The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) reported that one of the prime suspects in journalist Asaduzzaman Tuhin’s murder, identified as Swadhin, has confessed to his role. RAB Commander K.M.A. Mamun Khan Chishti said Swadhin admitted that Tuhin was killed for filming a robbery attempt. A total of seven suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder. They were detained in raids across the city late Friday night and will be presented in court on Saturday.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman said the foundations of democracy must be strengthened gradually, starting from the local level. Speaking virtually at the DAB conference, he noted that almost all current reform proposals had already been presented in BNP’s 31-point plan two years ago. Since the BNP is leading in popularity ahead of the upcoming election, he said the party aims to establish a transparent, accountable democracy. At the same event, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir reiterated the need to end the culture of political hostility.

Gazipur Metropolitan Police DIG Dr. Md. Nazmul Karim Khan has apologized for failing to protect journalist Asaduzzaman Tuhin, who was murdered while filming a robbery attempt. He promised to submit a charge sheet within 15 days. The DIG said professional criminal gangs targeted Tuhin for recording the incident. He noted that many factories in Gazipur have closed due to the July protests, leaving many unemployed and leading to increased crime. Police have arrested seven suspects, including Faisal alias Ketu Mizan, his wife Golapi, and others.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin said law and order will improve as the election nears, and the Election Commission is fully prepared to handle any security challenges during the vote. Speaking after a meeting with Rangpur division election officials, he said individuals previously linked to election irregularities will be excluded from the process wherever possible. The CEC emphasized that the EC is working to fulfill the chief adviser’s promise of free and fair elections and has taken measures to address the use of AI in election campaigns. The election schedule will be announced two months before polling day.

Indian immigration authorities at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport detained a Bangladeshi man attempting to travel to Germany on a fake Indian passport. The passport bore the name “Paresh Roy,” but officers, suspicious of discrepancies, discovered a Bangladeshi passport under the name “Shramik Barua.” The man was arrested for possessing documents under two different names and nationalities. He is set to appear before the Barrackpore court on Saturday. Police say he had planned to travel to Germany using the forged Indian passport. Several similar arrests have been made recently.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said Tarique Rahman is the future Prime Minister of Bangladesh, adding that the BNP has already announced a 31-point program addressing the nation’s most urgent needs, including healthcare. Speaking at a Doctors’ Association of Bangladesh (DAB) conference, he warned that Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical industry faces collapse due to harmful regulations from the Health Ministry’s assistant advisers, potentially shutting down medicine factories. Fakhrul criticized the interim government’s policies as self-destructive and called for ending the culture of political hostility. He stressed the need to secure all rights for the people—not just voting rights.

Asaduzzaman Fuad, a leader of the AB Party, claimed that the July declaration was designed to please certain political groups and began with an Awami League narrative that diminished “24.” He stressed the urgent need to implement points of consensus immediately, warning that under Article 7(k) of the Constitution, all members of the consensus commission are committing treason. Fuad called for the legal enforcement of the July Charter and a proclamation after discussions with all parties, warning that failure could lead to executions of political leaders. He also expressed doubts about the Election Commission’s ability to hold a fair vote, noting dissatisfaction with its current pace and predicting increased election-related violence as polling day approaches.

Malaysian airport police (AKPS) have arrested four Bangladeshi nationals at Kuala Lumpur International Airport for allegedly smuggling gold and smartphones worth around 187,000 ringgit. The seized items included gold jewelry valued at 160,000 ringgit, 12 smartphones worth 22,700 ringgit, 5,042 ringgit in cash, and five passports. The suspects are under investigation under immigration laws and have been handed over to the Selangor Immigration Enforcement Division. AKPS said the bust underscores the effectiveness of security cooperation in combating smuggling at entry points.

BNP leader Aminul Haque has urged party members to solve local problems by engaging directly with citizens and treating their issues as their own. “If you fail, leadership will change,” he warned, stressing that influence-peddling should be replaced with public consultation. Aminul promised that if BNP comes to power, it will make sports compulsory in schools and organize nationwide tournaments to keep youth away from drugs. He accused the ruling Awami League of prioritizing its own interests over public welfare.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced he will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15, with further details to follow. Trump explained that the date and venue were kept secret earlier to avoid overshadowing the peace agreement he brokered between Azerbaijan and Armenia, signed at the White House on Friday. He revealed that the Russia-Ukraine peace deal under discussion involves a land swap, and expressed optimism that both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky seek peace.

Umaama Fatema, a Dhaka University student leader, has faced criticism after submitting a petition to ban politics in the Sufia Kamal Hall without naming leftist student organizations. In her letter to the hall provost on Friday, she referenced a previous agreement to prohibit all political activities in the hall but alleged that some groups had been secretly active. Controversy arose as she omitted leftist groups like the Student Union, which had recently formed a hall committee. Later, Fatema clarified that her demand was for banning politics of all groups, including leftist organizations.

Heavy rainfall and upstream flows have caused the Teesta River’s water level to rise above the danger mark, measuring 52.15 meters at 9 p.m. on Friday. Between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., water levels at Dalia increased by 29 cm, though the rise has since slowed. While upstream levels in West Bengal’s Domohoni and Gajoldoba have fallen slightly, forecasters warn of heavy rain in the Teesta basin over the next 72 hours, which could trigger fresh flooding, particularly in low-lying areas of Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Rangpur, and Kurigram. However, severe flooding is not anticipated.

DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz has emphasized that active citizen engagement is essential for creating a just and livable city. Speaking at the “Run for Fair City” event, Ejaz said that if people work together beyond political divides, Dhaka can become fair, inclusive, and livable. He highlighted the importance of youth participation and noted DNCC’s initiatives to promote environmental justice, expand public spaces, and increase greenery. The event featured 5 km and 7.5 km races, with a pledge to plant one tree for each registration.

DMP Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjad Ali has pledged that police will uphold professionalism and neutrality in the upcoming national elections scheduled for February, setting an example at home and abroad. He noted that preparations have already begun under the Chief Adviser’s directives to ensure a free and fair election. Sajjad acknowledged past weaknesses in the Metropolitan Police but said professionalism has significantly improved. Senior Home Secretary Nasimul urged all officers to treat citizens with fairness and courtesy.

Three death row inmates at Kashimpur High Security Central Jail in Gazipur attempted to escape, prompting authorities to file a case. The inmates — Shahadat Hossain of Tangail Sadar, Shree Roni Mohanto of Panchbibi, and Nazrul Islam Majnu alias Monju of Bhurungamari — were discovered after a prison guard heard banging from cell No. 12 on August 5 at around 8:15 p.m. A search the next morning uncovered escape tools including a 28-foot rope and a 25-foot belt made from blankets, iron rods, and hooks. Officials said the inmates were stockpiling equipment for a potential escape opportunity.