Upazila election officers have announced they will not take responsibility for the 2014, 2018, and 2024 national elections, citing that they were not in primary roles. Speaking at their general meeting in Agargaon, Ashfaqur Rahman stressed the need for proper recognition, upgraded grades, vehicles for officers, and the repeal of laws transferring national ID services to the Home Ministry. Officers emphasized that if allowed to perform duties properly, they will ensure fair, smooth, and neutral elections.

At least 70 people have died after a migrant boat carrying mostly Gambian and Senegalese citizens sank off the coast of Mauritania. Around 150 passengers were on board, and 16 were rescued. Mauritanian authorities recovered 70 bodies, while eyewitnesses suggest the toll could exceed 100. The route from West Africa to Spain via the Canary Islands is one of the world’s most dangerous migration paths. The Gambian government urges citizens to avoid such perilous journeys.

Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed of BNP has warned that the Farakka Barrage has caused at least 20 rivers in Bangladesh to vanish. Despite letters to the Joint River Commission, India has not responded. Experts highlighted that unilateral water withdrawal, embankment breaches, and internal mismanagement are worsening water scarcity, impacting agriculture, navigation, biodiversity, and livelihoods. Groundwater levels are dropping drastically, and many rivers have turned into dead channels. Sustainable water management policies are urgently needed.

Addressing a nationalist minority gathering in Mymensingh, Tareq Rahman highlighted BNP’s commitment to protecting the rights of all communities, whether in hill or plain regions. “BNP guarantees minority participation in all its committees. Bangladesh is not only for Bengalis but for all legally residing communities,” he said. Tareq emphasized that BNP, if in power, would consider measures to facilitate government employment for minority groups. He also mentioned BNP’s February election framework and its 31-point plan for balanced development across hill and plain areas, seeking minority cooperation to ensure a secure and inclusive Bangladesh.

President Donald Trump has halted $5 billion in foreign aid approved by Congress, citing a need to prioritize American interests. The cuts, affecting the State Department and USAID programs, have drawn strong opposition from Democrats, who warn this could derail budget negotiations. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer called the move illegal, while some moderate Republicans also criticized it. The White House defended the action as part of Trump’s “America First” agenda, escalating tensions over federal spending.

EU countries remain split over how to respond to Israel’s attacks on Gaza and the worsening humanitarian crisis. At a Copenhagen meeting, foreign ministers discussed suspending EU funding for Israeli startups but lacked sufficient support for action. Spain and Ireland urge stronger measures, while Germany and Hungary resist. Denmark warns of a severe humanitarian catastrophe. The UN’s IPC reports famine in Gaza, which Israel denies. EU foreign policy chief says no decision will be made, highlighting deep divisions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia and China are united in establishing a just, multipolar world order, prioritizing countries of the “global majority.” Speaking ahead of his China visit for the SCO summit and Victory Day events, he emphasized the strategic partnership between Moscow and Beijing as a stabilizing global force. Putin praised Xi Jinping as a resolute leader, and their talks will cover regional security, US relations, the Ukraine war, and upcoming multilateral summits, with additional meetings planned with leaders from Iran, India, and Turkey.

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh condemned the attack on Ganadhikar Parishad leader Nurul Haque Nur by unruly police and military members, along with Awami League-backed Jatiya Party supporters. The group urged the government to take strict action against the attackers and called for a judicial ban on the Jatiya Party, labeling it an agent of Indian imperialism. Hefazat also criticized the Yunus-led government for failing to reform the police, warning that attempts to rehabilitate “Awami fascism” through the party will not succeed.

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.