Israel has declared Gaza City a “dangerous battlefield” as its forces escalate operations with heavy airstrikes and shelling, particularly in northern and eastern areas. The army ended a temporary humanitarian pause, warning of ongoing offensives against militant groups. UNRWA cautioned that up to one million people risk further displacement, while famine has already taken hold. Since October 2023, Israeli attacks have killed over 63,000 Palestinians, amid a blockade that has crippled food, medicine, and essential services in Gaza.

NBR Chairman Md. Abdur Rahman Khan has stressed that importers and exporters must not face unnecessary obstacles, urging proper enforcement of existing laws to ensure fair revenue collection. He warned against arbitrary BIN locks, calling for accountability in customs and intelligence units. Khan emphasized bringing non-VAT payers into the tax net, punishing evaders, and expanding VAT registration. He also ordered bond activities to go online within a month, faster audits, and stronger enforcement to boost income tax recovery.

Malaysia is preparing to celebrate its 68th Independence Day on August 31 with nationwide festivities. From Kuala Lumpur to remote villages, colorful flags, lights, and parades will mark the occasion. The theme “Malaysia MADANI: Consensus, Cooperation, Togetherness” highlights unity amid diversity. Main events at Dataran Putrajaya include military parades, cultural performances, and historic reenactments. Malaysians abroad also join celebrations. The day emphasizes national consciousness, responsibility for future generations, and showcases Malaysia’s strong ties with countries like Bangladesh.

Pakistani activist, speaker, and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador Muniba Mazari have been appointed as a new UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Advocate. Recognized for her relentless work on inclusion, gender equality, and social justice, she will collaborate with global leaders including Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley and Belgium’s Queen Mathilde. UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised Mazari as an inspiring voice for equality. Mazari called the role both an honor and a responsibility to amplify unheard voices and inspire collective global action.

The UK has banned Israeli government representatives from attending DSEI UK 2025, one of the world’s largest arms fairs, citing Israel’s escalating military actions in Gaza. The exhibition will run from September 9–12 in London. While Israeli defense firms may still join privately, the absence of official representation sparked outrage from Israel’s defense ministry, which called the move discriminatory and withdrew entirely. Britain signaled the ban could be lifted if Israel pledges to follow international law in occupied Palestinian territories.

The July 24 student-citizen uprising in Bangladesh is driving the nation toward democratic reforms and power transition. Speakers at the Bengal Delta Conference 2025 highlighted the role of youth in shaping political awareness and the government’s dialogue with stakeholders. Experts noted the uprising’s significance for economic and institutional transformation, citing recent successes in reducing U.S. tariffs. Calls were made for global climate awareness, emphasizing youth responsibility. The two-day conference was organized by the Dhaka Institute of Research and Analytics.

Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad, General Secretary of the AB Party, has alleged that the Election Commission is moving ahead with plans for a careless election and expressed doubts about its ability to conduct a fair vote under current conditions. He urged that the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election follow the July 1972 Constitution and stressed that even a delayed election would be acceptable. Fuad also highlighted issues like lowering the voting age and reducing campaign costs through standard EC posters.

A recent Mood of the Nation survey shows Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains India’s top choice despite a slight decline in popularity. Satisfaction with his performance dropped from 62% in February to 58% in August, with 34.2% rating it as “excellent.” Amit Shah leads as the preferred BJP successor at 28%. Public opinion on the NDA government is mixed, with neutral responses rising to 15.3%. Analysts warn the government must address economic and social challenges to maintain its edge.

At the opening of the Bengal Delta Conference 2025, The Wire’s founder-editor Siddharth Varadarajan praised Bangladesh’s handling of US-imposed tariffs on India and Bangladesh as indicative of its economic transformation. Former Malaysian Education Minister Prof. Mazli bin Malik noted that the recent people’s uprising restored democratic culture, with the government consulting stakeholders—a positive reform step. The Daily Star editor Mahfuz Anam reflected on Bangladesh’s historic struggle to build strong institutions, while Nepal’s ex-minister Dr. Deepak Gawali urged youth to address global climate challenges responsibly.

Bangladesh-based organization Moncho 24 has given the Ministry of Home Affairs a one-week ultimatum to take action against Moncho 71, which it accuses of mocking July revolutionaries and promoting anti-national agendas with alleged foreign support. The group also demanded the withdrawal of statements by the Dhaka Reporters Unity president and warned media outlets against publishing content undermining the July uprising. Failure to comply could lead to legal action against both the organization and involved journalists within seven days.

Northern Electricity Supply Company Limited (NESCO) announced a six-hour power shutdown on Saturday from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM in Kurigram and Lalmonirhat for repairs to damaged conductors on 132kV transmission lines. Approximately 120 MW of load will be affected in these districts, with 20 MW in Rangpur city. Roamari and Rajibpur in Jamalpur will not be affected. NESCO expressed regret for the temporary inconvenience.

On Friday evening, two special assistants to the Chief Advisor, Sheikh Moinuddin and Foyez Ahmed Tayyeb, visited BUET student Syed Shadid Nasif, who is receiving treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH). Shadid, a 2020 batch student, was accompanied by his family. The delegation offered condolences and assured full medical support. Doctors confirmed that his surgery was successful, and he is currently stable.

A BBC investigation reveals that India deported Rohingya refugees to Myanmar by flying them from Delhi to the Andamans, placing them on a naval ship, and abandoning them at sea with life jackets. Survivors swam ashore and now face an uncertain future under a resistance group in Myanmar. Refugees allege abuse, religious humiliation, and forced detention before deportation. The UN says credible evidence supports the claims, while India’s Supreme Court will soon rule on the Rohingya’s refugee status.

No bail petition was filed on behalf of Abdul Latif Siddiqui in the anti-terrorism case, as he refused to sign the lawyer’s authorization. Lawyer Saiful Islam Saif said Siddiqui stated, “Why ask for bail from a court that has no power to grant it?” Other accused parties did seek bail. Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Sarah Farzana Haque denied bail and ordered the accused sent to jail, with the prosecution represented by Additional Public Prosecutor Shamsuddoha Suman.

At the Bengal Delta Conference, NCP leader Tasnim Zara stated that the July uprising represented a rejection of the old political system, not merely a change in leadership. Oxford lecturer Dr. David Jackman noted that rampant use of money and muscle power in elections fosters extortion and power display in Bangladesh. Zara responded that the uprising proved public rejection of such politics.