Bangladesh’s Education Minister A N M Dr. Ehsanul Haque Milon has promised full educational and financial support to Ekon, a student from Bagerhat who buried his father in the afternoon and worked a night shift at a Bangladesh Krishi Bank ATM booth before sitting for his HSC exam. The minister’s personal assistant, Farhan Ishtiaq, confirmed that the minister will personally speak to Ekon and has already ordered immediate financial assistance.

The story of Ekon’s struggle drew widespread attention on social media, prompting an outpouring of sympathy and offers of help from home and abroad. Ekon’s father, Israfil Daria, a motorcycle driver and the family’s only earner, died suddenly at age 46, leaving the family in severe hardship. Ekon now lives with his mother and mentally unwell brother in a small rented house.

Ekon expressed gratitude for the minister’s initiative, saying it gave him new courage to continue his studies despite financial constraints. His family also thanked the minister for taking responsibility for Ekon’s education.

The Kakroach Janata Party (CJEP) has called a nationwide protest on Friday to stand with people who suffered police violence across India. The party issued the call via a message on X on Thursday, urging the general public and students to participate in the countrywide programme.

The X message asked organisers to ensure that students read out the core demands clearly from the front of each assembly. It also advised various student organisations and other relevant groups to work together in unity and coordinate to simplify permissions and ancillary arrangements for the programme. The protest call comes amid a tense political atmosphere centered on an exam paper leak issue, and opposition leaders have already met at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's residence to decide on future actions.

Austria has officially opened a police station in Adolf Hitler’s birthplace in Braunau am Inn to prevent neo-Nazi gatherings and unwanted glorification of the Nazi past. The decision follows years of debate over how to handle the site’s dark legacy. The building, where Hitler was born on April 20, 1889, has been renovated at a cost of about 20 million euros and now hosts a special anti-drug police unit.

Authorities said the location near the German border is a key route for drug trafficking, and a permanent police presence will help curb illegal Nazi displays. Austria’s Interior Minister Gerhard Karner described the move as a “new chapter,” symbolizing democracy, rule of law, and security while acknowledging that history will not be erased.

Experts had advised against demolishing the building, arguing it would erase part of Austria’s history, while turning it into a museum could attract extremists. Public opinion surveys also favored using the site for administrative or educational purposes. The initiative comes amid political tension following the far-right Freedom Party’s recent electoral gains.

A feature published on July 23, 2026, in Amar Desh highlights students’ reflections on the 2024 July Uprising, describing it as a defining moment of protest against injustice, inequality, and authoritarianism. The article, written by Eden Mohila College student Umme Zobaida, portrays the uprising as a collective struggle for rights, democracy, and human dignity that reshaped the nation’s conscience.

Students quoted in the piece view the July movement as a lesson in courage, unity, and sacrifice. Afia Sultana Akhi from Eden College’s economics department emphasizes that the spirit of July inspires youth to build a just, corruption-free Bangladesh where equality, accountability, and freedom of expression prevail. The uprising, which began as a quota reform movement, evolved into a nationwide protest against oppressive governance, marked by casualties and widespread participation.

The article concludes that the July Uprising remains a lasting emblem of resistance and hope, motivating future generations to pursue a fair, humane, and democratic Bangladesh.

An eleven-party alliance, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, held a human chain in front of the International Crimes Tribunal on Thursday morning, demanding a fair investigation and speedy trial of the July genocide. The alliance later submitted a memorandum to the tribunal’s chairman and chief prosecutor, calling for immediate action against those accused of genocide and fascism. Alliance coordinator and Jamaat assistant secretary general Hamidur Rahman Azad urged that Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League be brought to justice, warning of mass protests if justice is delayed.

Speakers at the event alleged that the current BNP government has slowed down the judicial process and accused it of election engineering. They criticized the appointment of partisan prosecutors and warned that any attempt to obstruct justice would face public resistance. The memorandum submitted by the alliance outlined seven demands, including completion of investigations at all crime scenes, arrest of accused law enforcement officials, and protection for witnesses and victims.

The alliance also called for urgent measures to ensure justice for enforced disappearances and to strengthen the rule of law, emphasizing that justice for victims is essential to prevent future atrocities.

