Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for utilizing all existing opportunities to strengthen bilateral relations between Tehran and Islamabad. He made the remarks on Wednesday in Tehran while receiving the credentials of Pakistan’s newly appointed ambassador, Imran Ahmed Siddiqui. Pezeshkian also emphasized the importance of unity among Muslim nations.

Describing Pakistan as a brotherly country and a second home for Iranians, Pezeshkian said Tehran attaches great importance to its relationship with Islamabad. According to the Pakistani embassy in Tehran, the Iranian president praised Pakistan’s efforts to advance dialogue between Iran and the United States, noting Islamabad’s sincere commitment to peace. He expressed hope that bilateral relations would grow stronger in the coming years.

Ambassador Siddiqui conveyed greetings from Pakistan’s leadership to President Pezeshkian and the people of Iran. He highlighted the vast potential for expanding cooperation between the two countries in trade, economy, energy, and other sectors.

The United States House of Representatives has passed a $1.15 trillion defense spending bill, known as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), against the backdrop of ongoing military operations against Iran. The bill includes a key provision aimed at further integrating and coordinating the US and Israeli armed forces. The measure passed narrowly, with 216 votes in favor and 212 against.

The vote followed party lines in the Republican-controlled House, with most Republicans supporting the bill and most Democrats opposing it. However, seven Republican lawmakers voted against the measure, while six Democrats broke ranks to support it. The bill now moves to the Senate for final approval.

The passage of the NDAA reflects continued congressional support for large-scale defense spending and closer US-Israel military cooperation, though the narrow margin highlights partisan divisions over the scale and direction of US defense policy.

President Md. Shahabuddin Chuppu has decided to resign from his post due to health complications and is expected to leave Bangabhaban within the current month. He plans to travel to Singapore for advanced medical treatment, having previously undergone heart surgery there. Bangabhaban officials confirmed that the president has informed senior staff and close associates of his decision. No formal government statement has yet been issued regarding his resignation.

According to sources, President Chuppu’s health has deteriorated significantly, with recent medical tests revealing cardiac weakness and neurological issues. Specialists have advised him to seek immediate advanced care and complete rest. His family has prioritized his treatment, and officials indicated that he recently returned from a medical checkup in the United Kingdom. Political tensions between the president and the government reportedly worsened following his London visit, leading to growing distance and mistrust.

Shahabuddin, elected in April 2023 under the Awami League nomination, has served for three years and three months. Under the constitution, a presidential election must be held within 90 days of the office becoming vacant, with the Speaker acting as interim president until a successor is sworn in.

A major controversy has erupted after Md. Kamal Uddin, a former convener of the Awami-aligned Bangabandhu Sainik League in Chattogram, was seen attending Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s high-profile dinner and meeting at the state guesthouse Jamuna on Monday. Kamal, once known for his strong allegiance to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Sheikh Hasina, appeared at the event as a vice chairman of a little-known party named Gano Dal. His handshake with the prime minister and presence among 184 invited delegates have triggered an intelligence investigation into how he gained access to the highly secured venue.

According to the report, Kamal has a controversial past involving criminal allegations, including a narcotics case filed in 2014 and incidents of misconduct in Chattogram. He was also known for leading pro-government rallies against the 2024 student movement. Intelligence agencies are now probing whether any internal influence or political manipulation facilitated his entry into the event.

BNP leaders have privately expressed concern, calling the incident alarming for national security and inconsistent with the party’s values. They have demanded a full investigation to identify those responsible for the infiltration.

A reflective essay by writer Azadul Haque Azad, published on July 23, 2026, in Amar Desh, examines the moral and political transformation that follows revolutions. The author argues that revolutions are not singular events but long processes built on sacrifice, ideals, and collective struggle. In their early stages, selfless fighters pursue justice and equality, but over time, many of these idealists withdraw as fatigue, neglect, or disillusionment sets in.

The essay describes how this withdrawal creates a vacuum soon filled by opportunistic groups who exploit revolutionary gains without embodying its spirit. These new power holders, according to the author, reshape history’s narrative, turning moral commitment into personal gain. As a result, the state’s ethical foundation erodes, and governance becomes driven by self-interest rather than justice or accountability.

Azad concludes that the true success of any revolution lies not in its outbreak but in its continuity. When moral integrity fades, revolutions devolve into celebrations of privilege, and nations lose their ethical compass, awaiting the eventual return of truth and justice.

