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.

The government of Bangladesh has decided to bring the Fire Service and Civil Defence Department and the Bangladesh Meteorological Department under the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief. The move aims to enhance coordination between disaster response and weather forecasting. Reliable ministry sources confirmed that a high-level meeting with the Prime Minister is expected this month to finalize the decision.

Officials said that despite both agencies being directly involved in disaster management, their placement under separate ministries has caused operational confusion and coordination gaps. The proposal, already sent to the Cabinet Division, follows the Prime Minister’s earlier advice to integrate the two agencies. The Disaster Management Ministry argued that the merger would create a unified command chain, improve decision-making, and strengthen national disaster response capacity.

According to the ministry’s proposal, the integration will streamline early warning dissemination, rescue operations, and rehabilitation activities. It is expected to improve resource management, enhance accountability, and reduce disaster-related losses through faster, coordinated action across all administrative levels.

BNP Standing Committee member Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan said that his goal is to build an equitable society in Bangladesh where the gap between rich and poor will narrow and people’s suffering will be alleviated. He made the remarks on Saturday at a memorial meeting for his late mother, Khorsheda Banu, organized by the Khan Foundation at Amdia Pakuria School ground in Narsingdi.

Addressing women attendees, Dr. Khan urged them to become aware of their rights, emphasizing that rights must be claimed rather than awaited. He described his family background as modest and recalled his father and grandfather’s dedication to education and national service. Khan Foundation Executive Director Advocate Rokhsana Khondkar praised Khorsheda Banu’s lifelong contributions to social welfare. The foundation has been working since 1993 to empower disadvantaged women and has distributed about Tk 14 crore in rural loans this year.

Dr. Khan also expressed concern about the current state of education, urging authorities to keep institutions free from political influence and to invest in improving educational quality rather than only constructing buildings.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi will travel to the United States on Monday for his first foreign visit since assuming office, according to a government spokesperson. During the week-long trip, he is expected to meet U.S. President Donald Trump, though the exact date of the meeting has not yet been confirmed. The visit comes at a time when Washington has been pressuring Baghdad to disarm Iran-backed armed groups that have previously attacked U.S. facilities in Iraq.

Government spokesperson Haidar al-Abudi said the visit, made at Trump’s invitation, will focus on strengthening economic ties and attracting U.S. investment, particularly in the oil and electricity sectors. Iraq, facing major revenue losses due to halted oil exports amid regional conflict, is seeking urgent measures to revive its economy. Al-Zaidi has pledged to bring all weapons under state control, a move he says is essential for stability and investment, though it has met resistance from powerful militias.

During the trip, several new agreements are expected, including a fund where Iraq will deposit 500,000 barrels of oil daily in exchange for enhanced electricity supply. The U.S. has also resumed transferring Iraq’s oil revenue funds, which had been temporarily suspended earlier this year.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has called for legislation ensuring a “firm and final” response to any assassination attempt or attack targeting the country’s supreme leader or senior military and state officials. In a post on social media platform X, he stated that Iran’s parliament or the Expediency Council should pass a law specifying in advance the type of reaction to such incidents.

Gharibabadi emphasized that this initiative would align with Iran’s existing policy of responding strongly to military aggression. He argued that the nature of Iran’s response should be legally predetermined rather than decided after an attack occurs.

He reiterated that no action against Iran should go unanswered, underscoring the government’s stance on deterrence and national defense.

Iran-backed militia coalition Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI) has strongly opposed the Iraqi government’s upcoming visit to the United States and the planned meeting between Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi and President Donald Trump. In a statement circulated via Sabereen News, the group denounced the government’s decision, saying the visit comes at a time when the United States and Israel are committing atrocities across Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Yemen, and Palestine.

The militias called for Iraq’s economy to be freed from American dominance and declared that any U.S. military presence on Iraqi soil would be considered an illegal occupation. Their statement reflects deep resentment toward Washington’s influence in the region and signals growing internal opposition to the government’s diplomatic outreach.

