The US has introduced a new policy requiring immigration officials to assess visa applicants’ “attitude towards America.” Those found expressing anti-American sentiments may be denied entry. This includes monitoring applicants’ activities on social media. Evidence of anti-American views, ties to terrorist organizations, or involvement in antisemitic activities could disqualify applicants. The revised guidelines from USCIS have raised concerns among immigration rights activists and lawyers, who fear the measure could be misused. CNN reports that the US State Department has already canceled more than 6,000 student visas this year under tightened scrutiny.

In a bid to sustain business momentum, Bangladesh Bank has relaxed its lending guidelines, allowing banks to distribute loans without implementing the Internal Credit Risk Rating Systems (ICRRS). Banks can now disburse loans based on their own risk assessments to safeguard institutional interests. The central bank explained that the earlier mandatory ICRRS-based lending policy was causing delays due to lengthy audits and financial scrutiny of entrepreneurs. To cut through such complications, a new circular has been issued.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) detained four hijra individuals while they were attempting to illegally cross into India through the Bashatala border in Sunamganj. The detainees were identified as Zahidul Islam (19), Reza Ahmed (20), Moskan Akhter (20), and Roni Hasan (25). BGB intercepted them around 3 a.m. Wednesday at the zero point of the Bashatala border. They were later handed over to Doarabazar police, who filed a case and presented them before the Sunamganj court later in the day.

India has successfully tested its indigenously developed Agni-5 missile, capable of carrying nuclear warheads, from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha. The medium-range ballistic missile can strike targets up to 5,000 kilometers away and is the most advanced in India’s Agni series. Weighing 1.5 tons, it is equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, allowing it to deliver multiple warheads to different targets with a single launch. India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the test met all operational and technical standards, marking a major boost to the country’s strategic defense capabilities.

Md. Nazmul Islam, Joint Convener of the Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangshad (Bagchas) Jahangirnagar University unit, has resigned through a Facebook post. Following his announcement, Nazmul was seen distributing sweets at the university’s Bottola area. In his post, he wrote: “I, Md. Nazmul Islam, Joint Convener of Bagchas Jahangirnagar University branch, am resigning from my position.” He added that he would explain the reasons behind his resignation at a press conference on Thursday.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Helal Uddin has warned that holding national elections without improving law and order and ensuring reforms will prevent a fair voting environment. He stressed that the global community will not accept a “mockery” of elections that lack credibility, inclusiveness, and neutrality. Helal insisted that equal opportunities, security, and a level playing field for all political parties and candidates must be guaranteed before the polls. Without such measures, he warned, both candidates and voters may face insecurity. “If the interim government fails to present the nation with a credible, free, and impartial election, it will have to answer to the people,” Helal declared. He also highlighted that 71% of citizens prefer the Proportional Representation (PR) system but alleged that invisible pressures are preventing the government from adopting it. He urged immediate announcement of elections under the PR system.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has announced that revenue collection grew nearly 25% in July, the first month of the 2025–26 fiscal year. NBR collected Tk 27,249 crore in July 2025, up from Tk 21,916 crore in the same month last year—an increase of 24.33%. The highest revenue came from VAT, totaling Tk 11,352 crore, marking a 32.45% growth compared to last year’s Tk 8,571 crore. Income tax and travel tax generated Tk 6,295 crore (up 21.65% from Tk 5,175 crore), while import duties rose 17.52% to Tk 9,602 crore from Tk 8,170 crore last year.

A cheque distribution ceremony for state-funded films, scheduled for Wednesday at 3 PM, ended in frustration after Information Adviser Mahfuz Alam failed to arrive on time. Journalists, invited by the Information Ministry, left the venue around 4:45 PM after waiting for nearly two hours. The program was initially delayed to 4 PM, but invitees and reporters had already gathered earlier. As time passed, journalists grew impatient, with many criticizing the adviser’s repeated delays. He eventually arrived at 5 PM—15 minutes after the journalists left. The program concluded around 6 PM.

