Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and opposition leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman said the current government has lost the moral right to run the country because it failed to stop corruption. He made the remarks on Friday afternoon as chief guest at the triennial national conference of the Bangladesh Transport Workers Federation at the National Press Club. The federation’s central president, Kabir Ahmad, chaired the conference.

Rahman cited remarks by a senior leader that corruption had increased during the government’s five months in office, questioning why it was not stopped if the prime minister did not want it. He said an open admission of failure removed the government’s moral basis for remaining in power. He also criticized comments by officials about extortion and alleged that transport workers face extortion, assaults and vehicle vandalism.

Addressing the federation’s 12-point demands, Rahman said they were being raised because rights had not been established in society. He described July’s achievement as belonging to 180 million people and called for due respect for martyrs and their families. He said the verdict of 70 percent of people in a referendum must be accepted and urged workers to pledge not to commit or allow wrongdoing.

Advocate Sheikh Wahiduzzaman Dipu, nominated by the Democratic Lawyers Panel, was elected president of the Bagerhat District Bar Association with 241 votes. Advocate Jalal Uddin Mallik, nominated by the General Lawyers Unity Council, won the secretary post with 250 votes. Voting for the annual election was held without interruption from 10am to 4pm on Thursday, July 30, and the Election Commission announced results after midnight.

A total of 38 candidates contested 17 positions, including nine editorial posts and eight executive member posts. Abdul Oli won the senior vice-president post with 233 votes, Sheikh Md. Sahibur Rahman Saheb won junior vice-president with 220 votes, and SM Mahbub Morshed Lalon was elected joint general secretary with 245 votes.

Sheikh Moniruzzaman won the finance and accounts secretary post with 265 votes, while Sazzad Hossain won the sports assistant secretary post with 256 votes. Eight executive members were also elected. Chief Election Commissioner Advocate Samarendra Nath Dutta said the election concluded in a peaceful environment, with candidates and voters behaving responsibly despite close competition.

Shahidul Islam, father of July uprising martyr Farhan Faiyaz, has demanded justice for the killings of 2024 and implementation of the July Charter. Speaking to Amardesh on July 31, he said the sacrifice made by young people for democracy, the removal of fascism and constitutional reform had not been properly recognised. He said his family remains unable to return to normal life after losing its only son.

Islam filed allegations of murder and genocide against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and 54 others with the investigation agency of the International Crimes Tribunal. The complaint also names several ministers, political leaders and law-enforcement officials from the then government. He said the state could face another crisis if the people’s verdict was not implemented. Farhan’s mother, Farhana Diba, and sister, Sayima Islam, also called for swift justice.

Farhanul Islam Bhuiyan, an eleventh-grade student at Dhaka Residential Model College, was shot dead on Dhanmondi’s old Road 27 on July 18, 2024. DSCC renamed the road Shahid Farhan Faiyaz Road, while a playground west of the parliament building was also named after him.

Nahid Islam, opposition chief whip in parliament and convener of the National Citizen Party, said the government would not have repealed the anti-enforced disappearance ordinance if it truly upheld the ideals of missing BNP leader M Ilyas Ali and the wishes of families of disappearance victims. He made the remarks as chief guest at an NCP procession-following rally in Goalabazar, Osmaninagar, Sylhet, late Thursday night, marking the second anniversary of the July mass uprising.

Islam said repealing the ordinance conflicted with public expectations for accountability, truth-finding and justice for affected families. He described Ilyas Ali's disappearance as a dark chapter in Bangladesh's political history. He said Ilyas Ali had spoken against Indian dominance, including through opposition to the Tipaimukh dam, and claimed the NCP and fighters of the 2024 mass uprising uphold his ideals.

Islam also referred to alleged attacks on NCP activists and vehicle convoys in Kurigram, Golapganj and Habiganj. He called for treatment for those injured, a democratic environment and employment creation. At the end of the meeting, leaders urged support for Osmaninagar NCP convener Mosahid Ali as the party candidate in the upcoming upazila parishad election.

A dispute has emerged over the administrative process for selecting the headquarters of Chattogram’s newly formed Fatikchhari North Upazila. The upazila was announced on July 1, and residents from three northern unions and southern Suabil union have since held opposing programmes. Stakeholders allege that hearing recommendations were ignored, the headquarters location was changed, and Harualchhari and Suabil unions were added without public hearings.

The new upazila was long sought with Baganbazar, Dantmara, Narayanhat and Bhujpur unions to ease administrative hardship in the northern area. Public hearings in those four unions ended on December 21, 2022. A Local Government Division letter dated September 28, 2025 proposed Jujkhola mouza for the headquarters, but allegations say a later initiative shifted it to West Bhujpur.

Locals say Baganbazar is about 52 kilometres from the current Fatikchhari headquarters, while West Bhujpur is about 42 kilometres away. Sujan’s Akhtar Kabir Chowdhury stressed consistency among hearing recommendations, field reports and official documents. Professor Manjurul Kibria called for an impartial inquiry into alleged changes. Joint Secretary Anwar Imam said the Local Government Division was reviewing the situation.

