Russia Confirms Ambassador to UK No Longer in Post, Blames London for Deteriorating Ties

World

August 30, 2026

London, Aug 23 (V7N) – The Russian embassy in London has confirmed that Ambassador Andrei Kelin is no longer in post, holding Britain responsible for the deterioration of bilateral relations to what it described as "an unprecedentedly low level".

The confirmation came in a statement issued on Sunday following a report by The Sunday Times that Moscow had "withdrawn" its envoy to "force Britain to reconsider its support for Ukraine". Kelin, who had served as ambassador for over seven years, left his post on July 21. No successor has been named, and the embassy is currently headed by a chargé d'affaires.

The Russian embassy statement on Telegram stressed that it does not intend to downgrade the formal level of diplomatic relations. However, it added that relations "have deteriorated to an unprecedentedly low level entirely on London's initiative".

Escalating Tensions Over UK Support for Ukraine

The diplomatic void follows a sharp escalation in rhetoric after reports that British-made drones supplied to Ukraine were used in recent long-range strikes deep inside Russia. The Russian embassy in London subsequently accused Britain of becoming "an accomplice and co-perpetrator" of the attacks and of "deliberately opting for an escalation" in the conflict.

The embassy further warned that Britain would pay a "price" for its support, stating: "The deeper its involvement in the conflict and the greater its support for Kiev's terrorist machinery, the higher the price it will pay".

A spokesman for the Russian embassy told The Sunday Times that Kelin had made efforts to preserve channels of communication with the UK and left "in the hope that a more constructive and respectful dialogue could eventually be restored, should the UK reconsider its policies towards our country".

UK Response

The UK Foreign Office described the ambassador's departure as a matter for Russia, while confirming that Britain maintains an ambassador and embassy in Moscow. The Foreign Office reiterated that it "continues to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine, which has the right to defend itself against Russia's illegal and unprovoked invasion".

Britain has been one of Ukraine's strongest backers since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, committing approximately £25 billion ($33 billion) in support, including £16 billion in military aid. The UK was the first country to supply Ukraine with long-range Storm Shadow cruise missiles and is known to have supplied two types of drones that have reportedly been used in recent strikes.

Strategic Implications

Analysts have warned that the absence of a replacement ambassador could lead to a further breakdown in communication between London and Moscow. Withdrawing an ambassador is a formal diplomatic mechanism for expressing severe displeasure without severing ties entirely.

The escalation reflects a broader Russian intimidation campaign against Ukraine's European allies as the war grinds on, with the Kremlin seeking to deter further international support for Kyiv while avoiding a direct military confrontation with NATO.

end/wd/rh/

Election Commission meets President at Bangabhaban

Bangladesh

August 27, 2026

Dhaka, Aug 27 (V7N)- The Election Commission (EC), led by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin, paid a courtesy call on President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at Bangabhaban on Thursday (August 27).

This was the first meeting between the Election Commission and the newly elected President since he assumed office.

Besides the CEC, Election Commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Machud, Anwarul Islam Sarkar and Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah were present during the meeting.

According to sources, the commissioners congratulated the President and discussed various matters related to the Election Commission's activities.

The presidential post became vacant after President Md Shahabuddin resigned on July 24. Subsequently, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was elected President in the presidential election held in Parliament on August 20.

After assuming office, the President met with the Election Commission, a constitutional body responsible for conducting elections in the country.

The Election Commission is expected to conduct the upcoming local government elections in phases.

END/SMA/AJ

Mirza Abbas acquitted in 15 corruption cases

Court of law

August 27, 2026

Dhaka, Aug 27 (V7N)- BNP Standing Committee member and Prime Minister's Political Adviser Mirza Abbas has been acquitted in 15 corruption cases filed in 2007 over allegations of selling 18 government houses without following a tender process.

Judge Muhammad Kamrul Hasan Khan of Dhaka Special Judge's Court-3 pronounced the verdict on Thursday (August 27).

The cases were filed during the military-backed caretaker government over allegations of irregularities and corruption in the sale of the government-owned houses.

After hearing the cases, the court acquitted Mirza Abbas of all 15 charges.

The cases date back to 2007, when allegations were brought against Abbas in connection with the sale of 18 government houses without a tender.