BNP leader Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie has warned of multiple conspiracies surrounding the upcoming elections, stressing that stronger unity is key to overcoming them. Visiting families of students and teachers injured in the Milestone tragedy, Annie delivered financial aid on behalf of Tarique Rahman. He criticized the government’s limited role in helping victims, questioning why an investigation committee has yet to produce results after a month. “On Sheikh Hasina’s orders, Uttara was turned into a death zone during the uprising. BNP is not just about rallies—we are committed to rebuilding the nation and will continue to fight for the people,” Annie said.

Information and Broadcasting Adviser Mahfuz Alam has announced that the ministry will extend full cooperation in improving the quality of films produced with government grants. Speaking at a cheque handover ceremony, he said the ministry will also arrange workshops on film development. “This year’s grant selections were made with maximum transparency, and the stories represent diverse themes,” he added. He emphasized that all state-funded films will be archived in the Bangladesh Film Archive and screened under its management. Mahfuz expressed regret that many filmmakers failed to complete projects within deadlines and urged timely delivery. At the event, the government disbursed Tk 1.8 crore in first installments for 12 full-length films (Tk 15 lakh each) and Tk 1.2 crore for 20 short films (Tk 6 lakh each).

Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday night for a four-day official visit. He was welcomed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by Commerce Adviser Bashir Uddin and Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Imran Haider. Scheduled from August 21–24, 2025, the visit aims to strengthen bilateral trade relations and expand economic cooperation. During his stay, the minister will meet his Bangladeshi counterpart, senior government officials, and leading business leaders.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has warned that the party’s struggle is far from over, as democracy is yet to be fully restored. Speaking on Thursday, he said, “To regain democracy, we may have to cross more dangerous paths ahead. Our leaders, activists, and nationalist forces are prepared.” He alleged ongoing conspiracies and “master plans” to obstruct free and fair elections. Rizvi credited Tarique Rahman for organizing the ongoing student-people movement and recalled Ziaur Rahman’s role in restoring multiparty democracy after the “dark age of Baksal.” He blamed international conspiracies for Zia’s assassination in 1981, calling it a blow to Bangladesh’s security and freedom.

BNP leader Sultan Salahuddin Tuku has claimed that nearly 450 BNP activists have been martyred in the party’s movement. Speaking on Wednesday, he said, “Under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, the fall of fascism came at the cost of countless sacrifices.” Tuku accused Sheikh Hasina of destroying electoral democracy, stealing people’s rights through midnight voting, and establishing a “robber government” that has now collapsed. “They abducted and killed our leaders, tortured our chairperson in jail for six years. We are not in politics for power but to restore people’s rights,” he added.

Hefazat-e-Islam has expressed deep concern and outrage over the public death threats issued against researcher Dr. Mohammad Sarowar Hossain and writer Asif Mahatab Utso. In a statement, Hefazat alleged that Safwan Chowdhury Rebel, identified as a homosexual activist, is not only engaged in anti-religious and anti-social propaganda but is also attempting to destabilize law and order through open threats of violence. The statement described Dr. Hossain as a respected academic and researcher, known for his analysis on religion, nationalism, history, and politics, while Asif Mahatab was praised for his Islamic ideals and cultural resistance narratives that resonate with youth. “Threats against such intellectuals are not merely personal attacks, but direct assaults on freedom of thought in Bangladesh,” Hefazat declared.

In a gesture of solidarity, Chhatra Dal and BAGSAS refrained from nominating Sanjida Ahmed Tanvir for the Research and Publications Secretary post in last year’s DUCSU elections, in honor of the injuries she sustained on July 15. Tanvir expressed gratitude to those who trusted her abilities and believed she could fulfill students’ aspirations if elected. She emphasized her strong interest and experience in research, highlighting that a paper from her undergraduate work is pending publication in a reputed international journal, while her master’s research on the mental health of female students is ongoing. She noted that this research has been shortlisted for the National Science and Technology Fellowship and pledged to achieve her goals with continued support from peers.