Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has embarked on a four-day visit to China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, aiming to strengthen bilateral and regional ties. He will attend the SCO summit and Victory Day military parade, marking the first time a Malaysian leader participates in the SCO at this level. Anwar will also hold talks with Xi and Premier Li Qiang, meet business leaders, and reinforce Malaysia’s commitment to its largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years.

In Kuakata, businessman Abdul Halim Akon has accused Kuakata Municipal Student League Secretary Nesar Uddin Howlader of forcibly taking a signed check worth BDT 30 lakh from him. On Sunday morning, Halim Akon submitted a written complaint to the relevant bank, requesting redress and alleging that he received threats to his life. Responding to the allegations, Nesar Uddin stated that the check was handed over as repayment for a land transaction. “A year ago, I purchased 15 sotok of land from Halim Akon’s father, Mostafa Akon, for BDT 37.5 lakh. We have a written agreement to confirm this,” Nesar Uddin said. He added that the payment was due, but when he learned the land had been sold elsewhere without finalizing the documentation, he contacted Mostafa Akon. During a family meeting, Halim Akon reportedly provided a signed check for BDT 30 lakh from his account in the presence of several witnesses. According to Nesar Uddin, he later discovered that Halim Akon raised objections at the bank. He said he then informed the father, who subsequently repaid BDT 28 lakh through two separate checks, with the remaining amount to be settled via land transfer. Nesar Uddin claimed that the accusations are part of a planned conspiracy and a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation.

BNP leader Professor Nargis Begum stressed that elections are essential to preserve Bangladesh’s sovereignty and build a democratic state. She highlighted the need to protect current and future generations, stating that democracy enables free expression and national development. She recalled that former President Ziaur Rahman united the nation to safeguard independence and founded the BNP to uphold the rights and dignity of the majority. Party leaders urged citizens to protect the party’s legacy, noting, “If BNP survives, the country survives.”

GOP leader Rashed Khan emphasized, “We are not against the election, and we will not allow it to be disrupted. The government may make mistakes, but we cannot let it fail.” He also called for accountability for attacks on party members, including Nurul Haq Nur, stressing that law enforcement personnel involved must face consequences. Khan reiterated demands to ban fascist elements from politics, including their affiliates.

National Party Secretary General Barrister Shamim Haider stated that any attempts to ban the party would fail, emphasizing that the party has never engaged in terrorism. He condemned recent attacks on the party office and praised police for controlling the situation. Haider urged party members to remain vigilant, promising lawful, peaceful demonstrations in Dhaka if necessary.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul was acquitted on Sunday in a 2013 case from Ramna Model Police Station, which accused him of obstructing police and attempted murder. His lawyer, Syed Zainal Abedin Mezbah, said the High Court had annulled parts of the charges, leading to Fakhrul’s exoneration. Other accused parties will continue to face trial.

The war crimes trial over the July uprising, in which Sheikh Hasina and two others are accused, is nearing its conclusion. In just nine days, testimony from 29 witnesses has been recorded, including family members of martyred protesters, injured activists, eyewitnesses, and medical personnel. Witnesses unanimously called for the death penalty for Sheikh Hasina and her associates. The prosecution expects an additional 10–15 witnesses over the next 3–4 days, after which both sides will present arguments. The tribunal is expected to announce a verdict following the conclusion of testimonies and arguments by October 15.

Advisor Farida Akhter expressed concern over the ecological impact of illegal fishing in Bangladesh’s Haor wetlands. During the release of fingerlings in Kishoreganj’s Itna area, she stated, “Fishing using Chinese nets and electric shocks is threatening the Haor. This must stop immediately.” She also raised concerns about water flow disruption caused by a newly constructed road connecting Itna to Mithamain and Ashtagram, urging the Road Ministry to consider adding culverts and bridges to prevent further ecological damage.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam conveyed that Chief Adviser Professor Yunus stated, “Any thought of an alternative to elections would be extremely dangerous for this nation. In the first half of February, a free and fair election will take place in a festive environment.” Professor Yunus emphasized that the caretaker government’s primary duty is to ensure a peaceful electoral process. During the meeting, political parties discussed their views on implementing the July Charter, while the National Consensus Commission’s Vice-President Dr. Ali Riaz and Special Assistant Munir Haidar updated the Chief Adviser on progress. The discussions were held in a cordial atmosphere, with parties voicing concerns and expectations regarding the upcoming election.

