Donald Trump has called for U.S. military and commercial ships to be allowed free passage through the Panama and Suez Canals. He wrote, “I have instructed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to immediately address this issue.” Trump also hinted that he would not rule out using economic or military force to regain control of the Panama Canal if necessary. Historically, the United States completed construction of the canal in the early 20th century but handed over control to Panama in 1999.

Pakistan’s Railway Minister Hanif Abbasi has claimed that his country has 130 nuclear-capable missiles, including Shaheen and Ghaznavi missiles, ready to counter India. He asserted, “These missiles are not kept for display; you cannot even imagine where they have been deployed.” Abbasi warned that if India violates the Indus Waters Treaty and disrupts the flow of rivers into Pakistan, the country is fully prepared for a “full-scale war.”

At Bangladesh’s 54th National and Independence Day celebrations, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said, “We deeply value our relationship with Bangladesh and are eager to deepen partnerships across various sectors.” He added that both Islamabad and Dhaka are actively working to enhance economic, political, and cultural cooperation. Asif praised Bangladesh’s socio-economic progress at the event, hosted by Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Mohammad Iqbal Hossain Khan.

Adviser Fawzul Kabir Khan has directed that any disruption in metro rail, electricity, or rail services must be immediately announced via TV scrolls. Additionally, a formal apology must be issued once services are restored. His directive came after temporary service disruptions in the metro and a blackout in the Khulna region on Saturday, incidents which were not promptly reported to him by the respective secretaries or agency heads. He emphasized, “Providing services to customers and passengers is not charity — it’s our responsibility.”

Tarique Rahman paid tribute on the death anniversary of national leader Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Huq, writing, “I offer my deep respect to his everlasting memory.” He described Huq as “a visionary and wise politician of the Indian subcontinent,” who is eternally remembered for his strong role in the anti-British movement. Rahman highlighted Sher-e-Bangla’s pivotal contributions, including the establishment of the Debt Arbitration Board, saving the exploited farmers of Bengal from destruction, and enacting groundbreaking laws like the Bengal Employment Regulation, Tenancy Act, Moneylenders Act, and the Shop Employees Act — all of which dramatically improved the lives of farmers and workers in the region.

A mysterious drone has been found at the government residence of legal adviser and law professor Dr. Asif Nazrul. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) forensic team recovered the drone and sent it for laboratory analysis. Authorities confirmed that an investigation is underway and security around his residence has been tightened. The drone was discovered around 8:45 AM yesterday by a gardener, Salma Haque, who spotted it while cleaning the lawn near the main building.

Reacting to Sheikh Hasina’s remarks about prosecuting members of an interim government, Professor Asif Nazrul said he feels no pressure whatsoever. “She repeatedly says she will return to Bangladesh, and that’s exactly what we want. We have already submitted a request for her extradition,” Nazrul stated. Criticizing Hasina’s activities abroad, he added, “Her activists are under constant threat, yet she enjoys hospitality in another country and recites poetry — behavior unthinkable for a sane individual.” Regarding the formation of an interim government instead of a revolutionary government, Nazrul said, “After Hasina’s fall, there was no serious discussion about the nature of the next government. We were mainly focused on how to remove her. The mass uprising on August 5 had revolutionary elements but did not turn into a full revolution. If Sheikh Hasina had remained in power longer and continued mass killings, a revolution could have been inevitable.”

A court has acquitted BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and four others in a case filed under the Special Powers Act related to the Safe Roads Movement. The others acquitted include Barrister Milhanur Rahman Naomi, Md. Rafiqul Islam Nayan, Habibur Rahman Habib, and Rabiul Islam Robi. The case stemmed from a 2018 incident when students protested after two were killed by a speeding bus. Allegations of conspiracy against the state emerged after an alleged phone call involving Amir Khasru was leaked.

Hamas has indicated willingness to agree to a five- to seven-year ceasefire in exchange for ending the war, reconstructing Gaza, and securing the release of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, along with freeing all hostages in Gaza. However, Hamas has refused to surrender its weapons. Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharon Haskell dismissed the new proposal, saying the war could end tomorrow if Hamas releases the remaining 59 hostages and disarms.

Professor Ali Riaz stated that the united efforts of the public forced the fascist regime to flee and emphasized the need to uphold the spirit of unity. He noted that overcoming the accumulated crises will require not only implementing the Reform Commission’s report but also building a democratic state structure. Jonaid Saki added that consensus points among stakeholders would form the “July Charter,” while unresolved issues would be taken to the public for further discussion.

A Bangladeshi citizen was shot dead by Indian BSF forces near the Jadipur BOP opposite Madhupur BSF camp in Jhenaidah. The incident occurred around midnight on Saturday as he was returning home with a group of 10–12 people. Former chairman Rabiul Islam confirmed that BSF opened fire during their return, killing Obaidul on the spot.

The Anti-Discrimination Employees’ Unity Forum has demanded the resignation of advisors Asif Mahmud and Nurjahan Begum. They also thanked the government for dismissing two allegedly corrupt APS officials. According to media reports, Moazzem Hossain amassed 400 crore BDT through lobbying, while similar allegations exist against Tuhin Farabi and Dr. Mahmudul Hasan. While some have been removed, the Forum stressed that responsibility ultimately lies with their superiors. The ACC (Anti-Corruption Commission) has launched investigations against the two former APS officers.

BNP’s Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi is traveling to Patuakhali to attend the funeral of Lamia, daughter of July Movement martyr Jashim Uddin. Rizvi has already reached Barisal and will join the funeral once Lamia’s body arrives home. Central and local party leaders and activists are preparing to participate. Lamia’s body has undergone autopsy and was taken to Anjuman Mofidul Islam for bathing before being sent to her village.

NCP leader Sarjis Alam visited Lamia at the hospital and expressed deep sorrow over her death. He said, “The entire nation is grieving. Such a heinous act against the daughter of a martyr who sacrificed for a new Bangladesh is unacceptable. We lost Ashia in a similar manner recently. Those involved must face public execution.” Sarjis recounted how Lamia’s mother repeatedly asked if they could bring her daughter back, a question he found impossible to answer. He asserted that no bail should be granted to those accused of such horrific crimes, criticizing those who defend them in court as having lost their conscience.

Legal notices issued against Dr. Tasnim Jara and Dr. Jahangir Kabir for allegedly spreading obscenity have been withdrawn. Earlier, a Supreme Court lawyer, Barrister Mohammad Humayun Kabir Pallab, had served a notice demanding a ban on all online platforms displaying “obscene and pornographic” content. However, netizens widely viewed the move as politically motivated, and Tasnim Jara’s content has garnered significant public support.