At the World AI Conference in Shanghai, Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized the urgent need for global consensus on balancing the rapid development of artificial intelligence with its security risks. He called for responsible governance, open-source collaboration, and announced a new China-led international body to enhance AI cooperation. Li highlighted challenges such as misinformation, job displacement, and loss of human control. Meanwhile, U.S. President Trump vowed aggressive policies to ensure American dominance in AI, aiming to reduce regulatory hurdles for private innovation.

In an interview with Turkish media, Sadiq Kayem, leader of Bangladesh's July uprising, accused India of treating Bangladesh like a colony for 16 years and backing the Hasina regime, including the August 5 massacre. He likened India's treatment of Muslims to that of Israel’s policies, rejecting Indian dominance. Kayem also called the Awami League a terrorist group and emphasized the movement's independence from foreign influence. He expressed hopes for a balanced foreign policy, especially with China.

BNP Joint Secretary General Habib-Un-Nabi Khan Sohel visited the family of Rojoni Islam, a parent who died in a tragic Air Force jet crash near the Milestone School & College campus in Dhaka’s Uttara Diabari area. Offering condolences, Sohel met with the victim’s husband, daughter, and son, encouraging them to remain strong during this difficult time. He also emphasized the urgent need for more effective disaster management systems to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the establishment of a Palestinian state is essential for resolving the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, including tensions with Israel. He reiterated Russia’s long-standing support for a two-state solution, noting that the country officially recognized Palestine's independence back in 1988. Peskov urged all parties to adhere to UN Security Council resolutions to achieve lasting peace. Meanwhile, in the UK, 220 MPs—mostly from the ruling Labour Party—have called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to formally recognize Palestine. France has also announced its intention to recognize the Palestinian state soon.

Following a meeting with the Chief Adviser and 14 political parties on Saturday afternoon, Mostafa Jamal Haider, Chairman of the Jatiya Party (Kazi Zafar faction), announced that the date for the upcoming national parliamentary election will be declared within four to five days. “There could be no greater news than this,” he said, adding that elections are the key to resolving current unrest. He emphasized that many of the country’s ongoing problems can only be addressed through a credible electoral process. Previously, the Chief Adviser held two rounds of meetings with leaders of various political parties and alliances, including the NCP, BNP, and Jamaat-e-Islami.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has stated that while structural reform of the state and economy cannot happen overnight, democratic practices are essential for achieving such transformation. Speaking at an event in Dhaka, he remarked that democracy has been systematically destroyed over the past 15 years, leading to rampant corruption due to lack of accountability. "BNP believes in democracy, which is why we are demanding elections," he said. Criticizing the proportional representation (PR) system, Fakhrul noted that the people of this country prefer to directly elect their leaders. He also referred to the potential impact of Trump's proposed tariffs as a major threat, stressing the need for dialogue among political parties to address pressing national issues.

Nahid Islam, Convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), stated that while the current constitution is based on Mujibist ideology, it still requires reform to facilitate national development. At a roadside rally in Moulvibazar, he criticized the government for allegedly blaming the recent police killing in Baniachong on uprising participants. He reaffirmed NCP’s commitment to improving the living standards of tea workers and ensuring ethnic and cultural rights. The party's leaders are currently traveling from Moulvibazar to Kishoreganj as part of their campaign.

Professor Md. Nasir Uddin, acting director of the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute, stated that two more injured students—Ayan Khan and Rafsi (both 12)—have been discharged. A total of 36 patients remain hospitalized, with four in critical condition receiving treatment in the ICU. An additional nine patients are in the "CBR" category—serious but not immediately life-threatening. Nasir Uddin expressed hope that at least 10 more patients would be released next week. He also confirmed the deaths of two more patients and said that a specialized medical team including foreign doctors has been formed, with all necessary equipment available.

Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Advisor, Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, announced that the Chief Advisor has begun a third round of political consultations in Jamuna. Among the political leaders attending the dialogue are Tipu Biswas (Coordinator, National People's Front), Mustafa Jamal Haider (Leader, 12-Party Alliance), Maulana Abdul Majed Athari (Vice President, Nizam-e-Islam Party), Maulana Yusuf Ashraf (Senior Deputy Emir, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish), Fariduzzaman Farhad (Chairman, NPP), Syed Ehsanul Huda (Chairman, Jatiya Dal), Dr. Mushtaq Hossain (Bangladesh JASAD), and Bobby Hajjaj (Chairman, Nationalist Democratic Movement).

The government is planning to purchase three additional ships to increase revenue for the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC), according to Brigadier General (Retd.) M. Sakhawat Hossain, Maritime Affairs Advisor. During a visit to the shipbreaking yards in Sitakunda, Chattogram, he stated that 14 yards have received ‘green certification’ by complying with the Hong Kong Convention. Those that fail to meet standards must cease operations. He assured that the government will assist yards in complying with regulations.

Professor Asif Nazrul, legal advisor to the interim government, stated that regular changes in power through elections are essential to democracy. “Governments become monstrous when they lose fear of losing power—Sheikh Hasina is a prime example,” he said at the 11th Human Rights Conference organized by the Dhaka University Human Rights Society. Nazrul highlighted the increasing challenges to protecting human rights and urged reforms not just in law, but in mindset and institutional behavior. He stressed the importance of embedding human rights education at every level of society.

Economist and former central bank governor Salehuddin Ahmed stated that Bangladesh currently lacks well-functioning institutions. At a book launch event in Dhaka, he said that 80% of the country’s banking resources are misallocated and that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates $35 billion will be required to restructure the sector. He added that both legal integrity and procedural systems have deteriorated. Mirza Fakhrul Islam, Secretary General of the BNP, also spoke at the event, claiming that corruption has increased fivefold. Both speakers called for urgent democratic reforms and structural changes in political power.

Lieutenant General (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Advisor to the Ministry of Home Affairs, revealed that India has forcibly pushed back approximately 1,500 Bangladeshis across the border in the past month. “Leaving people in forests or riverbanks during such pushbacks is completely unacceptable,” he said during a visit to the RAB-11 headquarters in Narayanganj. He emphasized that India should follow formal repatriation procedures, as Bangladesh does. Chowdhury also alleged that Rohingya refugees were being sent through certain border points, which Bangladesh has refused to accept. He noted that protests have slightly reduced the number of recent pushbacks.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has reported that at least 652 children have died from malnutrition and hunger in Nigeria’s Katsina State between January and June 2025. The crisis has been exacerbated by a significant reduction in international aid, particularly from the US, UK, and EU. MSF noted a 208% increase in the number of severely malnourished children compared to last year. The UN World Food Programme has already announced the suspension of aid to 1.3 million people by the end of July. Insecurity, armed robbery, and mass displacement have further complicated the humanitarian situation in Katsina.

Following the intelligence failure on October 7, 2023, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have decided to mandate Arabic language and Islamic studies training for all members of their military intelligence branch, Aman. According to The Jerusalem Post, the move aims to enhance analytical capabilities within the force. By 2025, 100% of personnel will be trained in Islamic studies, and at least 50% will be proficient in Arabic, including dialects used in Yemen and Iraq. A senior IDF official admitted their current knowledge of local languages, cultures, and religions is insufficient. To address this, a new training division will be established, and the previously defunct “Telem” learning center will be revived.