Student protests across multiple Indian states have intensified following the leak of question papers from the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). The central government is reportedly struggling to manage the growing unrest. On Thursday, July 23, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the protesting students through a message on social media platform X.

According to NDTV, Modi announced that the government has decided to establish a fast-track court to ensure swift and strict punishment for those involved in the leak. He stated that nothing is more important than the welfare and future of the youth, and directed authorities to take necessary steps to bring the culprits to justice. Modi emphasized that anyone attempting to harm the future of young people would face severe consequences.

Despite the government’s announcement, protesters have continued their demonstrations, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Reports indicate that the protests have spread across several states, increasing pressure on the government to restore order.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has decorated newly appointed Navy Chief Khondker Misbah Ul Azim with the rank badge of Vice Admiral. The ceremony took place on Thursday morning at the Armed Forces Division in Dhaka Cantonment, where outgoing Navy Chief Admiral M. Nazmul Hasan was also present. The event was confirmed by the Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Zahidul Islam Rony.

After receiving the rank badge, Vice Admiral Khondker Misbah Ul Azim expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister on behalf of the Bangladesh Navy. The ceremony was attended by senior military and government officials, including the Prime Minister’s Defense Adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. A.K.M. Shamsul Islam, Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan, and other top defense personnel.

Khondker Misbah Ul Azim joined the Bangladesh Navy in 1987 and was commissioned in 1989. Over nearly four decades, he has held key command and staff positions, served in UN peacekeeping missions, and most recently acted as Bangladesh’s ambassador to Oman. He has received multiple national honors for his distinguished service.

India is witnessing widespread unrest following police action against student protests demanding the education minister’s resignation over an exam paper leak. While people from various walks of life have expressed solidarity with the students, Bollywood has remained largely silent except for a few exceptions.

In a podcast hosted by journalist Mehedi Hasan, Indian journalist Srinivasan Jain discussed why Bollywood celebrities avoid criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi or the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. Jain argued that their compliance stems from fear for their careers and families rather than belief in Hindu nationalism. He cited examples such as the arrest of Shah Rukh Khan’s son in a drug case, which he viewed as government pressure. Jain added that similar intimidation affects cricketers, athletes, and industrialists, with investigative agencies allegedly used against dissenters.

According to Jain, even immense popularity cannot shield stars from retaliation. He recalled that actor Aamir Khan faced online attacks and lost commercial deals after expressing concern over violence against Muslims during Modi’s first term.

Major (Retd.) Mozzafar Hossain, one of the accused in the assassination of former President Ziaur Rahman, was presented before the International Crimes Tribunal on Thursday morning in connection with alleged crimes against humanity. The hearing is being conducted by Tribunal-2, chaired by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, with judges Md. Manjurul Basid and Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir as members. The tribunal had earlier ordered his appearance following a prosecution request on July 21.

According to the prosecution, investigators discovered Mozzafar’s identity while probing another suspect, Masud Uddin Chowdhury, after finding suspicious communications with a person using the alias “Jandu.” The investigation revealed Mozzafar’s alleged involvement in crimes against humanity, leading to the tribunal’s approval of his production order. He was arrested by Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police on July 15 from Banani DOHS and later handed over to military custody.

Mozzafar, a former officer of the disbanded Jatiya Rakkhi Bahini later integrated into the army, had fled to India after the 1981 assassination of Ziaur Rahman and reportedly lived there under assumed names until returning to Bangladesh in 1996.

Fresh clashes broke out in India’s capital, Delhi, during ongoing demonstrations by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). While the main protest site at Jantar Mantar remained calm, violence erupted near Parliament Marg where protesters clashed with law enforcement. Police used tear gas to control the situation, and some protesters reportedly threw stones in retaliation. According to Delhi Police, five officers were injured, and one was allegedly assaulted by demonstrators.

The situation became most tense near the Park Hotel on Parliament Marg, prompting deployment of additional police and paramilitary forces. CJP volunteers urged protesters to remain peaceful, warning that violence could undermine the movement’s goals. They also removed stones from nearby roads to prevent their use in further clashes.

Authorities temporarily suspended mobile internet services within a 1.5-kilometer radius around Jantar Mantar from Wednesday evening to Thursday morning to prevent escalation. Security was tightened with barricades and riot-control vehicles positioned near Parliament Street police station.

