A dawn-to-dusk hartal is being observed on Thursday in Fatikchhari North upazila of Chattogram, demanding that the upazila headquarters be established at a logical location. According to the report, locals blocked parts of the Baraeiarhat–Khagrachhari and Gahira–Heyako roads by placing tree trunks and burning tires, while a truck was parked across the road at Chikonchhara. The strike was called by the Fatikchhari North Upazila Implementation Coordination Council.

Residents from Baganbazar, Dantmara, and Narayanhat unions joined the protest. Council coordinator Nurul Amin said they had previously held human chains, road blockades, press conferences, and submitted memorandums to press their demand, but resorted to the hartal after authorities failed to respond. Dantmara Union Parishad member Kamal Uddin stated that people from all walks of life supported the strike.

Fatikchhari’s Bhujpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Bipul Chandra Dey reported that the hartal was peaceful and no untoward incidents had been recorded, with police remaining on alert.

Home Minister Salauddin Ahmed stated that a vested group is attempting to exploit the ongoing student movement demanding the resignation of the education minister. He made the remarks on Thursday while speaking to journalists at the Secretariat, emphasizing that the government has taken the students’ demands seriously and already provided solutions.

According to the minister, the current movement is not limited to students alone, as some groups may be trying to embarrass the government. He highlighted that the education minister has announced measures to address concerns, including allowing students affected by heavy rain and flooding to take their exams later with the Chattogram division. The minister also assured that the issue regarding the physics question paper has been resolved.

Salauddin Ahmed added that even if others are behind the student movement, the government remains at the forefront in addressing the situation.

The Trump administration is considering imposing a $100,000 advance fee or bond on foreign nationals applying for U.S. permanent residency, according to reports on July 16, 2026. The U.S. State Department is reviewing the proposal, which aims to make immigration more difficult for low-income applicants. The policy could initially be tested in several countries, requiring applicants to deposit the amount, refundable upon obtaining U.S. citizenship.

Officials said the bond would serve as financial security to ensure that green card holders can support themselves in the United States. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott told The Wall Street Journal that the review aligns with President Trump’s stance that immigrants must be financially self-reliant. Analysts believe the high bond amount is designed to discourage applicants from lower-income nations.

The proposal follows a series of Trump administration measures to restrict immigration, including visa suspensions for 75 countries and a blocked $100,000 fee plan for H-1B visa sponsors. A previous “Trump Gold Card” program requiring $1 million saw minimal participation, with only one approval out of 338 applications by May 2026.

On 16 July 2024, widespread protests broke out across Bangladesh following the death of Abu Sayeed, a student of Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur, who was shot by police during demonstrations demanding quota reform. The incident, described as an act of defiance, quickly spread across the country, with students from public and private universities, colleges, and schools joining the movement. Violent clashes occurred in Dhaka, Chattogram, and other major cities, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries.

The protests were triggered by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s remarks on 14 July 2024, labeling quota reform activists as descendants of collaborators, which sparked outrage among university students. Demonstrations intensified after police and ruling party supporters attacked protesters at Dhaka University on 15 July. By 16 July, the movement had evolved into a nationwide anti-government uprising.

The government responded by closing educational institutions, imposing curfews, and shutting down internet and social media services. Despite these measures, the protests continued until Hasina reportedly fled the country on 5 August 2024, marking a turning point in Bangladesh’s political unrest.

On July 15, 2016, Turkey witnessed a failed military coup attempt marked by tanks on the streets, air raids, and a bombing of the parliament building. Citizens responded to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s call and thwarted the coup within hours, leaving 253 people dead. The event triggered sweeping political, institutional, and foreign policy changes that continue to shape the country a decade later.

Following the coup, the government declared a state of emergency lasting until 2018 and launched the largest purge in Turkish history. Thousands of soldiers, judges, police officers, academics, and civil servants were detained or dismissed for alleged links to cleric Fethullah Gulen’s network, which authorities blamed for the coup. Critics argued the purge was used to silence dissent. In 2017, a referendum replaced the parliamentary system with a powerful presidential model, consolidating authority under Erdogan. International organizations reported declining judicial independence and press freedom, with Turkey ranking 163rd in the 2026 press freedom index.

The coup attempt also ended the military’s traditional political role, placing the armed forces firmly under civilian control. Turkey’s foreign policy became more security-focused, marked by operations in northern Syria and closer ties with Russia despite tensions with the United States and stalled EU accession talks.

