National Citizen Party (NCP) South Regional Organizer and Member of Parliament Hasnat Abdullah stated that those who enter parliament with businessmen’s money do not represent the people. He made the remarks on Sunday evening at a rally in Rajapur, Jhalakathi, where he recalled the July movement that saw participation from all sections of society, including students, professionals, and workers. Abdullah urged citizens to take responsibility for national reform just as they had once removed long-standing authoritarian rule.

Addressing Rajapur residents, Abdullah reminded them of the NCP’s election promise to represent the people in parliament and said voters should judge whether the party had fulfilled that pledge. He claimed that NCP representatives had spoken in parliament against media manipulation, vote rigging, and bank corruption without fear or pressure.

Other NCP leaders, including Md. Ali Ahsan Junaid, Dr. Mahmuda Alam Mitu, and Advocate Tarikul Islam, also spoke at the event, which was attended by local party officials and activists.

U.S. President Donald Trump has called for Iran to be added to a proposed sanctions bill aimed at Russia. In a post on Truth Social on Sunday, Trump wrote that Republicans should include Iran in the Russia sanctions bill, noting that former Senator Lindsey Graham had intended to do so. The bill, introduced by Graham, currently has the support of more than 60 senators from both parties.

According to the proposal, countries purchasing Russian oil and natural gas would face 100 percent secondary sanctions. The bill also seeks to target the so-called “shadow fleet” of tankers allegedly used to evade restrictions on Russian energy exports. Trump’s latest statement signals his support for extending similar tough measures against Iran under the same legislative framework.

The report, citing the Times of Israel, indicates that Trump’s position aligns with efforts to expand the scope of U.S. sanctions beyond Russia to include Iran’s energy and trade networks.

Jagannath University has appointed Professor Dr. Shaoli Mahbub from the Department of Anthropology as the new dean of its Faculty of Social Science for a two-year term, effective July 20, 2026. The appointment was confirmed through an office order signed by Acting Registrar Professor Dr. Md. Sheikh Gias Uddin on Sunday, July 19.

The decision follows widespread student protests against the earlier appointment of Professor Dr. Md. Ainul Islam from the Department of Economics, whose selection sparked controversy due to allegations about his political role during the July 2024 mass uprising. Students argued that appointing a teacher accused of supporting “fascism” contradicted the spirit of that movement. Demonstrations on July 16 led to Ainul Islam leaving his office amid student blockades.

After three days of continuous protests, the university administration revoked the previous appointment and officially named Dr. Shaoli Mahbub as the new dean, ending the dispute within the faculty.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has questioned the government's decision to retain the Tk 50,000 maintenance allowance for vehicles purchased through interest-free loans by entitled officials, despite a clear directive from the Prime Minister to reduce the cost. In a statement issued on Sunday, TIB suggested that undue influence from privileged bureaucrats may have led the government to abandon its earlier cost-cutting stance.

TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said the Prime Minister’s earlier decision to halve the maintenance cost to Tk 25,000 and cancel the interest-free loan facility was a commendable move aimed at reducing inequality and preventing misuse of public funds. He warned that reversing such a decision under pressure from vested interests undermines fiscal discipline and fairness in public administration.

He further noted that the preferential classification of certain officials was discriminatory and harmful to inter-cadre balance. TIB also reiterated its earlier recommendation for mandatory asset declarations by officials, expressing concern that the new salary scale may not ensure corruption-free public service without such transparency measures.

Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization has strongly condemned a United States airstrike on the under-construction Darkhovin nuclear power plant, calling it a violation of international law and describing it as a “terrorist and barbaric aggression.” In a statement cited by Al Jazeera, the organization said the attack targeted one of the symbols of Iran’s national dignity and scientific self-reliance.

The US Central Command confirmed that the strikes began on Saturday evening under President Donald Trump’s orders, targeting Iran’s coastal surveillance and air defense systems. Washington said the operation aimed to reduce Iranian threats to commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and to punish the IRGC forces responsible for a recent attack in Jordan that killed two US soldiers and left one missing. The renewed hostilities follow the collapse of a temporary ceasefire agreement last week.

In response, Iranian commander Major General Ali Abdollahi warned that any aggression would be met with a “decisive and devastating” response, pledging greater unity among Iran’s armed forces and people and vowing to impose a higher cost on the United States than in previous conflicts.

