Bangladesh has formally requested the Indian government to return former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who has been sentenced to death. The request was made through a letter sent by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to New Delhi. The confirmation came on Monday morning from a source linked to the International Crimes Tribunal.

According to the source, Kamal was sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal for crimes against humanity committed during the July Movement. Along with the request, a copy of the tribunal’s verdict was also sent to the Indian government.

The report did not specify India’s response or any timeline for further action following Bangladesh’s request.

A general diary was filed against a journalist in Rangpur after he sought information on alleged irregularities involving Sumit Chowdhury, an Assistant Superintendent of Police at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Several current and former CID inspectors accused Chowdhury of corruption, including misuse of government funds, fake vouchers, and fuel embezzlement. They also alleged that he had previously faced disciplinary actions for misconduct and was demoted from Additional Superintendent to Assistant Superintendent following proven charges.

Senior CID officials confirmed that Chowdhury had filed the diary mentioning a conversation between a transferred inspector and the journalist, but claimed the journalist was not directly blamed. However, Rangpur journalists and civic leaders condemned the move, calling it an unjustified act against press freedom. They demanded withdrawal of the diary and warned of protests if it remained.

CID headquarters officials acknowledged awareness of Chowdhury’s past controversies and stated that filing a diary against a journalist for seeking information was inappropriate. The matter has been reported to higher authorities for review.

Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank erupted in celebration after Spain won the FIFA World Cup. Crowds gathered in public spaces and temporary viewing areas to watch the match, and celebrations began immediately after Spain secured the trophy. People took to the streets, cheering and waving flags in scenes of joy across war-torn areas.

The celebrations carried deeper meaning for many Palestinians, who expressed appreciation not only for Spain’s sporting triumph but also for the Spanish government’s continued support for Palestine. In Spain, fans also showed solidarity with Palestinians during their own celebrations, with many carrying Palestinian flags and chanting slogans of support.

Spain’s victory, achieved by defeating Argentina in New Jersey, marked the country’s second World Cup title, according to the report sourced from Al Jazeera.

A four-day World Artificial Intelligence Conference began last Friday in Shanghai, where China announced the formation of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) with 29 founding member countries. Chinese President Xi Jinping urged participating nations to strengthen collaboration in artificial intelligence and warned against any single country establishing dominance in the field. The conference, themed “AI Partnership for a Brighter Future,” showcased China’s latest AI technologies aimed at matching US capabilities.

WAICO, headquartered in Shanghai, aims to enhance international cooperation and develop safe and beneficial AI governance frameworks. Founding members include Indonesia, Brazil, Malaysia, South Africa, Senegal, Russia, and Pakistan. Analysts believe Beijing could use the alliance to influence AI policymaking at the United Nations and promote its state-centric governance model.

The initiative comes amid intensifying US-China competition over semiconductors and AI leadership. Washington has imposed export restrictions on advanced chips to China, while Beijing has responded with its own curbs. By leading WAICO, China seeks to shape global AI standards and expand its influence among Global South nations.

Google has failed to release its much-anticipated new artificial intelligence model within the promised timeframe, prompting widespread speculation in the technology sector. The company had announced during its annual developer conference in May that an advanced version of its AI model would be made publicly available in June. However, by July, no official announcement had been made. CEO Sundar Pichai had earlier stated that the model was already being used internally and would be released after necessary testing.

According to Bloomberg, the delay has caused frustration among some Google engineers, AI researchers, and managers, who fear it could affect the company’s competitive position in the rapidly evolving AI market. Mashable reported that Google said the model is still being tested with partners, with additional models and safety checks underway to ensure reliability and security before public release.

Analysts suggest the delay may stem from the time needed to integrate the new AI technology across Google’s products and from the company’s cautious approach to ensuring competitiveness against rival models recently launched by Anthropic, OpenAI, and a Chinese firm.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called on global powers to share the responsibility of ensuring safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking to reporters before departing for a visit to the Philippines, Rubio emphasized the need for collective action to maintain maritime security in the region, according to an AFP report.

