Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami held a mass procession and brief rally in Ranishankail, Thakurgaon, demanding implementation of the July Charter and the referendum verdict. Organized by the party’s upazila unit on Saturday, the procession travelled through several streets in the town before ending at Shibdighi July Square, where leaders addressed the gathering.

Mizanur Rahman Master, former amir of Thakurgaon district Jamaat, spoke as chief guest. The event was chaired by Upazila Jamaat amir Vice Principal Rafiqul Islam. Speakers included upazila secretary Minnatullah Pathan, district Workers Welfare Federation president Matiur Rahman, upazila youth division president Mokarram Hossain and district Chhatra Shibir president Amir Ahmed, along with other organizational leaders.

Speakers said implementing the July Charter would close avenues for corruption, money laundering and irregularities. They alleged that a group opposed its implementation and did not want to accept the referendum verdict. Calling on the government to act immediately, they said 70 percent of people had supported reforms in the referendum and claimed that delays in implementing reform proposals had created public disappointment.

Youth and Sports State Minister Md Aminul Haque called for broader sports participation to help children become healthy, values-driven citizens. Speaking on Saturday at an award ceremony for scholarship-winning students in Pallabi, Dhaka, he urged families and educational institutions to work together to reduce children’s excessive dependence on mobile phones and digital devices and encourage them to spend time on playing fields.

The event, organised by the Bangladesh Kindergarten Association, honoured students from Pallabi police station area for the 2025 academic year with certificates, cash awards and crests. Aminul Haque said parents should also participate in exercise and sports. He said giving children opportunities to play could produce future national-level athletes, while time on fields could keep them away from technology addiction and social harms such as drugs.

He said online registration for the “Notun Kuri Sports” programme began on July 1 for children aged 10 to 14. The government is taking steps to ensure playing fields in every union in phases. He also said sports will become compulsory from Class Four in the upcoming curriculum, including practical field assessments in football, cricket, swimming, martial arts and other activities.

The 8th Armed Police Battalion arrested 166 people in operations centred on Rohingya camps in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, from May 2025 through July 2026, according to APBn sources. The arrests were made in 71 cases and included 22 suspects in murder cases, eight in arms cases, 12 in abduction cases and 43 in narcotics cases. Police also said 13 abducted women, men and children of different ages were rescued alive and safely.

The operations recovered 204,031 yaba tablets, a submachine gun, a pistol, a revolver, seven one-shooter guns, two single-barrel guns, ammunition, locally made weapons and narcotics. Other seized items included 37 stolen or lost mobile phones, a walkie-talkie set, Tk30,000 linked to bKash fraud and Tk1,434,500 described as proceeds from drug sales and other sources.

Police said the campaign also made progress in controlling group clashes, weapons displays, child marriage, direct and online gambling, and domestic violence in the camps. APBn commander Riaz Uddin Ahmad said intelligence-based planned operations would continue to maintain order and suppress crime.

Former Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu announced on Wednesday that he is dissolving his Future Party, or Gelecek Partisi, and stepping back from politics. In a Turkish-language statement posted on X, Davutoglu attributed the move to Turkiye’s “dirty political climate,” saying it was not a surrender but a moral decision to distance himself and a call to rethink politics.

Davutoglu said corruption, favouritism and a lack of accountability were eroding moral values. He also criticised the normalisation of politicians changing parties and the appointment of government trustees, known as kayyum, instead of elected officials, calling these practices a blow to democratic ethics. He warned that the presidential system introduced in 2018 had opened the way to authoritarianism and removed checks and balances.

A former key adviser to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Davutoglu was foreign minister from 2009 to 2014 and later prime minister. Political differences with Erdogan led to his replacement by Binali Yildirim in 2016. Davutoglu left the AKP in September 2019 and launched the conservative, pro-democracy Future Party that December. The party received 0.11 percent of votes in the 2024 elections.

Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal held a protest procession in the capital on Saturday to mark the second anniversary of the mass uprising. The rally protested what the organisation described as anti-national conspiracies by fallen fascists and political practices outside accepted norms. The procession began in Fakirapul, travelled through major roads in Dhaka, and ended in Kakrail. Central committee vice-president Kazi Zia Uddin Basit led the march.

Leaders and activists from different levels and units of Chhatra Dal joined the demonstration. Participants chanted slogans against the alleged anti-national conspiracies and called for maintaining a democratic environment and political decorum.

Basit said the organisation remained united on the streets to uphold the spirit of the mass uprising and resist all conspiracies against the country's independence, sovereignty and democracy. He also pledged that Chhatra Dal would remain vocal against what it termed anti-national activities and political conduct outside accepted norms. The procession concluded in Kakrail after passing through important city roads.

South Africa Emerging defeated Bangladesh Emerging by seven wickets in the second unofficial one-day international, according to a report published on August 1, 2026. Bangladesh were bowled out for 89 in 30.2 overs after batting first, and South Africa reached the 90-run target with three wickets down in 18.4 overs.

