Satellite images show Israel gathering troops and military equipment along the Gaza border, signaling potential preparations for a large-scale ground offensive. U.S. officials reviewing the images suggest this could lead to a new military campaign targeting Hamas, possibly to rescue hostages and deliver humanitarian aid. The buildup follows tense exchanges between U.S. President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu over aid issues. Israel’s ground operations in Gaza have continued since October 2023, with pauses during ceasefires.

The court has directed the seizure of assets valued at 200 crores BDT belonging to S. Alam Group until the pending loan recovery case is resolved. Islami Bank filed the case to recover a defaulted loan of 2800 crores BDT given to S. Alam Cold Rolled Steels Limited for raw material imports. The court ordered the seizure of land and flats in Dhaka and Sutrapur, along with lien money held in Pubali Bank, to secure the loan repayment.

BNP leader Goyeshwar Chandra Roy warned that communal riots might be orchestrated in Bangladesh to serve the political interests of the ruling Awami League and India, potentially derailing upcoming elections. He urged vigilance to protect national interests. Goyeshwar recalled how Sheikh Mujibur Rahman allegedly instigated conflicts between Biharis and Bengalis to secure an overwhelming majority in the 1970 election, asserting that the Awami League is skilled at creating such turmoil, even to the extent of setting fire to its own house. He explained that communal violence is often used as a political tool to divert public attention, citing similar incidents during Ershad’s rule in 1988. Goyeshwar stressed that no religion or community is inherently communal, but political actors exploit tensions. He also noted that in the subcontinent, communal violence is a recurring political phenomenon, often ongoing in India. He controversially claimed that Hindus themselves cause harm within their community. BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of masterminding anti-Bangladesh activities from India.

The Chief Adviser’s Press Wing has stated that the allegations made by the Newspaper Owners' Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) are not true and that the caretaker government has in no way undermined media freedom. In a statement, it said the government has maintained transparency and has not interfered with the media. NOAB was urged to examine its internal issues, such as violations of labor rights. The government had proposed reforms through the Media Reform Commission, including a new ‘Journalist Protection Act’ to enhance legal safeguards and reduce self-censorship caused by fear of the government or security forces.

Continuous rain and upstream runoff have caused the Teesta River to overflow, flooding low-lying areas of Kaunia in Rangpur. Severe riverbank erosion has destroyed over 100 acres of cropland in several villages, leaving farmers devastated. Recently planted Aman rice has been lost, and locals fear further damage. Despite appeals, authorities have provided far fewer geo-bags than needed to control the erosion. The situation threatens food production and livelihoods, with urgent intervention required. Officials claim necessary steps will be taken soon to mitigate the crisis.

BNP leader Shamsuzzaman Dudu expressed regret over some “bad elements” within their ranks causing damage to the party through their misconduct. He emphasized that the BNP has a clear stance: extortionists and occupiers are not part of the BNP, nor are those who harm Bangladesh. He urged authorities to apprehend such individuals and hand them over to the law. Dudu also criticized the ruling party’s allegations against BNP leaders, pointing out contradictions. He mentioned repeated accusations that BNP members embezzled orphan funds, contrasting this with claims that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina laundered bank money abroad. He highlighted recent political tensions with India, condemning visa restrictions and border violence against Bangladeshis, and questioned the PM’s visit to India amidst these issues. He reiterated BNP’s identity as a party of the Liberation War, independence, and democracy, following the legacy of Shaheed Zia, who taught the politics of love, protection of people, and safeguarding the nation’s freedom.

Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong criticized Donald Trump’s tariff policies, especially those targeting India and China. Reacting on X, Xu likened Trump to a bully, warning against appeasement. He also quoted Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who said using tariffs as weapons violates global trade norms. Trump's new tariffs on India followed failed trade talks and India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. Trump hinted at similar actions against China, escalating ongoing trade tensions.

The government is taking steps to increase the salaries and pay grades of primary school teachers and field-level education officers. The Directorate of Primary Education has proposed a two-step pay hike for teachers, upgrading them to the 11th grade.

A recommendation will be submitted next week to raise the pay grade by one level for all officials from Assistant Upazila Education Officers to Divisional Deputy Directors. This move follows a recent High Court ruling that upgraded the salaries of government primary school headteachers to the 10th grade.

