Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly criticized Rabbi Dov Lando, leader of the ultra-Orthodox party Degel HaTorah, for his recent comments about the Israeli military. Lando had claimed that members of religious communities serving in the army incite to kill. In a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Netanyahu described the rabbi’s remarks as “astonishing.”

Netanyahu emphasized that both secular and Haredi soldiers leave their homes, jobs, and families to defend the State of Israel, its citizens, and the entire nation, risking their lives in the process. He added that these soldiers deserve deep appreciation, gratitude, and full support from all sectors of society, including the Torah world.

Rabbi Lando’s comments came amid ongoing debate in Israel over mandatory military service for Haredi Jews. His statements have sparked renewed discussion and criticism within the country, highlighting the sensitivity of the issue.

BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu said that although political change occurred in Bangladesh through a mass uprising, the spread of drugs has become more severe. Speaking at a discussion organized by Ganatantra Forum at the National Press Club on Monday, he stated that merely talking about the issue is not enough and that effective government action is essential to eradicate drugs.

Dudu described the situation in his own neighborhood as alarming, saying that drug proliferation has made movement difficult and that local authorities, despite promises, have failed to act decisively. He noted that if this small-scale experience reflects the national picture, the country faces a grave crisis. He also mentioned that the current Home Minister is from Cox’s Bazar, a region discussed in parliament as a major entry point for drugs.

He emphasized that those involved in the drug trade are powerful and wealthy, and urged support for Tarique Rahman’s 31-point plan to build a new Bangladesh, arguing that only by strengthening his leadership can meaningful change occur.

Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced that Major (Retd.) Mozzafar Hossain, an accused in the assassination case of former President Ziaur Rahman, will be tried under military law through a general court-martial. The minister made the statement on Monday during a visit to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) headquarters in Pilkhana. He said Mozzafar Hossain had been arrested based on specific intelligence after hiding for a long time in a neighboring country under a false identity and has been handed over to the army for trial.

The Home Minister explained that the trial would proceed under the current military law, as no individual can be tried separately under both civil and military jurisdictions for the same offense. He emphasized that the legal process will be completed through the formation of a general court-martial.

Addressing the Myanmar border situation, the minister noted ongoing conflicts between Myanmar’s government forces and armed groups such as the Arakan Army, as well as activities by groups like RSO and ARSA. He said Bangladesh is maintaining constant surveillance to prevent cross-border firing and drug infiltration, stressing the need for tighter security along the Myanmar frontier.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has called for establishing the July National Charter through national consensus and legal measures. Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion titled “July Memory” and “Youth Startups and the Prospects of Bangladesh” at the International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT) in Uttara on Monday, he said the government, ruling party, and opposition should discuss and finalize necessary additions before legalizing and constitutionalizing the charter through parliament.

Rizvi emphasized that the July Charter is essential to safeguard democracy against anti-democratic forces that could re-emerge with external and financial support. He noted that recent political changes have allowed greater freedom of speech and criticism, marking a shift from previous repression. He also urged political parties to reach a minimum understanding on key national issues to protect democracy, independence, and sovereignty.

Rizvi accused the former Awami League government of dismantling democratic institutions, controlling the media, and undermining judicial independence, asserting that such actions aimed to perpetuate one-party rule.

The Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment has revoked the licenses of 49 recruiting agencies, including those owned by former ministers and members of parliament from the Awami League. The decision was announced on Sunday through a notification issued by the ministry’s monitoring branch. The agencies face allegations of forming a syndicate in Malaysia’s labor market, embezzling billions of taka, and laundering money abroad.

According to the source, a human trafficking case was filed at Paltan Police Station over the alleged embezzlement through the Malaysia recruitment syndicate. Investigators have submitted a charge sheet against the 49 agencies, prompting the ministry to withdraw their licenses under Section 13 of the Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Act, 2013. The notification stated that the order was issued in the public interest and signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Rashida Akter on behalf of the President.

The ministry emphasized that all recruiting agencies must comply with the Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Act, 2013, the amended 2023 law, and other relevant regulations.

