England’s Football Association has called for a full investigation into FIFA’s leadership and governance after FIFA President Gianni Infantino withdrew the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise investment plan. The FA publicly backed UEFA’s position, according to a report published on August 2, 2026. Infantino announced the plan’s withdrawal early Saturday after mounting opposition.

The proposal sought to bring private investment into FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, with member countries approving it within a specified period set to receive additional funds. UEFA and football federations around the world opposed the initiative. UEFA said FIFA’s current leadership had lost the trust of many in the global football family, alleging the process was handled secretly and was intended to be imposed on member associations.

The English FA said a rigorous review was needed to ensure transparent management of world football, protect the interests of FIFA’s 211 member countries and support the sport’s long-term development. Fifty-five European football federations opposed the plan, while CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation also raised objections. Candidate nominations are due to be finalized in November, ahead of FIFA’s presidential election in March 2027.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran has become much more willing to enter talks on its nuclear programme and the strategic Strait of Hormuz because of continuing US military strikes. Rubio made the comments in an interview with Fox News, published on 2 August 2026. He said the United States was approaching negotiations from a position of strength rather than weakness.

Rubio again claimed that US attacks had completely destroyed Iran’s navy, air force, missile-defence systems, launchers and weapons-manufacturing factories. He said Iran’s overall defence capability had been severely damaged. At the same time, Rubio said Iran still possessed some missiles and drones and retained the ability to inflict a limited degree of damage.

According to Rubio, Iran no longer has the conventional military shield behind which it had previously operated. He said this shift had changed the course of the conflict. The military pressure, he argued, had made Iran willing to reach an agreement on nuclear matters and important straits, with Tehran appearing especially eager in some instances.

Rajshahi University became a major centre of resistance during the anti-discrimination student movement, with events from July 16 to 20 reshaping the campus political landscape, according to the report. On July 16, students marched into the campus and clashed in pursuit and counter-pursuit with Bangladesh Chhatra League activists, who later retreated. About 1,500 female students joined the march near women’s halls. Participants said those days helped lay groundwork for the later national uprising.

Students besieged the administration building on July 17. Normal academic activities were effectively halted on July 18, when students announced five demands in protest over attacks on students elsewhere in the country. They held a symbolic funeral prayer for the vice-chancellor and administration, citing unmet demands and objections to the university administration’s role. Students also blocked the Dhaka-Rajshahi highway during a “complete shutdown” protest.

After a nationwide curfew and army deployment on July 19, surveillance increased around campus and public programmes became difficult. Former coordinators cited fears of raids, intelligence monitoring and arrests. Movement participants said students reorganised from mess accommodations, while Rajshahi University and Rajshahi College students coordinated on legal assistance, security and communication with families.

Water Resources Minister Md Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie MP said the “36 July” was the result of united movements and struggles, whose foundation was built through 16 years of anti-autocracy activism. He made the remarks on Sunday at a discussion organised by Jagroto July Forum at the Central Kochi-Kachar Mela in Segunbagicha, Dhaka. The event was titled “The Martyrs’ Sacrifice, Our Responsibility and a New Bangladesh.”

The minister said the united efforts of students, teachers, poets, writers and people from all walks of life reached a successful conclusion when “fascist Hasina” fled on 5 August. He said students who gave their lives to establish people’s rights had left the nation indebted. He called for repaying that debt by ensuring political and economic empowerment and building a democratic Bangladesh based on equality, human dignity and social justice.

Chowdhury said Bangladesh should move forward by respecting differing views rather than pursuing conflict, adding that constructive criticism is democracy’s beauty. He said there could be no compromise on the July issue and recalled the prime minister’s commitment to implement the July Charter. State Minister Nurul Haque Nur MP attended as chief discussant, while State Minister Ishraq Hossain MP was a special discussant.

The government has appointed Dr Md Sabbir Mostafa Khan, a professor in Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology’s water resources engineering department, as the new chairman of the Dhaka WASA Board. The Local Government Division under the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives issued a notification on Sunday announcing the appointment.

He has been appointed for a three-year term under Section 7(1) of the Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (Amendment) Act, 2025. Dr Khan teaches in BUET’s Water Resources Engineering Department and has worked as an expert on more than 50 national infrastructure projects during his professional career.

His cited project experience includes the Padma Bridge approach road, Payra seaport and the Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf Marine Drive. He is also currently serving as general secretary of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, known as IEB.

Bangladesh has hired a law firm in Dubai to pursue cancellation of former police inspector general Benazir Ahmed’s bail, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said on Sunday, August 2, 2026. He made the comments after an event at the Police Academy in Sardah, Rajshahi, while answering journalists’ questions.

