A Dhaka court has postponed the incomplete hearing on charge framing in the sedition case against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and 285 others, setting a new date for September 30. The decision was made on July 14 by Judge Moin Uddin Chowdhury of the Third Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge’s Court after defense lawyers sought more time on behalf of several jailed defendants. Twenty-four accused, including 20 men and 4 women, were produced in court under tight police security.

According to court sources, one accused, Jamirul Islam Babu, surrendered and applied for bail, which the court denied, ordering his detention. The case was initially filed on March 27 of the previous year by CID Assistant Superintendent Enamul Haque, accusing Sheikh Hasina and 72 others of sedition. Following investigation, a charge sheet naming 286 accused was submitted on July 30, and arrest warrants were issued on August 14. The case has since been transferred across several Dhaka courts for trial preparation.

The charges stem from a December 19, 2024, online meeting where Hasina allegedly made anti-state remarks and called for the ouster of the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman stated that Sheikh Hasina has no political future in Bangladesh. Speaking at a weekly briefing at the Secretariat’s Press Information Department conference center on Tuesday, he said that even many people close to the Awami League share this view. He dismissed suggestions of geopolitical pressure, describing Sheikh Hasina as irrelevant to current political discussions.

Rahman clarified that the government is not under pressure regarding Sheikh Hasina’s possible return, adding that both the interim and current governments have communicated with India about facilitating her repatriation. He said the government welcomes her return to ensure justice, as she has been sentenced to death for alleged crimes. If she returns, she will face trial, and the government will allow her to bring international lawyers for her defense.

He emphasized that the people of Bangladesh want the death sentence to be upheld if proven valid, but if the court finds her not guilty, justice will be served accordingly.

Former upazila chairman and Bandarban district BNP convening committee member Thoainu Aung Chowdhury has extended support to people affected by recent heavy rains, flash floods, and landslides in Lama upazila of Bandarban. Acting under the directive of BNP leader Tarique Rahman, he arranged the first phase of relief distribution for 200 affected families in Lama municipality, providing food, daily essentials, and emergency supplies.

On Monday afternoon, local BNP and affiliated organization leaders distributed the aid on his behalf. They visited the affected families, assessed their conditions, and assured continued assistance for those impacted by the disaster. The relief effort involved representatives from the BNP’s volunteer, women, farmers, youth, labor, and student wings.

Local residents, including Anwar Hossain, Bilkis, and Maching Marma, expressed gratitude for the support, noting that many families had lost homes and livelihoods due to the floods and landslides. They described the assistance as a significant relief during a time of severe hardship.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar signed the condolence book at the Embassy of Qatar in Dhaka on Tuesday morning, expressing deep sorrow over the passing of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar and father of the current Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The signing took place around 11:30 a.m.

During the visit, Qatar’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Seraya Ali Al-Kahtani, welcomed the Jamaat leader and received condolences on behalf of Qatar’s royal family and people. Mia Golam Porwar prayed for the departed soul and conveyed heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved royal family, the current Emir, the Qatari government, and its citizens on behalf of his party.

Both sides expressed hope that the longstanding friendly and brotherly relations between Bangladesh and Qatar would continue to strengthen in the future. Opposition MP and foreign affairs adviser Barrister Mir Ahmed Bin Kashem Arman was also present at the event.

The National Parliament of Bangladesh has passed the Bogura University Bill 2026 to establish a new university in Bogura. The bill repeals the 2001 Bogura Science and Technology University Act, which had been enacted but never implemented. Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan presented the bill, and proposals from opposition members to send it to a select committee and seek public opinion were rejected by voice vote before the bill was passed.

According to the minister’s statement of objectives and reasons, the 2001 law was gazetted on July 15 of that year but remained inactive. The new law aims to create a comprehensive university in Bogura offering education and research opportunities in science, life sciences, engineering, technical studies, arts, social sciences, business administration, law, agriculture, and medical sciences. The initiative follows the Prime Minister’s commitment to establish a full-fledged university in the district.

