On Tuesday, students in Chattogram surrounded the local education board office demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan. The protest was held despite continuous rain and flooding, as students opposed the ongoing Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations being conducted under adverse weather conditions. Demonstrators gathered in front of the board from 11 a.m., staging rallies and sit-ins that disrupted traffic and normal board operations.

Participants alleged that flooding and waterlogging across the country had caused severe hardship for examinees, forcing many to risk their safety to reach exam centers. They called the decision to hold exams during such conditions unreasonable. The students presented three demands: suspension of all HSC and equivalent exams until flood conditions normalize, special retests for those unable to attend the July 13 exam due to weather, and the minister’s resignation within 24 hours for making derogatory remarks about examinees.

Protesters warned that if their demands were not met, they would announce tougher nationwide programs.

HSC examinees staged a protest near Prime Minister Tareq Rahman’s motorcade at Dhaka University on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. The students demonstrated against holding exams amid severe weather and waterlogging, demanding the resignation of Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon. Police stopped the protesters at the university’s Mall Chattar as they attempted to march toward the Education Ministry, leading to a tense situation and heavy deployment of law enforcement.

The protest began around 12:45 p.m. when students started from Science Lab toward the ministry. At the same time, the Prime Minister was attending a state event titled “Youth, Startups, and the Promise of Bangladesh” at the Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building nearby. Members of the Chhatra Dal, including its general secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir, also appeared at the scene to speak with the students.

Earlier in the day, similar demonstrations took place in several parts of Dhaka, including Uttara and Science Lab intersections, causing severe traffic congestion. Students from 12 to 15 colleges participated, warning of tougher programs if their demands were not met within 24 hours.

A group of former Chhatra League activists at Dhaka University are reportedly maintaining the banned organization’s activities through a covert network called “NextGen Bangladesh.” Following the July killings that led to the ban, the network has been operating secretly, with Abid Abdullah identified as a key organizer. In an interview with Amar Desh, Abid admitted to connecting students to the platform, describing it as a service-oriented initiative. Investigations revealed involvement of Arafat Chowdhury and Hasan Jubair, while video evidence suggested continued underground coordination among former members.

Abid, a student of Urdu at Shahid Sergeant Zahurul Haque Hall, said the platform collects data and plans to expand nationwide. He acknowledged seeking funding from political figures and forming an advisory committee. Arafat, however, denied leading the project, though he confirmed working with Abid and others on earlier initiatives. University officials, including the proctor and vice-chancellors, confirmed awareness of the banned group’s renewed activity and pledged administrative action.

The administration stated it is monitoring the situation closely and will take measures against those attempting to destabilize the campus environment.

An article published on July 14, 2026, in *Amar Desh* revisits Chattogram’s deep historical connection with Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. It recounts how Zia’s first act of resistance against the Pakistani military took place on March 26, 1971, near the city’s 2 No. Gate area, marking the beginning of his wartime leadership. The piece describes how this site later became known as Biplob Udyan, symbolizing the first spark of defiance, though it has faced neglect and alleged political attempts to diminish its significance.

The report also highlights the Kalurghat Radio Centre, where Zia’s voice once declared independence, and the later establishment of the Shaheed Zia Smriti Complex in 2006, featuring replicas of national monuments. It further recalls the Chattogram Circuit House, where Zia was killed in 1981, now turned into a memorial museum, and the Rangunia burial site, his first resting place, where a neglected complex still bears his name faintly.

The article concludes that despite political changes and efforts to erase his legacy, Ziaur Rahman’s memory remains deeply rooted in Chattogram’s geography and collective consciousness.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attended a special event titled 'Youth, Startups and the Potential of Bangladesh' held at the Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building of Dhaka University on Tuesday morning. The program aimed to integrate young people's innovative thinking, creativity, and entrepreneurial potential into the mainstream of national development. The event was also attended by Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Fakir Mahbub Anam and the Prime Minister’s Adviser on the same affairs, Rehan Asif Asad, as special guests. Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A. B. M. Obaidul Islam delivered the vote of thanks.

The government has prioritized startup and entrepreneurship development in its 2026 election manifesto to promote economic growth, job creation, and technological transformation. As part of this initiative, a startup fund of 500 crore taka has been established to support promising entrepreneurs, aiming to strengthen innovation financing and development across the country.