Rubio stated that Iran is using the Strait of Hormuz as a bargaining tool amid regional conflicts. He urged other nations to take on greater responsibility in protecting maritime routes, either through providing equipment or financial support. The US, he said, will continue implementing measures to safeguard maritime traffic but expects other countries to contribute as well.

The remarks highlight Washington’s push for broader international involvement in securing one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, reflecting ongoing concerns about regional stability and freedom of navigation.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said that Ukraine launched more than 400 drones toward the Moscow region overnight, most of which were intercepted by Russian air defense systems. In a post on the state-supported social media platform Max, Sobyanin stated that the attacks occurred between 8:30 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. local time, and 85 drones were destroyed before reaching the city. The report was carried by AFP.

According to the Russian state news agency TASS, six people, including three foreign nationals, were injured in explosions in the Moscow region. The injured were hospitalized in Domodedovo, an area south of Moscow that hosts one of the capital’s main international airports. However, it was not immediately confirmed whether the injuries were directly linked to the drone attacks.

The source noted that Ukraine has intensified drone and missile strikes inside Russia in recent months, describing them as retaliatory actions for more than four years of Russian attacks on Ukrainian territory.

The article by Maskawath Ahsan, published on July 20, 2026, discusses India’s expanding political and cultural influence in South Asia following the post-9/11 geopolitical shifts. It describes how the United States, after toppling the Taliban government in Afghanistan, aligned with India for reconstruction efforts, while Pakistan’s stance on Afghan self-governance strained its ties with Washington. The piece claims that India’s involvement extended to Bangladesh during the so-called ‘war on terror,’ influencing political outcomes and narratives around extremism.

The author argues that India used education and cultural diplomacy in Afghanistan to build long-term goodwill, sending teachers who fostered pro-India sentiment among Afghan students. The article further alleges that India later leveraged militant groups like Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan to destabilize Pakistan, particularly in regions linked to Chinese investments. It portrays India’s actions as part of a broader strategy to assert dominance and counter Pakistan and China simultaneously.

The commentary concludes that the enduring India-Pakistan rivalry benefits both nations’ political and military elites, sustaining defense spending and nationalist rhetoric while masking governance weaknesses.

Iran experienced another earthquake on July 20, 2026, when a magnitude 5.2 tremor struck near the Kuzaran area in the western Kermanshah province. According to the Iranian Seismological Center at Tehran University, the quake occurred at 7:13 a.m. local time (03:43 GMT). Its epicenter was located about 17 kilometers from Kuzaran and 65 kilometers from the provincial capital, Kermanshah, at a depth of 8 kilometers. No casualties or damage have been reported so far.

Earlier, on Sunday, another earthquake measuring magnitude 5 hit the Saland area of Khuzestan province in southwestern Iran. Al Jazeera reported that the quake’s epicenter was in Saland, with a depth of about 12 kilometers below the surface, according to the Iranian Red Crescent Society cited by state broadcaster IRIB.

The recent tremors highlight ongoing seismic activity across multiple regions of Iran, though authorities have not yet reported any significant losses or disruptions.

Iran carried out a drone attack on a US military installation at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, according to reports published on July 20, 2026. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the strike, saying it destroyed an American early-warning radar system. Separate attacks reportedly targeted an aircraft equipment warehouse and a hangar housing MQ-9 drones, causing several aircraft to catch fire.

In a related development, Iran also claimed to have shot down an MQ-9 drone in the Eslamabad-e Gharb area of Kermanshah province. According to Mehr News, the IRGC Aerospace Force engaged the drone using an advanced air defense system operating under the country’s integrated defense network.

The report, citing Al Jazeera as its source, did not provide details on casualties or the extent of damage beyond the destroyed radar and burning aircraft.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran will end its ongoing war with the United States only after securing a 'strategic military advantage.' In an interview with the state news agency IRNA, Araghchi emphasized that the key to crisis management lies in determining the right moment to stop fighting and begin negotiations. He explained that wars end either through decisive military victory or through talks, and that negotiations become appropriate only when reliable and strategic success has been achieved on the battlefield.

