An opinion article published by Amar Desh on August 17, 2026, portrays July as more than a calendar month, calling it a continuing question of national conscience and unfinished responsibility. The writer describes the July movement as a collective awakening that confronted state power and recalls the sacrifices of those injured and killed. Young people such as martyr Abu Sayeed are presented as having raised a fundamental question: whether state power exists over people or for them.

The article argues that power often resists questions and dissent, historically branding those who stand upright as unruly, conspiratorial or anti-state. Referring to reports of tension, violence and division at educational institutions, it asks whether the country has truly learned from July. If universities judge people by identity rather than opinion, the writer says, the problem extends beyond any single institution and raises concern for the nation’s future.

The piece says July’s spirit cannot remain confined to memorial meetings, processions or formal speeches. It calls for practical action, justice and protection of rights, while criticizing delays in implementing promised charters and prolonged expectations of martyr families. It concludes that honoring sacrifices requires placing people above power and truth above partisan interests.

Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said 30 to 40 people in the Gaza Strip should be targeted for assassination every night, according to a report published on August 17, 2026. Speaking at an event for a former hostage released by Hamas, he said some people in Gaza did not deserve to live and should not be regarded as human.

Ben-Gvir said he was not referring only to people considered threats to Israel. He said there were people in Gaza who should not be allowed to live. The minister also said his differences with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on various issues were not secret.

The minister additionally advocated the large-scale displacement of Palestinians from Gaza and called for the entire Gaza Strip to be brought under Israeli control. He said he wanted to see all of Gaza as Israeli and that as many residents as possible should be moved and sent back to their own countries. Referring to those he described as terrorists, Ben-Gvir said they should not be allowed to go anywhere and should be killed one by one.

The Haji Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University unit of Chhatra Dal held a torch procession and protest march against what it described as anti-state conspiracy, anarchy and terrorist activities by the banned Awami League. The march began at Shahid Nur Hossain Hall field at 8:30pm on Sunday, August 16, and ended in front of the university’s administrative building after moving through several campus roads.

University unit president Ehsanul Kabir Arnab, general secretary Md. Masud Rana, senior vice-president Sadjidul Islam, senior joint general secretary Rukunur Zaman Ruku and organising secretary Redwan Hasan Rid, along with other activists, attended the programme. Arnab delivered brief remarks after the procession.

Arnab said the HSTU Chhatra Dal had remained vocal against the Awami League and would continue to do so. He alleged that Chhatra League and some Awami League-affiliated teachers had prevented them from sitting examinations over the past 17 years. He warned against attempts to create an untoward situation, while also saying the organisation believed in coexistence and supported students through student-friendly programmes.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said economic democratization is necessary for political democracy to succeed. Speaking as chief guest at the July Mass Uprising Commemoration Programme 2026 at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology’s central auditorium on Sunday afternoon, he said Bangladesh’s people and national interests must take priority over everything else, and nothing should be done against those interests.

Referring to the background of the July mass uprising, Khosru said a tendency to remain in power by selling out national interests had raised questions about Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty. He also described his time in jail, saying cases including the killing of police and arson at the Bangladesh Television centre were filed against him. He cited lack of family contact, inadequate treatment and harsh conditions for inmates.

The minister said the government aims to secure voting rights, human rights, rule of law and economic participation. He outlined plans to bring blacksmiths, potters, weavers, cottage-industry workers, artists, actors, singers and athletes into the economic mainstream through skills development, modern design, branding, marketing and links to international markets.

Kushtia Sadar lawmaker Mufti Amir Hamza said extortion would not be allowed in his constituency, speaking at a Jamaat-e-Islami rally at Kushtia city’s Six Roads intersection on Sunday after Asr prayers. The protest march and gathering were organised in response to an attack on Hamza, according to the source.

Hamza told residents not to pay anyone demanding money and said those seeking payments should be referred to him. He said he was attacked with intent to kill despite police vehicles being in front of and behind him, and described the alleged attackers as terrorists. He also said Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Chhatra Shibir and Kushtia’s “Tawhidi public” would not allow terrorist activities.

Addressing the administration, Hamza urged officials not to serve any political party and to work for the public, warning local officials that they would be forced to leave if they did not do so. Kushtia-4 lawmaker Afzal Hossain condemned the attack. Earlier, Jamaat activists gathered at the district commissioner’s office and marched through main roads before the rally.

Pope Leo called for an end to violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank amid increased attacks and violence by extremist Jewish settlers. Speaking after Sunday midday prayers in Castel Gandolfo, outside Rome, he renewed his appeal to halt repeated violence against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank.

