Students at Jagannath University staged a protest march on Monday, August 10, demanding that the NTRCA’s central recommendation system for teacher recruitment in private educational institutions be retained. The protesters opposed a proposed decision to shift recruitment to committees. The march began from the university’s open library premises in the afternoon.

Students from different departments, registered job seekers and people seeking transparency in teacher recruitment joined the demonstration. The procession moved through different parts of the campus, passed the main gate and headed toward Johnson Road. Participants chanted slogans demanding recognition of merit, retention of NTRCA and an end to nepotism in teacher recruitment.

Protesters said NTRCA has long recommended teacher appointments on the basis of merit, qualifications and examinations. They argued that returning the process to managing committees or governing bodies could undermine transparency and accountability, while creating opportunities for irregularities, lobbying and bias. The gathering called for merit-based recruitment and consideration of students’ and job seekers’ concerns, warning of broader programmes if their demands are not met.

Oil from a damaged tanker has spread across about 390 square kilometres in Oman’s coastal waters, authorities said. Oman’s government said the sanctioned vessel, Caroline Bezengi, was carrying Russian crude oil. The environmental authority is working to contain the spill near the Hallaniyat Islands in Dhofar Governorate, according to information published on August 10.

The authority said the oil slick had moved northeast from the islands toward the mainland. Its closest point to the coast was estimated at about seven kilometres offshore. The spill is within Omani waters near the southern Hallaniyat Islands, where officials said containment work was under way.

Two maritime security sources told Reuters that the ship’s crew first reported problems near Yemen’s Mukalla port on June 8. An initial assessment had suggested an explosion inside the vessel, but the cause of the damage remains unclear and Omani authorities have provided no explanation. Shipping data showed the tanker had loaded Russian crude before its voyage and last transmitted a public AIS tracking signal near Yemen’s coast on June 11.

Firnas, the son of Sharif Osman Hadi, can now say “Abba” and kisses photographs of his father, according to Abdullah Al Jaber, member secretary of Inqilab Mancha. A report published on August 10, 2026 said Firnas was only eight months old when a killer’s bullet struck Hadi in the head.

The report states that Osman Hadi died on December 18, 2025. He did not hear his son say “Abba” before his death. Speaking on a podcast, Abdullah Al Jaber said Firnas now speaks a little and calls out “Abba.”

Jaber said Firnas has grown and enjoys going outside. When they visit, he wants to go out with them, Jaber said. He added that Firnas kisses his father’s photograph and is accustomed to saying “Abba” rather than “Baba.” Jaber also recalled visiting Hadi’s home after Firnas’s birth and spending playful moments with the child.

A recent mutual defense agreement among Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey, known as the Mecca Pact, could strengthen India and Israel’s strategic partnership, according to a report published on August 10, 2026. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by phone last Thursday about recent developments in West Asia and reviewed progress in their “special strategic partnership,” Modi said in posts issued in English and Hebrew.

The day after the call, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey signed a broad defense agreement in Mecca. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said it includes a provision modeled on NATO’s Article 5, treating an attack on one member as an attack on all. Analysts cited in the report said the emerging alignment complicates expectations of drawing Saudi Arabia closer to Israel within a US-led regional security framework.

India’s Foreign Ministry rejected reports of an urgent new India-Israel mutual defense pact as false, while spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi was closely monitoring the Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan arrangement. The report said cooperation between India and Israel could deepen on IMEC, defense technology, intelligence sharing and regional security.

All 10 students who sat this year’s Secondary School Certificate examinations from Urir Char Junior High School in Sandwip, Chattogram, failed, producing a zero pass rate. The report, published on August 10, 2026, said the school had recorded satisfactory pass rates in previous years. School-related sources cited acute financial hardship, teachers’ unpaid salaries, student disengagement and parents’ lack of awareness as reasons for the result.

All 10 candidates had failed the school’s selection examination before the SSC tests. Although they were not supposed to sit the final examination under the rules, the school authorities allowed all of them to take the board examination on “special consideration.” The institution, also known as Urir Char High School, has 60 students from grades six to 10, but not even 10 attend classes regularly.

Teachers said salaries were mainly paid from student fees, but many parents were reluctant to pay regularly. None of the school’s eight teachers has received a salary for two years, and three have stopped coming altogether. Acting Upazila Secondary Education Officer Ismat Ara Begum described the complete failure rate as unfortunate and said the matter was being examined.

UEFA, the AFC and Concacaf have jointly called for an independent investigation into FIFA President Gianni Infantino, according to a report published on August 10, 2026. The three confederations wrote to FIFA seeking an inquiry conducted by a neutral third party outside FIFA’s internal mechanisms into Infantino’s actions.

