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.

Bollywood actor Salman Khan has voiced support for students protesting in India over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 question paper leak, while expressing deep sorrow that the initially peaceful demonstrations have turned violent. In an emotional Instagram post, he called the leak a very serious issue and conveyed sympathy for affected students and their families.

Khan urged that the movement remain centered on students’ rights and educational reform rather than political motives. His comments came as thousands of students continued protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar under the banner of the CJP (Cockroach Janata Party), demanding an investigation into the leak, examination reforms, and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Education reformer Sonam Wangchuk had begun an indefinite hunger strike in solidarity but was hospitalized due to health deterioration, after which CJP founder Abhijit Deep continued the fast.

Khan expressed hope that the protests would return to a peaceful path and praised students’ unity and awareness as inspiring in their pursuit of a stronger education system.

Mass protests are underway across India demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over allegations related to the NEET-UG question paper leak. Before becoming a minister, Pradhan was a prominent student leader who first gained attention in 1997 for leading protests in Odisha against exam paper leaks when Congress leader Janaki Ballabh Patnaik was the state’s chief minister.

According to a 2021 report by The New Indian Express, Pradhan, then a leader of the RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), led around 1,500 students in Bhubaneswar to protest the leak. During the demonstration, police baton-charged the crowd, leaving Pradhan seriously injured. His activism during that period helped him later establish a strong position within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He became Union Education Minister in 2021 after previously holding portfolios in Petroleum, Natural Gas, and Skill Development.

The 1997 protest has resurfaced in public discussion amid the current NEET-UG controversy. While opposition parties are calling for Pradhan’s resignation, the government has stated it is ready to discuss the issue in Parliament.

The July uprising in Bangladesh marked a rare moment of unity among student organizations from across the political spectrum. According to Akram Hossain CF, a member of the National Citizen Party’s political council, leftist, centrist, and right-wing student groups—including those linked to BNP, Jamaat, and progressive fronts—joined forces in a nationwide movement that led to the fall of the ruling Awami League’s dominance on campuses, particularly at Dhaka University and Dhaka College.

The movement’s organizers coordinated discreetly to avoid government surveillance, with multiple liaison efforts ensuring participation from diverse groups such as the Student Union, Student Front, and Shibir. The campaign began with efforts to remove the ruling party’s student wing from university halls, starting with female dormitories where opposition influence was stronger. The Dhaka University Debating Club also played a key role in mobilizing non-political students.

The uprising’s stated goal extended beyond political change, aiming to end authoritarian governance and restore democratic rights and a secure future for Bangladesh’s youth.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the constitution allows a president to resign for any reason, including health issues, but the government has not made any official statement on the matter. He made the comment on Thursday afternoon after a meeting at the Ministry of Finance, responding to questions about rumors of the president’s possible resignation.

According to Bangabhaban sources, President Md. Shahabuddin Chuppu has decided to step down this month due to serious health problems and intends to travel to Singapore for advanced treatment. He previously underwent bypass surgery and cardiac care there. The president has reportedly informed senior officials and close associates of his personal decision. However, the government has not issued any formal comment on his reported intention.

Sources said the president’s recent medical tests at the Combined Military Hospital revealed concerning results, including cardiac weakness and neurological complications, making it difficult for him to continue his duties.

Indian Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the welfare and bright future of the country's youth remain the Modi government's highest priority and commitment. In a message posted on social media platform X, he said the decision to establish fast-track courts for quick trials and strict action against those involved in exam paper leaks reflects this commitment.

Shah added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s move to act against those destroying the future of young people through question leaks would be a milestone. Earlier, on Thursday, Prime Minister Modi also emphasized that protecting the welfare and future of the youth is his government’s top priority, warning that no one attempting to harm young people’s prospects would be spared.

The statements highlight the government’s focus on addressing exam-related misconduct and ensuring accountability to safeguard the interests of students across India.

