Russia says it is closely monitoring the U.S. decision to resume arms supplies to Ukraine, following President Trump’s latest announcement. The Kremlin confirmed no new talks are planned with Putin but said one could happen if needed. Trump warned Putin to accept a peace deal within 50 days or face secondary tariffs targeting Russia’s trade partners. Despite Trump’s assertive stance, experts believe Russia is maintaining a “stay calm and carry on” strategy, with little progress seen in ending the war diplomatically.

Due to the imposition of a curfew in Gopalganj, the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) Geography Second Paper exam scheduled for Thursday, July 17, has been postponed. This decision applies exclusively to students in Gopalganj district; exams in other districts will proceed as per the original schedule. The Bangladesh Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee confirmed this announcement in an official statement. The new exam date will be communicated later.

At least 21 people were killed during a stampede at an aid distribution center operated by the U.S.-Israeli Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) near Khan Yunis in Gaza. One victim reportedly died from a stabbing during the chaos. While GHF blamed Hamas for the disorder, Gaza’s media office rejected the claim, accusing GHF security personnel of firing live bullets and tear gas at the crowd. Nasser Hospital confirmed that several of the deceased were children crushed while seeking food.

Israeli forces launched a severe airstrike near Syria’s Ministry of Defense and Presidential Palace, killing one person and injuring 18 others—several critically—according to Syria’s state news agency SANA. Just hours before the strike, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz had threatened action unless Syrian troops withdrew from Suwayda amid growing tensions between pro-government forces and local Druze militias. While Israel has not formally claimed responsibility, it continues targeting Iranian-backed groups in Syria.

In response to Israel’s continued assault on Gaza, Yemen’s Houthi Ansarullah forces launched three drone attacks on Israeli targets—two hitting military bases in the Negev and one striking Eilat port. The group has warned that attacks will persist unless the Gaza offensive stops. On the same day, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed at least 61 people, including 23 in the Shati refugee camp and two aid workers. The UN has expressed alarm at rising malnutrition among Gaza’s children, as Israel continues to forcibly displace thousands, including in Jabalia.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s new immigration crackdown is now affecting even legal immigrants. Nearly 1.2 million individuals under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) are facing deportation as part of the policy, disproportionately impacting citizens from Haiti, Venezuela, and Afghanistan. Under the new rules, TPS and “parole” beneficiaries can now be deported by ICE without hearings. Congress has approved a $45 billion budget to enforce the initiative, signaling aggressive actions against both legal and undocumented migrants.

Amid escalating violence in Gopalganj, the transitional government enforced a curfew starting Wednesday at 8 PM through Thursday 6 PM. Advisor Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan urged residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary. “The situation is critical. Don’t leave your home unless it’s a matter of life or death,” he said, confirming that law enforcement presence has been ramped up. He warned that militants from banned organizations will be “neutralized.” The unrest followed an NCP rally that was violently attacked, triggering police and army intervention.

At least three people were killed and nine others shot during violent clashes surrounding a National Citizen Party (NCP) rally in Gopalganj. The deceased were identified as Dipto Saha (25), Ramzan Kazi (18), and Sohel Rana Molla (30), all declared dead upon arrival at the hospital with gunshot wounds. Following the unrest, the transitional government imposed a curfew from 8 PM Wednesday to 6 PM Thursday. Military and police forces have been deployed to ensure security. The attack occurred as the NCP convoy was leaving the rally, reportedly ambushed by activists from banned groups affiliated with the Awami League.

The International Crimes Tribunal has ordered the publication of notices in two national dailies—both in Bengali and English—regarding eight fugitive accused in a 2024 case involving the murder and burning of six students during protests in Ashulia, Savar. The tribunal warned that if the fugitives fail to appear, they will be tried in absentia. Eight others have already been arrested and produced in court. The next hearing is scheduled for July 28. Reports suggest one of the victims was burned alive after being shot, making it a potential crime against humanity.

Umama Fatema, a key coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement, stated that women students played the most courageous and historic role in the uprising that began on June 5. She recounted that after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina referred to the protestors as “descendants of collaborators” on July 15, campuses ignited with outrage. Braving attacks from student league activists, police assaults, and administrative pressure, women protesters stood firm. Fatema detailed how female activists led overnight marches, sit-ins, and hall liberation efforts—facing violence, forced evictions from dormitories, and harassment. Women carried coffins, led slogans, and became the face of the movement. The Army Chief’s speech and a subsequent mass uprising transformed the movement into a full-fledged revolution. According to Fatema, the historic role of women in this struggle will shape the political confidence of future generations.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has voiced grave concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in Gopalganj. In a Facebook post titled “What’s Happening in Gopalganj?”, he stated that despite being a part of Bangladesh, the region shows no visible presence of law enforcement amid escalating violence. He urged the government to take immediate action and called on peace-loving citizens to unite during this crisis.

In a strongly worded statement, the transitional government has pledged swift legal action against those involved in the violent clashes during NCP’s program in Gopalganj. The statement labeled the violence “deplorable and unforgivable,” emphasizing that the peaceful rights of young citizens were violated. The government assured that members of banned political organizations such as Chhatra League will face immediate legal consequences. It also praised the rapid intervention by police and army forces, reiterating that there is no place for violence in the democratic process.

Nahid Islam, Convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has called on party activists and the general public to lift the nationwide blockade and instead occupy only one side of the roads. “Remove the blockade and position yourselves on one side of the street. The struggle will continue,” he stated, according to party spokesperson Sarjis Alam on Wednesday. NCP’s Chief Coordinator Nasir Uddin Patwari echoed the same message. The call comes after a violent attack on the NCP convoy in Gopalganj on Wednesday around 2:45 PM, allegedly by Awami League and its banned affiliates, including Chhatra League. The area turned into a battleground, prompting NCP leaders across the country to enforce blockades. In response, police and military forces fired shots to control the situation, during which security vehicles were also attacked. NCP leaders later took shelter in government installations.

Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned Israel’s continued airstrikes on Syrian territory and reiterated its firm support for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Saudi Foreign Ministry described Israel’s repeated violations of international law and breaches of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement as “deplorable.” Riyadh has called upon the international community to stand in solidarity with Syria. The latest Israeli air raids targeted Syrian tanks and military sites in Suwayda and Daraa, just hours after Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra held ceasefire talks with Druze leaders. Prior to the attacks, the region witnessed armed clashes leaving over a hundred casualties.

All three members of the United Nations Commission investigating war crimes and human rights violations in occupied Palestinian territories—Navi Pillay, Chris Sidoti, and Miloon Kothari—have resigned abruptly, citing personal and age-related reasons. They also highlighted the need to restructure the commission. Their resignation comes amid escalating tensions between the US and the UN over the activities of Francesca Albanese, the UN’s Special Rapporteur on Palestine. The US has labeled Albanese as “antisemitic” and imposed sanctions on her—a move condemned by the UN’s Special Procedures Committee as unacceptable.