Long-running internal conflict in Jhalokathi district BNP has become increasingly public, with leaders from rival groups airing grievances on social media, according to a report published on August 13, 2026. One bloc includes Jhalokathi-1 MP Rafiqul Islam Jamal, Jhalokathi-2 MP Israt Sultana Elen Bhutto and their followers. The other is led by district convening committee convener Syed Hossain and member secretary Shahadat Hossain, along with leaders under committees controlled by the convening body.

Tensions intensified after photographs showed Kirtipasha Union chairman and Union Awami League vice-president Abdur Rahim Miah giving flowers to BNP leaders at a union BNP meeting. Grassroots activists alleged that he was being brought into BNP for money, an allegation denied by Sadar Upazila BNP president Professor Ejaj Hasan, who said the chairman offered flowers as a courtesy because the event was held at the union council office.

Jamal then posted allegations on Facebook against party activists, including claims involving Awami League figures and money. Shahadat Hossain responded in a post later deleted, saying it was not directed at anyone. Central leader Mahbubul Haque Nannu said differences among leaders should not appear on social media and would be resolved soon.

Chattogram’s gas crisis has intensified, with the Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company Limited saying the region is receiving 54.29 percent of demand, leaving a 45.71 percent shortfall. In a report published on August 13, the company said it was receiving 190 million cubic feet of gas daily against an allocation of 246 million cubic feet from the national grid. The shortage has disrupted household cooking, CNG stations and gas-based power generation, while load-shedding has increased.

Gas-sector sources said Chattogram depends on floating LNG terminals at Maheshkhali for supply. The crisis began after a fire incident at Exelerate Energy’s terminal on July 21. One boiler was partially restarted on August 6 after nearly two weeks of closure, but repairs to damaged electrical control and instrument systems, as well as replacement of required parts, are continuing.

The report said output at rod, garment, shipbreaking and steel-structure factories has fallen to 40 percent. Several 210-megawatt power-generation units, including at Raozan and Anwara, are shut. BSRM said its factory had been fully closed since Wednesday and it had not received gas at the desired rate for 20 days. Long queues were reported at CNG stations, some of which suspend service when gas pressure falls.

Bangladesh Bank’s liquidity support to weak banks, funded by money creation, has exceeded Tk85,000 crore as of August 13, 2026, according to the report. The central bank provided nearly Tk17,000 crore more over the past three months to address severe liquidity shortages at 13 banks. Despite the support, the banks have not repaid the large outstanding loans over a long period.

The report says widespread looting at more than a dozen banks during the Awami League government left them financially weak, with some unable to return depositors’ money. In late 2022, five Shariah-based banks were allowed to conduct transactions despite negative current-account balances. When those facilities were later stopped, the banks struggled to repay customers and instability emerged at branches.

Islami Bank Bangladesh received the largest amount, Tk17,000 crore, followed by First Security Islami Bank with Tk15,810 crore and EXIM Bank with Tk12,010 crore. Bangladesh Bank spokesperson and Executive Director Arif Hossain Khan said such support should not continue, but the central bank is compelled to provide it because failure to return depositors’ funds could undermine confidence in the banking sector and deepen the crisis.

A column published by Amardesh writer Minar Rashid criticizes a possible amicable settlement with Summit concerning Bangladesh’s cancelled third floating storage and regasification unit, or FSRU, project. According to the column, the interim government finally cancelled the work order for Summit’s third FSRU project, which had been approved without tender, on January 14, 2025. Summit LNG Terminal II Co. Ltd. then filed a writ against the cancellation and sought court directions to discuss an amicable settlement.

The column says the High Court Division heard the application on July 14, 2026, granted it, and observed that the petitioner was free to discuss the matter with the other side for an amicable resolution. The writer questions the ruling’s implications and the role of state lawyers. He alleges that reliance on a small number of business groups, non-tender awards and capacity charges have raised concerns about state interests, transparency and accountability.

The writer also argues that proposals from international firms for alternative FSRU facilities and energy supplies were not properly considered during the past 17 months. He cites offers from Saudi Aramco, Oman’s OQT, Azerbaijan’s SOCAR and the UAE-linked IRH, and calls for an investigation into whether such proposals reached policy-level consideration.

Global crude oil prices declined further by late Thursday night, Bangladesh time. Brent crude fell $1.29, or 1.5%, to $87.69 a barrel by 1 a.m. West Texas Intermediate crude in the United States dropped $1.30, or 1.6%, to $81.97 a barrel, according to an Al Jazeera report.

Analysts believe the war involving the United States and Israel over Iran could reduce oil demand worldwide. Concerns over weaker demand have led to a reduction in the forecast for global oil demand growth in 2026. OPEC, the alliance of oil-producing countries, cut its projection in its monthly oil market report released on Wednesday.

Under OPEC's revised forecast, global oil demand is expected to increase by 580,000 barrels per day in 2026. However, the same conflict could create a potential oil supply crisis. Fears of major supply disruptions are limiting the scope for further declines in oil prices, as possible supply shortages continue to affect market expectations.

