Jannatul Ferdous Fariha Moni, a teenage footballer from Nandaraypur village in Lalpur upazila of Natore, was named Man of the Tournament at the national Under-14 girls’ football competition organised by Notun Kuri Sports. She received the individual honour at the closing ceremony held Monday at Dhaka’s Army Stadium, where Prime Minister Tarique Rahman presented awards to players from the champion and runner-up teams.

Fariha played a key role in taking the Rajshahi division to the final. She scored four goals in a 5-0 win over Barishal and added one in a 2-0 semifinal victory against Khulna, accounting for five of her side’s seven goals across the two matches. Although the team did not win the final, her performance throughout the tournament impressed the judges. Fariha credited her teammates’ passing and said the achievement belonged to the whole team.

The player trained at North Bengal Football Academy after cycling about eight kilometres daily despite poverty, household work and social taunts. Coach Mohammad Jewel supported her with travel costs, training expenses and equipment. Lalpur’s executive officer, Barkat Ullah, said the administration would stand by talented athletes like her, while Jewel said proper care and opportunity could bring her further success.

The government will ensure justice over the incident at Shapla Chattar, Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman said on Tuesday. He made the remarks at about noon during a regular press conference at the Secretariat on recent government activities, responding to a question. He said the government would not ignore the matter in any way.

The adviser said that whoever had violated the law would face justice. Referring to what he called the “disaster” at Shapla Chattar, he said that when the government takes necessary action over an incident, all violations of law involved must be tried. He said accountability should be established regardless of the reasons behind the event.

Dr. Rahman said people may remember how those involved were called, allowed to come, and that a “massacre” took place there. He said a proper trial would take place during the current government’s tenure and that there was no reason for obstacles. He also said Begum Khaleda Zia had expressed solidarity with the incident at the time.

A court in Manikganj sentenced two defendants to death in the murder case of schoolboy Sohan Mia in Singair. Senior District and Sessions Judge S K M Tofayel Hasan delivered the verdict on Tuesday afternoon. The convicted men are Awabin Mia of Madhabpur upazila in Habiganj and Sagar Munshi of Airport upazila in Barishal.

The court also fined each defendant Tk50,000 and ordered an additional four years in prison if the fines are not paid. According to case information, Sohan was a ninth-grade student from Fordnagar village in Singair upazila. During the coronavirus pandemic, he drove a battery-powered Halobike bought by his family to help support them.

Sohan left home with the vehicle on the morning of July 19, 2021, and did not return. His throat-slit body was later recovered beside the road from Khaser Char Bazar to Dhalla Bazar, while his Halobike and mobile phone were missing. His mother, Laili Begum, filed a murder case the same day. Police submitted charges against three people, and the court found allegations against two defendants proven after hearing 19 witnesses.

A life-sentence warrant for Suman Reza, convicted in a drug case in Rajshahi, reportedly did not reach Chapainawabganj for a year. A court sentenced Reza and another accused, Suman Ali, to life imprisonment on November 27, 2024, in their absence. Court bench assistant Mizanur Rahman said he sent the punishment warrants for both men to the Rajshahi Metropolitan Police court inspector’s office on April 8 last year.

Reza is from Gangarampur village in Shibganj, Chapainawabganj. The report found information on at least 18 cases against him in Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj and Naogaon, involving alleged drug and counterfeit currency dealings. He is currently in Rajshahi Central Jail in connection with two pending cases under Godagari and Damkura police stations, while prison authorities said they had no information about his life sentence.

Chapainawabganj police said they received only Suman Ali’s warrant from RMP on June 5 last year, which later reached Shibganj police station. Sources alleged Reza’s warrant was held at the RMP court inspector’s office in exchange for money. RMP Deputy Commissioner Gaziur Rahman said the matter was being investigated.

Ukraine struck an Iranian vessel in the Caspian Sea that was supplying drones and military equipment to Russia, according to the report published on July 28. William Courtney, a former US ambassador and senior fellow at RAND Corporation, told Al Jazeera that Washington would likely view the action positively. He said the move served Ukraine’s own interests while also advancing those of the United States.

Courtney said Ukraine appeared to be aligning itself with the US strategy on Iran. The United States has long been deeply concerned about Iran’s supply of Shahed drones to Russia, he said, adding that more advanced versions are now being produced at a Russian factory. An attack on Iranian supplies could therefore provide relief to the US administration, in his view.

Courtney said Ukraine has no desire to become directly involved in the ongoing war involving Iran, the United States and Israel. He warned that the war against Iran in the Middle East is unpopular among Western countries, meaning Ukraine would not want to become overly associated with it. The report also said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had arrived in Washington, DC, with possible talks with President Trump expected during their visits.