Indian actress Ayesha Khan was detained by police on Wednesday while participating in a protest in Mumbai’s Dadar area. The demonstration was part of a wider movement demanding the resignation of the education minister over a question paper leak scandal. Police took Khan into custody from the protest site and released her after questioning at the station.

In a video shared on social media, the actress from the film “Dhuran­dhar” said she was standing peacefully near the protest when she was detained. She claimed she had not shouted slogans or initiated the protest but was present because her brother and friends had already been detained. The video also showed another young man alleging he was held without reason despite having a mathematics exam.

The incident has drawn attention to the ongoing protests across India over the paper leak issue and the police response to demonstrators.

On 23 July 2026, the anti-discrimination student movement demanding reform of the government job quota system gave the government a 48-hour ultimatum to accept four urgent demands. The announcement was made at a press conference at the Dhaka Reporters Unity by coordinator Sarjis Alam. The demands included restoring full internet access, lifting the nationwide curfew, removing law enforcement from campuses and reopening residential halls, and ensuring the safety of movement coordinators. Students declared they would not join further talks until these conditions were met.

That night, police and ruling party activists reportedly raided student dormitories and apartments, arresting many. Over 1,100 people were detained nationwide in the previous 24 hours, with more than 3,000 arrests over the week. The government issued a notification implementing a 93% merit and 7% quota system following a court order. Editors and publishers expressed concern over violence against journalists and urged impartial investigations. Limited broadband service resumed in Dhaka and Chattogram after six days of internet blackout.

The ongoing crackdown and communication restrictions severely disrupted daily life and fueled public discontent, with reports of fear and insecurity spreading among students and families.

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has been accused of acting on behalf of Israel in its conflict with Iran, leading to widespread instability across the Middle East. The report claims that Trump’s decisions during the war have deeply affected regional relations, security, and internal stability. Questions have emerged over whether his wartime choices were politically motivated or influenced by personal and financial interests, as fluctuations in oil prices and stock markets appeared to align with his statements and policy shifts.

The article highlights that Trump retained ownership of major financial assets, including a fund exceeding $500 million, despite recommendations from the Office of Government Ethics to divest or place them in a blind trust. His administration’s trade and war-related decisions reportedly benefited large U.S. corporations, while his investment fund traded thousands of shares linked to those companies. The timing of oil futures sales before key announcements has also raised suspicion.

The conflict has strained Iran’s relations with Gulf Cooperation Council states and disrupted regional diplomacy. U.S. actions in the Strait of Hormuz and its alignment with Israel have further complicated ties among Iran, Oman, and neighboring countries.

The Begum Rokeya University (BRUR) central student union (BRACSU) and hall elections have been halted due to repeated schedule changes, resignations of chief election commissioners, and a growing debate over constitutional amendments. Despite multiple attempts to restart the process since the student union’s inclusion in the university law in October 2024, the election has faced five postponements and three commissioner resignations, leaving students frustrated and uncertain.

Following the resignation of two chief election commissioners, Associate Professor Masud Rana was appointed acting chief and announced a fifth schedule with voting set for February 25, 2026. However, the process was suspended again citing instructions from the Bangladesh Election Commission. Subsequently, a section of students demanded amendments to the BRACSU constitution, arguing that flaws in the current structure could undermine the election’s purpose.

The acting chief election commissioner stated that the commission lacks authority to amend the constitution and that disagreement among students over whether to proceed under the existing or revised constitution has prevented the election schedule from resuming.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for utilizing all existing opportunities to strengthen bilateral relations between Tehran and Islamabad. He made the remarks on Wednesday in Tehran while receiving the credentials of Pakistan’s newly appointed ambassador, Imran Ahmed Siddiqui. Pezeshkian also emphasized the importance of unity among Muslim nations.

