The NCP has officially withdrawn show-cause notices issued to five central leaders regarding their visit to Cox’s Bazar on the first anniversary of the July Uprising.
A party statement confirmed that after reviewing the replies from the accused leaders, the high command found no breach of party discipline. Accordingly, under the directive of Convener Md. Nahid Islam and Member-Secretary Akhtar Hossain, the notices have been annulled and the matter settled.

During the previous Awami League government, large numbers of foreigners illegally settled in Bangladesh, with Indians forming the majority. Currently, 5,000 of the 7,000 illegal residents are Indian, while 13,500 of 80,000 legally residing foreigners are Indian nationals.

Many work in power plants, garment factories, IT, infrastructure, and education. Authorities have collected nearly BDT 40 crore in fines from foreign nationals over the past seven months. Most illegal residents arrived on on-arrival or tourist visas and are under continuous police monitoring.

NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah has launched a scathing attack, alleging that the post-uprising head of state “prostrated himself in London” and effectively sold out the government in a joint briefing unprecedented in world history.
Hasnat warned that keeping the old system intact while attempting superficial reforms would only trigger another mass uprising. He stressed that any upcoming election must be a Constituent Assembly election, not one under the “fascist textbook” of the old constitution.
Dismissing allegations that his party took money from businesses, Hasnat challenged accusers to provide proof—vowing to resign from politics if any evidence surfaced. He further criticized the media as being “sold out” to political parties and slammed bureaucrats for “lining up in Gulshan and Paltan” after office hours.
“No one can buy us with seats,” he declared. “We must give the people a new constitution.”

Professor Muhammad Yunus, chief advisor to Bernama, stated that Malaysia’s experience as ASEAN chair could help resolve the Rohingya crisis. He highlighted Malaysia’s leadership in refugee support and expressed hope for regional cooperation.

Yunus also noted that ongoing conflicts in Rakhine State continue to push Rohingya refugees into Bangladesh, adding approximately 150,000 newcomers in the past 18 months, bringing the total to around 1.2 million. Funding cuts from the U.S. have increased pressure on Bangladesh’s resources. Three major conferences are planned this year: in Cox’s Bazar in late August, during the UN General Assembly in September, and in Doha, Qatar, at year-end.

In Begumganj, Noakhali, migrant worker Md. Salauddin, also known as Ridan (32), was brutally attacked by drug traffickers for refusing to pay extortion. His left wrist was severed, and attackers stole BDT 500,000, a motorcycle, and a mobile phone.

Police visited the scene and collected video evidence. The victim’s family confirmed prior disputes over property sales had prompted the assault. Legal action will be taken upon formal complaint.

A female statistics student at Rajshahi University has accused Dr. Prabhas Kumar Karmakar of sexual harassment after being summoned to his chamber. The victim’s mother filed a written complaint on August 13.

A departmental committee is investigating the matter. Dr. Karmakar, a former Public Relations Department administrator and president of the Bangabandhu Education and Research Council, has been suspended from all academic duties. The student is reported to be traumatized and receiving psychological care.

BNP leader Syed Emran Saleh Prince criticized the prior Awami League government for systematically undermining the education system. He highlighted issues such as mass pass rates, unregulated grading, and inflated GPA-5 results, which hindered genuine talent evaluation.

Prince urged a return to classroom-focused teaching and commended students’ leading role in the national movement, promising that their bravery will be remembered. He also noted the “July Declaration” and said a roadmap for the next national election will be announced before Ramadan. He called on teachers to actively support a meaningful and successful election process.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is reportedly preparing arrest warrants against Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on charges of apartheid. Former Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan completed the cases before stepping aside, but deputies are hesitating due to U.S. sanction threats. If issued, these would be the ICC’s first apartheid charges, recognized as crimes against humanity under the Rome Statute. Rights groups and the ICJ have also accused Israel of unlawful occupation and systemic discrimination.

Several figures in the arts community faced backlash for posting “grief narratives” on Facebook regarding August 15, accused of symbolically rehabilitating fascism. A symbolic shoe-beating protest took place at Raju Sculpture at 5 PM, targeting celebrities including actors Chanchal Chowdhury, Shomi Kaiser, Shampa Reza, Jaya Ahsan, Shakib Khan, and others.

Journalists, writers, musicians, and educators were also criticized for allegedly sympathizing with cultural fascism. The July Revolutionary Alliance has declared certain celebrities unwelcome in Uttara for their perceived political stances.

Heavy rains, flash floods, and landslides have devastated northern Pakistan, leaving at least 307 dead in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province over the past 48 hours. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority confirmed widespread destruction, including dozens of homes damaged or destroyed. Relief efforts face major challenges due to washed-out roads and ongoing rainfall, expected to continue until August 21. Around 2,000 rescue workers are engaged, while the army and federal government have mobilized aid and announced significant financial support for affected districts.

Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said the country’s nuclear weapons are solely for national security, not threats or coercion. In an interview with Geo News, he criticized Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying war with Pakistan has become a nightmare for him as India faces internal unrest. Asif claimed Pakistan fought only defensive wars and accused India of backing groups like the BLA and Taliban factions. He urged good neighborly relations, stressing peace and stability are vital for South Asia’s future.

During a morning operation in Dhobagul, the army recovered another 250,000 cubic feet of looted white stone, bringing the total recovered to approximately 400,000 cubic feet. Meanwhile, the Fire Service and local administration have begun restoration work, leveling pits in the affected areas.

Police had earlier arrested five individuals involved in the looting from the eastern bank of the Dhulai River. Environmentalists and local business owners estimate that nearly 15 million cubic feet of stone worth over BDT 20 billion have been illegally extracted from Sylhet over the past year.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Anchorage, Alaska, in a three-hour summit focused on ending the Ukraine war. Trump called the talks “extremely productive” but said some issues remain unresolved and that any final deal will depend on Ukraine and NATO allies. Putin described the war as a “tragedy” and stressed the need to address its root causes for a lasting solution, though he did not specify them. Both leaders pledged to keep pursuing peace.

A violent confrontation broke out in Bijoynagar, Brahmanbaria, stemming from an online dispute on Facebook, leaving more than 50 people injured. The conflict began between two youths from Hajipur village and escalated into an attack on Arju Mia and Aklima Begum on July 14.

Tensions remained high in the area, culminating in a clash between hundreds from the Pathanbari and Oikkibari communities on Saturday morning. Authorities deployed additional police forces to prevent further escalation. No formal complaints have been filed yet.

BNP leader Ruhul Kuddus Talukdar Dulu warned of fresh conspiracies surrounding the upcoming elections. “Jamaat and the NCP do not want elections to take place in the country,” he said, asserting that these parties fear a BNP victory.

Dulu stressed the need for a neutral electoral process that allows citizens to freely exercise their right to vote. He urged everyone to unite in resisting efforts aimed at disrupting the elections, emphasizing that safeguarding democracy requires collective vigilance.