Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has congratulated Andy Burnham on his appointment as the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. According to the Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibli, Rahman sent a congratulatory message on Monday night, expressing his best wishes on behalf of the government and people of Bangladesh. In the message, he wished for peace, prosperity, and democratic progress under Burnham’s leadership.

Rahman described Burnham’s election as a reflection of the trust placed in him by his party and the British people. He expressed hope that under Burnham’s leadership, the UK would play a vital role in promoting global peace, sustainable development, and democratic governance. Rahman also highlighted the historic and multifaceted ties between Bangladesh and the UK, built on democratic values, mutual respect, and Commonwealth principles.

The Prime Minister emphasized the contributions of the Bangladeshi diaspora in strengthening bilateral relations and invited Burnham to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time. Burnham officially assumed office as the UK’s new Prime Minister on Monday.

Bangladesh’s youth organization National Youth Power (NCP) has expressed deep concern and condemnation over the police crackdown, baton charge, and arrests during a peaceful demonstration by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) in New Delhi. The group’s founder, Abhijit Deepak, was among those detained. In a statement issued on July 20, the NCP voiced solidarity with the protesting youths and emphasized their right to peaceful democratic expression.

According to the NCP statement, the protesters had gathered to demand the resignation of India’s Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the education system and repeated exam paper leaks. The organization said that the use of force and suppression of dissent raise serious concerns about civil liberties and democratic practices. It urged Indian authorities to ensure an impartial and transparent investigation into the incident and to maintain a constitutional environment for peaceful political activities.

The NCP added that movements for justice, accountability, and human dignity transcend borders and contribute to the global democratic spirit.

Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman said that while allied political parties in the joint movement to topple the fascist government may have differences of opinion, there is no division among them. Speaking on Monday evening at the state guesthouse Jamuna in Dhaka before a dinner honoring leaders of allied parties, he urged all partners to remain united at any cost to fulfill public expectations and move the country forward under the 31-point reform plan and the July Charter.

Rahman recalled the long struggle for political rights and the success in securing the people’s mandate in the July 12 election. He criticized a so-called 'secret group' for remaining absent during past movements and accused them of spreading digital propaganda before the election. He also cited an interim government adviser who claimed that over 60 percent of state institutions had been influenced by that group during their 18-month rule.

The event was attended by senior BNP leaders and representatives from allied parties including Jatiya Party (Kazi Zafar), Nagorik Oikya, Biplobi Workers Party, and others. Rahman emphasized that the coalition must stay united to rebuild the nation’s economy and institutions damaged by 16–17 years of authoritarian rule.

Massive unrest broke out in New Delhi on Monday during the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) ‘Chalo Sansad’ march. Police and Rapid Action Force units used tear gas and batons to stop protesters advancing toward Parliament. The most intense clashes occurred near Parliament Street, Connaught Place, and Patel Chowk Metro Station, where demonstrators tried to break barricades. Witnesses said some protesters threw bottles, while police blocked all exits, leaving many trapped amid tear gas.

The marchers, mostly students and supporters, demanded Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation and reforms following the NEET-UG question paper leak. The All India Students’ Association reported serious injuries, including a broken arm and multiple cases of police assault on both male and female protesters. CJP condemned the crackdown on social media, questioning the government’s commitment to democracy.

Opposition leaders, including Shiv Sena’s Aaditya Thackeray, criticized the government’s handling of the protest, warning that such police action against peaceful demonstrators would damage India’s democratic image. Delhi Police urged calm, calling on all sides to maintain law and order and avoid violence.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has completed the inventory of luxury goods seized from two Gulshan flats belonging to former land minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury Javed. The operation, conducted under court order, took place over two days and was led by ACC Deputy Director Md. Mosiur Rahman. The ACC team listed 269 types of items totaling over 1,500 pieces, including more than 300 coats, 532 ties, eight watch boxes with four Rolex watches, pearl jewelry, chandeliers, and various household appliances.

The ACC began investigating Saifuzzaman in August 2024 following a change in government. Multiple corruption cases have been filed against him, his wife Rukmila Zaman, and several United Commercial Bank officials. In July 2024, the ACC took control of his two Gulshan flats for management and preservation. Earlier, courts ordered the seizure of hundreds of his overseas properties and froze 39 bank accounts containing over 52 million taka.