Sarowar Tushar, joint member secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP), claimed that Sheikh Hasina has fled Bangladesh and is now in Delhi. Speaking at a rally in Bagerhat’s Swadhinata Udyan on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, he alleged that Hasina and her associates are awaiting death in exile. He further declared that Sheikh Hasina’s funeral would not take place in Bangladesh, asserting that she would die abroad.

Tushar made these remarks during a march and gathering organized to implement the July Charter. He criticized what he called the fascist rule of the Awami League government and accused the BNP of betraying the people’s demand for reform and referendum. According to him, the BNP has undermined public aspirations by calling the referendum unconstitutional.

The event was chaired by district NCP convener Syed Morshed Anwar Sohel and attended by several party leaders, including MPs Hasnat Abdullah and Dr. Mahmuda Mitu, along with other central and regional organizers.

Former Chapainawabganj-3 MP and District Council Administrator Harunur Rashid said that any member of parliament proven to be involved in adultery or fornication should face the death penalty. He made the statement on Wednesday afternoon while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the 'Hospital Automation System' at the 250-bed district hospital in Chapainawabganj.

Rashid referred to a recent viral video allegedly showing misconduct by an MP from Satkhira and criticized those who use religion for political purposes, calling them hypocritical. He argued that such behavior spreads immorality in society and urged the government to enforce existing laws prescribing capital punishment for adultery if proven.

During the event, Rashid also highlighted the district council’s initiative to digitalize hospital services within a week. The system will store patients’ medical histories, integrate the hospital pharmacy, and automate test reports for doctors and patients, aiming to improve service efficiency and transparency.

The Sylhet district administration has taken an initiative to ensure the security of expatriates’ homes by deploying members of the Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP). District Commissioner and Magistrate Abdullah Al Mamun said that discussions with senior Ansar and VDP officials are underway, and a final decision will be made soon. He made the remarks during a visit to Osmaninagar upazila, emphasizing that the government prioritizes expatriates and has already implemented several measures to address their problems.

The district commissioner explained that the plan aims to reduce harassment and security concerns faced by expatriates. Osmaninagar Ansar and VDP officer Shamsun Nahar confirmed that the matter has been reported to higher authorities and further steps will follow their decision. During the visit, Abdullah Al Mamun also reviewed progress on the Sylhet-Dhaka highway development project, noting that most land acquisition has been completed, with ongoing work in specific areas of Osmaninagar upazila.

He further stressed improving public service quality and making administrative activities more dynamic through coordination with local officials.

Nasiruddin Patwari, chief coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP), criticized the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its leader Tarique Rahman during a rally in Kurigram on Wednesday. Speaking at the NCP’s “July Awakening” march, he said the BNP had promised reforms before the election but ignored the public afterward. Patwari alleged that after winning 200 seats, Tarique Rahman had become overconfident, warning that without implementing reforms, his political influence would collapse.

The march, held as part of the NCP’s campaign for implementing the referendum verdict, creating employment, and protecting borders, began at the July Memorial in Kurigram College intersection and ended at the central Shaheed Minar. Other NCP leaders, including Akhtar Hossain MP, Sarjis Alam, and Dr. Atik Mujahid MP, also spoke at the event.

Speakers highlighted issues such as drug trafficking in border areas, regional discrimination against northern districts, and the marginalization of opposition lawmakers in development allocations.

Sylhet City Corporation (SCC) Administrator Abdul Qayyum Chowdhury visited the Kadamtali Central Bus Terminal area in South Surma, Sylhet, on Wednesday morning. During the visit, he called on the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) to take immediate steps to repair the main terminal road and its damaged sections. Transport owners and workers informed him about long-standing suffering caused by large potholes and broken road surfaces that disrupt traffic and worsen during rain due to waterlogging.

The SCC administrator stated that the corporation is already working to reduce public suffering through road repair and expansion projects, while prioritizing drainage improvements to prevent waterlogging. He noted that although the road from the terminal to Humayun Rashid Chattar and onward to Mendibag-Kumarpara-Airport falls under RHD jurisdiction, SCC has repeatedly requested its transfer without response. Despite this, SCC will soon fill major potholes and begin necessary repairs considering public hardship.

The visit followed a report and photographs published the previous day highlighting the poor condition of the Kadamtali terminal road, prompting the SCC administrator’s inspection and repair announcement.