Student protests across multiple Indian states have intensified following the leak of question papers from the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). The central government is reportedly struggling to manage the growing unrest. On Thursday, July 23, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the protesting students through a message on social media platform X.

According to NDTV, Modi announced that the government has decided to establish a fast-track court to ensure swift and strict punishment for those involved in the leak. He stated that nothing is more important than the welfare and future of the youth, and directed authorities to take necessary steps to bring the culprits to justice. Modi emphasized that anyone attempting to harm the future of young people would face severe consequences.

Despite the government’s announcement, protesters have continued their demonstrations, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Reports indicate that the protests have spread across several states, increasing pressure on the government to restore order.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has decorated newly appointed Navy Chief Khondker Misbah Ul Azim with the rank badge of Vice Admiral. The ceremony took place on Thursday morning at the Armed Forces Division in Dhaka Cantonment, where outgoing Navy Chief Admiral M. Nazmul Hasan was also present. The event was confirmed by the Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Zahidul Islam Rony.

After receiving the rank badge, Vice Admiral Khondker Misbah Ul Azim expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister on behalf of the Bangladesh Navy. The ceremony was attended by senior military and government officials, including the Prime Minister’s Defense Adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. A.K.M. Shamsul Islam, Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan, and other top defense personnel.

Khondker Misbah Ul Azim joined the Bangladesh Navy in 1987 and was commissioned in 1989. Over nearly four decades, he has held key command and staff positions, served in UN peacekeeping missions, and most recently acted as Bangladesh’s ambassador to Oman. He has received multiple national honors for his distinguished service.

India is witnessing widespread unrest following police action against student protests demanding the education minister’s resignation over an exam paper leak. While people from various walks of life have expressed solidarity with the students, Bollywood has remained largely silent except for a few exceptions.

In a podcast hosted by journalist Mehedi Hasan, Indian journalist Srinivasan Jain discussed why Bollywood celebrities avoid criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi or the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. Jain argued that their compliance stems from fear for their careers and families rather than belief in Hindu nationalism. He cited examples such as the arrest of Shah Rukh Khan’s son in a drug case, which he viewed as government pressure. Jain added that similar intimidation affects cricketers, athletes, and industrialists, with investigative agencies allegedly used against dissenters.

According to Jain, even immense popularity cannot shield stars from retaliation. He recalled that actor Aamir Khan faced online attacks and lost commercial deals after expressing concern over violence against Muslims during Modi’s first term.

Major (Retd.) Mozzafar Hossain, one of the accused in the assassination of former President Ziaur Rahman, was presented before the International Crimes Tribunal on Thursday morning in connection with alleged crimes against humanity. The hearing is being conducted by Tribunal-2, chaired by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, with judges Md. Manjurul Basid and Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir as members. The tribunal had earlier ordered his appearance following a prosecution request on July 21.

According to the prosecution, investigators discovered Mozzafar’s identity while probing another suspect, Masud Uddin Chowdhury, after finding suspicious communications with a person using the alias “Jandu.” The investigation revealed Mozzafar’s alleged involvement in crimes against humanity, leading to the tribunal’s approval of his production order. He was arrested by Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police on July 15 from Banani DOHS and later handed over to military custody.

Mozzafar, a former officer of the disbanded Jatiya Rakkhi Bahini later integrated into the army, had fled to India after the 1981 assassination of Ziaur Rahman and reportedly lived there under assumed names until returning to Bangladesh in 1996.

Fresh clashes broke out in India’s capital, Delhi, during ongoing demonstrations by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). While the main protest site at Jantar Mantar remained calm, violence erupted near Parliament Marg where protesters clashed with law enforcement. Police used tear gas to control the situation, and some protesters reportedly threw stones in retaliation. According to Delhi Police, five officers were injured, and one was allegedly assaulted by demonstrators.

The situation became most tense near the Park Hotel on Parliament Marg, prompting deployment of additional police and paramilitary forces. CJP volunteers urged protesters to remain peaceful, warning that violence could undermine the movement’s goals. They also removed stones from nearby roads to prevent their use in further clashes.

Authorities temporarily suspended mobile internet services within a 1.5-kilometer radius around Jantar Mantar from Wednesday evening to Thursday morning to prevent escalation. Security was tightened with barricades and riot-control vehicles positioned near Parliament Street police station.