A Chattogram court in March 2026 initiated trial proceedings against Saifuzzaman and 36 others for allegedly laundering 250 million taka abroad under the guise of loans from United Commercial Bank.

Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury has publicly expressed concern about the lack of professional dedication and responsibility among many lawyers in Bangladesh. Speaking on Monday at a memorial and prayer meeting organized by the Supreme Court Bar Association, he said that lawyers must show commitment to the cases they take on and ensure proper preparation before appearing in court.

The event was held in memory of former Acting President and Speaker of the National Parliament, Muhammad Jamir Uddin Sarkar. The Chief Justice emphasized that litigants place their greatest trust in their lawyers after God, yet many lawyers appear in court without adequate preparation. He urged lawyers to accept only as many cases as they can handle responsibly, noting that serving clients fairly is both a legal and moral duty.

He praised Jamir Uddin Sarkar as a disciplined and dedicated lawyer whose professionalism should serve as an example for others. The event was attended by senior judges, lawyers, and political figures, including the Deputy Speaker and the Law Minister.

The Bangladesh government has ordered the compulsory retirement of Additional DIG of Tourist Police Md. Moniruzzaman for attending an Awami League nomination submission event in police uniform. The decision, approved by the President and issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday, followed an internal investigation that found him guilty of misconduct and violating official discipline. The Public Service Commission (PSC) endorsed the decision before final approval.

According to the ministry’s circular, Moniruzzaman had accompanied his brother, an Awami League nomination aspirant for the Jhenaidah-1 by-election, to the party’s Dhanmondi office on April 29, 2024, while in uniform. His actions were deemed to have breached professional decorum and harmed the police’s public image. Despite being given multiple opportunities to respond, he failed to attend hearings or submit explanations.

In a separate order, former DMP Deputy Commissioner Rifat Rahman Shamim was dismissed for prolonged absence without permission and disobeying official orders. The PSC also supported this decision, which was finalized with presidential approval under the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules.

National Citizens Party (NCP) convener and opposition chief whip Md Nahid Islam has called for official recognition of madrasa students’ contributions to the July movement and other anti-fascist protests. Speaking on Monday at a seminar titled “The Bloody Robe of July: Contribution of Madrasa Students” at the BMA Bhaban auditorium in Dhaka, he said madrasa and private university students revived the movement when it had slowed on July 17–18. He urged the government to honor madrasa students’ sacrifices at the national level.

Nahid Islam criticized the home minister’s comment that July should not be commercialized, arguing that the movement represented aspirations for change. He accused the ruling Awami League of undermining democracy and exploiting the spirit of the Liberation War. He also claimed that the July movement’s outcomes benefited the BNP disproportionately, while his party was left with responsibility but no power.

He demanded immediate implementation of promised reforms, asserting that the recent election was unconstitutional and that the government must interpret post-August 5 developments through the people’s revolutionary aspirations for a new Bangladesh.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman met with allied political parties and coalitions for the first time since forming the government five months ago, hosting a dinner and exchange of greetings at the state guesthouse Jamuna. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir described the gathering as a new chapter in the country’s democratic journey and state reform process. He paid tribute to those killed in the July 2024 student uprising, saying their sacrifice paved the way for restoring democracy.

Fakhrul outlined the interim government’s activities, including waiving agricultural loans up to 10,000 taka, distributing family and farmer cards, providing allowances to religious leaders and athletes, and launching canal excavation programs. He said the government inherited a collapsed state and economic structure and has begun rebuilding institutions such as the banking sector.

On state reform, Fakhrul reaffirmed that the 31-point program announced during the joint movement and the July Charter signed by all political parties will be fully implemented. He added that the prime minister will continue regular meetings with allied leaders to strengthen coordination and national unity.

Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has strongly condemned the use of tear gas and baton charges by Delhi Police against students protesting in New Delhi. The students were marching toward Parliament on July 20, 2026, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over allegations of question paper leaks and irregularities in various examinations. Gandhi said the students were only demanding their legitimate rights and that the police action was undemocratic.

In a video message released after the incident, Gandhi stated that the protesting youth were not criminals and described the government and police behavior as disgraceful. He emphasized that such actions could not be considered part of Indian democratic traditions. Gandhi also said the country’s youth were angry about the current education system and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take the students’ demands seriously.

