Students and stakeholders at Jahangirnagar University have expressed concerns about security in the upcoming Central Student Union (JAKSU) election. They warn that holding votes in residential halls could increase muscle power influence and disorder, especially with unresolved issues of expired-term students and political activity bans in halls. As an alternative, many suggest using faculty or academic buildings as polling centers to ensure a safer, more democratic election environment, reduce manipulation, and improve voter communication.

A delegation led by Dr. Ali Riaz, Vice-Chair of the National Unity Commission, met with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Tracy Ann Jacobson at the ambassador’s residence in Dhaka on Tuesday afternoon.

The meeting, also attended by U.S. Embassy Political Counselor Eric Gillan and several commission members including Monir Haider, special assistant to the Chief Advisor, focused on political inclusivity and national unity.

Earlier, Tracy Ann Jacobson had also held discussions with the National Coordination Party (NCP).

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared that the country is utilizing all state resources and diplomatic channels to support Gaza. Speaking after a cabinet meeting in Ankara, Erdogan condemned Israeli actions under Netanyahu, warning against prolonging the conflict. Since last October, Israeli military operations have caused over 61,500 deaths in Gaza, triggering a severe humanitarian crisis. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants against Israeli leaders for war crimes, while Israel faces genocide accusations at the International Court of Justice.

The killing of five Al Jazeera journalists in an Israeli airstrike outside Gaza’s Al-Shifa Hospital has triggered worldwide protests and mourning. The attack also killed two other Palestinians, raising the death toll to seven. Since late 2023, at least 238 journalists have died amid the conflict. Demonstrations demanding justice took place in cities including Ramallah, Tunis, Berlin, Washington DC, and London. Protesters accused major media outlets of biased reporting that enabled the massacre, calling for truthful coverage of the Gaza crisis.

Sumaiya Jafrin, wife of Major Sadik, has confessed in court regarding guerrilla training provided to Awami League and Chhatra League activists, following her remand.

On July 8, a banned Chhatra League faction held a secret meeting at the KB Convention Center attended by 300-400 participants linked to the fascist league, where guerrilla training was reportedly given with the objective of seizing control of Dhaka. Sumaiya’s connection to these activities has come to light through the investigation.

After recording her confession, the court ordered her detention in prison.

Pakistan Jamaat-e-Islami has declared it will hold the country’s largest-ever gathering from November 21 to 23 at Minar-e-Pakistan. Jamaat Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rahman called on the ruling authorities to restore public rights or face a peaceful but powerful mass movement. The event will feature leaders of Islamic movements globally, pro-Palestinian groups, and international figures. Ahead of the gathering, 30,000 public committees will be formed nationwide to ensure broad participation. Jamaat vows to lead a peaceful resistance representing youth, women, farmers, and workers amid Pakistan’s deepening crisis.

Keya Cosmetics Limited alleges that four local banks failed to deposit $66 million of its export earnings into their foreign currency accounts over 20 years. Despite exporting goods worth over $150 million, the company faces financial crisis as banks classify it a defaulter, demanding ₹2,700 crore in dues. Keya has requested investigation from Bangladesh Bank, BSEC, and the Ministry of Finance, warning of job losses for 15,000 workers and significant shareholder losses.

The United States and China have agreed to extend their tariff suspension for an additional 90 days, keeping the current tariffs in place until November 10. This extension pauses planned higher tariffs and allows more time to negotiate issues like reducing the trade deficit, unfair trade practices, and market access for US exporters. Both countries aim to resolve complex economic and security concerns, including rare mineral exports, Russian oil purchases, and technology restrictions, fostering constructive dialogue amid ongoing trade tensions.

At a Youth Day event, Tarique Rahman emphasized the public’s desire for genuine political transformation rather than mere promises.

He outlined BNP’s future focus on employment-driven politics and called for courage and integrity to avoid vendettas, declaring Bangladesh’s prosperity inevitable if its population can be transformed into productive manpower.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated attempts are underway to tarnish BNP by linking it to wrongdoing. He reaffirmed BNP’s commitment to ensuring free and fair elections as the main opposition party, aiming to eliminate allegations of vote-rigging similar to those leveled against the Awami League.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 has rejected senior Supreme Court lawyer Z I Khan Panna’s application in the ongoing July crimes against humanity case involving former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Despite Panna’s request to represent Sheikh Hasina, the tribunal appointed lawyer Amir Hossain as the state defense counsel on June 25. At the witness testimony stage, the tribunal questioned the purpose of Panna’s application and stated that no new applications can be accepted at this point, comparing it to missing a train after it has left.

NCP Convenor Nahid Islam warned that despite giving leeway over the past year, no concessions will be granted in the July manifesto or charter this year.

He claimed the revolutionary energy remains strong on the streets and stressed the need for unity within the opposition to prevent a repeat of 1/11-style setbacks. Nahid emphasized the demand for elections but insisted these must be accompanied by genuine reforms. Without fulfilling promises, no political party can assume power.

He urged reform to begin within parties and expressed a desire to see youth leadership in the future National Parliament. Calling for military training for youth to strengthen national defense, Nahid highlighted the rise of citizens’ and youth parties from grassroots movements, envisioning youth as the country’s vanguard.

He assured that the July march is not over and pledged to return to mobilize supporters soon.

Hasnat Abdullah accused hostile elements based in India of plotting against the state and claimed attempts are underway to rehabilitate the Awami League through the National Party.

He urged transparency from the government regarding its performance over the past year and called for public disclosure of plans involving media, administration, and the military. Abdullah appealed to media houses to maintain objective reporting, highlighting increased interference by state institutions post-August 5.

He alleged that a faction called ‘Banchito’ has seized administrative control and demanded reforms before the upcoming elections. Abdullah called for strict action against the DGFI, accused the agency of political manipulation, and suggested either reforming or banning it.

He ended by condemning defamatory remarks against Tarique Rahman’s leaders and warned of top-level complicity if no action is taken.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 has sentenced Sheikh Hasina to six months of continuous imprisonment over a leaked audio in which she threatened officers. In a conversation with Awami League leader Shakil Akand Bulbul, Sheikh Hasina said, “I have 227 murder cases across the country. Make a list. Assume I have received a license to kill at least 227 people. The punishment for one case, and the same punishment for more than 200 cases, right? So, fine, I will take that punishment, but before that, I will settle more than 200. Keep that in mind.”
The verdict states that Sheikh Hasina expressed a firm resolve to kill 227 people to Bulbul and instructed him to prepare a list of those 227 individuals.
The CID forensic lab has confirmed the authenticity of the audio. The investigation also revealed secret Awami League meetings and inciting speeches, which led prosecutors to conduct further inquiries and take legal action.

The water level of the Padma River in Rajshahi is rising and approaching the danger mark of 18.05 meters. As of August 11, it reached 17.39 meters, flooding several chars and low-lying areas. Thousands of families in multiple unions are waterlogged, forcing residents to move their livestock and belongings to safer mainland areas. Inspections of embankments have been halted for safety, and the Water Development Board has urged traders to evacuate. The situation remains critical with ongoing water level increases.

Michael Rubin, a former Pentagon official, has sharply criticized Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir for his recent nuclear threats, comparing him to Osama Bin Laden. Rubin accused Islamabad of acting like a rogue state by provoking war and warned that Munir’s statements resemble the ideology behind groups like ISIS. Munir claimed Pakistan would take half the world down if it faces existential threats. Rubin emphasized that such rhetoric raises doubts about Pakistan’s responsibility as a nation-state and condemned threats made on U.S. soil.