The minister said he learned of the bail while seated on stage and immediately spoke with the home secretary. According to him, the home secretary then contacted Bangladesh’s UAE ambassador. He said the government had hired the law firm several days earlier specifically for this matter and instructed it to pursue cancellation of the bail.

Ahmed confirmed reports that Benazir Ahmed had been released. He said the former senior police official was granted bail on the condition that he would not leave the UAE. The minister said he had asked for a certified copy detailing the conditions and that the law firm had been directed to proceed with the cancellation effort. The government hopes to cancel the bail and bring him back as quickly as possible.

Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed said discussions are under way with the United Arab Emirates to bring former inspector general of police Benazir Ahmed back to Bangladesh. Speaking to journalists at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon hotel on August 2, she said the government hopes to return him soon and complete his trial.

Obaed said the two governments have remained in contact and exchanged documents. The UAE requested specific information from Bangladesh’s Home Ministry and Foreign Ministry, and Bangladesh has provided it, she said. Asked about reports that Ahmed had received bail in Dubai, she said the matter was being handled under UAE law and that Bangladesh’s government and Home Ministry would discuss possible next steps with Emirati authorities.

Police Headquarters spokesperson A H M Shahadat Hossain said it had no information confirming reports that Ahmed received bail in the UAE. In June, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told parliament that Ahmed had been arrested and would be brought back quickly. On June 16, Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam said diplomatic channels were being used despite no extradition treaty, and that investigations were under way into about six to seven cases of crimes against humanity against Ahmed.

A Shahjalal University of Science and Technology student was held at knifepoint, robbed and injured in Sylhet’s Goabari tea garden area at about 9pm on Saturday. Local residents helped detain one of the three alleged robbers, who was later handed over to police. The victim was identified as Md Habibullah Mesbah, a 2021-22 academic session student in the university’s statistics department.

University administration sources said Mesbah had gone to teach private tuition in Kucharpur, Goabari, at 7pm. While returning after the tuition, he was stopped near the foreign, Nepali hostel of Ragib-Rabeya Medical College. Three assailants allegedly took him into a nearby tea garden and stole his mobile phone, wallet and cash. Mesbah said they also struck him with a sharp weapon after taking his money and phone.

Mesbah said he sought help from locals while injured, leading to the immediate detention of one suspect. No case had been filed by the time of reporting, although the university proctor, Professor Mokhlesur Rahman, said steps were being taken to file one. Jalalabad police station officer-in-charge Shamsul Habib said legal action would follow if a case is lodged.

A memorial meeting and honours ceremony for martyrs, injured July fighters and their family members is scheduled for August 3 at 6:30 pm at the National Music and Dance Centre auditorium. The event is sponsored by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and organised by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. Organisers said it aims to pay respect and gratitude to those whose sacrifice, blood, pain and courage elevated the July mass uprising in history.

Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roychowdhury, MP, is expected to attend as chief guest. State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam, MP, and Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, adviser on policy and strategy for the information and broadcasting and cultural affairs ministries, will attend as special guests. Cultural Affairs Ministry Secretary Kaniz Mowla will chair the meeting, while Shilpakala Academy Director General poet Sheikh Rezauddin Ahmed, known as Rezauddin Stalin, will deliver the welcome address.

The programme will open with a collective instrumental rendition of “Muktir Mondir Sopan Tole,” followed by a minute of silence for those killed in the July uprising and a documentary screening. Performers include Ethun Babu and Friends, Monir Khan, Pial Hasan and Yusuf Ahmed Khan. Recitations will be presented by Enamul Haque Jewel, Sima Islam, Iqbal Ahmed, Farzana Eli and Tito Munsi, before Academy vocalists perform a collective song.

The United States plans to send at least 10 additional military aircraft capable of supplying fuel by air to Israel in the coming days, according to a report published by Al Jazeera on August 2, 2026. The information was attributed to Israeli outlet Ynet, which cited security officials. Most of the newly dispatched US military aircraft are expected to be parked at Ben Gurion, the main airport in Tel Aviv.

More than 30 US refueling aircraft are already stationed at the Israeli airport, the report said. The arrival of 10 more aircraft would further increase the number of US fuel-carrying tanker aircraft there. The report did not provide a specific timetable for their arrival or detail their planned operations.

Military experts cited in the report believe the United States is strengthening its military logistics presence to support long-term operations in the Middle East. The aircraft could also increase the capability of combat jets by refueling them in midair, according to those experts. The report presented this assessment as an expert view and did not state an official US explanation for the deployment.