Police have launched an investigation after a brick fragment was thrown at a vehicle in Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s security convoy while he was traveling to Barishal. The incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. on Monday near the Sadhur Bridge bus stand along the Dhaka-Barishal highway. A video of the event quickly spread on social media, prompting authorities to determine whether it was an accident or a deliberate act.

Eyewitnesses and the circulated footage showed the prime minister greeting crowds from inside his bus when a brick piece suddenly struck the third vehicle in the convoy. The video, lasting one minute and forty-nine seconds, captured a festive atmosphere with large crowds lining both sides of the highway.

Madaripur Superintendent of Police Habibur Rahman confirmed that a brick fragment hit one of the vehicles and said investigators are analyzing whether it came from a moving tire or was intentionally thrown. He added that there is no cause for public alarm and that police are working to uncover the true circumstances of the incident.

US President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Iraq’s newly elected Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi in Washington on Tuesday. The meeting is viewed as highly significant given the escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran. This marks Zaidi’s first foreign trip since taking office, during which he will also meet senior US officials and representatives from major energy companies.

Analysts note that Zaidi’s visit comes as Iraq struggles to balance its relations with both the United States and Iran, two of its key allies. Zaidi, who rose to power with US support, has pledged to restore Iraq’s fragile economy and disarm Iran-backed militias. His government has set a September 30 deadline for disarmament, coinciding with the end of the US-led coalition’s mission in Iraq. Some armed groups have resisted, while others have expressed conditional cooperation.

During the visit, Zaidi is expected to sign major energy and infrastructure agreements with US companies, including a deal to deposit 500,000 barrels of crude oil daily into a special fund in exchange for stable electricity supply. Observers believe the trip could shape Iraq’s political stability and economic future.

Bangladesh’s university campuses erupted in protest on July 14, 2024, after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina referred to students demanding reform of the government job quota system as 'children of collaborators' during a press conference. The remark, seen as legitimizing suppression of the movement, triggered widespread outrage among students. Demonstrations broke out across major universities, including Dhaka and Chittagong, where violent clashes occurred between protesters and members of the banned Chhatra League. Internet access was cut off at Dhaka University, and students reported being blocked from leaving dormitories.

Student groups organized spontaneous rallies through social media, gathering at Dhaka University’s Raju Memorial Sculpture and chanting slogans demanding merit-based recruitment. Three Dhaka University Chhatra League leaders resigned in solidarity with the protesters. At Chittagong University, at least two students were injured in late-night attacks. Similar demonstrations spread to Jagannath University and other campuses.

Under the banner of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, students issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the government, demanding quota reform and withdrawal of police cases against protesters. Marches and memorandum submissions to the president were held nationwide, marking a new phase in the quota reform movement.

The United Kingdom has decided to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization under its new national security law. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the decision on Monday, saying it brings the group closer to being formally declared a terrorist entity. The move allows police to take action against anyone providing support to the IRGC. Alongside the IRGC, the UK also banned two other groups: the IMCR, accused of attacks on Jewish targets, and Russia’s GRU Volunteer Corps.

Officials said the decision follows recent threats against the UK, including alleged plots to kill Iranian journalists and cyberattacks targeting Britain, Australia, and Canada. The government had previously refrained from a full ban in 2023 due to diplomatic concerns with Tehran. Ministers now argue the new threats justify stronger measures.

Under the new law, assisting or benefiting from these organizations is now a criminal offense, punishable by up to life imprisonment. The bans are expected to further strain UK-Iran relations while reinforcing Britain’s stance against foreign-linked security threats.

Bangladesh’s civil administration is facing stagnation due to frequent changes in promotion, posting, and contract-based appointments under the new government. Senior officials say that instead of becoming more dynamic, the bureaucracy has slowed down. Currently, nine top positions are held by contract officials, while several ministries have seen appointment orders withdrawn and reissued. The recent promotion of 179 deputy secretaries to joint secretaries, including some retired and controversial officials, has intensified debate over the integrity of the selection process.

Sources indicate that since the new government took office, multiple retired officials have been appointed as senior secretaries on contract in key ministries and constitutional bodies. Regular officials argue that overreliance on retirees undermines morale, promotion prospects, and administrative coordination. Experts warn that contract appointments should not replace the regular cadre system, as long-term stability depends on transparent promotions and merit-based evaluation.

