Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar demanded implementation of the referendum verdict and swift trials for those involved in killings during the July mass uprising. He made the demands on Saturday afternoon as chief guest at a large protest rally organized by Dhaka North Jamaat in front of the Cholera Hospital in Mohakhali, Dhaka.

Addressing the prime minister, Porwar said he had not been in London or Shillong but had remained in the country, questioning why he was called “secret.” He urged the prime minister not to be misled by incorrect statements from surrounding ministers and MPs. He also said Jamaat had never been secret and that the public would assess claims about Jamaat-Shibir involvement in different movements.

Porwar alleged that the BNP, despite benefiting from the July uprising, had moved away from its spirit. He said the BNP and other political parties had signed 84 reform proposals in the July charter but had since retreated from that commitment. He also alleged attempts to rehabilitate fascism under the name “Reform Awami League” through legal amendments and claimed partisan people were being appointed across different levels of the administration.

At least 60,000 migrants entered Spain's North African autonomous city of Ceuta from Morocco within 24 hours from Thursday night, according to the report. The influx was said to equal nearly 70% of Ceuta's total population. Spain deployed additional security forces but had not yet fully brought the situation under control.

Local authorities said migrants entered in groups by swimming across the sea, using small boats, and crossing wave barriers and barbed-wire fences at the border. Most were young men, though many families with women and children also attempted to cross. Ceuta local president Juan Jesus Vivas reported at least 41 deaths, with authorities saying people died by drowning during sea crossings or were crushed in crowds.

Ceuta's administration requested more forces from Madrid, while Spain said it was deploying armed forces and diving teams. Many irregular migrants have already been returned to Morocco. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez blamed human-trafficking networks, and Spain's Interior Ministry said the two countries were working closely to control the border and coordinate rapid returns.

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman said effective mediation could significantly reduce the backlog of about 4.5 million cases pending in Bangladesh’s courts. He made the remarks on Saturday at a hotel in the capital while addressing the closing ceremony of a two-day basic mediation training programme for legal professionals. The programme was organized under a project on expanding access to justice and improving civil case management.

The minister described mediation as an effective dispute-resolution method that can reduce litigants’ time, costs and mental hardship while ensuring faster, affordable justice. He said ensuring justice for poor, marginalized and underprivileged people, as well as victims of human rights violations, is among the government’s priorities. The National Legal Aid Services Organization is working to bring justice closer to such people, he added.

Asaduzzaman said a culture of resolving most disputes through discussion should be developed, except murder and other serious cognizable offences. Under the project, one female and one male mediator with the best performance will receive advanced training in Japan. Representatives from JICA Bangladesh, Japan’s Ministry of Justice and Bangladesh’s National Legal Aid Services Organization also spoke at the event.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar alleged that some people were misleading the prime minister and pushing the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, or BNP, toward fascism. He made the remarks on Saturday afternoon as chief guest at a large protest rally organized by Dhaka Metropolitan North Jamaat in front of the Cholera Hospital in Mohakhali, Dhaka. The gathering demanded implementation of the public verdict in a referendum and swift trials for those involved in killings during the July mass uprising.

Porwar said reforming the fundamental structure of the constitution was the only way to prevent a resurgence of fascism. He claimed that although BNP benefited from the July uprising, it had moved away from its spirit. He said BNP and other parties had signed 84 reform proposals in the July Charter but were now retreating from that commitment.

He also alleged efforts to rehabilitate fascism under the name “Reform Awami League” through legal amendments. Rally chair Mohammad Selim Uddin called on activists to be ready to protect votes and demanded an end to attacks on July movement activists. A procession later marched from the Cholera Hospital area to Tejgaon Tibet intersection, with thousands of activists participating.

Police Headquarters has issued a nationwide highest alert over possible sabotage targeting vehicles used by police, including jeeps, pickups and buses. The directive, sent in an emergency message by the headquarters’ Operations Control on Saturday, ordered all field-level units to immediately strengthen security arrangements. The warning was based on intelligence information that members of extremist groups or criminals could attack police vehicles.

The message said there can be no laxity or negligence in ensuring the security of police vehicles. It directed personnel to exercise maximum caution both while vehicles are on duty and after they are parked. If a vehicle on duty must stop temporarily, it must be parked in a secure location and kept under constant observation by police members.

No police vehicle may be left without its driver or responsible personnel, with a strict ban imposed on leaving vehicles unattended. Security must also be increased for government vehicles kept after duty at police stations, police lines, office compounds and other designated locations. Headquarters emphasized regular patrols, necessary surveillance and special vigilance to identify suspicious people or objects, calling on officials in all metropolitan areas, ranges, districts and units to implement the instructions strictly.