Security analyst and writer retired Major General Rokon Uddin argues in an opinion article that Sheikh Hasina is unlikely to return to Bangladesh in the near future. The article says International Crimes Tribunal-1 sentenced her to death for crimes against humanity in November 2025, with a 457-page full verdict published in January 2026. It contends that a return would expose her to both legal punishment and possible public anger.

The writer says that although Bangladesh and India have an extradition treaty, Delhi has not returned Hasina. Because the tribunal is a specialised court formed under domestic law rather than a body with universal jurisdiction, enforcement of its ruling depends on bilateral extradition arrangements and India’s political willingness, the article says. It also raises concerns about weakened police morale, organisational capacity and public confidence following the 2024 political change.

The article says direct involvement by Hasina in the 2009 BDR mutiny has not been conclusively established by a final criminal verdict, while noting continuing questions about her role. It cites India’s strategic calculations, potential political changes and Awami League internal dynamics as complicating factors. The writer urges the government to pursue a diplomatic resolution with international cooperation.

An opinion article by Joe Gill, published by Amar Desh on July 31, 2026, criticizes the legacy of the British Empire and the contemporary roles of the United States, Israel and the United Arab Emirates. The article argues that Britain’s imperial influence remains visible in modern global politics despite the empire’s formal decline, and portrays the three states as products of that legacy.

The writer identifies the 1947 partition of India and the creation of Israel as major late-era disasters imposed during Britain’s imperial decline. It says partition caused one million deaths and displaced 15 million people, while Israel’s establishment was followed by the displacement of 750,000 Palestinians in 1948. The article also characterizes the three countries’ political and social systems as different but linked by colonial-era structures.

The article further criticizes British foreign policy, citing Nathaniel Raymond of Yale University’s Humanitarian Research Lab. It says British officials dismissed or questioned warnings about an anticipated RSF assault on Al-Fashir in Sudan. The writer argues that Britain prioritized diplomatic, economic and security ties with the UAE over preventing civilian atrocities in Sudan.

Bangladesh’s Anti-Discrimination Student Movement held its nationwide “March for Justice” on July 31, 2024, protesting killings, mass arrests, attacks, cases and disappearances linked to the quota reform movement. Teachers and students joined events in Dhaka, Chattogram, Khulna, Barishal, Rajshahi, Sylhet and other locations. The report said police used baton charges, sound grenades and tear-gas shells, leaving more than 100 people, including journalists, injured and detaining more than 100 protesters.

Coordinator Abdul Kader announced the programme through Telegram on the night of July 30. Its nine demands included the release of central coordinators and arrested students, alongside demands concerning student killings. Demonstrators gathered near the High Court’s Mazar Gate in Dhaka before later holding a rally at the Central Shaheed Minar. At least 20 people were injured in Sylhet, while Barishal reported at least 20 injuries including four journalists. Police detained 15 people in Rajshahi.

The movement announced a new August 1 programme, “Remembering Our Heroes,” featuring recollections by families and classmates of those killed or injured, as well as artwork, graffiti and digital portraits. Social media platforms resumed on July 31 after 14 days, prompting online protests featuring red cloth. The UN human rights commission voiced concern, while the EU suspended talks on a new partnership agreement.

Sheikh Badrul Haque has been accused of instigating and leading an attack and vandalism against vehicles carrying central leaders of the National Citizen Party, or NCP, in Golapganj, Sylhet. The incident occurred on Thursday as NCP leaders were leaving a discussion meeting with family members of July uprising martyrs at the Golapganj municipal auditorium.

The report describes Haque as formerly linked to Awami League politics and currently known as close to Sylhet district BNP general secretary and Sylhet-6 lawmaker Emran Ahmed Chowdhury. He is also described as close to Golapganj municipal BNP president Moshikur Rahman Mahi. A video recorded during the incident circulated on social media, with claims that Mahi was seen beside Haque.

Golapganj municipal Jubo Dal joint convener Badal Ahmed was also accused of taking an aggressive role during the attack. Locals said they identified several others through video and still images. Law enforcement agencies had not formally announced any arrests or commented on the veracity of the allegations. Haque, Mahi and the other accused had not provided an immediate response.

The National Citizen Party, or NCP, held a torchlight march in Dhaka on Thursday night to protest attacks it said targeted party activities in Habiganj, Sylhet and other places. The march was also held after an attack on Alif Chowdhury, a leader of Jatiya Chhatra Shakti, reportedly injured his eye. The procession began at Banglamotor and ended at the Shahbagh intersection.

Central NCP leaders led the march alongside leaders from the party's Dhaka north and south metropolitan units and various affiliated organizations. A large number of activists from the Dhaka north and south units took part. Marchers chanted a slogan demanding that Alif Chowdhury's eye be restored.

NCP leaders blamed BNP leaders and activists, as well as those from its affiliated organizations, for the attacks. The report said the protest addressed the alleged assaults on party programmes in Sylhet and other locations in addition to the incident involving Chowdhury in Habiganj. No further details about the alleged attacks or any response from those accused were included in the source.

