Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, arrived in Moscow on August 7 for an official visit. Welcomed with a military ceremony, he held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin focusing on enhancing bilateral ties in economy, trade, investment, and energy. The leaders also discussed regional and international issues. Sheikh Mohammed expressed hope for positive outcomes from the visit to strengthen UAE-Russia relations and cooperation in various sectors.

One year after losing power following the mass killings in July-August, the Awami League shows no remorse and claims their fall was the result of domestic and foreign conspiracies. The party also views the interim government’s failures as an opportunity to regain its political standing. A large portion of the party’s top leadership, including senior leaders, have fled the country, seeking refuge in India, the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries. Meanwhile, leaders and activists inside the country remain in hiding. Analysts say the party will not easily revive without admitting its mistakes. Unable to participate in the upcoming elections, the Awami League is trying to build public opinion both internationally and domestically.

The government has decided to establish a national award in memory of Mahrin Chowdhury, a courageous teacher who lost her life saving students during the tragic plane crash at Uttara’s Milestone School and College. The announcement was made after an Advisory Council meeting chaired by Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Named the "Mahrin Chowdhury Award for Outstanding Services," the award will recognize exceptional bravery and dedication, exclusively honoring teachers who demonstrate outstanding service.

Bangladesh is rapidly transforming from a labor-driven manufacturing nation into a strategic economic power by attracting significant foreign direct investment from South Korea. With $1.56 billion in South Korean investments, it is now the third-largest FDI source. Political reforms, technological interest, and a young workforce have boosted investor confidence. South Korean companies are expanding beyond garments into semiconductors, renewable energy, and startups. Joint initiatives and smart city projects signal a deepening partnership shaping Bangladesh’s digital and economic future.

A land dispute in Netrokona’s Kalmakanda Upazila led to a violent attack on 19-year-old NCP coordination committee member Mehedi Hasan and three members of his family.

Mehedi filed a case on Thursday naming eight individuals. The conflict reportedly began over a rice paddy boundary between Mehedi’s father and another local, which escalated despite earlier community mediation. A group of attackers later assaulted Mehedi, his father, and elder brother, leaving them critically injured. Mehedi was transferred to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital. Police are working to arrest the suspects.

Controversial contractor and former Jubo League leader GK Shamim has been acquitted by the High Court in a money laundering case, overturning his previous 10-year sentence. In 2023, he was convicted for laundering hundreds of crores through extortion, illegal businesses, and misuse of power. His seven bodyguards were also sentenced. Shamim was arrested in 2019 with weapons, cash, and foreign currency. The court found insufficient grounds to uphold the conviction, leading to his release after a lengthy legal process.

U.S. President Donald Trump declared that reciprocal tariffs will take effect at midnight on August 6, aiming to generate billions in import revenue from countries long benefiting from trade with the U.S. In a Truth Social post, he warned that only “radical left-wing courts” could stop this move. His comments likely referenced ongoing legal challenges to his tariff authority. Critics fear the tariffs could raise consumer prices, as economic uncertainty grows and the Federal Reserve remains cautious on interest rate changes.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated he will not compromise on the interests of farmers, livestock rearers, and fishermen, even if it means facing heavy personal or national costs. His statement came after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods in response to India’s continued import of Russian crude oil. India’s foreign ministry condemned the move as unjust and reiterated its commitment to national energy security and protecting the livelihoods of 1.4 billion citizens.

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for strict action against undocumented Algerian migrants in France, escalating diplomatic tensions with Algeria. In a letter to Algeria’s prime minister, Macron urged the suspension of a 2013 visa exemption deal and tighter Schengen visa rules for Algerians. The move follows the arrest of a French-Algerian writer and journalist in Algeria, which Macron sees as a blow to free speech. The decision raises uncertainty for many Algerian migrants, especially those awaiting asylum or without legal papers.

US Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal have called for the quick passage of a sanctions bill targeting countries that continue trading with Russia, particularly India, due to its oil imports. They praised the recent 25% tariff on Indian goods signed by Donald Trump and pushed for a 500% tariff on Russian energy buyers. With strong bipartisan support—85 co-sponsors—the senators emphasized the urgency of passing the bill to pressure Russia and deter future conflicts.

Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, completed one year focusing on a balanced foreign policy prioritizing national interest and mutual respect. Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain highlighted the government’s diplomatic successes, including strengthened relations with China, normalized ties with Pakistan, and constructive engagement with India despite challenges. The administration protested border killings firmly, expanded global diplomatic missions, and prioritized migrant worker welfare. Rohingya repatriation remains complex, but Bangladesh continues pursuing pragmatic international cooperation.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned that any future threat to the nation’s security will provoke an unimaginable and harsher response than Operation True Promise 3. The statement was made on the 40th day of mourning for fallen Iranian commanders. The IRGC said it remains ready to retaliate firmly against the U.S., Israel, or their allies. The warning follows recent military clashes, including Israeli and U.S. attacks on Iranian facilities and Iran’s missile strikes on Tel Aviv and a U.S. base in Qatar.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeşkian is set to visit Armenia within the next two weeks and China next month, where he will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. The announcement was made by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who termed the president’s recent Pakistan visit — where 12 cooperation agreements were signed — as very successful. Pezeşkian has previously visited several countries, including Iraq, Russia, and Egypt, reflecting Tehran’s focus on strengthening regional and international diplomatic ties.

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to return to Bangladesh once the national election schedule is officially announced, according to high-level party sources.

Given that the election is anticipated in early February, the party expects Rahman’s return around December. On Thursday evening, Election Commissioner Abul Fazl Mohammad Sanaullah reaffirmed that the schedule would be declared in the first half of December.

Election Commissioner Abul Fazl Mohammad Sanaullah has confirmed that the schedule for Bangladesh’s 13th national election will be announced in the first half of December.

Speaking after a commission meeting, Sanaullah said the Chief Adviser had proposed holding the election before Ramadan in early February. The code of conduct for candidates and political parties is expected to be finalized next week.

Sanaullah added that overseas voter education will begin next month and confirmed that drone use will be prohibited on election day. Those registered by October 31 will be eligible to vote.