Pakistan has called on Iran and the United States to immediately stop retaliatory military strikes and return to dialogue. At a regular briefing in Islamabad, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the ongoing conflict over the past week has raised serious concerns, urging all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid actions that could further harm peace and stability. He emphasized that all disputes are ultimately resolved through negotiations and confirmed that Pakistan continues to engage with key stakeholders to reduce tensions.

The appeal comes amid escalating hostilities around the Strait of Hormuz, where both nations have exchanged missile attacks. Andrabi noted that the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, signed by the presidents of Iran and the United States in June, remains a viable framework for peace, mutual respect, and shared prosperity, though its implementation faces challenges. Pakistan and Qatar previously facilitated talks between U.S. and Iranian negotiators in Switzerland.

Pakistan expressed hope for a swift normalization of the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and stressed the importance of ensuring safe and unrestricted maritime navigation.

Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiquur Rahman has alleged that efforts are underway to erase the legacy of the 'Chobbish' movement, comparing it to past attempts to undermine national struggles. Speaking on Thursday at the Diploma Engineers Institution auditorium in Dhaka during a discussion and prayer meeting marking July Martyrs’ Day, he swore that he would give his life but would not allow 'Chobbish' to be lost.

Rahman said the nation has repeatedly fought and sacrificed for victory, citing historical milestones such as 1947, 1952, 1971, 1990, and 'Chobbish' as proud chapters. He criticized attempts to diminish the significance of the 'Chobbish' movement, asserting that it gave rise to the current parliament and opposition leadership. He also condemned the formation of a constitutional amendment committee, calling it an effort to obscure the July referendum and the people’s verdict.

Rahman reaffirmed Jamaat-e-Islami’s commitment to justice, equality, and independence in foreign policy, emphasizing that the party seeks honest relations with neighboring India but rejects external dictates. He demanded state recognition for July martyrs and injured fighters through naming roads and installations after them.

Analysts have warned that U.S. President Donald Trump may be heading toward another prolonged conflict with Iran, despite his earlier pledge to avoid new wars. The report describes how U.S. and Israeli strikes have failed to achieve Trump’s stated goals of regime change or halting Iran’s nuclear program. Instead, the fighting has disrupted the strategic Strait of Hormuz, and a ceasefire and diplomatic memorandum have both collapsed within a month.

Experts cited in the report, including Ali Vaez, Lawrence D. Freedman, Vali Nasr, Aaron David Miller, and Suzanne Maloney, argue that both sides view temporary agreements as tactical pauses rather than steps toward peace. They warn that without a clear political or diplomatic plan, the conflict could become another “forever war” similar to those in Iraq and Afghanistan. The U.S. reliance on air and naval power, without ground deployment, is seen as a strategic limitation.

The analysis concludes that the Strait of Hormuz may no longer return to prewar conditions, and the U.S. might need to maintain a larger military presence in the Middle East to secure maritime routes, while Iran remains determined to sustain pressure.

The Rajshahi University Press Club formally welcomed new students of the 2025–26 academic session at its office on Thursday at 11 a.m. The event was presided over by club president Ashikul Islam and attended by senior university officials and former club leaders. Speakers included the club’s chief adviser Professor Dr. Fazluk Haque, Public Relations Office Administrator Professor S. M. Kamruzzaman, Acting Registrar Iftikharul Alam Masud, and Mass Communication and Journalism Department Chair Professor Dr. Mozammel Hossain Bokul.

During the ceremony, Professor Kamruzzaman emphasized the responsibility of journalists toward the state and the importance of developing practical skills from the beginning of their careers. Professor Haque encouraged students interested in journalism to join the Press Club to enhance their co-curricular engagement. Professor Bokul highlighted the need for journalists to understand society and history, urging students to study pioneering figures in Bangladeshi journalism.

In his closing remarks, President Ashikul Islam described campus journalism as a voluntary pursuit that builds unique skills and unity among students, expressing hope that newcomers with genuine interest would contribute meaningfully to the field.

Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated that Sheikh Hasina, currently in India as a convicted fugitive, will be arrested and her court verdict executed if she returns to the country. He made the remarks on Thursday while speaking to journalists at the Secretariat. The minister added that any opportunity for appeal would be determined by the court, which would decide on the process and hearing.

Ahmed explained that Bangladesh has already communicated with the Indian government under the existing extradition agreement during the interim government period, seeking Hasina’s return. He said the government continues to press for her extradition to face justice. The minister emphasized that the legal process will guide any further steps, including potential appeals.

He also noted that the government’s efforts to bring her back are based on lawful procedures and existing bilateral agreements, reiterating that the judiciary will determine subsequent legal actions.