Mahfuzul Islam top-scored for Bangladesh with 40 from 73 balls. Aminul Islam made 11 and Samiun Basir scored 10, while no other Bangladesh batter reached double figures. Dayyan Galiem led the South African bowling effort with five wickets for 18 runs from 8.2 overs. Mgakane took two wickets for 16 runs.

Richard Seletswane remained unbeaten on 35 from 40 balls in the chase, while M van Buren was not out on 18 from 22 balls. Daniel Smith contributed 22 from 23 deliveries. For Bangladesh, Sheikh Mohammad Rizwan took two wickets for 22 runs and Iqbal Hossain Emon claimed one for 25. The final scores were Bangladesh Emerging 89 all out and South Africa Emerging 92 for three.

Public discontent is intensifying in Tunisia five years after President Kais Saied’s power takeover, driven by political repression, a worsening economy, deteriorating public services and prolonged electricity and water shortages. Thousands recently protested in the capital, Tunis, against what they described as Saied’s growing authoritarian rule and declining living conditions. Saied supporters held a counter-rally, calling opponents traitors and demanding their imprisonment.

Human Rights Watch Tunisia director Salsabil Chellali said criticism of the government has become effectively intolerable, alleging that opposition parties, civil society and media have been targeted and political rights curtailed. Many leading government opponents are either imprisoned or in exile. Most senior leaders of Ennahda are detained, including its 85-year-old leader Rached Ghannouchi, whose condition has not been disclosed since he reportedly fainted in prison last month.

A heatwave and wildfires have burned about 4,400 hectares, while rolling blackouts have left some areas without electricity for up to 12 hours. Researcher Hamza Meddeb said censorship makes people fearful of openly blaming the president. Analysts cited continued support for Saied’s government from the European Union, Algeria and Libya, while saying hopes for reforms have diminished.

The US State Department is set to permanently apply a visa-bond policy for citizens of 50 countries, including Bangladesh, seeking B-1 business or B-2 tourist visas. Under the new rule, consular officers may require applicants to post a bond of up to $20,000 as a condition for visa approval. The regulation is due to take effect through publication in the Federal Register on August 3.

According to the Federal Register notice cited in a Reuters report, the department reviewed results from a pilot visa-bond programme launched in 2025 and found it effective in helping ensure compliance with visa conditions. The pilot allowed bonds of $5,000, $10,000 and $15,000. The new regulation removes the $5,000 option and raises the maximum bond amount to $20,000.

Thirty of the 50 listed countries are in Africa. In South Asia, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan are included, while India is not. The US administration says the measure is intended to reduce visa overstays. Immigration rights advocates say the additional financial requirement could create barriers for legitimate travellers and discourage lawful travel. Human rights groups have also raised concerns about the Trump administration's strict immigration policies, allegations President Donald Trump has rejected, citing national security.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami's Barishal metropolitan unit held a rally and public procession in Barishal on Saturday, August 1, 2026, demanding implementation of the referendum's public verdict and the July Charter. The gathering began at 5:30 pm at Ashwini Kumar Town Hall premises and also protested rising commodity prices and deteriorating law and order.

Assistant Secretary General Advocate Muazzam Hossain Helal, the chief guest, called for swift implementation of the referendum verdict. He also demanded that Sheikh Hasina and her associates allegedly involved in the July killings be brought under the law and tried. Helal urged the administration not to be used for political interests and called for protection of constitutional and democratic rights.

Chairman Maulana Zahir Uddin Muhammad Babar alleged that the home minister had failed to play an effective role in improving law and order. He condemned attacks on July fighters during the second anniversary of the July uprising and demanded the rapid arrest and exemplary punishment of those involved. The procession travelled through major roads, including Sadar Road, Fazlul Haque Avenue and Girja Mohalla, before returning to the Town Hall premises.

Students at শাহজালাল বিজ্ঞান ও প্রযুক্তি বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় (SUST) held a human chain on Saturday at about 1pm at the university’s Gol Chattar, demanding exemplary punishment for a National Chhatra Shakti leader accused of making offensive remarks about a female student. Participants, including students from different departments and activists from several student organisations, also called for administrative action and a safe campus environment for women students.

The accused, Sajid Ahmed Molla, is a 2021-22 student of the Chemical Engineering and Polymer Science department and had served as joint convenor of the SUST unit of Chhatra Shakti. Bangladesh Chhatra Union organiser Naznin Liza alleged that his comments about a female student of BRAC University were crude and degrading. Speakers linked the allegation to concerns over misogyny, victim blaming and disclosure of personal information.

SUST Chhatra Dal joint general secretary Ashikur Rahman urged a prompt investigation and exemplary punishment. Parts of Molla’s Messenger conversations were circulated in a Facebook post on Thursday, prompting online discussion and criticism. Chhatra Shakti later relieved him of organisational duties through a notice signed by its central office secretary. Protesters reiterated demands for a swift inquiry, legal action and women students’ safety.