To resolve the resulting disparities and complexities, the Directorate has also changed the title of "Assistant Teacher" to simply “Teacher.” The Director General of the Directorate of Primary Education confirmed that these reforms aim to bring greater equality and motivation to the primary education sector.

Police have made progress in the investigation of journalist Asaduzzaman Tuhin’s murder in Gazipur's Chandana Chowrasta. Authorities revealed the attack stemmed from a honey trap involving a woman named Golapi, who lured a man named Badsha. Armed men attacked Badsha while Tuhin recorded the scene, prompting the attackers to fatally assault him. Five suspects have been arrested, and several others identified through CCTV footage. Law enforcement continues operations to apprehend the remaining fugitives, including Golapi. The case involves 20–25 unnamed suspects.

Sumaiya Tahmid Jafrin, wife of Major Sadekul Haque, was arrested for her alleged involvement in planning anti-government activities via a secret Facebook group called "ODB-M-1701." She reportedly managed data collection, communication, and secret meetings aimed at creating unrest. Authorities claim she worked to mobilize banned political groups and destabilize the government. Sumaiya was granted a 5-day remand for interrogation. The case has led to the arrest of 28 people so far, with further investigation ongoing.

Advisor Adilur Rahman Khan has urged the nation to honor the martyrs of the July Uprising, stating that their sacrifices were instrumental in securing Bangladesh’s “second independence.” Speaking during a site visit to the proposed location for the July Memorial at the July Smriti Udyan in Chattogram, he emphasized that all future governments must recognize their contribution.

“This park has been named after the July martyrs. We are exploring the possibility of constructing a monument here. A design will be prepared and submitted for approval to the Ministries of Liberation War Affairs and Cultural Affairs,” he said.

While acknowledging some objections to the construction of the monument, Adilur assured that they are minor and will be addressed. He also revealed that over 834 families of martyrs have already received government assistance, with most issues resolved apart from some pending forensic matters.

Prices of daily essentials like onions, eggs, chicken, lentils, and vegetables have sharply increased in Dhaka due to continuous rainfall disrupting supply chains. Onion prices rose by up to Tk 20 per kg in a week, eggs by Tk 10 per dozen, and tomato and chili prices hit Tk 200–280 per kg. Fixed-income earners are struggling, while traders blame supply shortages. Experts warn inflation could worsen without government intervention to stabilize demand and supply during the ongoing monsoon and flood season.

Former minister and engineer Mosharraf Hossain has been transferred from the Dhaka Central Jail hospital to the ICU of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) following a serious health deterioration.

His wife, Ayesha Sultana, has submitted a formal appeal to the chief advisor seeking his immediate release on bail for advanced medical treatment. “He became critically ill on the night of August 5, and was moved to BSMMU for emergency care. I have appealed to the chief advisor for his swift bail and access to better treatment,” she said.

With the national election expected in December, BNP is intensifying its internal race for nominations. Senior leaders are confirmed, while surveys are being conducted to select remaining candidates. Analysts say this election will be competitive and voter-focused, with public engagement, leadership, and integrity being key factors. BNP plans to nominate widely accepted, dedicated leaders and may allocate seats to allies. Social media is expected to influence the campaign heavily, making candidate quality more crucial than ever before.

Dipankar Bar, spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has announced that a comprehensive master plan for St. Martin’s Island is in the final stages of preparation. The plan includes sustainable waste management solutions and the development of alternative income-generating activities for local residents.

Efforts are also being made to regulate tourism on the island to help restore its fragile ecosystem. Over the past year, the ministry has undertaken several groundbreaking initiatives to protect the environment, conserve forests and biodiversity, and address the impacts of climate change.

Key actions include the nationwide ban on polythene bags in shopping malls, the formulation of a National Air Quality Management Plan, and the demolition of 830 illegal brick kilns. The process is underway to declare Savar and Ashulia as “polluted air zones.” Illegal lead factories have been shut down, and youth engagement programs have been launched to raise awareness about noise pollution.

The ministry also continues to work on forest conservation, wildlife rescue, and various other environmental programs.