Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a phone call to discuss the worsening situation in Syria. Erdoğan warned against Israeli violations of Syria’s sovereignty and stressed that renewed conflict could endanger regional stability. The Kremlin stated both leaders emphasized dialogue and national unity to stabilize Syria. They also discussed the Ukraine war and possible peace talks in Istanbul. Meanwhile, the U.S. envoy to Turkey confirmed a ceasefire between Israel and Syria, welcomed by Turkey, Jordan, and other regional neighbors.

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has strongly opposed the interim government's agreement to establish a United Nations Human Rights Commission office in Dhaka. In a joint statement, the group’s top leaders warned of stern programs if the deal isn’t canceled immediately. They argue the office is unnecessary for a peaceful country like Bangladesh and claim it serves foreign interests. Citing the 2013 Shapla Square crackdown, they criticized the UN’s silence on past human rights violations and urged the government to meet the demands of the "July Revolution."

Tulsi Gabbard, former U.S. National Intelligence Director, has called for legal action against former President Barack Obama and top officials for allegedly fabricating intelligence to accuse Russia of interfering in the 2016 election. She described the incident as a treasonous conspiracy aimed at removing Donald Trump from office. Gabbard is submitting classified documents to the Justice Department to support her claims. This renewed debate follows the Mueller investigation, which found no collusion between Trump’s campaign and Russia.

In Rafah, southern Gaza, Israeli forces fired on a crowd of starving Palestinian civilians gathered near a US- and Israel-supported aid center, killing at least 25 and injuring over 70. Since October 2023, Israeli operations in Gaza have killed over 58,000 Palestinians and injured around 140,000. The conflict escalated after a Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, leading to ongoing military actions and a brief ceasefire that ended in March 2025. The IDF continues efforts to rescue hostages held by Hamas.

Speaking at the Jamaat rally, NCP’s Northern Region organizer Sarjis Alam alleged that Mujibist elements were regaining strongholds in places like Gopalganj and pushing a pro-India agenda in Bangladesh.

He stressed that combating “Mujibism” requires a comprehensive approach—legally, economically, socially, and politically. Calling for unity among all dissenters, he demanded a trial of Sheikh Hasina, the drafting of a new constitution, and elections for a fresh constituent assembly. “We need unity, not blind loyalty,” he asserted.

Five people died in violent clashes during an NCP program in Gopalganj, but postmortems were not conducted on the initial four bodies. Families claim lack of support forced them to bury without examination, while police cite unruly crowds as the reason. Experts warn that without postmortems, holding perpetrators accountable becomes difficult. Legal experts say postmortems can still be ordered by courts later. The police have not clarified if further steps will be taken.

India’s NCERT has revised eighth-grade textbooks for 2025-26, portraying Mughal emperors Babur, Akbar, and Aurangzeb as both patrons of culture and ruthless rulers. The changes depict Akbar as a temple destroyer and Aurangzeb as a symbol of religious persecution, igniting debate over historical accuracy versus political motives. Critics argue this revision downplays Muslim contributions and fuels communal distrust. This move continues a trend since 2014 to reshape history textbooks to emphasize Hindu nationalism, raising concerns about fostering intolerance and rewriting India’s pluralistic past.

A fierce wildfire has scorched over 593 acres near Marseille, France’s second-largest city, injuring two firefighters. Around 1,000 firefighters and several helicopters have been deployed to control the blaze. Though the fire is now partly contained due to cooler temperatures and higher humidity, over 150 people were evacuated and 120 homes remain at risk. Meanwhile, in Spain’s Toledo province, wildfires have burned 3,200 hectares. Experts warn that climate change and rising summer heatwaves are increasing wildfire threats across Europe.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) launched a special cleanliness and mosquito control campaign in wards 74 and 75, involving over 600 workers and local residents. The initiative, held to commemorate the Student People’s Mass Uprising, focused on cleaning drains, gutters, and sidewalks and applying mosquito pesticides. Officials emphasized that success in dengue control depends on community participation and maintaining clean surroundings. DSCC also plans infrastructure development in new wards, aiming to build a healthier, cleaner city.

Yemen’s armed forces claimed responsibility for a hypersonic missile strike on Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport using the “Palestine-2” missile. The strike reportedly caused mass evacuations and halted flight operations. Yemen described it as retaliation against Israel’s actions in Gaza and pledged continued operations until the blockade ends. Israeli media confirmed the airport’s temporary closure and urged nearby residents to seek shelter. This marks the second missile launch from Yemen toward Israeli-occupied territory within 48 hours.

Israel is suspected of launching attacks in Syria, including near Damascus, under the pretense of protecting the Druze minority in Suwayda. Syrian politician Tarek Ahmed claims it was a strategic move to destabilize and remove interim President Ahmed Shara. He suggests Shara was misled by promises of peace. With increasing regional tensions, Ahmed warns of serious security risks and long-term consequences, saying Israel’s actions could reshape Syria’s power dynamics and possibly plunge the region into deeper chaos.

Imprisoned former Pakistani PM Imran Khan has accused Army Chief General Asim Munir of orchestrating abuse against him and his wife Bushra Bibi in jail. In a social media post, Khan warned that Munir should be held accountable if anything happens to them. He claimed the mistreatment stems from past personal and political tensions with Munir. PTI has announced a nationwide protest on August 5 demanding their release, with Khan’s sons Sulaiman and Qasim expected to lead the movement.

Interim government adviser on environment Syeda Rizwana Hasan has called for a long-term values-driven movement to protect the environment. Speaking on World Environment Day, she emphasized that one generation cannot achieve sustainable environmental change alone. She urged for multi-generational engagement, starting with children through eco-friendly educational tours and the use of reusable cloth bags. Rizwana also called for greater awareness to combat noise pollution. The event featured an art exhibition on environmental themes, with students of all ages participating and winners receiving awards.

Hezbollah’s deputy chief Sheikh Naim Qassem declared that Israel will never succeed in disarming the Lebanese resistance group. Speaking at a memorial for Commander Ali Karaki, Qassem emphasized Hezbollah’s readiness against Israeli aggression. He criticized U.S.-Israel plans for a new deal aimed at weakening Hezbollah, stating it poses an existential threat to Lebanon. Qassem acknowledged the cost of resistance but warned that surrender would expose the entire nation to attack. He urged unity and resistance to safeguard Lebanon’s sovereignty.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has once again threatened to impose a 10% import tariff on goods from BRICS nations. Speaking at the White House on Friday, Trump argued that BRICS is unlikely to sustain itself as a meaningful alliance. He warned that any anti-American alignment will face consequences, reaffirming his commitment to defending the dollar’s global dominance. Trump also criticized the idea of a central bank digital currency. As G7 and G20 groups weaken due to internal rifts and U.S. isolationist policies, BRICS is positioning itself as an alternative platform for multilateral diplomacy.