US Vice President JD Vance has alleged that Israel is secretly financing efforts to sabotage Washington’s ongoing peace talks aimed at ending the conflict with Iran. Speaking on Joe Rogan’s podcast, Vance claimed that a covert and well-funded campaign is underway to disrupt the negotiations and any potential agreement.

Vance further stated that he has been personally attacked by individuals who received money through a former Trump campaign associate. According to him, this associate had also obtained funds from certain elements within the Israeli government. The vice president said these groups were aggressively targeting him because of his involvement in the peace process.

Israeli officials did not immediately respond to Vance’s allegations, according to the report.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) marked July Martyrs’ Day with a Facebook post on Thursday, recalling the events of July 16, 2024. The post described the day as the birth of a spark of protest in Bangladesh’s history, symbolizing resistance against autocracy, corruption, and injustice. It alleged that police and ruling party activists attacked peaceful student demonstrators demanding quota reform, resulting in the deaths of six young people across three districts.

According to the BNP post, one of the victims, Abu Sayeed, a student of Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur, was shot dead by police, while three students were killed in Chattogram and two more in Dhaka. The post highlighted the sacrifice of student leader Wasim Akram, who was killed in Chattogram and had expressed his commitment to the movement shortly before his death. The BNP described the day as both a moment of protest and a pledge to continue the struggle until justice for the martyrs is achieved.

Security was reportedly tightened in Dhaka and other parts of the country on the occasion of July Martyrs’ Day.

State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Engineer Ishraq Hossain announced that the government will work to preserve the memory of those who were martyred, injured, or disabled during the July uprising. He said that, if possible, a memorial will be built in every district to honor the martyrs of the movement. Ishraq made the remarks on Thursday, July 16, in Chattogram after laying the foundation stone of the 'Shaheed Wasim Akram Memorial' in memory of the first martyr of the July uprising in the city.

The minister said the initiative to build the memorial was taken to preserve the memory of Wasim Akram, the first martyr of Chattogram, on the occasion of Shaheed July Day. He recalled the 2024 uprising, describing it as a movement against a fascist and autocratic regime that had ruled for 17 years through oppression and violence. He stated that the movement emerged to build a discrimination-free Bangladesh and that his ministry will continue working toward that goal.

Ishraq emphasized that all martyrs of the movement will be honored, and contributors will be recognized appropriately. He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to building a democratic Bangladesh.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called for collective efforts from all citizens to build a happy, prosperous, and discrimination-free Bangladesh. He made the remarks on Thursday afternoon during a meeting with representatives of small ethnic groups at the Prime Minister’s Office in Dhaka, according to his Deputy Press Secretary Md. Sujauddoula (Sujon Mahmud). The representatives presented various issues, including land ownership and constitutional recognition, while the Prime Minister listened attentively.

During the meeting, Rahman described small ethnic groups as an integral part of the nation and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to creating a country free from ethnic discrimination. He criticized the previous government for damaging state institutions and the economy, alleging that $16 billion was laundered annually. He said his administration is working to gradually resolve solvable issues and restore the nation’s education and health systems.

The Prime Minister also announced plans to upgrade upazila health complexes to 101 beds and reduce taxes on essential medical equipment in the 2026–27 fiscal year. The meeting was attended by senior ministers, advisers, and representatives from 18 ethnic groups across 17 districts.

Leaders and activists of the banned Chhatra League staged a brief flash procession in Debidwar upazila of Cumilla on Thursday morning. The event took place around 11 a.m. on the Dhaka–Chattogram highway in the Kursap area of Sultanpur Union. Eyewitnesses said the procession lasted about 46 seconds and was led by Debidwar upazila Chhatra League convener Asadur Rahman Roni. Joint conveners Sarowar Rakib and Imran Arifin Imu, along with Cumilla North district Chhatra League vice president Zahir Uddin, were also present.

Debidwar police officer-in-charge Moniruzzaman stated that he learned about the procession while attending a July Martyrs’ Day program at the upazila hall. He added that discussions with senior officials were underway to determine necessary legal measures regarding the incident.

Authorities have not yet disclosed what specific actions will be taken, but the police confirmed that the matter is under review.

U.S. President Donald Trump is considering expanding military operations in Iran, including a plan to seize Kharg Island, a key oil export hub in the Persian Gulf. The island, located about 25 kilometers off Iran’s coast, handles roughly 90 percent of the country’s crude oil exports and is described by U.S. officials as the center of Iran’s oil supply system. Reports indicate that Trump had contemplated capturing the island as early as 1988, long before his presidency.

Kharg Island’s deep-water jetties make it one of the few regional sites capable of accommodating supertankers, underscoring its strategic importance. A declassified 1984 CIA document identified its facilities as the most critical infrastructure in Iran’s oil network. Within the Trump administration, opinions are divided: some officials believe controlling the island could cripple Iran’s Revolutionary Guard’s finances and hasten the end of the conflict, while others warn that such an operation would require a large ground force deployment and have urged caution.

The debate highlights differing strategic priorities within the White House as tensions with Iran continue to escalate.

A meeting of seven Qawmi-oriented Islamic parties, led by Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh, was held on Thursday at Jameya Azizul Ulum Babunagar Madrasa in Fatikchhari, Chattogram. The session was convened by Hefazat’s Amir Allama Shah Muhibullah Babunagari and attended by senior leaders from Hefazat and other Islamic organizations, including Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, Nezame Islam Party, Islami Oikya Jote, Khelafat Andolon, and Islami Andolon.

During the meeting, participating leaders received a message emphasizing the need for unity among the seven parties and agreed to move forward together. The discussion also addressed the severe flooding that has affected families in several districts, including Satkania, Banshkhali, Chakaria, and Habiganj. Many people have lost homes and essential supplies, prompting calls for urgent rehabilitation and humanitarian support.

Allama Babunagari urged Hefazat’s district and upazila branches to distribute relief materials and assist flood victims. The meeting concluded with a collective commitment to stand by affected communities and strengthen cooperation among Islamic groups.

State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraq Hossain visited the grave of slain activist Mohammad Wasim Akram in Mehernama Murapara, Pekua, Cox’s Bazar, on Thursday morning. After paying respects around 9:30 a.m., he spoke to the media, criticizing the lack of justice in the two years since Wasim’s killing and describing it as a weakness of the judicial system. He also accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of using political manipulation to sustain her rule, asserting that the people of Bangladesh would resist such tactics.

Central Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal General Secretary Nasir Uddin and Wasim’s father Shafiul Alam were present during the visit. Nasir Uddin said that justice for the July–August martyrs would only be achieved if the “killer Hasina” was brought back to face trial. Shafiul Alam expressed frustration that there had been no progress in the case and demanded punishment for those who ordered the killing.

Wasim Akram, then a student at Chittagong College, was killed on 16 July 2024 in Muradpur, Chittagong, during a protest when police, Chhatra League, and Jubo League members attacked demonstrators.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir president Nurul Islam has demanded the immediate execution of the verdict in the July massacre case, which he said occurred under the rule of the Awami League government. Speaking on Thursday morning at the Rayerbazar Martyred Intellectuals’ Graveyard in Dhaka, he stated that the organization wants not only a symbolic verdict but its full implementation. The visit was part of a month-long program marking the second anniversary of the July uprising.

Nurul Islam alleged that the massacre began on 16 July 2024 with the killing of Abu Sayeed and that more than 1,400 people were killed, with over 800 bodies identified so far. He criticized the current judicial process, claiming that only ornamental verdicts had been issued against fugitives while no substantial rulings were seen for those arrested. He demanded swift justice for those responsible, including those who allegedly ordered and assisted in the killings.

The event concluded with prayers for the martyrs, attended by Shibir’s secretary general Sibgatullah and other central and branch leaders.

Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiquur Rahman has alleged that efforts are underway to erase the legacy of the 'Chobbish' movement, comparing it to past attempts to undermine national struggles. Speaking on Thursday at the Diploma Engineers Institution auditorium in Dhaka during a discussion and prayer meeting marking July Martyrs’ Day, he swore that he would give his life but would not allow 'Chobbish' to be lost.

Rahman said the nation has repeatedly fought and sacrificed for victory, citing historical milestones such as 1947, 1952, 1971, 1990, and 'Chobbish' as proud chapters. He criticized attempts to diminish the significance of the 'Chobbish' movement, asserting that it gave rise to the current parliament and opposition leadership. He also condemned the formation of a constitutional amendment committee, calling it an effort to obscure the July referendum and the people’s verdict.

Rahman reaffirmed Jamaat-e-Islami’s commitment to justice, equality, and independence in foreign policy, emphasizing that the party seeks honest relations with neighboring India but rejects external dictates. He demanded state recognition for July martyrs and injured fighters through naming roads and installations after them.

Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated that Sheikh Hasina, currently in India as a convicted fugitive, will be arrested and her court verdict executed if she returns to the country. He made the remarks on Thursday while speaking to journalists at the Secretariat. The minister added that any opportunity for appeal would be determined by the court, which would decide on the process and hearing.

Ahmed explained that Bangladesh has already communicated with the Indian government under the existing extradition agreement during the interim government period, seeking Hasina’s return. He said the government continues to press for her extradition to face justice. The minister emphasized that the legal process will guide any further steps, including potential appeals.

He also noted that the government’s efforts to bring her back are based on lawful procedures and existing bilateral agreements, reiterating that the judiciary will determine subsequent legal actions.

Major Mozzafar Hossain (retired), one of the key planners in the assassination of former President Ziaur Rahman, has been arrested after remaining a fugitive for 45 years. Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police detained him late Wednesday night in the Banani DOHS area of the capital. Following legal procedures, he has been handed over to the Bangladesh Army for completion of court-martial proceedings.

According to historical and case records, Ziaur Rahman was killed on May 30, 1981, in Chittagong Circuit House by a group of renegade army officers. Major Mozzafar Hossain and Captain Mosleh Uddin were among those directly involved. Mozzafar reportedly identified the president and fired the fatal shots before informing then GOC Major General Abul Manzoor of the killing. After the incident, several officers were arrested, but Mozzafar and another officer managed to escape.

Investigators said Mozzafar had lived in India between 1997 and 1998, using aliases to move across borders. His capture marks a major development in one of Bangladesh’s most discussed political murder cases, reopening a long-unresolved chapter of national history.

Tanzila Akter Tanu, a participant in the July Revolution, recounted her experience of being shot six times while protesting against injustice and authoritarianism. She described standing unarmed with other female students at Jatrabari’s Kutubkhali on August 4, when police opened fire. Despite severe injuries, she was rescued by an unknown person and later treated in hospital. Her story, shared with journalist Amanur Rahman, highlights the courage and sacrifice of women during the uprising.

Tanu said her main inspiration came from witnessing Abu Sayeed’s defiant stance in Rangpur on July 16, which symbolized resistance and erased her fear. She also recalled the deaths of fellow protesters Mir Mugdho, Farhan Faiyaz, and Yamin as further motivation. The long recovery period left her financially and emotionally strained, but she continues to view the revolution as a triumph over fear.

Reflecting on the movement’s outcomes, Tanu believes the revolution freed people from long-standing fear and repression. She urged the state to ensure rehabilitation and medical care for victims’ families and called on the new generation to build an equitable, corruption-free Bangladesh.

UK’s incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham is reportedly preparing to appoint current Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood as the country’s next finance minister, according to a Financial Times report citing three sources. Burnham is expected to take office next week, with an official announcement on cabinet appointments likely on Monday.

Neither Mahmood’s spokesperson nor Burnham’s team provided immediate comment on the report. A spokesperson for Burnham told the Financial Times that they would not discuss potential ministerial appointments before the formal announcement. Mahmood, while not having extensive experience in economic affairs, is known for her firm stance on immigration issues.

In a recent interview, Burnham said he would thoroughly review the nation’s financial situation after forming the government and would not hesitate to take tough decisions if necessary, including possible tax increases depending on future conditions.

An eleven-party alliance, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, organized a colorful rally in Titas upazila of Cumilla to mark the second death anniversary of Abu Sayeed, the first martyr of the July 2024 mass uprising. The event took place on Thursday morning along the Gauripur-Homna road, drawing participation from leaders and activists of various social and professional organizations. After parading key roads, the rally concluded with a brief gathering on the Karikandi Bridge.

Speakers at the assembly said Abu Sayeed’s sacrifice would inspire unity against inequality. They prayed for the martyrs’ souls and urged all to work together to build a just, democratic, and discrimination-free Bangladesh upholding the spirit of the July movement.

Local leaders from Jamaat-e-Islami, the National Citizens Party, business and youth forums, labor welfare federations, and Islami Chhatra Shibir attended the rally, reflecting broad participation from different sectors of the alliance.