Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman held a meeting with top leaders of political parties allied in the joint movement against the so-called fascist government. The meeting, which began at 7:30 p.m. on Monday at the state guesthouse Jamuna in Dhaka, marks the first formal gathering with these allies since the formation of the government, according to the Prime Minister’s Press Wing.

Sources indicated that the discussions were expected to include exchanges of greetings, the current political situation, and progress on the BNP’s earlier pledge to form a national government before the upcoming election. The meeting was also likely to address dissatisfaction among allied parties regarding seat distribution for the 13th National Parliamentary Election.

Leaders were also expected to deliberate on future strategies to achieve the goals and objectives of the joint movement. Senior figures from various coalitions and political parties involved in the movement attended the meeting.

A delegation from the Karoch Janata Party (CJP) met Indian Health Minister and former BJP president Jagat Prakash Nadda on Monday to present three key demands. The meeting coincided with protests in New Delhi, where demonstrators marched toward Parliament demanding government accountability over the NEET-UG medical entrance exam paper leak. CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said Nadda requested time to discuss the demands with senior government leaders.

The CJP’s demands include the unconditional release of social activist Sonam Wangchuk, the resignation or removal of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and compensation of 10 million rupees for families of students who died by suicide following the exam leak. Another spokesperson, Saurabh Das, stated that Nadda assured them the issues would be raised at the appropriate level but gave no firm commitments. He also said the peaceful movement would continue until the demands are met.

Nadda described the meeting as cordial and urged protesters to withdraw their sit-in and restore normalcy. Meanwhile, Education Minister Pradhan held a separate three-and-a-half-hour meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah, though its contents were not disclosed.

Prominent journalist Md. Saidur Rahman has been appointed as Minister (Press) at the Press Wing of the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, India. The appointment was made on a contractual basis for one year, effective from his joining date, according to a notification issued Monday by the Contract and Foreign Recruitment Branch of the Ministry of Public Administration.

The notification states that Saidur Rahman must relinquish any professional ties with other occupations, businesses, or institutions, whether public or private, as a condition of his appointment. He currently serves as the Political and Election Affairs Editor at the daily Ittefaq and holds both bachelor's and master's degrees in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University of Dhaka.

Throughout his career, Rahman has worked for several newspapers and held leadership roles in journalist organizations, including serving as president of the Reporters Forum for Election and Democracy. He received the RFED Best Reporting Award in 2025 for his contributions to journalism.

The Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment has revoked the licenses of 49 recruiting agencies previously involved in sending workers to Malaysia. The decision was announced through a government notification issued on Sunday, signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Rashida Akter. The ministry cited violations of the Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Act, 2013, and the Foreign Employment and Migrants (Amendment) Act, 2023, as well as criminal charges filed under sections of the Penal Code.

According to the ministry, the affected agencies were accused in court of embezzling money by forming syndicates to send workers to Malaysia. Investigators filed charge sheets against these 49 agencies following cases lodged against 100 agencies in total. The ministry stated that the license cancellations were made under Section 13 of the 2013 Act in the public interest.

The decision marks a significant enforcement action aimed at curbing irregularities in overseas employment recruitment and ensuring compliance with migration laws.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly criticized Rabbi Dov Lando, leader of the ultra-Orthodox party Degel HaTorah, for his recent comments about the Israeli military. Lando had claimed that members of religious communities serving in the army incite to kill. In a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Netanyahu described the rabbi’s remarks as “astonishing.”

Netanyahu emphasized that both secular and Haredi soldiers leave their homes, jobs, and families to defend the State of Israel, its citizens, and the entire nation, risking their lives in the process. He added that these soldiers deserve deep appreciation, gratitude, and full support from all sectors of society, including the Torah world.

Rabbi Lando’s comments came amid ongoing debate in Israel over mandatory military service for Haredi Jews. His statements have sparked renewed discussion and criticism within the country, highlighting the sensitivity of the issue.

BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu said that although political change occurred in Bangladesh through a mass uprising, the spread of drugs has become more severe. Speaking at a discussion organized by Ganatantra Forum at the National Press Club on Monday, he stated that merely talking about the issue is not enough and that effective government action is essential to eradicate drugs.

Dudu described the situation in his own neighborhood as alarming, saying that drug proliferation has made movement difficult and that local authorities, despite promises, have failed to act decisively. He noted that if this small-scale experience reflects the national picture, the country faces a grave crisis. He also mentioned that the current Home Minister is from Cox’s Bazar, a region discussed in parliament as a major entry point for drugs.

He emphasized that those involved in the drug trade are powerful and wealthy, and urged support for Tarique Rahman’s 31-point plan to build a new Bangladesh, arguing that only by strengthening his leadership can meaningful change occur.

Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced that Major (Retd.) Mozzafar Hossain, an accused in the assassination case of former President Ziaur Rahman, will be tried under military law through a general court-martial. The minister made the statement on Monday during a visit to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) headquarters in Pilkhana. He said Mozzafar Hossain had been arrested based on specific intelligence after hiding for a long time in a neighboring country under a false identity and has been handed over to the army for trial.

The Home Minister explained that the trial would proceed under the current military law, as no individual can be tried separately under both civil and military jurisdictions for the same offense. He emphasized that the legal process will be completed through the formation of a general court-martial.

Addressing the Myanmar border situation, the minister noted ongoing conflicts between Myanmar’s government forces and armed groups such as the Arakan Army, as well as activities by groups like RSO and ARSA. He said Bangladesh is maintaining constant surveillance to prevent cross-border firing and drug infiltration, stressing the need for tighter security along the Myanmar frontier.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has called for establishing the July National Charter through national consensus and legal measures. Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion titled “July Memory” and “Youth Startups and the Prospects of Bangladesh” at the International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT) in Uttara on Monday, he said the government, ruling party, and opposition should discuss and finalize necessary additions before legalizing and constitutionalizing the charter through parliament.

Rizvi emphasized that the July Charter is essential to safeguard democracy against anti-democratic forces that could re-emerge with external and financial support. He noted that recent political changes have allowed greater freedom of speech and criticism, marking a shift from previous repression. He also urged political parties to reach a minimum understanding on key national issues to protect democracy, independence, and sovereignty.

Rizvi accused the former Awami League government of dismantling democratic institutions, controlling the media, and undermining judicial independence, asserting that such actions aimed to perpetuate one-party rule.

The Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment has revoked the licenses of 49 recruiting agencies, including those owned by former ministers and members of parliament from the Awami League. The decision was announced on Sunday through a notification issued by the ministry’s monitoring branch. The agencies face allegations of forming a syndicate in Malaysia’s labor market, embezzling billions of taka, and laundering money abroad.

According to the source, a human trafficking case was filed at Paltan Police Station over the alleged embezzlement through the Malaysia recruitment syndicate. Investigators have submitted a charge sheet against the 49 agencies, prompting the ministry to withdraw their licenses under Section 13 of the Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Act, 2013. The notification stated that the order was issued in the public interest and signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Rashida Akter on behalf of the President.

The ministry emphasized that all recruiting agencies must comply with the Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Act, 2013, the amended 2023 law, and other relevant regulations.

The Palestinian resistance group Hamas has announced Khalil al-Hayya as the new head of its political bureau, according to Al Jazeera. He replaces Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza in October 2024. The announcement was made on July 20, 2026.

Following the deaths of senior Hamas leaders Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, Yahya Sinwar in Gaza, and military commander Mohammed Deif last year, al-Hayya’s prominence within the organization increased significantly. His appointment marks a continuation of leadership restructuring within Hamas after a series of high-profile losses.

Born in 1960 in the Gaza Strip, Khalil al-Hayya has been associated with Hamas since its founding in 1987 and has long served as a key figure in its political leadership.

