In response to recent derogatory comments about the Bangladesh Army, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman urged restraint, saying:

“There’s nothing to be upset about. Those making such remarks are young, like our children. As they grow older, they will realize their mistakes and feel ashamed.”

Speaking at an “Officers’ Address” on Tuesday, the Army Chief said the force is fully prepared to assist the government in ensuring free, fair, and neutral elections.

He emphasized maintaining good relations with the public, avoiding retaliation, and upholding discipline. On allegations against two members for political involvement and abuse of women, he said investigations are ongoing and punishment will follow if proven.

“The people of the nation are looking up to you. You are the future of this country. Stay patriotic and maintain the chain of command.”

British High Commissioner Sarah Cook paid a courtesy call on Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed, congratulating him on completing one year in office.
During the meeting, she praised the Chief Justice’s initiatives to strengthen judicial independence, highlighting reforms such as the judicial roadmap, 12-point directives, introduction of capacity tests for legal aid, establishment of the Supreme Judicial Appointments Council, launch of the Supreme Court helpline, and development programs for subordinate courts.
She described these measures as timely and effective, expressing confidence that his strong leadership would ensure good governance and justice. The High Commissioner also reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to support Bangladesh.

The results of the sixth mass recruitment circular for teachers in private educational institutions have been published, recommending nearly 41,000 candidates for entry-level teaching positions.

Education Adviser C.R. Abrar announced the results today, stating:

“Against the demand for 100,822 vacancies from various institutions, we have recommended around 41,000 lecturers and teachers through a transparent process supported by modern technology.”

He explained that 18th Teacher Registration Exam had received over 1.86 million applications, from which the successful candidates were selected. Results are available in the service box titled “Sixth Recruitment Recommendation Circular-2025” and at ngi.teletalk.com.bd
. Candidates can also check their results by logging in with their user ID and password.

International Crimes Tribunal Prosecutor Hasanul Banna has resigned citing health complications.
In his resignation letter dated August 2, addressed to the Chief Prosecutor, Banna wrote that he has been suffering from liver-related illness (jaundice) and receiving home-based treatment for a prolonged period. As his condition has not improved and requires further medical attention, he expressed his inability to continue office duties.
Banna was appointed as prosecutor earlier this year on January 1 by the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs.

The hearing of the state’s appeal against the High Court verdict that acquitted Tarique Rahman, Lutfozzaman Babar, and all other accused in the August 21 grenade attack case will resume on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, a six-member appellate bench led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed set the date for the next session. Earlier, on July 31, the court concluded the second day of hearings on the state’s appeal challenging the acquittal of those previously sentenced to life imprisonment and death penalty in the case.

Teachers, officers, and employees of Rajshahi University (RU) are observing a daylong strike and sit-in protest today, demanding the restoration of the 5% quota for their children in university admissions, along with seven other demands.

Protesters gathered in front of the administrative building from 9 a.m., suspending classes in several departments, though examinations are continuing.

They argued that their children fulfill all admission requirements and that institutional benefits are their rightful due. Previously, they observed half-day work stoppages to press their demands.

The quota for employees’ children was reduced to 1% in January following student protests. In response, RU students held a human chain protest today, opposing what they termed an “unjust attempt to reinstate the discriminatory quota.”

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has expelled its joint member-secretary Mahin Sarkar for breaching party discipline after he collected a nomination form to contest for the DUCSU General Secretary (GS) position.

Mahin said he first learned of his expulsion during a talk show, claiming the party never issued him a formal explanation notice.

“In response, they treated it as student politics. But I was never told clearly on what grounds or under which policy I was barred from participating in DUCSU elections,” Mahin remarked. “If they had explained further, it would have been better. I even directly answered their questions, yet I still don’t know the real reason behind my dismissal.”

He further alleged that the party asked him to submit a resignation letter without clarifying the grounds. Observers believe the move was taken to protect the interests of BAGCHAS (a student alliance) within the university.

Senior BNP leader Mirza Abbas has flown to Bangkok for medical treatment. He departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Tuesday morning, accompanied by his wife Afroza Abbas and their son.