The Palestinian resistance group Hamas has announced Khalil al-Hayya as the new head of its political bureau, according to Al Jazeera. He replaces Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza in October 2024. The announcement was made on July 20, 2026.

Following the deaths of senior Hamas leaders Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, Yahya Sinwar in Gaza, and military commander Mohammed Deif last year, al-Hayya’s prominence within the organization increased significantly. His appointment marks a continuation of leadership restructuring within Hamas after a series of high-profile losses.

Born in 1960 in the Gaza Strip, Khalil al-Hayya has been associated with Hamas since its founding in 1987 and has long served as a key figure in its political leadership.

The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) alleged that internet services were suspended in parts of India’s capital, Delhi, on Monday during its ‘Chalo Sansad’ protest. The party claimed the move was intended to prevent information about the demonstration from reaching the public. Thousands of supporters reportedly gathered near Jantar Mantar, but the party said it could not share live updates due to the disruption. Through posts on its X account, CJP accused authorities of cowardice and urged supporters to remain calm while continuing efforts to communicate updates.

Security was tightened across Delhi as protesters attempted to march toward Parliament despite restrictions. Police and Rapid Action Force personnel were deployed in large numbers around Jantar Mantar and Parliament Street, where clashes broke out after demonstrators tried to break barricades. Delhi Police stated earlier that no permission had been granted for the rally and that prohibitory orders remained in effect. However, there was no immediate official response from the police or government regarding the internet shutdown allegations.

Police in India’s capital, Delhi, detained Abhijit Dipke, the head of the youth-led Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), following clashes between protesters and law enforcement during a march toward Parliament. The confrontation occurred on Monday during the party’s pre-announced ‘Parliament Chalo’ rally, which authorities had not permitted. Thousands of CJP supporters had gathered for the event, demanding justice over alleged irregularities in the national medical college entrance exam and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

According to the organization, police used batons to disperse demonstrators and temporarily suspended mobile internet services in parts of central Delhi to control the situation. CJP spokesperson Saurav Das posted on social media platform X, urging lawmakers to support students and confirming that Dipke had been taken by police.

The protest gained renewed momentum after activist Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly hospitalized during a hunger strike on Saturday. The incident coincided with the opening day of Parliament’s monsoon session, drawing hundreds of supporters to the protest site.

Bangladesh’s Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed visited the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) headquarters in Pilkhana on Monday morning, emphasizing the need to strengthen the force’s operational capacity, discipline, and professionalism. During the visit, he instructed BGB members to maintain maximum vigilance along the borders and perform their duties with integrity and patriotism.

The minister received a guard of honor upon arrival and was briefed on BGB’s operational, training, administrative, and development activities. Later, at a meeting held at Shaheed Shakil Ahmed Hall, he addressed officers and personnel, including those connected via video teleconference from across the country. He called for effective measures to prevent illegal infiltration, smuggling, drug and arms trafficking, and human trafficking.

Salahuddin Ahmed also stressed maintaining discipline, chain of command, mutual respect, and professional conduct. He urged members to rely on verified information, use modern technology and intelligence effectively, and uphold neutrality, accountability, and the rule of law while earning the trust of border communities.

The Cabinet Division has dismissed its administrative officer Mohammad Abdullah for remaining absent from duty without permission since August 6, 2025. The decision was announced through a notification issued on Sunday, stating that the dismissal would be effective from the date he first went absent. Abdullah had been serving in the General Services-1 sub-branch of the division before his unauthorized absence.

According to the notification, Abdullah was issued a show-cause notice after his absence, but his response was deemed unsatisfactory. A departmental case was subsequently filed against him under the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2018, on charges of desertion. An inquiry officer was appointed in January of the current year, and the investigation report submitted in February confirmed the allegation of desertion.

Following a second unsatisfactory response to a show-cause notice, the Cabinet Division decided to dismiss him under Rule 4(3)(gh) of the same regulations. The Bangladesh Public Service Commission later endorsed the proposed major penalty, leading to the final dismissal order.