Their concerns centre on a proposal to sell partnership interests in World Cup commercial rights. They said the proposal was pushed forward quickly without proper consultation with members and relevant stakeholders. FIFA later described the matter as a communication error, but UEFA, the AFC and Concacaf said they were not satisfied, viewing it as a failure of leadership judgment and evidence of a trust crisis within football.

The dispute was further complicated by a meeting held in Morocco, where FIFA said only one elected official attended. No FIFA Council members or member association representatives were invited, and part of FIFA’s senior-official management committee attended. The confederations also requested preservation of all relevant documents, communications and records until an inquiry is completed. They said the dispute is not primarily about money and called for FIFA funds to be used more responsibly for football development in member countries.

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has demanded the immediate removal of sculptures depicting its leaders and activists from the July Museum. In a joint statement sent to the media on Monday, the group’s ameer, Allama Shah Muhibbullah Babunagari, and secretary general, Allama Shayekh Sajidur Rahman, described the installations as a grave violation of Sharia and a mockery of the sacrifices made by Islamic scholars. The report was published on August 10, 2026.

The two leaders said that, in their view, constructing sculptures of any person is forbidden and unlawful under Sharia, regardless of an individual’s political identity or contribution. They argued that creating sculptures in the name of preserving the memory of scholars who worked to protect Islamic beliefs and values contradicts Islamic rules. They also called it a painful and unprecedented contradiction.

Hefazat said the nation should remember the July 2024 uprising, its martyrs and participants with respect, but should not place that remembrance against religious sentiment and Islamic values. It proposed preserving written histories, documents and records in the museum, and including related history in national textbooks. The group warned that scholars would not remain silent if the sculptures are not removed.

Student Dal and Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir leaders reached an understanding to ease recent tensions at Dhaka Alia Madrasa in the capital. At a meeting held on Sunday, August 9, they agreed not to blame one another over past incidents and to work toward a peaceful campus environment and coexistence.

Dhaka-7 lawmaker Md Hamidur Rahman Hamid mediated for BNP, while Dhaka-5 lawmaker Md Kamal Hossain mediated for Jamaat. A deputy commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, the madrasa vice-principal and teachers, DUCSU general secretary SM Farhad, and leaders and activists from both student groups attended. Shibir central publicity secretary SM Farhad confirmed the meeting.

Farhad said the discussion focused on maintaining a positive and peaceful environment going forward. Participants made a positive decision to move away from conflict and emphasized student safety and normal educational activities. They also said concerns involving students affected by recent events would be addressed through discussions with the institution's principal. After the meeting, Shibir branch president Md Abdul Alim and a Student Dal leader were seen embracing, drawing applause from those present.

Bangladesh Bank has removed inter-institution fees on all Bangla QR transactions to promote digital payments, meaning customers will face no fee or service charge. The central bank also introduced incentives for small-value transactions under a circular issued Monday. Both measures will take effect on October 1.

For each Bangla QR payment of up to Tk2,000 at small merchants and service providers, a total incentive of 0.3 percent will be available. The bank or mobile financial service app used by the customer will receive 0.2 percent, while the bank or payment institution providing the QR code through which the merchant receives payment will receive 0.1 percent.

Transactions cannot be split into multiple smaller payments, or conducted through other artificial means, to obtain incentives. Failed, cancelled, refunded, chargeback, disputed, or subsequently cancelled payments will not qualify. Bangladesh Bank may inspect transaction records, merchant information and supporting documents, recover wrongly paid incentives, or adjust them against future incentives. Acquiring institutions must monitor unusual merchant transactions and take action where artificial splitting, cash-out activity, or other irregularities are found.

Speakers at a Monday discussion at the National Press Club called for Bangladesh to strengthen its defence capacity to protect national security, maritime boundaries and marine resources in the Bay of Bengal. The event, organised by Anti-Imperialism Civil Society, was titled “Sovereignty Strategy for the Bangladesh State in the New Global and Regional Geopolitical Context.” Participants said Bangladesh should maintain balanced relations with the United States, Western countries and China.

Political scientist Professor Dilara Chowdhury said modern domination can be exercised through influence over a country’s institutions, resources and public consciousness, rather than territorial occupation alone. Citing interest from multiple major powers in the Bay of Bengal, she urged greater capability to safeguard the area. She also said international agreements should be made public and discussed in parliament. Former chief prosecutor Tajul Islam stressed reducing dependence on foreign weapons and technology by developing a domestic defence industry.

