Bangladesh’s university campuses erupted in protest on July 14, 2024, after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina referred to students demanding reform of the government job quota system as 'children of collaborators' during a press conference. The remark, seen as legitimizing suppression of the movement, triggered widespread outrage among students. Demonstrations broke out across major universities, including Dhaka and Chittagong, where violent clashes occurred between protesters and members of the banned Chhatra League. Internet access was cut off at Dhaka University, and students reported being blocked from leaving dormitories.

Student groups organized spontaneous rallies through social media, gathering at Dhaka University’s Raju Memorial Sculpture and chanting slogans demanding merit-based recruitment. Three Dhaka University Chhatra League leaders resigned in solidarity with the protesters. At Chittagong University, at least two students were injured in late-night attacks. Similar demonstrations spread to Jagannath University and other campuses.

Under the banner of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, students issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the government, demanding quota reform and withdrawal of police cases against protesters. Marches and memorandum submissions to the president were held nationwide, marking a new phase in the quota reform movement.

The United Kingdom has decided to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization under its new national security law. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the decision on Monday, saying it brings the group closer to being formally declared a terrorist entity. The move allows police to take action against anyone providing support to the IRGC. Alongside the IRGC, the UK also banned two other groups: the IMCR, accused of attacks on Jewish targets, and Russia’s GRU Volunteer Corps.

Officials said the decision follows recent threats against the UK, including alleged plots to kill Iranian journalists and cyberattacks targeting Britain, Australia, and Canada. The government had previously refrained from a full ban in 2023 due to diplomatic concerns with Tehran. Ministers now argue the new threats justify stronger measures.

Under the new law, assisting or benefiting from these organizations is now a criminal offense, punishable by up to life imprisonment. The bans are expected to further strain UK-Iran relations while reinforcing Britain’s stance against foreign-linked security threats.

Bangladesh’s civil administration is facing stagnation due to frequent changes in promotion, posting, and contract-based appointments under the new government. Senior officials say that instead of becoming more dynamic, the bureaucracy has slowed down. Currently, nine top positions are held by contract officials, while several ministries have seen appointment orders withdrawn and reissued. The recent promotion of 179 deputy secretaries to joint secretaries, including some retired and controversial officials, has intensified debate over the integrity of the selection process.

Sources indicate that since the new government took office, multiple retired officials have been appointed as senior secretaries on contract in key ministries and constitutional bodies. Regular officials argue that overreliance on retirees undermines morale, promotion prospects, and administrative coordination. Experts warn that contract appointments should not replace the regular cadre system, as long-term stability depends on transparent promotions and merit-based evaluation.

Governance analysts emphasize that the current controversy reflects institutional weaknesses rather than individual failings. They call for reforms to ensure transparency in contract appointments, data verification by the Superior Selection Board, and fair career management for regular officials.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has pledged to dismantle the International Criminal Court (ICC) and called on other nations to join the United States in this effort. The announcement, made Monday, marks a hardening of the Trump administration’s stance against the ICC, which Rubio accused of waging war on the US through international law rather than weapons. The move is being described as a major escalation compared to previous measures.

The US-ICC dispute began during Trump’s first term after the court launched investigations into alleged war crimes by American forces in Afghanistan. The second Trump administration has since imposed sanctions on several ICC officials over probes involving the US and Israel. The State Department is now pressuring countries reliant on US aid to reject the ICC’s authority, warning of potential aid cuts and tighter scrutiny for those who refuse.

According to a State Department official, upcoming actions may include travel bans, visa cancellations, and economic sanctions. Rubio also dismissed allegations that US operations in El Salvador and Iran violated international law, while rights group DAWN accused him of misrepresenting their call for impartial war crimes investigations.

BNP-affiliated student leader Md. Tariqul Islam Tarik, central joint general secretary of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and former general secretary of Salimullah Muslim Hall unit at Dhaka University, shared an emotional Facebook post on Sunday night recalling his long involvement in political movements. He stated that politics was never a ladder to power but a lifelong commitment to ideals, morality, and conscience. Tarik said he had faced attacks, imprisonment, and injuries from law enforcement for refusing to compromise on principles, and that each scar reminded him of the cost of walking the path of ideals.