Describing Pakistan as a brotherly country and a second home for Iranians, Pezeshkian said Tehran attaches great importance to its relationship with Islamabad. According to the Pakistani embassy in Tehran, the Iranian president praised Pakistan’s efforts to advance dialogue between Iran and the United States, noting Islamabad’s sincere commitment to peace. He expressed hope that bilateral relations would grow stronger in the coming years.

Ambassador Siddiqui conveyed greetings from Pakistan’s leadership to President Pezeshkian and the people of Iran. He highlighted the vast potential for expanding cooperation between the two countries in trade, economy, energy, and other sectors.

The United States House of Representatives has passed a $1.15 trillion defense spending bill, known as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), against the backdrop of ongoing military operations against Iran. The bill includes a key provision aimed at further integrating and coordinating the US and Israeli armed forces. The measure passed narrowly, with 216 votes in favor and 212 against.

The vote followed party lines in the Republican-controlled House, with most Republicans supporting the bill and most Democrats opposing it. However, seven Republican lawmakers voted against the measure, while six Democrats broke ranks to support it. The bill now moves to the Senate for final approval.

The passage of the NDAA reflects continued congressional support for large-scale defense spending and closer US-Israel military cooperation, though the narrow margin highlights partisan divisions over the scale and direction of US defense policy.

President Md. Shahabuddin Chuppu has decided to resign from his post due to health complications and is expected to leave Bangabhaban within the current month. He plans to travel to Singapore for advanced medical treatment, having previously undergone heart surgery there. Bangabhaban officials confirmed that the president has informed senior staff and close associates of his decision. No formal government statement has yet been issued regarding his resignation.

According to sources, President Chuppu’s health has deteriorated significantly, with recent medical tests revealing cardiac weakness and neurological issues. Specialists have advised him to seek immediate advanced care and complete rest. His family has prioritized his treatment, and officials indicated that he recently returned from a medical checkup in the United Kingdom. Political tensions between the president and the government reportedly worsened following his London visit, leading to growing distance and mistrust.

Shahabuddin, elected in April 2023 under the Awami League nomination, has served for three years and three months. Under the constitution, a presidential election must be held within 90 days of the office becoming vacant, with the Speaker acting as interim president until a successor is sworn in.

A major controversy has erupted after Md. Kamal Uddin, a former convener of the Awami-aligned Bangabandhu Sainik League in Chattogram, was seen attending Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s high-profile dinner and meeting at the state guesthouse Jamuna on Monday. Kamal, once known for his strong allegiance to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Sheikh Hasina, appeared at the event as a vice chairman of a little-known party named Gano Dal. His handshake with the prime minister and presence among 184 invited delegates have triggered an intelligence investigation into how he gained access to the highly secured venue.

According to the report, Kamal has a controversial past involving criminal allegations, including a narcotics case filed in 2014 and incidents of misconduct in Chattogram. He was also known for leading pro-government rallies against the 2024 student movement. Intelligence agencies are now probing whether any internal influence or political manipulation facilitated his entry into the event.

BNP leaders have privately expressed concern, calling the incident alarming for national security and inconsistent with the party’s values. They have demanded a full investigation to identify those responsible for the infiltration.

A reflective essay by writer Azadul Haque Azad, published on July 23, 2026, in Amar Desh, examines the moral and political transformation that follows revolutions. The author argues that revolutions are not singular events but long processes built on sacrifice, ideals, and collective struggle. In their early stages, selfless fighters pursue justice and equality, but over time, many of these idealists withdraw as fatigue, neglect, or disillusionment sets in.

The essay describes how this withdrawal creates a vacuum soon filled by opportunistic groups who exploit revolutionary gains without embodying its spirit. These new power holders, according to the author, reshape history’s narrative, turning moral commitment into personal gain. As a result, the state’s ethical foundation erodes, and governance becomes driven by self-interest rather than justice or accountability.

Azad concludes that the true success of any revolution lies not in its outbreak but in its continuity. When moral integrity fades, revolutions devolve into celebrations of privilege, and nations lose their ethical compass, awaiting the eventual return of truth and justice.