A Dhaka court has completed the testimonies of 15 out of 28 witnesses in the illegal wealth case against former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed. On Thursday, July 16, 2026, Assistant Director (Technical) of BTMC Textile Directorate Md. Faisal Kabir testified before the court of Special Judge Abdullah Al Mamun. As the accused remains absconding, cross-examination could not take place. The court set August 17 as the next hearing date, confirmed Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) lawyer Mir Ahmed Ali Salam.

Earlier, on March 8, the court accepted the charge sheet and issued an arrest warrant against Benazir Ahmed. On May 3, the same court framed charges and ordered the trial to begin. The ACC filed the case on December 15, 2024, through Deputy Director Hafizul Islam, who later submitted the charge sheet on November 30, 2025, alleging illicit enrichment, concealment of assets, and money laundering.

According to the charge sheet, Benazir declared assets worth about Tk 12.2 crore, but investigators found evidence of assets exceeding Tk 15.6 crore, indicating undisclosed wealth of Tk 11 crore. The court proceedings will continue next month.

The annual Rath Yatra festival was celebrated in Nagarkanda, Faridpur, following the Sanatan religious calendar. The event began on the auspicious day of Shukla Dwitiya in the month of Ashar, organized by the local Rath Yatra Celebration Committee. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam MP inaugurated the festival as the chief guest. The procession started from the Gangjogdia Sarbojonin Kali Temple in front of Nagarkanda Health Complex and concluded at the Choumukha Paschimpara Durga Temple after parading through major roads of the upazila.

Hindu devotees from various parts of the upazila participated in the event, expressing joy at the minister’s presence. Special guests included Faridpur Superintendent of Police Shahriar Mohammad Miyaji and Nagarkanda Upazila Nirbahi Officer Rezwana Afrin, among others. The celebration featured traditional rituals and community gatherings reflecting the spiritual significance of the festival.

According to Hindu belief, pulling the chariot’s rope during Rath Yatra cleanses sins and brings spiritual merit equivalent to performing a hundred yajnas. Organizers expressed hope that such traditions will continue to inspire future generations.

Major Mozzafar Hossain (retired), one of the key planners in the assassination of former President Ziaur Rahman, has been arrested after remaining a fugitive for 45 years. Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police detained him late Wednesday night in the Banani DOHS area of the capital. Following legal procedures, he has been handed over to the Bangladesh Army for completion of court-martial proceedings.

According to historical and case records, Ziaur Rahman was killed on May 30, 1981, in Chittagong Circuit House by a group of renegade army officers. Major Mozzafar Hossain and Captain Mosleh Uddin were among those directly involved. Mozzafar reportedly identified the president and fired the fatal shots before informing then GOC Major General Abul Manzoor of the killing. After the incident, several officers were arrested, but Mozzafar and another officer managed to escape.

Investigators said Mozzafar had lived in India between 1997 and 1998, using aliases to move across borders. His capture marks a major development in one of Bangladesh’s most discussed political murder cases, reopening a long-unresolved chapter of national history.

Tanzila Akter Tanu, a participant in the July Revolution, recounted her experience of being shot six times while protesting against injustice and authoritarianism. She described standing unarmed with other female students at Jatrabari’s Kutubkhali on August 4, when police opened fire. Despite severe injuries, she was rescued by an unknown person and later treated in hospital. Her story, shared with journalist Amanur Rahman, highlights the courage and sacrifice of women during the uprising.

Tanu said her main inspiration came from witnessing Abu Sayeed’s defiant stance in Rangpur on July 16, which symbolized resistance and erased her fear. She also recalled the deaths of fellow protesters Mir Mugdho, Farhan Faiyaz, and Yamin as further motivation. The long recovery period left her financially and emotionally strained, but she continues to view the revolution as a triumph over fear.

Reflecting on the movement’s outcomes, Tanu believes the revolution freed people from long-standing fear and repression. She urged the state to ensure rehabilitation and medical care for victims’ families and called on the new generation to build an equitable, corruption-free Bangladesh.

Divorce rates in Bangladesh are rising at an alarming pace, according to recent data from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS). The agency’s Sample Vital Statistics report shows that the divorce rate increased from 0.7 per thousand people in 2021 to 1.4 in 2022, before slightly declining to 1.1 in 2023. The trend remains concerning, with more than 50,000 divorce applications filed in Dhaka in recent years. Many of these applications were submitted by women, reflecting growing economic independence and awareness.

Experts cited multiple factors behind the surge, including economic pressure, family instability, migration, and the influence of social media. They noted that changing family structures, reduced tolerance, and communication gaps are weakening marital relationships. Social media often fosters new attachments while eroding existing ones. Psychologists and sociologists emphasized that while some divorces are necessary due to abuse or violence, impulsive separations can harm children and society.