Press secretary Shafiqul Alam said military strengthening should accompany strong democracy, political space for opposition parties, minority rights and human rights. He cited gaps in air power, drone production, ballistic technology and air defence. Retired Major Del H Khan called for naval modernisation and a long-term national policy on security and sovereignty.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called for the restoration of free and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz during a telephone conversation with Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said on August 10. Speaking to reporters in Tokyo after the call, Takaichi said she had urged the resumption of unrestricted and secure maritime traffic through the strategically important waterway.

According to Kyodo News, Sultan Haitham responded that Oman would consult countries using the Strait of Hormuz and respect their views. The two leaders also exchanged views on the regional situation, Muscat Daily reported. Takaichi praised Oman’s continuing efforts to promote dialogue, reduce tensions, and maintain international peace and security.

Oman and Iran are currently holding discussions over navigation through the strait, including efforts to normalize commercial shipping. The leaders also discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation between Japan and Oman in areas of mutual interest. The report said stalled talks between the United States and Iran have added uncertainty to efforts to normalize future navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Hasnat Abdullah, NCP’s chief organiser for the southern region and a member of parliament, has called for cancelling a decision to give educational institution managing committees authority to recruit teachers. In a Facebook post published on August 10, he said the move could destroy the education system and open the way for partisan influence.

Abdullah said teacher recruitment should be transparent, impartial and based on merit, rather than local influence or political considerations. He argued that the decision must be withdrawn to protect educational standards and the neutrality of institutions.

The Education Ministry has made a final decision to hand managing committees recruitment authority for entry-level teachers at private schools and colleges. As a result, the Non-Government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority, or NTRCA, will no longer be able to recommend teacher appointments. The decision was taken at an August 3 meeting on NTRCA’s overall activities at the ministry’s conference room, attended by Education Minister Dr A N M Ehsanul Haq Milon and other relevant officials.

Bangladesh Coast Guard arrested two suspected drug traffickers and seized 250,000 yaba pills during a special operation in the outer anchorage area of Chattogram. The Coast Guard said the seized pills were worth about Tk 125 million. The operation was conducted at 3am on Monday, August 10, 2026, by Coast Guard ship Kutubdia and Patenga outpost personnel assigned to Operation Somudra Prohori, acting on intelligence.

Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon disclosed the information on Monday afternoon. He said a suspicious boat was signalled to stop but ignored the order and attempted to flee at high speed. The operational team pursued and detained the boat, then recovered the yaba pills and took two alleged traffickers into custody along with the vessel used for smuggling.

Initial questioning indicated that an organised drug network had collected the yaba consignment from different areas of Myanmar and was attempting to smuggle it into Chattogram, according to the Coast Guard. It said long-term intelligence surveillance enabled the interception of the shipment. Intelligence activity and coordination with other law-enforcement agencies are continuing to identify other network members. Legal procedures involving the seized drugs, boat and detainees are under way.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev thanked Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian for expressing gratitude for Azerbaijan’s assistance to Iran during the war. In a post on X, Aliyev said he appreciated Pezeshkian’s “friendly and sincere words,” according to a report published on August 10, 2026.

Aliyev said the peoples of Azerbaijan and Iran have always stood by one another during crises and difficult times. He added that, despite recent regional developments, Azerbaijan had again demonstrated that it stands with what he described as the brotherly Iranian people.

Earlier, Pezeshkian commented on Azerbaijan’s support for Iran, specifically citing Baku’s role in resolving various problems related to routes for delivering relief and assistance. Quoting Azerbaijani media, he said Azerbaijan provided Iran with necessary support, including on route-related matters, and had been with Iran while helping with everything needed.

A sub-inspector in Ajmiriganj, Habiganj, has been accused of taking a mobile phone from a fruit seller’s shop after buying fruit. The incident occurred on Saturday evening, August 8, at Rajib Mia’s fruit shop in Middle Bazar, beside Ajmiriganj police station. CCTV footage from the shop circulated the following day, prompting discussion and criticism among local traders and residents.

The locally obtained footage, about one minute and nine seconds long, reportedly shows SI Russell paying shopkeeper Rajib Mia for fruit. It then shows him taking his own phone in his left hand while picking up another phone from the table with his right hand and putting it in his pocket before leaving. Rajib Mia reviewed the footage after failing to find his phone, but declined to speak directly to the media.

An unidentified trader said the matter was resolved that night in the presence of both sides, considering the police department’s image. Investigation Officer-in-Charge Bishwajit Pal confirmed an amicable settlement. OC Mohammad Akbar Hossain said the phones had been placed together and the device was taken mistakenly; he said Tk15,000 was paid because the phone was lost and necessary action would be taken against the officer.