Testimonies from 11 witnesses have been completed in the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) case against Prashanta Kumar (PK) Halder, S Alam Group Chairman Mohammad Saiful Alam, and 11 others. The case involves allegations of abuse of power and fraud in securing and misappropriating a loan. On Sunday, July 19, the fifth special judge of Dhaka, Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun, heard testimony from Asadul Azad, Assistant Vice President of First Security Islami Bank PLC. The court set August 9 for the remaining cross-examinations and the testimony of the investigating officer.

According to court officials, ten witnesses had previously testified, and the investigating officer will be the final witness. The same court had framed charges against the 13 accused on January 19. The accused include senior officials of S Alam Group, Reliance Finance Limited (now Aviva Finance Limited), and Marine Vegetable Oils. Two accused, Nahida Runai and Rashedul Haque, are in custody, while the others remain absconding.

The case alleges that on August 12, 2013, the accused approved a term loan of Tk 32.5 crore under a fictitious company and later transferred the funds to S Alam Super Edible Oil Limited. The ACC filed the case on July 2 last year, and the charge sheet was submitted on October 16.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that the country’s regular passports will now feature images of July martyrs Abu Sayeed, Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdho, and Mohammad Wasim. The decision was detailed in a circular issued on Sunday, stating that the watermarks inside the passport will be redesigned to include these portraits as part of a broader update reflecting the nation’s heritage and history. The new design will also commemorate the July 2024 mass uprising, with the memory of that event appearing as a watermark on pages 32 and 33 of the e-passport.

According to the approved design, various national monuments and landmarks such as the National Martyrs’ Memorial, Shaheed Minar, National Parliament Building, Supreme Court, Kantaji Temple, Lalbagh Fort, Panam City, and Curzon Hall will be featured. Natural heritage sites including Cox’s Bazar beach, the Sundarbans, Tanguar Haor, and Nilgiri will also appear as watermarks, alongside national symbols like the water lily, magpie robin, hilsa fish, and jackfruit. The artwork “Struggle” by artist Zainul Abedin will also be included.

The circular confirmed that the passport remains valid for travel to all countries except Israel, and the Department of Immigration and Passports has been instructed to implement the changes promptly.

A delegation of Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinees submitted a memorandum to the chairman of the Chattogram Education Board, Professor Abdullah Al Mamun Chowdhury, on Sunday, July 19, 2026. They demanded the prompt resumption of the 2026 HSC examinations, which were suspended midway due to flooding, and called for a revised schedule that ensures reasonable gaps between subjects to allow adequate preparation time.

The students, representing Chattogram College, Government Haji Muhammad Mohsin College, Government City College, and Cantonment Public College, personally delivered the memorandum at the board office. They stated that a balanced schedule would help reduce mental stress and improve exam readiness. The board chairman accepted the memorandum and assured that the matter would be presented to higher authorities.

Professor Parvez Sajjad Chowdhury, the board’s controller of examinations, confirmed that the issue would be discussed with senior officials before announcing the next decision.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has started an inventory of items found in two seized flats belonging to former land minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury Javed, who fled to London following the July uprising. On Sunday, July 19, investigators listed 300 coats, 532 ties, and more than 100 shirts, along with eight watch boxes containing four Rolex watches, three pearl sets, four chandeliers, beds, and sofas. The flats are valued at 18 crore taka, according to ACC Deputy Director (Public Relations) Akhtarul Islam.

The inventory process is part of the ACC’s ongoing investigation into Javed’s assets. Officials said the listing will continue on Monday to complete a full record of the items found in the apartments. The operation follows the seizure of the properties as part of corruption inquiries linked to the former minister.

The ACC’s next step will be to finalize the inventory report, which may provide further details about the extent of the seized assets and support the broader investigation into alleged corruption.

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina approaches at 1 a.m. on Sunday night, excitement has spread even to the besieged Gaza Strip. Many Palestinians there are supporting Spain, citing the country's political and humanitarian stance toward Palestine as the main reason for their backing.

According to Al Jazeera, Spain officially recognized the State of Palestine in May 2024, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stating that the move aimed to advance a two-state solution, ease Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, and ensure a ceasefire and aid delivery. Spanish players and coaches, including Lamine Yamal and former Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola, have publicly expressed solidarity with Gazans, giving the support symbolic importance beyond football.

Despite ongoing Israeli attacks and severe power shortages making it difficult to watch matches, Gazans have organized exhibition games at the Palestine Sports Club in Gaza City to recreate the World Cup atmosphere. Local coach Hatem al-Magribi and former footballer Adnan al-Afifi said these efforts reflect gratitude toward Spain and a desire to revive Gaza’s sporting spirit.

