The government has withdrawn special police escort facilities for 18 ministers, citing efforts to cut state spending, save fuel and address shortages of police personnel and vehicles. The measure was implemented gradually from last week after a government order, according to a report published on July 26, 2026. Special escorts remain in place for six senior ministers and one adviser to the prime minister because of the importance of their responsibilities.

Sources said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also decided to reduce the size of his own security convoy as part of the cost-cutting initiative. Mohammad Nazmul Huda, assistant personal secretary to the environment, forest and climate change minister, said the minister is now protected by only one gunman. Ministers whose escorts were removed will still receive personal gunmen, guards at official residences and necessary police protection during official trips outside the capital under existing rules.

A ministerial escort team normally includes a sub-inspector, four constables and a police pickup vehicle. Dhaka Metropolitan Police says 1,691 officers are assigned to protect 49 ministers, state ministers and important persons in the capital, against a requirement of 2,575. Several VIP security unit vehicles were damaged or destroyed during the July mass uprising, adding to operational pressure.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and opposition leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman called for implementation of the referendum verdict and acceptance of the July Charter at an 11-party alliance divisional rally in Sylhet on July 25. Speaking as chief guest at Sylhet Government Alia Madrasah field, he said disregarding the views of about 70 percent of people who backed change and reform would disrespect public aspirations.

The Sylhet event was the concluding gathering in the alliance’s divisional rally programme, which began in Rajshahi. The programme also demanded constitutional reform and trials for fugitive fascist Sheikh Hasina and her associates in connection with the July Revolution. Rahman accused the government of expanding politicisation and corruption across different sectors of the state.

He urged Sylhet residents to prepare for a future movement, saying it would continue until fascism, extortion and corruption were removed. He also called for upgrading Osmani International Airport to full international standards and completing work on the Dhaka-Sylhet highway quickly. JAGPA spokesperson Rashed Pradhan warned that another revolution would be inevitable if the July Charter was not implemented in line with the referendum verdict.

The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has not made a final decision on becoming a full-fledged political party after India’s central government accepted the main demands of its 37-day protest over an exam-paper leak issue. In an interview with NDTV, spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said he wanted to return home, rest and spend time with his family after being away for several months. The report was published on July 25.

Asked whether he was ruling out joining full-time politics, Ranka said one should never say “no” to anything in India. Another spokesperson, Saurav Das, said the group’s current goal was not to enter politics but to build a strong grassroots movement focused on young people. He said India already had 750 to 800 political parties that had failed to meet youth expectations.

The protest began on June 20 with an indefinite sit-in at Jantar Mantar in Delhi under former Aam Aadmi Party leader Abhijit Dipak, and later gained momentum after activist Sonam Wangchuk joined. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned amid the movement. Ranka said the settlement included withdrawing FIRs against protesters and organisers and not filing new cases against them.

The Centre for Bengal Studies held a discussion titled “Aspirations of the July Uprising: Justice, Reform and Reconstruction” at Dhaka University’s R. C. Majumdar Auditorium on July 25. The 4pm event featured former Jahangirnagar University department chair Professor Dilara Chowdhury, former International Crimes Tribunal chief prosecutor Advocate Mohammad Tajul Islam, academic Shahnewaz Khan Chandan, and constitutional reform commission member Barrister Imran Abdullah Siddiq.

In his welcome remarks, CBS executive director Rashidul Haque Timur called for accountability for genocide and crimes by what he described as Awami fascists before pursuing reform and reconstruction. Chowdhury stressed transitional justice, arguing that denial of justice can foster a culture of impunity and mob violence. She also criticised the 1972 constitution and referred to dissent over proposals on balancing state power in the July Charter.

Tajul Islam urged acceptance of the July Charter’s reform proposals and said any consideration of Awami League rehabilitation should follow accountability through a truth commission. Chandan raised allegations from his investigation into the BDR killings and called for justice. Siddiq said constitutional reform sought decentralisation of power so that it would not remain concentrated in one person or group.

Liberal Democratic Party President Colonel (retd) Oli Ahmad addressed an 11-party alliance divisional rally in Sylhet on Saturday afternoon, speaking about the trial of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and the current situation. He said he sometimes hears that “Apa” will return and questioned whether “Dulabhai” would come with her. He told attendees to be prepared with hanging ropes.

Ahmad said the execution should not take place at Dhaka jail but at Suhrawardy Udyan. At the rally, he referred to current prime minister Tarique Rahman as Sylhet’s son-in-law. He said a beautiful and accountable Bangladesh would be possible only through establishment of justice and an end to corruption, terrorism and extortion.