The incident has added to the political tension in Delhi, where protests over education-related issues have been intensifying.

Andy Burnham delivered his first national address after formally becoming the United Kingdom’s new Prime Minister on Monday, July 20, 2026, following an invitation from the King at Buckingham Palace. In his speech, Burnham promised the most significant political and economic reforms in four decades, aiming to rebuild public trust after years of leadership changes.

He acknowledged that repeated changes in government over the past decade had eroded public confidence and admitted that previous administrations had failed to meet citizens’ expectations. Burnham pledged to decentralize state power beyond London, strengthen oversight of essential goods to reduce living costs, and expand employment opportunities for young people. He also announced plans to improve mental health services, increase public housing construction, and release a ten-year national development plan by the end of the year.

As his first priority, Burnham vowed to tackle homelessness and end rough sleeping. Before entering Downing Street, he urged citizens to unite beyond divisions and move Britain forward with renewed trust and hope.

More than 50 security personnel were injured and over 70 protesters detained during demonstrations organized by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) in India. The clashes occurred across multiple locations as security forces confronted protesters, according to a report by India Today citing internal sources on Monday.

Police sources said that the injured included members of the Delhi Police and paramilitary forces deployed for security duties. Authorities have begun filing separate First Information Reports (FIRs) based on complaints received from various sites of the protests. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage and mobile phone videos to identify those involved and to reconstruct the sequence of events.

The incidents mark a significant escalation of political unrest in Delhi, with law enforcement focusing on tracing participants and determining responsibility for the violence.

Maulana Arshad Madani, president of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, said that communal politics in India has now turned its hostility not only toward Muslims but also toward Islam itself. Speaking as the chief guest at a Hindu-Muslim Unity Conference organized by Uttar Pradesh Jamiat Ulema, he warned that the politics of hatred has plunged the country into a deep crisis with no clear path forward.

Madani urged people of all faiths who believe in human values to unite against communalism and hatred. He emphasized that real initiatives are needed at every level to build a collective voice against intolerance. Citing history, he recalled that the first call for protest against British rule came from Delhi scholar Abdul Aziz Muhaddis Dehlvi, inspiring the uprisings of 1832 and 1857. Madani reaffirmed that Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind is a religious organization with no political ties and has long worked to strengthen Hindu-Muslim harmony.

He also expressed concern over recent exam paper leaks affecting students and warned that demolishing Rampur’s Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar University infrastructure could jeopardize thousands of students’ futures.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and opposition chief whip, warned that if the government fails to implement the aspirations of the July Revolution through a national referendum, a broader street movement will be launched. Speaking on Monday at a seminar titled 'Roktochitto Jubba' organized by the National Olama Alliance at the BMA Auditorium in Dhaka, he said the movement had already begun but could still be resolved through parliamentary discussion if the government wished.

He emphasized that the July Revolution sought state reform, equality, and the establishment of people's rights, accusing the government of benefiting from the revolution but failing to meet public expectations. Nahid Islam highlighted the contributions of students from private universities and madrasas during the revolution and linked their activism to earlier student movements. He also accused the Awami League government of labeling Islamic scholars and madrasa students as extremists.

Calling for official recognition of those killed or injured in various movements, he criticized the government’s contradictory stance on constitutional and electoral issues, asserting that the 2026 election did not reflect the people’s mandate.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar met with the French ambassador in Dhaka on Monday afternoon at the French Embassy. During the meeting, he formally handed over a letter of greetings and congratulations from opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman to the President of France on the occasion of the country’s 237th National Day.

The letter extended sincere congratulations to the French government and people, highlighting the longstanding friendship between Bangladesh and France. It expressed hopes for further strengthening of mutual respect, democratic values, economic cooperation, trade, education, culture, and collaboration in various international fields.

The meeting also included discussions on issues of mutual interest, bilateral relations, and future cooperation opportunities. The ambassador received the letter warmly and expressed thanks. The meeting was described as cordial and friendly, with the opposition leader’s foreign affairs adviser Barrister Mir Ahmed Bin Kashem Arman MP and committee member Ali Ahmad Mabrur present.