Prime Minister Al-Zaidi’s visit to Washington is expected to include discussions on several oil and gas agreements. However, the militias’ reaction has heightened political tension within Iraq, underscoring divisions over the country’s foreign policy direction.

US Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna stated that during his visit to Palestine, he and his delegation were blocked and detained by Israeli settlers who obstructed the road they were traveling on. Khanna said the settlers, armed with M4 rifles, kicked their van’s tires, mocked them, and recorded videos while they were held for about 20 minutes, fearing for their lives. He added that when Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers arrived, they told his translator that they supported the settlers and continued to block the road.

The IDF denied that Khanna was detained or that the road was obstructed. Speaking on the US television program “Meet the Press,” Khanna accused the IDF of lying about the incident, calling it unprecedented and claiming that violent settlers detained American citizens, including a US government official.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories and raises questions about the treatment of foreign officials and civilians in conflict zones.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a dominant figure in US politics for over two decades, died on Saturday evening, according to a statement from his office. His family requested privacy following his death. Graham, first elected to the Senate in 2002, became one of the most influential Republican voices on foreign policy, defense, and national security. Known for his hawkish stance, he was a staunch supporter of Israel and a vocal advocate of US military intervention abroad.

Throughout his career, Graham’s positions on Gaza, Iran, and the International Criminal Court drew international criticism. He supported Israel’s military actions in Gaza, opposed limiting US aid to Israel, and made controversial remarks about Palestinians that were condemned by rights groups. He also backed strong military measures against Iran and urged the White House to assert control over the Strait of Hormuz. His confrontational approach often sparked diplomatic tensions, including with European and Gulf states.

Days before his death, Graham visited Kyiv to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky, discussing legislation to increase pressure on Russia. He remained one of Washington’s most vocal supporters of military aid to Ukraine.

At a symposium titled 'Accountability, Justice and Healing in Post-July Bangladesh' held at the Bishwo Shahitto Kendro in Dhaka on Sunday, political leaders, journalists, human rights activists, and former advisers demanded justice for those killed during the July uprising. They declared that there could be no reconciliation or forgiveness for Sheikh Hasina and others convicted of crimes related to the former regime. Participants emphasized that the July movement represented a 'second independence' for Bangladesh and vowed to protect its legacy.

Former adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki said the July revolution was driven by the people, not civil society, and that the new generation reclaimed national sovereignty. MP Mir Ahmad Bin Kasem called for full implementation of the July Charter and establishment of a July Museum to educate future generations about fascism. Other speakers, including Shafiqul Alam, Sarwar Tushar, Nabila Idris, and Shahidul Alam, criticized the lingering influence of the former ruling party and urged institutional reforms to ensure accountability and justice.

Speakers warned that attempts to downplay the July events or delay justice could undermine the revolution’s goals and risk diminishing its moral and political significance.

BNP National Executive Committee member Abu Naser Muhammad Rahmatullah stated that the party aims to build a modern, planned, and livable Barishal. Speaking on Sunday afternoon at a large rally held at Sohel Chattar near Bibir Pukur in Barishal city, he said the development of Barishal and the resolution of long-standing public sufferings would be the way to repay the trust and respect shown by voters toward Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

The rally, organized to mark Tarique Rahman’s visit to Barishal, paraded through the city’s Launchghat, Bells Park, and Shilpakala Academy areas before concluding. A large number of BNP leaders, activists, supporters, and local residents participated in the event.

Rahmatullah emphasized that BNP would uphold democratic values and citizens’ voting rights while maintaining development continuity. He also called on party members to work together for Barishal’s overall development, addressing issues such as waterlogging, transport improvement, employment generation, and lasting solutions to civic problems.

Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher, along with newly appointed chairmen of several development authorities, paid tribute at the graves of late President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar’s Zia Udyan in Dhaka on Sunday. Floral wreaths were placed at the graves, followed by special prayers seeking eternal peace for their souls. A large number of leaders and activists from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its affiliated organizations were present during the ceremony.

The visit coincided with the recent establishment of six new development authorities under the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, covering Sylhet, Mymensingh, Barishal, Cumilla, Rangpur, and Narayanganj. These authorities aim to ensure balanced urban development, prevent unplanned urbanization, promote disaster-resilient city management, and foster growth in information technology and tourism sectors.

