Germany has suspended arms exports to Israel that could be used in Gaza, following Israel’s approval of a plan to seize control of Gaza City. Chancellor Friedrich Merz said no military equipment that may be used in Gaza will be approved until further notice. He questioned the effectiveness of Israel's military objectives. Germany is Israel’s second-largest arms supplier after the U.S. Meanwhile, Hamas warned the move endangers Palestinians and accused Netanyahu’s government of sacrificing captives for political gain.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei has dismissed recent rumors about restarting talks with the United States as part of a psychological warfare campaign by enemies. He denied any set time or place for negotiations and called these reports false and aimed at creating tension. Baghaei confirmed that a diplomatic channel through protecting interest offices remains open, and mediator communication is normal. He also stated he is unaware of any other country mediating besides Oman.

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed his readiness to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin even if Putin does not first meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This statement contradicts earlier reports that a Putin-Zelensky meeting was a prerequisite for a Trump-Putin summit. Trump emphasized his commitment to stopping the killing and said the decision depends on Putin. Following talks by his envoy in Moscow, Trump remains hopeful for a ceasefire but refrained from confirming a deadline.

Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong criticized Donald Trump’s tariff policies, especially those targeting India and China. Reacting on X, Xu likened Trump to a bully, warning against appeasement. He also quoted Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who said using tariffs as weapons violates global trade norms. Trump's new tariffs on India followed failed trade talks and India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. Trump hinted at similar actions against China, escalating ongoing trade tensions.

The Trump administration plans to construct the largest federal immigrant detention center at Fort Bliss, a military base in Texas. Initially, 1,000 immigrants will be held starting mid-August, with a long-term goal of building a 5,000-bed facility. The Department of Homeland Security will oversee detainee management, despite the location being on military grounds. This move is part of a broader crackdown on undocumented immigrants, with record-high detentions reported. Additional centers are also planned, including one in Indiana called the "Speedway Slammer."

Sumaiya Tahmid Jafrin, wife of Major Sadekul Haque, was arrested for her alleged involvement in planning anti-government activities via a secret Facebook group called "ODB-M-1701." She reportedly managed data collection, communication, and secret meetings aimed at creating unrest. Authorities claim she worked to mobilize banned political groups and destabilize the government. Sumaiya was granted a 5-day remand for interrogation. The case has led to the arrest of 28 people so far, with further investigation ongoing.

With the national election expected in December, BNP is intensifying its internal race for nominations. Senior leaders are confirmed, while surveys are being conducted to select remaining candidates. Analysts say this election will be competitive and voter-focused, with public engagement, leadership, and integrity being key factors. BNP plans to nominate widely accepted, dedicated leaders and may allocate seats to allies. Social media is expected to influence the campaign heavily, making candidate quality more crucial than ever before.

NCP leader Abdul Hannan Masud claimed he has been the subject of a prolonged media trial. He refuted recent allegations that his office was falsely portrayed as a personal property, stating, “No one can prove that I have earned money illegally.”

Masud questioned why his sources of income are scrutinized when he holds no government position. “I'm not obligated to explain where my car or clothes come from,” he said.

Regarding his income, he disclosed, “Even for participating in talk shows, I now receive a minimum of Tk 3,000 per appearance. If I join 30 talk shows a month, that amounts to Tk 90,000.” He added that earlier, such income would have required conducting at least two private tuitions a day. He also mentioned receiving financial support from well-wishers.

Acting Chairman of the Jatiya Party, Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud, has announced that the upcoming party conference on Saturday will mark a historic turning point. “This conference will end long-standing internal divisions and initiate a new journey for the Jatiya Party, fulfilling the dreams of its founder, Hussain Muhammad Ershad,” he said.

Thousands of councillors and delegates from across the country are expected to attend. Addressing concerns about internal rifts, he clarified, “Some claim the party is splitting — that is not true. We have informed the Election Commission and invited their representatives to the conference.”

He emphasized that the party aims to restore democratic values through this council. “We will remove controversial clauses from the constitution. Going forward, the party will be led through a collective leadership model, not a single individual.”

He also noted that following a lower court's temporary suspension of the current chairman from organizational activities on July 30, the party, in accordance with its constitution, appointed an acting chairman and decided to hold the national conference.

NCP (National Citizen Party) leader Nahid Islam stated that while the Liberation War of 1971 holds immense historical importance, it should not be used as a political weapon.

He argued that 1971 should be remembered respectfully as a cornerstone of the state’s principles, not as the sole measure of political legitimacy. "Like 1947, 1971 has historical significance, but neither should be exploited for political gain," he said.

In an article, Nahid criticized “Mujibism” for aligning the narrative of 1971 too closely with Indian interests, thereby undermining national sovereignty. He praised the 2024 popular uprising for breaking free from authoritarian and hegemonic ideologies and asserted that returning to outdated political divides over 1971 risks undoing that progress.

He concluded that the 2024 movement served as a form of collective redemption for many political actors and warned against revisiting old ideological conflicts that could devalue that sacrifice.

Major US retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Gap have halted apparel and textile orders from India after President Trump doubled tariffs to 50%, citing India’s oil imports from Russia. Exporters report receiving notices to stop shipments, as buyers refuse to share the added costs. Analysts warn this could cut US-bound orders by up to 50%, causing losses of $4–5 billion. Indian companies heavily reliant on the US market may suffer, and India fears losing business to competitors like Bangladesh.

India has paused plans to buy weapons and aircraft from the U.S., responding to President Trump's decision to double tariffs on Indian exports. A planned Washington visit by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has been canceled, stalling deals for Stryker combat vehicles, Javelin missiles, and Boeing P-8I aircraft. While no official cancellation has been issued, talks are on hold. India alleges unfair targeting, as Western nations continue trading with Russia. Despite diversifying its suppliers, India remains tied to Russian defense equipment due to long-standing military cooperation.

GOP (Gono Odhikar Parishad) leader Nurul Haque Nur has called for comprehensive state reform, claiming that the political system has enabled the creation of autocratic entities like the Awami League and leaders like Sheikh Hasina, whom he described in harsh terms.

He argued that merely replacing individuals without changing the underlying structure would not bring real change. Highlighting the recent killing of a journalist and lack of public response, Nur criticized what he sees as public apathy and warned against expecting cooperation from those previously in power.

He noted that the July declaration by opposition forces failed to reflect public expectations and included outdated talking points aimed at serving party narratives. Nur emphasized that the 2024 uprising was a culmination of 16 years of oppression, disappearances, and political killings.

Jatiya Party Secretary General Barrister Shamim Haider Patwari emphasized that only the party chairman can appoint someone as acting chairman during prolonged absence, and such a decision cannot be taken through any alternative means.

He clarified that current Chairman GM Quader is in the country, healthy, and attending office regularly. He has not appointed anyone as acting chairman.

Patwari condemned activities by expelled leaders, labeling their councils and meetings as unconstitutional and misleading, alleging they are misinterpreting court rulings to spread confusion. He reiterated that GM Quader continues to lead the party based on consensus and legal norms.

On national elections, Patwari expressed concern over the lack of sincere government effort. He stated that if genuinely pursued, elections could be held within six months. He also criticized the Election Commission for excluding Jatiya Party from dialogue, citing this as evidence of an uneven playing field.

Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party, has expressed concern over the deteriorating election environment despite the government’s commitment to holding polls.

He criticized the interim government for failing to rehabilitate families of those killed or injured during the July uprising. “Even a year later, some of the injured are still not receiving proper medical care,” he said.

“People are unsure whether they can safely vote under the current fragile law and order situation,” he added.