Hand in Hand Foundation and affiliated groups linked to Bangladesh’s banned Awami League have planned a seminar in Delhi titled “Euro-Asia Relations: Partnership for Peace, Prosperity and Sustainable Development.” The event is scheduled for August 29 at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club, South Asia, according to the report published on August 13, 2026.

Delhi diplomatic sources said former foreign minister Dr Hasan Mahmud and several Awami League leaders who have taken refuge in Europe were behind the initiative. The report said the Indian government had no direct involvement, while sources alleged indirect support from part of an Indian intelligence agency.

Although the theme highlights peace, cooperation, human rights and economic development between Europe and Asia, the seminar may focus on Bangladesh’s current situation and the Awami League’s political future. The party is seeking to raise internationally the ban imposed on it and rulings against Sheikh Hasina and other leaders, the report said. Expected participants include Bangladeshi politicians described as fugitives, diplomats, alleged rights activists and former Indian diplomats. Sources said fresh efforts to normalize Dhaka-Delhi relations have created doubt over whether the seminar will ultimately take place.

Bangladesh’s gas crisis has intensified, pushing pressure in the national transmission line to its lowest level and disrupting industry, households and CNG-powered transport, according to a report published on August 13, 2026. The government attributed the reduced supply to natural hazards and rough seas affecting floating LNG terminals at Maheshkhali. Residents in Dhaka and other areas reported little or no cooking gas for much of the day, while CNG vehicles faced long waits and limited refuelling.

Energy Division and Petrobangla data put daily gas demand at 400 crore cubic feet, although sector experts believe it exceeds 500 crore cubic feet. The government has capacity to supply 270 crore cubic feet to the national grid from domestic production and imports. Supply from the Excelerate-operated terminal fell from 60 crore to 28 crore cubic feet, while the Summit-operated terminal fell from 50 crore to 25 crore cubic feet, a combined reduction of 57 crore cubic feet.

Industrial operators said factories had reduced output, cut shifts or closed temporarily amid gas and power shortages. More than 100 factories in Gazipur and Narsingdi reportedly produced less than 10 percent of capacity on Tuesday and Wednesday. State Minister Anindya Islam Amit said the government was working to resolve the crisis but could not specify when conditions would normalize.

Bangladesh’s planned Family Card programme for poor households faces allegations of politicisation, nepotism and irregular recruitment before its formal launch on August 16. The report, published August 13, says disputes concern the appointment of data collectors and supervisors in districts and upazilas across the country. The government is scheduled to inaugurate the programme in Ward 8 of Latifabad Union in Kishoreganj Sadar, with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman named as the inaugurator.

The programme aims to cover 16 million families within four years, following a pilot phase. The government says beneficiary information will be regularly updated to include genuinely poor households and that oversight committees will operate from union to national level. The report cites allegations involving recruitment lists in Satkhira, Shyamnagar, Kishoreganj, Naogaon, Gaibandha and other areas, including claims about political affiliations and relatives receiving posts. Some appointments were reportedly cancelled after complaints.

Protests, human chains and sieges of UNO offices were reported in Nikli, Fulchhari and Kumarkhali. Results for recruitment examinations in Dighalia, Paikgachha and Terokhada upazilas of Khulna were reportedly suspended amid the controversy. National Citizen Party chief organiser Sarjis Alam also alleged local politicisation in the provision of honoraria for mosque imams and muezzins.

Residents, civil defense workers and environmental groups have accused Israeli forces of deliberately setting fires that are damaging forests, farmland and homes in southern Lebanon. Local officials said Israeli forces fired flares into woodland outside Khiam on Tuesday, after which a fire spread. Nabatieh civil defense chief Hussein Fakih said firefighters responding to blazes had come under drone attack and were forced to withdraw for safety.

Although a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel took effect on June 17, rescue workers and video footage indicate that fires have continued in southern Lebanon. Fakih estimated that about 30 to 40 percent of land near the border and combat zones had been affected, while noting he had no precise figures. He alleged the use of incendiary bombs, small drones dispersing flammable material, white phosphorus shells and illumination flares. The Israeli military did not respond to a request for comment.

Kfarchouba civil defense chief Samir Hardan said permission restrictions also limited firefighting operations. Environmental advocates warned of long-term damage to biodiversity and livelihoods. Yaroun Mayor Hafez Ghasem said satellite images bought by displaced residents showed 880 of the village's 900 homes had been bulldozed, and alleged that olive and fruit orchards were also set on fire.

Australia won the toss and elected to bat in the first Test of the series against Bangladesh in Darwin on August 13, 2026. Despite grass and some moisture on the pitch that could assist new-ball bowlers early, captain Pat Cummins chose to bat first. At the time of reporting, Australia were 36 without loss after 10 overs, beginning their innings cautiously while assessing the wicket's behaviour.

