The government has again warned media outlets to refrain from publishing news, statements or promotional material concerning former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, described in the report as being in India. At a regular briefing at the Information Department conference room in the Secretariat on August 4, Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman said a court injunction bars promotional reporting about her. He said appropriate action would be taken if the restriction is violated.

Asked about reports that Hasina may deliver a speech on August 5, described as the date of the government’s fall and her departure, Zahed said newspapers had previously been instructed on broadcasting her statements. He said publishing reports that she would speak, or publicizing such a speech, would violate the court ruling and prompt government action.

Zahed said the government is not a court and is responsible for implementing court orders. He said anyone who believes blocking the broadcast of Hasina’s statements is wrong may challenge the ruling in court. Otherwise, he said, all institutions and individuals have a duty to comply with the order.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he has differences with US President Donald Trump over parts of Trump’s Gaza plan, including a recent agreement with Hamas. Netanyahu made the comments after meeting Nikolai Mladenov, chief envoy of Trump’s Board of Peace, according to a report published on August 4, 2026.

Netanyahu said Hamas must be disarmed and the Gaza Strip demilitarized before reconstruction can begin. He said he was not concealing his disagreements with Trump over the recent Hamas agreement. Last week, Trump said the Board of Peace, formed at his initiative to stabilize the Gaza situation, had reached a “historic” understanding with Hamas.

The reported agreement provided for Hamas to surrender weapons and for Israeli troops to withdraw from war-ravaged Gaza. A document shown by Al Jazeera linked a phased Hamas disarmament process to the withdrawal of Israeli forces. After Israeli objections, however, the Board of Peace said Hamas must be completely disarmed before Israeli troops leave Gaza. Hamas weapons surrender and Israeli troop withdrawal are described as key conditions for implementing the US plan, with differences between Israeli and US positions now apparent.

In a column published by Amar Desh on August 4, 2026, Mahiuuddin Ahmed called for the full, transparent implementation of Bangladesh’s July Charter. He argued that although the July uprising ended what he described as a fascist regime, much of the centralized power structure remains intact. Ahmed said voters in the February 2026 referendum backed 84 reform proposals, and that the charter should not be selectively interpreted through the ruling party’s election manifesto.

The column identifies limits on executive power, a bicameral parliament, judicial independence and an impartial Election Commission as central commitments associated with the referendum. It also cites an Appellate Division ruling of July 9, 2026, which upheld part of a High Court decision on the Fifteenth Amendment, restoring provisions for a caretaker government system and constitutional referendums. Ahmed said the ruling did not make every referendum proposal directly binding, but renewed attention to the constitutional significance of direct public opinion.

He urged the government to publish a formal implementation list and public reform dashboard, including each proposal’s status, required legal changes and parliamentary timeline. He also called for draft constitutional amendments to be released for public comment and for disputed reforms to be considered separately. Ahmed said both government and opposition bear responsibility, while the government carries greater responsibility because it holds legislative majority.

An opinion article in Amar Desh says an announced press conference by Sheikh Hasina from Delhi on August 5, the anniversary of her reported fall and departure, has renewed questions about India’s role. Citing an X post by Suhasini Haidar, diplomatic affairs editor at The Hindu, the article says Hasina is expected to hold a press conference in Delhi, although it remains unclear whether she will appear in person or virtually.

The article recounts the July movement and violence on August 4, saying junior military officers expressed reluctance to fire on protesters during an August 3 meeting led by army chief General Waker-uz-Zaman. It alleges police fired on protesters in several locations on August 4, while student leaders brought forward their March to Dhaka programme to August 5.

It also cites a parliamentary statement by Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, saying Hasina had communicated her wish to go to India and that preparations were made. The article further notes meetings between Hasina and then Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma in July, presenting these contacts as evidence of a longstanding relationship between India and Hasina.

Seven people from Golapganj in Sylhet were killed during unrest on August 4, 2024, linked to the anti-discrimination student movement’s nationwide non-cooperation programme, the report says. Six were killed amid shootings and clashes involving police and Border Guard Bangladesh personnel, while more than 100 people were injured. Kamrul Islam Pavel, who was seriously wounded in police firing near Kin Bridge in Sylhet’s Kotwali area that day, died on August 5, bringing the Golapganj death toll to seven.

Students and people from different professions had gathered at Dakshin Surma Government College and a multipurpose college despite a nationwide curfew. The report says tensions with a BGB and police patrol escalated into clashes, followed by the use of rubber bullets, spring bullets and live ammunition. It also alleges armed attacks by Awami League and affiliated activists, while further confrontations involved tear gas, sound grenades and gunfire.

Families say justice remains unseen two years later. Pavel’s father, Rafiq Uddin, called for exemplary punishment, while Nazmul Islam’s brother, Chhamid Ahmed, objected to a murder case naming about 300 accused. Sylhet Police Superintendent Chowdhury Md. Jaber Sadeq said the investigation has progressed, but the large number of accused requires time. He said the Police Bureau of Investigation and intelligence agencies are investigating and legal action will follow the inquiry.