Jordan’s military reported intercepting three out of four missiles launched from Iran toward the southern city of Aqaba on July 19, 2026. The Israeli military claimed the missiles were fired from Iran and warned that some could land inside Israeli territory, prompting potential sirens in southern Israel. Authorities in Jordan confirmed that the fourth missile fell in a remote area of the country’s south.

According to Jordan’s state news agency, the country’s armed forces successfully neutralized most of the incoming missiles, preventing damage or casualties. Israeli military officials advised residents to seek shelter if warning sirens were activated, emphasizing public safety measures.

Jordanian authorities stated that no injuries or property damage were reported following the incident. The event marks a rare missile interception over Jordanian airspace amid heightened regional tensions, according to the report sourced from Al Jazeera.

A delegation from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) met with Bangladesh’s Deputy Speaker Barrister Kawsar Kamal at his office on July 19, 2026. The meeting focused on initiatives to strengthen parliamentary democracy and enhance the effectiveness of parliamentary activities. The Deputy Speaker highlighted the government’s prioritization of education and health sectors and emphasized the need for legal reforms to align with evolving social demands.

During the discussion, the Deputy Speaker supported UNDP’s proposal for graduate fellowship and internship programs in the Parliament Library to help young professionals expand their knowledge. He also stressed avoiding duplication of projects with other organizations such as the European Union. The Deputy Speaker sought UNDP’s technical and financial assistance for implementing an e-parliament system and agreed to UNDP’s proposal for experience-sharing between parliamentarians of Bangladesh and Nepal.

He further underscored the importance of enacting laws to strengthen parliamentary standing committees and expressed a positive stance toward UNDP’s plan to organize orientation programs for members of parliament to advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Opposition Leader and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman declared that his party would not compromise on implementing the recent referendum verdict, accusing the government of refusing to honor the people's decision. Speaking on Sunday afternoon after visiting the 'Roktakshare July' exhibition organized by Islami Chhatra Shibir at Dhaka University, he warned that the verdict would be enforced both inside and outside parliament. He said the government seeks to maintain a fascist system and avoid accepting the referendum outcome.

Dr. Rahman criticized the ruling party for allegedly rejecting demands for an independent judiciary, anti-corruption commission, and election commission. He stated that Jamaat had rejected all temptations and would not betray the public trust. He warned that failure to implement the referendum result would erode public confidence in democratic institutions. Rahman also condemned political interference in universities and vowed to continue the struggle for justice and youth aspirations.

The 'Roktakshare July' exhibition, inaugurated on Friday at Dhaka University’s Bot Tola, commemorated the sacrifices of over two thousand martyrs and drew attention from students and visitors.

Iran has executed two men convicted in connection with anti-government protests, according to a statement from the country’s judiciary released on Sunday. The executed individuals, identified as Erfan Esfandiari and Gol-Mohammad Mohammadi, were found guilty of attacking police officers in the central city of Isfahan. The judiciary said they tied several officers to a road sign, injured them by throwing stones, and then set them on fire after pouring petrol on them.

Authorities also stated that the two men recorded the incident and sent the footage to foreign-based television channels. However, no details were provided about when they were arrested, tried, or executed, nor about their ages.

The executions come amid ongoing tensions following anti-government demonstrations that began late last December over rising living costs. The protests peaked on January 8 and 9, with Iranian officials claiming that more than 3,000 people were killed in the unrest, which they blamed on what they described as US- and Israel-backed terrorist activities.

Opposition parties in India have accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of deliberately targeting Muslim establishments in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections. They allege that demolition drives are being carried out to gain political advantage and deepen communal polarization. Central to the controversy is the Rampur Development Authority’s decision to demolish 38 of the 40 buildings at Mohammad Ali Jauhar University, founded by Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Azam Khan. Similar operations in Sambhal and other districts have also drawn criticism.

SP leader and MP Afzal Ansari described the actions as a “heinous plan,” predicting that such drives will intensify as elections approach. The Congress Party echoed the allegations, claiming the BJP is using communal tactics to distract from failures in development and employment. Congress national secretary Shahnawaz Alam said these moves contradict India’s pluralistic ideals.

Opposition leaders have sought Supreme Court intervention, arguing that the judiciary must protect citizens’ fundamental rights from executive overreach. The Uttar Pradesh government and BJP have denied all allegations, asserting that the demolitions follow legal procedures against illegal encroachments.