The Bangladesh Navy has rescued 18 fishermen who were stranded for four days after their trawler Habiba suffered engine failure in the deep sea near Maheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar. The naval ship Shahid Farid conducted the rescue on Tuesday, providing the fishermen with food, water, and medical assistance. The crew expressed gratitude to the Navy. The trawler has since been escorted safely to Kutubdia.

During a meeting with representatives from 13 political parties and alliances at the state guesthouse, Interim Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus warned of a resurgence of anti-democratic conspiracies less than a year after the July uprising. He stressed the need for greater unity among political parties to resist fascism. Party leaders in attendance called for stronger law enforcement measures and demanded an all-party dialogue before the next election. They also expressed support for reforms, justice, and an inclusive electoral process.

IDEF 2025, the 17th International Defence Industry Fair, has begun in Istanbul with over 900 Turkish and 400 international defense companies from 44 countries. Major firms like BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, and Airbus are showcasing advanced land, air, and naval technologies. National pavilions from countries such as China, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan are on display. The six-day event spans multiple venues and features ministers, military chiefs, and commanders from 103 countries. It is organized by KFA Fairs with support from Turkish defense authorities.

The Bangladesh Air Force has paid tribute to Maherin Chowdhury, the courageous teacher who lost her life while saving students during the Uttara plane crash. On July 23, an Air Force delegation laid floral wreaths at her grave in Jaldi, Nilphamari. They prayed for her departed soul and offered condolences to her family. Maherin saved at least 20 students before sustaining fatal injuries in the incident.

Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem has strongly condemned U.S. and Israeli actions in Gaza, stating they have exceeded all humanitarian and moral standards. He warned that the U.S. will eventually be forced to withdraw its support due to overwhelming Palestinian resistance. Qassem criticized the silence of the international community and urged Arab and Islamic nations to close Israeli embassies, cut trade ties, and provide humanitarian aid to Gaza. He expressed confidence that Israel’s aggression will ultimately lead to its downfall by divine will.

Senior officials from Iran, Russia, and China met in Tehran to boost cooperation against Western dominance, sanctions, and threats of the JCPOA snapback mechanism. They emphasized diplomatic coordination and mutual support, criticizing Western unilateralism. Iran warned that any new UN sanctions would be illegitimate and proposed practical steps for regional stability. The trilateral talks aim to create a broader strategic framework, with follow-up discussions planned with the European Troika. All three nations committed to deeper consultation in the coming months.

A global study involving nearly 2,900 employees across six countries found that a four-day workweek improved mental and physical health, reduced burnout, and increased job satisfaction—all without reducing pay. Participants reported stronger focus and higher productivity compared to those with a five-day schedule. The research, published in Nature Human Behaviour, highlights the need for flexible, employee-centered work models. Experts say smart work processes, not just fewer hours, are key to long-term success and well-being in the modern workplace.

Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan met with Interim Government’s Chief Advisor, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, on Wednesday afternoon at the state guesthouse Jamuna. The courtesy call was confirmed by the press wing of the Chief Advisor.

A case has been filed against 1,200 individuals for vandalism and attempted murder at the Secretariat. According to the complaint, on July 22, during a student-led "March to Education Ministry" protest following the Milestone School plane crash, demonstrators broke through police barricades, damaged the Secretariat gate, and attacked security personnel. The charges include destruction of public property and attempted murder. A court has ordered an investigation report by August 28.

A team of specialist doctors and nurses from India’s Ram Manohar Lohia and Safdarjung Hospitals have arrived in Dhaka to assist with the treatment of victims from the recent fighter jet crash at Milestone School in Uttara. The team landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Wednesday night. India's Ministry of External Affairs stated that critically injured patients may be transferred to India for further treatment if necessary. A specialist doctor from Singapore had also arrived earlier. So far, 32 people have died in the incident, with over 150 injured—eight of them critically.

Pakistani Interior Minister and ACC President Mohsin Raza Naqvi paid a courtesy call on Advisor Asif Mahmud Sajib. During the meeting, Naqvi expressed condolences over the recent Uttara aircraft crash and discussed bilateral cooperation. The two sides expressed interest in enhancing collaboration in sports—particularly cricket, hockey, and kabaddi—as well as in youth skill development and employment initiatives. They also discussed potential partnerships in education, scholarships, and renewable energy. Naqvi extended an invitation for an official visit to Pakistan.

BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has alleged that the government, instead of facilitating the economy for the people through trade and investment, has handed it over to a select group of looters. “These groups looted banks, manipulated the stock market, laundered money abroad, and exploited mega projects for personal gain,” he said. According to him, the country has deviated from Ziaur Rahman's principles of a democratic economy, leading to monopolized control over both politics and the economy. He emphasized that BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman supports economic democratization—where ordinary citizens would have equal opportunities in business. Khasru also called for an end to bureaucratic control and monopolization in the economy.

The Election Commission (EC) has issued new guidelines for journalists covering parliamentary and local elections. According to the new policy, live broadcasting from polling stations and taking photographs inside secret voting booths will be prohibited. Accredited journalists will be allowed to collect information and images with permission from the presiding officer but may not stay inside the polling booth for more than 10 minutes. Additionally, multiple media outlets cannot enter the booth simultaneously. Live coverage must be conducted from outside the polling station. These regulations will take effect starting from the 2025 elections.

On the 18th day of the National Consensus Commission’s dialogue, left-leaning parties CPB, BASAD, and Bangladesh JASAD staged a symbolic 10-minute walkout. The protest was in response to alleged police violence against students and parents protesting the Uttara plane crash. CPB leader Ruhin Hossain Prince said the incident reflects authoritarian tendencies. BASAD and JASAD members endorsed the protest and rejoined the dialogue after 10 minutes.

The National Consensus Commission announced an agreement among political parties on the process for appointing the Election Commission. A five-member search committee, headed by the Speaker, will include the Prime Minister, the Opposition Leader, the Deputy Speaker, and a judge nominated by the Chief Justice. The process will begin 90 days before the current commission’s term ends. After vetting candidates, the committee will submit a unanimous shortlist to the President, who will appoint the Commission for five years. Separate laws and a code of conduct are also proposed to ensure accountability.