END/SMA/AJ

Nearly 1,500 missing in Nepal-Tibet floods and landslides

World

August 27, 2026

Kathmandu, Aug 27 (V7N)- Nearly 1,500 people are missing in Nepal and Tibet, China, after flash floods and landslides triggered by heavy rains swept through a Himalayan river on Wednesday (August 26).

Reuters reported the information on Thursday (August 27), citing Nepalese police and tourism authorities and Chinese state media CCTV.

According to Nepalese authorities, 826 people are currently missing in the country. Around 500 of them are foreign nationals. Among the missing foreigners are 177 Indians, 63 Americans, 34 Australians, 33 British and 25 Canadians. Citizens of more than two dozen countries are reportedly among those missing.

Meanwhile, CCTV reported that 558 people are missing in Tibet's Gyirong County, including 260 foreign nationals. Chinese authorities said at least three people have died in the affected area.

The disaster occurred after a massive amount of soil and rocks from the mountains collapsed into a river, triggering powerful flash floods. Large areas were inundated as torrents of mud, rocks and water swept through the region.

Verified videos shared on social media showed people fleeing from rocks, mud and rushing water in the border area of Gyirong. The powerful currents reportedly swept away homes, roads and power infrastructure.

Many of those missing were pilgrims travelling to Kailash-Manasarovar, a sacred site in the Tibetan highlands. Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar hold religious significance for Hindus and Buddhists, among others.

Rescue operations are continuing in the affected areas as authorities search for the missing and assess the extent of the destruction.

END/SMA/AJ

China interested in boosting investment in Bangladesh's waste management, renewable energy and infrastructure

Bangladesh

August 27, 2026

Dhaka, Aug 27 (V7N)- China has expressed interest in increasing investment in Bangladesh's waste management, renewable energy and infrastructure development sectors, State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam said.

He made the remarks after a meeting between Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen, Local Government Minister Dr Abdul Moin Khan and State Minister Mir Shahe Alam on Thursday (August 27).

According to the State Minister, Bangladesh has proposed a Tk 10,000 crore project to China to construct free, modern housing for residents of Karail, Sattala and Bhashantek slums in Gulshan and the Dhaka-17 area.

He also said a Chinese company is planning to generate 42 megawatts of electricity from waste at the Aminbazar landfill and supply it to the national grid. A tripartite agreement on the project is scheduled to be signed on September 2.

Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen said new opportunities for cooperation between Bangladesh and China have emerged following Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's recent visit to China.

He added that China has significant scope to cooperate with Bangladesh in renewable energy as the country seeks to address its ongoing energy challenges.

END/SMA/AJ

Iran bars IAEA inspections of US-damaged nuclear facilities

World

August 27, 2026

Tehran, Aug 27 (V7N)- Iran will not allow representatives of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to inspect nuclear facilities damaged in recent US attacks until new inspection procedures are established and the security of the sites is ensured, Iranian officials have said. 

Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, made the remarks in a statement released on Wednesday (August 26).

Eslami said the damaged facilities are not yet considered secure and that inspections cannot take place until a specific protocol governing access to sites damaged in military attacks is developed. He also said Iran remains in a wartime situation.

The Iranian nuclear chief questioned the impartiality of the IAEA and accused the organization of failing to condemn the attacks. He further alleged that the United States and Israel are pressuring the agency to gain access to the damaged facilities. 

According to reports, Iran has continued to permit monitoring at some nuclear facilities that were not damaged, while restricting access to sites affected by the attacks. 

The development comes amid continuing tensions between Tehran and the UN nuclear watchdog over inspections and verification of Iran's nuclear activities.

END/SMA/AJ

Nepal tremor before flash floods was landslide, not earthquake: USGS

World

August 27, 2026

Kathmandu, Aug 27 (V7N)- The tremor felt in northern Nepal before the devastating flash floods on Wednesday was not caused by an earthquake, but by a massive glacier avalanche, landslide and debris flow, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) has said.

The tremor was initially detected as a magnitude 4.4 earthquake near the Nepal-China border, north of Kathmandu. However, the USGS later clarified that no earthquake had occurred in the area.

According to satellite imagery, a massive landslide involving ice and rocks occurred in the Lahende River, around 20 kilometres northeast of the Rasuwagari border post. The landslide sent huge amounts of rocks, mud and water downstream, triggering catastrophic flooding.

