A devastating fire broke out at Nazrul Electronics and Sanitary Shop in Sreepur, Magura, late Tuesday night around 12:30 a.m. The incident occurred at Sachilapur Bazar, causing an estimated loss of about 3 million taka, according to local traders. Two units from Sreepur Fire Service and Civil Defense responded immediately, later joined by two additional units from Magura. After about one and a half hours of effort, the fire was brought under control.

On Wednesday morning, Sreepur Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Nazmul Islam visited the site to assess the situation. Jahangir Alam, station leader of Sreepur Fire Service and Civil Defense, stated that the team acted promptly upon receiving the report of the fire.

Initial investigations suggest that an electrical short circuit may have triggered the blaze, though the exact cause has not yet been confirmed.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) inaugurated a new collection booth of Dhaka Bank at its Region-2 office in Khilgaon on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. The initiative aims to make revenue collection more dynamic, simplify trade license fee payments, and ensure easier access to banking services for residents. The booth was inaugurated by DSCC Administrator and freedom fighter Md. Abdus Salam.

In his speech, Abdus Salam said the government is committed to improving service quality through competitive systems. He criticized the previous government for limiting collection operations to a single entity and stated that the current administration believes in open competition, where efficient service providers will advance. He expressed hope that Dhaka Bank would prove its capability and deliver quality services to citizens.

Salam reaffirmed the government’s pledge to simplify civic services and enhance accountability within DSCC. He instructed officials to ensure timely service delivery and emphasized citizen awareness in maintaining drainage systems during the monsoon. He also urged residents and political activists to volunteer in community service initiatives.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has expelled Gazi Nazrul Islam, the Member of Parliament for Satkhira-4, following an internal investigation that found him guilty of moral misconduct. The decision was made under Article 62 of the party’s constitution during an emergency meeting of the central executive council held at the official residence of the opposition leader on Minto Road, Dhaka. The meeting was chaired by party Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman and attended by central executive members. The party stated it would immediately notify the Election Commission about the expulsion.

The expulsion follows the circulation of a video on social media showing Gazi Nazrul Islam with a young woman in a private room, which local Jamaat leaders claimed involved his second wife. The party’s organizational investigation reportedly confirmed the authenticity of the incident as previously reported by the newspaper Amar Desh.

The report notes that if a political party formally requests the Speaker to revoke an expelled member’s parliamentary seat, the seat is typically vacated. However, if no such request is made, the member may retain the position, as seen in earlier cases.

Iran’s military announced that it carried out attacks on the Prince Hassan and King Faisal bases in Jordan, targeting F-15 fighter jets, drone manufacturing facilities, and helicopter storage areas, according to Al Jazeera. The statement, cited by Iran’s state news agency IRNA, said eight new MQ-9 drones were destroyed and two others severely damaged in the strikes.

The Iranian military further claimed that two heavy US helicopters were seriously damaged and that several American service members were killed or injured. However, there has been no immediate confirmation or response from the United States or Jordan, and the claims could not be independently verified.

The report comes amid heightened regional tensions, with previous references to ongoing US strikes in Iran and Iranian warnings of retaliation against those assisting such operations.

US Ambassador Brent Christensen led a delegation that met with top leaders of the National Citizens Party (NCP), including convener and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam, at the party’s temporary central office in Dhaka’s Banglamotor on Wednesday afternoon. The meeting focused on political dialogue, participatory processes, and advancing democratic reforms through engagement of all stakeholders.

According to the NCP, discussions covered Bangladesh’s political future, democratic transition, the party’s political philosophy, bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the United States, and recent trade agreements. The NCP leaders raised public concerns about aspects of the trade deal, to which the US delegation responded with clarifications and urged careful review. Both sides emphasized strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation amid global economic and geopolitical challenges.

The meeting also addressed progress on implementing referendum outcomes and the July Charter reforms. NCP leaders expressed concern over the government’s constitutional amendment committee formed without opposition participation. Following the meeting, Nahid Islam voiced optimism about continued constructive dialogue and friendship between the two nations.

