A report published Monday by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) revealed the formation of a ‘Kings Party’ with government backing. Dr. Iftikharuzzaman stated there is nothing to hide. The party, also referred to as NCP (Nationalist Communist Party), includes two members currently in government, hence the ‘Kings Party’ label. TIB’s research covering August last year to June this year documented 471 political violence incidents causing 121 deaths and over 5,100 injuries. BNP was involved in 92% of cases, Awami League 22%, Jamaat-e-Islami 5%, and NCP 1%. The report warns that the banning of Awami League activities could risk normalizing political repression and create political instability due to lack of a clear government roadmap.

At an event on Monday, BNP Secretary General presented honors, gifts, and financial assistance to the families of 78 youth league members martyred in the July uprising. Six youth league leaders were also posthumously awarded. The youth league recognized Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman, and the BNP secretary general for their contributions to anti-fascist movements over the past 17 years. Tarique Rahman addressed the gathering, emphasizing that Bangladeshis now demand fulfillment of political promises and improved living standards. He acknowledged the sacrifices of the martyrs and the 17 years of struggle for political rights amid oppression, torture, enforced disappearances, and killings. Highlighting that over one-third of the population is youth, Tarique outlined BNP’s initiative to develop skill-based education and pledged to ensure healthcare access. He stressed multilingual education and empowerment.

Student League leader Nasir Uddin Nasir criticized the ongoing authoritarianism in Muradnagar, Kumilla, saying that those who established fascism there over the last 17 years remain in power and openly roam the area. He visited jailed Muradnagar Student League leader Nazim Mahmud and 13 other BNP and affiliated leaders arrested over attacks on a police station and a student coordinator. Nasir lamented that despite positive politics across Bangladesh, Muradnagar lacks it, with advisor Asif Mahmud managing the area as he pleases. While no Awami League leaders are imprisoned there, 13 BNP leaders remain behind bars. Nasir demanded their immediate release and the withdrawal of the Muradnagar police officer-in-charge.

After a meeting with Education Advisor Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar, Professor Mojibur Rahman from Jamaat stated that their top demand is the nationalization of all private educational institutions and teachers.

“Our second demand is the quick inclusion of non-MPO teachers into the MPO scheme,” he said during a press briefing. Jamaat also called for resolving the long-standing issues of teachers denied benefits due to political bias over the past 17 years, disbursing pensions to retired teachers, and incorporating independent Ebtedayi madrasa teachers into the MPO system.

“We've also requested the inclusion of teacher representatives from all types of educational institutions in the syllabus formulation committees. The Education Advisor listened attentively and assured us that our demands will be reviewed,” Mojibur added.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has alleged that a fresh conspiracy is being orchestrated to plunge the country back into instability and obstruct its democratic transition.

“We’ve struggled for 17 long years under the leadership of Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman. Now, when we have a chance to move toward democracy, there’s a plot to derail it,” he warned.

Fakhrul emphasized that the greatest challenges ahead are rebuilding the collapsed economy and political structure. “Every time Bangladesh faced destruction, BNP took on the responsibility to rebuild. We are ready to do it again,” he said. Urging political unity, he added, “Let’s not waste this opportunity by engaging in blame games.”

Maritime Advisor M. Sakhawat Hossain announced that construction of 18 vessels for the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) at the Three Angle Shipyard in Gazaria, Munshiganj, is 90% complete.

“Although delivery was originally scheduled to begin in March, some delays occurred. Now, we expect deliveries to start from September,” he said during a site visit. He declined to comment on issues like sand mining and warship construction. The shipyard’s managing director confirmed that preparations are underway to deliver the vessels promptly.

At a prayer gathering, Islami Andolan leader Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim stated that Islami Andolan Bangladesh stood firm on the streets from the start to the end of the July movement. He emphasized that while others might have had exit points if the movement was disrupted, Islami Andolan’s leaders and activists had none. Faizul further claimed that those who met with the Awami League on August 3 and 4 last year are now claiming to be the architects of the July revolution. He highlighted the significant role played by expatriates during the revolution, noting that by halting remittance flows, they ‘dried up Sheikh Hasina’s lifeblood,’ which helped the revolution succeed.