Reflecting on his political journey, Tarik emphasized that he joined politics not for personal gain or recognition but to stand against injustice and authoritarianism. He expressed unwavering faith in BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman’s leadership and vowed to continue working for democracy, human rights, and the party’s ideals. Political analysts noted that valuing the sacrifices of grassroots activists is essential for maintaining organizational unity and moral strength.

Analysts also suggested that Tarik’s message, prioritizing ideals over personal benefit, could reignite discussions on principled and ethical political practice in Bangladesh.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said that development should not be limited to building roads and bridges but must also include improvements in health, education, child care, canal excavation, and overall living standards. Speaking on Monday, July 13, 2026, at a BNP organizational meeting in Barishal, he stated that after 17 years of mismanagement, the government has begun implementing promised programs such as family and farmer cards, and controlling commodity prices during Ramadan despite global fuel price hikes.

Rahman criticized the previous government for corruption and mismanagement in major projects like the Padma Bridge and Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, and for weakening the banking, health, and education sectors. He announced plans to upgrade 51-bed upazila hospitals to 101 beds and to establish 1,000 children’s hospitals nationwide. He also emphasized the need for improved water drainage to address urban flooding.

Calling for unity within the BNP, Rahman urged members to avoid internal divisions and prepare for upcoming local government elections. He warned against unrealistic promises and stressed that accountability, discipline, and organizational strength are key to sustainable governance and development.

The United States Embassy in Dhaka has issued new instructions for Bangladeshi citizens applying for US visas, emphasizing the importance of accurately providing social media information in visa application forms. In a notice published on its website on Monday, the embassy warned that concealing or providing incorrect information could lead to visa denial and create complications for future applications.

According to the embassy, applicants must list all social media usernames or handles used in the past five years in the DS-160 visa application form. The embassy further stated that applicants certify the accuracy and completeness of all information submitted, and any intentional omission or false entry regarding social media details could negatively affect the visa process.

The embassy advised applicants to carefully verify all information before submission to avoid delays or rejections in visa processing.

Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Muhammad Nurul Amin has filed an appeal seeking suspension of the High Court verdict that declared the Election Commission’s cancellation of BNP candidate Sarwar Alamgir’s nomination for the Chattogram-2 (Fatikchhari) constituency invalid. The appeal was submitted to the Appellate Division on Monday, requesting that Sarwar be barred from attending parliamentary sessions until the appeal is resolved. Chamber Justice Farah Mahbub scheduled the hearing for July 19.

Earlier, on July 9, a High Court bench of Justice Fahmida Kader and Justice Md Asif Hasan ruled Sarwar’s nomination valid, after which he took oath the same day. Nurul Amin’s lawyer questioned the legality of the oath-taking without a signed copy of the verdict. The dispute stems from the Election Commission’s January 18 decision to cancel Sarwar’s candidacy over alleged loan default, which the High Court later stayed, allowing him to contest the February 12 election.

The Appellate Division had previously directed the High Court to resolve the related rule within two weeks, maintaining earlier orders until its disposal. Sarwar won the election, but the result remains unpublished pending final judicial resolution.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar has accused the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of showing double standards regarding the July Charter. Speaking on Monday, July 13, 2026, at a seminar in Feni’s Grand Sultan Convention Center, he said the public sees a contradiction between BNP’s words and actions. He alleged that by delaying the implementation of 70 percent of the referendum’s verdict, the BNP is pushing the nation toward conflict.

The seminar, organized under the initiative of the 11-party alliance, was titled “Spirit of the July Uprising, Implementation of the Referendum Verdict, Trial of July Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity, and Our Responsibilities.” Porwar urged BNP to discuss the issue in parliament, form a special committee for constitutional reform, and resolve it institutionally rather than through street movements. He warned that continued delay could again lead the country into unrest.

The event was chaired by Feni district Jamaat Ameer Mufti Abdul Hannan and attended by leaders from several allied parties, including AB Party, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, and JAGPA.

AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Manju stated that the arrogance of defeated forces is natural but their actions will further consolidate the unity of July movement supporters. He made the remarks on Monday at the party’s central office in Bijoynagar, Dhaka, during a meeting with activists who participated in the July uprising in Uttara and Rampura. The meeting was chaired by Dhaka North Convener Selim Khan.

Manju emphasized that the AB Party’s main political goal is to establish national unity while upholding the aspirations of the July uprising. He warned against attempts to undermine the movement, saying those who now belittle July were historically opposed to it. He recalled that despite holding parliamentary power, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had to flee amid a popular uprising. Manju highlighted the AB Party’s sacrifices, including operating under surveillance, defying curfews, and facing gunfire during the movement.