A Dhaka court has postponed the charge framing hearing against The Daily Star’s executive editor Syed Ashfaqul Haque and his wife Tania Khondkar in a case over the alleged negligent death of a domestic worker. The First Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge Md. Alamgir Hossain rescheduled the hearing to September 2 after the defense requested more time on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

According to court officials, the defense sought the delay citing insufficient preparation for the hearing, which the court accepted. The case stems from the death of 15-year-old domestic worker Preeti Urang, who died after falling from the ninth floor of a residential building in Dhaka’s Mohammadpur area on February 6, 2024. She had been employed at the residence of Ashfaqul Haque. Her father, Lukesh Urang, filed the case accusing the couple of causing death by negligence under Section 304(a) of the Penal Code.

Following investigation, police submitted a charge sheet on March 31, 2024, naming both as accused. The case was later transferred for trial, and the couple, who spent four months in jail, are currently out on bail granted by the High Court.

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, twelve Palestinians were killed in the past 24 hours as Israel continued its military offensive in the territory. The new casualties brought the total death toll in Gaza to 73,305, with 173,918 people reported injured. The ministry said the latest attacks occurred despite an existing ceasefire.

The ministry further reported that Israel has been intensifying its strikes and expanding control over the Gaza Strip. Many victims remain trapped under rubble and on the streets, as ambulances and civil defense teams have been unable to reach them due to ongoing bombardments.

The report, citing Al Jazeera, highlights the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza as rescue operations struggle to access affected areas.

Authorities in New Delhi have temporarily closed 16 major metro stations due to security risks arising from ongoing demonstrations by the 'Cockroach Janata Party' (CJP). The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced the closures around 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, affecting key routes on the Blue, Yellow, and Violet lines. The sudden move caused confusion among commuters as train routes were altered and access to several stations was restricted.

The affected stations include Lok Kalyan Marg, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg, Barakhamba Road, Supreme Court, Seva Tirth, Janpath, Mandi House, Central Secretariat, ITO, Delhi Gate, Indraprastha, Khan Market, Jor Bagh, and Shivaji Stadium. Interchange facilities remain operational at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, and Central Secretariat. However, DMRC has not specified when the stations will reopen.

The closures led to disorder at several stations, with passengers unable to exit due to police barricades. Long queues and arguments with police were reported at Mandi House, and additional police forces were deployed to maintain control.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has expelled Gazi Nazrul Islam, the Member of Parliament for Satkhira-4, following allegations of involvement in a scandal involving women. The decision was made at an emergency meeting of the party’s central executive council held on Wednesday afternoon at the official residence of the opposition leader on Mintu Road in Dhaka, chaired by party Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman MP. The party also decided to formally notify the Election Commission about the expulsion.

According to a Jamaat press release, an internal investigation confirmed Nazrul Islam’s moral misconduct, leading to his expulsion under Article 62 of the party constitution. The decision followed the circulation of videos on social media related to the allegations, after which a probe committee was quickly formed and its report reviewed by the executive council. Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim stated earlier that the party would take strict action against any unethical or criminal behavior.

Once the Election Commission is officially informed, the Satkhira-4 parliamentary seat may be declared vacant, potentially triggering a by-election.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan stated that the philosophy of Bangladeshi nationalism represents an inclusive national identity encompassing all languages, religions, cultures, and ethnic groups within the country. He made these remarks on Wednesday at a seminar titled “Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and Bangladeshi Nationalism,” organized by the University Teachers Association of Bangladesh (UTAB), Jagannath University branch.

The minister highlighted that while Pakistan was founded on religious identity, long-term unity in a diverse state cannot rely solely on religion. He recalled the historical continuity from the 1952 Language Movement to the 1971 Liberation War, emphasizing Ziaur Rahman’s decisive leadership during the war and his role in articulating a citizen-based concept of nationalism after independence. This philosophy, he said, ensures equal dignity and rights for every citizen regardless of language, faith, or ethnicity.

Swapan added that Bangladeshi nationalism strengthens national unity, territorial integrity, and pluralism, reflecting modern state principles based on shared interests, constitutional commitments, and collective aspirations for the future.