Araghchi added that no risks should be taken with the lives of citizens or the nation’s future, stressing that all decisions must be based on careful and comprehensive calculations. He noted that Iran’s leadership must constantly weigh whether continuing the war will bring more benefits or increase humanitarian and national losses. Despite some damage, he claimed that Iran has emerged as an influential power internationally and demonstrated the strength of its state system.

The interview was reported by Al Jazeera and published by IRNA on July 20, 2026.

Two years after the death of Sumaiya Akter, who was shot in Narayanganj’s Siddhirganj area on July 20, 2024, during an anti-discrimination movement, her two-year-old daughter remains without anyone taking responsibility for her care. Sumaiya’s mother, Asma Begum, said the family is struggling financially and emotionally, with her grandchild’s future uncertain. She appealed to the current government to ensure permanent support for the orphaned child.

Asma Begum’s family lives in hardship, with two sons working in factories and another still studying. One son suffers from seizures, adding to their difficulties. After Sumaiya’s death, local political activists from BNP and Jamaat visited and provided limited assistance, but no one has committed to long-term support for the child. Asma said she often falls ill from grief and worries about what will happen to her granddaughter after her death.

A murder case was filed following the incident, and Sumaiya’s body was exhumed in November 2024 for further investigation as ordered by the court.

Delhi Police has denied permission for supporters of the youth-led Cockroach Janata Party to march toward Parliament, though protesters have refused to withdraw their plan. The ban comes amid rising tension and fears of a standoff, as demands grow for the resignation of India’s education minister over a major exam paper leak. The protest gained new momentum after activist Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly hospitalized on Saturday.

Hundreds of supporters have already gathered near the protest site on the first day of Parliament’s monsoon session. The Cockroach movement began in May after a massive exam paper leak affected millions of students, quickly spreading from social media to nationwide demonstrations. Wangchuk described the planned march as India’s “second freedom movement,” calling it a fight against injustice and fear.

Police cited security concerns and restrictions on gatherings of more than five people in New Delhi during the parliamentary session. Despite this, the Cockroach Janata Party said the march would proceed as planned, with final details still being arranged.

Lionel Messi acknowledged Spain’s superiority after Argentina’s 1-0 defeat in the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium. Spain secured victory through Ferran Torres’s goal in the first minute of extra time’s second half. The Argentine captain, emotional after the match, said he was sorry for the loss but proud of his team’s effort, thanking his country and teammates for their support.

Throughout the match, Spain dominated possession, passing, and shot attempts, leaving Argentina struggling to create chances. Spain recorded 20 shots compared to Argentina’s 2, with the South Americans failing to register a single on-target attempt in the first 90 minutes. Messi, 39, was largely neutralized by Spain’s pressing and midfield control, managing only two touches in the opening 21 minutes and no shots on goal.

Despite the final loss, Messi’s overall tournament performance was outstanding, scoring seven goals and assisting four in six matches. His leadership and creativity carried Argentina to the final, and his gracious acceptance of defeat underscored his enduring sportsmanship.

A ferry carrying 116 passengers and crew sank off the coast of Guyana, leaving many missing and feared dead. Authorities confirmed that 67 people, including 15 children, were rescued alive. The vessel, named MV Barima, departed from the capital Georgetown around 3:15 p.m. local time on Saturday, heading toward Port Kaituma in the oil-rich Essequibo region near the Venezuelan border. The distress signal was received shortly after 11 p.m., prompting a large-scale rescue operation involving the Guyana Defense Force, private aircraft, fishing boats, and volunteers.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill stated that initial investigations found the ferry was operating within its approved capacity and that no mechanical faults or overloading were detected. He said the accident was primarily caused by tidal conditions. The MV Barima was authorized to carry 397 passengers and 284 tons of cargo but had only 268 tons at the time. It was equipped with 250 life jackets, two lifeboats, and six inflatable life rafts.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips announced that the search area had been expanded from 400 to 1,070 square kilometers, with additional aircraft, vessels, and local fishermen joining the search efforts.