He added that the party believes in people’s power and follows centrist politics, maintaining respectful relations with all political and religious groups. The meeting also featured calls from party leaders to strengthen organizational activities and unity for future challenges.

The Bangladesh Parliament has passed the Narcotics Control (Amendment) Bill, introducing the death penalty as the maximum punishment for illegal drug trade conducted through cyberspace. The bill, moved by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, was approved by voice vote after resolving public opinion and amendment proposals. It adds a new section to the existing law, defining offenses involving the use of digital devices, websites, social media, mobile applications, or online platforms for buying, selling, or promoting narcotics or psychoactive substances.

The law specifies that using digital payment systems, e-wallets, virtual assets, or cryptocurrencies for such activities will also be considered a crime, even if no physical drugs are recovered. Offenders may face imprisonment of any duration or the death penalty, along with fines up to 2 million taka. For internationally organized or repeat offenses, penalties may include imprisonment and fines up to 5 million taka.

The bill also allows courts or narcotics tribunals to block, seize, or confiscate digital assets used in crimes and provides for establishing special tribunals in high-risk areas to curb technology-based drug crimes.

Rainwater leakage through the roof of Bangladesh’s National Parliament building, including its mosque, was raised in the parliamentary session on Monday. Government Whip G K Gaus highlighted that rainwater drips inside the mosque where lawmakers pray, forcing them to place buckets to catch the water. Deputy Speaker Kaiser Kamal confirmed similar issues at his own residence within the Parliament area, saying he also uses bowls to collect leaking water at night.

Chief Whip Md. Nurul Islam stated that the matter falls under the Ministry of Housing and Public Works and that repair work has already begun. He expressed hope that the problem would be resolved within a week. The Deputy Speaker then drew the attention of Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher, who assured that comprehensive measures were being taken to fix the leaks soon.

The discussion occurred during a session that also approved a national budget of Tk 9.38 trillion, underscoring lawmakers’ concern over maintenance issues in the country’s most important legislative complex.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and Prime Minister’s political adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has blamed the country’s recent deadly floods on what he called the fascist government’s unplanned development and anti-nature infrastructure projects. He made the remarks on Monday morning at a press conference held at the BNP’s central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka.

Rizvi alleged that a road built through the haor region to facilitate travel to former president Abdul Hamid’s residence disrupted natural water flow and damaged ecological balance. He further claimed that such projects were implemented to benefit ruling party contractors. Rizvi also accused the Sheikh Hasina government of constructing the Rampal power plant to please a foreign country, saying it endangered the environment and biodiversity near the Sundarbans.

At the same event, Rizvi announced that the BNP was observing mourning nationwide over the death of former president Barrister Jamir Uddin Sarkar. Party members wore black badges and hoisted black flags, while he urged BNP activists to assist flood victims alongside government efforts.

The United States Embassy in Dhaka has issued an urgent message for Bangladeshi citizens applying for US visas. In a verified Facebook post on Monday, the embassy reminded applicants to accurately provide information about their social media accounts in the DS-160 visa application form. It stated that applicants must list all usernames or handles used on social media platforms over the past five years.

According to the embassy, applicants certify that all information provided in the form is true and correct. Any intentional omission or false declaration regarding social media details could result in visa denial and possible future ineligibility for a US visa. The embassy advised all applicants to carefully verify their information before submission.

The notice serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accuracy in the visa application process, emphasizing that incomplete or misleading data may have long-term consequences for applicants.

Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal’s central president Rakibul Islam Rakib led a relief distribution program for flood and disaster-affected residents in Ramu and Sadar upazilas of Cox’s Bazar on Monday, July 13, 2026. He visited several affected areas, met with families, and assured continued support for those impacted by the recent natural calamities.

Around 1,500 families received dry food and emergency supplies, including rice, lentils, potatoes, purified water, and purification tablets. Two families affected by landslides were also given cash assistance and relief materials. Rakib stated that the initiative was driven by humanitarian responsibility to ease the suffering of disaster victims.

The event was attended by Cox’s Bazar district Chhatra Dal leaders, including president Fahimur Rahman Fahim, senior vice president Mohammad Hossain Madu, general secretary Saeed Anwar, and other organizational leaders and volunteers.