Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told parliament on Monday that the ministry will be directed to investigate how the cost of model mosque projects rose from 130 million to 210 million taka during the previous Awami government. He described the actions taken in the name of Islam and mosques as reprehensible and said other government agencies might also be involved. The statement came during a parliamentary question session chaired by Deputy Speaker Kaiser Kamal, where Salahuddin responded on behalf of the Religious Affairs Minister.

Earlier, ruling party MP Zainul Abedin Faruk had raised concerns about wasteful spending on model mosques, citing examples of poor construction and unusable facilities. The Deputy Speaker supported his remarks, noting similar issues in his own constituency. In response, the Home Minister reiterated that while the model mosque initiative was good in principle, the cost escalation and project delays warranted scrutiny.

The Religious Affairs Minister also informed parliament about the recovery of 27.53 acres of illegally occupied Waqf property and the government’s ongoing program to provide honorariums to religious leaders across different faiths.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has sharply criticized India’s central government for failing to restore full statehood to the region, even two years after the national elections. Speaking at a public rally in Jammu on Sunday, Abdullah questioned the Modi government’s repeated delays and shifting explanations. Expressing frustration, he rhetorically asked whether the demand for statehood should now be taken to U.S. President Donald Trump and whether a protest should be staged outside the White House.

Abdullah announced that his party would hold demonstrations in the national capital until the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government clarifies its position on the issue. He said protests would begin in New Delhi on the first day of the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament, scheduled for July 20.

Jammu and Kashmir lost its statehood on August 5, 2019, when Article 370 of the Indian Constitution was revoked, splitting the region into two union territories—Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. The central government had promised to restore statehood at an appropriate time, but the pledge remains unfulfilled.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has formed a new subcommittee focusing on media, publicity, and branding. The announcement was made on Sunday night, July 12, through a notice signed by Sadia Farzana Dinar from the party’s office cell. The subcommittee is led by Sarowar Tushar, who serves as the party’s joint convener and a member of its political council.

According to the notice, NCP convener Nahid Islam and member secretary Akhtar Hossain approved the formation of the subcommittee to make the party’s public communication, publicity activities, branding, media coordination, and digital communication system more organized, effective, and modern. The committee includes members responsible for various areas such as print and web media, electronic media, social media, branding, fact-checking, AI, and digital investigation.

The new subcommittee is expected to enhance the NCP’s outreach and coordination across traditional and digital platforms, aligning its communication strategy with contemporary needs.

Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman’s visit to Barishal created a festive atmosphere across Madaripur on July 13, 2026. Despite continuous monsoon rain, thousands of BNP leaders, activists, and supporters gathered along the Dhaka-Barishal highway from early morning to greet him. Carrying flowers and national and party flags, they waited to see and welcome their leader as his motorcade entered the district through Kathalbari in Shibchar upazila.

As the motorcade passed through areas including Panchchar, Bandarkhola, Sannyasirchar, Dattapara, and Suryanagar, crowds showered flowers and cheered. The Prime Minister waved from his car, prompting loud applause and slogans. The entire route turned vibrant with music, chants, and mobile recordings by attendees. Similar scenes were reported in Rajair, Sadar, and Kalkini upazilas, where banners and flags lined the roads.

Local MPs Jahandar Ali Mia, Helen Jerin Khan, and Anisur Rahman Khokon Talukder joined supporters in welcoming the Prime Minister. The participation of BNP’s affiliated organizations transformed the district into a colorful celebration.

A debate arose in Bangladesh’s National Parliament on Monday over the territorial responsibilities of BNP’s reserved women members of parliament. NCP MP Akhtar Hossain questioned whether assigning BNP’s reserved women MPs to constituencies held by opposition members signaled an attempt to establish a one-party system. He raised the issue after BNP MP Jiba Amina Khan mentioned visiting Pirganj and Mithapukur as part of her additional duties.

Responding to the query, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated that reserved women MPs do not have specific regional constituencies and can perform parliamentary duties across the entire country. He cited Article 65 of the Constitution, explaining that while general MPs are elected from defined territorial constituencies, the reserved women MPs’ jurisdiction covers the whole of Bangladesh. The minister emphasized that they are full members of parliament with authority to allocate resources anywhere in the country.

Deputy Speaker Kaiser Kamal presided over the session, allowing both Akhtar Hossain and the Home Minister to address the matter formally in parliament.

