The Bangladesh Air Force has confirmed that there is no plan to move the fighter jet training base from Dhaka, emphasizing its importance for the capital’s air defense and security. Following a recent fighter jet crash, an investigation committee has been formed, with international experts possibly joining to assist. The Air Force participated actively in rescue operations and maintains communication with the pilot until the final moments. Authorities expressed deep sorrow over the incident and thanked all involved in the rescue efforts.

Power Grid Company of Bangladesh PLC has announced a five-hour power outage on August 1 in three northern districts due to scheduled project work. The shutdown will affect the Purbosadipur Grid Substation from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM. As a result, power will be disrupted in parts of Dinajpur under NESCO Distribution-1 and 2, all areas under Dinajpur Rural Electricity Association-1, and throughout the Thakurgaon and Panchagarh districts. The Power Grid authority has apologized for the temporary inconvenience and urged residents to plan accordingly.

Dr. Ali Riaz has announced that the commission is close to finalizing the much-anticipated July Charter, which outlines major reforms in Bangladesh’s political structure. “We expect to reach the final stage within the next two to three days through continued discussions,” he said at the start of today’s meeting. So far, consensus has been reached on 12 key issues, with dissent noted on two. “Fundamental reforms are essential for the state structure, especially regarding the caretaker government system,” Riaz added. “We must present a concrete framework to the nation to avoid repeating past political crises.” Riaz stated that the final document will be a historic declaration, signed by all stakeholders, which will guide the future direction of Bangladesh.

Preparations for the upcoming national elections are well underway, with a second high-level meeting held under the leadership of the Chief Adviser, according to Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. During the meeting, officials emphasized strengthening coordination between the army, police, and local administration. The Inspector General of Police stated that 150,000 officers will receive election-specific training in September, October, and November. The press secretary also addressed the growing spread of misinformation ahead of the elections. To combat this, a National Information Center is being proposed to identify and counter false narratives. Detailed discussions are ongoing regarding its implementation.

Veteran political thinker and National Liberation Council President Badruddin Umar has been hospitalized due to respiratory distress and low blood pressure. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir visited Umar in the hospital, spending time at his bedside and inquiring about his condition from doctors and family members. Fakhrul conveyed prayers and well wishes from BNP leaders Begum Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman. Notably, Badruddin Umar founded the National Liberation Council in 2003 and has been serving as its president since then.

After initially walking out of the National Unity Commission meeting, BNP rejoined the session later. Commenting on this, Salahuddin Ahmed said, “We have agreed on the formation of an independent Election Commission. However, there is no need for differing opinions regarding appointments to constitutionally and legally governed positions, as this could weaken the executive branch.” He emphasized that the executive branch is accountable not only to Parliament but also to the people. “If there is only responsibility and accountability without authority, it is insufficient for effective governance. To meet the expectations of the public, the executive branch must be strong, not weak.” Regarding ongoing dialogues, Salahuddin added that their participation is driven by constructive goals. “However, where fundamental disagreements exist, refraining from participation or expressing dissent is also a part of democratic discourse.”

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has expressed deep anguish over reports of extortion by movement coordinators. “I am heartbroken by this news. Is this what we expected just one year after the mass uprising?” he said. Fakhrul emphasized that the nation looks to its youth for leadership, but added with concern, “I can’t confidently say we’re rebuilding the country anew. Instead, conditions are being created that may once again open the door for fascists to take control.” He also criticized the government's lack of progress on reforms and the absence of accountability for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina: “It’s been a year, and we’ve seen no sign of justice for Hasina’s actions.” Despite pressure tactics, Fakhrul asserted that the people of Bangladesh know how to fight. He reminded everyone that 79 Jubo Dal and 142 Chhatra Dal members lost their lives during the movement, saying, “This uprising belongs to the people.”

After rejoining the National Consensus Commission discussions, BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed reaffirmed the party’s commitment to preventing any return to autocracy or fascism. He warned that weakening the executive could destabilize governance but welcomed the adoption of BNP's proposal to cap the prime minister’s tenure at 10 years. He also advocated for an independent search committee for the Election Commission, comprising representatives from the government, opposition, and judiciary. Professor Dr. Ali Riaz expressed optimism that the consensus process could be completed within three days.

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus expressed deep gratitude to the healthcare professionals who served the wounded during the recent mass uprising. In a video message, he referred to them as "heroes of the July Revolution," recalling how they risked their lives to provide treatment while evading police scrutiny. "Doctors changed patient names and diagnoses to protect their identities. Private physicians treated the injured in secrecy—your courage outshines even battlefield medics," he said. Yunus also mourned the lives lost in the Milestone Tragedy and denounced the regime’s efforts to block access to medical care.

Nahid Islam, convenor of the National Consensus Party (NCP), has stated that the proposed upper house of Parliament must be constituted based on vote proportions rather than seat allocations. During a meeting with families of those killed in the July uprising in Jamalpur, Nahid emphasized that this fundamental reform must be included in the upcoming July Charter. "We hope to finalize the Charter by August 5 through an all-party consensus," she added. Nahid also criticized the lack of neutrality in the administration and called for a level playing field before the next elections.

Syria is set to hold its first parliamentary elections under the new transitional government between September 15 and 20. According to Mohammad Taha Al-Ahmad, Chair of the country’s High Election Commission, one-third of the 210 parliamentary seats will be appointed directly by interim President Ahmed Al-Shara, with the remainder filled through direct elections. This comes amid continued unrest and instability across the war-torn nation, following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime.

A sudden fire alarm disrupted the National Consensus Commission meeting held at the Foreign Service Academy, causing political leaders to evacuate in haste. The session was temporarily suspended by Commission Vice Chair Professor Ali Riaz. The alarm was later attributed to cigarette smoke, and no actual fire was detected. This incident followed the earlier walkout by the BNP during the day’s proceedings.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has issued a direct threat to assassinate Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and warned of renewed strikes on Iranian territory. Iran has yet to officially respond. Earlier, Donald Trump remarked that while Khamenei is a vulnerable target, the U.S. had no immediate plans to remove him.

Following Israel's withdrawal from ceasefire and hostage negotiations with Hamas, former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that it is now up to Israel to decide its next steps. Speaking ahead of a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Trump noted that Hamas has become increasingly uncooperative in talks. He emphasized the critical need to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza. Meanwhile, the United Nations has called for a significant increase in food aid to the besieged territory.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to call an emergency cabinet meeting next week, with Gaza likely to top the agenda, according to government sources. Although Parliament is in summer recess until September 1, the urgency of the Gaza situation may prompt an early session. Recognition of the Palestinian state is expected to be a central issue. Starmer recently stated that the UK would only recognize Palestine as part of a final peace agreement—a stance that has disappointed many within his own Labour Party, who favor swift recognition akin to France.