Abdul Ahad, a four-year-old boy, was killed by a bullet during violent clashes in Dhaka’s Rayerbag area on July 19, 2024. According to his father, Abul Hasan, Ahad was watching the street unrest from their seventh-floor balcony when a bullet struck him in the right eye. He was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, placed on life support, and died the following evening, July 20. The child was later buried in their village home in Faridpur.

Abul Hasan, a government employee, has since moved from Rayerbag to a staff quarter in Mirpur, haunted by memories of his son. He told Amar Desh that he had dreams of making Ahad a Hafiz, like his elder son who studies at a madrasa. Hasan said a case was initially filed against unidentified persons but was later dismissed. Police informed him he could file a new case, but he fears retaliation from potential accused individuals.

He urged the government to take responsibility for finding and prosecuting those responsible for his son’s death.

Boatmen operating on Dhaka’s Buriganga River have alleged that they are forced to pay Tk 20 from every Tk 50 passenger fare to the ghat leaseholder, resulting in daily payments of Tk 500–700. The alleged extortion is reportedly carried out by leaseholder Suman Bhuiyan and his associates at the Wiseghat–Keraniganj ferry route. The information emerged after several boatmen visited the BIWTA office to protest the extra charges, but the issue remained unresolved despite a meeting with a representative of the leaseholder.

According to the boatmen, they earn Tk 50 per trip carrying five passengers but must surrender Tk 20 each time, leaving little after fuel and other costs. Around 200 boatmen reportedly operate from Wiseghat, generating over Tk 100,000 daily for the leaseholder’s group. Local sources said Suman Bhuiyan has controlled the Wiseghat and Sadarghat handling centers since 2024 under lease agreements.

Suman Bhuiyan denied the allegations, claiming the charges are lawful tolls approved by BIWTA. BIWTA officials confirmed that the lease allows collection of Tk 50–100 per engine boat daily, suggesting possible irregularities in implementation.

On July 20, 2024, during a student movement demanding nine reforms, police opened fire on demonstrators in Dhaka’s Jatrabari area, killing 19-year-old Imam Hasan Bhuiyan Taim. Taim, the son of a police sub-inspector, had joined the protest with friends when officers allegedly forced them out of a shop and shot him as he tried to flee. Witnesses said he identified himself as a police officer’s son before being shot multiple times at close range. Videos of the incident later spread widely on social media.

The protests erupted after the government imposed a curfew to suppress the student movement, which had called for a “complete shutdown.” Eyewitnesses described police using tear gas, sound grenades, and live ammunition. Taim’s father, a long-serving officer, and his family later identified his body at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. His brother demanded exemplary punishment for those responsible.

The viral footage and the father’s emotional phone call questioning the number of bullets used to kill his son intensified public anger and further energized the protest movement.

Iran has claimed that its forces shot down a US MQ-9 drone in the Eslamabad-e Gharb area of Kermanshah province in western Iran. According to the state-linked Mehr News Agency, the drone was targeted and destroyed by the Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) using an advanced air defense system operating under an integrated air defense network.

The report did not specify when the incident occurred or provide details about the drone’s mission. The United States has not yet commented on Iran’s claim, and no independent verification of the incident has been made available. The claim comes amid a period of heightened regional tension involving Iran and the United States.

It remains unclear whether the alleged shootdown will lead to further escalation or diplomatic exchanges between the two countries, as no official response has been issued from Washington at the time of reporting.

Bangladesh Bank has issued a strict ultimatum to 29 banks with high levels of default loans, directing them to reduce their non-performing loan (NPL) ratios within six months. Banks with NPLs above 20 percent must bring them below that threshold, while those already under 20 percent must lower them to below 10 percent. Failure to comply will result in the transfer of default loans to an asset management company. The directive was delivered by Governor Mostakur Rahman during meetings with managing directors of the affected banks held between July 12 and 19, 2026.

The central bank emphasized that no dividends can be distributed from unrealized interest on toxic assets and instructed banks to resolve long-standing classified loans through legal or alternative dispute resolution processes. It also warned against irregularities and urged bank boards to act independently of political pressure. According to Bangladesh Bank data, the country’s overall default loan ratio rose to 32.26 percent by March 2026, the highest in South Asia.

Officials said the move aims to restore stability in the banking sector by enforcing strict monitoring and accountability among weak banks.

