Following his remand, Touhid Afridi has been sent to prison in connection with the murder of Asadul Haque Babu during the mass uprising. The court had approved a five-day remand for Afridi on August 25 after hearings. Authorities allege that Afridi, supporting the former autocratic government, gave provocative statements on live broadcasts and incited other content creators to disrupt protests. The investigation found that his inflammatory actions indirectly encouraged local Awami League-affiliated militants, political activists, and law enforcement personnel to open fire, leading to the death of 24-year-old Babu.

Mehendiganj in Barishal has been without electricity for five days following the severing of a submarine cable under the Gajaria River. Around 45,000 residents are affected. The outage, caused when an unidentified vessel’s anchor hit the cable, has disrupted healthcare, transport, and local businesses. Limited mobile charging is possible via solar panels and generators, but network services remain down. Divers have recovered one section of the cable, and authorities are working to restore power using the repaired segment.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha announced that the state plans to supply drinking water to 51 wards of Agartala Municipal Corporation using water from Bangladesh’s Titas River. He said local rivers and canals eventually merge into the Titas, making it a viable source. If the plan succeeds, it will be raised with India’s central government. Saha also highlighted ongoing development projects, including the formation of the Tripura Urban Development Authority to support modern infrastructure and high-rise construction.

Kuala Lumpur International Airport authorities (KEPS) have barred 104 foreign nationals, including some Bangladeshis, from entering Malaysia due to failure to meet the requirements of the 1959/63 Immigration Act. A KEPS statement noted that most travelers arrived from Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, though the exact number of Bangladeshis was not specified. Many were denied entry for failing to demonstrate valid return tickets, provide proof of accommodation, or clarify their purpose of visit. Some were also flagged due to suspicious explanations. Additionally, KEPS reported that 288 travelers previously denied entry remain at KLIA, and repatriation processes are ongoing.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges announced that a signal system will be introduced at seven points along Dhaka’s Airport Road starting Sunday, August 31. The signals, developed using local technology, will operate under a pilot program. The ministry has urged all commuters to follow traffic laws and signals for smoother traffic management. The project is being implemented by the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA). Officials hope the system will improve safety and reduce congestion in the busy corridor.

At a major conference in Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia, over 200 Muslim scholars and religious leaders from 50+ countries declared Palestinian armed resistance against Israeli occupation as legitimate, calling it a religious and humanitarian duty. The Istanbul Declaration urged Muslim businesses to cut ties with Zionist companies, allocate profits to Gaza, and demanded an end to political and trade relations with Israel. Delegates also called for accountability over alleged war crimes in Gaza and stronger global solidarity with Palestinians.

Upazila election officers have announced they will not take responsibility for the 2014, 2018, and 2024 national elections, citing that they were not in primary roles. Speaking at their general meeting in Agargaon, Ashfaqur Rahman stressed the need for proper recognition, upgraded grades, vehicles for officers, and the repeal of laws transferring national ID services to the Home Ministry. Officers emphasized that if allowed to perform duties properly, they will ensure fair, smooth, and neutral elections.

At least 70 people have died after a migrant boat carrying mostly Gambian and Senegalese citizens sank off the coast of Mauritania. Around 150 passengers were on board, and 16 were rescued. Mauritanian authorities recovered 70 bodies, while eyewitnesses suggest the toll could exceed 100. The route from West Africa to Spain via the Canary Islands is one of the world’s most dangerous migration paths. The Gambian government urges citizens to avoid such perilous journeys.

Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed of BNP has warned that the Farakka Barrage has caused at least 20 rivers in Bangladesh to vanish. Despite letters to the Joint River Commission, India has not responded. Experts highlighted that unilateral water withdrawal, embankment breaches, and internal mismanagement are worsening water scarcity, impacting agriculture, navigation, biodiversity, and livelihoods. Groundwater levels are dropping drastically, and many rivers have turned into dead channels. Sustainable water management policies are urgently needed.

Addressing a nationalist minority gathering in Mymensingh, Tareq Rahman highlighted BNP’s commitment to protecting the rights of all communities, whether in hill or plain regions. “BNP guarantees minority participation in all its committees. Bangladesh is not only for Bengalis but for all legally residing communities,” he said. Tareq emphasized that BNP, if in power, would consider measures to facilitate government employment for minority groups. He also mentioned BNP’s February election framework and its 31-point plan for balanced development across hill and plain areas, seeking minority cooperation to ensure a secure and inclusive Bangladesh.

President Donald Trump has halted $5 billion in foreign aid approved by Congress, citing a need to prioritize American interests. The cuts, affecting the State Department and USAID programs, have drawn strong opposition from Democrats, who warn this could derail budget negotiations. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer called the move illegal, while some moderate Republicans also criticized it. The White House defended the action as part of Trump’s “America First” agenda, escalating tensions over federal spending.

EU countries remain split over how to respond to Israel’s attacks on Gaza and the worsening humanitarian crisis. At a Copenhagen meeting, foreign ministers discussed suspending EU funding for Israeli startups but lacked sufficient support for action. Spain and Ireland urge stronger measures, while Germany and Hungary resist. Denmark warns of a severe humanitarian catastrophe. The UN’s IPC reports famine in Gaza, which Israel denies. EU foreign policy chief says no decision will be made, highlighting deep divisions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia and China are united in establishing a just, multipolar world order, prioritizing countries of the “global majority.” Speaking ahead of his China visit for the SCO summit and Victory Day events, he emphasized the strategic partnership between Moscow and Beijing as a stabilizing global force. Putin praised Xi Jinping as a resolute leader, and their talks will cover regional security, US relations, the Ukraine war, and upcoming multilateral summits, with additional meetings planned with leaders from Iran, India, and Turkey.

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh condemned the attack on Ganadhikar Parishad leader Nurul Haque Nur by unruly police and military members, along with Awami League-backed Jatiya Party supporters. The group urged the government to take strict action against the attackers and called for a judicial ban on the Jatiya Party, labeling it an agent of Indian imperialism. Hefazat also criticized the Yunus-led government for failing to reform the police, warning that attempts to rehabilitate “Awami fascism” through the party will not succeed.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin following rising tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump. The meeting will take place in Tianjin, China, immediately after the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, which runs from August 31 to September 1. Kremlin spokesperson Yuri Ushakov confirmed that the leaders will discuss key bilateral issues and strategic partnership matters, also preparing for Putin’s visit to India in December, highlighting continued cooperation between the two nations.