The government of Bangladesh has decided to resume celebrating National Youth Day on November 1 each year, as was done previously. The decision was approved at a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat on Thursday. According to a press release from the Cabinet Division, International Youth Day will continue to be observed separately on August 12.

The proposal, initiated by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, reverses an earlier interim government decision that had combined both observances on August 12. The ministry explained that holding both events during the monsoon season made it difficult to organize youth rallies, gatherings, and fairs, limiting participation and commercial success. Youth entrepreneurs also faced challenges in displaying and selling their products.

Under the new arrangement, National Youth Day will be celebrated with government funding, while International Youth Day will continue to be observed with support from government, non-government, and development partners.

Maulana A.H.M. Abdul Halim, Assistant Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, called on supporters not to betray the sacrifices of the July martyrs and to work sincerely toward realizing their ideals. He made the remarks on Thursday afternoon at a discussion meeting marking July Martyrs Day, organized by the Gazipur Metropolitan branch of Jamaat-e-Islami under the BRT flyover in Tongi’s Cheragali area.

The event was presided over by Professor Muhammad Jamal Uddin, Amir of Gazipur Metropolitan Jamaat, and conducted by youth secretary Neyamat Ullah Shaker. Central executive council member Muhammad Abdur Rab and several local Jamaat leaders also addressed the gathering. Speakers emphasized justice, accountability, and the establishment of a humane state as part of fulfilling the martyrs’ vision.

In his speech, Abdul Halim stressed the need for national consensus on constitutional reform and the formation of a new reform commission with participation from all political forces. The program concluded with special prayers for the martyrs, the injured, and the welfare of the nation.

Bangladesh National Parliament Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni has called on citizens to uphold the spirit of the July uprising, describing it as a symbol of the people's democratic rights. Speaking on Thursday at the inauguration of the traditional Sri Sri Jashomadhab Deva Rath Yatra festival in Dhamrai, Dhaka, he urged everyone not to sell out this spirit but to embody it in their hearts.

Moni stated that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has affirmed there are no minorities in Bangladesh, emphasizing equal rights for all citizens regardless of religion. He said the BNP does not believe in fundamentalism and that all communities, including Hindus and Muslims, will equally benefit from state facilities such as farmer cards. He also alleged that about 30 trillion taka had been laundered from Bangladesh over the past 16 years and accused the Awami League of exploiting communal tensions for political gain.

The event was attended by several lawmakers, local officials, and a large number of devotees and visitors. Organizers said the month-long fair will continue until July 24, concluding with the return of the deity through the reverse Rath Yatra.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that India’s only disliked political organization is Jamaat-e-Islami. He said India shows a red card to the party, but Jamaat does not care because it has no intention of entering Indian territory. He made these remarks on Thursday at a discussion meeting organized by Dhaka Metropolitan South Jamaat at the IDEB auditorium in Kakrail, marking July Martyrs’ Day.

Dr. Rahman said that while everyone acknowledges the achievements of 2024, some people remain stuck in the past. He remarked that without the events of 2024, Tarique Saheb would not have become prime minister, nor he himself the opposition leader. He emphasized that a nation cannot progress if it remains focused on the past.

He further stated that one of the main demands of the July movement was state reform and criticized claims that people do not understand referendum questions. He urged against misuse of majority power and warned that election irregularities would eventually be exposed, adding that if solutions are not found in parliament, they will be sought on the streets.

A rally and gathering were held in Comilla city to mark the martyrdom anniversary of Abu Sayeed, one of the key martyrs of the 2024 mass uprising. The event, organized by the 11-Party Alliance, took place at Comilla Town Hall field on Thursday evening. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami central executive member and Comilla city Ameer Kazi Din Mohammad presided over the meeting, which was followed by a colorful rally through the city’s main streets ending at the central Eidgah ground.

Speakers at the event remembered the sacrifices of Abu Sayeed and other martyrs, urging all patriotic forces to work together for democracy, justice, accountability, and the establishment of people’s rights. They emphasized the need to build a just and humane society to honor the martyrs’ legacy. Representatives from Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen Party (NCP), and Khelafat Majlish, among others, addressed the gathering.

Participants carried banners and chanted slogans in memory of the martyrs, with a large number of political and social activists joining the procession.

Hamas has called on Palestinians to resist Israel’s newly approved settlement expansion plan in the occupied West Bank, according to Al Jazeera. Hamas official Abdul Rahman Shadid urged residents to strengthen their presence in areas targeted for settlement construction to prevent forced displacement by Israeli authorities. He stated that settler violence would not break the morale of Palestinians or drive them from their land.

Shadid emphasized that steadfastness and resistance are the most effective ways to confront Israeli occupation and settlement policies. He also called for greater national unity and public mobilization under the current circumstances. The statement came as tensions continue over Israel’s settlement activities in the occupied territories.

Meanwhile, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that the country’s security cabinet had approved a budget allocation of 1.3 billion shekels (about 434 million dollars) to establish 34 new settlements in the West Bank.

Students of Rajshahi University organized a symbolic chase on Thursday afternoon to mark the anniversary of the July 16, 2024 incident when Bangladesh Chhatra League members fled the campus amid student protests. The event, held in front of Bijoy 24 Hall, was part of the university’s observance of ‘Anti-Terrorism Day’. Participants dressed some students as symbolic Chhatra League members and staged a mock chase through key campus roads before returning to the starting point.

Organizers said they commemorate July 16 as ‘Chhatra League-Free Day’ to honor the memory of those killed and injured during the 2024 July movement and to reaffirm their stance against fear, terrorism, and violent politics on campus. Student leaders described the event as a symbolic reenactment of the day when Chhatra League activists were forced to leave the university.

The program aimed to preserve the memory of the July movement and promote a campus environment free from political violence, according to participants.

Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid stated that the current government is committed to safeguarding the religious freedom and communal harmony of every citizen in Bangladesh. He made the remarks on Thursday in Comilla while addressing the traditional Rath Yatra festival of the Sanatan community as the chief guest.

The minister emphasized that Bangladesh has a long history of communal harmony among Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and Christians. He noted that although some individuals have tried to create division for personal gain, they have never succeeded due to public awareness. Rashid added that all religions teach justice, peace, and human welfare, and that religion should be a means of unity and compassion rather than division.

He praised the large turnout at the event, describing it as a reflection of strong brotherhood and mutual respect. The minister called on all citizens to uphold tolerance and harmony to build a peaceful and prosperous non-communal Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir’s central president Nurul Islam visited the grave of martyr Abu Sayeed in Babonpur village of Pirganj on Thursday, July 16, 2026, marking the second anniversary of his death during the July uprising. The visit took place at the martyr’s family graveyard, where Nurul Islam was joined by Rangpur-6 MP Maulana Nurul Amin, Dr. S.M. Khaliduzzaman, and central student welfare secretary Rezaul Karim Shakil, along with local leaders from the Rangpur region.

After the visit, Nurul Islam met with Abu Sayeed’s family members, offering condolences and pledging continued support. He paid tribute to Sayeed’s sacrifice, describing it as a proud chapter in the nation’s struggle and a source of inspiration for future generations. He also visited the Shaheed Abu Sayeed Foundation.

The Shibir president demanded justice for Abu Sayeed and other victims of the July uprising, calling for the trial of those responsible for attacks on students and civilians. He reiterated the organization’s commitment to building a just and equitable Bangladesh based on the ideals of the July movement.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reported detaining 238 migrants in a one-day operation in Texas’s Rio Grande Valley, describing it as the largest targeted enforcement action in the region. The operation, conducted on June 18 by the Harlingen Field Office with law enforcement support, was reported by Fox News on Wednesday.

The action came as President Donald Trump publicly backed traffic-stop-based immigration enforcement, calling it one of ICE’s most effective crime-fighting tools. This stance followed earlier reports that the Department of Homeland Security was considering suspending many such operations. ICE stated that several detainees had prior convictions for crimes including attempted kidnapping, sexual assault, and drug possession.

Harlingen Field Office Director Juan Agudelo said ICE would continue operations to strengthen public safety and uphold the integrity of the nation’s immigration system. Among those detained were Mexican nationals Manuel Morales-Heronimo, alleged to be a member of the “Paisas” gang, and Jose Alfredo Castillo-Mendoza, both previously convicted of multiple offenses and illegal reentry.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said efforts to undermine Bangladesh’s interfaith harmony have not yet ended. Speaking as chief guest at the inauguration of the Jagannath Dev Rath Yatra festival in Dhaka’s Swamibagh on Thursday, he emphasized that the government aims to build a developed Bangladesh through participation of all communities, not through divisive politics based on religion.

