Russia has initiated regular commercial flights connecting Moscow and Pyongyang, with the first flight operated by Nordwind departing from Sheremetyevo Airport to Seoul carrying over 400 passengers. Monthly flights will run based on demand. This follows the resumption of flights between Vladivostok and Pyongyang earlier in 2023 after pandemic suspensions. North Korea is gradually easing restrictions and reopening borders. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently visited North Korea’s Wonsan-Kalma resort, meeting Kim Jong Un and promoting tourism. Military and economic cooperation between the two nations has also grown significantly.

Saudi Arabia has extended an invitation to Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, to attend the ninth Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh from October 27 to 30. This marks the first time a Bangladeshi government leader has been invited to the annual event, held regularly since 2017. The invitation was delivered by the Saudi Ambassador in Dhaka. Professor Yunus thanked the Saudi Crown Prince for the honor and expressed his intention to actively consider participating. He also appreciated the invitation to visit Bangladesh for the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations.

The government has ordered the mandatory retirement of four Deputy Inspector General (DIG) rank police officers. The officers—Atika Islam, A.K.M. Nahidul Islam, Md. Mahbub Alam, and Md. Monir Hossain—were serving in the Dhaka Range DIG office, Police Telecom, Railway Police, and Industrial Police respectively. This decision was made in the public interest under government service law provisions. The retired officers will receive all due benefits, and the order is effective immediately as per notifications issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on July 28.

A four-member Indian medical team from New Delhi's Ram Manohar Lohia and Safdarjung Hospitals returned to India after aiding in the treatment of victims of the July 21 plane crash at Dhaka’s Milestone School and College. During their stay, they worked closely with Bangladeshi doctors at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, offering expert advice and sharing experiences in burn treatment. India also expressed readiness to provide further assistance, including advanced care in India, highlighting strong bilateral cooperation.

A consensus has emerged among 30 political parties, including BNP and Jamaat, to strengthen the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and free it from political influence. Held at the Foreign Service Academy, the dialogue also discussed reforms to the Public Service Commission. The proposal to enshrine the ACC in the Constitution received positive feedback, though some parties suggested revisions. The National Consensus Commission will continue discussions. The BNP initially walked out in protest but later rejoined, a move welcomed by the Commission.

North Korea’s Kim Yo Jong, sister of leader Kim Jong Un, has firmly rejected South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s attempts to improve inter-Korean relations. She condemned recent conciliatory steps like stopping loudspeaker propaganda along the border as mistakes and warned South Korea against expecting a change through emotional appeals. Kim also criticized Seoul’s “blind faith” in the US alliance and declared no interest in dialogue or meetings with South Korea, maintaining the long-standing tensions between the two nations.

In Assam’s border areas, Bengali Muslims—many born and raised in India—face mass eviction and accusations of being illegal immigrants from Bangladesh ahead of state elections. Over 50,000 have been displaced since 2021, with homes demolished under government orders. Assam’s BJP-led government claims to combat “Muslim infiltration,” fueling fears of religious and ethnic polarization. Human rights groups warn these actions target a vulnerable community, intensifying social unrest in a politically charged environment.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has questioned India's selective pushback policy, saying, “Sheikh Hasina is also a Bengali Muslim and a Bangladeshi citizen—why isn’t she being pushed back?”

Rizvi accused India of political bias: “Thousands of people who’ve lived in India for generations are being labeled as Bangladeshis and deported simply because they are Muslim and speak Bengali. Yet, criminals and looters who have fled Bangladesh to India are not being sent back.”

He added, “We’ve seen such attempts before, but they were resisted. A nationalist government must take a stand against this.”

The United States and European Union have signed a new trade agreement following weeks of negotiations. The deal imposes a 15% flat tariff on all EU goods entering the U.S. market. In return, the EU has pledged to buy $750 billion worth of American energy and increase its investment in the U.S. economy by $600 billion. The agreement was reached during a closed-door meeting between President Donald Trump and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Turnberry, Scotland.

Abdul Razzak Riyad, once an armed cadre of Quader Mirza, the brother of AL leader Obaidul Quader, was arrested in Gulshan for attempting to extort Tk 40 lakh from a former MP. Claiming to be a student coordinator, Riyad’s sudden rise in wealth had already raised local suspicions. He was appointed as the acting convener of the Combined Private Universities unit of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. Riyad is also reported to be serving as a student representative at the Ministry of Home Affairs. Police arrested him and four others during the incident, while his associate fled the scene.

Former U.S. President Barack Obama has called for urgent action to prevent starvation deaths in Gaza, describing the crisis as entirely preventable. Citing alarming reports, he stressed the need to allow humanitarian aid to reach civilians. The WHO reports rising malnutrition rates, with 63 of 74 famine-related deaths in July alone. In response to international pressure, Israel has announced a daily 10-hour pause in attacks to permit safe aid delivery in select areas of Gaza.

Top diplomats from Pakistan and Turkey have expressed strong condemnation of Israel’s ongoing military aggression in Gaza, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis. They called the violence “crimes against humanity” and urged for an immediate ceasefire alongside unhindered humanitarian aid. Both countries emphasized the need for united international efforts toward a just, lasting peace and expressed hope for progress at the upcoming UN conference on the two-state solution. Observers stress a stronger Muslim world diplomatic stance is necessary.

Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, personal physician to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, confirmed that no decision has been made regarding her receiving medical treatment abroad.

“There hasn't even been any formal discussion on this matter,” he said. “If necessary, we will consider sending her abroad for treatment. But reports circulating in the media are completely false—I have no knowledge of such plans.”

Nila Israfil, previously associated with the National Citizens' Committee, publicly announced she was severing all ties with the NCP via a Facebook post on Monday, citing ethical concerns and lack of justice for a female member allegedly harassed within the party.

In response, NCP Secretary Akhtar Hossain clarified: “Nila was involved with the National Citizens' Committee but was never part of NCP due to her controversial actions.”

Nila stated, “I choose ethics over corrupt politics. A woman was harassed, and the offender was never punished—instead, he walks proudly under party protection. From this moment, I cut all ties with NCP.”

Nahid Islam, convenor of the National Citizens’ Platform (NCP), asserted that their movement had evolved into a mass uprising to establish voting rights and true democracy. “Simply changing governments won't change people’s lives. Real change requires structural reforms—economic, educational, and healthcare.”

He criticized ongoing misinformation campaigns: “There’s propaganda claiming we're trying to derail the election. But without this uprising, elections wouldn't even be a possibility.”

He demanded the government issue the July Charter and Declaration before August 5, reiterating the movement’s commitment to structural reform and accountable governance.