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam said Bangladesh, won through the blood of its people, would not allow any new autocrat or oppressor to remain in power. He made the remarks on Thursday as chief guest at the party’s “July March” programme in Kanaighat, Sylhet. He called for an end to violence, the establishment of democracy, protection of freedom of expression, employment, food security, state reform and justice.

Referring to an attack on a college student and “July fighter” in Habiganj, Islam questioned Tarique Rahman over the message conveyed by the incident. He said the teenager’s eye could not be restored and that they would not leave the streets until justice was delivered. Islam said he respected late president Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia, but would not accept terrorism, land grabbing or extortion carried out using their images.

On local government elections, Islam warned that attempts could be made to rig votes using armed groups and enforcers. He urged people to prepare to exercise their voting rights freely and support qualified candidates. He called for united work to elect NCP and Shaplakali-symbol candidates, and endorsed Golam Borhan Uddin Yusuf in Kanaighat.

Azan Ahmed Shawon, member secretary of Jatiya Chhatra Shakti in Fulbari upazila of Kurigram, was allegedly attacked by activists of Chhatra Dal on Wednesday evening at the Zero Point area of Fulbari town. Shawon, whose organization is the student wing of the National Citizen Party, was seriously injured and taken by colleagues to Fulbari উপজেলা Health Complex before being sent to Rangpur for advanced treatment.

Local sources said Fulbari upazila Chhatra Dal had arranged a show of strength that day over the formation of a full Kurigram district Chhatra League committee. Fulbari upazila NCP also called a protest march over an attack on central NCP leaders and activists in Habiganj. The alleged assault occurred as NCP members were returning after their march. In a Facebook post, Shawon named local Chhatra Dal leaders Hamidul, Adam Ali and Bijoy Chandra.

NCP convener Nazmul Ferdous Lavlu said Shawon's nasal bone was fractured and that a complaint was expected to be filed on Thursday. Chhatra Dal member secretary Bishnu Chandra Sen said he was not at the scene and later learned there had been pushing and shoving. Fulbari police station officer-in-charge Mahmud Hasan Naim said no complaint had yet been submitted by NCP and legal action would follow if one was received.

Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijit Dipke criticised the Modi government over alleged police harassment during student protests linked to claims of a NEET examination paper leak. Speaking to journalists at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar airport in Maharashtra after a month-long protest in Delhi, Dipke said a broader mass movement would emerge if repression of protesters continued. He said India’s youth could ultimately change the government.

Dipke alleged that police used pellet guns to disperse the July 20 Sansad Abhiyan programme at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, injuring several students. He condemned such action against unarmed students and called for an impartial investigation and legal action against those responsible for ordering force. He also alleged police raids on the homes of student leaders and activists, threats of arrest, and harassment of family members.

The report says Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned amid the movement, though Dipke said student anger had not subsided. The Supreme Court instructed the Centre that pellet guns must not be used except in special circumstances. Opposition parties alleged excessive force, while the Centre denied it and the BJP described police action as maintaining law and order. CJP said it would pursue wider peaceful protests unless FIRs against students were withdrawn.

A report by Amar Desh said SM Rezaul Karim was confronted at a restaurant in the Anan Centre in the Elpot Land area of west London on Wednesday, July 30, 2026. The report said 10 to 12 people, led by former Chhatra Dal vice-president Shafiqul Islam Riblu, approached him there. It also stated that Karim had gone to London via India after leaving Bangladesh.

According to the report, video from the restaurant showed Karim facing questions over allegations involving enforced disappearances, killings, the missing cases of Ilyas Ali and Chowdhury Alam, deaths of students and members of the public, and corruption. The report said he remained seated and did not respond to the questions.

Chhatra Dal leaders said they went to the restaurant after receiving information about his presence and questioned him over the allegations. They said Karim later left with assistance from several people. The report also said former minister Hasan Mahmud had previously left the same location after being approached there.

Hefazat-e-Islam’s Noakhali branch has called for Hizb ut-Tawhid to be banned in Bangladesh. Its leaders made the demand on July 30 while inspecting preparations for a planned grand rally in Noakhali on August 1. They said the group’s activities, which they described as contrary to the Quran and Sunnah, should be permanently eliminated.

The programme is being organised jointly by Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh, Jamiatul Madarisil Qawmiyah and the Committee for Preventing Anti-Islamic Activities. Noakhali branch leaders described Hizb ut-Tawhid as holding a kufri ideology and alleged that it was conspiring to damage Muslims’ faith and beliefs. They also alleged that the organisation was targeting Noakhali and urged the head of government and relevant authorities to annul it through legislation.

The August 1 rally is scheduled for the district school field and is expected to include leading Islamic scholars and leaders of various Islamic organisations. Hefazat leaders said outreach, leaflet distribution and publicity campaigns were underway in Noakhali and neighbouring districts. They said they expected a large gathering of worshippers and members of the public, while calling on the administration to maintain normal law and order.