Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar has introduced a proposal urging the United States to join the International Criminal Court (ICC). The move marks the first congressional counteraction against the Trump administration’s earlier efforts to undermine the war crimes tribunal through sanctions and diplomatic pressure. Omar’s bill came two days after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed his intention to dismantle the court.

Omar described the ICC as a vital instrument of justice for victims with no other recourse, emphasizing that the US should strengthen, not weaken, international justice. European lawmakers have also voiced support for the ICC, rejecting claims that it threatens US sovereignty. EU spokesperson Anwar El Anoni reaffirmed the bloc’s firm backing for the court and condemned any threats against its officials or collaborators.

The proposal coincides with lawsuits filed by two US human rights groups against the Trump administration, alleging that a 2025 executive order prevents them from cooperating with ICC investigations into alleged Israeli war crimes. Legal experts told The Guardian that the ICC lacks jurisdiction over crimes committed on US soil since the country never ratified the 2002 Rome Statute.

July Martyrs’ Day was observed in Netrokona with various programs organized by the district administration on Thursday. The events included laying floral wreaths at the July Martyrs’ Memorial, holding discussion meetings, offering prayers for the departed souls of the martyrs, and remembrance gatherings at educational institutions. The observance took place across the district to honor those commemorated on this day.

In the morning, District Commissioner Khandaker Mushfiqur Rahman, Superintendent of Police Tarikul Islam, representatives from BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, NCP, and teachers and students from different educational institutions paid tribute at the Moktarpara Bridge area memorial. Later, a discussion meeting was held at the conference room of the District Commissioner’s office, presided over by the District Commissioner himself.

The programs reflected collective respect from local authorities, political representatives, and the community toward the July martyrs, emphasizing remembrance and unity within the district.

Law enforcement agencies across Bangladesh have intensified security measures ahead of July Martyrs’ Day, focusing particularly on the capital Dhaka. Police, RAB, BGB, APBN, Ansar, and intelligence units are implementing coordinated plans to prevent potential sabotage, extremist activity, or unrest. Visible patrols, plainclothes surveillance, checkpoints, bomb disposal units, dog squads, and technology-based monitoring have been deployed around key venues and installations. Cyber patrols have also been reinforced to curb misinformation on social media.

Authorities have instructed all security forces to maintain readiness and coordination at national and local levels. RAB units are conducting sweeping operations at major sites, while SWAT teams and quick response units remain on standby. Intelligence gathering and analysis have been prioritized to detect threats early. The police headquarters confirmed that additional checkpoints, patrols, and surveillance are in place across metropolitan and district areas.

As part of the state observance, remembrance programs, prayers, and other events are being organized in government, educational, and religious institutions. Security agencies have been directed to ensure these programs proceed smoothly and without disruption.

July Martyrs’ Day was observed in Kishoreganj with due respect on July 16, 2026. The district administration organized the commemoration at the July Memorial built on the Gurudayal Government College grounds, where floral tributes were offered. The day’s events included a discussion meeting, special prayers, and various programs in memory of the martyrs.

Senior officials of the district administration, members of law enforcement agencies, government officers, and representatives from political and social organizations, along with people from different walks of life, attended the observance. Speakers paid deep respect to the martyrs’ sacrifices, recalling their contributions, and urged unity to uphold democracy, justice, and development in the country.

As part of the government-declared national observance, Kishoreganj joined other districts across Bangladesh in marking the day through similar commemorative activities.

US President Donald Trump said Iran is making desperate efforts to reach an agreement with the United States. Speaking at a conference in Pennsylvania, he warned that if no deal is reached, the US could continue military operations. Trump asserted that everything regarding Iran is progressing well but added that Iran is not happy with the situation. He claimed that Iranian leaders want to sit for talks to end the conflict.

Trump stated that Iran is eager to reach a settlement quickly and that the US actions are displeasing to Tehran. He emphasized that the US will see whether a deal can be reached or if the matter will end without one. The president also stressed the need to accelerate production in the US defense sector.

The report noted that despite a memorandum of understanding signed under Pakistan’s mediation to halt the conflict, the US and Iran continue to attack each other, indicating ongoing tensions between the two nations.