A Seoul district court has sentenced former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol to two years in prison for violating the country’s political funding law. According to the court ruling, Yoon accepted public opinion polling services worth about 270 million won (approximately 179,800 US dollars) from a political broker without payment. The court found that he benefited from 14 such polls and later used his political influence to secure a party nomination for a former lawmaker in return. Yoon has consistently denied the allegations, claiming he neither requested the surveys nor made any promises in exchange.

The verdict contrasts with earlier court decisions involving former First Lady Kim Keon-hee, where no evidence of mutual benefit or exchange was found. The court noted that Yoon retains the right to appeal the latest ruling to a higher court.

Yoon, aged 65, is currently facing multiple legal cases. He was previously sentenced to life imprisonment in February for involvement in a 2024 coup-related case and received a separate seven-year sentence for obstructing an arrest attempt, which the Supreme Court recently upheld.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam indicated in Parliament that bridge tolls under the Road Transport and Highways Division and the Bridges Division will not be waived. He stated that toll collection follows an established policy and that the Communication Ministry has limited authority to halt toll collection. The minister made this remark on Monday while responding to a question from reserved seat MP Shawkat Ara Akter under Rule 71 concerning urgent public importance.

Sheikh Robiul Alam explained that although many lawmakers had promised toll exemptions before elections, such decisions fall under the jurisdiction of the Finance Division, as toll revenues are part of national revenue. He emphasized that without revenue collection, the government’s financial operations would be hampered. The minister added that any relaxation of toll policies would require policy-level discussions with the Finance Division.

He also addressed demands for intercity train stoppages and four-lane road construction, noting that both are guided by existing policies and traffic considerations, and that not all requests can be accommodated.

Abul Hashem, accused of occupying land allocated to a landless individual and constructing a multistoried building there, has been appointed convener of the newly formed Cumilla North District BNP committee. The announcement was made on Monday through a notice signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. The new eight-member convening committee replaces the previous 41-member body approved in May 2022 under Akteruzzaman Sarkar and A.F.M. Tarek Munshi.

The new committee includes seven joint conveners: Syed Toufiq Ahmed Mir, Abbas Uddin Ahmed, Md. Mohiuddin, Advocate Touhidul Islam Babu, Barrister Rizvi Ul Ahsan Munshi, Osman Gani Bhuiyan, and Sufia Khatun. Former member secretary Tarek Munshi criticized the appointment, alleging Hashem’s involvement in land grabbing and questioning the inclusion of a newcomer in leadership. In contrast, new joint convener Advocate Touhidul Islam Babu expressed gratitude to BNP leadership for the appointment.

According to party directives, the new committee must form a full district committee within three months through a conference. Local administration confirmed an investigation report verifying the land dispute involving Hashem and landless beneficiary Masud Alam.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei stated that Iran is determined to avenge the killings of all its leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Speaking at his weekly press conference on Monday, Baghaei said that Iran will use all possible legal and diplomatic channels to seek justice and retribution for the killings allegedly carried out by the United States and Israel.

He emphasized that bringing those responsible for incidents during the recent 40-day war to justice is Iran’s political, moral, and legal duty. Baghaei added that there is no time limit for prosecuting the atrocities committed during the attacks, describing the punishment of war criminals as a key principle under international law.

Baghaei also noted that the families of those killed and injured inside Iran will file lawsuits, which he described as part of Iran’s broader legal efforts. The Foreign Ministry plans to pursue the matter through international courts and diplomatic channels.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visited the Bangladesh Army’s summer training exercise in the dense forest area of Purba Rahmatpur, Babuganj, Barishal, on Monday, July 13, 2026. During the visit, he observed the troops’ combat readiness, use of modern technology, and field-level training activities. He interacted with soldiers, praised their professionalism and dedication, and witnessed demonstrations including the operation of an anti-drone multi-barrel defense system.

Army officials briefed the Prime Minister on various aspects of the exercise and the troops’ tactical preparedness. Rahman spent time with soldiers stationed in the jungle, shared meals prepared in field conditions, and listened to their experiences. In his address, he emphasized maintaining professionalism, discipline, and technological advancement to uphold public trust in the army.

The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the Bangladesh Army would continue to earn global recognition for its competence and modernization. He assured full government support for strengthening the army’s capabilities and reputation. Senior government and military officials, including the Army Chief, accompanied him during the inspection.

