Islamic Movement leader Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim declared that the July uprising was not merely about holding elections. “We want reforms, justice for criminals, and elections under a proportional representation (PR) system. Under PR, all parties can enter parliament—there is no alternative,” he told a mass rally in Kishoreganj.
Faizul Karim criticized the ruling Awami League, the Jatiya Party, and the BNP for failing to govern the country effectively. “But Islam has not been given a chance yet. Test it once,” he urged. He promised that under his leadership, extortion, terrorism, and looting would end, development would take place, people would have food, clothing, and education, and all faiths could live in peace. “We will ensure an independent media free from mafia influence, and no one will be forced to live under the open sky,” he added.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim pledged to deepen bilateral ties into a future-focused strategic partnership. In talks in Putrajaya, they discussed trade, investment, migration, energy, education, and the Rohingya crisis. Agreements were signed on defense, LNG supply, trade, halal industry, and higher education. Malaysia will extend social security to Bangladeshi workers and allow Bengali-language complaints. Both sides aim to finalize a free trade deal, expand skilled labor recruitment, and enhance ASEAN cooperation.

Julius Caesar Talukdar, a former leader of the banned student organization Chhatra League, has submitted his nomination form for the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election 2025. Camp leader Sadik Qayem has raised concerns over this development.

According to Qayem, Caesar Talukdar, who was elected as General Secretary through rigged votes from the Chhatra League panel in Salimullah Muslim Hall, is also linked to several violent attacks against anti-fascist activists. Despite clear documentary evidence of Caesar’s criminal involvement, allowing him to contest in the DUCSU election has left students deeply disappointed and outraged.

Qayem demanded an immediate investigation into the previous DUCSU election incidents, including assaults on rival candidates and violent attacks orchestrated by various political groups. He urged prompt legal action against those responsible.

Furthermore, Qayem called for strict punishment for the identified banned Chhatra League militants who appear on voter lists across different halls. He warned that failure to address these issues would make the university administration accountable for not creating a fascism-free campus.

The July 17 Movement has issued a warning to besiege the Secretariat next week unless all secretaries and officials appointed during the Awami League government are removed. In a press conference at Dhaka University, the group’s spokespersons accused the current advisory council and secretariat of harboring beneficiaries of the "fascist era," who they claim are undermining a fair national election and conspiring to destabilize the country. They criticized the interim government for failing to fulfill public aspirations and warned of intensified protests if their demands are not met promptly.

Former LDP President Colonel Dr. Oli Ahmad called on political parties to stop creating obstacles related to the proportional representation (PR) system to delay elections. Emphasizing that a free and fair election is the nation’s immediate priority, he said mobilizing voters would resolve many ongoing crises. Ahmad urged Jamaat-e-Islami not to create problems over PR discussions. He also thanked the government for announcing the election schedule. However, he expressed concern over the deteriorating law and order situation nationwide and criticized the lottery-based transfer system in the police and administration, calling for transfers to be made based on merit and importance.

A total of 331 local observer organizations have applied to the Election Commission (EC) for registration ahead of upcoming elections. By August 10, 318 organizations had submitted applications, with 13 more following afterward. The EC recently introduced new guidelines, canceling previous registrations and policies to regulate observer groups more effectively. Historically, observer registrations began in 2008, with thousands of observers monitoring national elections. The move aims to ensure transparent and well-regulated election observation under the new rules.

Top opposition leaders protested in Delhi against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, accusing the BJP-led government of targeting only opposition-ruled states. Trinamool Congress’ Abhishek Banerjee demanded the dissolution of the Lok Sabha and the resignation of the central government, calling the current voter list flawed. He accused the BJP of using the Election Commission as a tool to suppress democratic votes, warning of mass protests if voting rights are compromised in Bengal. Tensions between opposition and authorities are expected to escalate.