Bangladesh has sought clarity from India over a planned August 5 virtual event in New Delhi featuring Sheikh Hasina, according to the report. Indian media said the event, organized by the Foreign Correspondents Club of South Asia, was scheduled from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. local time at the Sir Mark Tully Auditorium on Mathura Road. Hasina was expected to discuss Bangladesh’s political situation, her future political plans and preparations to return to the country.

The report said an Indian parliamentary committee on foreign affairs had recently stated that Hasina was not permitted to conduct politics from Delhi and that her extradition was under consideration. The announced event prompted discussion in political and diplomatic circles. Its invitation listed several prospective participants, including Sajeeb Wazed Joy, Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel and Shakib Al Hasan.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid said India should clarify whether it supports the online event. She said political statements or activities aimed at destabilizing Bangladesh by fugitive accused persons were undesirable and could harm bilateral relations. The prime minister’s foreign affairs adviser Humayun Kabir requested Indian cooperation to prevent destabilizing activities from Indian territory; the Indian high commissioner said the matter would be considered.

Bangladeshi Nagarik Parishad, France held a discussion meeting in Paris calling for implementation of the July Charter and referendum verdict. The event took place on Sunday at 6:30 pm local time in a hall at 13 Avenue de Flandre in Paris’s 19th administrative district. Speakers urged state reforms, stronger democratic institutions, rule of law and a accountable state system built on national unity.

Abul Khayer Laskar, president of Bangladeshi Nagarik Parishad, France, chaired the meeting, which drew Bangladeshi residents in France as well as journalists, lawyers, researchers, social workers, businesspeople and representatives of social and cultural groups. General Secretary Ibrahim Bhuiyan moderated the programme. Chief guest Advocate Kazi Abdullah Al Mamun, chairman of the Bangladesh Democratic Party, said timely political and institutional reforms were needed to reflect public expectations in state governance.

Speakers said a non-discriminatory, humane and democratic state was a key condition for realizing the spirit of the July Revolution. They emphasized good governance, protection of human rights and ensuring that public opinion is reflected. Laskar called on expatriates to play a positive role in Bangladesh’s development and democratic progress, while participants stressed broader unity despite differences of opinion.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir condemned what it described as an attack, vandalism and injuries to organisers at its July uprising-themed photography exhibition at Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur. In a joint statement issued Tuesday, central president Nurul Islam and secretary general Sibgatullah called for action over the incident, reported on August 4, 2026.

The group said its pre-scheduled exhibition, titled “July Against Oppression,” was being held to mark the second anniversary of the July uprising when Chhatra Dal allegedly carried out a planned evening attack. Shibir alleged that a stall was vandalised and its activists were attacked, leaving several people injured, including former central library secretary and former branch president Sohel Rana. The statement also cited an August 2 incident at Dhaka University’s Shahidullah Hall.

Shibir alleged that intimidation was being used to establish campus dominance. Its leaders demanded a fair, impartial and credible investigation to identify those responsible and ensure exemplary punishment. They also urged the university administration to take swift and effective steps to protect students’ lives and property and maintain an orderly educational environment.

Barishal University authorities have promised an inquiry into teachers accused of supporting the Sheikh Hasina government and opposing the student movement during a secret meeting on August 4, 2024. The report says no visible disciplinary action has been taken against the accused teachers two years later, with many continuing in senior academic and administrative roles, including deans and department chairs. The meeting allegedly included calls to oppose the one-point demand and resist teachers and students backing the movement.

University sources said a video of the roughly one-and-a-half-hour meeting was published on April 19, 2025, and showed at least 13 teachers speaking in support of the government. Students later protested demanding accountability, but the previous two administrations allegedly took no effective action. Discussions about forming an investigation committee occurred under an earlier administration but were not implemented, with the administration citing non-cooperation from teachers, officers and employees.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mamun Or Rashid, who assumed office on May 14, 2026, said action would be taken through an impartial investigation and in accordance with the law, subject to a syndicate decision. The acting registrar said no offence would remain unaddressed. The proctor said the matter would be placed before the next syndicate meeting and a judicial investigation committee would be formed.

Prashant Kishor, founder of the Jan Suraaj Party, has won the Bankipur assembly bypoll in Bihar, India, becoming an MLA for the first time. According to results announced by the Election Commission and reported on August 4, 2026, Kishor received 64,151 votes. BJP candidate Neeraj Kumar received 44,827 votes, while RJD candidate Rekha Kumari finished third with 14,273. Kishor won by a margin of 19,324 votes.

The report described Bankipur as a BJP stronghold for nearly three decades. The seat had long been held by influential BJP leader Nitin Nabin and became vacant after he joined the Rajya Sabha. Before the election, Nabin had said that young voters still supported the BJP. Political analysts had also viewed Bankipur as a test for “Gen-Z” voters because of its large youth electorate and several educational institutions.