Islamic Movement leader Rezaul Karim clarified in an interview, “Inshallah, the one-ballot initiative of Islamic parties will see the light of day.” Addressing reports of disagreement among Islamic parties over including Jamaat-e-Islami, he said, “Most Islamic parties are in electoral consensus with Jamaat. Meetings and discussions are ongoing.” Karim emphasized that excluding Jamaat-e-Islami from alliances is incorrect, noting that several Islamic parties formed a coordination committee as part of a broader electoral agreement. On ideological differences, he explained, “Our approach blends spirituality and politics for societal and governance reforms, whereas Jamaat follows a different ideological path. Despite differences, past political history has seen unity and compromise.”

Shanghai has recorded temperatures above 35°C (95°F) for 25 consecutive days, breaking a 99-year-old record previously set in 1926. From July 22 to August 14, the city experienced continuous heat, highlighting the impact of global climate change on Asia. The excessive heat is causing melting glaciers, sudden storms, and erratic weather patterns. Earlier in July, after many regions exceeded 40°C (104°F), Beijing issued high-heat warnings for 754 provinces, cities, and counties, emphasizing growing climate risks.

The Nationalist Student Party has demanded that Chittagong University officials resign and apologize to students for failing to maintain campus security. In a written statement on Sunday evening, Abdullah Al Noman, General Secretary of the university’s student wing, presented three key demands: arrest and exemplary punishment for the attackers, an apology from the administration, and assurances for student safety. Alaudin Mohsin, branch president, criticized the administration and police for remaining inactive despite hundreds of students being injured overnight. Violence resumed on Sunday morning, leaving over 150 students injured until the army intervened to restore order. Meanwhile, BNP leader Sathi Uday Kusum Barua called for strict protests in Zobra village, criticizing students as ‘rebellious.’ The BNP later removed him from his position, while local BNP leaders urged calm and restraint among villagers and students to avoid further violence.

Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto has canceled his upcoming visit to China due to violent protests that have erupted across several cities, including Jakarta. At least three people have died, and numerous government buildings and police facilities have been set on fire. The unrest began after 21-year-old motorcyclist Affan Kurniawan was killed by a police armored vehicle. President Prabowo will remain in Indonesia to monitor the situation and has ordered an investigation into police conduct, promising accountability for excessive force.

Israel has confirmed the death of Abu Ubaida, spokesman for Hamas’s Al-Qassam Brigades, in a Gaza City airstrike on Saturday. Defense Minister Israel Katz said Ubaida was killed alongside at least 11 others, including women and children. Hamas denied the claim, calling it psychological warfare. Abu Ubaida, born Hudaifa al-Khalut, had been a symbolic figure since 2004, gaining prominence after the 2006 Gilad Shalit kidnapping. His last message warned that hostages faced the same risks in any Israeli assault.

Chittagong University’s Vice-Provost, Professor Dr. Kamal Uddin, reported on Sunday afternoon that senior cadres of the student wing of the ruling party attacked students and faculty members while wearing helmets. “They have beaten our teachers and students. We are unable to accommodate all the injured in our medical facilities,” he said. The university has sent 4–5 vehicles to Chittagong Medical College, where over 500 students are reported injured. “What kind of world are we living in, where senior student cadres enter campuses wearing helmets and assault students? The police have not intervened,” he added. The unrest reportedly began Saturday night after a female student was assaulted by a gatekeeper at a residence, sparking tensions among students and local residents. At least 150 students, along with the Vice-Provost, the Proctor, and several teachers, sustained injuries. Witnesses report that domestic weapons were used to target students across the campus.