Leaders of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir visited the Rayerbazar Martyred Intellectuals’ Cemetery in Dhaka’s Mohammadpur area to pay tribute to the unidentified and unclaimed martyrs of the July uprising. The visit took place at 8 a.m. on Thursday as part of a month-long program marking the second anniversary of the uprising. The delegation included Shibir’s central president Nurul Islam, secretary general Sibgatullah, and other central leaders.

During the visit, the leaders offered prayers and held a special doa and munajat seeking forgiveness for the souls of the martyrs. The event was organized as part of the organization’s broader commemorative activities throughout July.

The observance reflects Shibir’s continued engagement in memorial events related to the July uprising, emphasizing remembrance and spiritual reflection on the sacrifices made during that period.

A nationwide student-led protest in Bangladesh has culminated in the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after five weeks of unrest. The movement began as a campaign against the 30 percent quota in government jobs reserved for descendants of freedom fighters. Abu Saeed, a 25-year-old student from a farming family, emerged as one of the key coordinators of the movement. His death from police gunfire during a demonstration sparked widespread outrage and mobilized citizens across the country.

The protests, initially focused on reforming the quota system, expanded into a broader demand for systemic change and Hasina’s resignation. Following the killing of more than two hundred demonstrators, including Saeed, the High Court revised the quota policy, reducing the allocation to 7 percent for the grandchildren of 1971 war veterans. However, the decision failed to quell public anger, leading to intensified demonstrations.

Hasina eventually left the country aboard a military aircraft, acknowledging the unstoppable momentum of the student and public uprising. The movement’s success underscored a national desire for democracy and human rights over economic progress under authoritarian rule.

The High Court has ruled that an unproven or ineffective divorce cannot be used as a reason to avoid paying maintenance or enforcing a dower decree for a wife and minor child. The judgment, delivered by Justice Abdur Rahman’s single bench, was made public on July 16, 2026. The court clarified that a child’s right to maintenance is an independent legal entitlement, not dependent on disputes between parents over divorce.

According to case records, a couple married in 2011, and the wife later filed a case seeking dower and maintenance for herself and their minor daughter. The husband claimed he had already divorced his wife but failed to prove it legally in Family Court, which then issued a decree in favor of the wife and child. When the husband filed a new declaratory suit claiming the divorce was effective and sought to halt execution of the decree, lower courts rejected his plea, leading to the High Court appeal.

The court emphasized that unless a competent court stays a decree, it remains enforceable. It reaffirmed that Family Courts hold exclusive jurisdiction over disputes involving marriage, divorce, dower, and maintenance.

Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar has introduced a proposal urging the United States to join the International Criminal Court (ICC). The move marks the first congressional counteraction against the Trump administration’s earlier efforts to undermine the war crimes tribunal through sanctions and diplomatic pressure. Omar’s bill came two days after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed his intention to dismantle the court.

Omar described the ICC as a vital instrument of justice for victims with no other recourse, emphasizing that the US should strengthen, not weaken, international justice. European lawmakers have also voiced support for the ICC, rejecting claims that it threatens US sovereignty. EU spokesperson Anwar El Anoni reaffirmed the bloc’s firm backing for the court and condemned any threats against its officials or collaborators.

The proposal coincides with lawsuits filed by two US human rights groups against the Trump administration, alleging that a 2025 executive order prevents them from cooperating with ICC investigations into alleged Israeli war crimes. Legal experts told The Guardian that the ICC lacks jurisdiction over crimes committed on US soil since the country never ratified the 2002 Rome Statute.

July Martyrs’ Day was observed in Netrokona with various programs organized by the district administration on Thursday. The events included laying floral wreaths at the July Martyrs’ Memorial, holding discussion meetings, offering prayers for the departed souls of the martyrs, and remembrance gatherings at educational institutions. The observance took place across the district to honor those commemorated on this day.

In the morning, District Commissioner Khandaker Mushfiqur Rahman, Superintendent of Police Tarikul Islam, representatives from BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, NCP, and teachers and students from different educational institutions paid tribute at the Moktarpara Bridge area memorial. Later, a discussion meeting was held at the conference room of the District Commissioner’s office, presided over by the District Commissioner himself.

The programs reflected collective respect from local authorities, political representatives, and the community toward the July martyrs, emphasizing remembrance and unity within the district.