Addressing Tarique Rahman, Ahmad said he must become prime minister of Bangladesh rather than of the BNP, and should pursue reforms guided by his conscience rather than flatterers. He said an 11-party alliance proposal barring one person from simultaneously serving as prime minister, parliamentary leader and party chief had not been accepted. He also praised Jamaat-e-Islami’s organizational discipline and internal unity.

Comilla University allowed Islami Andolan Bangladesh Nayeb-e-Ameer Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim to enter campus but barred accompanying party leaders and activists, triggering tension at the main gate on Saturday around 5pm. University administrators, security personnel and activists were involved in arguments and scuffles after the group attempted to enter together.

Faizul Karim had arrived to attend a prayer and Islahi Ijtema organized in memory of July martyrs. The university had already prohibited entry by outsiders, according to the report. While several activists managed to enter the campus, most remained outside the main gate. Those denied entry later held Asr prayers in congregation in front of the gate after they could not access the university’s central mosque.

Faizul Karim performed Asr prayers at the central mosque, attended the event and later inaugurated a first-aid box at Bijoy-24 Hall. Proctor Professor Dr Abdul Hakim said permission had been granted only to Faizul Karim. He said outsiders with no connection to the university were not allowed in because of concerns over possible disorder.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would not be welcome in London, according to an interview cited in a report published on July 25, 2026. Khan told Channel 4 News that he believes genocide has taken place in Gaza, held Netanyahu responsible, and described him as a “genocide criminal.”

Khan said Netanyahu had broken the law and should face trial. He said Netanyahu should be brought under the law and held accountable. The London mayor also said that people who commit genocide are not welcomed in London.

Addressing a possible London visit by Netanyahu, Khan said the “good news” was that Netanyahu was not coming to the city. If he received information about such a visit, Khan said he would ask the prime minister to enforce the law. He added that Netanyahu would face a strong public reaction if he came to London. The report said the remarks followed a similar position expressed by New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami expressed deep concern after a powerful improvised explosive device, or IED, was recovered from inside an umbrella beneath Motijheel Metro Rail Station in the capital on Friday night. In a press release sent to the media on July 25, the party’s secretary general, Mia Golam Parwar, described the incident as highly alarming because it occurred in one of Dhaka’s busiest and most densely populated areas.

Parwar said the recovery of such a lethal explosive had raised questions about public safety. He said such activities were intended to create fear among people and push the country’s law-and-order situation toward a serious crisis. He called on law-enforcement agencies to remain alert and active in preventing any anti-country conspiracy or activity aimed at disrupting peace, order and stability.

Calling public safety a fundamental responsibility of the government, he demanded stronger security at metro rail stations and other important crowded locations nationwide. He also expressed sympathy for a passerby injured by shrapnel during bomb disposal and urged proper, advanced treatment. Parwar called for an immediate impartial investigation committee, identification of planners and implementers, swift arrests and exemplary punishment. He also urged people to remain united and vigilant against provocation and sabotage.

Speakers at a seminar in Kanaikhali, Natore city called for the swift implementation of the July Charter in accordance with the referendum verdict. The event, titled “July Mass Uprising: Expectations, Achievements and Tasks Ahead,” was organised by the Natore district branch of an 11-party alliance on Saturday afternoon.

They said failing to implement the referendum verdict would amount to betrayal of thousands of martyrs and would not be accepted by the country’s people. The speakers urged the current government to respect public aspirations and take the necessary steps. Discussions also addressed the expectations, achievements and future tasks linked to the July mass uprising.

Former Rajshahi University pro-vice-chancellor Professor Dr Mohammad Main Uddin attended as chief guest. Professor Shah Hossain Ahmed Mehdi presented the keynote paper, while Chittagong University vice-president Ibrahim Hossain Rony was the chief discussant. The seminar was chaired by Natore district Jamaat amir Professor Dr Mir Nurul Islam and attended by political and social representatives.

India’s Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned amid nationwide protests over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations. He announced his resignation in a letter posted on X on Saturday. Pradhan said the decision was not about personal prestige, but was taken in the interests of students, national unity and future generations.

He said the government acted quickly after allegations emerged over the NEET-UG examination held on May 3, 2026. The investigation was handed to the Central Bureau of Investigation, the examination was cancelled and a re-examination was announced. The government also decided that the test would be conducted entirely through a computer-based system from next year. Pradhan said coordinated efforts by the central government, state governments and district administrations enabled a re-examination for more than 2 million students.

He thanked students and parents for their cooperation in the June 21 re-examination. Calling the results released on July 16 satisfactory, he said many talented students from disadvantaged families performed well. Pradhan said he submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to prevent disruptive forces from exploiting the situation, preserve national unity, avoid legal complications for students and allow them to focus on their studies.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief and opposition leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman demanded implementation of the referendum verdict at an 11-party divisional rally in Sylhet on July 25, 2026. Speaking at the Government Alia Madrasa ground, he said about 70 percent of voters had backed “yes” in the referendum and warned against any delay or equivocation in carrying out the result. He urged Sylhet residents to prepare for a future movement and said a call for Dhaka would come.