Bangladesh Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad is returning home Friday after shortening a medical trip to Thailand amid reports that President Mohammed Shahabuddin is resigning. The speaker travelled to Bangkok on July 19 and was originally scheduled to return on July 26. Multiple Parliament Secretariat sources said senior government officials asked him to come back sooner. One official said the arrival time could not initially be confirmed because the ticket had not yet been received. The report later said he was expected to land in Dhaka at 12:10 p.m. Friday on a Thai Airways flight.

Under Article 50(3) of Bangladesh’s Constitution, the president may resign through a signed letter submitted to the speaker. Article 54 provides that if the presidency becomes vacant, or the president is unable to perform the duties, the speaker serves as acting president until a successor is elected. Article 123(1) requires lawmakers to elect a new president within 90 days of the vacancy. The last acting president was then-speaker Jamir Uddin Sircar, who served for 78 days, from June 21 to September 6, 2002, after A. Q. M. Badruddoza Chowdhury resigned.

Between July 14 and 19, 2024, Bangladesh witnessed a wave of student-led protests demanding reform of the government job quota system. The movement began with a memorandum to the president and quickly escalated after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s remarks defending the freedom fighters’ quota. Violent clashes erupted at Dhaka University and other campuses as student groups, including the ruling party’s student wing, were accused of attacking demonstrators.

On July 16, Begum Rokeya University student Abu Sayeed was shot dead by police, becoming the first martyr of what became known as the July Movement. The following days saw universities declaring campuses “politics-free” and the prime minister ordering a judicial inquiry while urging patience for a Supreme Court verdict. By July 18–19, nationwide shutdowns and protests turned deadly, leaving at least 116 people killed over two days.

The government imposed a curfew and deployed the army as an internet blackout severed Bangladesh’s digital links with the world, marking one of the most violent episodes in the country’s recent student activism.

Leaders of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) have again declined an invitation from Indian Union Minister J. P. Nadda to hold discussions at his residence regarding the ongoing protest over the NEET question paper leak. The party stated that any dialogue with the government must take place at a neutral location rather than a minister’s home or office. CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said the protest site at Jantar Mantar represents the people’s court and that ministers should come there if they wish to talk.

The CJP emphasized that it remains open to discussions and is willing to consider a neutral venue near Jantar Mantar if there are security concerns. The refusal marks the second consecutive day the group has rejected the government’s proposal for talks at Nadda’s residence.

The protest continues at Jantar Mantar as the CJP maintains its demand for transparency and accountability in the NEET paper leak issue, while the government seeks to initiate dialogue under controlled conditions.

The 11-party alliance has announced that its Sylhet divisional rally will be held on Saturday at the historic Alia Madrasa field in Sylhet. The event is part of the alliance’s previously declared program demanding implementation of the referendum verdict and trial of those accused in the July killings. Opposition Leader and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman MP will address the rally as chief guest.

The rally will be presided over by Liberal Democratic Party Chairman and former minister Dr. Col. (Retd.) Oli Ahmed Bir Bikram, with top leaders of the 11-party alliance attending as special guests. Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar issued a statement on Thursday calling on all branches of Sylhet Division Jamaat and people from all walks of life to make the rally a success.

The alliance has also reiterated its demand for swift trial of those involved in the July killings and acts of fascism, emphasizing the urgency of justice through proper legal processes.

An eleven-party alliance led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has submitted a memorandum to the Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, Md. Aminul Islam, demanding the speedy trial of all crimes against humanity committed during the July Revolution. The memorandum was handed over on Thursday afternoon, with senior leaders including Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad and AB Party’s General Secretary Barrister Fuad present, alongside families of victims.

The seven-point memorandum stated that investigations into most major sites of the killings that occurred in July–August 2024 remain incomplete. It urged authorities to finish the investigations promptly and bring those responsible to justice. The alliance alleged that many accused members of law enforcement, including police officers, have not been arrested and some remain in official positions. It also claimed that crimes occurred in 61 of the country’s 64 districts, yet investigations outside Dhaka, Rangpur, and Kushtia are still pending.

The memorandum further called for swift investigations into enforced disappearances, killings, and destruction of bodies, noting that delays have raised concerns among victims’ families about justice and accountability.