Bangladesh’s National Parliament has passed the Narcotics Control (Amendment) Bill 2026, introducing the death penalty for illegal drug trading conducted through digital platforms such as social media, mobile apps, e-wallets, or cryptocurrencies. The bill, approved on July 13 but not yet gazetted, removes the requirement to recover physical drugs in cyber-related cases, sparking nationwide debate. It also calls for establishing special tribunals in drug-prone areas and allows confiscation of digital devices or accounts used in such crimes.

Legal experts have expressed concern that the absence of mandatory drug recovery could lead to misuse and wrongful convictions based solely on digital evidence like chat screenshots. Some lawyers warned this could increase police harassment and false accusations. However, senior Supreme Court lawyer Manzil Morshed supported the law’s intent, emphasizing the need for careful enforcement to prevent abuse.

Officials from the Department of Narcotics Control said the law responds to rising online drug trade since the COVID-19 pandemic and aims to strengthen cyber surveillance to curb narcotics distribution.

Bangladesh is officially observing July Martyrs’ Day on July 16 to commemorate those killed during the 2024 quota reform movement that evolved into a nationwide uprising. The day marks the deaths of student leaders Abu Sayeed and Wasim Akram, among others, whose sacrifices became symbols of resistance against what was described as a fascist regime. The government, led by Tarique Rahman, has organized national programs, with flags flown at half-mast and prayers held across mosques and institutions. President Md. Shahabuddin issued a message describing the July uprising as an explosion of public anger against inequality, corruption, and repression.

The 2024 movement began peacefully on July 1 but turned violent after attacks on students by ruling party affiliates on July 15. On July 16, police and activists clashed with protesters in multiple cities, leading to several deaths, including Abu Sayeed in Rangpur and Wasim in Chattogram. The United Nations human rights office later reported evidence of police involvement in Sayeed’s killing. In April 2026, a tribunal sentenced two former police officers to death and others to prison for crimes related to his death.

Despite official recognition, families of several lesser-known victims allege neglect and unequal treatment in memorial efforts and rehabilitation support.

US President Donald Trump withdrew his plan to impose a 20 percent cargo toll on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, just 24 hours after announcing it. The reversal came following urgent diplomatic outreach from Gulf leaders, including those of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar, who persuaded Trump to abandon the proposal. The initial announcement had caused confusion within the White House and alarm among America’s regional allies.

Trump had earlier declared on his social media platform that the United States would act as the “guardian” of the Hormuz Strait and would charge all cargo vessels using the route. White House officials reportedly lacked clarity on how the toll would be implemented or collected. Following discussions with Gulf rulers, Trump said the countries agreed instead to increase their investments in the United States.

According to CNN, Trump’s advisers had long opposed the toll idea, fearing it could raise oil and gas prices and contradict US maritime policy. Iran, meanwhile, used Trump’s remarks to justify its own claim for compensation for securing the strait’s safety.

Nasiruddin Patwari, chief coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP), alleged that the home minister and several others are involved in the drug trade. He made the remarks on Wednesday night during the 'Desh Gorte July Padayatra' held at Shaheed Dr. Abul Kashem Maidan in Joypurhat town. Patwari also urged the government not to act as guardians of a Mujibist constitution but to protect the people's constitution.

The event featured speeches from several NCP leaders, including North Region chief organizer Sarjis Alam, central joint member secretary Saif Mostafiz, Rajshahi divisional organizational secretary Imran Imon, and district-level leaders Kabir Hossain, Firoz Alamgir, and Ismail Hossain Hadi. The march began in the evening from in front of the Government R.B. High School and concluded at the rally venue after parading through the main streets.

The gathering was part of the NCP’s broader July campaign aimed at mobilizing public support and addressing national issues through regional marches and assemblies.

A violent clash erupted in Kashiani upazila of Gopalganj on Tuesday afternoon when members of the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) and Jubo League held a protest march. Local BNP leaders and activists were attacked as they tried to resist the rally, and several motorcycles were vandalized and set on fire. The incident occurred on the Dhaka–Khulna highway in the Tilchara area of Orakandi Union.

According to local sources, the rally was led by Kashiani upazila BCL president Azad Hossain and vice president Suman Khondaker, with around 150 participants chanting slogans in support of Sheikh Hasina. The demonstration briefly disrupted traffic on the highway. The march was organized to mark July 16, 2025, as “Genocide Day,” commemorating five people killed in a previous clash in Gopalganj.