Ramganj Municipality in Lakshmipur has announced a budget of Tk 55 crore 58 lakh 22 thousand 941 for the 2026–2027 fiscal year without imposing any new taxes. The total projected income stands at Tk 55 crore 58 lakh 80 thousand 941, while the total expenditure is estimated at Tk 44 crore 64 lakh 80 thousand 994, leaving a surplus of Tk 10 crore 93 lakh 41 thousand 947. The announcement was made on Wednesday morning at the municipal conference room by municipal administrator and Upazila Nirbahi Officer Kazi Atikur Rahman.

The budget session was conducted by municipal administrative officer Zakir Hossain Helal and attended by local political leaders, municipal officials, and representatives from various professional and civic groups. Among those present were Ramganj Upazila BNP leaders, municipal officials, and members of the local press club.

The presentation highlighted the municipality’s financial planning for the upcoming fiscal year, emphasizing balanced expenditure and revenue management without additional tax burdens on residents.

An opinion essay by Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, published on July 22, 2026, explores why India experiences frequent protests but not mass uprisings. The author argues that India’s functioning electoral system, institutional balance, and decentralized power structure allow public anger to be released through elections rather than revolutions. He contrasts this with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, where blocked political channels and institutional collapse led to uprisings.

The essay identifies several factors behind India’s stability: co-optation of protest movements by the state, vast social and linguistic diversity preventing unified national movements, and the dominance of identity politics over class-based solidarity. It also discusses the rise of the BJP and RSS, the marginalization of Muslims and Dalits, and the cultural influence of Bollywood in maintaining state legitimacy. The author references political theorists such as Huntington and North to explain India’s “limited access order.”

The piece concludes that India’s youth remain aware and critical despite propaganda, and that a genuine uprising could occur only if electoral legitimacy collapses and co-optation loses credibility.

Outgoing Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hasan paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Secretariat on Wednesday, according to Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu. During the meeting, they discussed national sovereignty, maritime security, modernization of the Bangladesh Navy, and other issues of national interest.

The Prime Minister praised Admiral Hasan’s leadership and contributions to strengthening and modernizing the Navy, highlighting his role in enhancing the force’s professionalism and operational capacity. In response, Admiral Hasan expressed gratitude for the Prime Minister’s guidance, cooperation, and support throughout his tenure.

Following the meeting, the Prime Minister hosted a luncheon in honor of the outgoing Navy Chief. Admiral Hasan, who took charge as Chief of Naval Staff on July 24, 2023, has served in various key operational, instructional, and command roles during his long career, including as Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Operations) and Director of Naval Intelligence.

A Bangladeshi migrant worker named Millat Hossain, aged 42, died after falling from a ten-story under-construction building in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The incident occurred on Wednesday at around 10 a.m. Bangladesh time while he was working at the site. Millat, a construction worker, was originally from Hasanabad area of Ramganj upazila in Lakshmipur district.

His brother, Md. Sharif Hossain, confirmed the death, stating that Millat fell from the tenth floor during work. News of the accident caused deep grief among family members in Ramganj. Millat is survived by his wife, two daughters, and several relatives and well-wishers.

The family has urged the relevant government offices and the Bangladesh Embassy in Malaysia to take prompt action to repatriate his body to Bangladesh.

Islami Chhatra Shibir organized a protest at Islamic University (IU) on Wednesday afternoon demanding the implementation of the July Charter, justice for the July 24 massacre, and execution of the referendum verdict. The demonstration, led by branch president Yusuf Ali, began from the university’s Bottola area and marched through key campus roads before holding a brief rally at the main gate. Participants chanted slogans calling for the government to fulfill its earlier promises regarding the July Charter and referendum.

During the rally, branch organizational secretary Zakaria Hossain accused the government of backing away from its pre-election commitments to implement the July Charter and referendum verdict. He stated that the movement would continue until justice was ensured and alleged that the ruling party was following authoritarian practices. Branch president Yusuf Ali added that despite the fall of fascism through the July movement, the expected changes had not materialized.

Several other branch leaders, including general secretary Md. Rashedul Islam, were present at the event, reaffirming their commitment to continue the movement on the streets until their demands were met.