Bangladesh repaid more than $3 billion in foreign debt during the first nine months of the 2024–25 fiscal year, with $2.01 billion in principal and $1.2 billion in interest, according to an ERD report. Total loan inflows during the period were about $4.81 billion, with the largest disbursements from the ADB ($1.22B), World Bank ($1.07B), and Japan ($890M). Meanwhile, the country received fresh aid commitments totaling $3 billion, a sharp drop from $7.24 billion in the same period last year.

BNP leader Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie urged the youth to move away from the distorted form of politics they’ve witnessed over the past 17 years. He stressed the need for a shift in mindset to restore genuine political and social values. Annie emphasized that leadership should come with humility and respect for the people, adding that a government truly chosen by the people is on the horizon.

The traditional sweet ‘Patkhiri’ from Munshiganj has been granted Geographical Indication (GI) status, recognizing it as a culturally significant local product. Industry adviser Adilur Rahman Khan emphasized the importance of developing GI-certified products commercially to empower local producers. Patkhiri now joins the list of 55 GI-recognized Bangladeshi products, including the famed Jamdani saree.

Bangladesh’s foreign currency reserves stood at $27.41 billion at the end of April, with the IMF-compliant BPM6 method showing reserves at $22.05 billion. Executive Director of Bangladesh Bank Arif Hossain Khan expressed confidence that IMF targets for June will be met. April saw record remittance inflows of $3.29 billion, the highest in the country’s history.

Jahangirnagar University has temporarily suspended 259 students accused of involvement in attacks on fellow students during the July uprising. These individuals are reportedly affiliated with the now-banned faction of the Chhatra League. The suspension list controversially includes Shamim Mollah, a Chhatra League activist who died during the protests. The administration says certificates of graduates will be withheld, and exam results suspended, while regular students face temporary expulsion.

A deadly clash between supporters of the BNP and the Awami League over local power dynamics in Jhenaidah has resulted in one death and at least ten injuries, including women. The deceased, Mosharraf Hossain (55), is claimed by both parties as their supporter. The violence began with an altercation between BNP supporter Tipu and AL supporter Mukul, which later escalated into an attack on six to seven homes allegedly by AL supporters. Renewed violence the next day led to the fatality.

A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of 37.95 decimals of land owned by former State Minister for Power Nasrul Hamid in Gulshan, following a petition from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). According to the ACC, the property is worth around Tk 2 billion and was acquired under Nasrul Hamid’s name. The petition states there is a risk the property may be transferred or sold, which could hinder ongoing investigations.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has requested detailed information from the Power Development Board regarding the Adani power deal. The ACC is probing why the contract was signed without involving the National Board of Revenue (NBR).

Israel has declared a national emergency as wildfires spread rapidly across the country. Defense Minister Israel Katz has requested military assistance to control the blaze. Several major highways, including Route 1 between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, have been closed, and train services on this route have been suspended.

Authorities have exhumed the body of Abdul Aziz, a garment worker killed during the August 5 uprising in Dhaka. A rubber bullet reportedly hit him in the face and body during clashes with police. After two days of treatment at Dhaka Medical, he passed away on August 7. His body has been sent for autopsy.

Tensions flared along the Line of Control in Kashmir as Pakistani security forces reportedly destroyed Indian military posts and bunkers in retaliation for alleged unprovoked firing. According to Pakistan’s military, the strikes occurred on the night of April 29–30.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul warned that further delay in elections could worsen the political crisis. He called for immediate reforms and democratic elections, predicting legal consequences for Sheikh Hasina if she returns to Bangladesh. Fakhrul also accused the regime of committing numerous human rights abuses.

Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus has directed officials to expedite talks with potential foreign investors to enhance Chittagong Port’s capacity. He emphasized involving global-standard operators to make Bangladesh’s ports competitive internationally. Current handling capacity stands at 1.37 million units, with a target of reaching 7.86 million units within five years.

After discussions with NCP and AB Party, Islami Andolan leader Rezaul Karim reiterated that no election should be held without comprehensive reforms. Discussions are ongoing about allocating a separate ballot box for Islamic parties. He called for the swift removal of authoritarian elements from the administration.

Three doctors testified on the fourth day of the trial in the rape and murder case of young Achhia. So far, 19 out of 37 witnesses have testified. Discrepancies in the incident’s reported time remain unresolved, but the prosecution hopes the verdict will be announced within 15 days.