Kashiani police confirmed the incident and reported that 20 BCL activists had been detained in connection with the violence. Police operations in the area are continuing.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar has warned that the government is deviating from the public mandate by failing to implement the July Charter and instead pursuing constitutional amendments. Speaking on Wednesday night, July 15, 2026, at a seminar titled “Spirit of the July Uprising: Contemporary Reality” organized by the 11-Party Alliance in Khulna Press Club, he said that if the issue is not resolved in parliament, it will have to be taken to the people, which could lead to conflict.

Parwar stated that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) had initially agreed to the July Charter, the formation of a constitutional reform council, and related processes following the referendum. However, after coming to power, the party allegedly rejected the president’s order, the referendum, and the obligations of the July Charter, which he described as deception toward the nation. The event was chaired by Khulna city Jamaat leader Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman and attended by representatives from several Islamist and political organizations.

The seminar concluded with prayers for the martyrs of the July uprising and for national peace and prosperity.

In Mohanaganj, Netrokona, the head teacher of Mohanaganj Government Pilot High School faced criticism for not lowering the national flag to half-mast on the state mourning day declared for the death of former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. Witnesses said the flag remained fully raised from morning until around 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, before being lowered at about 1:45 p.m. after the issue became known.

Several teachers confirmed that the flag had been hoisted at full mast despite government instructions to keep it half-mast in observance of the mourning day. They described the incident as unfortunate. According to the official circular, all government, semi-government, autonomous institutions, educational establishments, and Bangladeshi missions abroad were directed to keep the national flag half-mast and hold special prayers for the late emir.

Upazila Executive Officer Amena Khatun stated that she contacted the head teacher after learning of the matter, and he admitted the oversight. The flag was then lowered following her directive.

A delegation from Islami Andolan Bangladesh met with the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi, at the Iranian Embassy in Dhaka on Wednesday. The meeting was held at the ambassador’s invitation and focused on bilateral relations, regional and international politics, economic cooperation, and mutual interests. Both sides expressed optimism about strengthening the existing friendly ties between Bangladesh and Iran.

During the meeting, the Islami Andolan delegation conveyed condolences on behalf of party leader Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim to the Iranian government and people affected by recent conflicts. They prayed for the victims of U.S. and Israeli attacks and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. The delegation also called for an immediate end to the war and the restoration of peace and stability in the Middle East.

Discussions further emphasized expanding bilateral trade, establishing direct air links, enhancing business cooperation, and increasing opportunities for Bangladeshi students to pursue higher education and scholarships at Iranian universities.

Begum Rokeya University (BRUR) authorities have taken several initiatives to preserve the memory of Abu Sayeed, the first martyr of the July Movement. Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Shawkat Ali expressed his commitment to fulfilling Abu Sayeed’s dreams. The announcement comes as the first anniversary of the July Movement approaches, with the university administration emphasizing remembrance and continuation of his ideals.

Family members, fellow activists, and locals in Rangpur recalled Abu Sayeed’s sacrifice and demanded swift implementation of the court verdict in his murder case. His parents, Monowara Begum and Mokbul Hossain, expressed deep grief and urged the government to execute the death sentences of the convicted. Fellow activists described Abu Sayeed as an inspiration for the movement and called for the arrest of those still absconding.

Rangpur Metropolitan Police’s Tajhat Police Station Officer-in-Charge Rafiqul Islam said the tribunal’s directives would guide further action regarding the fugitives. He added that preserving Abu Sayeed’s legacy would help future generations understand his contribution to the nation.

Assistant Registrar of the High Court Division, Ibrahim Alam Bhuiyan, has been dismissed from his job for allegedly making objectionable comments on Facebook about the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice, and other judges. The decision was announced in an order signed by Supreme Court Registrar General Muhammad Habibur Rahman Siddiqui. Ibrahim, however, denied posting anything that could harm the judges’ reputation.

Ibrahim said he was an elected representative of around 2,200 Supreme Court officials and the last elected general secretary of the Supreme Court Officers and Employees Welfare Trust. He claimed his Facebook post, made on April 12, aimed to draw attention to concerns over the redeployment of staff to judges’ residences, which had previously been stopped following a judicial committee’s report confirming allegations of mistreatment of MLSS staff. He denied inciting any protests and described the investigation report against him as baseless and biased.

Earlier, on May 7, he had been suspended for allegedly using court employees to spread false information against the judiciary. In his final post after dismissal, Ibrahim said he was punished for speaking against irregularities and mistreatment of staff.