According to the ministry, the overarching goal of these initiatives is to create well-planned, modern cities that maintain environmental balance while providing improved civic amenities.

An Iranian media outlet has clarified the identity of a masked man seen at the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which had sparked widespread speculation on social media. Many believed the man was Mojtaba Khamenei, the current Supreme Leader and son of the late Ayatollah, attending the ceremony in disguise. However, London-based Iran International reported that the individual was actually Mohammad Javed Khamenei, the youngest grandson of Ali Khamenei.

According to the report, Mohammad Javed is the son of Mostafa Khamenei, Ali Khamenei’s eldest son. He was reportedly injured in a February 28 attack by the United States and Israel that killed Ali Khamenei and several family members, while Mojtaba and others were wounded. Iran International stated that Javed wore a black mask and cap at the funeral to cover facial burns sustained in the attack.

Following Ali Khamenei’s death, Mojtaba Khamenei was chosen as Iran’s new Supreme Leader, reportedly aided by his close ties with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. He has not yet appeared publicly but issued a written message on state television calling for revenge against those responsible for the killings.

Former Speaker of the National Parliament and former Acting President of Bangladesh, Barrister Jamir Uddin Sarkar, was laid to rest at the designated site within the Parliament complex on Thursday afternoon. The burial followed his funeral prayer held at the Parliament tunnel, attended by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikrom, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni, opposition leader Dr. Md. Shafiqul Rahman, cabinet members, political leaders, judges, lawyers, senior officials, and a large number of citizens.

Mourners paid their final respects with tears and prayers, recalling Sarkar’s wisdom, courtesy, humility, and unwavering commitment to democracy. The ceremony created an emotional atmosphere as he was buried in the same grounds where he had presided over parliamentary sessions for many years.

Barrister Jamir Uddin Sarkar passed away early on 12 July at a private hospital in Dhaka while undergoing treatment. His death has left a profound void in the country’s political and parliamentary spheres.

BNP Standing Committee member Dr. Abdul Moin Khan said that his goal is to build an equitable society in Bangladesh where the gap between rich and poor will narrow and people's suffering will be alleviated. He made the remarks on Saturday at a memorial meeting for the late Khorsheda Banu, organized by Khan Foundation at Amdia Pakuria School ground in Narsingdi. Addressing women attendees, he urged them to become aware of their rights and emphasized that rights must be claimed rather than awaited.

Moin Khan recalled his family’s modest background, noting that his father, former cabinet secretary Abdul Momen Khan, began his career as a lecturer in economics, and his grandfather Abdul Barik Khan was dismissed from service for participating in the anti-British movement. Khan Foundation Executive Director Advocate Rokhsana Khondkar remembered Khorsheda Banu as a compassionate mother and a dedicated social worker. Since 1993, the foundation has worked to empower disadvantaged women and distributed about Tk 14 crore in rural loans this year.

Expressing concern over the current education system, Moin Khan called for keeping educational institutions free from political influence and urged local administrations to focus funds on improving education quality rather than only constructing buildings.

Authorities at Dum Dum Airport in West Bengal have initiated the relocation of the 136-year-old Gauripur Jame Mosque, locally known as Bankra Mosque, as part of plans to expand the airport’s second runway and strengthen security. From Saturday, public entry and regular congregational prayers at the mosque have been suspended. Officials said the mosque’s current location has long obstructed runway expansion and limited safe aircraft operations.

The relocation plan, discussed for years, gained momentum after recent meetings among district administration, airport authorities, and the mosque management committee. Security teams inspected the site, and access through Gate 3 from Birati Mor has been closed, with additional guards deployed. The mosque committee expressed willingness to cooperate for development and safety but requested preservation of the mosque’s religious and historical significance.

Airport authorities have proposed building a larger, modern mosque outside the airport premises. Discussions between both sides continue, with officials stating that all future steps will be coordinated and publicly announced once relocation and construction plans are finalized.