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.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the high tariffs imposed on India for purchasing Russian oil have dealt a significant setback to Moscow’s economy. He emphasized that the ongoing global pressures and U.S. sanctions have severely disrupted Russia’s financial stability. Trump is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin soon, aiming to mediate peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He also warned that the U.S. may halt trade talks with India if it continues its commercial ties with Russia.

The Oman government has extended the validity of expatriate resident cards from two to three years, allowing expats to choose one, two, or three-year cards by paying respective fees. Fees are 5 rials for one year, 10 for two, and 15 for three years, with a 20-rial replacement fee for lost or damaged cards. Omani citizens’ personal ID validity is now up to 10 years. Residents must renew documents within 30 days of expiry. Around 1.8 million Bangladeshis currently live in Oman.

During a three-day state visit to Malaysia, Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus held a bilateral meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya, resulting in the signing of five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and three Notes of Exchange. The visit prioritizes immigration and investment issues and includes participation in a business conference and a discussion with the Bangladeshi expatriate community. Dr. Yunus is also set to receive an honorary degree from the University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashiruddin confirmed that a letter has been sent to India’s Commerce Minister to initiate talks on various trade matters but noted no response has been received yet from Delhi.

He revealed government plans to import onions to stabilize the market and open up imports further. The interim government is preparing to sign free trade agreements with Japan, Singapore, and South Korea. Discussions are ongoing with the U.S. to further reduce tariffs. Bashiruddin assured that deteriorating law and order has not affected trade and commerce activities.

Air pollution continues to rise worldwide, with Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, recording the worst air quality on Tuesday morning with an AQI score of 229. Jerusalem, Jakarta, Kampala, and Kinshasa followed in the top five. Dhaka, long plagued by pollution, showed improvement, ranking 71st with a “moderate” AQI score of 53, according to IQAir data. AQI scores between 0–50 are considered good, while 201–300 is very unhealthy, and above 300 hazardous, posing serious health risks to residents.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi accused the Awami League of empowering fascist forces by manufacturing excuses to strengthen their grip, targeting nationalist forces with anti-democratic agendas.

He alleged that defeated fascists’ allies, backed by illicit funds and arms from neighboring countries, are actively undermining law and order, citing a recent violent attack on police in Chattogram. Rizvi warned of conspiracies to delegitimize the forthcoming election but expressed the nation’s hope for a free and fair vote.

Highlighting BNP’s commitment to an ideal, Rizvi claimed the death of Arafat Rahman Koko was unnatural, blaming the government’s oppression for the demise of many pro-democracy activists.

Nasiruddin Patwari, Chief Coordinator of the National Coordination Party (NCP), declared at the ‘National Youth Conference 2025’ organized by Jatiyo Jubo Shakti that the upcoming elections scheduled for February will not take place.

He stated, “If elections are held under the same constitution and the same fascist system, then what was the need for so many people to be martyred for reform and a new constitution?” Addressing the youth, he urged them to be the force behind bringing down the existing ‘factory of fascism’ — the Bangabhaban presidential palace — assuring that its fall will be achieved through their efforts, God willing.

Rajshahi University is set to hold its Central Students’ Union (RUCSU) elections on September 15, the first in 35 years. Political, cultural, and social groups are forming panels, with 6–7 expected to contest. Former anti-discrimination leaders, Chhatra Dal, Chhatra Shibir, leftists, journalists, and independents are in the mix. Chhatra Dal demands a delay, citing fairness concerns. The Election Commission insists the date is fixed and preparations are underway. Key deadlines for voter lists, nominations, and campaigning are set ahead of the polls.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s new tariffs on Indian goods have heightened tensions over India’s trade with Russia, which Trump claims funds Moscow’s war in Ukraine. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has engaged with both Ukrainian and Russian leaders in separate calls, signaling a neutral stance. While India vows not to bow to external pressure, the tariffs could impact exports to the U.S., pushing New Delhi to explore new markets. Analysts say India’s balancing strategy depends on U.S. policy shifts and the Ukraine war’s trajectory.

Advisor Asif Mahmud, in his testimony to the tribunal’s investigative agency, revealed ongoing communications with Muhammad Yunus’ coordinators since Prime Minister Hasina’s departure from the country, including meetings with Tarique Rahman. He detailed how, amid the turbulent times, they courageously stood as shields before armed Awami League and Chhatra League members, eventually taking on coordination roles in the movement.

Mahmud accused the Awami League of militarizing the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) for their own interests and holding them responsible for extrajudicial killings. He recounted attempting to change his position on July 19 out of fear of enforced disappearance but was apprehended by DGFI after phone tracking. Following the Awami League’s downfall, he discovered he had been held in a similarly confined room during a prison visit. He condemned the brutal repression and killings of ordinary students by the Awami League, Hasina’s government, and law enforcement agencies, demanding exemplary punishment for those responsible.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued a public notice prohibiting all forms of meetings, assemblies, sit-ins, strikes, and processions in and around the official residence of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

According to the notice, effective from Wednesday until further instructions, all gatherings including meetings, rallies, human chains, and demonstrations are banned near the Chief Justice’s government residence, judges’ quarters, the Judges Complex, the Supreme Court main gate, Mazar gate, Jame Masjid gate, entrances to International Crime Tribunals 1 and 2, and the front of the Judicial Administration Training Institute. The move, citing public order maintenance under Section 29 of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Ordinance, also appeals to the public to avoid obstructing road traffic through unlawful road blockades under the guise of protests or demands.

A survey by Sujan reveals that 71% of respondents support allocating upper house seats through a proportional representation (PR) system.
Conducted between May and July 2025, the survey gathered opinions from 1,373 people and included 15 civic dialogues.
Key findings:

69% favor a bicameral legislature.

87% support separating the roles of Prime Minister, party chief, and Leader of the House.

63% favor a rotating quota for women in the lower house; 69% support reserving 30 seats for women in the upper house.

86% want a Deputy Speaker from the opposition in the lower house; 82% want the same in the upper house.

87% agree that the Election Commission’s approval should be mandatory for any executive action that could influence voting during elections.

86% favor the EC issuing a certificate on election fairness within 48 hours of polls.

88% support revoking candidacy or results if candidates submit false financial statements.

92% believe convicted criminals, identified extortionists, and corrupt individuals should be barred from party membership.

After seven days of water release, all 16 sluice gates of the Kaptai Dam have been closed to regulate water levels in Kaptai Lake.
Authorities shut the gates at 8 a.m. Tuesday. The gates had been partially opened on August 5 due to rising water, initially by 6 inches and later up to 3.5 feet.
At peak release on August 7 evening, a record 68,000 cusecs of water flowed into the Karnaphuli River.
Officials say water pressure has now eased, though electricity production continues, with five units generating 215–220 megawatts daily, consuming about 32,000 cusecs of water per second.