The United States announced that it will reimpose a naval blockade on Iran on Tuesday, coinciding with the 11th anniversary of the signing of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The agreement, reached on July 14, 2015, in Vienna between Iran and six world powers, aimed to limit Iran’s uranium enrichment program and prevent it from developing nuclear weapons. In return, most international sanctions on Iran were lifted, allowing the country to resume oil and gas exports to global markets.

Despite the initial success of the deal, the United States maintained some secondary sanctions. In 2018, then-President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the U.S. from the JCPOA, calling it flawed, and reinstated the sanctions that had been lifted under the agreement.

The renewed naval blockade marks a significant escalation in U.S. pressure on Iran, though the source does not specify the operational details or international response to the move.

Jagannath University (Jabi) authorities have summoned Md. Zahid Hasan, an executive member of the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU), to the proctor’s office after he criticized the administration on Facebook. The notice, signed by Proctor Professor Dr. Mohammad Nasir Uddin on July 13, 2026, was sent to the chair of the English Department, instructing Zahid to appear at 10 a.m. on July 14. The letter stated that Zahid had made defamatory remarks about the university administration and the vice-chancellor and had not responded to multiple phone calls.

In his earlier Facebook post, Zahid criticized the university for continuing academic activities despite heavy rain and waterlogging in Dhaka. He claimed that JAKSU leaders had requested the administration to shift classes and exams online, but no decision was made. Zahid also alleged that the vice-chancellor did not respond to calls from JAKSU leaders and expressed frustration over the administration’s inaction while other universities declared holidays.

Proctor Nasir Uddin said the post itself contained the remarks considered defamatory and that Zahid would be heard before any administrative action is decided.

An under-construction church in Subhas village of South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, was attacked and vandalized by a group of people chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' on July 5. According to local Christians, the attackers broke crosses, doors, and pillars, and threatened Christian families. The incident was reported by BBC Bangla on July 13.

Residents said the attackers entered the church between 2:00 and 2:30 p.m., destroyed three crosses, and demanded lists of Christian families’ names and phone numbers. They also threatened to cut off water, electricity, and other services. Locals claimed the assailants identified themselves as members of the Hindu Jagaran Manch. The group’s organizational secretary, Tapas Barik, said he was unaware of any involvement but opposed religious conversions.

Police filed an FIR for property damage, trespassing, and issuing threats, and three people were reportedly detained though no arrests were confirmed. The Bengal Christian Service organization said such incidents are not isolated, citing multiple recent attacks on Christians in West Bengal, which have heightened fear and insecurity among the community.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) stated on Monday that imposing any tolls or charges on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz would contravene international law. The statement came shortly after US President Donald Trump announced the reinstatement of a blockade on Iranian ships and a 20 percent charge on goods carried by other vessels passing through the strait.

The 40-member IMO Council, which includes the United States, emphasized that the right to free and uninterrupted passage through international straits must not be threatened, obstructed, denied, or suspended. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to maritime safety, freedom of navigation, adherence to international law, and the protection of seafarers.

Addressing the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, the IMO condemned attacks on civilian commercial ships in and around the area and called for de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East. It further noted that any coastal state measures to regulate navigation in key waterways must comply with IMO regulations under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that a blockade on Iranian ships in the Strait of Hormuz will be reinstated. The measure will restrict only Iranian vessels or those carrying goods for Iran, while ships from other countries will be allowed to pass. However, Trump stated that these vessels must pay a charge equal to 20 percent of the value of their cargo to cover security costs. The announcement was made on Monday through a post on his social media platform, Truth Social.

Trump declared that the United States will act as the 'guardian' of the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring its openness regardless of Iran’s position. He emphasized that the new policy aims to maintain fairness while securing the strategic waterway. The statement was reported by CNN and comes amid ongoing regional tensions involving Iran and neighboring states.

The decision signals a renewed U.S. role in controlling maritime security in the Gulf region, potentially affecting global shipping and energy trade routes through the strait.

The United States Embassy in Dhaka has issued new instructions for Bangladeshi citizens applying for US visas, emphasizing the importance of accurately providing social media information in visa application forms. In a notice published on its website on Monday, the embassy warned that concealing or providing incorrect information could lead to visa denial and create complications for future applications.