Testimony has concluded in the crimes-against-humanity case over the July Revolution against Obaidul Quader, general secretary of the activities-banned Awami League, and six senior leaders of Jubo League and Chhatra League. International Crimes Tribunal-2 set August 4 for arguments. The three-member judicial panel, led by Chairman Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, fixed the date on Sunday afternoon.

The other panel members are Judge Md. Manjurul Bachid and Judge Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir. On the day, state defence lawyers Lokman Howlader and Ishrat Jahan cross-examined investigation officer Ahmed Naser Uddin Mohammad, the 26th witness. Prosecutor Faruk Ahmad represented the prosecution at the hearing, accompanied by Prosecutor Moinul Karim and others.

Journalist Ashraf Kaiser testified on July 26, describing the Awami League's long period in power and the July mass uprising. The first phase of testimony had ended on April 27 and a date for arguments was set, but Kaiser's statement was later taken following a prosecution application, and the investigation officer testified again. The other accused are AFM Bahauddin Nasim, Mohammad Ali Arafat, Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, Saddam Hossain and Wali Asif Inan; all are absconding.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urged US President Donald Trump to help calm Middle East tensions during a telephone call on August 2, expressing concern over plans to expand attacks on Iran. Trump later said he had agreed to cancel military strikes against Iran, while linking that decision to reaching an agreement quickly.

Axios, citing a US official, reported that the crown prince voiced concern and sought clarity about Washington’s plan. A second source familiar with the matter said Mohammed bin Salman asked Trump to de-escalate the situation and refrain from carrying out attacks. Trump wrote on Truth Social that Middle Eastern countries had persuaded him not to attack Iran.

The Associated Press, citing a source familiar with the call, reported Saudi concerns that extensive US attacks on Iranian energy infrastructure, bridges or power plants could prompt Tehran to strike energy facilities in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries. Trump said his decision to cancel military action was made for the future welfare of the world and the survival of a successful and prosperous Iran, but depended on a rapid agreement.

Shah Rukh Khan’s upcoming action thriller King is drawing attention before its planned worldwide release during the upcoming Christmas week. Bollywood reports suggest Zee Music may acquire the film’s music rights for about Rs 50 crore. If completed, the deal would be considered among the biggest music-rights agreements in Indian cinema.

No final decision has been made, however. Punit Goenka, managing director and chief executive officer of Zee Entertainment Enterprises, told Variety India that he did not want to comment on the financial value of the proposed agreement. He confirmed that discussions with the production company were progressing positively.

Goenka said Zee Music prioritizes agreements in which producers also receive fair financial benefits. King is jointly produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and Marflix Films. Sachin-Jigar are handling the film’s music, while Anirudh Ravichander is composing the background score. The cast also includes Suhana Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff and Rani Mukerji.

Police in Chattogram say the gang of fugitive top criminal Sajjad Ali Khan, known as Boro Sajjad, systematically recruited disadvantaged teenagers and young people with small cash payments. In a report published on August 2, police said recruits were initially paid Tk500 or Tk1,000 for minor crimes before being gradually drawn into weapons use, extortion, assaults and attempted killings.

District police officials said the group targeted youths living on pavements, waste pickers, day labourers, school dropouts, unemployed people and those raised in risky environments. Initial tasks included accompanying armed members, conducting surveillance and intimidating people during extortion demands. Police said recruits were also allegedly used to throw bricks, detonate cocktails, create fear from motorcycles and vandalise premises when business owners refused to pay. Chittagong University assistant professor Moumita Pal said criminal groups exploit the financial vulnerability of poor and helpless adolescents.

Police allege that recently arrested Mobarak Hossain, also known as David Iman, played a key role in recruiting members, coordinating attacks and distributing money. The network was run through small cells across Chattogram city and district, with members often not knowing one another personally. Police said replacements were recruited and given progressively greater responsibilities when older members were killed, arrested or left the group.

The Israeli military said it killed two Hamas commanders in airstrikes at separate locations in the Gaza Strip. According to an Al Jazeera report published on August 2, 2026, Salam Jamal Abd al-Rahman Abu Labad was killed in an airstrike carried out in southern Gaza on Saturday.

Israeli forces said Abu Labad was responsible for a cell in Hamas’s Nukhba special forces. The military alleged that he directly took part in an attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel in October 2023.

In an earlier, separate airstrike in central Gaza on Friday, Israeli forces said they killed Muhammad Abd al-Nasser Muhammad Khatib, described as the commander of Hamas’s Maghazi Battalion. The report did not include a Hamas response to the Israeli military’s claims or additional information about the strikes.