A high-level European and South Asian delegation arrives in Dhaka today for a three-day visit aimed at strengthening dialogue and cooperation. Organized by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, the group includes German Bundestag members, business leaders, and civil society representatives. Their agenda includes meetings with government officials, NGOs, and regional bodies, as well as visits to a garment factory in Savar. Discussions will focus on labor rights, regional security, media freedom, climate change, and enhancing Bangladesh-Germany relations.

Five senior officers of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) have been promoted to the ranks of Deputy Police Commissioner and Assistant Police Commissioner. Among the promoted, A.F.M. Anwar Hossain Khan has been assigned to the City Research and Development Division, while Mohammad Morshed Alam will serve in the City Intelligence and Analysis Division. Additionally, Shirin Akter has been posted to the PR and HRD Division of the Detective Branch (DB), Jannatul Ferdous to the Intelligence, Cyber, and Special Crime (North) Division, and Monwara Akter Rifat to the Women Support and Investigation Division.

Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser, has urged Malaysia to keep its labor market open to Bangladeshi workers in the long term. Speaking at a joint press conference, Yunus expressed gratitude to Malaysia for welcoming Bangladeshi workers as friends and family, highlighting the mutual benefits of labor cooperation between the two countries. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim acknowledged the vital contributions of Bangladeshi workers to Malaysia’s development, affirming Bangladesh as one of Malaysia’s key partners. To maintain workers’ family ties and ensure workplace safety, Malaysia has introduced multiple-entry visas for Bangladeshi laborers, further strengthening bilateral relations.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that Malaysia, along with several regional partner countries, will jointly dispatch a delegation to Myanmar. The mission’s objectives include fostering peace and ensuring humanitarian assistance for Rohingya refugees sheltering in Bangladesh. Anwar stressed that establishing peace in Myanmar is a top priority, alongside delivering immediate humanitarian aid to victims, including refugees and earthquake survivors. The Malaysian Foreign Minister is expected to coordinate the Myanmar mission in the coming weeks, with participation from foreign ministers of Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand. Anwar expressed concern over the heavy burden Bangladesh bears in hosting a large number of Rohingya refugees. According to UN data, nearly 150,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh in the past 18 months due to escalating violence primarily targeting the Muslim Rohingya in Rakhine State.

Bangladesh will allow onion imports to increase market supply and stabilize prices, Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin announced on August 12. The decision follows a sharp price hike in Dhaka, where onions rose from Tk 60 to Tk 80–85 per kilogram within a week. Imports will be permitted from any country, not just India, based on demand, supply, and price considerations. The government’s primary goal is to ensure affordability for consumers, though the specific import dates and quantities are yet to be set.

Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has invited Malaysian companies to invest in Bangladesh, highlighting the interim government’s efforts to create a business-friendly environment. Speaking at a business forum in Kuala Lumpur, he emphasized the country’s growing potential and opportunities for young, creative talent. The event also featured presentations by key industry leaders and was held after a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Malaysian and Bangladeshi chambers of commerce to boost trade and investment ties.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has sent a letter to Interpol requesting a five-year extension on the red notice for fugitive money launderer Prashanta Kumar Halder. The current notice is set to expire this December. Earlier, on July 5, Interpol notified the ACC through the Police Headquarters, seeking Bangladesh’s position on whether to withdraw or extend the notice. Halder, currently imprisoned in India, was sentenced to 22 years in a Bangladesh court and is under investigation in over 50 cases by the ACC. The move aims to ensure continued international cooperation in his pursuit.

Eight engineering students have fallen ill while on a relentless hunger strike demanding the establishment of an independent education board modeled after the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). The protest, aimed at securing academic and administrative autonomy, has now surpassed 42 hours. Over a hundred students from engineering colleges in Mymensingh, Barisal, Faridpur, and Sylhet are participating. Despite the worsening health of the students, authorities remain silent. The protesters emphasize that engineering education forms the backbone of the country’s industry, technology, and economy and urge the government to support their demands to safeguard the future of engineering education. Although several organizations, including the National Council of Private Institutions (NCPI), have shown solidarity, no response has come from any relevant department or ministry. The students call on officials to witness firsthand the helplessness and suffering their peers are enduring.