According to the embassy, applicants must list all social media usernames or handles used in the past five years in the DS-160 visa application form. The embassy further stated that applicants certify the accuracy and completeness of all information submitted, and any intentional omission or false entry regarding social media details could negatively affect the visa process.

The embassy advised applicants to carefully verify all information before submission to avoid delays or rejections in visa processing.

Bangladesh Bank has relaxed the foreign currency transaction rules for industries operating in the Domestic Processing Areas (DPA) of economic zones. According to a circular issued on Monday, companies can now remit amounts exceeding the previously fixed limits for royalty, technical know-how, and technical assistance payments abroad, provided they obtain prior approval from the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA).

Previously, authorized dealer banks could remit funds within a capped limit—up to 6 percent of the imported machinery value for new projects, and up to 6 percent of declared sales revenue from the previous fiscal year for existing industries. Under the new directive, remittances beyond these limits are allowed with BEZA’s prior approval. Additionally, any other legitimate foreign payments by DPA-based industries will also require BEZA’s authorization regardless of the amount.

Business representatives noted that the decision will simplify cross-border financial transactions for DPA-based industries and reduce restrictions on technology-related payments, potentially supporting greater foreign investment inflows.

Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Muhammad Nurul Amin has filed an appeal seeking suspension of the High Court verdict that declared the Election Commission’s cancellation of BNP candidate Sarwar Alamgir’s nomination for the Chattogram-2 (Fatikchhari) constituency invalid. The appeal was submitted to the Appellate Division on Monday, requesting that Sarwar be barred from attending parliamentary sessions until the appeal is resolved. Chamber Justice Farah Mahbub scheduled the hearing for July 19.

Earlier, on July 9, a High Court bench of Justice Fahmida Kader and Justice Md Asif Hasan ruled Sarwar’s nomination valid, after which he took oath the same day. Nurul Amin’s lawyer questioned the legality of the oath-taking without a signed copy of the verdict. The dispute stems from the Election Commission’s January 18 decision to cancel Sarwar’s candidacy over alleged loan default, which the High Court later stayed, allowing him to contest the February 12 election.

The Appellate Division had previously directed the High Court to resolve the related rule within two weeks, maintaining earlier orders until its disposal. Sarwar won the election, but the result remains unpublished pending final judicial resolution.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar has accused the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of showing double standards regarding the July Charter. Speaking on Monday, July 13, 2026, at a seminar in Feni’s Grand Sultan Convention Center, he said the public sees a contradiction between BNP’s words and actions. He alleged that by delaying the implementation of 70 percent of the referendum’s verdict, the BNP is pushing the nation toward conflict.

The seminar, organized under the initiative of the 11-party alliance, was titled “Spirit of the July Uprising, Implementation of the Referendum Verdict, Trial of July Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity, and Our Responsibilities.” Porwar urged BNP to discuss the issue in parliament, form a special committee for constitutional reform, and resolve it institutionally rather than through street movements. He warned that continued delay could again lead the country into unrest.

The event was chaired by Feni district Jamaat Ameer Mufti Abdul Hannan and attended by leaders from several allied parties, including AB Party, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, and JAGPA.

As-Sunnah Foundation has begun distributing 193 tons of food among 10,000 flood-affected people. The announcement was made on Sunday night by Islamic scholar and foundation chairman Shaykh Ahmadullah through his Facebook page, where he shared photos of relief trucks heading toward seven affected upazilas.

According to Shaykh Ahmadullah, the relief includes 80 tons of rice, 16 tons of lentils, 20 tons of dates, 8 tons of oil, 5 tons of salt, 4 tons of flattened rice, 2 tons of puffed rice, 8 tons of water, and 50 tons of livestock feed, totaling 193 tons. Earlier, the foundation had announced plans to build permanent two-room tin houses for 300 families who lost their homes in the floods.

The foundation’s relief and housing initiatives aim to support flood victims with both immediate food assistance and long-term shelter solutions, as ongoing rains raise concerns about prolonged flooding in affected regions.

AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Manju stated that the arrogance of defeated forces is natural but their actions will further consolidate the unity of July movement supporters. He made the remarks on Monday at the party’s central office in Bijoynagar, Dhaka, during a meeting with activists who participated in the July uprising in Uttara and Rampura. The meeting was chaired by Dhaka North Convener Selim Khan.

