The Ministry of Finance has issued a new directive significantly increasing allowances for government training programs. Under the revised policy, officials at the Joint Secretary level and above attending subject-specific internal training sessions will receive 3,600 taka per hour, while Deputy Secretaries and lower-level employees will receive 3,000 taka. Previously, third-grade officials or those at Joint Secretary level earned 2,500 taka per training hour. Fourth- and fifth-grade officials or Deputy Secretaries earned 2,000 taka per hour; the new rates now provide 3,600 and 3,000 taka, respectively. Daily training allowances have also been increased: Grade 9 and above employees now receive 1,200 taka per day (up from 600), and Grade 10 and below receive 1,000 taka per day (up from 500). The honoraria for course directors have risen from 1,500 to 2,000 taka per day, course coordinators from 1,200 to 1,500 taka, and support staff from 500 to 1,000 taka. This move reflects the government’s effort to better incentivize participation and acknowledge the contributions of trainers and staff involved in professional development programs.

Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov has stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s presence is unnecessary at the upcoming Russia-U.S. summit. Azarov described Zelensky as a “puppet” who does not make decisions independently. U.S. President Donald Trump plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15 to discuss a permanent solution to the Ukraine crisis, with the Kremlin hoping for a follow-up summit in Russia. Sources confirm Zelensky is unlikely to attend the Alaska meeting.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump will meet in Alaska on Friday, starting with a private session attended only by interpreters. Following this, both leaders will engage in broader discussions with their delegations, covering the Ukraine crisis, trade, economic cooperation, and global security. The Russian delegation includes top officials like Sergey Lavrov and Kirill Dmitriev. A joint press conference will follow. The meeting’s duration depends on discussion progress, and the Russian delegation will depart immediately afterward.

India’s Supreme Court has emphasized that restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood must consider ground realities and security concerns, citing the recent Pahalgam attack. Petitioners argue that constitutional rights have been undermined since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019 and urge immediate restoration. The court has asked the central government to respond within eight weeks, highlighting that the matter involves legal, political, and security dimensions. The government maintains restoration will occur at the right time, balancing safety and political commitments.

Norway has taken a firm stance against Israel’s actions in Gaza, announcing that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be arrested if he enters the country. This follows the International Criminal Court’s November 21, 2024, arrest warrant against Netanyahu for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Norwegian officials, including Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Kravik, emphasized their legal obligation to enforce the ICC decision, reflecting Oslo’s commitment to international law and accountability for serious international crimes.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London on Thursday, ahead of the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska on Friday. The meeting aims to convey European concerns before Trump discusses the Ukraine war with Putin. Starmer emphasized the need to preserve Ukraine’s territorial integrity and reject any border changes by force. Ukraine maintains it will not cede Crimea or other occupied areas, while Trump warns possible territorial exchanges may be needed to end the conflict.

GOP leader Abu Hanif has stated that the political dynamics of the country have undergone a significant transformation following the July mass uprising. “The era of seizing political centers or becoming a Member of Parliament by purchasing votes for 500 to 1,000 taka is over,” Hanif asserted. Hanif reflected on the historical context of Kishoreganj, noting that while the region has produced many prominent leaders since independence, the lives of its people have not seen substantial improvement. He emphasized that during the July uprising, it was the youth who led the movement, demonstrating their unwavering courage in the face of fear. Commenting on the current law and order situation, Hanif said that even though an interim government assumed responsibility after the uprising, over a year has passed without fully restoring public security. “Criminals may be arrested, but they often secure bail within days and return to committing crimes. Many of these offenders face 15 to 20 cases each,” he warned. Hanif called for justice for those responsible for the killings during the uprising, stressing that without visible progress in reforms and judicial accountability, elections could once again pave the way for fascism—something the public will no longer tolerate.

Germany is sending a €500 million submarine to Israel, just days after partially halting arms exports to the country, sparking widespread criticism. The contract, originally signed in 2012, received final approval from Germany’s Federal Security Council in 2023. Thyssenkrupp, the manufacturing company, confirmed the export at a recent extraordinary general meeting. A government spokesperson in Berlin declined to comment when asked. The move has raised concerns about Germany’s arms export policy and international reactions.

Masud Saeedi, son of Allama Delwar Hossain Saeedi, criticized attempts to disrupt elections, accusing certain groups of instigating Jamaat. “We do not only want elections. First, there must be reforms and justice for the July martyrs. Judges who gave false testimonies against our fathers must face trial. Only then can elections proceed,” he stated. He also noted that despite threats and personal losses, the family remains committed to seeking accountability through ballots.

The Arab League has strongly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent comments expressing a connection to the idea of a ‘Greater Israel,’ calling them a threat to the sovereignty of Middle Eastern states. Netanyahu described himself as on a “historical and spiritual mission” for Jewish generations. The remarks have drawn concern from Egypt and Jordan, with both countries emphasizing that such statements conflict with regional peace efforts, violate international law, and could heighten tensions in the region.

Bangladesh has rejected the latest draft of the Global Plastics Treaty, calling it weak and inadequate. The government insists the treaty must include binding measures on harmful chemicals, emissions, and primary plastic production, rather than relying on voluntary approaches. At INC-5.2 in Geneva, Bangladesh highlighted its vulnerability as a low-lying country and stressed the need for a global framework to tackle cross-border plastic pollution. Officials also urged promoting circular economy models, sustainable product design, and just transitions for waste sector workers.

Rafiqul Islam held a press conference in Bhairab, Kishoreganj, accusing local Awami League leaders of illegally seizing 20.50 decimals of ancestral land belonging to him and his brothers. He claimed that the land was forcibly occupied by leaders Jasim Uddin and his wife Nili, who used political influence to construct a wall. Rafiqul filed a case in Kishoreganj court and lodged a GD at Bhairab police station. Despite police restrictions, the construction continues, allegedly supported by local criminals.

Sohel Rana, a Youth League leader from Barguna, voluntarily admitted his involvement in a secret meeting of the banned Student League to take over Dhaka. The DB inspector, Md. Jehad Hossain, recorded his statement in court. Two other accused were sent to five-day remand, with the court approving the request despite bail petitions from defense lawyers.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Russian President Vladimir Putin of “very severe consequences” if he refuses to end the war in Ukraine. The warning comes ahead of their scheduled meeting in Anchorage, Alaska. Trump described his recent virtual talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders as “very good” and “sincere.” He indicated that the first meeting could lead to a trilateral discussion, but a second meeting will depend on outcomes and whether he receives necessary commitments from both leaders.

Afghanistan is experiencing the largest refugee return in its history, with the International Organization for Migration warning of a severe crisis. Nearly 1.5 million Afghans have been forced back in 2025 alone, part of a projected 4 million returning from Pakistan and Iran between 2023–2025. Half are women and girls, facing risks such as poverty, child marriage, and abuse. The UN urges global support, while the Taliban government denies a crisis, claiming to protect women’s rights and prevent forced marriages.