The administrative and academic activities of the proposed university are currently in the process of being launched, as stated in the bill’s explanatory note.

The Bangladesh Parliament has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Qatar’s former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. On Tuesday, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni tabled a condolence motion in the National Parliament, which was unanimously passed by voice vote under the chair of Deputy Speaker Qaiser Kamal. The session observed one minute of silence followed by a prayer.

In the motion, the Chief Whip described Sheikh Hamad as one of the most visionary and wise leaders of the contemporary world, under whose leadership Qatar transformed into a modern and prosperous nation. His contributions to education, health, energy, infrastructure, economy, diplomacy, and human resource development were highlighted as instrumental in elevating Qatar’s global standing. The motion also noted that Sheikh Hamad’s leadership strengthened Bangladesh-Qatar relations, particularly in employment and economic cooperation.

The motion further praised Qatar’s current Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for his humanitarian support to Bangladeshi workers during recent Middle East crises. Copies of the resolution will be sent to Qatar’s National Assembly, the Qatari Embassy in Dhaka, and the Government of Qatar.

Students in Rajshahi staged a protest on Tuesday noon in front of the Rajshahi Education Board, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan. The demonstration began around 12:30 p.m. and was driven by anger over the continuation of examinations despite severe nationwide flooding.

According to the protesting students, many areas across the country are submerged, yet exams were not postponed. They reported that some students became ill after wading through waist-deep water to attend exams. The demonstrators also alleged widespread errors in exam question papers, which they blamed on the education ministry’s negligence.

As of the time of reporting, the students had blocked nearby roads and declared that the blockade would continue until their demands were met.

Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has expressed deep concern over an attack by miscreants on an internet business establishment in Chattogram city. In a verified Facebook post on Tuesday, he demanded the immediate arrest of those involved and their prosecution under the law.

Rahman called for the disclosure of any social or political affiliations of the attackers and questioned whether strict punishment would follow, noting that the situation appeared troubling. He further stated that citizens might now need to take measures for their own protection, as the government was failing to provide effective security. He added that unusual incidents continued to occur one after another, raising questions about the source of the perpetrators’ influence.

The statement reflects growing frustration from opposition figures regarding law and order conditions in Chattogram and broader concerns about public safety and government accountability.

Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Affairs Adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman said the government wants to ensure justice and fairness for Sheikh Hasina. He made the remarks on Tuesday afternoon during a weekly briefing at the Department of Information’s conference center in the Secretariat, responding to a journalist’s question about Hasina’s possible return to the country in December.

Rahman stated that Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death and that efforts are underway to bring her back through extradition. He added that if she returns through mutual communication, she will face trial in court. The adviser said the chief prosecutor has already responded on the matter and that he discussed the issue with the state minister for foreign affairs. He emphasized that the government would welcome her return and that she could bring top international lawyers for her defense.

Rahman further noted that the people of the country want the death sentence to remain in force but that justice would be served if the court ultimately acquits her or changes the verdict.

Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon has urged protesting students to return to their study tables, assuring that the government is more concerned than anyone about conducting examinations properly. Speaking in the National Parliament on Tuesday, he said that provisions exist for retaking exams at centers where irregularities occurred. The minister explained that the decision to continue exams was based on forecasts suggesting favorable weather.

Responding to supplementary questions from lawmakers, Milon said the ministry had been continuously monitoring the situation during the monsoon season. He noted that in some centers where water entered, examinations were immediately relocated under local administration’s supervision. Referring to the Comilla center, he said only a few centers were affected and that necessary adjustments were made promptly.

The minister emphasized that students are the nation’s future and will not be deprived. He added that if any institution was unable to hold exams due to administrative shortcomings or flooding, retests could be arranged after proper assessment, as already done under the Chattogram board.

