Doctors in Bangladesh have raised concern over hepatitis B and C infections that often remain symptomless and undetected until severe liver complications emerge. The report, published on July 28 for World Hepatitis Day, said many people do not know what hepatitis is, how infection occurs or what treatment is available. Siddiq Hossain, 42, of Savar said he learned he had hepatitis B after seeking care for health problems and later developed liver cirrhosis and other complications.

According to the National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh, 5.7 percent of the country’s adult population, or more than 10 million people, have chronic hepatitis B and C infections. About 23,000 people die annually from complications linked to the two viruses. The report said nine in 10 people do not know they are infected. Hepatitis A and E are generally food- and water-borne, while B and C can cause long-term liver damage, cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Doctors said hepatitis B and C can spread through unsafe blood transfusions, used needles and syringes, contaminated blades and non-sterilized medical equipment. They urged safe blood transfusion, vaccination and greater awareness. Hepatitis C can be cured completely, while hepatitis B can be controlled over the long term, they said.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission began a meeting with acting Parliament Speaker Barrister Kaysar Kamal on Tuesday at about 11 a.m., ahead of the country’s 23rd presidential election. A commission delegation led by Chief Election Commissioner A M M Nasir Uddin attended the meeting at the national parliament.

The meeting follows the resignation of President Md. Shahabuddin on Friday, July 24. He formally submitted his resignation letter to the speaker of the national parliament. The report said the signed resignation letter was sent to the speaker in accordance with Article 50(3) of the Constitution.

The report did not provide details of the meeting’s agenda, any decisions, or statements issued after it began. It confirmed that the Election Commission delegation, led by the chief election commissioner, was participating in the discussion with the acting speaker in the context of arranging the presidential election.

Iraq’s National Security Adviser Qasim al-Aboudi has said new information indicates that “Ukrainian cells” were involved in multiple bombings targeting government facilities in Iraq. Speaking to Arabic-language outlet Dijla TV, al-Aboudi said the evidence pointed to what he described as Ukrainian interference. The report was published on July 28, 2026.

Al-Aboudi said some members of Ukrainian cells had carried out the attacks against Iraqi government sites. He also said Iraqi authorities had arrested a small group, and that those detained had confessed to working for Ukraine and bombing some government facilities.

The adviser said a more detailed investigation was needed before anyone could be formally accused. He did not provide identities of those arrested or specific details about the attacks. Ukraine had not issued an immediate response or comment on the Iraqi official’s allegations, according to the report.

The World Health Organization said addressing smoking, air pollution, physical inactivity and other modifiable risk factors could prevent or delay dementia by up to 45 percent. In a notice published on July 18, the agency also released updated guidance on dementia prevention for health workers and policymakers.

WHO described dementia as the seventh leading cause of death globally and a major cause of disability and dependence among older people. More than 57 million people worldwide currently live with dementia, while nearly 10 million new cases occur each year. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form, accounting for about 60 to 70 percent of cases.

The agency said there is no permanent cure for dementia, but risks can often be reduced by tackling smoking, excessive alcohol use, social isolation, high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. Cognitive stimulation activities and specialized training may help adults with mild mental and cognitive problems. WHO estimated dementia costs the global economy about $1.3 trillion annually, with nearly half linked to unpaid care provided by patients’ families and relatives.

Bangladesh’s anti-discrimination student movement rejected a video statement circulated by Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Branch police on the night of July 28, 2024, involving six detained central coordinators. The video showed Nahid Islam reading a written appeal to withdraw the movement and reopen educational institutions. It bore the signatures of Nahid Islam, Sarjis Alam, Hasnat Abdullah, Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, Abu Bakar Majumdar and Nusrat Tabassum, who had been taken into DB custody earlier that day.

The coordinators alleged they had been forced to make the statement while being held hostage and subjected to torture. In a message sent to the media, coordinator Abdul Kader announced nationwide student-public protests and rallies for July 29. DB said the coordinators had been brought to its office to ensure their safety, but some family members who visited the office were not allowed to meet them.

Teachers and students at Jahangirnagar University protested and demanded the release of coordinator Arif Sohel. Students at universities and colleges also declared plans to return to the streets. On July 28, students held graffiti, wall-writing and outreach activities nationwide. Mobile internet resumed after 10 days, while Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok and other services remained blocked.

Iran said it will not allow the United States to determine the timing of either peace or war. The position emerged from remarks by the Foreign Ministry spokesperson at the country’s weekly press conference on July 28. Tehran also said it is fully prepared for any future conflict situation.