Researchers and educators urged greater focus on premarital and postmarital counseling, communication, and mutual respect. They highlighted the need to strengthen family values, promote emotional well-being, and raise awareness about responsible social media use to protect future generations.

A new global opinion survey by the Washington-based Pew Research Center has found that China is now viewed more favorably than the United States by a majority of people worldwide. Conducted across 36 countries with over 42,000 respondents, the 2026 survey marks the first time since Pew began tracking global attitudes in 2002 that China has overtaken the U.S. in popularity. Respondents in 25 countries expressed more positive views of China, while only six countries—Poland, the Philippines, South Korea, India, Japan, and Israel—showed stronger support for the United States.

The survey revealed that China’s popularity is highest in middle-income nations and lowest in wealthier ones, with Singapore being a notable exception. In Asia, Pakistan showed the most favorable opinion of China, while Japan was the least favorable. When comparing leaders, both Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump received low global confidence ratings, though Xi ranked slightly higher overall.

Researchers attributed the shift to differences in foreign policy perceptions. Seventy-five percent of respondents viewed the U.S. as overly interventionist, compared to 45 percent for China. Many participants also cited recent U.S. policy volatility as a factor, while China’s consistent diplomatic and economic outreach helped strengthen its image among developing nations.

A woman in Gopalganj’s Tungipara upazila divorced her husband two days after he allegedly set fire to their home following a family dispute. The incident occurred on Monday night at the Singipara Ashrayan Centre in Borni Union, where the couple had been living with their two children. On Wednesday, the wife, Taslima Khanam, formally divorced her husband, Shah Alam Sheikh Babu, through a notary public at court.

According to local sources, Taslima had received the government-built house under the Mujib Centenary Ashrayan Project for landless families. The couple had long been in conflict, and Taslima alleged that her husband regularly abused her physically and spent his earnings on drugs. After the fire, locals managed to control the blaze within half an hour. Taslima stated that she could no longer continue the marriage after her husband set fire to their home.

Tungipara Upazila Executive Officer Zahidul Alam said that setting fire to any government establishment is a punishable offense and that an investigation will be conducted.

UK’s incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham is reportedly preparing to appoint current Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood as the country’s next finance minister, according to a Financial Times report citing three sources. Burnham is expected to take office next week, with an official announcement on cabinet appointments likely on Monday.

Neither Mahmood’s spokesperson nor Burnham’s team provided immediate comment on the report. A spokesperson for Burnham told the Financial Times that they would not discuss potential ministerial appointments before the formal announcement. Mahmood, while not having extensive experience in economic affairs, is known for her firm stance on immigration issues.

In a recent interview, Burnham said he would thoroughly review the nation’s financial situation after forming the government and would not hesitate to take tough decisions if necessary, including possible tax increases depending on future conditions.

An eleven-party alliance, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, organized a colorful rally in Titas upazila of Cumilla to mark the second death anniversary of Abu Sayeed, the first martyr of the July 2024 mass uprising. The event took place on Thursday morning along the Gauripur-Homna road, drawing participation from leaders and activists of various social and professional organizations. After parading key roads, the rally concluded with a brief gathering on the Karikandi Bridge.

Speakers at the assembly said Abu Sayeed’s sacrifice would inspire unity against inequality. They prayed for the martyrs’ souls and urged all to work together to build a just, democratic, and discrimination-free Bangladesh upholding the spirit of the July movement.

Local leaders from Jamaat-e-Islami, the National Citizens Party, business and youth forums, labor welfare federations, and Islami Chhatra Shibir attended the rally, reflecting broad participation from different sectors of the alliance.

A dawn-to-dusk hartal is being observed on Thursday in Fatikchhari North upazila of Chattogram, demanding that the upazila headquarters be established at a logical location. According to the report, locals blocked parts of the Baraeiarhat–Khagrachhari and Gahira–Heyako roads by placing tree trunks and burning tires, while a truck was parked across the road at Chikonchhara. The strike was called by the Fatikchhari North Upazila Implementation Coordination Council.

Residents from Baganbazar, Dantmara, and Narayanhat unions joined the protest. Council coordinator Nurul Amin said they had previously held human chains, road blockades, press conferences, and submitted memorandums to press their demand, but resorted to the hartal after authorities failed to respond. Dantmara Union Parishad member Kamal Uddin stated that people from all walks of life supported the strike.

Fatikchhari’s Bhujpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Bipul Chandra Dey reported that the hartal was peaceful and no untoward incidents had been recorded, with police remaining on alert.