Turkey’s leading textile company Sanko has expressed interest in investing about $300 million in Bangladesh’s textile and jute sectors through an integrated textile production facility in the Mirsarai industrial zone. The company disclosed the plan at a Tuesday meeting at the Secretariat with Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, minister in charge of the commerce, industries, and textiles and jute ministries. State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md Shariful Alam also attended.

Sanko said the proposed project would produce fabrics, process fabric, and manufacture value-added textile goods. It cited Bangladesh’s promising market, skilled workforce, export capacity, existing business ties and demand from international buyers as reasons for seeking to expand local production. The company currently supplies textile products from Turkey. Its representatives said a local facility could bring new international buyers to Bangladesh and help existing textile factories through technology, skills and market expansion.

The company said it has selected possible sites and discussed the project with partners. It sought support for energy facilities, gas connections, electricity and faster government approvals, while emphasizing coal-free, environmentally friendly energy and sustainable production. If approvals and infrastructure are secured, Sanko plans to begin subsequent work within months and target operations 12 to 18 months after construction begins. The minister pledged necessary support.

Water Resources Minister and BNP joint secretary general Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anni said BNP’s 17-year struggle created the foundation for the July uprising. He made the remarks on Tuesday as chief guest at a discussion titled “Unity, Not Division, to Build a Just and Discrimination-Free Society” at the National Press Club in the capital. The event was organized by a group called Amra Bangladeshi.

Anni said BNP had formed alliances and carried out simultaneous movements, arguing that an uprising requires a foundation. He questioned the opposition’s role in earlier movements and criticized its claims regarding the uprising. He also cited BNP’s multiple candidates in some constituencies and weaknesses in expatriate voting, alleging that expatriate votes had been influenced and calling for monitoring to ensure fresh elections in relevant seats.

He said the government, only five months old, had not yet been able to resolve many problems, although the prime minister was making efforts and had taken programmes. Anni also referred to alleged theft and looting over the past 17 years, shrinking land and population growth. Lawmaker Shahadat Hossain Selim said he wanted unity rather than division.

Professor Dr A B M Saiful Islam has been appointed vice-chancellor of Patuakhali Science and Technology University. The appointment was announced in a notification issued Monday by the Science and Technology University branch of the Secondary and Higher Education Division under the Education Ministry. Islam is a professor in the university’s Soil Science Department and dean of its Faculty of Oceanography.

The appointment was made with approval from the President and Chancellor under Section 10(1) of the Patuakhali Science and Technology University Act, 2001. His term will remain effective for four years from the date he joins or until his retirement date, whichever comes first. He will receive salary and allowances equivalent to his current post, along with other benefits under the rules.

As the university’s executive officer, Islam must reside on campus full time, while the Chancellor may cancel the appointment at any time if necessary. He joined the university as a lecturer in 2007 and said he wanted to work with integrity, transparency and accountability to improve education, research and administration with everyone’s cooperation.

M Abdullah, joint editor of Amar Desh and president of the Bangladesh Association of Journalists, donated Tk100,000 to the July Martyrs Memorial Foundation. The donation was handed over on Tuesday afternoon, July 28, at the Amar Desh office in Karwan Bazar, Dhaka. Samsi Ara Zaman, the foundation’s general secretary and mother of July martyr journalist Tahir Zaman Priyo, received it with senior accounts and finance officer Md Harun-or-Rashid.

Mahmudur Rahman, joint convener of the National Editors Council and Amar Desh editor, managing editor Zahed Chowdhury, sports editor M M Kaiser and staff reporter Mahmud Ashik attended the handover. Abdullah is also a former president of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists and a former managing director of the Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust.

The foundation was formed to remember those killed in the July movement and has undertaken initiatives for martyrs’ families and injured July fighters. It has faced financial hardship, and its officers and employees have not received salaries for the past five months. After learning of the crisis at the foundation’s theme song launch, Abdullah announced he would donate one month’s salary. He urged people from all sections of society to support martyrs’ families, while Samsi Ara Zaman expressed gratitude.

A Faridpur court sentenced three people to death in the murder case of vegetable seller Faisal Sheikh, 22. Judge Mohammad Badiuzzaman of the First Additional Sessions Judge Court delivered the verdict at about 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday. The convicts are Chan Sardar, Tara Sardar and Babul Akand. Babul was present when the judgment was announced and was later taken to prison under police guard.

Court sources said Faisal was hacked and beaten at the under-construction building of Faridpur Medical College Hospital on September 5, 2012. He died while being taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital after being rescued in critical condition. Faisal was the son of late Aku Sheikh and lived in the Middle Alipur area of Faridpur town.