African football journalist Mamadou Gaye publicly backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s controversial private-investment plan, describing it as the “best initiative” for the Confederation of African Football and world football. In a post on X, the longtime Soccer Africa analyst praised Infantino as a “global talent” and said the FIFA president deserved the Nobel Peace Prize.

The proposal had drawn more negative discussion, but Gaye’s comments offered a public endorsement. Under FIFA’s plan, a new commercial company called FIFA Forward Enterprise would manage commercial rights for the World Cup and the organisation’s other major tournaments. Private investors would have been able to buy shares as minority partners, while FIFA member countries would receive additional funding.

The proposal faced strong opposition from UEFA and Concacaf, the governing bodies for European and North and Central American football. FIFA had given member countries until September 19 to approve the proposal. However, amid broad opposition, Infantino ultimately withdrew the plan.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami held a mass procession in Hajiganj, Chandpur, demanding implementation of the July Charter, enforcement of the referendum verdict, and trials for those accused of involvement in the July genocide and human rights violations. The procession began after Asr prayers on Saturday, 1 August 2026, from the historic Hajiganj Boro Mosque field. More than a thousand party leaders, activists and supporters took part, according to the report.

Participants carried national flags and placards calling for the July Charter while chanting slogans. The procession travelled from the Boro Mosque field through Hajiganj Bazar on the Chandpur-Comilla regional highway and ended at West Bazar. A brief protest gathering was then held there.

Speakers included Chandpur district Jamaat assistant secretary Md Jahangir Alam Pradhan, Hajiganj upazila amir Maulana B M Kalim Ullah, deputy amir Maulana Mozammel Haque Poran and municipal amir Abul Hasanat Patwary, along with local leaders. They urged the government to quickly implement the July Charter and make the judicial process effective, saying the movement would continue if the demands were not met.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Professor Mujibur Rahman MP said the BNP could not be called a democratic party after allegedly disregarding the verdict of a referendum in which, he said, 70 percent of people voted. He made the remarks on August 1, 2026, at a rally held at Baitul Mukarram North Gate in Dhaka to mark the second anniversary of the July mass uprising.

Mujibur Rahman said a democratic party accepts public opinion and accused the BNP of pursuing partisan politics. He said Jamaat would continue its movement until the referendum verdict was implemented through the July Charter. He added that the party was pursuing its demands in parliament, but the struggle would move to the streets if the government did not accept the referendum result and implement the charter.

Other speakers, including Dhaka South Ameer Md Nurul Islam Bulbul MP and Mobarak Hossain, also called for implementation of the July Charter. Bulbul said people wanted constitutional reform rather than constitutional amendment. After the rally, participants marched from Baitul Mukarram North Gate through Paltan, the National Press Club and the High Court area before concluding in front of Matsya Bhaban.

Sea-truck operations on the Kutubdia Boro Ghop-Magnama route in Cox’s Bazar have remained suspended for five days after a pontoon at Boro Ghop jetty was damaged. Published information on August 1 said the sea-truck cannot berth at the jetty, halting passenger crossings. Authorities have not specified when the service will return to normal, prompting frustration among passengers.

Three pillars of the pontoon, installed only six months ago, have broken, disrupting safe crossings. Old Danish boats and speedboats are still operating at the ghat, but passengers considered the sea-truck a comparatively safer means of transport. Passengers Shawkat Osman and Rezaul Karim expressed anger over the suspension during the monsoon season after finding the vessel anchored in the channel.

ST Nijhum Dwip master Ekramuzzaman said passenger service could resume once the pontoon is repaired. A BIWTA engineering team inspected the damaged facility last Thursday, and repair equipment is expected within one or two days. BIWTA said repairs may take one to two months, while the Kutubdia UNO said officials would discuss possible alternative sea-truck arrangements with the leaseholder.

All India Students’ Association president Neha said demands for Indian Home Minister Amit Shah’s resignation will continue following alleged police repression of an anti-question-paper-leak protest in Delhi on July 20. She also called for the removal of Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar and the release of arrested students, saying nationwide programmes would continue. In an interview with PTI, Neha said the campaign had expanded beyond exam paper leaks to demand accountability over policing and the central government’s conduct.

After a 23-day hunger strike, Neha said action against lower-level officials would not be sufficient, arguing that political responsibility lay with Shah and the police commissioner. She alleged that police used excessive force, including pellet guns, tear gas and baton charges, during a march towards Parliament. Delhi Police denied the allegations, while the central government said security personnel acted according to law.

The movement initially sought an investigation into alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and the resignation of then education minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Its first phase was suspended on July 25 after Pradhan resigned and assurances were given on several demands. A government bill aimed at preventing paper leaks and examination irregularities was later passed in the Rajya Sabha on July 30 amid an opposition walkout.