The Election Commission (EC) has announced an 11-day correction period before publishing the final voter list.

According to EC spokesperson Shariful Alam, a draft voter list including all citizens born on or before January 1, 2007, will be released on August 10. Voters will have until August 21 to apply for corrections, transfers, or removal of ineligible or deceased voters. The final voter list will be published on August 31, with all applications resolved by August 24.

Advisor Mahfuz Alam stated that Islami Chhatra Shibir played a significant role in the July Uprising by providing manpower and coordination.

“Shibir activists contributed from various platforms and, in some cases, led the movement forward,” said Mahfuz. He cautioned against denying anyone’s contributions due to ideological or political differences.

He also acknowledged the roles of Chhatra Dal, Chhatra Adhikar Parishad, Chhatra Union, madrasa students, working-class communities, and even rickshaw-pullers and lower-income citizens. He noted that women also fought on the streets and cared for the wounded. “It was a collective resistance involving people from all walks of life,” he added.

Despite collecting over Tk 17,700 crore from consumers since 2009, Bangladesh's Gas Development Fund (GDF) has failed to boost domestic gas reserves. More than half of the fund was diverted to LNG imports and the national treasury, violating its intended use. Only Tk 7,403 crore was spent on gas exploration projects. With just Tk 1,300 crore remaining, future exploration is at risk. Experts warn of an energy crisis unless transparency is ensured and misused funds are recovered.

Bangladesh’s demand for dollars has dropped despite improved supply, largely due to a sharp decline in capital machinery imports. LC openings rose by only 0.18% in FY 2024-25, with June hitting a 4.5-year low. Economists link this to reduced investment, economic stagnation, and falling consumption. Remittance and exports have surged, stabilizing the exchange rate. The central bank is now buying dollars to build reserves. Experts say boosting imports and ensuring political stability are essential to revive economic momentum and meet long-term growth needs.

Water levels in Kaptai Lake have reached 107 meters above mean sea level, nearing the danger mark. In response, authorities at the Karnaphuli Hydroelectric Power Station may open 16 spillway gates this afternoon to release 9,000 cusecs of water. The situation is being monitored closely due to ongoing rainfall and upstream flow. If water levels rise unexpectedly, more gates will be opened. Currently, five power generation units are discharging about 32,000 cusecs into the Karnaphuli River, which flows into the Bay of Bengal.

Inca Kola, a nearly century-old golden-yellow soda, remains Peru’s favorite soft drink, outshining global giant Coca-Cola. Created in 1935 by British immigrant Joseph Lindley, its unique blend of 13 spices symbolizes Peruvian pride. During WWII, anti-Japanese sentiment halted Coca-Cola supplies to Japanese-owned stores, allowing Inca Kola to dominate. Despite selling 50% shares to Coca-Cola in 1999, local ownership and cultural significance keep Inca Kola deeply embedded in Peru’s identity and daily life.

The August Carnival 2025 will be held on August 7-9 at Aloki, Gulshan-Tejgaon Link Road, Dhaka, attracting 8,000-10,000 visitors daily. The festival features live concerts by popular artists including Sheikh Ishtiaq and Raayan Islam Shuvro, a Qawwali Night with Sufi Parvez, stand-up comedy, workshops, and interactive sessions. Over 100 lifestyle and food stalls, puppet shows, and family entertainment will also be available. Running from 11 AM to 11 PM, this event promises a vibrant fusion of music, art, food, and creativity.

Former Bangladesh Army Chief M. Harun-ur-Rashid was found dead at the Chattogram Club guest house on Monday noon. He was 75. Police reported that he had arrived in Chattogram from Dhaka the previous day. When he failed to open his room door in the morning, suspicions arose, and his body was later seen through a window. The cause of death remains unknown. A decorated freedom fighter, Harun received the Bir Protik award and later served as ambassador to Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji.