Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmad said the government will always stand by the people in times of crisis, describing it as their ideal, purpose, and commitment. He made the remarks on Saturday afternoon while visiting flood-affected areas in Pekua, Cox’s Bazar.

The minister noted that floods, tidal surges, and natural disasters are regular realities in riverine and coastal regions. He emphasized that the government’s main goal is to build sustainable and strong embankments to better protect coastal areas. Ahmad also said that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has introduced a policy prioritizing Bangladesh and its people before power.

He added that the government will assist those who lost their homes in the recent floods and urged wealthy citizens to support the poor. The visit and remarks came as part of the government’s ongoing disaster response efforts in affected regions.

Sheikh Hasina, who has been in India for nearly two years, has expressed her intention to return to Bangladesh in December with her party members and surrender to court. Her remarks, made in a Reuters interview, have stirred reactions in both Bangladesh and India. Indian officials maintain that New Delhi neither invited Hasina to stay nor is forcing her to leave, saying she is free to decide based on circumstances.

Analysts and former diplomats in Delhi view Hasina’s statement as a strategic test rather than a firm declaration. They believe her return will depend on how Bangladesh’s political situation and international attitudes evolve in the coming months. Observers agree that Hasina’s comments likely carry India’s tacit approval, as her move could ease Delhi’s diplomatic discomfort whether she returns or not.

Former Indian envoy Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty suggested that Hasina’s return is crucial to preserve the Awami League, while discussions between Dhaka and Delhi on her security cannot be ruled out. Among Awami League members in India, reactions remain mixed, with uncertainty over how many will accompany her back.

A BJP leader has reignited controversy over the Taj Mahal by filing a petition claiming the monument was originally a Hindu temple. After a district court dismissed the plea, the petitioner approached the Allahabad High Court, which has issued notices to India’s central government and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) seeking their stance on conducting a survey inside the monument’s basement. The petitioner alleges that remnants of a temple remain hidden in 22 sealed rooms beneath the structure.

Historians cited in the report, including Dr. Ruchika Sharma, reject such claims, emphasizing that all historical and architectural evidence confirms the Taj Mahal was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. They note that similar theories trace back to writer P.N. Oak, whose assertions that the Taj was once a Shiva temple were dismissed by the Supreme Court and contradicted by ASI findings.

Dr. Sharma questioned the court’s renewed interest, arguing that the issue had already been legally settled and that reopening it risks undermining established historical consensus.

Indian social activist Sonam Wangchuk was taken to Safdarjung Hospital in South Delhi on Saturday morning, the 21st day of his hunger strike. Delhi Police escorted him under tight security from the protest site after his health reportedly deteriorated. Supporters attempted to block the police during the transfer, creating brief tension at the scene.

Police stated that the move followed court orders and medical advice due to Wangchuk’s worsening condition. His wife, Geetanjali J Angmo, urged that nothing be administered to him without his consent, emphasizing his wish to continue the fast. Wangchuk began his indefinite hunger strike on June 28 in solidarity with the youth group Cockroach Janata Party, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) question paper leak scandal.

Earlier, a petition had been filed in the Delhi High Court seeking forced feeding of Wangchuk. The court directed authorities to closely monitor his health and intervene if necessary to protect his life.

As the second anniversary of the July mass uprising approaches, Dhaka University shows no visible preparations or commemorative activities. The campus, once the epicenter of the movement that reshaped national politics, remains quiet without banners, exhibitions, or cultural programs. Murals and graffiti from the uprising are fading due to neglect, and no memorial events such as the July Martyrs’ Day or Women Students’ Day have been organized this year.

Teachers, students, and former activists have expressed disappointment over the administration’s inaction. Sociology professor Samina Luthfa Nitra criticized the lack of initiatives, while former vice-chancellor Niaz Ahmed Khan recalled earlier research collaborations and called for renewed academic engagement. Injured students also complained that their tuition fees have not been waived despite official recognition.

Vice-Chancellor A.B.M. Obaidul Islam denied allegations of indifference, stating that preparations are underway to inaugurate a July memorial on August 5 and to establish a “July Memory Corner” at the central library. Plans also include discussions, prayers, and annual observance of Women’s Day on July 14.

The family of Wasim Akram, a student leader killed during the July 2024 quota reform protests in Chattogram, is slowly resuming normal life after a long period of mourning. Wasim, known as the second martyr of the July Revolution, was stabbed to death during clashes under the Muradpur flyover. His family in Pekua, Cox’s Bazar, has received financial and institutional support from the government and political groups, easing their economic hardship. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed recently visited Wasim’s grave and assured a government job for his elder brother.

The family has received around 3 million taka in aid, including a 2 million taka savings certificate from the prime minister. They also receive a monthly allowance of 20,000 taka as a martyr’s family. Local authorities have built a road and a small mosque near their home. However, Wasim’s father says the allowance is insufficient and has applied for a business permit at Cox’s Bazar beach. He also expressed disappointment that the BNP no longer checks on the family.

Wasim’s relatives continue to demand justice for his killing and welcomed the death sentence verdict against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and ex–Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal for crimes committed during the July Revolution.

The United States has decided not to extend the national emergency declared over Hong Kong’s autonomy under China’s national security law. U.S. officials confirmed the decision on Friday, noting that the emergency order, first imposed in 2020, will expire. However, Washington has not yet decided whether to restore Hong Kong’s previous special trade privileges.

China’s Ministry of Commerce welcomed the move, calling it an important step toward implementing recent economic and trade understandings between the two countries. The emergency was originally declared during Donald Trump’s presidency after Beijing enacted the national security law, which Washington said undermined Hong Kong’s autonomy and posed an extraordinary threat to U.S. national security. The order had been renewed annually until now.

A U.S. State Department spokesperson said that while the emergency order will lapse, other provisions of the 2020 executive order remain in effect. The Treasury Department added that sanctions on 39 of 48 individuals will continue under a separate law to avoid duplication. Hong Kong’s government also welcomed the policy shift, expressing hope for renewed normal trade relations.

Two years after the 2024 revolution, Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur still has no memorial for Abu Sayeed, the young man whose death during the quota reform movement became a national symbol. Although his name appears on a few plaques, no monument or museum has been built in his honor. A Tk 1,090 crore development project announced after the revolution included plans for a gate, museum, memorial, and street memory stamps, but none of these have materialized.

Students expressed frustration that despite government approval, construction of the Abu Sayeed monument and related structures has not begun. They urged the authorities to act swiftly so that future generations can remember his sacrifice. Abu Sayeed’s father and brother also demanded the swift implementation of the murder verdict and the promised mosque in his name, lamenting delays and lack of visible progress.

University officials said the process to name the gate after Abu Sayeed is complete and that one of four new dormitories will bear his name. They added that the Liberation War Affairs Minister will inspect the proposed site for the memorial before construction begins.

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose additional tariffs on Canada, blaming the country for smoke from its wildfires spreading into North American cities. On Friday, Trump complained on social media about poor air quality, accusing Canada of failing to properly maintain its forests and vegetation. He described the air entering the United States as dirty, polluted, and unhealthy, calling it dangerous and unacceptable.

Trump said he plans to speak with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney about the issue and indicated that the resulting damages would be added to existing tariffs. According to the report, Canada currently has 896 active wildfires, with about 200 in Ontario, where 81 remain out of control. Since returning to office in January 2025 for his second term, Trump has increased tariff pressure on Canada over various issues, including border security and trade policy, and has even made remarks about making Canada the 51st U.S. state.

The statement marks another escalation in trade tensions between the two neighboring countries amid ongoing environmental challenges.

About 23 percent of Israelis said they would consider leaving the country if Benjamin Netanyahu is re-elected as prime minister, according to a survey conducted by Israel’s Channel 12. The poll found that 68 percent of respondents would not consider leaving, while the rest were uncertain. The survey asked whether respondents or their relatives would think about emigrating if Netanyahu returned to power.

The same survey revealed that 67 percent of respondents opposed recent laws passed by Netanyahu’s coalition. These include legislation granting near-constitutional status to Torah study and another law protecting ultra-Orthodox Israelis who avoid military service from arrest. According to the Times of Israel, 21 percent of respondents supported the laws, while others said they were unaware of them.

The findings highlight growing divisions within Israeli society over Netanyahu’s leadership and his coalition’s legislative agenda, particularly regarding religious and military service issues.

On July 18, 2024, thousands of students from private universities in Dhaka, including BRAC, East West, Northern, and North South, joined the ongoing nationwide protests, marking a major turning point in what became known as the July uprising. The day began with a citywide shutdown and heavy police presence around university campuses. Police entered BRAC University after clashes erupted, firing tear gas and bullets as students resisted with improvised defenses. The confrontation spread across major roads such as Rokeya Sarani, turning the area into a battleground.

The protests followed earlier violence that had left six people dead, including students, and widespread restrictions on public university campuses. As police and ruling party activists blocked gatherings, private university students organized through messaging apps like Discord and Facebook to mobilize. By midday, reports emerged of escalating violence, with at least 31 people killed nationwide, including 26 students. Internet services were cut, and clashes spread to multiple districts.

Later in the day, public university students regrouped at Shahbagh, facing renewed police action. The unrest led to campus closures, hundreds injured, and temporary suspension of state television broadcasts, underscoring the scale of the confrontation.

Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Force has alleged that organized misinformation is being spread against the force following several isolated incidents in places including Bagatipara of Natore and Gafargaon of Mymensingh. In a press release issued on Friday, the force claimed that certain vested groups are distorting members’ statements and running targeted propaganda through social and mainstream media. The statement emphasized that the force remains uncompromising against such misinformation.

According to the release, Ansar members have maintained professionalism and responsibility in their field duties, strengthening public trust through their work in securing key installations, hospitals, and public safety. As a reflection of this trust, the Bangladesh Cricket Board has assigned Ansar the long-term security of its stadiums and facilities. The release also cited a recent podcast in which a BCB director praised the force’s performance.

The statement further noted that under the directive of Chief Adviser Tarique Rahman, 5,000 Ansar members are deployed across 500 upazilas to ensure hospital and doctor security. The force pledged to continue serving the nation while resisting all forms of conspiracy and misinformation.

Andy Burnham formally took charge as the new leader of Britain’s Labour Party on Friday, marking a key step toward becoming the country’s next Prime Minister. According to the report, King Charles III will invite him on Monday to form a government, after which Burnham will officially assume office as the United Kingdom’s 59th Prime Minister.

Speaking at a special Labour Party conference in central London, Burnham acknowledged past shortcomings and expressed regret for his failures. He emphasized that he has always tried his best, learned from people along the way, and matured through those experiences. Burnham declared that he has a clear vision of what he believes in and what he intends to do, stating, “I have a plan.”

In his closing remarks, Burnham pledged to restore hope in the country and expressed confidence in collective effort. Delegates at the conference gave him a standing ovation following his speech.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi alleged that several talk show participants were attempting to defend what he termed as the fascist rule of Sheikh Hasina. Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion marking ‘Jatrabari Resistance Day’ in Dhaka on Friday, Rizvi said those who had gone into hiding after August 5 had now become active again. He questioned why Sheikh Hasina fled if she was so courageous, contrasting her with Khaleda Zia, who he said did not leave the country during political pressure.

Rizvi recalled that during the 1/11 government, Khaleda Zia stayed in Bangladesh despite threats, while Sheikh Hasina went to the United States. He accused Hasina of cruelty and claimed her leadership caused bloodshed. Referring to historical figures, he compared her rule to that of Yahya and Tikka Khan, asserting that fascist politics should not return. He also criticized Jamaat-e-Islami for allegedly aligning with Hasina’s tone after August 5 and urged all to strengthen democratic practices.

Rizvi praised the resistance in Jatrabari and Rayerbagh during the July uprising, calling it a glorious chapter in history.

Member of Parliament Hasnat Abdullah of Cumilla-4 (Debidwar) held a meeting with residents of Barshalghar Union in Debidwar upazila on Friday, July 17, 2026. The discussion, held at the office of local Awami League leader and union president Alhaj Auwal Chairman, focused on local issues such as infrastructure, communication, and public services. Awami League leaders including the union president, general secretary, and other party activists attended the meeting.

Local BNP leaders expressed anger over the presence of Awami League figures at the event. According to multiple local sources, the incident sparked political debate in the area. Debidwar BNP convener Jasim Uddin Sarkar criticized Hasnat Abdullah, alleging inconsistency between his words and actions and questioning his decision to meet with Awami League leaders. Attempts to contact both Hasnat Abdullah and Auwal Chairman for comment were unsuccessful.

The meeting and subsequent reactions have stirred political discussion in Debidwar, highlighting tensions between local Awami League and BNP factions.