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.

BNP Acting Chairman Tareq Rahman condemned the attack on Nurul Haque Nur and violence in Kakrail, calling for the country to move beyond illegal mob rule. He emphasized maintaining restraint, upholding democracy, and ensuring the national election proceeds smoothly. Stressing vigilance against mob culture and the importance of justice, equality, and stability, Rahman urged empowering citizens through democratic means. He also wished Nur a speedy recovery and called on the government for a lawful investigation.

In Kalmakanda, Netrokona, two individuals were fined a total of 100,000 taka by a mobile court for illegally extracting sand from areas including Mahadeo River, Mandaria Beel, Gojarmari, and Sidholi. The gang transported the sand via boats, lorries, and pickups for sale. During Friday’s raids, Imran Hasan and Golap Hossain were each fined 50,000 taka. Assistant Commissioner (Land) Mahmudul Hasan stated that such operations will continue to curb illegal sand mining in the region.

Thanks to ongoing rice imports via Hili Land Port, low-income consumers are benefiting from a 5–6 Taka per kg price drop. Between 12 and 30 August, 911 trucks brought 39,472 metric tons of Indian rice into Bangladesh. Varieties like Swarna, Sampak Katari, and Miniket are now cheaper in retail markets. Importers continue operations despite minimal profit, supported by the government’s reduced 2% duty, ensuring sufficient supply and stabilizing market prices across the country.

Former World Bank chief economist Dr. Zahid Hossain has called U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent tariffs on India and China a potential boon for Bangladesh’s economy. According to his analysis, higher tariffs on India and China could allow Bangladesh to export an additional $205 million to the U.S. market in the 2025-26 fiscal year. He also noted that domestic challenges, including energy shortages, banking sector weaknesses, and institutional decay, continue to hinder Bangladesh’s growth and middle-income trap persists.

At least three people died and five were injured after protesters set fire to a regional parliament building in Makassar, South Sulawesi. The unrest began in Jakarta earlier this week over lawmakers’ salaries, labor wages, taxes, and anti-corruption measures. Violence escalated after a ride-hailing motorbike driver was killed by a police vehicle. Protests also hit major cities like Bandung and Jakarta, causing looting and infrastructure damage. Analysts call this the biggest political test for President Prabowo Subianto’s government.

An Israeli soldier has died and four others are missing following intense clashes with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, where 11 soldiers were also injured. The confrontation occurred as Israeli forces advanced toward Gaza City under wartime cabinet orders and faced resistance from Hamas’ Al-Qassam Brigades. This is among the most severe clashes since the October 7, 2023, Israeli operation began. The IDF has restricted media updates, and prior to the offensive, Gaza was declared a high-risk conflict zone.

Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman stated that the Jatiya Party previously assisted the Awami League in suppressing opposition during controversial elections and the July upheaval. He said the demand to ban the party will be legally examined to determine possible actions. Commenting on recent violence, he called attacks on Nurul Haque Nur part of a larger conspiracy. He also warned corrupt individuals that the new Bangladesh will not tolerate corruption, emphasizing accountability and the unmasking of wrongdoers.

Senior police officials held an emergency meeting in Dhaka following allegations that military and police personnel used batons against over fifty Ganadhikar Parishad activists, including president Nurul Haque Nur, in Bijoynagar. The incident drew sharp criticism from political parties including BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman condemned the attack, while Ganadhikar Parishad demanded that those responsible be identified and punished within 24 hours. Authorities are reviewing the situation to prevent further unrest.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tianjin, China, to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, his first visit in seven years. Leaders from 10 member states will participate on August 31 and September 1. Modi is set for bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The visit comes amid U.S.-India trade tensions and signals a potential restoration of India-China relations, crucial for trade, regional balance, and India’s multidimensional foreign policy strategy.

Thousands of primary school teachers gathered at Dhaka’s Shaheed Minar to demand the 11th-grade salary for assistant teachers and 100% promotion to head teacher. Organized by the Primary Assistant Teachers’ Organization Unity Council, the assembly included a delegation submitting a memorandum to the Chief Adviser’s residence in Jamuna. Teachers warned of stricter measures if demands are unmet. Political leaders and legal experts expressed support, emphasizing solidarity and potential legal action to ensure the government addresses the teachers’ key demands.

Japan has granted the United States permission to deploy medium-range Typhoon missiles during joint military exercises next month, prompting warnings from Russia and China. Both nations describe the move as a threat to regional stability. Russia calls it a direct strategic risk and warns of potential military responses, while China urges Japan to pursue peaceful development and caution. The Typhoon system, previously tested in the Philippines, will be stationed at Iwakuni airbase, but its actual use in upcoming exercises remains unclear.

A secret letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping to Indian President Droupadi Murmu helped improve India-China relations following the escalation of the U.S.-India trade war under President Trump. The letter, later shared with Prime Minister Modi, expressed Beijing’s concerns over U.S.-India agreements and suggested cooperation with a provincial official. Since June, both countries have returned to dialogue, eased trade and visa restrictions, and prepared to resume direct passenger flights. The SCO summit will mark Modi’s first China visit in seven years.

Hamas’s armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, has warned Israel that any attempt to occupy the Gaza Strip will bring devastating consequences. Spokesperson Abu Ubaida said Palestinian fighters are on high alert and prepared to inflict heavy losses, including more Israeli casualties and captives. He accused Prime Minister Netanyahu of reducing the number of living captives and concealing the dead. Abu Ubaida vowed Hamas would safeguard enemy prisoners and publish names, photos, and details of killed Israeli soldiers.

Yemen’s Chief of General Staff, Major General Mohammed Abdulkarim al-Ghamari, announced an escalation of attacks on Israel in response to alleged assassination attempts by Israeli forces. He warned that Tel Aviv would eventually be forced to halt its offensive in Gaza. The statement followed Israeli claims that airstrikes in Sanaa may have killed senior Yemeni officials. Al-Ghamari condemned the strikes as targeting civilians and vowed Yemen would not retreat from supporting Gaza, despite casualties or leadership losses.