Iran has warned that it will no longer adhere to a memorandum of understanding with the United States if Washington fails to uphold its commitments. The statement was made on Monday in Tehran by Ismail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a press briefing. He urged the United States to comply with the terms of the agreement.

Baghaei stated that Tehran has participated in all negotiations with caution and seriousness, keeping in mind the interests and concerns of the Iranian nation. He emphasized that Iran has acted with goodwill and diligence in fulfilling its obligations after reaching the agreement.

The spokesperson added that the opposing side has always been the first to break promises, asserting that the Islamic Republic of Iran has never been the first to do so. He warned that if Washington fails to honor its pledge to end the war, Iran will no longer abide by the memorandum signed with the United States.

Mohammad Nasir Uddin Patowary, chief coordinator of the National Citizens Party (NCP), called for justice for those killed in the July movement while addressing a public meeting in Niamatpur, Naogaon, on Sunday evening. He criticized the Prime Minister for taking selfies with her spouse while people in the southern region were suffering from severe flooding. Patowary condemned the government’s inaction and urged reforms and accountability.

He further stated that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and several Awami League leaders must face trial for their alleged roles in past incidents. Patowary warned that if reforms and justice were not ensured, a movement would be launched against the BNP government. He also announced that the NCP would contest upcoming local government elections independently and cancel candidacies if specific allegations were proven against any candidate.

The meeting, chaired by NCP central joint secretary and Niamatpur upazila chairman candidate Nishat Ahmed, began with prayers for flood victims and martyrs. Several central and local NCP leaders attended the event.

Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman received a roadside reception in Bhanga, Faridpur, on Monday morning, July 13, 2026, during his visit to the southern region. Local BNP leaders and activists gathered along both sides of the road at the Dakshinpara bus stand to greet him on behalf of Member of Parliament Shahidul Islam Khan Babul. The Prime Minister arrived in Bhanga at 7:55 a.m. with a large motorcade, greeted by enthusiastic party members chanting slogans and offering warm congratulations.

District BNP convener Syed Modarres Ali Isa, member secretary A.K. Kibria Swapon, Bhanga upazila BNP president Alhaj Khondkar Iqbal Hossain Selim, and other local leaders were present on the stage set up at the bus stand. Leaders and activists from the upazila, municipal, and union BNP branches had gathered there since 6 a.m. to welcome the Prime Minister. Members of the BNP women’s wing were also present to extend greetings.

The event marked a significant show of support for the Prime Minister during his southern region tour.

The United Kingdom government announced on Monday a £250 million security package to strengthen protection for the Jewish community following a series of recent attacks. The plan includes deploying more than 500 additional police officers in Jewish-populated areas, with 300 stationed in London. The funds will also support increased patrols outside synagogues and Jewish schools, as well as plainclothes police operations.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the rise in antisemitism in recent years is a major test for the country’s values and reaffirmed that combating such hatred has been a central priority of his leadership. The government stated that the funds will be spent over three years, with part of the budget allocated to educational programs against antisemitism. Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes of the London Metropolitan Police expressed concern over the exceptional threat facing the Jewish community due to terrorism, hostile state activity, and rising hate crimes.

The government also announced £59 million for counterterrorism police to strengthen national security. The move follows recent violent incidents, including a stabbing in London’s Golders Green area and earlier synagogue attacks in Manchester.

Students across Bangladesh continued protests on July 13, 2026, demanding reform of the government job quota system, despite police restrictions and government appeals to end demonstrations. Police filed a case over alleged attacks and vandalism at Shahbagh, while journalists from a television network lodged a separate complaint. No suspects were named in either case. Student leaders rejected government requests to resume classes and announced new programs, including a nationwide march and submission of memorandums to district offices on July 14.

Coordinators of the anti-discrimination student movement demanded withdrawal of the cases within 24 hours and an emergency parliamentary session to address quota reform. They alleged police and ruling party activists attacked protesters and journalists in several districts. Student leaders proposed retaining a 5% quota for freedom fighters’ children, ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities, while opposing quotas for grandchildren of freedom fighters.

Government ministers urged students to wait for a Supreme Court verdict, accusing opposition groups of exploiting the movement. Police officials said investigations were underway to determine whether outsiders had infiltrated the protests. The ruling party’s student wing warned against disrupting academic activities.