Manju emphasized that the AB Party’s main political goal is to establish national unity while upholding the aspirations of the July uprising. He warned against attempts to undermine the movement, saying those who now belittle July were historically opposed to it. He recalled that despite holding parliamentary power, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had to flee amid a popular uprising. Manju highlighted the AB Party’s sacrifices, including operating under surveillance, defying curfews, and facing gunfire during the movement.

He added that the party believes in people’s power and follows centrist politics, maintaining respectful relations with all political and religious groups. The meeting also featured calls from party leaders to strengthen organizational activities and unity for future challenges.

Six teachers from the University of Chittagong have received the university’s 2025 Best Research Paper Award. The awards were presented on Monday at the Faculty of Marine Sciences and Fisheries auditorium during an event titled 'Best Research Paper Award Ceremony and Research Workshop.' The recipients are Professor Dr. Farzana Yasmin Chowdhury from the Institute of Modern Languages, Associate Professor Dr. Awlad Hossain Sagar from the Department of Finance, Associate Professor Dr. Md. Kawser Alam from the Department of Physics, Associate Professor Dr. Muhammad Kazim Nur Sohad from the Department of Anthropology, Professor Dr. Jamal Uddin Ahmed from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and Professor Dr. Rumana Akter from the Department of Psychology.

The event was attended by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mohammad Al-Forkan as the chief guest, with Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Dr. Mohammad Al-Amin and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Md. Shafiqul Islam as special guests. In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor said that such recognition encourages researchers, inspires new studies, and enriches the university’s research culture. He added that research, international publications, and knowledge creation strengthen the university’s position in global rankings.

The Dhaka University unit of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal has called for a permanent and sustainable solution to the recurring waterlogging problem on campus following heavy rainfall. In response to the demand, Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Bir Muktijoddha Abdus Salam visited Bangladesh-Kuwait Maitree Hall and Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall on Monday. During the visit, student leaders submitted a memorandum seeking comprehensive measures to address the issue, and the administrator assured prompt action.

Chhatra Dal leaders said that prolonged water accumulation on roads, residential halls, and surrounding areas has disrupted student movement and increased health risks. They urged authorities to adopt long-term planning rather than temporary fixes. Abdus Salam stated that a government project is already underway to resolve long-standing waterlogging in Nilkhet, New Market, and areas near Shahid Sergeant Zahurul Haque Hall, with partial benefits expected by the next monsoon.

He also announced the supply of fogger machines to two halls, regular mosquito control and cleaning drives, and the installation of pumping and sub-power stations to ensure lasting drainage improvements.

Yemeni government forces launched an attack on the runway of Sanaa International Airport on Monday, July 13, 2026, according to reports from Anadolu Agency and Iranian media. The strike prevented an Iranian aircraft from landing in the Houthi-controlled capital, forcing it to divert and land instead at Hudaydah Airport on Yemen’s western coast. The incident has further complicated the country’s ongoing conflict.

Iran’s state-run Press TV reported that the attack on the runway prompted a change in the flight plan, leading the aircraft to Hudaydah. Earlier, Yemen’s Ministry of Defense accused Houthi rebels of blocking domestic flights from landing at Sanaa while allowing an Iranian plane to enter the country’s airspace, allegedly violating national sovereignty. The government claimed the runway strike was a response to that incident.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sari condemned the attack, warning that those responsible would face accountability and that the matter would not end without consequences.

England coach Thomas Tuchel has outlined his strategy ahead of the World Cup semifinal against defending champions Argentina. Speaking after England’s 2–1 victory over Norway, Tuchel said he believes Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham will be the team’s key weapons to overcome Argentina. He praised their ability to perform in crucial moments and expressed full confidence in their partnership, describing it as the core of England’s attacking plan.

Tuchel acknowledged that relying solely on the two stars would not be enough. He emphasized the need for more players to contribute effectively in attack to create pressure from multiple directions. So far in the tournament, Kane and Bellingham have been directly involved in nearly all of England’s goals, with only Marcus Rashford scoring outside their influence.

Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, reached the semifinal after defeating Switzerland 3–1 in extra time. Tuchel recognized Argentina as one of the most experienced and challenging opponents, noting that England must be strong both defensively and offensively to reach their first World Cup final since 1966.