Sarowar Tushar, joint member secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP), claimed that Sheikh Hasina has fled Bangladesh and is now in Delhi. Speaking at a rally in Bagerhat’s Swadhinata Udyan on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, he alleged that Hasina and her associates are awaiting death in exile. He further declared that Sheikh Hasina’s funeral would not take place in Bangladesh, asserting that she would die abroad.

Tushar made these remarks during a march and gathering organized to implement the July Charter. He criticized what he called the fascist rule of the Awami League government and accused the BNP of betraying the people’s demand for reform and referendum. According to him, the BNP has undermined public aspirations by calling the referendum unconstitutional.

The event was chaired by district NCP convener Syed Morshed Anwar Sohel and attended by several party leaders, including MPs Hasnat Abdullah and Dr. Mahmuda Mitu, along with other central and regional organizers.

Former Chapainawabganj-3 MP and District Council Administrator Harunur Rashid said that any member of parliament proven to be involved in adultery or fornication should face the death penalty. He made the statement on Wednesday afternoon while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the 'Hospital Automation System' at the 250-bed district hospital in Chapainawabganj.

Rashid referred to a recent viral video allegedly showing misconduct by an MP from Satkhira and criticized those who use religion for political purposes, calling them hypocritical. He argued that such behavior spreads immorality in society and urged the government to enforce existing laws prescribing capital punishment for adultery if proven.

During the event, Rashid also highlighted the district council’s initiative to digitalize hospital services within a week. The system will store patients’ medical histories, integrate the hospital pharmacy, and automate test reports for doctors and patients, aiming to improve service efficiency and transparency.

The Sylhet district administration has taken an initiative to ensure the security of expatriates’ homes by deploying members of the Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP). District Commissioner and Magistrate Abdullah Al Mamun said that discussions with senior Ansar and VDP officials are underway, and a final decision will be made soon. He made the remarks during a visit to Osmaninagar upazila, emphasizing that the government prioritizes expatriates and has already implemented several measures to address their problems.

The district commissioner explained that the plan aims to reduce harassment and security concerns faced by expatriates. Osmaninagar Ansar and VDP officer Shamsun Nahar confirmed that the matter has been reported to higher authorities and further steps will follow their decision. During the visit, Abdullah Al Mamun also reviewed progress on the Sylhet-Dhaka highway development project, noting that most land acquisition has been completed, with ongoing work in specific areas of Osmaninagar upazila.

He further stressed improving public service quality and making administrative activities more dynamic through coordination with local officials.

Nasiruddin Patwari, chief coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP), criticized the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its leader Tarique Rahman during a rally in Kurigram on Wednesday. Speaking at the NCP’s “July Awakening” march, he said the BNP had promised reforms before the election but ignored the public afterward. Patwari alleged that after winning 200 seats, Tarique Rahman had become overconfident, warning that without implementing reforms, his political influence would collapse.

The march, held as part of the NCP’s campaign for implementing the referendum verdict, creating employment, and protecting borders, began at the July Memorial in Kurigram College intersection and ended at the central Shaheed Minar. Other NCP leaders, including Akhtar Hossain MP, Sarjis Alam, and Dr. Atik Mujahid MP, also spoke at the event.

Speakers highlighted issues such as drug trafficking in border areas, regional discrimination against northern districts, and the marginalization of opposition lawmakers in development allocations.

Sylhet City Corporation (SCC) Administrator Abdul Qayyum Chowdhury visited the Kadamtali Central Bus Terminal area in South Surma, Sylhet, on Wednesday morning. During the visit, he called on the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) to take immediate steps to repair the main terminal road and its damaged sections. Transport owners and workers informed him about long-standing suffering caused by large potholes and broken road surfaces that disrupt traffic and worsen during rain due to waterlogging.

The SCC administrator stated that the corporation is already working to reduce public suffering through road repair and expansion projects, while prioritizing drainage improvements to prevent waterlogging. He noted that although the road from the terminal to Humayun Rashid Chattar and onward to Mendibag-Kumarpara-Airport falls under RHD jurisdiction, SCC has repeatedly requested its transfer without response. Despite this, SCC will soon fill major potholes and begin necessary repairs considering public hardship.

The visit followed a report and photographs published the previous day highlighting the poor condition of the Kadamtali terminal road, prompting the SCC administrator’s inspection and repair announcement.

Following the decision to expel Gazi Nazrul Islam, the Member of Parliament for Satkhira-4 (Shyamnagar), from Jamaat-e-Islami over a video scandal, residents of Shyamnagar expressed mixed reactions. After the news spread, locals were seen distributing sweets in different parts of the upazila town.