Governance analysts emphasize that the current controversy reflects institutional weaknesses rather than individual failings. They call for reforms to ensure transparency in contract appointments, data verification by the Superior Selection Board, and fair career management for regular officials.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has pledged to dismantle the International Criminal Court (ICC) and called on other nations to join the United States in this effort. The announcement, made Monday, marks a hardening of the Trump administration’s stance against the ICC, which Rubio accused of waging war on the US through international law rather than weapons. The move is being described as a major escalation compared to previous measures.

The US-ICC dispute began during Trump’s first term after the court launched investigations into alleged war crimes by American forces in Afghanistan. The second Trump administration has since imposed sanctions on several ICC officials over probes involving the US and Israel. The State Department is now pressuring countries reliant on US aid to reject the ICC’s authority, warning of potential aid cuts and tighter scrutiny for those who refuse.

According to a State Department official, upcoming actions may include travel bans, visa cancellations, and economic sanctions. Rubio also dismissed allegations that US operations in El Salvador and Iran violated international law, while rights group DAWN accused him of misrepresenting their call for impartial war crimes investigations.

BNP-affiliated student leader Md. Tariqul Islam Tarik, central joint general secretary of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and former general secretary of Salimullah Muslim Hall unit at Dhaka University, shared an emotional Facebook post on Sunday night recalling his long involvement in political movements. He stated that politics was never a ladder to power but a lifelong commitment to ideals, morality, and conscience. Tarik said he had faced attacks, imprisonment, and injuries from law enforcement for refusing to compromise on principles, and that each scar reminded him of the cost of walking the path of ideals.

Reflecting on his political journey, Tarik emphasized that he joined politics not for personal gain or recognition but to stand against injustice and authoritarianism. He expressed unwavering faith in BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman’s leadership and vowed to continue working for democracy, human rights, and the party’s ideals. Political analysts noted that valuing the sacrifices of grassroots activists is essential for maintaining organizational unity and moral strength.

Analysts also suggested that Tarik’s message, prioritizing ideals over personal benefit, could reignite discussions on principled and ethical political practice in Bangladesh.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said that development should not be limited to building roads and bridges but must also include improvements in health, education, child care, canal excavation, and overall living standards. Speaking on Monday, July 13, 2026, at a BNP organizational meeting in Barishal, he stated that after 17 years of mismanagement, the government has begun implementing promised programs such as family and farmer cards, and controlling commodity prices during Ramadan despite global fuel price hikes.

Rahman criticized the previous government for corruption and mismanagement in major projects like the Padma Bridge and Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, and for weakening the banking, health, and education sectors. He announced plans to upgrade 51-bed upazila hospitals to 101 beds and to establish 1,000 children’s hospitals nationwide. He also emphasized the need for improved water drainage to address urban flooding.

Calling for unity within the BNP, Rahman urged members to avoid internal divisions and prepare for upcoming local government elections. He warned against unrealistic promises and stressed that accountability, discipline, and organizational strength are key to sustainable governance and development.

The United States Embassy in Dhaka has issued new instructions for Bangladeshi citizens applying for US visas, emphasizing the importance of accurately providing social media information in visa application forms. In a notice published on its website on Monday, the embassy warned that concealing or providing incorrect information could lead to visa denial and create complications for future applications.

According to the embassy, applicants must list all social media usernames or handles used in the past five years in the DS-160 visa application form. The embassy further stated that applicants certify the accuracy and completeness of all information submitted, and any intentional omission or false entry regarding social media details could negatively affect the visa process.

The embassy advised applicants to carefully verify all information before submission to avoid delays or rejections in visa processing.

Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Muhammad Nurul Amin has filed an appeal seeking suspension of the High Court verdict that declared the Election Commission’s cancellation of BNP candidate Sarwar Alamgir’s nomination for the Chattogram-2 (Fatikchhari) constituency invalid. The appeal was submitted to the Appellate Division on Monday, requesting that Sarwar be barred from attending parliamentary sessions until the appeal is resolved. Chamber Justice Farah Mahbub scheduled the hearing for July 19.

Earlier, on July 9, a High Court bench of Justice Fahmida Kader and Justice Md Asif Hasan ruled Sarwar’s nomination valid, after which he took oath the same day. Nurul Amin’s lawyer questioned the legality of the oath-taking without a signed copy of the verdict. The dispute stems from the Election Commission’s January 18 decision to cancel Sarwar’s candidacy over alleged loan default, which the High Court later stayed, allowing him to contest the February 12 election.

The Appellate Division had previously directed the High Court to resolve the related rule within two weeks, maintaining earlier orders until its disposal. Sarwar won the election, but the result remains unpublished pending final judicial resolution.