He stated that the government, following the ideals of late President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia, is ensuring equal rights and development for all faiths under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Fakhrul highlighted initiatives such as family and farmer cards and allowances for religious leaders of mosques, temples, monasteries, and churches as steps toward strengthening harmony. He added that Bangladesh belongs to people of all faiths and that no one should gain special privilege in the name of religion.

During his speech, Fakhrul became unwell due to the heat and was later taken home for rest under medical advice, according to BNP’s media cell.

Prime Minister’s Adviser and Spokesperson Mahdi Amin said journalists have played a leading role in every democratic movement in Bangladesh. Speaking as chief guest at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) seasonal fruit festival and discussion on Thursday, July 16, he praised journalists for their courage, professionalism, and responsibility in defending democracy, freedom of expression, and people’s rights. He also honored the memory of martyrs who sacrificed their lives in democratic uprisings and called for national unity, rule of law, and good governance to build a stronger Bangladesh.

Amin emphasized that the government’s guiding philosophy is “Bangladesh First” and that it is working to create a prosperous, self-reliant, and humane state. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring an environment where journalists can work freely and responsibly. Other speakers, including RAJUK Chairman Md. Riazul Islam and DRU leaders, highlighted the cultural and nutritional importance of local fruits and called for permanent land allocation for DRU’s building.

The event concluded with the serving of 22 varieties of local seasonal fruits in a festive atmosphere attended by a large number of journalists.

On July 16, 2026, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami leaders visited the graves of Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdha and Redwan Ahmed Sharif Joy to mark Martyrs’ Day of the July Revolution. Mohammad Selim Uddin, a central executive committee member and Dhaka North city Ameer of Jamaat, led the visit and offered prayers at the graves.

According to the report, Mugdha’s father Mir Mostafizur Rahman, Uttara West Thana Ameer Mazharul Islam, Turag Central Thana Ameer Gazi Monir Hossain, Nayebe Ameer Kamrul Hasan, Ward 53 council candidate Advocate Suruzzaman, and Mugdha’s friend Ashiqur Rahman Nayeem were also present during the prayer session.

The event was part of Jamaat’s observance of the July Revolution Martyrs’ Day, commemorating those described as heroes of that movement.

More than a hundred government primary schools in Sandwip upazila of Chattogram reportedly did not observe July Martyrs’ Day this year. Allegations suggest that negligence, irresponsibility, and information concealment by the upazila education office prevented proper observance of the national day, despite written instructions from the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO). Assistant upazila education officers allegedly took no effective steps to implement the directive, leaving most teachers unaware of the event.

Local residents expressed disappointment, saying children were deprived of learning about the sacrifices of July’s martyrs. The UNO’s signed letter had instructed two assistant education officers, Shariful Islam and Nazim Uddin, to ensure observance across schools, but the directive reportedly never reached them. Only one school, Bauria Government Primary School, held a discussion on its own initiative after seeing the UNO’s Facebook post.

The upazila primary education officer claimed that instructions were shared through messenger groups, though no field evidence supported this. The UNO confirmed that an investigation is underway and warned of strict administrative action against those found negligent.

Leaders of Khelafat Majlis expressed concern at their weekly central executive meeting, stating that the Ministry of Education and related government departments failed to demonstrate responsibility in managing this year’s Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations. They pointed to errors and disorganization in the exam schedule and question paper preparation processes.

The leaders also criticized the education minister’s remarks toward students, saying that responsible officials should prioritize dedication over harsh words. They argued that postponing an exam day due to rain and waterlogging would not have caused major issues and that the government should have acted more cautiously to ease student frustration. They further warned against opportunistic political exploitation of the issue and urged students to focus on their studies.

Additionally, the meeting noted that despite two years passing since the mass uprising, the government has shown little interest in implementing the July National Charter. The leaders demanded the formation of a separate constitutional reform council to pursue comprehensive reform in line with the referendum mandate.