The force of the landslide was later estimated to be equivalent to a magnitude 5.2 earthquake, according to the USGS.

Meanwhile, the disaster has caused widespread destruction in northern Nepal. So far, 160 bodies have been recovered, while a state of emergency has been declared in the affected areas.

Rescue teams are continuing operations to locate missing people and evacuate residents from vulnerable areas. At least 844 people, including more than 450 foreign nationals, remain missing.

Among the missing are 133 Indian nationals and citizens of at least 28 countries, including the United States, Australia, the Netherlands and Malaysia.

END/SMA/AJ

Iran Calls US Plan to Isolate Its Economy a ‘Farce’

World

August 27, 2026

Tehran, Aug 27 (V7N)- Iran's Foreign Ministry has dismissed a US plan aimed at economically isolating Iran as a “farce,” according to Al Jazeera.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghei made the remarks in a social media post on Thursday (August 27), criticizing Washington's latest efforts to increase economic pressure on Tehran.

Baghei said the US policy lacks logic because Washington is announcing sanctions and restrictions that are already in effect.

He also questioned the role of Bahrain in the US initiative, saying Iran has virtually no significant economic relations with the Gulf state.

According to Baghei, despite the limited economic ties between Iran and Bahrain, Washington is attempting to strengthen its economic pressure campaign against Tehran by involving Manama.

Earlier on Thursday, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he had spoken with Bahraini Finance Minister Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa about maintaining financial pressure on Iran.

The latest exchange highlights continued tensions between Washington and Tehran over US sanctions and efforts to restrict Iran's international economic activities.

END/SMA/AJ

Third Session of 13th National Parliament Begins Today

Bangladesh

August 27, 2026

Dhaka, Aug 27 (V7N)- The third session of the 13th National Parliament begins today, Thursday (August 27), at 3 pm.

Several important bills are expected to be introduced during the session, including the draft Prevention and Redress of Disappearances Act and the draft National Human Rights Commission Act. A parliamentary standing committee may also be formed during the session.

Issues concerning the country's ongoing electricity, gas and fertilizer shortages are also expected to come up for discussion in Parliament.

Before the session begins, the Parliamentary Advisory Committee will determine the duration of the session.

Meanwhile, security has been strengthened around the Jatiya Sangsad building and adjacent areas ahead of the session.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued a public notice banning meetings, gatherings, processions and all forms of demonstrations in and around the Parliament area in order to maintain security and public order.

END/SMA/AJ

50th Death Anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam Observed

Entertainment

August 27, 2026

Dhaka, Aug 27 (V7N)- The 50th death anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam is being observed today with various programs across the country. The poet passed away in Dhaka on 12 Bhadra 1383 of the Bengali calendar.

On the occasion, leaders and activists of various political parties, along with Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. ABM Obaidul Islam, teachers, students, officials and employees, paid floral tribute at the poet's tomb on the Dhaka University campus.

After paying tribute, BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said students took to the streets during the July 2024 movement singing Nazrul's songs in their resistance against fascism. He described Nazrul as a source of strength in the struggle against injustice and for the establishment of justice.

Rizvi said Nazrul was outspoken against social inequality and injustice. Through his revolutionary writings and songs, the poet inspired people to challenge oppression and inequality.

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. ABM Obaidul Islam said Nazrul has remained an inspiration for people in every movement, including the struggle against dictatorship.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has organized a two-day discussion and cultural program to mark the poet's 50th death anniversary. The program, titled “Amar Deb Na Bhulite...”, will be inaugurated at 6:30 pm today at the National Theatre Auditorium.

The program will feature discussions on Nazrul's life, literature and contributions, along with music and dance performances. A cultural program will be held at the National Music and Dance Center Auditorium at 6:30 pm on the following day.

Nazrul Academy has also organized a three-day program. The day's activities began at 8 am with Fateha and floral tribute at the poet's tomb beside Dhaka University Central Mosque. A Milad Mahfil will be held after Zuhr prayer at the mosque.

A discussion and cultural program will be held at the Kazi Nazrul Islam Auditorium of Nazrul Academy at Belalabad Colony in Moghbazar at 5:30 pm on August 28. The three-day program will conclude at the same venue at 5:30 pm on August 29.

END/SMA/AJ