Law enforcement agencies across Bangladesh have intensified security measures ahead of July Martyrs’ Day, focusing particularly on the capital Dhaka. Police, RAB, BGB, APBN, Ansar, and intelligence units are implementing coordinated plans to prevent potential sabotage, extremist activity, or unrest. Visible patrols, plainclothes surveillance, checkpoints, bomb disposal units, dog squads, and technology-based monitoring have been deployed around key venues and installations. Cyber patrols have also been reinforced to curb misinformation on social media.

Authorities have instructed all security forces to maintain readiness and coordination at national and local levels. RAB units are conducting sweeping operations at major sites, while SWAT teams and quick response units remain on standby. Intelligence gathering and analysis have been prioritized to detect threats early. The police headquarters confirmed that additional checkpoints, patrols, and surveillance are in place across metropolitan and district areas.

As part of the state observance, remembrance programs, prayers, and other events are being organized in government, educational, and religious institutions. Security agencies have been directed to ensure these programs proceed smoothly and without disruption.

July Martyrs’ Day was observed in Kishoreganj with due respect on July 16, 2026. The district administration organized the commemoration at the July Memorial built on the Gurudayal Government College grounds, where floral tributes were offered. The day’s events included a discussion meeting, special prayers, and various programs in memory of the martyrs.

Senior officials of the district administration, members of law enforcement agencies, government officers, and representatives from political and social organizations, along with people from different walks of life, attended the observance. Speakers paid deep respect to the martyrs’ sacrifices, recalling their contributions, and urged unity to uphold democracy, justice, and development in the country.

As part of the government-declared national observance, Kishoreganj joined other districts across Bangladesh in marking the day through similar commemorative activities.

US President Donald Trump said Iran is making desperate efforts to reach an agreement with the United States. Speaking at a conference in Pennsylvania, he warned that if no deal is reached, the US could continue military operations. Trump asserted that everything regarding Iran is progressing well but added that Iran is not happy with the situation. He claimed that Iranian leaders want to sit for talks to end the conflict.

Trump stated that Iran is eager to reach a settlement quickly and that the US actions are displeasing to Tehran. He emphasized that the US will see whether a deal can be reached or if the matter will end without one. The president also stressed the need to accelerate production in the US defense sector.

The report noted that despite a memorandum of understanding signed under Pakistan’s mediation to halt the conflict, the US and Iran continue to attack each other, indicating ongoing tensions between the two nations.

Bangladesh’s National Parliament has passed the Narcotics Control (Amendment) Bill 2026, introducing the death penalty for illegal drug trading conducted through digital platforms such as social media, mobile apps, e-wallets, or cryptocurrencies. The bill, approved on July 13 but not yet gazetted, removes the requirement to recover physical drugs in cyber-related cases, sparking nationwide debate. It also calls for establishing special tribunals in drug-prone areas and allows confiscation of digital devices or accounts used in such crimes.

Legal experts have expressed concern that the absence of mandatory drug recovery could lead to misuse and wrongful convictions based solely on digital evidence like chat screenshots. Some lawyers warned this could increase police harassment and false accusations. However, senior Supreme Court lawyer Manzil Morshed supported the law’s intent, emphasizing the need for careful enforcement to prevent abuse.

Officials from the Department of Narcotics Control said the law responds to rising online drug trade since the COVID-19 pandemic and aims to strengthen cyber surveillance to curb narcotics distribution.

Bangladesh is officially observing July Martyrs’ Day on July 16 to commemorate those killed during the 2024 quota reform movement that evolved into a nationwide uprising. The day marks the deaths of student leaders Abu Sayeed and Wasim Akram, among others, whose sacrifices became symbols of resistance against what was described as a fascist regime. The government, led by Tarique Rahman, has organized national programs, with flags flown at half-mast and prayers held across mosques and institutions. President Md. Shahabuddin issued a message describing the July uprising as an explosion of public anger against inequality, corruption, and repression.

The 2024 movement began peacefully on July 1 but turned violent after attacks on students by ruling party affiliates on July 15. On July 16, police and activists clashed with protesters in multiple cities, leading to several deaths, including Abu Sayeed in Rangpur and Wasim in Chattogram. The United Nations human rights office later reported evidence of police involvement in Sayeed’s killing. In April 2026, a tribunal sentenced two former police officers to death and others to prison for crimes related to his death.

Despite official recognition, families of several lesser-known victims allege neglect and unequal treatment in memorial efforts and rehabilitation support.