The Election Commission has received 43 opinions on the draft Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates in the upcoming national elections. Contributors include eight political parties, including the BNP, two non-governmental organizations, and 33 individuals. Most registered political parties did not submit any feedback. The BNP largely agreed with the proposed guidelines but also suggested additional amendments. Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) proposed significant changes, including greater financial transparency, impartiality of government officials, and regulation of AI technologies. The Election Commission has stated that it will review these suggestions and make necessary revisions.

Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. A. F. M. Khalid Hossain condemned the leak of photos taken during his official visit to Chattogram Central Jail, calling it a politically motivated act to distort facts. He clarified that the visit aimed to expand religious and moral education for inmates, and all protocols were followed. The photos were taken by a prison official and leaked without authorization. He warned against conspiracies by defeated political forces and reaffirmed commitment to transparency and national welfare.

Iran’s top religious leader Abu Torabi Ferd declared that if another conflict arises, Israel’s military and economic backbone will be shattered. Reflecting on the recent 12-day war, he highlighted Iran’s national unity and significant damage inflicted on Israel, estimating losses of $30-35 billion—8% of Israel’s GDP. Despite ongoing readiness, Iran warned Israel that any future mistakes could threaten its existence. The conflict involved missile strikes and U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, ending with a ceasefire on June 24.

Iran’s Nahid-2 satellite was successfully launched into orbit from Russia’s Vostochny Cosmodrome aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket. Developed jointly by the Iran Space Agency and Iran Space Research Center, Nahid-2 is part of a multinational mission involving 20 satellites. Designed to operate for five years, it features a domestically made propulsion system capable of adjusting altitude by 50 kilometers. The satellite also incorporates Iranian-developed thermal coatings and powerful lithium-ion batteries built for long-term space missions.

The border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has intensified into its second day with heavy gunfire from both sides. Thailand has declined third-party mediation offers, insisting the crisis must be resolved through bilateral talks only. The clashes, the most severe in a decade, have killed at least 16 people, mostly Thai civilians. Despite international concern and mediation proposals from the US, China, and Malaysia, Thailand maintains that external involvement is unnecessary. Cambodia condemned Thailand’s recent airstrike as reckless aggression.

National Citizens Party convener Nahid Islam called for a mass gathering on August 3 at the Sylhet Central Shaheed Minar to confirm the July Charter and Declaration. He paid tribute to 17 martyrs of the July Mass Uprising from Sylhet and emphasized the region’s historic role in Bangladesh’s freedom struggle. Nahid highlighted Sylhet’s ongoing marginalization in resource allocation and political representation, urging support for expatriates’ voting rights and their inclusion in national policy-making.

The United States has removed sanctions on several close associates of Myanmar’s military junta, following a letter from junta leader Min Aung Hlaing praising former President Donald Trump and requesting tariff reductions. The move marks a significant policy shift, drawing criticism from Human Rights Watch, which warns it could undermine efforts to hold the military accountable for crimes against humanity. Myanmar’s rare mineral resources and geopolitical considerations with China are believed to influence the US decision.

Thailand has imposed martial law in eight border provinces following two days of deadly clashes with Cambodia that have killed at least 16 Thais and displaced over 138,000 people. Fighting involving tanks, artillery, and airstrikes has erupted, with both sides blaming each other. Cambodia reported civilian casualties as well. Thailand has expressed readiness for talks, but no response has come from Phnom Penh. The UN Security Council has called an emergency meeting amid fears of escalation and economic fallout in the tourism-dependent region.

Iran and the three European signatories of the 2015 nuclear deal—Britain, France, and Germany—have concluded their second round of nuclear discussions in Istanbul. The closed-door meeting lasted over three hours at the Iranian Embassy. This follows earlier talks in May and a recent disruption caused by an Israeli strike on Iran. Although no official statement was released, diplomatic sources suggest future meetings are likely. The talks aim to revive diplomacy amid ongoing tensions over Iran’s nuclear program.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has criticized Israel for blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza, calling it a violation of international law. He urged Israel to hand over control of aid distribution to international agencies, noting that Canadian-funded supplies are stuck and not reaching those in need. Carney called for honest negotiations toward a ceasefire and reiterated Canada’s support for a two-state solution. He also announced Foreign Minister Anita Anand’s participation in next week’s UN summit on the two-state solution in New York.

Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal is set to begin trials in August for four cases related to crimes against humanity committed during the July Uprising. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other top officials are among the 57 accused. Charges include mass killings, burnings, and targeted assassinations. Two cases will begin witness hearings in August, while two others are at the charge-framing stage. So far, 430 complaints have been filed, and 206 people charged in connection with the post-uprising atrocities.

Nurul Haque Nur, President of the Gono Odhikar Parishad, stated that if the ruling government fails to act impartially, a neutral caretaker government may be necessary to oversee upcoming elections. Speaking at a rally in Cumilla, Nur demanded a transparent investigation into the Milestone incident and criticized the government's failure to ensure public safety. He also called for a permanent ban on the Awami League in national politics.

The Awami League’s 10-story central office in Gulistan, Dhaka, inaugurated by Sheikh Hasina in 2018, now lies abandoned and damaged. It was vandalized and set ablaze during the August 5 uprising in 2024. Most of its infrastructure — including windows, doors, electrical wiring, and elevators — has reportedly been looted. A banner reading "International Institute for the Study of Fascism and Genocide" now hangs at the entrance, while cleaning and repair work is ongoing inside the building.

BNP Standing Committee member Dr. Abdul Moin Khan has said the message of the July Uprising will be lost unless it is aligned with the spirit of democracy. Speaking at a seminar at the National Press Club, he remarked, "The uprising ended 15 years of autocratic rule and created a new opportunity for democracy in Bangladesh — but we’ve yet to fully seize it." He stressed that free and fair elections are the cornerstone of democracy and urged for measured, strategic change rather than hasty political shifts.

Sadik Kayem, a leader of the youth-led democratic movement, described the "July Uprising" as a pivotal movement against 16 years of autocratic rule in Bangladesh. Sparked by the quota reform movement and amplified through social media, the protest overcame strict censorship and internet shutdowns to gain national momentum. The movement intensified following violent attacks on women and reportedly received silent support from some sections of the armed forces. Kayem emphasized that justice for the perpetrators remains a priority and expressed hope for a future Bangladesh that is democratic, just, and free from Indian dominance.