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.

The district administration’s investigation committee on the Sylhet white stone looting incident has finally submitted its report. The submission occurred on Wednesday, just hours after outgoing DC Mohammad Sher Mahbub Murad vacated his office. The committee, led by Additional Deputy Commissioner Padmasan Singh, presented a seven-page report naming 137 individuals allegedly involved in the looting. Although the report has not been publicly released, sources indicate it includes ten recommendations to prevent future incidents, focusing on the protection of tourist sites and stones. The three-member committee was formed on August 12 following the looting, which also led to the transfer of the then DC and the UNO of Companyganj.

BNP leader Khairul Kabir Khokon has criticized the idea of imposing the PR system on the Bangladeshi public, calling it unnecessary and ineffective. Khokon asserted that no external force can stop the elections announced for February. He warned that those attempting to manipulate the election for personal gain would not succeed, emphasizing that the public is eager to vote for BNP. Reflecting on Bangladesh’s democratic journey, he paid tribute to the sacrifices of countless martyrs, praying for their eternal peace and expressing deep respect.

U.S. President Donald Trump has described Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “war hero,” despite the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant against him for alleged war crimes in Gaza. In a radio interview, Trump dismissed attempts to hold Netanyahu accountable, claimed credit for past hostage releases, and boasted about ordering airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. He also accused Democrats, particularly Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, of siding with Palestinians. Gaza authorities report over 62,000 Palestinian deaths since October 2023.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Abdul Halim has said that the Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system is being deliberately misinterpreted. He argued that the system enhances the value of every voter and eliminates the practice of nomination trade. Highlighting that around 90 countries currently use PR elections, he reiterated Jamaat’s demand for its adoption in Bangladesh. Halim also urged for unity ahead of the next national polls, saying, “We must ensure the victory of the patriotic alliance.” He further clarified that if Jamaat comes to power, no one would be forced to wear the burqa, but social decency and women’s workplace rights would be safeguarded. Additionally, he demanded legal recognition of the July Charter.

Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, Special Assistant to BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and Chief Coordinator of the Labour Party, has been admitted to a private hospital in Dhaka after falling ill. His son, Nipun Biswas, said on Wednesday that his father began to feel unwell on Monday while traveling from Pabna to Dhaka. He was immediately admitted under the care of Dr. Abdul Malek with respiratory complications caused by lung issues, leading to breathing difficulties and sleep problems. Doctors have started treatment following urgent tests, and his condition is now stable. Additional tests, including chikungunya screening, have been prescribed. Nipun added that physicians have strictly restricted visitors except family members. “We request everyone to keep him in their prayers,” he said. Meanwhile, Labour Party’s publicity secretary Manjurul Islam announced that prayer gatherings are being organized nationwide for Shimul Biswas’s recovery.

Legal analyst and adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul has warned that the problem of forged migration documents cannot be solved individually, stressing it has become a systemic crisis. “If hundreds of thousands forge papers to go abroad, there’s little one can do,” he said, noting that violations by migrants abroad affect other nations too. He praised government initiatives in labor migration and worker protection, highlighting unprecedented growth in overseas employment and remittance inflow over the past year. Efforts are ongoing to expand labor markets in the Middle East and UAE, regulate female migration, and reintegrate workers deported during the July Movement protests.

President Donald Trump’s approval rating has sharply declined 212 days into his second term, with a net rating of minus 15 percent. Only 40% of Americans are satisfied, while 55% are dissatisfied. Confidence in his foreign policy, particularly regarding Russia and Ukraine, is falling. Economic expectations and immigration support have also weakened. Regional disparities show lowest approval in Democrat-leaning states. White and male voters remain most supportive, while younger, minority, and highly educated groups oppose him, including some traditional Republican seniors.