Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam conveyed that Chief Adviser Professor Yunus stated, “Any thought of an alternative to elections would be extremely dangerous for this nation. In the first half of February, a free and fair election will take place in a festive environment.” Professor Yunus emphasized that the caretaker government’s primary duty is to ensure a peaceful electoral process. During the meeting, political parties discussed their views on implementing the July Charter, while the National Consensus Commission’s Vice-President Dr. Ali Riaz and Special Assistant Munir Haidar updated the Chief Adviser on progress. The discussions were held in a cordial atmosphere, with parties voicing concerns and expectations regarding the upcoming election.

Islamic Movement leader Rezaul Karim clarified in an interview, “Inshallah, the one-ballot initiative of Islamic parties will see the light of day.” Addressing reports of disagreement among Islamic parties over including Jamaat-e-Islami, he said, “Most Islamic parties are in electoral consensus with Jamaat. Meetings and discussions are ongoing.” Karim emphasized that excluding Jamaat-e-Islami from alliances is incorrect, noting that several Islamic parties formed a coordination committee as part of a broader electoral agreement. On ideological differences, he explained, “Our approach blends spirituality and politics for societal and governance reforms, whereas Jamaat follows a different ideological path. Despite differences, past political history has seen unity and compromise.”

Shanghai has recorded temperatures above 35°C (95°F) for 25 consecutive days, breaking a 99-year-old record previously set in 1926. From July 22 to August 14, the city experienced continuous heat, highlighting the impact of global climate change on Asia. The excessive heat is causing melting glaciers, sudden storms, and erratic weather patterns. Earlier in July, after many regions exceeded 40°C (104°F), Beijing issued high-heat warnings for 754 provinces, cities, and counties, emphasizing growing climate risks.

The Nationalist Student Party has demanded that Chittagong University officials resign and apologize to students for failing to maintain campus security. In a written statement on Sunday evening, Abdullah Al Noman, General Secretary of the university’s student wing, presented three key demands: arrest and exemplary punishment for the attackers, an apology from the administration, and assurances for student safety. Alaudin Mohsin, branch president, criticized the administration and police for remaining inactive despite hundreds of students being injured overnight. Violence resumed on Sunday morning, leaving over 150 students injured until the army intervened to restore order. Meanwhile, BNP leader Sathi Uday Kusum Barua called for strict protests in Zobra village, criticizing students as ‘rebellious.’ The BNP later removed him from his position, while local BNP leaders urged calm and restraint among villagers and students to avoid further violence.

Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto has canceled his upcoming visit to China due to violent protests that have erupted across several cities, including Jakarta. At least three people have died, and numerous government buildings and police facilities have been set on fire. The unrest began after 21-year-old motorcyclist Affan Kurniawan was killed by a police armored vehicle. President Prabowo will remain in Indonesia to monitor the situation and has ordered an investigation into police conduct, promising accountability for excessive force.

Israel has confirmed the death of Abu Ubaida, spokesman for Hamas’s Al-Qassam Brigades, in a Gaza City airstrike on Saturday. Defense Minister Israel Katz said Ubaida was killed alongside at least 11 others, including women and children. Hamas denied the claim, calling it psychological warfare. Abu Ubaida, born Hudaifa al-Khalut, had been a symbolic figure since 2004, gaining prominence after the 2006 Gilad Shalit kidnapping. His last message warned that hostages faced the same risks in any Israeli assault.

Chittagong University’s Vice-Provost, Professor Dr. Kamal Uddin, reported on Sunday afternoon that senior cadres of the student wing of the ruling party attacked students and faculty members while wearing helmets. “They have beaten our teachers and students. We are unable to accommodate all the injured in our medical facilities,” he said. The university has sent 4–5 vehicles to Chittagong Medical College, where over 500 students are reported injured. “What kind of world are we living in, where senior student cadres enter campuses wearing helmets and assault students? The police have not intervened,” he added. The unrest reportedly began Saturday night after a female student was assaulted by a gatekeeper at a residence, sparking tensions among students and local residents. At least 150 students, along with the Vice-Provost, the Proctor, and several teachers, sustained injuries. Witnesses report that domestic weapons were used to target students across the campus.

Maria Nur, wife of opposition leader Nurul Haque Nur, described the recent attack on her husband as unprecedented. “Even during eight years of a fascist regime, we did not witness such shocking assaults. He sustained severe injuries to the brain, jaw, nose, and spine. Doctors say full recovery status cannot be determined before 72 hours,” she said. Maria appealed to the nation for prayers and requested arrangements for advanced treatment abroad.

Tarique Rahman stressed that establishing a government accountable to the people is paramount. He warned against reforms that obstruct democratic practice, stating: “BNP fully supports reforms in state and politics, but they must not impede the exercise of citizens’ rights. The interim government is transitional; its performance cannot be equated to that of an accountable political administration. Elections remain the only route to forming a responsible government.”

Ten more Palestinians, including three children, have died of malnutrition in Gaza due to Israel’s blockade, raising the death toll from hunger since October 2023 to 332, the Health Ministry said. The IPC has confirmed famine in Gaza Governorate and warned of its spread to Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis. Over 500,000 people face extreme hunger, while over a million endure severe food insecurity. Israel’s offensive has killed more than 63,000 people, leaving Gaza devastated and under international legal scrutiny.

Chief Justice Syed Refat Ahmed highlighted recent judicial reforms, including the establishment of the Judicial Appointment Council and the reinstatement of the Supreme Judicial Council, as proof that the judiciary is prioritizing action over rhetoric. “We are committed to upholding independence, discipline, and integrity in serving the people,” he said.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, after meeting the Chief Adviser, confirmed that elections will be held as previously announced. He condemned the attack on Nurul Haque Nur as “abhorrent” and demanded a judicial investigation. Fakhrul stressed that there is no scope to delay the elections and that the announced schedule will be adhered to.

Yemen has appointed Mohammad Meftah as acting prime minister following the death of Prime Minister Ahmed Galeb Al-Rahawi in a recent Israeli airstrike in Sanaa. The Supreme Political Council issued a decree naming Meftah, the first deputy prime minister, as caretaker leader. The attack also killed several ministers while they attended a workshop. The Houthis confirmed the deaths but did not disclose all names. The presidency announced the strike on Thursday, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions.

The Trump administration has moved to dismiss more than 500 employees of Voice of America (VOA), citing cost-cutting and efficiency. Acting USAGM head Kari Lake said the move would reduce bureaucracy, though unions call it illegal. Court documents show only 108 staff will remain at VOA after the layoffs. The decision follows a court ruling that Trump officials mishandled the removal of VOA’s director. Some staff are fighting the cuts in court, while certain divisions, like Cuba Broadcasting, remain unaffected.

U.S. President Donald Trump has canceled plans to visit India for the Quad summit later this year, according to a New York Times analysis. The report says Trump had earlier promised Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a June 17 phone call that he would attend, but tensions have since escalated. Disputes over Trump’s mediation claim in the India-Pakistan conflict, a canceled G7 meeting, and Washington’s new 50% tariff on Indian goods have all contributed to worsening U.S.-India relations.