The newly inaugurated Mawlana Bhashani Bridge has been left in complete darkness after thieves stole the electric cables connected to its lamp posts—barely a day after its grand opening. Local residents allege that miscreants dug up the ground at the Haripur point of the bridge and cut away the cables. As a result, no lights have functioned on the bridge for the past two nights. Frustrated locals blame the negligence of LGED authorities for the incident. They also recall that even on inauguration day, the bridge remained unlit, leaving thousands of visitors in difficulty. At the time, engineer Ujjal Chowdhury explained that a control machine malfunction had caused the issue, claiming it would take three to five days to fix. However, after news of Friday’s cable theft broke, attempts to reach him went unanswered.

The body of veteran journalist Bibhuranjan Sarkar was recovered from the Meghna River in Gazaria, Munshiganj, a day after he went missing. Police discovered his body floating in the river near Kalagachhia on Friday afternoon. His family later confirmed the identification. Sarkar, a senior assistant editor at Dainik Ajker Patrika, left his Siddheshwari residence Thursday morning for his office but never arrived. His son filed a missing person’s report that night at Ramna Police Station. The discovery of his body has shocked Bangladesh’s journalism community.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has declared that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina must face justice in Bangladesh for her role in enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Fakhrul accused Hasina of being “directly responsible” and insisted she receive the “highest punishment.” He claimed that 1,700 BNP leaders and activists had been forcibly disappeared under her rule. The BNP leader broke down emotionally while recalling the suffering of families who lost multiple members, including children, to enforced disappearances. He reiterated the party’s commitment to holding those responsible accountable, including Hasina herself.

A 27-year-old man, Durjoy Chowdhury, allegedly committed suicide inside police custody at Chakaria Police Station, Cox’s Bazar, by wrapping his shirt around a cell grille. The incident is believed to have occurred between midnight and 4 a.m. on Thursday. Durjoy, an office assistant at Chakaria Government High School, had been accused by the headteacher, Rabeya Khanam, of embezzling Tk 2.83 lakh. He was handed over to police by the complainant herself. Family members alleged that the headteacher pressured police to detain him. Local officials confirmed that Durjoy admitted to misappropriating funds before legal action was taken.

Ahead of the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and hall elections, the Chief Returning Officer, Prof. Dr. Mohammad Jasim Uddin, has ordered the removal of all campaign billboards and banners currently displayed on campus. He stated that candidates may only begin campaigning from the designated date and must strictly follow the electoral code of conduct. The official urged all candidates and their supporters to comply with the guidelines to ensure a fair election process.

Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration Mokhlesur Rahman has vowed stern action against those involved in the looting of white stone from Sylhet’s Sadapathar tourist spot—regardless of political affiliation or official rank. During a visit to the site, he described the scale of the theft as “plunder, not just looting,” and held nearby security forces partially accountable. He also ordered the entire tourist area to be placed under 24-hour CCTV surveillance to prevent further exploitation.

Bangladesh’s interim government has warned that airing or publishing audio statements of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be considered a grave violation of the 2009 Anti-Terrorism Act. The Press Wing reminded media outlets that last December, the tribunal had already banned the broadcast of “hateful” statements by the ousted leader. Despite this, some outlets aired a speech in which Hasina allegedly spread “false and provocative claims.” Authorities cautioned that any future broadcasts would trigger immediate legal action. Hasina fled Bangladesh after being accused of ordering mass killings during the July uprising. She has been convicted by a tribunal and faces charges of crimes against humanity, while her Awami League party remains banned. The interim government pledged to ensure justice, accountability, and the country’s first genuinely free and fair elections.

BNP leader Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie has called for a shift in Bangladesh’s political culture, stressing that politics should be pursued “for service and dignity, not for profiteering or dominance.” He urged leaders to abandon the mentality of using politics as a means of personal gain. Annie reaffirmed BNP’s commitment to rebuilding the nation under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, vowing to resist what he termed “fascist Hasina’s legacy.” He added that Rahman aims to introduce a new era of uncompromising politics and social reform, following the vision of late President Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia.

Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, currently visiting Dhaka, announced that direct flights between Bangladesh and Pakistan will begin “very soon.” He highlighted opportunities for cooperation in agriculture, science, and investment. On August 24, the two nations are set to sign a Joint Working Group agreement, paving the way for a trade and investment roadmap. Discussions are also underway to establish direct feeder shipping services between Chattogram and Karachi to boost bilateral trade.

The United States has announced new sanctions targeting individuals and companies accused of facilitating Iran’s illegal oil sales. The State Department revealed Thursday that two China-based crude oil and petroleum terminal operators were sanctioned for importing “millions of barrels” of Iranian crude via blacklisted tankers. The Treasury Department also sanctioned Greek national Antonios Margaritis, his network, and associated firms for allegedly exploiting his shipping industry ties to transport Iranian petroleum. Several additional vessels and operators were blacklisted as Washington tightened pressure on Tehran’s oil exports.

The United Kingdom has summoned Israeli Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely to protest Israel’s approval of the contentious E1 settlement project in the occupied West Bank. Alongside 21 international partners, Britain strongly condemned the move, warning it would constitute a “clear violation of international law” and threaten the viability of a future Palestinian state by splitting it into two. Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich recently authorized the construction of 3,401 settlement units in Ma’ale Adumim, east of Jerusalem, along with 3,515 more in surrounding areas. Critics say the project is designed to fragment the West Bank and isolate East Jerusalem, undermining prospects for a two-state solution.

In a dramatic move, eight leaders of the ruling Awami League from Nonikhir Union, Muksudpur upazila, Gopalganj, have resigned from all party positions. Announcing their decision at a press conference, the leaders said, “We are voluntarily stepping down from all posts in Nonikhir Union Awami League. However, we remain committed to safeguarding the independence, sovereignty, and interests of the people of Bangladesh.” The resigning leaders include: Vice Presidents Monoj Moulik and Kazi Mizanur Rahman, Deputy Publicity Secretary Russell Sheikh, Member Swapon Sheikh, Ward-1 President Md. Nur Alam Mia, Ward-6 Organizing Secretary Subal Roy, Ward-9 Labor Secretary Akkach Chokdar, and Union Volunteer League General Secretary Jalil Kazi. They affirmed that they would continue working for the nation’s welfare beyond partisan interests and declared that they have severed all ties with Awami League, permanently.

The National Consensus Party (NCP) has submitted its formal feedback on the draft July Charter to the National Consensus Commission. The submission came Friday afternoon, following the Commission’s decision to extend the deadline for political parties to provide input. Earlier in the week, BNP and five other parties shared their recommendations, followed by Jamaat-e-Islami on Thursday. So far, a total of 11 political parties—including JSD, Khilafat Majlis, and Marxist BSD—have given their opinions on the final draft.

BNP leader Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain has cautioned opposition groups that insisting on a Proportional Representation (PR) voting system could inadvertently strengthen a fallen authoritarian regime if it delays elections. Speaking on Thursday, Zahid questioned whether such parties were “indirectly working in favor of dictatorship.” He urged political unity, saying, “We must resist authoritarianism through politics, not brute force.” He further argued that reforms within BNP had already begun, whereas parties now demanding reform had shown no such initiative in the past.

A devastating fire broke out in a Gandaria residence early Friday after an electrical transformer exploded, leaving three members of the same family critically injured. The victims—Moslem Uddin (65), his wife Salma Begum (50), and their son Mejbah Uddin (28)—were rushed to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery. Dr. Sultan Mahmud Sikder, acting surgeon at the hospital’s emergency unit, confirmed that Moslem suffered 90% burns, Salma 55%, and Mejbah 100%, including severe damage to their airways. Mejbah has since succumbed to his injuries, while the others remain in critical condition.