After his victory, Kishor said people would see visible changes in Bankipur within three months. He said his doors were open to people across Bihar and claimed the result sent a clear message from Bihar’s people to the BJP’s central leadership. Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary congratulated Kishor in an X post, saying the public had chosen Jan Suraaj and that its verdict should be respected.

State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam called for removing crude and indecent practices from politics and culture to build a more refined environment. Speaking as chief guest at the opening of Jagannath University Recitation Council’s sixth Recitation Festival 2026 on Monday, he said Bangladesh’s image and future could be harmed otherwise.

Khaiyam said institutional capacity gaps had emerged in politics, culture, the economy and other sectors because of crises in recent years. He said the current government was working to overcome that situation and build a secular, non-discriminatory and democratic state regardless of nation, religion and group. He also said the government was sincere about revitalising and refining the country’s cultural sector.

The state minister stressed the need to remove ugly and indecent forms from political language to create a healthy environment. He said the government would fully support Jagannath University’s overall reconstruction and cultural activities. The daylong festival included an inter-department Nazrul recitation competition, honours for distinguished people, prize distribution, a discussion session and cultural performances.

The 11-party alliance has announced sit-in programmes outside electricity and gas offices in all metropolitan areas and districts across the country on August 6. The decision was disclosed after a top-level alliance meeting on Monday night at the official residence of the opposition leader. The alliance also plans a sit-in at Muktangan in the capital at 11am that day, followed by submission of a memorandum to the Secretariat.

The meeting was chaired by opposition leader and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman. Leaders from the National Citizen Party, Liberal Democratic Party, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Bangladesh Nezam-e-Islam Party, AB Party, Bangladesh Labour Party, JAGPA and Bangladesh Development Party were among those present.

Participants expressed concern over sharp increases in essential commodity prices, gas shortages, what they described as ghost electricity bills, and deterioration in law and order nationwide. A public rally is scheduled for 10am on August 5 at the south gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. Alliance leaders are expected to announce a final programme there, demanding action on these issues and implementation of the July National Charter and the referendum verdict.

At least two people were injured in clashes between the Chhatra Dal and ইসলামী ছাত্রশিবির branches at Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur on Monday. The confrontation began during a daylong Chhatra Shibir exhibition titled “July Against Oppression,” after Chhatra Dal activists asked for a banner to be removed. Those injured were Chhatra Dal vice-president Ashik and Chhatra Shibir leader Mehdi.

The exhibition included images, under the heading “Judicial Killing,” of several condemned senior Jamaat leaders and Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury. An argument between the two groups escalated into chases and counter-chases, with brickbats and chairs thrown and sticks used. Chhatra Shibir president Rakib Murad alleged that Chhatra Dal attacked a peaceful programme, while Chhatra Dal president Yamin said tensions rose following the verbal dispute.

Chhatra Shibir activists later gathered outside the university’s main gate for about two hours carrying iron and plastic pipes and brickbats while chanting slogans. Traffic on the Kurigram-Dhaka highway was disrupted for about an hour and resumed around 11:30pm. Vice-Chancellor Md. Shawkat Ali said a committee would decide on campus student politics after submitting its report.

Jagannath University Central Students’ Union, or JAKSU, held a symbolic programme on Monday, 3 August, at the university campus to remember those killed and injured in the July mass uprising. Titled “The place of authoritarianism is in the dustbin,” the event protested authoritarianism, violence and anti-democratic politics and was attended by JAKSU leaders, activists and general students.

Participants took a position against authoritarianism, enforced disappearances, killings, corruption, extortion, stuntmanship, violence and partisan politics in educational institutions. The programme was initiated by JAKSU Liberation War and Democracy Secretary Md Nur Nabi. He said it was organised in memory of the uprising’s martyrs and injured people, adding that authoritarianism, corruption, extortion, violence and partisan campus politics have no place in educational institutions.

Nur Nabi called for support for democracy, accountability and the rule of law, saying JAKSU would work for democracy, justice and people’s rights. JAKSU said the initiative also aimed to convey symbolic rejection of repression and anti-democratic politics and raise student awareness to prevent any future rise of authoritarianism. Several JAKSU office-bearers and students attended.

US President Donald Trump said he prefers a diplomatic agreement with Iran over military conflict amid continuing tensions in the Middle East. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on August 3, 2026, Trump said he wanted to make a deal and did not want people to be killed. He said mediated talks with Iran were expected to begin Monday.

Trump declined to set a deadline for the negotiations, saying the United States was prepared to act whenever necessary but that an agreement remained his preference. He argued that talks were more effective than war and could avoid unnecessary loss of life. Trump also claimed the United States had been prepared for a major military operation that could have been among the largest attacks since World War II, with severe consequences for Iran.

According to Trump, the potential operation was temporarily suspended after Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Iran indicated a possibility of talks. He said a possible agreement would focus on fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz and making progress on Iran's nuclear program. The White House Rapid Response account posted video of his remarks, highlighting his preference for a deal while maintaining readiness for military action.