BNP Media Cell member Shairul Kabir Khan confirmed the development, adding that Abbas will undergo treatment there.

Earlier this month, on August 15, another BNP leader, Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, traveled to London with his family for medical care. Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is also currently in Bangkok with his wife for treatment.

Government advisor Farida Akhter reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to preserving the country’s waterbodies and ensuring sustainable fish production to meet the nation’s protein needs.

Speaking at a fisheries event, she highlighted this year’s slogan: “Let’s build sanctuaries, let indigenous fish fill our land.” She praised fishermen for their crucial role in safeguarding fish diversity while ensuring food security for millions.

“The government will continue to support fishermen both administratively and through policy measures,” she said. Farida also described pearls and oysters as national treasures, noting that the ongoing Fisheries Fair provides citizens with an opportunity to learn more about Bangladesh’s rich aquatic and marine resources.

A low-pressure system over the northwest Bay of Bengal has crossed the southern Odisha coast early Tuesday morning and is now positioned over coastal Odisha and adjoining areas, according to a weather bulletin.

The system is expected to move northwest and gradually weaken. However, due to its impact, strong winds are likely to sweep across the northern Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh’s coastal regions, and maritime ports.

Authorities have advised Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra ports to keep hoisted local cautionary signal No. 3. All fishing boats and trawlers in the Bay of Bengal have been instructed to remain close to the shore and proceed with caution until further notice.

European Union (EU) Ambassador Charles Whiteley (Miller) announced that the EU will provide €4 million in assistance to the Election Commission of Bangladesh to ensure that the upcoming national election meets international standards.

Following a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin, Ambassador Miller said an EU expert team will arrive in Bangladesh next month to assess whether EU election observers will be deployed.

“The EU supports Bangladesh’s democratic progress. Further discussions will be held with both the Election Commission and the government,” Miller stated. He acknowledged Bangladesh’s experience in holding elections but noted that past polls had raised questions. He expressed hope that the next election would be credible, inclusive, and internationally recognized.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has alleged that student activists were prevented from purchasing nomination papers for the Ducsu election due to mob interference, which he described as part of an “illegal nationwide practice.”
He called on the interim government to ensure conditions for a free and fair election where voters can cast ballots without fear. “The nation is waiting for the electoral roadmap,” Rizvi said. He also demanded that politically motivated polling centers established under “fascist rule” be scrapped and replaced with voter-friendly locations.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed has said that the next national election will take place in the first half of February 2026, rejecting speculation of delays.
Ahmed criticized the July Charter, claiming it contained inaccuracies, misrepresentations, and unresolved issues. “Some points were included without discussion; some were not properly presented,” he said. He emphasized that the immediate concern is how the provisions will be implemented.
He added that many recommendations could be executed through ordinances and executive orders, while constitutional amendments should be finalized by the next parliament within its first two years—though this commitment was not mentioned in the Charter.
“Some speeches in the field may suggest otherwise, but the timeline remains unchanged. February 2026 is fixed,” Ahmed stressed.

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul has reaffirmed that the next general election will be held on schedule, with no possibility of delay from the timeline announced by the Chief Adviser.
“The government is firmly determined to complete the polls on time,” Nazrul said. He added that while political parties continue to issue statements in different tones, the quality of their positions has not changed.
He also revealed that recommendations for reforms in the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Election Commission will soon be enacted into law, with legislative work beginning immediately and expected to be completed within months.

At least 1,000 families in three unions of Sadarpur, Faridpur, have been marooned after the Arial Khan and Padma rivers rose above danger levels, triggering severe flooding and river erosion.
The Water Development Board reported that water in the Arial Khan is now 109 centimeters above danger mark. To curb erosion, authorities have begun dumping geo-bags along the Shaitan Khali area of Akoterchar on the Padma’s banks.
Nearly 15 villages in Char Nasirpur, Diyar Narikelbaria, and Char Manair unions are inundated, damaging crops and cutting off rural roads. Many residents are dismantling their homes in fear of losing land to the rivers.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Jakia Sultana said: “We are fully prepared to respond. Residents along the riverbanks have been urged to remain cautious, and emergency assistance will be provided if necessary.”