Two oil tankers exploded in the southern part of the Strait of Hormuz late Sunday night, halting their voyages, according to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported that the incident occurred in the Persian Gulf, a key global energy route. The IRGC stated that the vessels were attempting to navigate the strait under pressure from the United States.

Following the explosions, the IRGC warned that the Strait of Hormuz is now completely unsafe for transporting oil, gas, or chemical fertilizers. The force added that as long as U.S. military operations continue in the region, the maritime route will remain insecure. The report did not mention casualties or identify the tankers involved.

The incident comes amid heightened U.S.-Iran tensions, with recent reports of American military actions in Iran and the destruction of a U.S. MQ-9 drone claimed by Tehran.

US forces carried out airstrikes in Iran for the ninth consecutive night, hitting a nuclear power plant under construction in the Darkhovin region. The US Central Command confirmed that the operation targeted Iran’s military command centers, air defense systems, coastal surveillance, naval assets, missile and drone launch sites, and communication networks. Tehran responded with attacks on US facilities in Kuwait and neighboring countries, warning of a ‘catastrophic response’ if strikes continue.

Iran’s deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi announced the suspension of a memorandum of understanding signed with the US on June 17, accusing Washington of violating its terms. President Donald Trump told NewsNation that he was unconcerned by the suspension, reiterating that the US goal was to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that the targeted nuclear plant was in an early construction phase and is investigating the incident.

Iran’s leadership called for national unity, while regional tensions spread to Kuwait and Jordan. Analysts told Al Jazeera that the US escalation could strengthen Iranian resolve, complicating Washington’s strategic objectives.

A tragic accident occurred on Sunday afternoon at Chitoshi Bazar in Shahrasti upazila of Chandpur, when an autorickshaw lost control and crashed into a local shop. Hafsa Akter, a 10-year-old fourth-grade student and daughter of local businessman Md. Hamid, was seriously injured while sitting inside her father’s shop. She was being taken to Comilla for advanced treatment but died on the way.

According to eyewitnesses and local sources, the autorickshaw driver had left the vehicle running while stepping outside. A child accompanying a passenger accidentally pressed the pickup lever, causing the vehicle to surge forward uncontrollably into the shop. The driver fled the scene immediately after the incident, leaving the vehicle behind.

The accident has cast a deep pall of grief over Chitoshi Bazar and Hafsa’s home village, where residents mourn the loss of the young student.

Abdul Halim Babu, a member of the Dhaka District Volunteer Party, held a press conference on Sunday at a restaurant in the Palli Bidyut area of Ashulia, Savar, protesting what he described as false and fabricated propaganda against him on social media. During his speech, he became emotional and cried, asserting that he was being falsely labeled as a drug dealer and 'drug lord.'

In a written statement, Babu claimed that a group angered by his anti-drug activities was behind the smear campaign. He said he and local residents had dismantled CCTV cameras used by drug dealers and destroyed drug spots, prompting retaliation through online propaganda and coerced video confessions. He alleged that individuals linked to the ruling Awami League were orchestrating the conspiracy due to his affiliation with the Volunteer Party and his long involvement in political movements.

Babu demanded an impartial investigation and vowed to take full responsibility if found guilty. He emphasized that his actions were for the party and the country, rejecting any attempt to tarnish his party’s image.

The Socialist Students’ Front, Dhaka College unit, organized a student rally on Sunday evening at the college’s Bakultala premises to press for five demands, including resolving the housing crisis, providing subsidies in canteens and dining halls, and ensuring sanitation and safe drinking water. The event was conducted by General Secretary Moshiur Rahman and attended by President Nahiyan Rehman Rahat, Office Secretary Abu Bakar, and other members of the organization.

Speakers at the rally criticized the administration for failing to address long-standing student issues such as inadequate dormitory facilities, lack of potable water, poor food quality due to insufficient subsidies, and limited transportation options. They argued that these problems reflect broader state neglect of education and insufficient budget allocations for public institutions.

The organization’s five-point demand includes constructing new multi-storey dormitories, improving food quality and pricing through subsidies, expanding transport routes, appointing full-time medical staff, and ensuring proper sanitation and safe water across all departments.

Severe flooding in Maharashtra’s Raigad district has destroyed around one million clay Ganesh idols just weeks before the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. Thousands of workshops and artisans have suffered major losses as floodwaters swept away finished idols, molds, and raw materials. Many artisans, including Bhaskar Dilip Matre, lost months of work and their primary source of income. Local authorities have begun assessing the damage, with officials promising financial assistance once evaluations are complete.

