organized by the upazila administration in Satkania, Chattogram. The meeting began at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday at the Satkania Upazila Parishad hallroom. NCP Satkania upazila coordinator Touhidul Islam Masum left the venue, alleging that students, members of the public and people injured during the uprising were absent.

The meeting was chaired by Satkania Upazila Nirbahi Officer Khondkar Mahmudul Hasan. Officials from various government departments, political leaders and print and electronic media journalists attended. Those present included the assistant commissioner for land, agriculture and health officials, the police station officer-in-charge, the upazila engineer, and local leaders from Jamaat and BNP.

Masum said an event excluding injured people did not embody the spirit of the uprising. The UNO said the main observance was being held in Chattogram under the district administration, and injured people and family members of those killed had been sent there under district instructions. He said Satkania received instructions on Tuesday afternoon to observe the day, requiring the event to be arranged quickly. The incident prompted discussion and criticism in local political circles.

July Uprising Day 2026 was observed in Sarail, Brahmanbaria, with remembrance for those killed and respect for those injured in the July uprising, alongside pledges to restore democracy. The discussion and honor-giving ceremony was held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday in the Sarail উপজেলা administration hall. Guest of honor Rumin Farhana, member of parliament for Brahmanbaria-2, questioned whether Bangladesh had fully removed the inequalities that had driven people onto the streets.

The meeting, chaired by উপজেলা নির্বাহী কর্মকর্তা Mohammad Saiful Islam, awarded crests in honor of those killed and injured in the uprising. Local political leaders and activists, supporters, people from different professions and administration officials attended. Farhana said inequality remained between rich and poor, minorities and majorities, indigenous people, and women and men in Bangladesh’s population of 180 million.

She said several thousand people were killed during the movement and many others were permanently disabled or lost limbs. Farhana called for self-criticism over whether the aspiration for an equal, democratic and participatory Bangladesh had been fulfilled. Addressing journalists, she said mobile phones and technology make it impossible to completely block the spread of statements, and emphasized media freedom and people’s right to information.

Upazila Parishad and upazila administration officials in Kishoreganj, Nilphamari, visited the grave of July Uprising 24 martyr Nayeem Babu and paid their respects on Wednesday morning, August 5. The observance was held for July Uprising Day at his family home in Sonakuri village of Ranchandi Union. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Arifur Rahman led the grave visit and tribute.

The programme began at 10am with the visit to Nayeem Babu’s grave, marking the formal start of July Uprising Day observances in the upazila. Those present included Officer-in-Charge Abdul Gafur, Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Neel Ratan Deb, and Upazila Agriculture Officer Lokman Alam.

NCP convener Jahedul Islam Labu and July fighter Rafiq Shah also attended the event. Other participants included government officials, political figures, July fighters and students. The report did not mention any additional programmes or subsequent plans linked to the observance beyond the grave visit and tribute.

Leaders of Islami Chhatra Shibir and Jamaat-e-Islami accused Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal of attacks and efforts to destabilize educational campuses at a student gathering in Dhaka on Wednesday morning. The gathering at the Central Shaheed Minar called for full implementation of the July Charter in line with a referendum verdict, justice for all mass killings, and protest against alleged attacks at several institutions. Speakers warned that the government could face consequences worse than the Awami League if it failed to control Chhatra Dal.

Chhatra Shibir central president Nurul Islam alleged that those involved in campus attacks were not genuine students but outsiders and student criminals. He alleged armed attacks at Begum Rokeya University, Jagannath University, Dhaka College and Dhaka Alia, as well as attacks on students. He also claimed attackers were seen with machetes, grease, spades and revolvers despite police being present.

Jamaat assistant secretary Hamidur Rahman Azad urged the government to implement the July Charter immediately. Other speakers alleged plans for campus occupation, extortion and tender manipulation. Shibir leaders demanded coexistence on every campus and said the government would bear responsibility for any future bloodshed. Central and Dhaka city leaders, institutional representatives and students attended the gathering.