Human rights groups said settlers surrounded Palestinian homes after water and electricity connections were cut, describing this as a planned effort to seize more Palestinian land and expand Jewish settlements. Pope Leo also urged the international community to take urgent action to advance a two-state solution for a just and lasting peace.

The Vatican has long supported the concept of a future Palestinian state, including Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing coalition government is overseeing extensive settlement construction in the West Bank. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the aim of the construction is to bury the idea of establishing a Palestinian state. The United Nations and most governments consider the settlements illegal under international law, while Israel argues the territory is disputed rather than occupied.

Kushtia-3 lawmaker Mufti Amir Hamza has given a 24-hour ultimatum for the arrest of Ganadhikar Parishad leaders and activists allegedly involved in an attack on him. Speaking at a news conference at Haji Shariatullah Academy auditorium in Kushtia city at noon on Sunday, August 16, 2026, he said his convoy was attacked while returning from scheduled outreach activities and visits with local residents in his constituency.

Hamza alleged that “identified terrorists” of Ganadhikar Parishad carried out a premeditated and sudden attack on his convoy. He said the incident was not accidental and alleged that it was intended to disturb peaceful Kushtia and disrupt his democratic and public welfare activities. He described those behind a planned attack on an elected representative as enemies of society and Kushtia residents.

He called for exemplary legal action against the alleged masterminds based on CCTV footage and eyewitness testimony. Hamza also urged local police and the administration to remain free of political pressure and adopt a zero-tolerance policy against terrorists. He warned that if the attackers were not swiftly brought under the law, peaceful residents of Kushtia would join him in giving a strong response on the streets.

Kakroach Janata Party, or CJP, has demanded the swift arrest of those it says were responsible for the death of Mofik, father of volunteer Sheikh Abdul Hafiz, after an alleged attack linked to a government school inspection in Korisunda, Bankura district, West Bengal. CJP said Hafiz inspected conditions at a school in his village on August 13 and that Mofik died from injuries while under treatment on August 15.

According to the party, armed people identified as local BJP workers entered Hafiz’s home that evening. CJP alleged that Hafiz was pressured to record a video apologising for highlighting poor school conditions and saying he had acted under outside influence. The party said the family was attacked after he refused, leaving Hafiz with serious neck injuries and Mofik with severe head injuries.

CJP alleged that no medico-legal case was initiated after the attack and that an FIR was initially not filed. It called for an impartial investigation into the death, the attack and the alleged failure to take legal action. The party also urged Indus police station to ensure Hafiz and his family’s safety, and said a national working committee delegation led by co-convener Ashutosh Ranka would visit West Bengal.

International Crimes Tribunal prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim said ousted Sheikh Hasina would not be able to seek a waiver of delay to face proceedings in the case in which she was sentenced to death for crimes against humanity. Tamim made the remarks at a press briefing at the tribunal premises on Sunday. He said Hasina and other accused in the case knew about the proceedings and therefore could not make such an application after returning.

Tamim said fugitives convicted in criminal cases often return and claim they were unaware of the proceedings and were tried in their absence. They then seek forgiveness for the lengthy delay and ask to face trial. But he said Hasina and the other accused had made statements while abroad, spoken about returning, and defended the case through the media.

On November 17 last year, the tribunal sentenced fugitive Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death in a crimes-against-humanity case over the July killings. It also ordered their assets confiscated and distributed among martyrs' and victims' families. Former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun received five years in prison. Appeals must be filed within one month of the verdict, with accused required to surrender and appear in person.

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman MP said trials for fascism would take place in Bangladesh and would be conducted in appropriate courts, not in secret. He made the remarks on Sunday afternoon while speaking as chief guest at an exchange meeting with lawyers in Barishal. He said Bangladesh could not be treated lightly after the sacrifices of the July revolutionaries and that fascism could not be given an opportunity.

The meeting was held to mark the laying of the foundation stone for a proposed 10-storey building of the Barishal District Bar Association. After hearing lawyers’ demands and problems, the minister said Tk 20 lakh had been provided for renovation of the Barishal Bar and Tk 5 lakh initially for purchasing books. He also said necessary steps would be taken for construction of the building.

The minister said the government had tried to restore public confidence and trust within six months while working to address existing crises without offering false assurances. On family cards, he said the BNP had introduced the programme after coming to power and that all families in the country would receive cards within the next five years. Information and Broadcasting Minister M Zaher Uddin Swapan and other representatives attended.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said the government will provide women with free education through honours level and bear all related costs. He made the announcement on Sunday afternoon in the Mirzapur Chairman Bari Ghat area of Pakundia upazila, Kishoreganj, during an event for National Fisheries Week 2026 involving the release of fish fry in the Old Brahmaputra River, distribution of fry to local fishers, and exchanges with residents.