Many grassroots Jamaat supporters demanded not only the expulsion but also a proper investigation and exemplary punishment if the allegations were proven. Local sources reported a tense atmosphere at the Shyamnagar Jamaat office after the central announcement, though no one publicly opposed the decision. Former Shyamnagar BNP convener Solaiman Kabir welcomed the move, calling for further organizational action. District Jamaat secretary Maulana Azizur Rahman said the party acted on moral grounds and believed the decision would help restore its image.

Local residents viewed the expulsion positively but emphasized the need for a full investigation and legal process to ensure accountability.

Mujibur Rahman Manju, chairman of the Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party), said that people across the country took to the streets on August 5 in protest against brutality, describing it as a powerful resistance that forced fascist forces to flee. He made the remarks on Wednesday at the party’s Bijoynagar office during a discussion marking the second anniversary of the July uprising titled ‘Resistance of Alems, Scholars and Madrasa Students: Victory of the Blood-Soaked July Uprising’.

Manju stated that while the 2013 Hefazat gathering did not receive broad public support, the July uprising saw participation from university, college, private university, and madrasa students, as well as cultural activists and citizens from all walks of life. He praised the Alems for their historical role in national movements and criticized those who sided with fascism. Other speakers, including Ahmad Ali Qasemi of Khelafat Majlis, said the fall of Sheikh Hasina resulted from long-standing public anger and called for structural reforms to prevent future fascism.

Participants from various Islamic and youth organizations linked the July uprising’s roots to earlier protests and vowed to continue movements for implementing the July Charter.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) Bagerhat district branch organized the 'July March and Street Rally 2026' on Tuesday afternoon at Bagerhat Swadhinata Udyan to mark the anniversary of the July Uprising. The event was attended by a large number of party leaders, activists, and supporters. Member of Parliament Hasnat Abdullah was present as the chief guest, while MP Dr. Mahmud Mitu attended as a special guest.

Other notable attendees included NCP joint member secretary Saroar Tushar, joint convener Ali Ahsan Junaid, Khulna regional organizational secretary Faridul Haque, and several local and central leaders from affiliated organizations. During his speech, Hasnat Abdullah called for unity in working for the country's interests and introduced Syed Morshed Anwar Sohel as the party’s mayoral candidate for Bagerhat Municipality.

Speakers at the rally urged participants to uphold the spirit of the July Uprising by promoting democracy, accountability, and citizens’ rights. They also discussed the party’s initiatives for national development, good governance, and fostering young leadership.

Prime Minister’s Adviser and spokesperson Mahdi Amin said the government aims to build a skilled and competent workforce by harnessing the aspirations of youth. Speaking at the World Youth Skills Day 2026 event organized by UCEP Bangladesh in Mirpur, Dhaka, he emphasized that empowering youth means strengthening the current government. He highlighted the Prime Minister’s vision for an education system that integrates industry and academia to enhance employability and moral development among young people.

Amin noted that employment opportunities should be created across four areas: private and public sectors, overseas employment, and entrepreneurship. He said the government is working to align technical and vocational education under a unified framework involving multiple ministries. The goal is to ensure that training certifications, including those from the NSDA, gain international recognition and consistency across institutions.

He praised UCEP’s success in securing employment for over 80 percent of its students and said the model should be replicated nationwide. Amin stressed the need for equal access to quality education and training for students in both urban and remote areas to reduce inequality and foster inclusive national development.

Indian educator and environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk announced on Wednesday that he will not end his hunger strike demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. His statement came after Health Minister J.P. Nadda assured him that the government would consider assistance for affected students’ families and review the resignation issue. Despite expressing gratitude, Wangchuk said he would continue fasting until the government acts in line with the demands of students and youth.

Following his message, the Cockroach Janata Party declared that its protest movement would continue until their demands are met. The party’s founder, Abhijit Deep, urged Wangchuk to end his fast, saying the movement would carry on inspired by his efforts. Hundreds of demonstrators remained at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar despite heat, humidity, and intermittent rain, with food and supplies arriving from across India through volunteers and delivery apps.

Authorities have deployed 20 companies of central security forces from West Bengal to Delhi and closed several metro stations. The protests stem from allegations of a leaked NEET medical entrance exam paper and the reported suicides of at least 20 students.