Students in Mymensingh blocked the Mymensingh-Tangail highway on Tuesday around noon, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan. The protest, held at the Town Hall intersection, was part of a pre-announced program. The blockade completely halted traffic, causing severe congestion and difficulties for commuters and pedestrians.

Protesting students alleged that despite ongoing floods, heavy rainfall, and waterlogging across several regions, the government decided to continue the HSC and equivalent examinations without postponement. They also protested against a remark comparing examinees to ‘farm chickens,’ calling it insulting. Students demanded fair exam conditions, logical question standards, and opportunities for retests if candidates miss exams for valid reasons. They also called for the minister’s public accountability for alleged mental and physical pressure on examinees.

Police officials said they were present at the scene and were trying to persuade the students to clear the road peacefully to restore normal traffic movement.

Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon told Parliament on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, that the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations were continued after consulting all relevant authorities and monitoring weather conditions until 5 p.m. He said the decision was based on forecasts from the Meteorological Department indicating improved weather. The minister responded to an independent MP’s question about why the exams were not postponed despite severe waterlogging in major cities.

Milon explained that the exams are held simultaneously across 64 districts in about 2,700 centers. When flooding affected parts of Chattogram, tests were postponed in several districts. He added that only Comilla Government Women’s College faced disruption due to waterlogging, where local authorities relocated the exam center and provided special arrangements for affected students. He emphasized that local administrators have the authority to delay or suspend exams if necessary.

Addressing another controversy, the minister confirmed errors in questions 6 and 7 of the physics paper, prepared under the previous government’s moderation process. He announced that all students would receive full marks for those questions.

The Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) Central Students’ Union (ShakSU) election, initially suspended for four weeks by the High Court on January 19, 2026, remains on hold more than five months later. The suspension followed a writ petition filed by independent candidate Mominur Rashid Shuvo challenging the legality of the Election Commission’s approval for the vote. Despite the expiry of the suspension period, the university administration has not taken visible steps to resume the election, frustrating candidates and students who had awaited the revival of campus democracy after 28 years.

The High Court’s decision came just 19 hours before the scheduled election, prompting student protests and road blockades on the Sylhet–Sunamganj highway. Various student and teacher groups have since traded accusations over political interference behind the delay. The chief election commissioner stated that the commission is ready but awaits administrative direction, while the new vice-chancellor said he is still reviewing the issue. Shuvo defended his petition as being in the national interest, citing concerns about fairness.

Students and candidates continue to demand immediate election arrangements, warning that prolonged inaction undermines democratic practice on campus.

Students in Dhaka staged demonstrations on Tuesday demanding the resignation of Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon for holding HSC and equivalent exams amid severe weather conditions. Beginning around 11 a.m., protesters blocked roads at Uttara’s BNS Center and Science Lab intersection as part of a pre-announced program.

Participants from 12 to 15 colleges, including Dhaka City College, Ideal College, Government Bangla College, Siddheswari Girls College, Lalmatia School and College, Rajarbagh Police Lines School and College, and BAF Shaheen College, joined the blockade. The protests caused heavy traffic congestion in Science Lab, New Market, Dhanmondi, and nearby areas, disrupting commuters and pedestrians.

The students demanded the minister’s resignation within 24 hours and warned of tougher actions if their demand was not met.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has sharply criticized the United States’ plan to impose a 20 percent tariff on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, describing the move as an act of piracy. Speaking in São Paulo on Monday, Lula said that such actions would once have been called piracy and argued that a major power like the United States, long seen as opposing piracy, should not now become one itself.

Lula’s remarks came after the administration of US President Donald Trump announced the tariff plan targeting vessels using the Hormuz Strait, one of the world’s most vital energy transport routes. Massive volumes of crude oil and fuel products pass through the strait daily, making it a key artery for global energy trade.

The Brazilian leader’s comments suggest that his government views the unilateral trade measure as a troubling signal for international maritime commerce and free trade norms.