International Islamic University Chittagong began a three-day training programme on Saturday to prepare for accreditation by the Bangladesh Accreditation Council. Speaking as chief guest at the opening, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Mohammad Ali Azadi said falling behind in obtaining accreditation could create an existential crisis for the university. He described accreditation work, documentation, file preparation and responsibilities beyond teaching and research as essential conditions for a university’s continued operation.

Azadi said degrees without BAC recognition would lack professional acceptance and their value could fall close to zero. Citing approval requirements in pharmacy and law, he said a similar reality would apply to general and other academic departments in the near future. He also said parents and talented students now consider whether a university and its departments are accredited rather than looking only at large campuses.

The programme, organised by IIUC’s Institutional Quality Assurance Cell, is being held for the first time and is scheduled to end on August 3. Sessions cover BAC rules, processes, external quality assessment guidance, curriculum adaptation under the Bangladesh National Qualifications Framework, accreditation standards and assessment indicators. The university administration will consider departments’ accreditation progress when allocating budgets, infrastructure and other facilities.

At a discussion marking the second anniversary of the July Revolution, National Citizen Party convener and opposition chief whip Md Nahid Islam said strong democracy is essential to ensure communal harmony. The event, titled “Harmony in July: Contributions of Hindu, Buddhist and Christian Communities in the July Uprising,” was held at the DRU auditorium in the capital on August 1. He said the party still upholds the vision of a discrimination-free and inclusive society raised during the uprising.

Islam said people of all religions and communities participated in the uprising, which he described as secular in character from its beginning. He said at least nine people from minority communities were martyred. He accused the former fascist government of using minority communities as a political card and said minorities should maintain relations with all political parties rather than being linked to one party.

He urged the government to seriously consider the demands of Hindu, Buddhist and Christian communities and ensure justice for disappearances, killings, land grabbing and other attacks. Islam also said institutional reforms and an independent, impartial judiciary would benefit everyone. Leaders from Buddhist and Christian organizations, NCP representatives and leaders of various communities attended the meeting.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Shakhawat Hossain conducted a surprise inspection of hospitals in Bhedarganj upazila of Shariatpur on Saturday afternoon. He visited the Upazila Health Complex and several private clinics, taking immediate action over irregularities. Modern Clinic and Diagnostic Centre and New Popular Diagnostic Centre and Clinic were temporarily closed because they lacked required documents.

Two doctors were issued show-cause notices over allegations that they provided services at private clinics during government office hours. The minister toured service departments at the health complex, spoke with admitted and outpatient patients about the quality of care, and inspected the quality of food supplied to patients. He later exchanged views with doctors, nurses and other staff and gave directions aimed at improving health services.

During the inspection, the minister warned officials to ensure proper departmental operations, treatment services, cleanliness and a patient-friendly environment. He said there would be no leniency toward irregularities or negligence and that quality healthcare for the public must be ensured. He also said the government plans to establish cancer, physiotherapy and kidney dialysis units in every upazila, and to build one children’s hospital in every district.

Mahmudur Rahman, editor of Amar Desh, called for a serious assessment of Bangladesh’s development as a nation over the past 55 years and for a clear definition of national identity. Speaking as chief guest at a University Teachers Link seminar at Dhaka University’s Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium on Saturday, he also urged efforts to free higher education from partisan influence and to help teachers develop students into human resources.

He said universities are not only institutions for distributing knowledge but can help shape the future of the state and nation. Rahman called for deeper research into the historical development of Bengali identity and Bangladesh’s national identity. He raised concerns that qualified people have been denied jobs and opportunities at universities because of political affiliation, and urged teachers’ organisations to work together for a merit-based environment.

Rahman said teachers could serve as a strong intellectual pressure group by preparing a clear national roadmap. Lawmaker Engineer Mardia Mumtaz called for regular training and classroom evaluation for university teachers. Former Dhaka University vice-chancellor Niaz Ahmed Khan described UTL’s work during its first year as encouraging.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Primary and Mass Education said the appointment process for 14,384 candidates recommended as assistant teachers in government primary schools is expected to begin by October 29. The ministry is moving to complete a recruitment exercise that had been stalled for a long period because of investigations and procedural complications. An emergency virtual meeting on teacher recruitment was held at the ministry on August 1.

The meeting discussed recruitment progress and ways to accelerate investigations and administrative procedures. Primary and Mass Education Secretary Md Sakhawat Hossain said the government was treating the joining of the recommended assistant teachers as an important matter. He said delays resulted from investigations and procedural lengthiness, while expressing hope that the joining process would start within the stated deadline.

Ministry sources said the 14,384 candidates were recommended after a lengthy recruitment process, but subsequent investigations and administrative verification delayed their appointments. The delays created uncertainty among recommended candidates and prompted calls for faster joining. The ministry said government primary schools under the Directorate of Primary Education have faced a long-standing teacher shortage, which could be eased to some extent when the new teachers join.