Bangladesh recalled wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das, while injuries ruled Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam out of the match. Hasan Mahmud shared new-ball duties with Taskin Ahmed, and Ebadot Hossain was selected as the third fast bowler. Najmul Hossain Shanto captains the visitors, whose XI also includes Tanzeed Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam.

Josh Hazlewood returned to Australia's XI, joining Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon in the hosts' bowling attack. Travis Head and Jake Weatherald opened, while Cameron Green and Beau Webster were included as all-rounders. Bangladesh are playing a Test in Australia after 23 years and aim to maintain their recent positive Test form in Darwin.

An investigation by Amar Desh has identified border areas in Mymensingh, Netrokona and Sherpur as allegedly vulnerable corridors for the smuggling of arms, drugs and commercial goods. Published on August 13, 2026, the report says the long Bangladesh section adjoining India’s Meghalaya lacks its own barbed-wire fence, leaving broad open areas that residents say are used by organised smuggling groups.

The report, citing local accounts, says weapons, narcotics, medicines, liquor, cattle and consumer goods enter Bangladesh from India, while fish, farm products, plastic items, garments and gold are allegedly moved in the other direction. Border Guard Bangladesh officers said hilly terrain, forests, rivers and open land make continuous surveillance difficult.

Mymensingh 39 BGB commander Lieutenant Colonel Nurul Azim Bayezid said liquor and tapentadol tablet smuggling is prevalent along roughly 80 kilometres under his command, though recent operations reduced tapentadol trafficking somewhat. Netrokona 31 BGB commander Lieutenant Colonel Touhidul Bari cited limited personnel and about 90 kilometres of difficult, open border. Analysts called for technology-based surveillance, infrastructure improvements and coordinated action.

A Turkish Air Force F-16 crashed during a training flight in the northwestern province of Yalova, Turkey’s Defence Ministry said on Wednesday. The ministry attributed the crash to a mechanical malfunction. The pilot successfully ejected and left the aircraft by parachute, and was reported to be in good health.

The accident occurred during training at Yalova Airfield Command. The military aircraft crashed near the 18th Main Jet Base in the Taşköprü area of Çiftlikköy district, Yalova province. The F-16 was reported to belong to the Çelan Squadron of Turkey’s 1st Main Jet Base in Eskişehir.

Medical and fire service rescue teams were dispatched to the crash site after the pilot’s safe escape. The pilot was later rescued and admitted to Yalova Training and Research Hospital for treatment. The Defence Ministry said a detailed investigation had been launched to determine the cause of the accident.

The death toll from a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake in western Colombia has risen to 265, President Abelardo de la Espriella said on Wednesday. Another 496 people remain missing as rescuers search collapsed buildings for survivors. The quake struck on Monday morning local time, with its epicentre near San Jose del Palmar in the western department of Choco.

Tremors were felt across a wide area of western Colombia, and major damage was reported in cities including Cali, Pereira, Manizales and Quibdo. Many buildings collapsed partially or completely. Rescue teams are using heavy equipment to determine whether people remain alive beneath the rubble. More than 70 aftershocks have been recorded since the quake, including several above magnitude 4, complicating rescue operations.

Authorities have taken emergency measures to coordinate rescue and relief work, while sending emergency aid and medical services to affected areas. Work is also under way to restore damaged roads and other infrastructure. De la Espriella said the main priority was finding missing people. The United States has announced nearly $15.5 million in assistance, while Mexico and El Salvador have also moved to send aid.

Karoline Leavitt will step down as White House press secretary at the end of this month to spend more time with her family and two young children, according to US President Donald Trump. Leavitt, 28, took the role last year and became the youngest person in US history to serve as White House press secretary.

In a social media post, Trump described Leavitt as one of his most trusted aides. He said she would remain one of his principal advisers after leaving the press secretary post and would continue to play an influential role within the Republican Party. Leavitt gave birth to a daughter in May, her second child with husband Nicholas Riccio; the couple also has a two-year-old son.

Leavitt returned to work last month after maternity leave and said she found it difficult to balance the time, energy and focus required by the press secretary role with giving her children the time they need. She called the decision difficult but necessary. Trump has not announced who will replace her.

The United Kingdom has strongly condemned rising violence by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, describing recent attacks on Palestinian villages and communities as “horrific.” Sarah MacIntosh, the UK’s permanent representative to the United Nations, made the remarks at a UN Security Council meeting on Palestine. She said Israeli forces had also been involved in some of the attacks.

MacIntosh said the incidents were not isolated. In July alone, 13 Palestinians and two Israelis were killed, she said. Citing a July report by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, she said more than 1,300 settler-related violent incidents were documented during the month, affecting more than 250 Palestinian communities.

So far this year, about 900 Palestinians have been injured and more than 3,200 people displaced, MacIntosh said. During the same period, at least three Israelis were killed and 24 injured. She said children were among those most affected, facing violence, displacement, movement restrictions and disruption from military operations. MacIntosh said perpetrators had long enjoyed impunity and urged Israel’s government to protect Palestinians in the occupied territory and bring offenders to justice.