Stone extraction at Madhyapara Granite Mine in Dinajpur has been temporarily suspended due to a shortage of ammonium-based explosives, imported from India. The German contractor Trust Consortium, responsible for mining and maintenance, halted operations yesterday. The mine typically produces 5,500 tons of stone daily, worth around 15 million Taka, leading to significant daily financial losses during the halt. Authorities expect shipments of explosives to arrive within 2–3 days, after which extraction and development activities are likely to resume.

Rashed Khan, General Secretary of Ganadhikar Parishad, stated that Nurul Haque Nur’s condition is extremely critical. “Nur is being transferred from Islami Bank to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. His situation is very serious. A press briefing will be held at 11:30 PM,” Rashed confirmed.

Rashed further described the extent of Nur’s injuries: “Nur’s nose is fractured, his eyes are in very bad condition, and his hand is broken. He is in a critical state. Whether he survives, I don’t know. I myself was attacked, and over a hundred of our activists have been injured.”

Zunaid Saki, leader of the Ganashanghati Movement, has emphasized that to definitively defeat fascism, the country must establish a sustainable democratic system. “For this, the upcoming elections must be free, fair, and credible,” he stated.

Saki warned that one faction is attempting to confront reforms with elections, but stressed that genuine electoral processes are essential to advance justice and reform. “At this moment, justice, reform, and elections are in the national interest of the country. Everyone must recognize the importance of their vote to strengthen democracy,” he added.

He noted that while the fall of dictatorship followed the recent uprising, the remnants of fascist structures have yet to be fully dismantled. Saki called for prioritizing representative elections through the exercise of people’s voting rights and emphasized that democratic transformation can be achieved through necessary reforms implemented by elected representatives.

He also reaffirmed the movement’s commitment to continue fighting against fascism in the future.

Japan is reforming its skill development program for foreign workers, allowing job changes in seven key sectors after two years at the first workplace. The new policy, effective from 2027, requires workers to remain within the same industry and offers permanent work opportunities through the “Specified Skilled Worker” visa after three years. Restrictions on relocation apply in high-wage prefectures like Tokyo and Osaka, while companies elsewhere cannot hire more than one-third foreign workers. The move addresses Japan’s labor shortage amid an aging population.

Security forces launched a violent assault on leaders and activists of the Ganadhikar Parishad (People’s Rights Council) in front of the Jatiya Party office in Kakrail on Friday night. Several leaders, including the organization’s president and former DUCSU VP Nurul Haque Nur, sustained serious injuries.

The incident occurred around 8:15 PM. Activists rushed the bleeding Nur to a hospital for treatment. Earlier in the evening, a clash and retaliatory chase broke out between Jatiya Party and Ganadhikar Parishad activists at the same location. Responding to the escalating violence, large numbers of police and military personnel arrived on the scene. Reports indicate that by 9 PM, stone-pelting continued intermittently, and security forces were working to regain control.

According to the police, stones were thrown between the two groups around 6:15 PM. Clashes and confrontations continued in phases until 9 PM.

Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmad, Secretary General of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, criticized the Election Commission’s electoral roadmap, saying it ignores promised reforms, the July Charter, and justice for Sheikh Hasina and her associates. He called it a betrayal of the people’s sacrifices, stressing that elections must be genuinely participatory and based on reforms. He urged the government to first establish legal foundations for the July Charter and a roadmap for justice before proceeding with elections, warning that otherwise the process will become a farce.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance has assured that President Donald Trump is in excellent health and full of energy, dismissing recent concerns about his well-being. In a USA Today interview, Vance emphasized that he is fully prepared to take over presidential responsibilities if a “terrible tragedy” occurs. Highlighting Trump’s active routine despite his age, Vance also noted the valuable experience he has gained over the past 200 days in office, underlining the importance of being ready for any eventuality.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris will lose her Secret Service protection starting September 1, following a decision by President Donald Trump. Traditionally, ex-vice presidents receive six months of security after leaving office, but President Joe Biden had extended Harris’s coverage before her term ended. Harris, who is set to release a book and attend events nationwide, may face increased risk due to the withdrawal of security. Her advisor, Kirsten Allen, expressed gratitude for the professionalism and efforts of the Secret Service.

Government primary school teachers are organizing a mass rally in Dhaka on 30 August, calling for three main demands: raising assistant teachers’ salaries to the 11th grade, ensuring promotions for all teachers, and resolving complications in higher-grade promotions after 10 and 16 years of service. The “Assistant Teachers’ Organization Unity Council,” representing six teacher groups, announced the event. Over 100,000 teachers from all 64 districts are expected to participate. Political party representatives will also attend to show support.

Israel has declared Gaza City a “dangerous battlefield” as its forces escalate operations with heavy airstrikes and shelling, particularly in northern and eastern areas. The army ended a temporary humanitarian pause, warning of ongoing offensives against militant groups. UNRWA cautioned that up to one million people risk further displacement, while famine has already taken hold. Since October 2023, Israeli attacks have killed over 63,000 Palestinians, amid a blockade that has crippled food, medicine, and essential services in Gaza.

NBR Chairman Md. Abdur Rahman Khan has stressed that importers and exporters must not face unnecessary obstacles, urging proper enforcement of existing laws to ensure fair revenue collection. He warned against arbitrary BIN locks, calling for accountability in customs and intelligence units. Khan emphasized bringing non-VAT payers into the tax net, punishing evaders, and expanding VAT registration. He also ordered bond activities to go online within a month, faster audits, and stronger enforcement to boost income tax recovery.

Malaysia is preparing to celebrate its 68th Independence Day on August 31 with nationwide festivities. From Kuala Lumpur to remote villages, colorful flags, lights, and parades will mark the occasion. The theme “Malaysia MADANI: Consensus, Cooperation, Togetherness” highlights unity amid diversity. Main events at Dataran Putrajaya include military parades, cultural performances, and historic reenactments. Malaysians abroad also join celebrations. The day emphasizes national consciousness, responsibility for future generations, and showcases Malaysia’s strong ties with countries like Bangladesh.

Pakistani activist, speaker, and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador Muniba Mazari have been appointed as a new UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Advocate. Recognized for her relentless work on inclusion, gender equality, and social justice, she will collaborate with global leaders including Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley and Belgium’s Queen Mathilde. UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised Mazari as an inspiring voice for equality. Mazari called the role both an honor and a responsibility to amplify unheard voices and inspire collective global action.

The UK has banned Israeli government representatives from attending DSEI UK 2025, one of the world’s largest arms fairs, citing Israel’s escalating military actions in Gaza. The exhibition will run from September 9–12 in London. While Israeli defense firms may still join privately, the absence of official representation sparked outrage from Israel’s defense ministry, which called the move discriminatory and withdrew entirely. Britain signaled the ban could be lifted if Israel pledges to follow international law in occupied Palestinian territories.

The July 24 student-citizen uprising in Bangladesh is driving the nation toward democratic reforms and power transition. Speakers at the Bengal Delta Conference 2025 highlighted the role of youth in shaping political awareness and the government’s dialogue with stakeholders. Experts noted the uprising’s significance for economic and institutional transformation, citing recent successes in reducing U.S. tariffs. Calls were made for global climate awareness, emphasizing youth responsibility. The two-day conference was organized by the Dhaka Institute of Research and Analytics.