Rahman said women’s education had previously been made free through intermediate level when Khaleda Zia was in office. Noting that women make up half of the country’s population, he said national progress would not be possible while leaving women behind. He also said government stipends would be arranged for girls who achieve good results and urged them to study attentively and lead the country in the future.

The prime minister said the government plans to provide about 12 million children from poor rural families with school bags and uniforms alongside new books every year. He said family cards are being distributed gradually to women-headed households, with a goal of reaching every home within five years; the programme is being inaugurated in Kishoreganj.

Discussion over BNP’s next secretary general has intensified after Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was announced as a presidential candidate on August 13, a move expected to leave his party post vacant. The report, published on August 16, says Fakhrul’s election as president is considered nearly certain because BNP holds a parliamentary majority. Several names are being discussed as possible successors.

Under BNP’s constitution, a permanent secretary general is elected through a national council, while a leader may serve temporarily or in an acting capacity beforehand. Standing Committee member Selima Rahman said senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi would become acting secretary general under the party’s rules. However, BNP has not formally announced anyone for either the acting or permanent role.

Rizvi said no formal announcement had been made and that he was waiting for the party’s decision. Party sources said a permanent secretary general could be chosen at the national council or around that time, with chairman Tarique Rahman’s decision expected to be central. Some media reports have also mentioned Salahuddin Ahmed, Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie and Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel, though Rahman said there had been no internal discussion on those names.

Police have arrested two people, including a journalist, over an attack and vandalism targeting the vehicle of BNP-nominated Sirajganj-3 lawmaker Aynul Haque. Sirajganj Additional Superintendent of Police for Raiganj Circle Saiful Islam Khan confirmed the development on the night of August 16. The detainees are Raiganj Press Club general secretary and municipal Jubo Sebok Dal member secretary Md Golam Muktadir, and Alamgir Hossain.

Police said Golam Muktadir was named in the case’s first information report and was detained in an operation by the district detective branch. Alamgir Hossain was arrested at about 4:45 p.m. during an operation at Cafe Fast Food near Dhangara Mohila Degree College in Raiganj upazila headquarters. A case was filed on Saturday night by Shamimul Hasan, naming 15 people and listing another 30 to 40 unidentified accused.

Local BNP leaders said tensions arose at a municipal BNP meeting in Dhangara Bazar over the proposed location of a Technical Training Centre. They said the vehicle was attacked as the lawmaker was leaving after proposing a committee to select the site. BNP blamed local Jamaat and NCP leaders, while district Jamaat secretary Professor Zahidul Islam denied involvement and condemned the incident.

A resident student of Dhaka University’s Fazlul Huq Muslim Hall, Md Ibrahim, has accused provost Professor Dr Ilias Al Mamun of detaining and mentally harassing him after he shared social media posts critical of hall issues. Ibrahim alleged that he was summoned to the provost’s office on Sunday, August 16, held for about one and a half hours, deprived of his mobile phone, threatened, and forced to sign a written statement.

Ibrahim said staff members prevented him from leaving the room, checked his phone, and threatened cancellation of his residential seat and studentship, as well as a cyber case. He also alleged that he was compelled to write that hall union representatives had influenced his Facebook posts. Residential students later protested, demanding the provost’s resignation.

Professor Mamun denied allegations of physical and mental abuse, saying Ibrahim had been called in to explain comments made without knowing the facts. He objected to the student recording their conversation, acknowledged calling Ibrahim’s mother, and said Ibrahim admitted his mistake before being given refreshments and allowed to leave. Dhaka University’s deputy vice-chancellor for administration said the university was aware of the matter and would investigate competing accounts from the student and hall administration.

Bangladesh’s Local Government Division has issued a show-cause notice to Hossain Shahid Sohrawardy Gronet Babu, chairman of Kishoreganj Sadar Union Parishad in Kishoreganj upazila of Nilphamari, asking why he should not be temporarily suspended. The notice followed an investigation that found allegations of illegally occupying government khas land, abusing authority and using Union Parishad public funds for personal interests to be substantiated.

The notice was signed by Ziaur Rahman, deputy secretary of the UP-1 branch of the Local Government Division under the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives. It states that the alleged actions constitute offences under sections 34(4)(b) and 34(4) of the Local Government (Union Parishad) Act, 2009.

Gronet Babu has been directed to submit his reply through the Nilphamari deputy commissioner to the Local Government Division within 10 working days of receiving the notice. A report published by Daily Amar Desh online on 23 May prompted an instruction for the district administration to investigate. The deputy commissioner later formed a five-member committee, whose field investigation report found the allegations true, according to the notice. Kishoreganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Arifur Rahman confirmed the notice.