The victim's mother, Firoza Begum, filed a murder case at Faridpur Kotwali police station the following day, naming four people including Chan and Tara. CID inspector Md Shahjahan Mia submitted the charge sheet on July 31, 2013. Another named accused, Shahin Sardar, died during the proceedings. Public prosecutor Chowdhury Zahid Hasan said the killing was proven beyond doubt through hearings and witness testimony. Arrest warrants were issued for fugitive brothers Chan and Tara.

Veteran singer Runa Laila thanked fans in a video message after recently performing a solo concert at the main auditorium of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. The report, published on July 28, 2026, said she was moved by the audience’s love, respect and messages following the event. She said she felt truly honoured by their response.

Laila said she was proud to live in Bangladesh and to be a singer of Bangladesh, India and Pakistan. She credited the prayers and affection of her many admirers and fans for helping her come this far. Comments and messages sent after the recent concert had touched her heart, she said, adding that she wanted to continue singing for those who love her and her music.

The concert was her first solo singing event at Shilpakala Academy in a 62-year professional music career. Because the auditorium had limited seating, more than 750 audience members could not be accommodated. Laila expressed hope of holding a larger concert in the future so that many more people could attend, and said she hoped to have another opportunity to sing for her fans.

Iran’s domestically developed transport and cargo aircraft, Simorgh, is in the final stage of obtaining an operational certificate. Authorities hope to begin commercial operations in the next Iranian year, 1406, around 2027, after required standards and licensing procedures are completed. The report was published on July 28, 2026.

Shokri, secretary of the aerospace, transport and urban development headquarters at Iran’s Vice Presidency for Science, Technology and Knowledge-Based Economy, told Mehr News that the government continued full support for the project last year. He said coordination is progressing well among the implementing company, Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company, and the Civil Aviation Organization. He also expressed hope that the project would advance through obtaining an STC or TC certificate quickly.

Built on the Iran-140 platform, Simorgh is intended to develop domestic cargo transport capacity and strengthen Iran’s aircraft design, testing, quality-control and production capabilities. The project is viewed as strategic amid international sanctions and restrictions on parts supplies. Shokri said some unexpected disruptions last year could cause a slight delay, while the implementing company and Civil Aviation Organization will set the specific certification and commercial-operation timetable.

West Bengal’s BJP government may move to withdraw cases filed against protesters demonstrating over an examination question-paper leak, according to senior state secretariat sources cited on July 28. The possible move follows separate announcements by the Assam and Bihar governments that they would withdraw all cases against participants in Friday’s protest. West Bengal had not formally announced a decision, though sources said a notification could be issued on Monday.

Violence occurred during a protest at Esplanade in Kolkata last Friday, held with support from the Cockroach Janata Party after a call by a left-wing student organization. Protesters demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged paper leak. At a Delhi press conference, CJP said it would resume protests unless arrested students were released and FIRs withdrawn.

Seven cases were filed at Kolkata’s Hare Street and Entally police stations under the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Act, 2026. Police said 16 people were arrested over alleged vandalism and 70 were identified over alleged attacks on police and media workers.

More than 390 drones attempted to target the Moscow region overnight, according to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. In a Telegram message on Tuesday, Sobyanin said the drones flew toward the region from 8:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. local time. The reported attacks came hours before a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump, the report said.

Sobyanin said most of the drones were neutralized by air defenses before reaching the city. He added that 81 unmanned aerial vehicles described as belonging to the enemy were destroyed while approaching Moscow. AFP reported the information from Moscow.

Moscow region Governor Andrei Vorobyov also reported damage from the drone attack. He said residential buildings in the city of Chekhov and the village of Vaulovo were damaged. The report provided no information on casualties, the extent of the damage, or responsibility for the attacks.

Jubo Dal leader NRB Mamun gave testimony as the second witness against former MP Shamim Osman and 11 other accused in a crimes-against-humanity case over the killing of 10 people in Narayanganj during the July uprising. His statement was recorded on Tuesday at International Crimes Tribunal-1. Mamun said he runs a tours and travel business and is involved in Jubo Dal politics.

Mamun said he joined the anti-quota movement from July 12, 2024. He alleged that on July 19 in Jalkuri, armed people including Shamim Osman, Ayon Osman and Azmeri Osman attacked protesters. He said he was hit by rubber bullets, while Adil and Yasin, who were beside him, were shot dead.

He also described alleged attacks near Ma Hospital on July 21 and at Chashara intersection on August 5. Mamun claimed that Swajan, a young man beside him, was injured by gunfire from Ayon Osman on August 5 and that he learned of Swajan's death the following day. He alleged that Narayanganj Victoria Hospital did not provide treatment to Swajan and demanded justice for those involved.