Flash floods in Texas have killed at least 78 people, with 41 still missing. Kerr County was the hardest hit, with 68 deaths—including 28 children. Among the missing are 10 teenage girls and a counselor from a riverside camp along the Guadalupe River. Despite ongoing search operations, adverse weather conditions are hampering rescue efforts. Governor Greg Abbott has pledged continued rescue operations until everyone is found.

Following Elon Musk’s announcement of forming a new political party, the “America Party,” U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant advised Musk to step away from politics and focus on managing Tesla and SpaceX. Besant warned that Musk’s political ambitions may conflict with his corporate responsibilities and board expectations. In response to Musk’s political move, Azoria Partners has already suspended a joint investment project. Musk said the new party aims to challenge the entrenched two-party system.

Religious Affairs Advisor Dr. A.F.M. Khalid Hossain emphasized that caring for orphans means more than just providing food and shelter—it requires empowering them to be self-reliant. Speaking at a discussion at Tanzimul Muslimeen Orphanage in Chattogram, he cited prophetic traditions to underscore the importance of compassion and proper upbringing. He commended the orphanage for offering both education and vocational training.

Israeli forces have launched airstrikes on three ports and a power plant in Yemen, leaving Hodeidah’s main electricity facility disabled and the city in darkness. While there were no reported casualties, Houthi forces claimed to have responded with missile attacks. The Israeli military stated it had issued warnings to civilians and also confirmed an attack on the Galaxy Leader, a ship previously seized by the Houthis in late 2023 at Ras Isa port.

Students from Jagannath University have provided food aid to 200 war-affected families in Gaza as part of the "Project Lifeline Gaza" initiative, overseen by the university’s Human Rights Society. Operating under the leadership of eight students, they raised nearly 300,000 BDT to deliver relief to internally displaced people in southwest Gaza. The students cited humanitarian and global responsibility as their motivation and expressed hopes of expanding their efforts.

Abdul Kader, former coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, claimed that Nasir Uddin Nasir, General Secretary of Chhatra Dal, first proposed the idea of wearing red badges instead of black during last year's National Mourning Day on July 29. He said the plan was finalized in consultation with Chhatra Dal and Islami Chhatra Shibir. However, SM Farhad, president of DU Chhatra Shibir, has also claimed to be the originator of the idea.

Cultural advisor Sharmin S. Murshid emphasized the need to revive stage drama to protect children from harmful cultural influences. Speaking at Lok Natyadal’s 44th anniversary at the Shilpakala Academy, she highlighted theater as a vital medium for social responsibility and nurturing children’s creativity. She also called for transforming the Children's Academy into a dedicated government department and urged stronger participation in democratic and cultural movements through theater.

A delegation from the "We Are BNP Family" group met with Naeema Erin Nitu, the ailing wife of martyred activist Muttakin Billah, following instructions from BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. The visit took place Sunday in Dhaka’s Tolarbagh, led by Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. During the meeting, Rizvi conveyed Tarique Rahman's message of solidarity and inquired about the family’s well-being.

The Election Commission has formally requested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to initiate voter registration and issuance of national identity cards for expatriates in eight additional countries, including the United States, Turkey, Egypt, and France. The other countries listed are South Africa, Maldives, Jordan, and Oman. This program is already operational in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the UK, Italy, Kuwait, Qatar, Malaysia, Australia, and Canada. So far, around 47,000 applications have been received from overseas voters, with over 20,000 successfully registered. The commission plans to expand the program to more countries by December, with Japan expected to be included soon.

Russia is exploring the possibility of waiving visa requirements for Saudi nationals, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced during a meeting with his Saudi counterpart in Moscow. Lavrov praised Saudi Arabia’s balanced foreign policy and peace efforts, noting a 570% increase in Saudi tourists to Russia. The two sides also discussed strengthening bilateral ties, the situation in Gaza, ceasefire efforts, and Iran’s nuclear program.

BNP's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Professor Mahmuda Begum, a distinguished educator and the mother of Dr. Mahmudur Rahman. In his condolence message, Rahman described her as a model teacher and mother who contributed greatly to the education of many students and the upbringing of her son. He prayed for the eternal peace of her soul and extended his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family.

Conservative activist Laura Loomer, known for her ties to former President Donald Trump, has predicted that Elon Musk’s newly launched “America Party” could soon be joined by media personality Tucker Carlson, Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Congressman Thomas Massie. Musk, who was a major political donor in the 2024 elections, launched the party with the goal of reducing government spending and challenging the dominance of the two-party system. “The America Party will restore true freedom in the country,” Musk reportedly said.

In a significant move to counter China's expanding influence in the South and East China Seas, Japan is preparing to transfer six Abukuma-class warships to the Philippines. The transfer is part of a broader strategy to strengthen defense cooperation among U.S. allies. A Filipino military delegation is set to inspect the vessels this summer. Despite Japan’s constitutional restrictions on arms exports, the deal is being framed as a joint development initiative. Both countries have expressed growing alarm over China’s assertive military posture and have recently signed a reciprocal access agreement and held joint military exercises.

Sarzis Alam, a key NCP organizer from the north, said the dreams envisioned on August 5 remain unfulfilled, and the struggle will continue. Speaking at a public meeting, he warned that future political leaders will not go unquestioned and cautioned government officials against taking sides. He called for a united movement against inequality, corruption, and authoritarianism, urging the public to remain vigilant.

Despite growing discussion around adopting a Proportional Representation (PR) voting system for Bangladesh’s upcoming general elections, BNP remains skeptical. Party Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan stated, “PR works differently in different countries. Those promoting it in Bangladesh haven’t explained how it would be implemented here.” While talks with the National Consensus Commission are ongoing, no final decision has been made.