JAGPA Vice President Rashed Pradhan has condemned the brutal murder of scrap dealer Sohag in Mitford, allegedly killed for refusing to pay extortion. He said the act resembled the violent culture of "logi-boitha" (club and oar) associated with past Awami League politics. Pradhan argued such barbarism is unacceptable in a nation rebuilt through the sacrifice of countless martyrs. JAGPA has announced a national campaign against Indian aggression and called for a protest outside the Indian High Commission on August 6, demanding the return of what they call "killer Hasina."

BNP Standing Committee member Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan stated that the party is now prioritizing the restoration of voting rights and prompt national elections over earlier demands for justice and structural reform. He emphasized that the core duty of an interim government should be to restore democracy and return power to the people. He also warned BNP supporters to avoid emulating the behavior of ruling party activists and urged a peaceful, democratic approach.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi claimed that the murder of scrap dealer Sohag in Mitford is being politically exploited. He clarified that the incident stemmed from a business dispute, not party ideology or internal conflict. “All those involved were expelled from the party the same night,” he said. Rizvi also criticized the selective outrage, pointing to recent attacks in Khulna and Chandpur that went largely ignored. He demanded justice for all such killings, regardless of political affiliations.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has firmly denied rumors that President Asif Ali Zardari may be forced to resign or that Army Chief Asim Munir could replace him. Speaking in Lahore, Sharif clarified that Munir has no such intentions, and there is mutual trust among the country’s top leadership. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also condemned what he described as a malicious disinformation campaign involving foreign elements. Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gillani called the rumors “misleading,” as the government remains united in maintaining political stability in Pakistan.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a constructive meeting in Malaysia amid escalating U.S.-China tariff tensions. Both sides described the talks as positive, laying the groundwork for future dialogue. Rubio emphasized cooperation despite differences and hinted at a possible Trump-Xi summit. The visit is part of Rubio’s Indo-Pacific tour, which has been partly overshadowed by new U.S. tariffs on Asian goods. ASEAN leaders also voiced concern over rising trade tensions and called for fair global trade practices.

Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam revealed that after the mass uprising, police morale remains low, preventing them from performing at full strength. Authorities are currently compiling a list of dominant groups, especially in Dhaka, to maintain order nationwide. He emphasized the need for political parties to practice tolerance and avoid actions that could destabilize peace. The statement was made during a Saturday morning address, highlighting ongoing efforts to restore security and unity in the country.

Political activist Nahid Islam has criticized traditional political parties for maintaining outdated systems through extortion and violence, despite the loss of lives during the recent mass uprising. Calling for national unity around a new constitution and comprehensive reform, he urged citizens to support initiatives for better education, healthcare, and environmental protection. He announced a major rally to be held at the Shaheed Minar on August 3 and encouraged students and the public to resist fear and unite against extortionists.

The World Health Organization has placed Saima Wazed Putul, daughter of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Regional Director for Southeast Asia, on indefinite compulsory leave. This development was reported by Health Policy Watch. In response, Maruf Kamal Khan, former press secretary to the BNP Chairperson, said this incident should be a lesson for all in power. He alleged that Putul was appointed through influence, misuse of state machinery, and manipulation, despite lacking qualifications, and that India’s support played a key role in her selection.

The Trump administration has dismissed 1,353 key officials from the U.S. State Department, including 1,107 Civil Service and 246 Foreign Service officers. The layoffs began on July 11, with an additional 1,600 employees expected to resign voluntarily. The State Department clarified that U.S. missions abroad are not affected for now. As part of a broader reform plan approved in April by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, numerous bureaus are being merged or restructured. Dismissed officials are receiving termination notices via email and mandatory leave.

At a protest rally organized by Islami Chhatra Shibir in Mitford, central leader Sadiq Kayem called for grassroots resistance against extortion and political violence. He warned, “Anyone attempting to bring back the politics of subjugation will face consequences worse than those faced by killer Hasina and her student wing.” Referring to the October 28, 2006 killings, he alleged that Awami League and its armed cadres brutally murdered Shibir activists in broad daylight. He further accused a certain political party of currently resorting to deadly violence, including stone attacks, to cling to power. “As long as the generation of July is alive, we will not allow their dreams of tyranny to be realized,” he vowed.

State-owned Janata Bank has initiated a special audit of its eight largest loan defaulters, including Beximco, S. Alam, Orion, and others, allegedly tied to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s close associates. These entities defaulted on over Tk 70,000 crore, amounting to 75% of the bank’s total loans. The Bangladesh Bank-ordered audit aims to identify irregularities and hold executives accountable. The bank reported a record Tk 3,066 crore loss in 2024, with no dividends declared amid growing concerns over financial mismanagement and political influence.

Jubo Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna has alleged that a covert group is spreading misleading information in response to the growing popularity of nationalist ideology among the youth. Warning the public to remain vigilant, he stressed the need to prevent any undemocratic forces from exploiting the deteriorating law and order situation. Addressing the recent killing of a Jubo Dal activist in Khulna, Munna criticized the government’s silence and accused a particular political party of having a history of such “vein-cutting politics.” Recalling the mass uprising of August 5, he praised the resilience of BNP activists who, despite long-standing repression, have resumed normal organizational activities without exploiting the sacrifices of their fallen comrades.

The second round of trade discussions between Bangladesh and the United States concluded with partial progress, as both sides reached agreements on several matters while a few key issues remain unresolved. It was decided that inter-ministerial discussions will continue before the next round of meetings, which may be held virtually or in person. Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin and Security Advisor Khalilur Rahman expressed optimism about a positive outcome. The three-day talks were coordinated by the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Lisanul Alam Lisan, General Secretary of Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology’s student wing, the Student League, resigned on Friday night. In a lengthy Facebook post, while citing personal reasons, he strongly criticized the self-serving and extortion-based politics of BNP, NCP, and Jamaat. He expressed discontent over political parties’ roles following the August 5 mass uprising, accusing leaders of exploiting the sacrifices of martyrs for personal gains. He named NCP leader Hannan Masud in extortion allegations, which Hannan denied, demanding proof. Lisan stated he would return to activism when a genuine call for change arises.

Bangladesh Bank Deputy Governor Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman stated that inflation has dropped to a tolerable level of 8.48% and is expected to decrease further. Speaking at a stakeholder meeting in Sylhet, he emphasized the need for realistic monetary policy based on public input. The Sylhet region was highlighted for its importance in tea, remittance, tourism, and agriculture. Local stakeholders urged improvements in banking access, credit facilities, and infrastructure to boost investment and economic growth in the region.