The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) alleged that internet services were suspended in parts of India’s capital, Delhi, on Monday during its ‘Chalo Sansad’ protest. The party claimed the move was intended to prevent information about the demonstration from reaching the public. Thousands of supporters reportedly gathered near Jantar Mantar, but the party said it could not share live updates due to the disruption. Through posts on its X account, CJP accused authorities of cowardice and urged supporters to remain calm while continuing efforts to communicate updates.

Security was tightened across Delhi as protesters attempted to march toward Parliament despite restrictions. Police and Rapid Action Force personnel were deployed in large numbers around Jantar Mantar and Parliament Street, where clashes broke out after demonstrators tried to break barricades. Delhi Police stated earlier that no permission had been granted for the rally and that prohibitory orders remained in effect. However, there was no immediate official response from the police or government regarding the internet shutdown allegations.

Police in India’s capital, Delhi, detained Abhijit Dipke, the head of the youth-led Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), following clashes between protesters and law enforcement during a march toward Parliament. The confrontation occurred on Monday during the party’s pre-announced ‘Parliament Chalo’ rally, which authorities had not permitted. Thousands of CJP supporters had gathered for the event, demanding justice over alleged irregularities in the national medical college entrance exam and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

According to the organization, police used batons to disperse demonstrators and temporarily suspended mobile internet services in parts of central Delhi to control the situation. CJP spokesperson Saurav Das posted on social media platform X, urging lawmakers to support students and confirming that Dipke had been taken by police.

The protest gained renewed momentum after activist Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly hospitalized during a hunger strike on Saturday. The incident coincided with the opening day of Parliament’s monsoon session, drawing hundreds of supporters to the protest site.

Bangladesh’s Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed visited the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) headquarters in Pilkhana on Monday morning, emphasizing the need to strengthen the force’s operational capacity, discipline, and professionalism. During the visit, he instructed BGB members to maintain maximum vigilance along the borders and perform their duties with integrity and patriotism.

The minister received a guard of honor upon arrival and was briefed on BGB’s operational, training, administrative, and development activities. Later, at a meeting held at Shaheed Shakil Ahmed Hall, he addressed officers and personnel, including those connected via video teleconference from across the country. He called for effective measures to prevent illegal infiltration, smuggling, drug and arms trafficking, and human trafficking.

Salahuddin Ahmed also stressed maintaining discipline, chain of command, mutual respect, and professional conduct. He urged members to rely on verified information, use modern technology and intelligence effectively, and uphold neutrality, accountability, and the rule of law while earning the trust of border communities.

The Cabinet Division has dismissed its administrative officer Mohammad Abdullah for remaining absent from duty without permission since August 6, 2025. The decision was announced through a notification issued on Sunday, stating that the dismissal would be effective from the date he first went absent. Abdullah had been serving in the General Services-1 sub-branch of the division before his unauthorized absence.

According to the notification, Abdullah was issued a show-cause notice after his absence, but his response was deemed unsatisfactory. A departmental case was subsequently filed against him under the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2018, on charges of desertion. An inquiry officer was appointed in January of the current year, and the investigation report submitted in February confirmed the allegation of desertion.

Following a second unsatisfactory response to a show-cause notice, the Cabinet Division decided to dismiss him under Rule 4(3)(gh) of the same regulations. The Bangladesh Public Service Commission later endorsed the proposed major penalty, leading to the final dismissal order.

At a monthly law and order committee meeting in Bhangura upazila of Pabna on Monday, reserved seat MP Advocate Arifa Sultana Ruma urged local authorities not to entertain any unjust requests from BNP or Jamaat leaders and activists. She emphasized that officials should act strictly within legal boundaries.

Ruma expressed concern that banned Awami League activities were recently appearing on Facebook, only four months after the formation of the current government. She described this as an unwelcome development and alleged that individuals who had previously committed injustices against BNP activists and the public were now moving freely, suggesting that the administration might be lenient toward them.

She further stated that maintaining law and order cannot be achieved by the administration alone and called for the involvement of BNP, Jamaat leaders, and local residents to improve the situation. The meeting was chaired by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Arifuzzaman and attended by local officials and political representatives.