At a monthly law and order committee meeting in Bhangura upazila of Pabna on Monday, reserved seat MP Advocate Arifa Sultana Ruma urged local authorities not to entertain any unjust requests from BNP or Jamaat leaders and activists. She emphasized that officials should act strictly within legal boundaries.

Ruma expressed concern that banned Awami League activities were recently appearing on Facebook, only four months after the formation of the current government. She described this as an unwelcome development and alleged that individuals who had previously committed injustices against BNP activists and the public were now moving freely, suggesting that the administration might be lenient toward them.

She further stated that maintaining law and order cannot be achieved by the administration alone and called for the involvement of BNP, Jamaat leaders, and local residents to improve the situation. The meeting was chaired by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Arifuzzaman and attended by local officials and political representatives.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that despite strengthening military operations against Iran, the United States remains open to diplomacy. Speaking to reporters before departing for the Philippines on Sunday, Rubio emphasized that any diplomatic effort must be realistic and result in an agreement Iran is willing to uphold.

Rubio accused Iran of using the Strait of Hormuz as a bargaining tool, asserting that Tehran seeks to control the vital waterway for leverage. He reaffirmed that the United States will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of global maritime navigation.

The remarks, reported by Al Jazeera, highlight Washington’s dual approach of maintaining military pressure while keeping diplomatic channels open amid ongoing regional tensions.

BNP Executive Committee member and reserved seat MP Advocate Nipun Roy Chowdhury alleged that some Awami League ministers and MPs were involved in drug dealing. She made the remarks on Monday morning at a tree planting and financial aid distribution event at the Jhenaidah District Council premises. Nipun Roy said the government is working to rebuild a Bangladesh damaged by drugs over the past 17 years and vowed that narcotics would be suppressed with a firm hand.

She stated that drugs had spread across all levels of society, pushing the youth toward destruction. To restore the broken social fabric, she called for unity against drugs and urged imams and priests to raise awareness in mosques and temples about the dangers of addiction. Nipun Roy emphasized that law enforcement alone cannot end drug abuse, highlighting the need for social awareness, youth employment, and sports facilities.

The event, chaired by District Council Administrator M.A. Majid, included the distribution of financial aid checks worth about Tk 14.84 million and saplings to local institutions and underprivileged residents.

Andy Burnham formally takes office as the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on Monday, becoming the country’s sixth leader since 2016. He succeeds Keir Starmer, who resigned last month after leading the Labour Party to victory two years ago, ending 14 years of Conservative rule. Burnham will deliver his first address outside 10 Downing Street after receiving the formal invitation to form a government from King Charles III.

In an interview with The Times, Burnham said he aims to end a decade of political instability and govern differently. His office stated that his inaugural speech will focus on rebuilding trust between government and citizens, tackling the cost-of-living crisis, driving economic growth, and decentralizing regional powers. Key cabinet appointments, including the next finance minister, are expected to be announced the same day.

Before taking office, Burnham canceled the previous government’s planned national digital ID program, redirecting its £1.8 billion budget toward cost-of-living relief and other priorities. He also promised swift measures to ease financial pressure on households.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Labour and Employment, Ariful Haque Chowdhury, met with International Labour Organization (ILO) Director-General Gilbert Houngbo on Monday morning at the minister’s office in the Secretariat. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in labour sector modernization, labour law reform, job creation, and ensuring international labour standards, according to an official press release.

During the meeting, Minister Chowdhury reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights and ensuring safe workplaces. He highlighted the enactment of the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Act 2026 as a milestone in aligning with global labour standards and noted that Bangladesh is the first Asian country to ratify all ten fundamental ILO conventions. The minister outlined ongoing initiatives including amendments to the 2015 Labour Rules, formation of a National Social Dialogue Forum, introduction of a digital case management system, and the establishment of a new Directorate of Employment.

ILO Director-General Houngbo praised Bangladesh’s labour reforms and commitment to international standards. He assured continued policy and technical support, including a proposed joint mission in October, to promote workers’ rights and employment generation.