Raigad is a major hub for Ganesh idol production, hosting about 20,000 workshops that produce up to eight million idols annually, supporting roughly 150,000 seasonal workers and generating business worth 3.5 billion rupees. This year’s floods, caused by over 548 millimeters of rain between July 5 and 7, have disrupted the entire production cycle. Artisans say insurance coverage is insufficient, and many are struggling to meet festival orders.

Some workshop owners are planning to build permanent shelters and raise platforms to protect future production. However, with the festival approaching, artisans are focused on salvaging what remains and fulfilling as many orders as possible.

Spain became world champions after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 in a dramatic final held at the New York–New Jersey Stadium on July 20, 2026. The match remained goalless through regular time, with both teams creating chances but failing to score. Argentina’s Enzo Fernández was sent off in stoppage time after receiving a second yellow card, leaving his team with ten men. In extra time, Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute to secure Spain’s victory.

The win marked Spain’s second World Cup title, their first since 2010, ending a 16-year wait. Argentina, led by coach Lionel Scaloni, fell short of winning back-to-back titles, leaving players and fans in tears. Spain’s dominance in attack and control of the match proved decisive against the South American powerhouse.

Nineteen-year-old Lamine Yamal celebrated his first World Cup triumph, having previously won the 2024 European Championship. Spain’s Rodri earned the Golden Ball award, while goalkeeper Unai Simón received the Golden Glove for his performances throughout the tournament.

National Citizens Party (NCP) convener and opposition chief whip Md. Nahid Islam said that the people of Uttara would be the first to resist any attempt to rehabilitate the Awami League. He made the remarks on Sunday at the 'Roktokto July' event held at Mir Mughdo Mancha in Uttara, Dhaka, organized by NCP Dhaka North to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of the people during the July uprising.

During his speech, Nahid Islam recalled Uttara’s role as a key center of resistance during the uprising and claimed that the movement from Uttara and Jatrabari had forced the then leader Hasina to flee. He demanded justice for victims of abductions and repression, calling for trials of autocrats and their associates to prevent future tyranny. He also criticized the BNP for obstructing the implementation of the July Charter and urged unity to build an Uttara free from extortion and drugs.

The event was attended by families of martyrs, injured fighters of July, and NCP leaders including Ariful Islam Adib, Rokeya Begum MP, and others.

A youth leader of the Natore district NCP, Md. Shanto Islam, was allegedly beaten and injured following an argument over a football game in Naldanga upazila on Sunday evening. The incident occurred around 6:50 p.m. at the Senbhag Islamia Madrasa field in Piprul Union. Shanto Islam, aged 26, sustained serious head and body injuries and was treated at Natore Sadar Hospital before returning home. He later filed a written complaint with Naldanga Police Station against the accused.

According to local sources, the altercation began when Abdul Hannan and his son objected to football being played on the field, leading to a heated exchange and subsequent assault. Police confirmed receiving the complaint and stated that surveillance had been increased to prevent further unrest. The officer-in-charge, Nure Alam, said the situation remained under control and legal action would follow after investigation.

The incident has stirred local concern, with residents calling for a swift and impartial investigation to ensure justice for the injured youth leader.

RAB-15 has arrested two individuals, including the prime suspect, in connection with a high-profile abduction and ransom case in Teknaf’s Hnila Union of Cox’s Bazar. The arrests took place late Friday night, July 18, during an operation in the Rangikhali Jumma Para area. The detainees were identified as Md. Rasel, 28, and his associate Arman, 21. RAB also seized an autorickshaw allegedly used in the abduction. The arrests were announced at a press briefing by RAB-15 Deputy Commander Major S. M. Maruf on Saturday afternoon.

According to RAB, a gang had abducted four people at gunpoint on June 23 from a remote hilly area of Teknaf and demanded a ransom of five lakh taka from each victim’s family. The victims were physically tortured to pressure their families. Acting on intelligence, RAB rescued all four victims unharmed on June 30 during a special operation in the same area.

Major Maruf stated that the two arrested suspects have been handed over to Teknaf Model Police Station for legal action. He added that RAB will continue operations against organized crimes including arms, drugs, and abduction in the future.