Professor Muhammad Yunus, chief advisor to Bernama, stated that Malaysia’s experience as ASEAN chair could help resolve the Rohingya crisis. He highlighted Malaysia’s leadership in refugee support and expressed hope for regional cooperation.

Yunus also noted that ongoing conflicts in Rakhine State continue to push Rohingya refugees into Bangladesh, adding approximately 150,000 newcomers in the past 18 months, bringing the total to around 1.2 million. Funding cuts from the U.S. have increased pressure on Bangladesh’s resources. Three major conferences are planned this year: in Cox’s Bazar in late August, during the UN General Assembly in September, and in Doha, Qatar, at year-end.

In Begumganj, Noakhali, migrant worker Md. Salauddin, also known as Ridan (32), was brutally attacked by drug traffickers for refusing to pay extortion. His left wrist was severed, and attackers stole BDT 500,000, a motorcycle, and a mobile phone.

Police visited the scene and collected video evidence. The victim’s family confirmed prior disputes over property sales had prompted the assault. Legal action will be taken upon formal complaint.

A female statistics student at Rajshahi University has accused Dr. Prabhas Kumar Karmakar of sexual harassment after being summoned to his chamber. The victim’s mother filed a written complaint on August 13.

A departmental committee is investigating the matter. Dr. Karmakar, a former Public Relations Department administrator and president of the Bangabandhu Education and Research Council, has been suspended from all academic duties. The student is reported to be traumatized and receiving psychological care.

BNP leader Syed Emran Saleh Prince criticized the prior Awami League government for systematically undermining the education system. He highlighted issues such as mass pass rates, unregulated grading, and inflated GPA-5 results, which hindered genuine talent evaluation.

Prince urged a return to classroom-focused teaching and commended students’ leading role in the national movement, promising that their bravery will be remembered. He also noted the “July Declaration” and said a roadmap for the next national election will be announced before Ramadan. He called on teachers to actively support a meaningful and successful election process.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is reportedly preparing arrest warrants against Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on charges of apartheid. Former Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan completed the cases before stepping aside, but deputies are hesitating due to U.S. sanction threats. If issued, these would be the ICC’s first apartheid charges, recognized as crimes against humanity under the Rome Statute. Rights groups and the ICJ have also accused Israel of unlawful occupation and systemic discrimination.

Several figures in the arts community faced backlash for posting “grief narratives” on Facebook regarding August 15, accused of symbolically rehabilitating fascism. A symbolic shoe-beating protest took place at Raju Sculpture at 5 PM, targeting celebrities including actors Chanchal Chowdhury, Shomi Kaiser, Shampa Reza, Jaya Ahsan, Shakib Khan, and others.

Journalists, writers, musicians, and educators were also criticized for allegedly sympathizing with cultural fascism. The July Revolutionary Alliance has declared certain celebrities unwelcome in Uttara for their perceived political stances.

Heavy rains, flash floods, and landslides have devastated northern Pakistan, leaving at least 307 dead in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province over the past 48 hours. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority confirmed widespread destruction, including dozens of homes damaged or destroyed. Relief efforts face major challenges due to washed-out roads and ongoing rainfall, expected to continue until August 21. Around 2,000 rescue workers are engaged, while the army and federal government have mobilized aid and announced significant financial support for affected districts.

Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said the country’s nuclear weapons are solely for national security, not threats or coercion. In an interview with Geo News, he criticized Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying war with Pakistan has become a nightmare for him as India faces internal unrest. Asif claimed Pakistan fought only defensive wars and accused India of backing groups like the BLA and Taliban factions. He urged good neighborly relations, stressing peace and stability are vital for South Asia’s future.

During a morning operation in Dhobagul, the army recovered another 250,000 cubic feet of looted white stone, bringing the total recovered to approximately 400,000 cubic feet. Meanwhile, the Fire Service and local administration have begun restoration work, leveling pits in the affected areas.

Police had earlier arrested five individuals involved in the looting from the eastern bank of the Dhulai River. Environmentalists and local business owners estimate that nearly 15 million cubic feet of stone worth over BDT 20 billion have been illegally extracted from Sylhet over the past year.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Anchorage, Alaska, in a three-hour summit focused on ending the Ukraine war. Trump called the talks “extremely productive” but said some issues remain unresolved and that any final deal will depend on Ukraine and NATO allies. Putin described the war as a “tragedy” and stressed the need to address its root causes for a lasting solution, though he did not specify them. Both leaders pledged to keep pursuing peace.

A violent confrontation broke out in Bijoynagar, Brahmanbaria, stemming from an online dispute on Facebook, leaving more than 50 people injured. The conflict began between two youths from Hajipur village and escalated into an attack on Arju Mia and Aklima Begum on July 14.

Tensions remained high in the area, culminating in a clash between hundreds from the Pathanbari and Oikkibari communities on Saturday morning. Authorities deployed additional police forces to prevent further escalation. No formal complaints have been filed yet.

BNP leader Ruhul Kuddus Talukdar Dulu warned of fresh conspiracies surrounding the upcoming elections. “Jamaat and the NCP do not want elections to take place in the country,” he said, asserting that these parties fear a BNP victory.

Dulu stressed the need for a neutral electoral process that allows citizens to freely exercise their right to vote. He urged everyone to unite in resisting efforts aimed at disrupting the elections, emphasizing that safeguarding democracy requires collective vigilance.

U.S. President Donald Trump said the responsibility for reaching a ceasefire deal now lies with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Speaking after his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, Trump revealed plans for a three-way summit with Zelensky and Putin. While no agreement was reached, Trump described the talks as successful, noting consensus on territorial compromises and U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine. He praised Putin as “strong” yet tough, stressing that Ukraine must agree. His advice to Zelensky: “You must make a deal.”

Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman emphasized the importance of maintaining harmony and peaceful coexistence among all communities in Bangladesh. Speaking during the inauguration of the Janmashtami procession at Palashi Mor, he extended his greetings to followers of the Sanatan Dharma.

General Waker said, “In Bangladesh, whether Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Christian, or members of hill and Bengali communities, we live together in harmony. On this day, we pledge to continue fostering this spirit of cordiality and ensure that we coexist peacefully in our country.”

He assured that law enforcement agencies are deployed across the nation and pledged the military’s support for public safety. “Together, we will share the joy of this festival,” he added. He also hoped that Lord Krishna’s ideals would inspire everyone on Janmashtami. The ceremony concluded with the three service chiefs lighting ceremonial lamps, officially marking the start of the celebrations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that he will meet Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., on Monday to hold in-depth talks on ending the war and bloodshed.

Zelensky expressed gratitude for Trump’s invitation, stating, “Ukraine is prepared to make every possible effort to establish peace — and we reaffirmed that commitment.”

Earlier, Zelensky held a “long and important discussion” with Trump, followed by a briefing with European leaders at the Alaska summit. However, he noted that he was not included in Trump’s recent talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“President Trump has informed us of the key issues he discussed with President Putin. It is vital that U.S. influence continues to shape progress in this situation,” Zelensky added.