Ozgur Ozel, the ousted leader of Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), has announced the formation of a new political party after resigning from the CHP. The announcement was made on Tuesday in the presence of more than 80 CHP lawmakers. Ozel told the assembled legislators that the move marked a painful but inevitable farewell and expressed hope for a new beginning with the public. He is expected to soon submit an application to the Interior Ministry to register the new party, which may be named the ‘Yeni Parti’ (New Party).

Ozel was removed from his position as CHP chairman by a court order in May, which reinstated former leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu as interim head. The leadership dispute between Ozel and Kilicdaroglu had intensified internal divisions within the party. Supporters of Ozel claim the court’s decision was politically motivated and part of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s strategy to weaken the opposition, a charge the government denies, insisting on judicial independence.

Ozel’s move comes amid government investigations into several CHP-run municipalities and the imprisonment of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. Analysts expect the new party to reshape Turkey’s opposition landscape.

Police in Mumbai have intensified surveillance and preventive measures to contain protests supported by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). Officers have reportedly visited the homes of students involved in the demonstrations, sending messages and calls to warn them. Allegations have also surfaced that protesters were asked to share their live locations via WhatsApp. Police have been deployed at major metro stations and railway entrances to identify and turn back suspected protesters. Records of previously detained individuals have been circulated among police stations to facilitate quick identification during street checks.

Authorities claim these actions are intended to prevent criminal cases against young people and protect their educational and employment prospects. However, lawyers and rights activists argue that such surveillance and home visits violate privacy and constitutional rights. Meanwhile, protests in Mumbai continue for the third consecutive day in solidarity with the CJP-led student movement in Delhi.

In Delhi, demonstrators at Jantar Mantar are demanding investigations into exam irregularities, education reforms, and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the formation of a fast-track court to ensure swift and strict punishment for those involved in the recent leak of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) question paper. Modi stated on social media platform X that protecting students’ futures is the government’s top priority and that no one responsible for harming young people’s prospects will be spared.

In response, Congress leader and Lok Sabha opposition head Rahul Gandhi criticized the government, alleging that over 150 question paper leaks have occurred in the past decade without any punishment. He reiterated his demands for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, an apology to students, and action against those responsible for attacks on protesting students.

The exchange highlights growing political tension over recurring exam scandals in India, with both government and opposition emphasizing accountability and student welfare.

A young woman named Riya Yadav drew national attention in Mumbai on Wednesday during ongoing protests demanding the resignation of India’s Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Near Shivaji Park in Dadar, she stood in front of a police van carrying detained demonstrators, blocking its path despite heavy rain. A viral video showed her refusing police requests to move, and local media reported that some detainees were released afterward.

Riya told reporters that if police fail to act responsibly, citizens must take responsibility themselves. Although not a student, she expressed full support for the student-led movement, calling police actions in Delhi unacceptable. Her stance earned widespread praise on social media, where many hailed her as a hero. According to her Instagram profile, Riya is an actress, model, and entrepreneur with about 100,000 followers.

The Mumbai protests, held for a third consecutive day, expressed solidarity with the student movement led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) in Delhi. Demonstrators condemned exam irregularities and police crackdowns, gathering across several city areas despite restrictions.

Reports from several Dhaka-based newspapers on Wednesday suggested that Bangladesh’s 22nd President, Mohammad Shahabuddin, may soon resign, possibly citing health reasons. Shahabuddin, who took office in April 2023 for a five-year term, has served about three years and three months. The reports also mentioned that discussions are underway regarding his potential successor, while the Home Minister acknowledged hearing the rumors but said the government has taken no steps on the matter.

Constitutional experts clarified that if the President resigns before completing his term, he must submit a signed letter to the Speaker of the National Parliament. The resignation becomes effective immediately upon delivery, without requiring acceptance. Under Article 54 of the Constitution, the Speaker would act as interim President until a new one is elected. According to Article 123(2), the election for a new President must occur within 90 days of the office becoming vacant.

The developments follow earlier political shifts and public debates over the presidency since the BNP formed the government in February 2026, renewing discussions about leadership change at the highest constitutional level.