Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán declared that Russia has won the Ukraine war, ahead of a planned Trump-Putin summit in Alaska aimed at ending the conflict. Orbán, in power since 2010, maintains close ties with Moscow, opposes military aid to Ukraine, and rejects its EU membership bid. He was the only EU leader not to endorse a statement supporting Ukraine’s right to decide its future. Hungary relies heavily on Russian energy and has refused to send weapons to Kyiv.

The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) has requested detailed banking information of three former governors and six former deputy governors of Bangladesh Bank. Following a request from the Anti-Corruption Commission, all banks were instructed on Wednesday to provide transaction records, account opening forms, and related details.

The former governors named are Dr. Atiur Rahman, Fazle Kabir, and Abdur Rouf Talukder. Dr. Rahman left the country after the mass uprising, while Talukder resigned via email on August 7 last year while in hiding. Among the six deputy governors, SK Sur Chowdhury is currently in jail in a corruption case, and former BFIU chief Md. Masud Biswas was forced to resign. Others include Abu Hena Md. Razi Hasan, SM Moniruzzaman, Kazi Saidur Rahman, and Abu Farah Md. Nasser. Banks have been given three working days to submit the information, including details of any closed accounts.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus pledged to hold free, fair, and transparent elections in February 2026 to return power to the people. Speaking in Malaysia after receiving an honorary doctorate from UKM, he highlighted reforms, inclusive economic growth, and youth empowerment as priorities. Yunus recalled the 2024 youth-led uprising, warned against wealth concentration, and urged global cooperation. He emphasized deepening Bangladesh–Malaysia ties in trade, renewable energy, and technology, while encouraging students to dream big and work for a just, inclusive future.

After a key counterterrorism meeting in Islamabad, the US publicly acknowledged Pakistan’s success in combating terrorism, praising its efforts regionally and internationally. The statement expressed condolences for attacks in Jafar Express and Khuzdar. Analysts note this creates diplomatic pressure on India, already strained over trade and tariffs with Washington. Pakistan’s military chief’s nuclear remarks added controversy. While India condemns it, US ties with Pakistan strengthen, signaling shifting strategic dynamics and a potential rebalancing in South Asian diplomacy.

World-renowned pop star Madonna has called on Pope Leo to visit Gaza and bring relief to children affected by the ongoing conflict. Posting on Instagram, she emphasized the urgency, saying the Pope is uniquely positioned to enter Gaza and spread hope before it’s too late. Madonna, a vocal supporter of Palestinians, highlighted the suffering of children and stressed that all children of the world deserve protection amid Israel’s military operations, which have killed over 61,500 people and created severe food shortages.

Rising water levels in the Padma River have caused severe erosion, threatening Dighirpar Market in Tongibari Upazila, Munshiganj. Four shops have already collapsed into the river, forcing traders to relocate goods and dismantle structures. Locals report strong currents over the past few days, and a shifted geo-bag triggered sudden erosion on August 12. Authorities, including the Water Development Board, are coordinating emergency measures to prevent further damage, highlighting the need for permanent embankments to protect the market.

Dhaka — The father of Shaheed Adil has filed a case against 31 journalists alleged to be aligned with the Awami League, accusing them of aiding former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in committing mass killings during the July uprising.

A court has taken the case into cognizance and instructed the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) to conduct a probe. Among the accused are prominent media figures such as Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, Abul Kalam Azad, Farida Yasmin, Omar Faruk, Manjurul Ahsan Bulbul, Shyamal Dutta, Abdul Jalil Bhuiyan, Azizul Islam Bhuiyan, and Sohel Haider, among others.

The case details the alleged scope and nature of Sheikh Hasina’s “fascism” and outlines the media’s “anti-people, fascist role” in enabling it. Specific reference is made to a July 24 meeting at Ganabhaban, where the journalists allegedly encouraged Hasina to commit atrocities, and to July 27, when they purportedly labeled the pro-uprising public as “militants” while holding protest programs in support of the regime.

A month after Israel’s ‘Rising Lion’ operation against Iran, a Maccabi Healthcare survey finds that half of Israelis are struggling with insomnia, fatigue, fear, and anxiety. Around 16% report severe fatigue, while 30% feel they need mental health support. Children are also affected, with 25% of parents noting behavioral changes. Experts warn that prolonged stress and poor sleep are impacting daily life and physical health, emphasizing the need for monitoring, early intervention, and mental resilience measures.

Workers at Genoa port have detained the Saudi vessel Bahri Yanbu, reportedly carrying weapons from the U.S. intended for Israel. The ship, previously docked in Maryland, was discovered to already have arms and ammunition. Around 40 port workers boarded the vessel to inspect and confirm the cargo. Saudi Arabia’s Bahri shipping company has denied all allegations, calling them baseless, and emphasized compliance with international maritime laws. European port workers are increasingly acting to prevent arms reaching Israel amid the ongoing Gaza crisis.

UK MP Tulip Siddiq, niece of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is facing trial in Bangladesh over allegations of illegally acquiring government land. The Anti-Corruption Commission claims she holds Bangladeshi citizenship and is registered as a voter, though Siddiq denies this. Her legal team calls the documents forged. The trial proceeds in her absence, raising political and legal debate. Siddiq resigned earlier from her UK Treasury post after reports of benefiting from assets linked to Hasina’s party.

Kuala Lumpur — Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser, Major General (retd) Khililur Rahman, met with ASEAN Chair’s Special Envoy on Myanmar, Othman Hashim, at Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing Rohingya crisis.

During the meeting, Ambassador Hashim expressed gratitude for Bangladesh’s continued generosity towards the displaced Rohingya population. Both sides voiced deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Myanmar’s Rakhine State and the decline in international financial aid for Rohingya refugees sheltering in Bangladesh.

They agreed to work closely towards a swift and sustainable solution to the crisis. Rahman briefed the envoy on the upcoming stakeholder dialogue on the Rohingya issue, scheduled for August 25 in Cox’s Bazar, and exchanged views on the forthcoming UN international conference on the matter. Both expressed hope that the discussions would pave the way for a concrete action plan.

Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir recently issued a direct nuclear threat to India, warning of potential attacks on infrastructure and extreme retaliatory measures. The remarks sparked outrage in India, with actress and MP Kangana Ranaut mocking him on social media. Delhi’s diplomatic and defense circles are closely monitoring the situation. Experts suggest Pakistan’s economic and political pressures may drive such statements. Kangana’s comments have ignited a heated debate, highlighting the growing verbal tension between the two nations.

Prime Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has returned home after a three-day state visit to Malaysia. According to the Prime Adviser’s Press Wing, his flight landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 9:10 pm on Wednesday. Dr. Yunus departed Kuala Lumpur for Dhaka at 7:30 pm local time. The visit, which began on August 11, was made at the invitation of Malaysia’s Prime Minister.

At least 10 people were injured when a passenger bus of Gorai Paribahan overturned into a pond in Kaliganj, Jhenaidah, on Wednesday afternoon. The accident occurred around 1:00 PM in Keyabagan when the Jessore-bound bus from Kaliganj lost control while attempting to overtake another vehicle. Locals and firefighters rescued the injured and took them to the Upazila Health Complex. Police confirmed there were no fatalities.

Amid rising tensions over trade, Prime Minister Narendra Modi may visit the U.S. in late September to attend the UN General Assembly in New York. On the sidelines, a possible bilateral meeting with President Donald Trump could focus on import tariffs, the bilateral trade deal, and India’s oil purchases from Russia. Earlier tariff hikes and potential sanctions have strained relations, making this visit a crucial moment. Outcomes of any Trump-Putin discussions could further influence India’s diplomatic strategy.