BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed has criticized India’s newly proposed Waqf Bill, claiming it undermines the rights of the country’s minority Muslim population and promotes discriminatory practices. “Muslims across India, along with various Islamic organizations, have condemned the bill as unconstitutional and politically motivated,” he stated. With over 200 million Muslims in India, Salahuddin warns that the law poses a significant threat to their religious heritage, rights, and cultural interests. He emphasized that most of the nearly one million acres of Waqf property under the boards are used for public welfare—mosques, madrasas, cemeteries, and orphanages. The inclusion of non-Muslim members in the proposed Waqf management boards has sparked controversy, raising concerns about constitutional violations. “We don’t see such practices in the religious boards of other faiths,” he added, expressing hope that the BJP government will reconsider the bill.

At around 7:10 AM on Sunday, expelled leaders and activists of the Awami League organized a sudden flash protest in Dhaka. The march began at the South Gate of Baitul Mukarram and concluded at the party’s central office on Bangabandhu Avenue. The protest was led by Shah Alam Murad, former General Secretary of Dhaka South Awami League. A video of the protest has surfaced online, showing participation from several local leaders and activists.

The U.S. has delivered a second THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) missile defense system to Israel. The massive American C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft landed at Israel’s Nevatim Air Base and remained for eight hours during the offloading process. This marks a continued expansion of U.S.-Israel defense cooperation.

The BDR Welfare Council staged a sit-in at Dhaka’s Central Shaheed Minar from 9 AM to 7:30 PM Sunday, raising two demands: reinstatement of dismissed BDR members with full benefits and the release of members still detained despite securing bail. The group claims to represent victims of the 2009 Pilkhana massacre.

Three Israelis recently released from Hamas captivity joined a weekly Tel Aviv rally, urging the government to secure the release of 59 remaining hostages. Liri Albak, Omer Onkart, and Gadi Moses condemned the renewed military offensive, saying it endangers hostages’ lives. Moses, 80, urged the Israeli government to end the war and implement the second phase of the hostage release agreement.

Indian outlets Times of India and Hindustan Times criticized Bangladesh PM’s Press Secretary for suggesting Modi was respectful towards Dr. Muhammad Yunus during a recent bilateral meeting. They termed the remarks politically motivated and harmful to diplomatic relations. They added that PM Modi emphasized bilateral progress and elections, denying any discussion about returning Sheikh Hasina or allegations of minority persecution in Bangladesh.

In connection with violence during the recent mass uprising on August 4, 93 pro-Awami League lawyers, including former Dhaka Bar presidents and prosecutors, surrendered to the court and sought bail. The case involves charges of vandalism, assault, and attempted murder filed with Kotwali Police Station.

A Dhaka court sentenced Evaly CEO Mohammad Rassel and Chairperson Shamima Nasrin to three years in prison for fraud. They were also fined BDT 5,000 each, or an additional six months in jail if unpaid. The case was filed after a customer paid for a Yamaha bike in 2021 but did not receive it. A BDT 500,000 cheque issued in lieu also bounced due to insufficient funds.

Bangladesh’s economic advisor Salehuddin Ahmed stated that the impact of new US tariffs will be manageable. The government has initiated discussions with US authorities to mitigate the effects. He noted that recent efforts to control import costs have reduced the trade deficit, inflation was curbed during Ramadan and Eid, and foreign reserves are showing positive trends.

Israel has halted water supply from Mekorot, cutting off 70% of Gaza’s total water access. According to Gaza Municipality spokesperson Hosni Mahanna, the supply stopped amid ongoing Israeli military operations. The cause—whether infrastructural damage or political decision—remains unclear. Authorities are coordinating with international organizations to assess the situation, warning of a looming water crisis.

A massive fire broke out across three factories in Sungai Buloh, Malaysia, injuring a Bangladeshi worker who is currently in critical condition. Local media confirmed the victim is Bangladeshi but did not release his identity. The fire destroyed 80% of a textile and recycling facility, 70% of a metal factory, and 90% of a wood-processing plant.

UK MP Tulip Siddiq is facing renewed controversy for allegedly misleading the British Parliament about a luxury flat she owns in Dhaka. Earlier, she resigned from a ministerial post over a flat gifted by a close associate of Sheikh Hasina. Siddiq claims she received the Dhaka flat as a gift from her parents in 2002 and legally transferred it to her sister in 2015. However, The Daily Mail reports she still holds the title, and the gift deed appears to be forged.

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has strongly condemned an Israeli airstrike on Darul Arqam School in Gaza, calling it a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and UN resolutions. The OIC labeled the attack a crime against humanity and urged the UN Security Council to immediately enforce a ceasefire under Chapter 8 of the UN Charter. The group also called for accountability under international law.

Bangladeshi legal scholar Asif Nazrul condemned India’s amended Waqf Act, calling it a discriminatory move by the Modi government. In a Facebook post, he said the law permits non-Muslims on Waqf property boards and grants the government control over Waqf assets, sparking fears of historical property confiscation. He questioned why non-Muslims are excluded from Hindu temple boards but allowed in Waqf governance, calling it part of a broader Hindutva-driven oppression.

Thousands of Ukrainian refugees legally residing in the US under the humanitarian parole program received emails instructing them to leave within seven days or face forced removal. A Homeland Security spokesperson later confirmed the emails were sent in error and the Ukrainian Parole Program, launched after Russia’s 2022 invasion, remains active. Despite the correction, the emails caused significant fear among recipients.