Iran’s army chief delivered a similar warning, saying that if the United States launches any attack, Iran’s response would be more destructive than before. At the same time, Iran has not completely closed the door to diplomacy, presenting a position that combines readiness for confrontation with limited openness to talks.

The Iranian government said it has not requested any formal meeting with the United States. However, indirect communication continues through mediation by Qatar, Pakistan and other countries in the region. Iran says the path to negotiations is neither fully open nor fully closed, but remains partially open. Its senior leadership is seeking what the report describes as a cautious and pragmatic position while maintaining deep distrust over improving relations with Washington.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir's Rajshahi District West branch held a sub-branch officials' workshop and an “Adommo July” march in Tanore, Rajshahi, on Monday. The workshop began at 4pm at Abdullah Community Centre in Tanore upazila headquarters, chaired by district west branch president Rezuanul Islam and moderated by general secretary Atowar Rahman.

Central social service secretary of Islami Chhatra Shibir and Rajshahi University vice-president Mostakur Rahman Zahid spoke as chief speaker. He emphasized the organisation's ideals, improving organisational skills, leadership qualities and participation in social welfare activities. Leaders from Tanore's east, west and south branches, along with district, upazila and union-level leaders, attended the workshop.

At about 5pm, participants began the march under the theme of united struggle by students and the public to fulfil the dreams of martyrs. It started from the Tanore Upazila Model Mosque and Islamic Cultural Centre, passed through Thana Mor, Gollapara Bazar and other roads, and ended with a brief rally at Thana Mor. Advocate Abdul Kadir and Mahbur Chowdhury addressed the rally. Organisers said the programmes were completed peacefully.

At least 30 people were killed when armed gunmen attacked Naridon village in the Kauru area of Nigeria’s northwestern Kaduna state, Reuters reported on July 28, citing local residents. The attackers entered the village around dawn on Monday and opened fire. At least eight children were among those killed, while four other people were seriously injured.

The secretary to the village head of Dogon Rana said the gunmen fired indiscriminately and set homes ablaze. Local youth leader Ishaya Dawa said the assault began around midnight, with residents shot at randomly. He said some residents were killed by being slit, and that women, children and elderly people were among the dead.

The attackers set fire to several houses before fleeing, and some bodies have been taken to a morgue, according to Dawa. Security personnel arrived at the scene several hours after the attack, local residents said. Kaduna police spokesperson Mansur Hassan said further details would be released soon. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources has assigned an officer to investigate complaints over repeated DESCO contracts awarded to Alliance Power for underground cable accessories. The report, published on July 28, 2026, says several bidders sought cancellation of a June 28 work order and blacklisting of the company. They alleged that Alliance Power founder SM Al Imran, said to be in the United Kingdom, continues to conduct tender-related business through close associates.

The complainants alleged that DESCO did not properly follow competitive bidding procedures and gave the supplier special advantages. They said Alliance Power received similar work orders in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2026, while a 2025 tender was cancelled after the company did not participate. The allegations also concern changes to type-test report requirements after tenders were issued and the use of a single acceptable bidder approach.

DESCO told the ministry that five companies participated and Alliance Power met all requirements. Additional Secretary Sabur Hossain said an official was assigned after DESCO submitted its response. TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman called for an independent, conflict-free investigation. Al Imran declined to comment, while DESCO’s managing director did not respond to calls or messages.

An opinion article by Amardesh associate editor Alfaz Anam calls on governments to respond sensitively to student-led, digitally organized protests, using examples from India and Bangladesh. Published on July 28, 2026, the article discusses the reported “Cockroach Janata Party” movement in India and student reactions in Bangladesh over a “farm chicken” remark linked to HSC examinations during heavy rain and waterlogging.

The article says students gathered near Jantar Mantar in Delhi over exam question leaks and alleged irregularities in education, after which the government accepted their demands. In Bangladesh, it reports that a phone conversation involving the education minister spread on social media, prompting protests in Dhaka and elsewhere, including a gathering outside parliament. The minister later expressed regret, and the situation eased, according to the writer.

The writer argues that social media-based student movements can spread rapidly and are harder to manage than conventional party-led protests. It urges education reform, merit-based appointments, teacher accountability and greater attention to student grievances. The article also warns that unemployment and a failure to ensure merit-based systems could fuel wider public frustration.

Global crude oil prices fell by more than 10 percent in a day on Monday as prospects for a diplomatic solution between the United States and Iran strengthened. By 12:45 a.m. Bangladesh time, Brent crude was trading at about $88.6 per barrel, down 10.4 percent from $91.68 a day earlier. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude also fell 8 percent to $82.35 per barrel.

