BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has responded cautiously to the government’s new “zero-portrait policy,” under which President Mohammed Shahabuddin’s portraits have been removed from foreign missions.

Rizvi said, “The government has introduced this policy, and in its context they have acted. Whether it is right or wrong, we will discuss within the party before making any comments.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had issued verbal instructions to embassies and consulates to remove the President’s portraits, a directive already enforced in several missions.

The extension of the nomination paper submission deadline for the DUCSU elections by one day has sparked outrage from the Democratic Student Union of Dhaka University (Bagchas).

Leaders condemned the move as an attempt to favor Chhatra Dal, accusing the administration of bias. They warned that if any faction attempted to dominate campus like Chhatra League, democratic forces and general students would resist.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) vice-presidential candidate Abu Sadiq Kayem has pledged a vision of inclusive leadership inspired by last year’s “July Revolution.”

He recalled, “During the July uprising, we set aside our differences and united against fascism. Our panel reflects that spirit—bringing together Shibir activists, independent voices, Chakma community members, and women leaders.”

Kayem expressed hope for a vibrant election and vowed to soon release a manifesto honoring the aspirations of July’s martyrs for a just and equitable Bangladesh.

As discussions continue over the final draft of the July Charter, BNP sources suggest the party may concede on certain issues, including the proportional representation system for the upper house of parliament and the mechanism for forming a caretaker government.

BNP leaders note unresolved inconsistencies in the draft, including how dissenting party opinions would be reflected in the constitution. Jamaat has advised legalizing implementation under the current government, while CPB has objected to clauses barring judicial review of the charter.

BNP’s Standing Committee will discuss the matter today before presenting feedback to the National Consensus Commission on August 20.

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has arrived in New Delhi on his first visit to India in over three years, aiming to boost historically tense bilateral relations. During the three-day visit, he will meet with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and is expected to hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Key discussions will focus on resuming trade via the Himalayan border, enhancing economic cooperation, and stabilizing ties amid U.S. tariffs and global geopolitical tensions. The visit signals a positive shift in India-China relations.

The Non-Government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA) has completed preparations for the sixth mass teacher recruitment recommendations. Pending approval from Education Adviser Dr. C. R. Abrar, recommendations for over 41,000 teacher appointments could be announced on Tuesday, August 19. Over 57,000 candidates applied for a total of 108,822 vacancies across schools, colleges, madrasas, and technical institutions, meaning nearly half of the positions may remain unfilled despite the large recruitment drive.

Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum has proposed that any future paternity leave policy must carry three mandatory conditions: fathers must spend time with their child, share equally in childcare, and provide support to the mother.

“Paternity leave can be granted, but it should come with written commitments. We must ensure fathers actively take part in child-rearing and maternal care,” she said.

Begum also emphasized reducing reliance on formula milk, stressing the need to promote breastfeeding through better maternal health. She added that healthcare challenges—such as overcrowded hospitals and insufficient midwife training—cannot be solved by blaming doctors alone.

Australia has revoked the visa of Israeli far-right politician Simcha Rothman, who was scheduled to speak at events organized by Australian Jewish groups. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke cited concerns over spreading division and hatred. Rothman, leader of the National Religious Party—Religious Zionism, will be barred from visiting Australia for three years. The move has drawn criticism from the Australian Jewish community, calling it anti-Semitic. Australia plans to recognize Palestine next month, a step Rothman has strongly opposed.

The National Committee Party (NCP) has expelled its Joint Member Secretary Mahin Sarkar for breaching party discipline.

In a press release, NCP stated that the decision was made under the directive of Central Convener Md. Nahid Islam and Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain. The expulsion order takes immediate effect and will remain in force until further notice.

Bolivia is set for a historic presidential runoff, ending nearly two decades of left-wing dominance by the Movement for Socialism (MAS). Center-right Senator Rodrigo Paz Pereira leads with 32.1% of votes, followed by former President Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga at 26.9%. MAS’s candidate Eduardo del Castillo received just 3.15%, but the party retains registration. Businessman Samuel Doria Medina, finishing third, has pledged support for Paz Pereira. The final contest will now determine Bolivia’s next president between two right-wing contenders.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has achieved a historic milestone by earning an unaudited profit of BDT 9.37 billion in the 2024-25 fiscal year, the highest in its 55-year history. Revenue reached BDT 11.63 billion, with 3.4 million passengers transported and 43,918 tons of cargo handled. The cabin factor rose to 82%, and record ticket sales were recorded in January 2025. Enhanced services, faster baggage delivery, and modernized airport processes contributed to higher passenger satisfaction and strong safety performance.

The government has declared all of Savar Upazila in Dhaka District a “Degraded Airshed” due to dangerously high air pollution levels. Starting September, all brick kilns except tunnel and hybrid Hoffman types must halt operations, and open burning of solid waste and new polluting factories are banned. Monitoring data shows Savar’s air pollution exceeds national limits nearly threefold, threatening public health. The move aims to reduce pollution in both Savar and Dhaka and protect the population, especially during the dry season.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly agreed that the U.S. and European allies could provide Ukraine with security assurances similar to NATO’s collective defense principle (Article 5). Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, called it a potential game-changer, marking the first time Russia has offered such consent. Discussions will focus on structuring and ensuring effective commitments, while Russia may also pledge not to seize new Ukrainian territory or violate the sovereignty of any European nation. Talks continue with Zelensky and European leaders.

The High Court has issued a rule asking why the 1% surcharge on mobile phone usage, introduced in 2016 to fund the Padma Bridge, should not be stopped. The court ordered government agencies to respond within four weeks. Consumer rights group CCS filed the writ, arguing the levy contradicts the law as no timeframe was specified and the bridge was completed in 2022. Despite collecting over Tk 2,000 crore, authorities have not withdrawn the surcharge.

A leaked phone conversation between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and senior Awami League leader Jahangir Kabir Nanak has stirred controversy.

In the recording, Hasina is heard questioning Nanak about the role of Mohammadpur’s Bihari community in recent political events. When Nanak pointed to a local councilor, Sentu, linked to Jatiya Party, Hasina dismissed concerns that action against him might upset the party.

“Keep quiet. Why should we care if Jatiya Party collapses? What is left of that party anyway? We don’t need them. They’re a living corpse. This time I won’t spare a single one,” Hasina declared bluntly.