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.

Justice Joymalya Bagchi, currently a Supreme Court judge, will assume the role of Chief Justice of India in May 2031, serving until his retirement in October the same year. His elevation marks the return of a Bengali jurist to the top post nearly 18 years after Justice Altamas Kabir in 2013. Known for his balanced and impartial rulings, Bagchi’s appointment is seen as both symbolic and historic, restoring prestige to the Calcutta High Court and inspiring future generations.

On Friday evening, supporters of the Jatiya Party (JP) and Ganadhikar Parishad clashed in Kakrail, prompting heavy deployment of the army and law enforcement. JP members alleged that Ganadhikar supporters attacked them during a march. Ganadhikar Parishad leader Abu Hanif claimed their protest, demanding the banning of Awami League affiliates, was met with stone-throwing near the JP office, injuring 10–15 activists, many of whom were hospitalized.

Brazil is preparing countermeasures against the United States after President Donald Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Brazilian exports, including coffee. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has authorized a review to determine if the U.S. measures fall under Brazil’s new Economic Reciprocity Law. Potential actions include retaliatory tariffs and suspending trade benefits. Relations have soured since the tariffs took effect on August 6. Brazil has also appealed to the World Trade Organization while keeping diplomatic options open.

In Sreepur, Gazipur, armed assailants attacked police multiple times to snatch Suman Mia, an accused involved in several cases. During the incident near Tengra Road, seven officers were injured, and attackers also targeted two police vehicles. Suman was initially detained by the Detective Branch near Trimohoni Bridge but forcibly taken after repeated assaults in Bormi, Satkhamair, and Tengra Dibar Par areas. Local BNP and Jamaat activists protested the incident, alleging links between the criminal and NCP leaders, while police intensified efforts to recapture him.

Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain said steps are being taken to bring different sections of the city’s tunnel under municipal control to ensure proper utilization and reduce losses. He highlighted that Anwara, traditionally a BNP stronghold, has been neglected over the past 16 years due to political disparities.

BNP leader Sarwar Jamal Nizam added that strengthening Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman’s influence while expelling opposing forces is essential for democratic consolidation and regional development.

The Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) has raised serious concerns over a case filed against journalist Sagar Chowdhury, who reported on corruption and irregularities in Bhola’s courts. DUJ leaders emphasized that such lawsuits hinder independent journalism and urged authorities to withdraw the case immediately. They noted that anyone dissatisfied with a news report can respond or file a complaint with the Press Council, but taking direct legal action against journalists is unacceptable and undermines press freedom.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard detained 122 boatmen and crew members in the Naf River for allegedly fishing in Myanmar’s territorial waters. The operation, conducted from Mohona to Jaliapara on Friday morning, involved 19 fishing boats. Among those detained, 29 were local residents and 93 were Rohingya.

Officials noted that Bangladeshi fishermen are often detained by the Arakan Army for crossing maritime boundaries, prompting heightened vigilance and strict enforcement by the Coast Guard.

Lisa Cook, a governor of the U.S. Federal Reserve, has filed a lawsuit against former President Donald Trump, challenging his attempt to remove her from office. In her legal petition, Cook has requested the court to declare Trump’s dismissal order “illegal and null.”

The lawsuit also names Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell as a co-defendant. Trump has accused Cook of providing false information regarding her mortgage records and claims that the Constitution gives him the authority to remove her from her position.

Cook has previously stated that there is no “legitimate legal basis” for her dismissal under U.S. law. According to reports from the BBC, the move by Trump comes amid his dissatisfaction with the Federal Reserve’s reluctance to lower interest rates. As a member of the board responsible for setting U.S. interest rates, Cook’s role places her at the center of this high-stakes confrontation.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed pledged that if his party comes to power, the first priority will be to end the culture of enforced disappearances. Highlighting that 1,850 people have disappeared since 2009, with 350 still missing, he said the party will work to ensure no family ever has to search for loved ones on the streets.

Salahuddin criticized the Awami League government for committing such acts to maintain lifelong power. He warned that attempts are underway to create divisions among political parties and undermine elections, urging unity to ensure accountability through fair elections.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that Khaleda Zia has not ruled out participating in elections, asserting, “She will win wherever she stands.” Fakhrul clarified that the election schedule is unrelated to Tarique Rahman’s return, though he expressed hope that Rahman would return soon, depending on his personal readiness.

He emphasized that political parties are proceeding with February elections despite heightened rhetoric. On alliances, he said no decisions have been finalized, adding, “We don’t engage in orchestrated politics; creating staged opposition is the Awami League’s work, not ours.” Regarding a potential coalition with NCP, Fakhrul said it depends on the political climate before the elections. He also noted BNP’s cautious diplomacy, stating that relations with India have never been deep, yet as neighbors, distance has never been an issue.

In Shariatpur’s Borkandi Union, BNP joint convener Khabir Sardar was fatally stabbed on Wednesday following a dispute over mosque loudspeaker use. His brother, Danesh Sardar, filed a case naming Almas Sardar as the main suspect.

Police recovered Almas Sardar’s body the following day after locals discovered a foul-smelling buried package. Authorities confirmed the body matched the suspect. The two consecutive killings have created widespread fear in the area. OC Mainul Islam assured that legal action will follow based on ongoing investigations.

Despite China’s new nationwide child subsidy of 3,600 yuan per year for children under three, rising costs of diapers, dairy, and clothing make the financial support feel insufficient. Families like Wang Yuan’s in Hangzhou report spending around 4,000 yuan monthly on a four-month-old baby. Introduced in July 2024, the scheme aims to assist nearly 20 million families, including retroactive support for children born 2022–2024. Experts warn that China’s declining birth rate and rapidly aging population remain major demographic challenges.

Over 100 leaders from district and upazila levels of the Gaon Adhikar Parishad in Naogaon resigned simultaneously on Friday.

Among the resigning leaders were Akhtarul Islam (Vice President, Naogaon District), Mehedi Hasan (Joint General Secretary), and Abu Rahat Chowdhury (Vice President), along with other organizational members.

They cited long-standing grievances, including neglect of grassroots leaders, the imposition of “pocket committees,” financial transactions in committee formation, and undemocratic behavior by central leaders. Approximately 80% of youth, student, and labor rights members from Naogaon district resigned in solidarity.

Amid rising U.S. tariff pressures, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Tokyo to attend the two-day annual summit beginning Friday.

The visit is expected to strengthen strategic relations between Japan and India, with discussions focusing on rare mineral partnerships and Japanese investment in high-value sectors in India. Meanwhile, both countries plan to discuss enhanced cooperation under the regional security alliance framework. Modi’s visit is also seen as a key step in strengthening the Quad alliance in the Indo-Pacific region.