Delhi Police arrested Indian National Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi on Monday morning as they led a protest march towards the Election Commission office in Delhi. The protest, organized by the India Alliance, was against alleged voter fraud in Bihar’s 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Authorities stated the march lacked official permission. The Congress and allied parties strongly oppose the Election Commission’s new voter eligibility rules for Bihar, which discard previously accepted documents like Aadhaar and voter ID cards in favor of 11 alternative proofs, including birth certificates and passports.

After U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff announcement on India, New Delhi is reportedly turning to Israel as a trusted strategic partner. The two nations share a history of defense, intelligence, technology, and agricultural cooperation, with Israel stepping in during the Kargil War when the U.S. declined assistance. Analysts say India’s move reflects not just economic concerns but also security and regional influence goals, reinforcing a multi-aligned strategy that blends ties with the U.S., West Asia, and long-standing allies.

Md. Sirajul Islam Siraj, Secretary of Sadullapur Upazila Jamaat in Gaibandha, has been accused of extorting money from multiple candidates by promising to ensure their success in the 18th Teacher Registration Examination. Victims filed written complaints on August 2 seeking redress.

Senior Jamaat leaders intervened, compelling Sirajul to return the money, though he denies the allegations. Reports indicate Sirajul took Tk 50,000 from Masud Rana, Tk 15,000 from Hadi, and Tk 16.9 lakh from another individual hoping for a government job. He reportedly demanded an additional Tk 2 lakh later. Allegations of attempted assault and abduction have also surfaced against him.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is set to file four separate cases against Afroza Khan Rita, Manikganj district BNP convener and chairman of Munno Ceramics, along with six others, for allegedly embezzling Tk 86.5 crore from Uttara Finance and Investment Limited. The ACC approved the cases on Monday.

According to the charges, without submitting proper records or presenting them in board meetings, the accused colluded to misappropriate the substantial amount from the financial institution. Alongside Rita, the accused include Uttara Finance Managing Director S.M. Shamsul Arefin, former Vice President Mohammad Main Uddin, Kazi Arifuzzaman, and three others.

Thirteen leaders of Jahangirnagar University’s Student League branch have received show-cause notices from the central office for alleged breaches of organizational discipline. The dispute centers on the exclusion of veteran activists from the newly expanded hall committees in favor of controversial figures, including former Chhatra League members with backgrounds in drugs and extortion. The noticees include joint conveners Mizanur Rahman, Md. Hosain Al Rashed Badal, Mominur Rahman Laju, Alauddin Dewan, Rajuar Hosain, Md. Zobayer Hosain, and members Mahbubur Rahman Murad, Zakirul Islam, Sadikur Rahman, Shariful Islam, Mirza Abu Bakar Siddique Sohag, Masud Rana Pilot, and Abesh Al Mubin Nafi.

The Nationalist Student League (Chhatra Dal) has issued a directive highlighting the importance of responsible and respectful behavior by its members on social media, which remains a vital platform for public expression. The notice calls for tolerance, respect for differing opinions, commitment to democracy, respect for women, and religious coexistence. While ideological differences and debates are expected among various groups, Chhatra Dal insists all interactions maintain mutual respect and decorum aligned with the organization’s principles. Leaders are urged to exhibit humility, discipline, and promote harmony in all online engagements.

Following the July mass uprising, the nation’s expectations from its youth have risen significantly, with hopes that they will take the lead in shaping the future of Bangladesh.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Professor Mia Golam Porwar emphasized that young people will play a pioneering role in building the Bangladesh of tomorrow. “The contribution of the youth to national life is undeniable. History shows that major transformations around the world have been driven by young people,” he said.

Porwar stressed the need to create a healthy and supportive environment for the growth of youth potential in order to build a strong and prosperous nation. He urged all branches of Jamaat-e-Islami to observe International Youth Day on August 12 through discussion forums, youth rallies, seminars, symposiums, and various other programs.

A video allegedly showing Nizam Uddin, joint coordinator of the NCP’s Chattogram city unit, demanding Tk 500,000 in extortion has gone viral. The demand was reportedly linked to suppressing protests against Saif Powertec.
The video, posted Sunday night from former city anti-discrimination leader Rahadul Islam’s Facebook ID, appears to show Nizam instructing a man named Aftab Hossain to pressure for another Tk 500,000 to distribute among protest leaders in exchange for halting demonstrations.
Nizam has dismissed the allegations as a “planned conspiracy,” though similar accusations have surfaced against him before.

Interim government’s National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman visited Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman at the hospital following his heart bypass surgery on Saturday.
According to Jamaat, the adviser inquired about his treatment, prayed for his recovery, and expressed goodwill—an act for which the party expressed gratitude. The Jamaat leader, currently in a cabin at United Hospital, has sought the nation’s prayers for his complete recovery.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has passed the preliminary selection process for registration as a political party with the Election Commission. Sharing the news, Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain urged party leaders and activists nationwide to intensify organizational expansion, implement programs, hold workshops to strengthen party understanding, keep offices active, and reach out more to the public. Meanwhile, Additional Secretary of the Election Commission K M Ali Newaz said that parties meeting the initial requirements will undergo field-level verification. Those fulfilling all conditions during the field assessment will be granted registration. The process is expected to be finalized by September 15.

Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim, senior Naib-e-Ameer of Islami Andolon Bangladesh, has accused the BNP of replicating Awami League’s political approach. “The BNP is now doing what the Awami League used to do. I see no difference between the two parties. As I’ve said before—boat or paddy sheaf, they’re two snakes with the same venom,” he told a rally marking Islami Jubo Andolon’s 9th founding anniversary.
He added that BNP had repeatedly failed to uphold the ideals of its founder, the late President Ziaur Rahman.

BNP leader Abdus Salam has claimed that acting party chairman Tareq Rahman owns no home, car, or bank account in Dhaka. “When he returns to the country, he will have to rent a house to stay in,” Salam said.
He praised Rahman’s leadership, saying that a single directive from him had calmed nationwide unrest that could have otherwise set the homes of Awami League leaders ablaze. Salam pledged that, if in power, Rahman would bring sweeping reforms within a month—ending theft, extortion, and corruption. At the event, Salam united Rajshahi Division leaders in a pledge to set aside differences and work together.

Saudi authorities have arrested 23,630 foreigners between July 31 and August 6 for violating residency, labor, and border security laws. The detainees include 13,833 residency law violators, 4,624 border law offenders, and 3,615 labor law violators. Among them, 35% are Yemeni, 64% Ethiopian, and 1% from other countries. Some were caught attempting illegal entry or exit. Authorities warned that aiding offenders can lead to up to 15 years in prison, heavy fines, asset confiscation, and public naming.

The U.S. will launch a one-year pilot program on August 20 requiring certain B-1 and B-2 visa holders from countries with high overstay rates to pay a refundable bond of $5,000–$15,000 before entry. Zambia and Malawi will be the first affected, with more nations possibly added. The policy aims to curb overstays, a major source of undocumented immigration. Exceptions apply for humanitarian needs and official travel, and deposits will be refunded if visa terms are met.

Bangladesh Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus will visit Malaysia from August 11–13 at the invitation of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The trip will feature a bilateral meeting in Putrajaya, a business conference, and the signing of up to five MoUs on areas including defense, energy, trade, and education. Migration and investment will be key topics, with discussions aimed at boosting Bangladeshi manpower exports. Dr. Yunus will also receive an honorary degree from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia during the visit.