Investor concerns over the Middle East eased amid hopes that talks between Washington and Tehran were progressing positively. Last week, fears of disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab raised concern over reduced oil exports from the region, briefly pushing Brent to $100 per barrel. Prices began falling after US President Donald Trump suspended military strikes against Iran last Friday following nearly two weeks of conflict.

Trump said Monday that “good talks” were under way and that an agreement was possible, while warning that attacks could resume if negotiations failed. Iran said it had also suspended retaliatory military operations and was discussing normal maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz with Oman. Crude shipments from the Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal on Russia’s Black Sea coast also resumed, improving global supply conditions, though markets remained cautious after Houthi claims of attacks on Saudi Aramco-linked facilities.

Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo is set to make his acting and producing debut in the television drama series Day Ones. He is working with British director Matthew Vaughn and actor Damian Lewis on the project, which focuses on the behind-the-scenes lives of football agents in the United Kingdom. Filming has already begun in London, according to a report published on July 28, 2026.

The series was conceived by football agent Darren Dine and features Damian Lewis as central character Stanley Dalton. Ronaldo will also serve as an executive producer rather than limiting his role to acting. French football legend Thierry Henry and British rapper Dave may appear in guest roles, the report said.

Day Ones is the first major formal project from UR Marv Studios, the joint production company established by Ronaldo and Vaughn. The independently financed series aims to open a new avenue in sports-based entertainment content. Ronaldo, 41, currently plays for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr and is preparing for a post-football career. No official comment on the project has yet been received from Ronaldo, Vaughn or Lewis.

Senior leaders of the National Citizen Party, or NCP, are scheduled to take part in a march and rally in Ajmiriganj, Habiganj, on July 28 under the party’s announced programme. Ajmiriganj upazila NCP convener Kamal Ahmed said party convener Nahid Islam, chief organiser Sarjis Alam and chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, along with other central leaders, would participate.

The announced schedule calls for a march at 11am in Ajmiriganj upazila headquarters. Local leaders and activists, supporters and members of the public are expected to join the central leaders. At 12pm, the leaders are due to address a rally at the Ajmiriganj Central Shaheed Minar premises.

Party activists across the upazila have shown enthusiasm over the leaders’ visit, with groups from different unions preparing to join with processions. Local leaders said preparations to make the programme successful had been completed. Party sources said the rally may address the country’s current political situation, democracy, youth participation and the NCP’s future plans. Relevant authorities have taken necessary security measures, while organisers expect a large turnout.

US diplomats left the chamber when France’s delegation began speaking at a UN Security Council meeting on Russia’s war in Ukraine on Monday. The walkout came two days after a virtual dispute between US and French officials over a vote to renew UN human rights chief Volker Türk’s four-year term.

On Saturday, France’s UN mission in Geneva said the United States was no longer a beacon of human rights and had isolated itself alongside North Korea, Nicaragua, Mali and Russia. US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz responded on X that France had backed a human rights chief who lectures free, sovereign democracies including the United States, Britain and Israel while building ties with oppressors.

After the walkout, US alternate representative Dan Negrea told the Security Council that the US delegation would continue leaving while France did not withdraw what he called insulting and disrespectful remarks. French Ambassador Jérôme Bonnafont did not address the walkout, saying France was working to protect the UN’s independence and ability to function. Türk was reappointed by a 144-10 General Assembly vote, with 13 abstentions.

A Dhaka court is scheduled to deliver its verdict on Tuesday, July 28, in a corruption case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission against former Bangladesh Bank deputy governor Sitangshu Kumar, or S K Sur, Chowdhury. Judge Ayesha Nasrin of Dhaka’s Special Judge Court No. 2 is expected to announce the ruling in the afternoon, according to court bench assistant Md Dewan Ashik.

The ACC alleges that Sur failed to submit a required wealth statement within 21 working days of receiving a notice. The notice sought details of movable and immovable assets, liabilities, income sources and how assets were acquired, including property held in his own name, in the names of dependants, or anonymously, amid allegations of assets beyond known income.

ACC deputy director Nazmul Hossain filed the case on December 23, 2024, under Section 26(2) of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2004. Deputy director Md Ahsan Uddin submitted the charge sheet on August 4, 2025. The court framed charges on November 6, 2025, and heard all seven witnesses in the case. The ACC arrested Sur in Segunbagicha on January 14, 2025, and he has remained in custody since then.