At least 60 Palestinians were killed and 344 wounded in the last 24 hours due to Israeli strikes on Gaza, the enclave’s health ministry confirmed. The total death toll has now exceeded 62,000, with more than 156,000 wounded. Officials reported that five more people, including two children, died from starvation and malnutrition, bringing famine-related deaths since October 2023 to 263, of which 112 were children. The ministry also stated that since May 27, Israeli forces have killed 1,965 Palestinians and injured 14,701 others while blocking urgent food and medical supplies. Many victims remain trapped under rubble, suggesting the real toll may be even higher.

Hamas has agreed to a new 60-day ceasefire proposal mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and international organizations. According to Reuters, the deal includes Hamas releasing half of the hostages it currently holds in exchange for Israel freeing a number of Palestinian prisoners. Sources in Egypt said the framework also paves the way for a broader agreement aimed at ending the nearly two-year-long conflict. The plan is reportedly similar to a previous U.S.-backed proposal that Israel had already accepted.

The Nationalist Students’ Council (NCP) has expelled Joint Member-Secretary Mahin Sarkar for violating party discipline by submitting a nomination for the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election without prior approval. Joint Office Secretary Saleh Uddin Sifat stated that Mahin did not seek permission from the party’s convener Md. Nahid Islam or member-secretary Akhtar Hossain. The party considered this a “serious breach of organizational discipline,” leading to his removal from all posts until further notice.

Donald Trump revealed that he spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin for 40 minutes during a series of meetings with European leaders and Ukrainian President Zelensky. Trump said he began working on arranging a trilateral meeting between himself, Putin, and Zelensky. “I will sit down with both presidents and help decide the venue for the talks,” he announced. He added that discussions also covered security guarantees for Ukraine, with European countries expected to coordinate efforts alongside the U.S.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has emphasized the need for a permanent peace agreement to end the Russia-Ukraine war, rather than a temporary ceasefire. Speaking after a 90-minute meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, Trump said, “I personally like ceasefires because they stop the killings immediately, but in the end, we need a sustainable peace deal.” However, German Chancellor Merz stated that a ceasefire must precede any peace talks. “I cannot imagine negotiations without a ceasefire. Russia must be pressured into stopping hostilities first,” he said.

The Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET) has issued show-cause notices to 10 students accused of ragging juniors from the 24th batch. According to a notice signed by Professor Dr. Md. Mahbubul Alam, Director of Student Welfare, the accused belong to the 23rd batch. On the night of August 13, CUET authorities found 10 seniors harassing nine juniors inside room N-512 of Muktijoddha Hall during a routine inspection by the hall provost and assistant provosts.

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested Azharul Sardar in Keraniganj on charges of murdering his stepson, Rakibul. According to RAB, Azharul confessed during preliminary interrogation that he strangled Rakibul out of anger after his wife, Tofura Khatun, divorced him. RAB-10 Commander Additional DIG Mohammad Kamruzzaman said Rakibul went missing on August 14 after leaving for work. Later, Tofura received misleading information from Azharul about her son’s whereabouts. On August 16, she discovered that Rakibul’s body was hidden in Azharul’s rented house. Investigators confirmed that Azharul strangled the boy with a towel before attempting to conceal the body.

UK BNP General Secretary Koysor M. Ahmed has expressed optimism that the interim government will hold national elections in February. “If elections are free and fair, BNP will form the next government, and our leader Tarique Rahman will be the Prime Minister,” he said. “Under his leadership, democracy will be restored, and peace will return to the country.” He alleged that the previous government engaged in corruption and plundering in the name of development, while suppressing democracy through enforced disappearances and killings. Ahmed added that thousands of BNP activists sacrificed their lives over 17 years of struggle led by Tarique Rahman. He cautioned that those who benefited under the Awami League should not be allowed to join BNP.

The Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC) has barred two doctors from Thailand’s Samitivej Hospital—Dr. Nattipat Juthacharoenong and Dr. Lantam Tonvichien—from providing medical services in the country due to the absence of temporary registration. The Six Seasons Hotel has been instructed to cancel all bookings and suspend medical activities involving the two doctors. Earlier, on August 14, BMDC imposed a similar ban on an Indian doctor who was offering medical services at the International Convention City Bashundhara without obtaining registration.

Dr. SM Khaliduzzaman, Jamaat’s candidate for Dhaka-17, has announced a personal donation of Tk 10 million to support improvements at the National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital. Khaliduzzaman criticized the state of the country’s largest cancer treatment center, citing corruption, broken radiotherapy machines, lack of modern equipment, and the influence of syndicates controlling patient services. He pledged to build a “people-centered health system” if elected and called for the cancellation of politically influenced appointments, such as the recent irregular recruitment of 65 doctors at a children’s hospital.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin has signed an ordinance abolishing the use of political party symbols in local government elections. Under the new law, candidates must contest as independents, preventing political parties from officially nominating candidates. The move reverses a 2015 decision under the Awami League government to hold local polls on party lines—a move long criticized by opposition groups and election experts.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Golam Parwar has strongly condemned Israel’s alleged plan to seize Gaza City, describing it as part of a “systematic ethnic cleansing.” He claimed that Israeli bombings have killed over 61,000 Palestinians and injured more than 55,000. “Israel has destroyed homes, mosques, schools, churches, and hospitals. Gaza, once a thriving city, now stands as a monument of devastation,” Parwar said. He urged the United Nations, peace-loving nations, and international organizations to take urgent action to halt Israel’s offensive and prevent forced displacement of one million Palestinians.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has responded cautiously to the government’s new “zero-portrait policy,” under which President Mohammed Shahabuddin’s portraits have been removed from foreign missions. Rizvi said, “The government has introduced this policy, and in its context they have acted. Whether it is right or wrong, we will discuss within the party before making any comments.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had issued verbal instructions to embassies and consulates to remove the President’s portraits, a directive already enforced in several missions.

The extension of the nomination paper submission deadline for the DUCSU elections by one day has sparked outrage from the Democratic Student Union of Dhaka University (Bagchas). Leaders condemned the move as an attempt to favor Chhatra Dal, accusing the administration of bias. They warned that if any faction attempted to dominate campus like Chhatra League, democratic forces and general students would resist.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) vice-presidential candidate Abu Sadiq Kayem has pledged a vision of inclusive leadership inspired by last year’s “July Revolution.” He recalled, “During the July uprising, we set aside our differences and united against fascism. Our panel reflects that spirit—bringing together Shibir activists, independent voices, Chakma community members, and women leaders.” Kayem expressed hope for a vibrant election and vowed to soon release a manifesto honoring the aspirations of July’s martyrs for a just and equitable Bangladesh.