Rahman accused the BNP of pursuing party-based appointments and nationalising corruption. He also called for Sylhet’s M A G Osmani Airport to be upgraded, completion of a six-lane road, an engineering university and a fully operational medical university. Opposition chief whip and NCP convener Nahid Islam likewise pressed the government to implement the referendum verdict and the July Charter.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis chief Mamunul Haque called for formation of a constituent assembly based on the referendum result, saying protest action would follow otherwise. Other alliance leaders criticised the government over elections, reforms, justice and implementation of the verdict. Labour Party chairman Dr Iran said the alliance would announce tougher programmes, while Jagpa leader Rashed Pradhan said a Dhaka rally could launch a one-point movement to topple the government.

Sarjis Alam, chief organiser for northern Bangladesh of the National Citizen Party (NCP), urged the BNP to value leaders such as Lutfuzzaman Babar. He made the remarks at a roadside gathering in Netrokona municipality on Friday after a “July March” organised around five demands, including implementing the public verdict of a referendum and protecting the border.

Alam said those who fought and spoke against Indian hegemony and suffered oppression should not be undervalued. He described Netrokona as the district of a “persecuted leader,” Lutfuzzaman Babar. According to Alam, Babar spent the past 16 to 17 years in prison and had also been sentenced to death.

Alam said Babar had acknowledged that he was the biggest beneficiary of the July student-public uprising, calling this an act of honesty and courage. Addressing the BNP, he argued that people who had been expected to become ministers were being kept only as MPs, while long-standing opponents of hegemony were gradually being sidelined. He said leaders tested in such struggles would be needed more in the future.

Khelafat Majlis has decided to refrain from all activities of the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance, saying the coalition was primarily an electoral arrangement whose effectiveness ended after the election. The decision was made on Saturday at the third general session of its central Majlis-e-Shura at the Diploma Engineers Institute auditorium, according to a statement published on July 25.

A notice signed by central publicity secretary engineer Abdul Hafiz Khasru said the party had still participated in some alliance programmes after the election. It said Khelafat Majlis would now stay away from all programmes of the 11-party alliance. The statement did not cite any other immediate reason for the decision.

Khelafat Majlis said efforts to build a broader unity would continue if needed for the country, the nation and Islam. After a June 13 divisional rally of the 11 parties in Chattogram, the party formally asked the alliance not to use its name or its leaders’ names on banners or in publicity. Its name was later used at a rally in Rangpur but was removed following objections, party sources said.

Speakers at a Saturday workshop in a hotel in the capital called for political narratives to align with social values, arguing that interactive discussions and participatory exercises can help political workers build inclusive movements. The event, titled “Transformative Change Making and Political Strategy Making,” was organized by the Centre for Governance Studies with support from Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung. Young women political activists from different political parties and student organizations attended.

CGS Executive Director Parvez Karim Abbasi stressed the need to expand women’s involvement in electoral politics and secure their fair position in democratic institutions. He said meaningful inclusion requires more than increasing numerical representation; women must actively participate in decision-making and democratic leadership. FES Bangladesh Program Adviser Sadhan Kumar Das outlined the organization’s work on democratization, political participation and social inclusion in Bangladesh.

FES Bangladesh Resident Representative Dr. Felix Gerdes led discussions on transformative political change, strategic thinking and coalition-building. Participants mapped political and social actors and considered how demands ranging from economic concerns to public services could connect with a broader democratic agenda. The workshop concluded with an interactive exchange emphasizing inclusive leadership and collaborative action.

National Citizen Party convener and opposition chief whip Md Nahid Islam demanded that the Election Commission be reconstituted before local government elections, speaking on July 25, 2026 at an eleven-party alliance divisional rally at Sylhet’s historic Alia Madrasa field. The rally was organized around five demands, including implementation of a referendum mandate and easing public hardship. Islam said youth awakenings in different countries were a continuation of the July Revolution.

Islam welcomed reports that India’s education minister had resigned amid weeks of protests, praising protesting students and young people there. He alleged that the government formed after elections following the July Revolution had begun disregarding the people’s verdict and failed to respect students and youth. He warned BNP not to forget the July Revolution, youth protests, or the sacrifices of 1,400 martyrs.

He said the reform-versus-amendment debate had ended in the Consensus Commission and stated that BNP had previously agreed to a referendum and reforms. He cited severe gas shortages in Dhaka and increases in electricity, fuel, cylinder and vegetable prices. Organizers said a broader programme would be announced from a forthcoming grand rally in Dhaka.