DUCSU Vice President Sadiq Kayem said the public would not accept any betrayal of the spirit, sacrifices and popular aspirations of the July movement. He made the remarks as the main speaker at a July conference titled “Jagrat,” held on Friday night at Grand Deshpriyo Restaurant and Convention Hall in Kandirpar, Cumilla city. The event was organised by the Cumilla district unit of the National Doctors Forum.

Kayem said a group was making planned attempts to question the history, sacrifices and achievements of the July movement. He urged people across the country to remain alert to what he described as such activities. He also called for united efforts to uphold national interests and the aspirations of the people.

He said the nation would always remember with respect the sacrifices of those killed in the July movement and the contributions of those injured. Kayem called on people to play a responsible role in building a just, non-discriminatory and democratic Bangladesh guided by the movement’s ideals. National Doctors Forum Secretary General Professor Dr Mahmood Hossain addressed the conference as chief guest.

Police have arrested Md. Sohel Rana, the husband of dentist Sarah Roksana Pinu, as a suspect in her murder at their home in the Faidabad Jamtala area of Dakshinkhan, Dhaka. Pinu was killed last Thursday. Her sister, Sarah Sultana Poly, filed a case against unidentified people on Friday. Police sought seven days of remand after producing Sohel before a court on Saturday; the court sent him to jail and set Monday for the remand hearing.

Investigators said they are examining family disputes and other aspects of the case. CID members found a shoe print on the inner balcony near a cut window grille and matched it with a pair of shoes found in the home. Police said Sohel acknowledged that the shoes were his. No shoe or foot prints were found on the roof outside the cut grille. The motive has not yet been identified.

Police said the incident occurred between 11:20am and 3pm. A grille on a window of an adjacent room was cut, while about eight bhori of gold jewellery and Tk50,000 in cash were reported missing. The victim's daughter told police she did not see or hear her mother move or speak before leaving for school that day, and later found her lying motionless on the bed.

Fisheries and Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid said the government is prioritizing research-based agricultural development to counter the risk of reduced farm output caused by climate change. He made the remarks on Saturday after a meeting with officials of district offices and agencies under the agriculture, fisheries and livestock ministries at the Cumilla Circuit House.

The minister said BRRI dhan-118, a cold-tolerant rice variety for the haor region, will be released in the next season. It is expected to allow earlier planting and harvesting, helping farmers bring crops home before sudden floods and reduce losses. He also said another salt-tolerant rice variety will be released next year, while scientists at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute continue work on climate-suitable crop varieties.

Rashid said fish-export prospects through the Cumilla land port would be considered after discussions with the commerce minister. Authorities will assess the need for a fish landing station in Cumilla and the availability of suitable public land. He also cited a major project to expand vaccine production, ongoing canal re-excavation, and seed, farm-input and free livestock vaccination support in flood-affected areas.

About 45 senior businesspeople and executives representing roughly 25 leading US industrial and commercial firms will visit Bangladesh late next week to explore increased American investment. Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson Mahdi Amin announced the planned visit at a press briefing in Tejgaon, Dhaka, on August 1. The delegation is scheduled to meet officials from government ministries and offices, as well as Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Amin said the visit follows a courtesy meeting between Rahman and Sergio Gor, the US president’s special envoy for South and Central Asia. According to the spokesperson, the meeting covered economic ties, trade, investment, export growth, import activity and new areas of bilateral cooperation. He said both sides discussed ways to increase US investment in Bangladesh, expand bilateral trade and strengthen US companies’ role in creating jobs.

Amin also said the US State Department had revised its Bangladesh travel advisory from Level 3 to Level 2, which the government described as a positive signal for investors, businesses, tourists and global engagement. The government expects the upcoming delegation’s visit to create opportunities for new investment, expanded trade and long-term economic cooperation. Rahman separately met local business representatives Saturday to discuss investment conditions, energy shortages, tax reform and investment in industrial zones.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis adopted nine resolutions at a meeting of its central Majlis-e-Shura for the 2025–2026 session. The session was held on Saturday at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh auditorium in Ramna, Dhaka, and was chaired by party Ameer Maulana Muhammad Mamunul Haque. The report was published on August 1, 2026.

The resolutions called for restoring full faith and trust in Allah in the constitution and adding provisions to invalidate laws, rules and policies contrary to the Quran and Sunnah. They also demanded a death-penalty law for insults against Allah, Prophet Muhammad and Islam, implementation of the July Charter and referendum verdict, and international action over alleged persecution of Muslims in Palestine and India. The party reiterated its demand for international recognition of Palestine as an independent and sovereign state.

Other resolutions sought legal measures to declare the Qadiani community non-Muslim at the state level, stronger diplomatic action against alleged push-ins at the border, and steps to control prices and improve law and order. The session also urged Muslim unity for a peaceful movement to establish a caliphate. It condemned an alleged attack on an MCP programme in Habiganj and demanded arrests and punishment of those involved.